[figure]

Pharonnida: A HEROICK POEM.

BY WILLIAM CHAMBERLAYNE Of Shaftsbury in the County of Dorcet.

[...].
Hom. Odyss. Lib. XIX.

LONDON, Printed for Robert Clavell, at the Sign of the Stags-head neer St. Gregories Church in St. Pauls Church-yard, 1659.

TO The right Worshipfull, SIR WILLIAM PORTMAN, BARONET.

Honoured Sir,

THough by that Splendor with which the boun­tifull hand of Fortune, illustrated by the more excellent Gifts of Na­ture, hath Adorn'd you, to the illumina [...]ting the Hopes of all your expecting Friends: I might justly fear these Glow­worms of Fancy may be out-shone, to the obscurity of a contemptible Neg­lect; You being like, ere long, to prove that glorious Luminarie, to whose ascending Brightness the happiest Wits [Page] that grace the British Hemisphear, like Persian Priests, prostrated to the rising Sun, will devote the Morning Sa­ [...]fices of their Muses: Yet Animated by your late Candid Reception of my more Youthfull Labours, whose humble flights having your Name to beautifie their Front, past the publick View unsullied, by the cloudy Aspect of the most Critick Spectator: I have once more assumed the boldness to let the Infirmities of my Fancy take Sanctuary under the Name of so honoured a Patron. Though my Abilities could not Cloath Her in such Robes, as would render Her a fit Companion for your serious Studies, yet I hope her Dress is not so sordid, but she may prove an acceptable Attendant on your more vacant Hours. For my Subject (it being Heroick Poesie) it is such as the wiser part of the World [Page] hath alwaies held in a Venerable Esteem, the Extracts of Fancy being that noble Elixer, which Heaven ordain'd to Im­mortalize their Memories, whose wor­thy Actions being the Products of that nobler part of Man, the Soul, is by this made, almost Commensurate with Her Eternity; which otherwise (to the sor­row of succeeding Ages) who are in debt for much of their Vertue to a noble E­mulation of their glorious Ancestors, had either terminated in a Circle of no larger a Diameter then Life; or like short breath'd Ephemera's, only surviv'd a while in the Aiery Region of Di­scourse.

This, Sir, having been the past Fortune of our Predecessors; And, as the Pregnant Hopes of your bloom­ing Spring, promises the World like to be yours in the future; yours, when [Page] both the splendid Beauties of your most glorious Palace, and the lasting Stru­cture of your Marble Domitory, time shall have so levigated, that the wanton Winds dally with their Dust: I doubt not but to find you so much a Mecaenas, as to affect the Eternizing of your Name, more from the lasting Linea­ments of Learning, then those vaine Phainomena of Pleasures, which are the low Delights of more Vulgar Spirits.

Though I confess these [...] be­neath the serious View, [...] a Wit Acuated with the best Adjuncts of Art, will, ere long, render the ordinary Re­creations of your Progressive Studies; yet, as in relation to the Latitude for which they were Calculated: I hope they may not appear unworthy a present Su­pervisall; It being intended (like the [Page] weak Productions of the early Spring) but for the April of your Age; where, though my Hopes tell me it may subsist, whilst irrigated with those balmy Dews of Passion, which are the usuall Con­commitants of Youth: I am not guilty of so un-becoming a Boldness, as to think it fit to stand the heat of your more vigo­rous Maturity, when the Meridian Al­titude of your Comprehensive Judgment shall have attain'd so neer an universali­ty of Knowledge; As the Sun when in its Apogaeum, doth of Light, that being on­ly hindred by a Comparatively Punctil­lo of Earth; As the powerfull Energies of noble Souls, are by the upper Gar­ments of their Mortality, from being at once Ubiquitary Blessings.

Fortifi'd by these Considerations, with the hope of your Acceptance, and assur'd, that prefixing your Name, is an [Page] Amulet of sufficient power to preserve me from the Contagion of Censure; I have, with an unruffl'd Confidence, given these Papers a Capacity of being pub­lickly viewed: If their being lik'd at­tain but neer the Dimensions of your be­ing belov'd, it will co-equate the know­ledge the World shall have of them; that being so universall, as the Serenities of your Bliss is the happiness of your neerest Relations; so is it much of the hopes of those, that only know you at a remoter distance: And shall be still the Prayer of,

SIR,
Your devoted Servant, William Chamberlayne.
Shaftsbury, May 12. 1659.

TO THE READER.

SInce Custome obliges me to give a Welcome at the Gate, I shall not be so irregular, as not to meet that common Civility, with a fair Compliance. And though like the passive Elements, I lie open to all the Incongruity of Aspects, of which I have some reason to doubt, the most pow­erfull may be found in a disdainfull oppo­sition; yet, like the noblest of Active Creatures ( Light) I shall not think my self sullied by every Vapour; nor sollicite his Acquaintance, that cannot so long spare his Eyes from beholding more Active Va­nities.

I have alwaies held it a Soloescim for En­tertainers to be Beggers. And, although by exposing these Papers to the publick View, I must consequently expect variety [Page] of Censures; should be loath to descend so low to court the Applause of every Rea­der, from whose various Genii, I am ne­cessitated to take such Welcome, as Af­fection in most (though Judgment in so the) shall incline them to give. For the first of which, as their Censures are doubt­full, so their Calumnies are small, not of weight sufficient to ballance the indifferent temper of my thoughts: But for the latter, since look'd upon as competent Judges, though their Sentence may be formidable; I shall beg no further favour, then what their Abilitie thinks fir to bestow; only, for what they may justly except against, could rather wish that whilst these Papers were private, I had had their Advice to reform, then now they are publisht their Censure to condemn. Fortune hath plac'd me in too low a Sphear to be happy in the Acquaintance of the Ages more Celebra­ted Wits: Wherefore wonder not, that I appear un-usher'd in with a Train of Enco­miums, which (though I confess) If from knowing and juditious Friends, they add a Luster to the Authors ensuing La­bours; [Page] yet the Custome of these Times often makes them appear as ridiculous, as a splendid and beautifull Front to an emp­ty and contemptible Cottage.

I have made bold with the Title of He­roick, but have a late Example that deters me from disputing upon what grounds I assumed it: If it suits not with the Abili­ties of my Pen, yet it is no un-becoming Epithite for the Eminence of those perso­nated in my Poem. For the place of my Scean, manner of Composure, and the like; though in Prefaces they often find an im­mature Discovery, and perhaps, but acu­ate an Apetite to what, on further progress may prove but a distastfull Banquet: I hold them so impertinent, that if Will, and Leasure serves you to read, you may suddenly with more Advantage, satisfie your self, if not omit them as strangers to your other Affairs, and not to be under­stood but in their own Dialect.

I have done with all that in probability may prove my Readers; And now a [Page] word to such, whom I presume, will be none, for they are desir'd to do no more then the Epistle, It being fit to serve them like Vagabonds, let them enter no further then the Gate; I mean, all squint-ey'd Sectaries, from the Spawn of Geneva, to the black Brood of Amsterdam: together with some Rascals of a lower Rank, such as usurp the abus'd Title of, Sons of Art, and with an empty Impudence, endea­vour to pollute those Immaculate Virgins; whilst the other, with an exalted Villany sully the Celestiall Beauties of Divine Truth. For the first of which, the prepo­sterous Genius of the Times hath so far fa­vour'd them, that now nothing is more vendible then the surreptitious off-springs of their immagin'd Wit: Every Stationers Shop affording pregnant examples of it, in big bulk'd Volumes of Physick, Astro­logie, and the like: By these indigent Vermine, either to satisfie their clamorous Wants, or inhance their esteem in the Vulgar Opinion, basely prostituted to every illiterate Spectator; whilst Truth, and a guilty Conscience, tels them nought is [Page] their own but the Hyperbolicall Titles, which to discerning Eyes appear but the glorious out-sides to tainted Sepulchers, in which their detected Villany shall be Abominated by more knowing Posterity [...] These cry down all things of this Nature, for Subjects of Inutility, not tending to the improvement of Science, which in the most genuine Construction of it, hath no Enemy from which her ruine is more for­midable then from them.

But for my more dangerous Sceptick, (who yet is so much like the Fole of an Ass, that he appears to the World with his Spleen in his Mouth) I mean, my pre­tended zealous Censurer, from whom in mee, it were an over-weaning boldness to expect Civility; since (though not for the Nature, which he understands not, yet for the Name which he hath only heard of, he is so much an Enemy to the Muses; that should the Seraphick Strains of Majestick David, or the flaming Raptures of Ele­giack Jeremiah, appear to the World in their pristine and unpolluted Purity; his [Page] Ignorance would extend to so vast an Error, to censure them of Levity.

But as no man will esteem the Sun less Glorious, for that the hated Owle avoids its sight; so I presume, none, except their own deluded Followers will betray so pal­pable a dearth of Judgment, as to bear the less estecm to Majestick Poetry; for the il­literate scandal of flattering Ignorance: Poe­sie (if justly meriting to be invested in that glorious Title) being of so attractive a Beauty, that it doth rather like an Orphean Harmony, draw that Emblem of a Beast, the unpollisht Clown to a listning Civility, then like Circe's Inchantments, change the more happily Educated, to a swinish and sordid Lethargie. But her defence being a burthen which already stands firm on so many no­ble Supporters, whose Monuments will re­main, till Time it self shall be lost in Eter­nity: I need not add my weak Endeavours to illustrate a Beauty, which the wiser world already admires; Now (though she want the Applause of some) Attribute it not to the defect, either of her Excellency, or their [Page] Judgment; but to that various Dress of Humours, wherewith Nature hath Chec­quer'd the Universe: Concluding with that Honour of ancient Thebes,

[...].
Pindarus in Olympiorum octavo.
W. C.

PHARONNIDA. The first Book.

CANTO THE FIRST.

The ARGUMENT.
I.
From Seas wild fury, and the wilder rage
Of faithless Turks, two noble strangers freed,
Let Curtesie their gratefull Souls engage
To such a Debt as doth obstruct their speed.
II.
Where they to fill those Sceans unactive rest,
Would tedious make in fair description saw,
How Spata's Prince for his Queens loss opprest,
Found all those Ills cur'd in Pharonnida.
THE Earth which lately lay like Nutures Tomb,
Marbl'd in Frosts, had from her pregnant Womb
Display'd the fragrant Spring, when courted by
A calm fresh Morning, ere Heavens brightest Ey
Adorn'd the East, a Spartan Lord, whom Fame,
Taught from Desert, made glorious by the Name
[Page 2] Of Aminander, with a noble train,
(Whose active Youth did sloath-like sin disdain)
Attended, had worn out the Morning in
Chase of a stately Stag, which having bin
Forc'd from the Forests safe protection, to
Discovering Plain, his clamourous Foes had drew
Up to a steep Cliffs lofty top, where he
As if grown proud, so sacrific'd to be
To mans delight, 'mongst the pu [...]suing cry,
(Who make the Valleys eccho Victory)
Sinks weeping, whilst exalted shouts did tell
The distant Hea [...]ds, their ancient Leader fell.
The half-tir'd Hunters, their swift Game stopt here
By death, like noble Conquerors appear,
To give that Foe, which now resistless lies
With their shrill Horns his Fun'rall Obsequies;
Which whilst performing their diverted sight,
Turns to behold a far more fatall fight:
That since fam'd Gulf, where the brave Austrian made
The Turkish Crescents an eternall shade,
Beneath dishonour seeks, Lepanto lay
So neer, that from their lofty station they
A Ship upon whose Streamers there were fixt
The Christian Badge saw in fierce Battell mixt,
With a prevailing Turkish Squadron that
With shouts assault, what now lay onely at
That feeble Guard, which under the pretence
Of injuring others, seeks its own defence.
Clear was the day, and calm the Sea so long
Till now the Turks, whose numbers grew too strong,
For all that could no other help afford,
But humane strength, within their view did board
[Page 3] The wretched Christians, to whose sufferings they
Can lend no comfort, but what Pray'rs convey
To helpfull Heaven, by whose attentive Ear,
Both heard and pittyed, Mercy did appear
In this swift change: A hollow Wind proclaims
Approaching storms, the black Clouds burst in flames,
Imprison'd Thunder roars, and in a shoure,
Dark as the Night, dull sweaty Vapors poure
Themselves on th' earth, t' enrich whom Nature vents
Th' etherial Fabricks useless excrements;
Whose flatuous pride, as if it did disdain
Such base descents, rowling the liquid plain
Into transparent Mountains, hurls them at
The brow of Heaven, whose Lamps by Vapors that
Their influence rais'd, are crampt, whilst the sick day
Was languishing to such a Night as lay
O're the first Matter, when Confusion dwelt
In the vast Chaos, ere the rude Mass felt
Heavens segregating breath; But long this fierce
Conflict indures not, ere the Sun-beams pierce
The scatterd Clouds, which whilst wild Winds pursue
Through sullied Aire in reaking Vapors flew.
In this Encounter of the storm before
Its sable Vail let them discover more,
Then contain'd horror, a loud dreadfull shriek,
Piercing the thick Aire, at their Ears did seek
For trembling entrance, being transported by
Uncertain drifts, rent Sails and Tackling fly
Amongst the towring Cliffs, a sure presage
That adverse Winds did in that storm engage
Some Vessell, which did from her Cordage part,
With such sad pangs, as from the dying Heart
[Page 4] Convulsions tear the Fibers. But the day
Recov'ring her lost Rain, made clearer way
For a more sad discov'ry. They behold
The brackish Main in funerall Pomp unfold
The Trophies of her Cruelty: Her Brow
Uncurl'd with Waves, was only spotted now
With scatter'd Ruines, here engag'd within
The ruffl'd Sails, some sad Souls that had been
For life long strugling tir'd, at length are forc'd
To sink and die; Yonder a Pair divorc'd
From all the warm Society of flesh,
With cold stiff Arms embrace their Fate; The fresh
And tender Virgin in her Lovers sight,
The Sea-Gods ravish, and th' Enthean light
Of those bright Orbs, her Eyes, which could by nought
But Seas be quencht, t' eternall darkness brought.
Whilst pittying these, a suddain noise, whose strange
Confusion did their Passions Object change,
Assaults their wonder, which by this surprize
Amaz'd, perswades them to inform their Eyes
With its obscure Originall, when led
By sounds that might in baser Souls have bred
A swift aversion: clashing Weapons they
Might soon behold upon the Sands, that lay
Beneath the Rock, a Troop of desp'rate men,
Unstartled with those dangers, which even then
Their ruin'd Ship, and dropping Garments shewd
Heaven freed them from, what Mercy had bestowd:
Let their own anger loose, which flaming in
A fatall Combate, had already bin
In blood disfigur'd: But when now so near
Them drawn, that every Object did appear
[Page 5] In true distinction, they with wonder rais'd
To such a height, as Poets would have prais'd
Their Heroes in, a noble Christian saw
Whose Sword (as if by the eternall Law
Of Providence, to punish Infidels,
Directed) with each falling stroke expels
A Turks black Soul; Yet Valor being opprest
By multitudes, must have at length sought rest
From Death, had not brave Ariamnes, by
His Hunters followed, brought him Victory:
Whilst the approaching danger did exclude
Even hope, the last support of Fortitude.
The desperate Turks that chose the Sea to be
Their sad Redeemer of Captivity:
Though from that fear they fled to death, had now
Upon the Shoar left none, life could allow
But motion to, though stopt by death such store,
All the Escap'd appeard, but such as bore
The fatall Story of destruction to
Their distant Friends; when now a serious view
By Ariamnes, and that noble Youth,
Whose Actions (honourd as authentick truth)
Made all admire him, of their pitty'd dead
With sorrow took, one worthy Soul unfled
From life they found, which by Argalia seen,
With joy recalls those Spirits that had been
In busie Action lost, but danger that
Toward the Throne of life seem'd entring at
Too many wounds, denies him to enlarge
The Sheam of Love, as noble Vertues charge
To him (her follower) Ariamnes by
His goodness, and their sad necessity,
[Page 6] Prompted to pity, fearing slow delays
As dangers fatall Harbinger, conveys
The wounded strangers to the place, where he
His Palace made the Throne of Charitie.
'Twas the short journey 'twixt the Day and Night,
The calm fresh Evening, Times Hermaphrodite.
The Sun on Lights dilated Wings being fled,
To call the Western Villagers from Bed:
Ere at his Castle they arrive, which stood
Upon a Hill, whose Basis freng'd with wood,
Shadowed the fragrant Meadows, thorough which
A spatious River, striving to enrich
The flow'ry Valleys, with what ever might
At home be profit, or abroad delight,
With parted streams that pleasant Islands made,
Its gentle Current to the Sea conveyd.
In the composure of this happy place
Wherein he lived, as if fram'd to embrace
So brave a Soul, as now did animate
It with its presence, strength, and beauty sate
Combin'd in one, 'twas not so vastly large,
But fair convenience countervaild the charge
Of Reparations, all that modest Art
Affords to so [...]r pleasures every part,
More for its Ornament, but none were drest
In Robes so rich, but what alone exprest
Their Masters providence and care to be,
A prop to falling Hospitality;
For he not Comet-like did blaze out in
This Country Sphear, what had extracted been
From the Courts lazy Vapors, but had stood
There like a Star of the first Magnitude,
[Page 7] With a fixt constancy so long, that now
Grown old in Vertue he began to bow
Beneath the weight of time, and since the calm
Of Age had left him nothing to embalm
His Name but Vertue, strives in that to be
The glorious wonder of Posterity;
Each of his Actions being so truly good,
That like the Ground where hollowed Temples stood,
Although by age the Ruines ruin'd seem,
The people beare a reverent esteem
Unto the place; so they preserve his Name,
A yet unwasted Pyramid of Fame.
Rich were his publick Vertues, but the price
Of those was but the World to Paradice,
Compar'd with that rare Harmony that dwells
Within his Walls, each Servant there excells
All but his Fellows in dese [...]t, each knew,
First when, then how his Lords Commands to do;
None more enjoyed, then was enough, none less,
All did of plenty tast, none of excess;
Riot was here a stranger, but far more
Repining penury, ne're from that doore,
The Poor-man went denied, nor did the rich
Ere surfet there, 'twas the blest Medium, which,
Extracted from all compound Vertues we
Make, and then Christian Mediocrity,
Within the compass of his spatious Hall,
Stood no vain Pictures to obscure the Wall,
Which usefull Armes adornd, and such as when
His Prince requir'd assistance, his own men
Valiant, and numerous, mannag'd to defend
That righteous Cause, but never to attend
[Page 8] A popular Faction, whose corrupted Seed
Hell did engender, and Ambition feed.
His Judgment that like Lifes Attendant, Sence,
To try each Objects various difference,
Fit Mediums chose (which he made Vertue) here
Beholding (though these wandring Stars appear
Now in their greatest detriment) the Rays
Of perfect worth, he to that Vertue payes
Those Attributes of honour, which unto
Their Births (though now in course disguise) was due:
To Aphrons wounds successfull Art applies,
Prevailing Med'cines, whilst Invention flies
To the Aphelion of her Orb to seek
Such modest Pleasures as might smooth the Cheek
Of ruffl'd Passion, which being found are spent,
To cure the sad Argalia's discontent:
Which long being lost to all delight, at length
Revives again his Friends recover'd strength.
They having now no Remora to stay
Them here but what their gratitude did pay
To his desires, whose Courtesie had made
Those bonds of Love, with as much zeal obey'd,
As those which duty locks, preparing are
To take their leave, even in whose civil War
Whilst they contend with Courtesies, as sent
To rescue when his Eloquence was spent.
Brave Amminander, with such hast as shewed
His speed to some supream Injunction owed
Such diligence, a Messenger brings in
A Packet, which that noble Lord had been
Too frequently acquainted with to fear
Th' unseen Contents which open'd did appear,
[Page 9] A Mandate from his royall Master to
Attend him ere the next dayes Beauties grew
Deform'd with Age, which honourd Message read
To banish what Suspition might have bred
In's doubtfull Friends, he the inclos'd contents,
With cheerfull hast unto their view presents.
Their fear thus cur'd by information, he
That his appearance in the Court might be
More glorious made by such Attendants to
Incite in them a strong desire to view
Those royall Pastimes, thus relates that story,
Whose fatall truth transfer'd the Morea's glory
So often thither. 'Twas my honourd friends
My fate ('mongst some, that yet his Court attends)
Then to be neer my Prince, when what now draws
Him to these parts did prove at once the cause
Of joy and grief. Not far from hence remov'd,
The Vale of Ceres lies, where his belov'd
Pharonnida remains, a Lady that,
Nature ordaind for man to wonder at;
She not being more the comfort of his age,
Then glory of her Sex: but I engage
My self to a more large discovery, which,
Thus take in brief, When Youth did first enrich
Beauty with manly strength, his happy Bed
Was with her royall Mother blest, who fed
A flame of Vertue in her Soul, that lent
Light to a Beauty, which being excellent,
In its own Sphear, by that reflection shon,
So heavenly bright, Perfections height of noon
Dwelt only there; Some years had circled in
Times revolutions, since they first had been
[Page 10] Acquainted with those private pleasures that
Attend a Nuptiall Bed, ere she did at
Lucina's Temple offer, whose bar'd Gate,
Once open flow, both their good Angels sate
In councell for her safety, hopes of a Boy,
To be Morea's Heir, fill high with joy
The ravisht Parents, Subjects did no less,
In the loud voice of Triumph theirs express.
But when the active pleasures of their love
Which fill'd her Womb, had taught the Babe to move
Within the mory Mount, preceding pains,
Tell the fair Queen, that the dissolving Chains.
Nature incos'd it in, were grown so weak,
That the imprison'd Infant soon would break
Those slender Cuards, the gravest Ladies were
Call'd to assist her, whose industrious care,
Lend Nature all the helps of Art, but in
Despair of safety send their Prayers to win
Relief from Heaven, which swift Assistance lent,
T' unload the Burthen, but those Cordials sent,
By Harbengers, with whom the fair Queen fled,
To deck the silent dwellings of the dead,
And lodge in Sheets of Lead, o're which were cast
A Coverlet of the Springs Infants past
From life like her, even whilst Earths teeming Womb,
Promist the World, and not a silent Tomb,
That beauteous Issue; But those Nimphs which spun
Her thread of life the slender twine begun,
Too fine to last long, undenied by
The pondrous burthen of Mortality;
Beneath whose waight, she sinking now to death,
Th' unhappy Babe was by the Mothers breath
[Page 11] No sooner welcom'd into life before
She bids farewell, of Power to do no more,
But whilst her Spirits with each word expires,
Thus to her Lord express her last desires.
Receive this Infant from thy dying Queen,
Name her Pharonnida, at which word between
His trembling Armes she sunk, and had even then
Breath'd forth her Soul, if not recall'd agen,
By their loud Mournings from the Icy sleep,
Which like a chilling Frost did softly creep,
Through the cold Channels of her blood to bar
The springs of life, in which defensive War,
The hasty Summons sent by death alow,
Her giddy Eyes, whose heavy leads did bow
Toward everlasting slumber, no more light,
Then what affords a dim Imperfect sight;
Such as the troubl'd Opticks being by,
Dying Convulsions wrested, could let fly,
Thorough their sullied Chrystals to behold,
Her wofull Lord, whilst she did thus unfold
Her dying thoughts; O hear, O hear (quoth she) I do,
By all our mutuall Vows conjure thee to
Let this sweet Babe, all thou hast left of me,
Within thy Thoughts preserve my Memorie.
And since (poor Infant) she must lose her Mother,
To beg an entrance here, oh let no other
Have more Command o're her then what may bear
An equall poise with thy paternall Care.
This, this is all that I shall leave behind,
An earnest of our loves, here thou mayst find,
Perhaps my Image to behold, whilst I
Resolving into dust imbrac'd do lye,
[Page 12] By crawling Worms. Followers that Nature gave
To attend Mortality, whilst the tainted Grave
Is ripening us for Judgment: O my Lord,
Death were the smile of Fate, would it afford
Me time to see this Infants growth, but oh,
I feel Lifes Cordage crackt, and hence must go
From time and flesh, like a lost Feather fall
From th' Wings of Vanity, forsaking all
The various business of the World, to see
What wondrous Change dwels in Eternitie.
This sayd, she faintly bids farewell, then darts
An eager look on all, but ere she parts,
Even whilst the breath, with which in thin Aire slips
Departing Spirits, on her then cold Lips
In clammy Dews did hang, she of them takes
Her last farewell, whilst her pure Soul forsakes
Its brittle Cab'net, and those Orbs of light,
That swam in death, sunk in eternall Night.
Thus di'd the Queen, Pharonnida thus lost,
Ere knew her Mother, when her Birth had cost,
A price so great, that brought her Infancy
In debt to Grief, untill maturity
Ripen'd her Age to pay it, after long
And vehement lamentation, such whose strong
Assaults had almost shook his Soul into
A flight from th' Earth, her Father doth renew
His long lost Mirth, at the delight he took,
In his Souls Darling; whose each cheerfull look,
Crimson'd those Sables, which even whilst he wore
A flood of Woes his head had silver'd o're:
Had not this Comfort stopt them, which beguiles
Sorrow of some few hours, those pretty smiles,
[Page 13] [...]at drest her fair Cheeks like a gentle Thief,
[...]ealing his heart through all the Guards of Grief.
[...] But when that time's expunging hand had more
Defac'd those sable Characters he wore
[...] Sorrows Livery o're his Soul, and she
[...]aving out-grown her tender Infancy,
[...]id now (her Thoughts compos'd of heavenly Seed)
[...] guide her life no other Guardian need,
[...] native Vertue, for her calm retreat,
When burthend Corinth was with throngs repleat:
[...] chose this seat, whose venerable shade,
Waving what blind Antiquity had made,
[...]or sacred held, is not so sleighted, bu [...]
Custome ancient, as our Law, hath shut
[...]ence (as the hatefull marks of servitude)
[...]ll that unbounded power did e're obtrude
[...]n suffering Subjects, which, this happy place
[...]its so serene a blessing to embrace,
[...]s is this Lady, whose illustrious Court,
Though now augmented by the full resort,
Of her great Fathers Train, doth still appear
This happy Kingdomes brightest Hemisphear.
A hundred noble Youths in Sparta bred,
Of Valour high, as ere for Beauty bled,
[...]ll loyall Lovers, and that Love confin'd
Within the Court are for her Guard assign'd.
[...]ut what (if oft in such an Orb of all
That's great, or good, may low as Censure fall)
[...]he Court hath questioned, is the cause that mov'd
The Prince to give a Party so belov'd
[...]nto his hands that leads them, being one
Whose Birth excepted, that being neer a Throne,
[Page 14] Those Vertues wants on whose Foundation wise
Considerate Princes let their Favours rise.
Like the abortive Births of Vapors by
Their Male Progenitors inforc'd to fly
Above the Earth their proper Sphear, and there
Lurk in imperfect Forms, his Breast doth bear
Some Seeds of Goodness, which the Soil too hot,
With rank Ambition, doth in ripening rot.
Yet, though from those that praise humilitie,
He merits not, a dreaded power which he
Far more applauds, rais'd on the Wings of's own
Experienc'd Valour, hath so long been known
His Foes pale terrour, that 'tis fear'd he bends
That Engine to the ruine of his friends,
Whose equall Merits claim as much of Fame,
As e're was due to proud Almanzors Name.
Yet what may raise more strong desires to see,
Her Court then Valors wisht societie,
Is one unusuall Custome, which the love
Of her kind Father hath so far above
All past Examples rais'd, that for the time
He here resides, no Cause, although a Crime,
Which death attends, but is by her alone
Both heard and judg'd, he seeming to unthrone
His active power, whilst Justice doth invest
His beauteous Daughter, which to the opprest,
Whose hopes even shrunk into despair, hath in
That harsh extream their safe Asilum bin:
So that even those that fear'd the 'vent could now
Mix their desires, the Custome would allow
Her Reign a longer date. But that I may
Illustrate this by a more full survay
[Page 15] Of her excelling Vertues, no pretence,
Of harsh imployment shall command you hence,
[...]ll you have been Spectators of that Court,
Whose Glories are too spatious for Report.
The noble Youths beholding such a flame,
Of Vertue shewn them through the Glass of Fame,
First gaze with wonder on it, which ascends
Into desire, a Rivolet which ends,
Not till its swelling streams had drawn them through
All weak excuses, and engag'd them to
Attend on Ariamnes; when to show
How much mans vain Intentions fall below
Mysterious Fate, even in the height of all
Their full Resolves, her Countermands thus call
Back their Intentions, by a Summons that
Th' uncertain World hath often trembled at.
The late recoverd Aphron, whether by
Too swift a Cure, Lifes springs being rais'd too high,
[...]lowd to a dangerous Plethora, or where
Some Cause occult the Humours did prepare
For that malignant Ill, did, whilst he lay
In tedious expectation of the day,
Shook with a shievering numness, first complain,
Through all his Limbs of a diffusive pain:
Which searching each to find the fittest part,
For its Contagion, on the labouring heart
Fixes at length, which being with grief opprest,
By the extended Artries to the rest
[...]th' body sends its flames, the poysond blood
Through every Vein streams in a burning flood.
[...]is Liver broyls, and his scortch'd stomach turns
The Chile to Cinders; in each cold Cell burns
[Page 16] The humid Brains. A violent Earthquake shakes
The crackling Nerves, Sleeps balmy Daw forsakes
The shrivel'd Obticks; in which trembling fits,
'Mongst tortur'd Sences troubled Reason sits
So long opprest with Passion, till at length,
Her feeble Mansion, batter'd by the strength
Of a Disease, she leaves to entertain
The wild Chymera's of a sickly Brain.
And, what must yet to's Friends Affliction add,
More weights of grief, their courteous hast which had
Stayed to the latest step of time, must now
Comply with those Commanders, which could allow
No more delays, and leave Argalia to
Be the sole Mourner for his Friend, which drew
As far as humane Art could guess so neer
His end, that life did only now appear
In thick, short sobs, those frequent summons that
Souls oft forsake their ruin'd Mansions at.
The end of the first Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The first Book. CANTO THE SECOND.

The ARGUMENT.
III.
Whilst here Argalia in a calm Retreat,
Allays the sorrow felt for's sickly Friend,
Two blooming Virgins neer him take their Seat,
Whose harmless Mirth soon finds a hapless end.
IV.
The fairest seiz'd on, and near ruin'd by
Impeteou [...] Lust, had not Andremon's speed
Protected her, till from his fall drawn nigh
The same sad Fate the brave Argalia freed.
THat sad, slow hour, which Art even thought his last,
With the sharp Feav'rs Paroxisme past
Sick Aphron's Spirits to a cool reareat,
Beneath a slumber (Lifes remotest seat)
[Page 18] Was gently stoln, which did so long endure,
Till in that opiate quencht, the Callenture
Decayed forsakes him, leaving nought behind,
But such faint symptomes, as from [...]ime might find
An easie Cure, which though no perfect end
Is lent to th' care of his indulgent Friend,
Yet gives him so much liberty, that now
Fear dares without his friendships breach allow
Sometime to leave him slumbring, whi [...]st that he
Contemplates Natures fresh variety.
The full blown beauties of the Spring were not
By Summer Sun-burnt yet, though Phoebus shot
His Rays from Cancer, when prepard t' expand
Imprisond thoughts, from Objects near at hand,
To ey-shot Rovers, freed Argalia takes
A Noon-tide walk, through a fair glade that makes
Her aged Ornaments their stubborn head,
Fold into verdant Curtains, which she spread
In cooling shadows o're the bottoms, where
A chrystal stream unfetterd by the care
Of nicer Art, in her own Channel played,
With the embracing Banks, untill betrayed,
Into a neighbouring Lake, whose spatious Womb,
Lookt at that distance like a chrystal Tomb;
Fram'd to inter the Nayades. Not far
From hence an Oak, whose limbs defensive War,
'Gainst all the Winds, a hundred Winters knew,
Stoutly maintaind, on a smal rising grew,
Under whose shadow whilst Argalia lies,
This Object tempts his Soul into his Eyes.
A pair of Virgins fairer then the Spring,
Fresher then Dews, that ere the glad Birds sing.
[Page 19] The Mornings Carrols drop, with such a pace,
As in each act shewd an unstudied grace,
Crossing the Neighbouring Plain, were, now so near
Argalia drew, that what did first appear
But the neglected Object of his Ey,
More strictly viewd, cals Fansie to comply,
With so much love, that though no wilder fire
Ere scortcht his breast, he here learnt to admire
Loves first of symptomes. To a shady seat,
Near that which he had made his cool retreat;
Being come beneath a spreading Hawthorn they,
Seating themselves, the sliding hours betray,
From their short lives by such discourse as might
Have made even time (if young) lament his flight.
Retir'd Argalia, at the sight of these,
Though no obsceaner vanity did please
His Eyes, then Anch'rites are possest with, when
Numbring their Beads, or from a sacred Pen
Distilling Heavens blest Oracles, yet he
Wondring to find such sweet Civility
Mixt with that places rudeness, long beholds
That lovely pair, whose every act unfolds
Such linkt affections, as wise nature weaves
In dearest Sisters, but their form bereaves
That thought ere featherd with belief, although
To admitation, beauty did bestow
Her gifts on both, she had those darlings drest,
In various colours, what could be exprest
By Objects fair, as new created light,
By Roseall mixtures, with immaculate white,
By Eyes that emblemd Heavens pure Azure, in
The youngest Nymph, Florenza, there was seen;
[Page 20] To which she adds Behaviour far more free,
Although restraind to strictest modesty,
Then the more sad Ca [...]ina, who, if there
Were different years in that else equal Paire,
Something the Elder seemd, her beauty such,
As Jove-lov'd Leda's was not prais'd so much,
For Rose or Lillies residence, though they
Did both dwel there, as to behold the day
Lose its Antipathy to Night, such clear
And conquering Beams so full of light t' appear
Thorough her Eyes, shewd like a Diamond set,
To mend its Lustre in a foil of Jet.
Nor doth their dress of Nature differ more
In colour, then the Habits which they wore;
Though fashiond both alike, Floronza's green,
As the fresh Spring when her first Buds are seen,
To cloath the naked Boughs: Carinas white
As Innocence, before she takes a flight,
In thought from cold Virginity. Their Hair
Wreath'd in contracting Curls, beneath a fair
But often parting Vail, attempts to hide
The naked Ivory of their Necks, that pride
Of Beauties Frontispiece. On their heads sate
Lovely, as if unto a Throne of State;
From their first Earth advanc'd, two flowry Wreaths,
From whose choice mixture in close Concord breaths
The fragrant Odour of the Fields, plac'd by
Them in such order, as Antiquity
Mysterious held: Being sate, to pass away
Th' unactive heat of the exalted day,
They either tell old harmles Tales, or read
Some story where forsaken Lovers plead
[Page 21] Unpittied Causes, then betwixt a smile
And Tear bewail Passion should ere beguile
Poor Reason so, at length, as if they meant
To charm him who far from each ill intent
So near them lay, melting the various throng
Of their Discourse, into a well-tun'd Song;
Whose swift division moulds the Aire into
Such Notes, as did the Sphears first tunes out-do.
Argalia in this Lab'rinth of delight,
To Action lost, had drawn the vail of Night,
In quiet slumbers, o're his heavy Eyes,
Lockt in whose Armes, whilst he securely lyes
Least the mistakes of vain Mortality,
The brittle Glass of Earth should take to be
Perfections lasting Addamant, this sad
Chance did unravel all their mirth; There had
Some of the Princes noblest Followers, in
That Mornings nonage led by Pleasure been,
Far from their Sphear, the Court, and now to shun
Th' unhealthy Beams of the refl [...]cted Sun,
Whilst it its shortest shadows made, were to
The cool protection of the Woods withdrew:
In which retreat, as if conducted by
Their evil Genius (all his Company
An awfull distance keeping) none but proud
Almanzor in those guilty Groves, which shrowd
The hapless Virgins enters, who so near
Him sitting, that, soon his informing Eare
Thither directs his Eye, unto his view
Ere scarce thought obvious swiftly they withdrew
But with untimely hast, his Soul that nurst
Continuall flames within it, at the first
[Page 22] Sight kindles them, ere he discovers more,
Then difference in the Sex, such untried ore,
Hot, heedless lust, when made by practice bold,
Ith' flame of passion vente [...]s on for Gold.
But when drawn nearer to the place he saw
Such beauties whose magnetick form might draw
Souls steeld with Vertue, custome having made
His impious Rhetorick ready to invade,
He towards them hast, with such a pace as might
Excuse their judgments, though, in open flight,
They strove to shun him, but in vain, so near
Them now he's drawn, that the effects of fear
Obscuring reason, as if safety lay
In seperation, each a several way
From danger flies, but since both could not be,
By that secure, whilst her blest stars do free
The glad Carina, from his reach the other
He swiftly seizes on; hot kisses smother
Her out-cries in the Embrio, and to death
Near crusht Virginity, ere from lost breath
She could a stock of strength enough recover,
To spend in prayers; the tempting of a Lover,
Mixt with the force of an Adult'rer, did
At once assail, and with joynd powers forbid
All hopes of safety; onely, whilst dispair
Lookt big in apprehension, whilst the Aire
Breath'd nought but th [...]eatnings, promising him to pay
For't in her answers, she doth lust betray
Of some few minutes, which with all the power
Of prayer she seeks to lengthen, sheds a shower
Of tears, to quench those flames, but sooner might
Hels sooty Lamp extinguisht be, the sight
[Page 23] Of such a fair, but pitiful aspect,
When Lust assails, wants power to protect.
By this hot parly, whilst she strove to shun
His loathd embraces, the throngd Spirits run
To fortifie her Heart, but vainly seek
For entrance there, being back into her Cheek
Sent in disdainful blushes; now she did
Intreat Civility, then sharply chid
His blushless impudence; but he whose skil
In Rhetorick was pregnant to all ill,
Though barren else, summons up all the choice
Of Eloquence, that might produce a Voice
To win fair Vertues Fortress, though her chast
Soul armd against those battering Engines past
That Conflict without danger, when inrag'd,
By being denied, with passion that presag'd
A dangerous Cons'quence, his fierce eyes sixt
On hers, that melting with pale terror mixt
Floods with their former flames, her souls sad doubt
He thus resolves. Unworthy Whore, that out
Of hate to Vertue dost deny me what
Thou freely grantst to every rude Swain that
But courts thee in a Dance. Think not these tears
Shall make me wave a pleasure, that appears
Worth the receiving. Can your sordid Earth
Be honourd more then in the noble Birth
Of such a Son as, wouldst thou yield to love,
Might call thee Mother, and hereafter prove,
The glory of your Family, from Jove,
The noblest Mortals heretofore that strove
To fetch their Pedigree, thought it no stain,
So to be illegitimate, as vain
[Page 24] Is this in thee, there being as great an Ods
'Twixit you and u [...], as betwixt us and Gods?
Trembling Florenza, on her bended knees
Thus answers him; That dreadfull power that sees
All our disvellop'd thoughts, my withess be
You wrong my Innocence: I yet am free
From every thought of Lust. I do confess
Th' unfathomd distance 'twixt our Births, but less
That will not make my sin, it may my shame
The more, when my contaminated Name
Shall in those ugly Characters be shown,
To the Worlds publick view, that now is known
By th' blush of honesty, whose stile, though pore,
Exceeds the Titles of a glorious Whore;
Attended whilst Youth doth unwitherd last,
With envied greatness, but frail beauty past
Into a swift decay, assaulted by
Rotteness within, and black mouth'd Callumny,
Without, cast off, blushing for guilt, the scorn
Of all my Sex. My Mother would unborn
Wish her degenerate Issue, my Father curse
The hour he got me. As Infection worse
Then mortall Plagues, each Virgin that hath nought
To glory in, but what she with her brought
Into the World, an unstaind Soul, would fly
The Aire I breath; cast Whores being Company
For none but Devils, when corrupted vice
A Wilderness makes Beauties Paradice.
To this much ill, dim eyed Mortality
A prospect lends; but what, oh what should be
When we must summ up all our time in one
Eternall day, since to our thoughts unknown,
[Page 25] Is only feard. But if our hallowed Laws
Are more then Fables, th' everlasting Cause
'Twill of our torment be. If all this breath
Formd into Prayers, no entrance finds, my death
Shall buy my Virgin-freedome, ere I will
Consent to that, which being performd will kill
My honour to preserve my life, and turn
Th' unworthy beauty which now makes you burn
In these unhallowed flames into a Cell,
Which none but th' black Inhabitants of Hell
Will ere possess. Those private thoughts which give
If we continue verteous, whilst we live
On Earth, our Souls commerce with Angels, shall
Be turnd to Furies, if we yield to fall
Beneath our Vices thus, O then take heed
Do not defile a Temple, such a deed
Will, when in labour with your latest breath,
With horror Curtain the black Bed of death.
Though Prayers in vain strove to divert that Crime,
He prosecutes, yet to protract the time,
She more had sayed, had not all Language been
Lost in a storm of 's Lust, which raging in
His fury gives a fresh assault unto
Weak Innocence, for Mercy now to sue
To hope seems vain, robustious strength did ba [...]
The use of Language, which defensive War
Continuing till the breathless Maid was wrought
Almost beneath resistance, just Heaven brought
This unexpected Aide. A lovely Swain
Whose large Possessions in the neighbouring Plain,
Had stil'd him rich, that powerful, which t' improve,
To that fair stock his vertue, added love,
[Page 26] Which to flattery, since it lost its eyes,
The world but seldome sees without disguise.
This sprightly Youth led by the parallels
Of Birth, and Fortune, what ere else excels
Those fading blessings, to Florenza in
His Youths fresh April, had devoted been
With so much zeal, that what that heedless age
But dallied with, like Customes which engage
Themselves to habits, ere its growth he knew,
Love equal with his active manhood grew,
Which noble Plant though in the torrid Zone
Of her disdain, 't had nere distemper known,
Yet oft those sad vicissitudes doth find,
For which none truly lov'd, that nere had pin'd,
Which pleasing passion, though his judgment knew
How to divert, ere reason it out-grew,
It often from important action brought
Him to those shades, where Contemplation sought
Calm sollitude, in whose soft raptures, Love
Refining Fancy, lifts his thoughts above
Those joyes, which when by trial brought to th' test,
Proves thoughts bright Heaven, dul E [...]rth when once pos­sest
Whilst seated here, his eyes did celebrate,
(As to those shade,) Florenza oft had sate
Beneath kind looks, to ravish that delight,
The tir'd Ca [...]ina in her breathless flight,
Come neer the place, assaults his wonder in
That dreadful sound, which tels him what had bin
Her cause of fear, which doleful stories end,
Arriv'd to th' danger of his dearest Friend,
Leaves him no time for language, ere wingd by
Anger, and Love, his hast strives to out-fly
[Page 27] His eager thoughts. Being now arriv'd so near
Unto the place, that his informing Ear,
Thither directs his steps, with such a hast,
As nimble souls when they are first unc [...]s'd,
From bodies slie, he thither speeds, and now
Being come, where he beheld with horror how
His better Angel injur'd was, disputes
Neither with fear nor policy (they'r Mutes
When Angers thunder roars) but swiftly draws
His Faulchion, and the justice of his Cause,
Argues with eager stroaks, but spent in vain,
'Gainst that unequal strength, which did maintain
The more unlawful, all his power could do,
Is but to shew the effects of Love unto
Her he ador'd, few stroaks being spent before
His feeble Arme, of power to do no more,
Faints with the loss o [...] blood, and letting fall
Th' ill-manag'd VVeapon, for his death doth call
By the contempt of mercy, so to prove
A Sacrifice, slain to Florenza's Love.
The cursed steel by the robustious hand
Of fierce Almanzor guided, now did stand
Fixt in his breast, whilst with a purple flood,
His life soi [...]s forth ith' Channel of his blood.
This Remora remov'd, the impious deed
No sooner was performd, but ere the speed
Florenza made (though to her eager flight,
Fear added wings) conveyd her from his sight:
His rude hand on her seises. Now in vain
She lavisht Prayers, the groans in which her slain
Friend breaths his soul forth, with her shrieks did fill
The ambient Aire, struck lately with the still
[Page 28] Voice of harmonious Musick; But the Eare
Of penetrated Heaven not long could heare
Prayers breath'd from so much innocence, yet send
Them back deni'd, white Mercy did attend
Her swift deliv'ry, when obstructing fear
Through Reason let no Ray of hope appear▪
Startl'd Argalia, who was courted by
Her pleasing Voices milder Harmony,
Into restrictive slumbers, wakend at
Their Alter'd Tone, hast to discover what
Had causd that change, and soon the place attains.
Where in th' exhausted treasuce of his Vains
Andremon wallows, and Florenza lies,
Bath'd in her tears, ready to sacrifice
Her Life with her Virginity, which sight
Provok't a hast, such as his presence might
Protect the trembling Virgin, which perceiv'd,
By curst Almanzor made to be bereav'd
Oth' Spoils of such a wicked Victory,
As Lust had then near conquerd, fiercely he
Assails the noble stranger, who detesting,
An Act so full of Villany, and resting
On the firm just [...]ce of his Cause, had made
His guiltless Sword as ready to invade,
As was the others that had surfeited,
In blood before. Here equal Valour bred
In both a doubtfull hope, Almanzors Lust
Had fierd his Courage, which Argalias just
Attempts did strive to quench. The thirsty steel
Had drunk some blood from both, ere Fortunes Wheel
Turnd to the righteous Cause; that Vigor which
Through rivolets of Veins spread the salt Itch
[Page 29] [...] feaverish Lust before, was turnd into
[...] flame of anger [...] whilst his hands did do,
What Rage doth dictate, Fury doth assist,
With flaming Paroxismes, and each Nerve twist,
Into a double strength: yet not that flood
Which in this ebullition of his blood
Did through the Channels boyl, till they run o're.
With flaming spirits, could depress that store
Of manly worth, which in Argalias breast
Did with a quiet even Valor rest;
Moving as in its naturall Orb, unstraind
[...] any violent motion, nor yet chaind
By lazy damps of faint mistrust, but in
Dangers extream, still confident to win
A noble Victory, or ith' loss of breath,
I [...] his Fate frownd to find an honourd death.
Fil'd with these brave Resolves, until the heat
Of their warm Fury, had Alarmes beat.
[...] th' neighbouring fields they fought, which tumult by
Such of Almanzors Followers, as were nigh
The Grove repos'd, with an astonishment,
That rouzd them heard, they hasten to prevent,
The sad effects that might this Cause ensue.
[...]re more of danger then their fear they knew;
Arriv'd even with that fatal Minute, he
Who against Justice strove for Victory,
With such faint stroaks, that their descent did give
[...]ought but assurance that his Foe must live,
[...] happy Conquerour, they usurp the power
[...] Heaven (revenge) and in a dreadfull shower
[...] danger with their Furies torrent strive,
[...] orewhelm the Victor; but the foremost drive
[Page 30] Their own destruction on, and fall beneath
His conquering Sword, ere he takes time to breath
Those spirits which, when neer with Action ti [...]'d,
Valor brea [...]hd fresh, fast as the spent expir'd.
Here rash Araspes, and bold Leovine,
Two, whose descent ith' nearst collateral Line,
Unto Almanzors stood, beholding how
His strength dec [...]yd, must unto Conquest bow,
In spight of Valor, to revenge his fate,
VVith so much hast attempt, as if too late
Theyd come to rescue, and would now to shun
Tis just reproof, by rashness strive to run
To death before him, finding from that Sword
Their Lifes discharge, which did to him afford
Only those wounds, whose fears must live to be
The badges of eternal Infamy.
But here ore-whelmd by an nnequal strength,
The noble Victor soon to th' utmost length,
Had lifes smal thread extended, if not in
The dawn of hope, some troops whose charge had bin,
VVhilst th' active Gentry did attend the Court,
To free the Country from the feard Resort
Of wild Bandeets, these being directed by
Such frighted Rurals, as imployment nigh
The Grove had led, arriving at that time,
VVhen his slain Foes made the mistaken Crime
Appear Argalias, soon by power allay
That fatal storm, which done, a full survay
Of them that death freed from distress being took,
Them through whose wounds life had not yet forsook,
Her Throne they view, 'mongst whom through the disguise
O [...]'s blood Almanzor, whose high power they prise
[Page 31] More then discover'd Innocence, being found,
As Justice had by close decree been bound,
T' espouse his quarrels, whilst his friends convay
Him safely thence, those ponderous Crimes they lay
Unto Agalias Charge, whose just defence,
Pleads but in vain, for injur'd innocence.
Now neer departing, whilst his helpfull friends,
Bore off Almanzor, where he long attends
The cure of's wounds, though they less torment bred,
Then to behold how his lost honour bled;
The sad Florenza comes to take her last
Leave of her lost Andremon, ere she past
That sad stage ore, to his cold clammy Lips
Joyning her balmy Twins, she from them sips,
So much of deaths oppressing Dews, that by
That touch reviv'd his soul, though wing'd to flie
Her ruin'd seat, takes time enough to breath
These sad notes forth; farewell my Dear, beneath
The ponderous burthen of mortality,
My fainting spirits sink. Oh mayst thou be,
Blest in a happier Love; all that I crave,
Is that my now departing soul may have
Thy Virgin prayers for her Companions through
Those gloomy Vaults, which she must pass unto
Eternall shades; had Fate assign'd my stay,
Till we'd together gone, the horrid way
Had then been made delightfull, but I must
Depart without thee, and convert to dust,
VVhilst thou art flesh and blood; I in a cold
Dark U [...]ne must lie, whilst a warm Groom doth hold
Thee in thy Nuptial bed, yet there I shall,
If fled souls know what doth on earth befall,
[Page 32] Mourn for thy loss, and to eternity
Wander alone; the various World shall be
Refin'd in flames, time shall afford no place
For Vanity, ere I again embrace
Society with flesh, which ere that must
Change to a thousand forms her varied dust.
What we shall be, or whither we shall go,
When gone from hence, wheth'r unto flames below,
Or joyes above, or whether in death we may
Know our departed friends, or tell which way
They went before us, these, oh these are things
That pauze our Divinity; Scepterd Kings,
And Subjects die alike, nor can we tell,
Which doth enjoy, or which in torments dwell.
Oh sad, sad ignorance, Heaven guide me right,
Or I shall wander in eternal Night;
To whose dark shades my dim eyes sink apace:
Farewel Florenza, when both time and place,
My separated Soul hath left to be
A stranger maskt in Immortality.
Think on thy murtherd friend, we now must part
Eternaly, the Cordage of my heart
That last sigh broke, with that the breath that long
Had hoverd in his Breast, flew with a strong
Groan from that mortal Mansion, which beheld
By such of's friends, whom Courtesie compel'd
To that sad Charge, the bloodless body they
With sad slow steps to's Fathers home convey.
The end of the second Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The first Book. CANTO THE THIRD.

The ARGUMENT.
V.
The brave Argalia, who d [...]sign'd to raise
Through all approaching ills his weighty Fate,
In smooth Compliance that harsh Guard obeys
Who tow'rd his death did prosecute their hate:
VI.
To death, which here unluckily had staind,
Maugre his friends, the ill directed Sword
Of Justice, had not secret love obtaind
More mercy then the strict Laws dare afford.
LOw in a fruitful Pasture, where his Flocks
Cloud with their breath those Plains, whose leavy lock▪
Could hardly shadow them, though Meadows need
No shearing, where in untold Droves did feed
[Page 34] His bellowing Heards, of which enough did come,
Each day to's Yoak to serve a Hecatombe;
Lay old And [...]en [...]ons Country Farm, in which
(Happy til now) being made by Fortune rich,
And Goodness honest, from domestick strife,
Stil calm and free, the upper Robes of Life;
Til witherd he had worn, to ease whose sad
And sullen Cares, less bounteous Nature had
Lent him no numerous Issue, all he'd won
By prayer confin'd unto this murtherd Son:
The blasted Blossome of whose tender age,
When blooming first, taught Hope how to presage
Those future Vertues, which interpreted
By Action had such fruitful Branches spread,
That all indulgent Parents wisht to be
Immortalizd in blest Posterity,
Had seen in him, whose innocently good,
Stil let his Heart by's Tongue be understood,
In such a sacred Dialect, that all
Which verg'd within deliberate thought did fall,
Towards Heaven was grac'd, and in descent did prove
To's Parents Duty, and to's Neighbours Love.
This hopeful Youth, their Ages chief support,
Whose absence though by's own desires made short;
Their Love thought tedious, having now expir'd
His usual hours, the aged Couple tir'd
With expectation, to anticipate
His slow appearance to their Mansions Ga [...]e;
Where softly walk'd, where cooly shadowed by
An Elm, which planted at his Birth did vie
Age with his Lord, whilst their desires pursue
Its first design, they with some pleasure view
[Page 35] Their busie Servants, whose industrious pain
Sweats out Diseases in pursuit of gain.
All which, although the chiefest pleasure that
Their thoughts contain, whose best are busied at
The Mart oth' World, such small diversion lent
The aged pair, that his kind Mother spent,
With a too long protracted hope had let
Even that expire, had not his Father set
Props to that weakness, and that mutuall fear,
Which fil'd their breasts, let his sound Judgment clear
By the proposing Accidents that might
Untouchd detaine their Darling from their sight.
But many Minutes had not left their seals,
On the Records of Time, ere truth reveals
Her horrid secrets. A confused noise
First strikes their Ears, which suddenly destroys
Its own imperfect Embrioes, to transfer
Its Object to that nearer Messenger
Oth' Soul, the Eyes whose beamy Scouts convey
A trembling fear into their Souls, whilst they
That bore their murtherd Son, arriv'd to tel
Their doleful M [...]ssage, which so fierce storm fel
Not long in those remoter drops, before
Sweld to a Deluge, the swift Torrent bore
The bays of Reason down, and in one flood
Drownd all their hopes, when purpl'd in his blood
Yet pale with death, untimely Death, she saw
Her hopeful Son, grief violates the Law
Of slower Nature, and his Mothers tears
In death congeals to Marble, her swoln fears,
Grown for her Sex a burthen far too great
Had only left death for her dark retreat.
[Page 36] Although from griefs so violent effects,
Reason conjoynd with manly strength protects
His wretched Father, at that stroke his Limbs
S [...]ack their unweildy Nerves, faint sorrow dims
His Eyes more then his Age, his hands bereft
His hoary head of all that time had left
Unpluckt before, nor had th' expecting Grave,
Gap'd longer for him, if they then had gave
His passion freedome, his own guilty hand
Had broke the Glass, and shook that little Sand
That yet remaind, into thin Aire, that so
Unclog'd with earth, his tortur'd Ghost might go
Beyond that O [...]b of Attomes that attend
Mortality, and at that Iournies end,
Meet theirs soon, as swift Destiny inrouls
Those new [...] come Guests within the sphear of Souls.
By these sad symptomes of infectious grief,
Those best of friends that came for the relief
Of sorrows Captives, being by that surprizd
They hop'd to conquer, sadly sympathizd
With him in wo, till th' epedemick Ill,
Stifling each Voice, drest sorrow in a still
And dismal silence, in which sad aspect,
None needing Robes, or Cypress to detect
A Funeral March, each dolefully attends
To deaths dark Mansion, their lamented friends,
Where having now the earthy Curtain drawn
O're their cold Bed, till Doomsdaies fatal dawn,
Rally their dust they, leave them, and retire
To sorrow, which can ne're hope to expire
In just revenge, since kept by fear in aw [...]
Where power offends, the poor scarce hope for Law,
[Page 37] By sad example to confirm this truth,
From innocent and early hopes of youth;
Led tow'rd destruction, let's return to see
That noble stranger, whose captivity,
Like an unlucky Accident depends
On this sad subject. By the angry friends
Of those accus'd, which in that fatal strife,
To death resign'd the Charter of their life,
He's brought unto the Princes Pallace, where
That age, whose Customes knew not how to bear
Such Sails, as these have fil'd with pride, was plac'd
The seat of Justice, whose stern Sword defac'd
Not pleasures smoothest Front, since now twas by
Her fair hand guided, whose commanding eye,
If armd with Anger, seemd more dreadful then
The harshest Law ere made by wrathful men.
Here strictly guarded, til th' important Crime
Which urg'd her to anticipate the time,
By Custome known, had cal'd her forth to that
Unwilling Office: stil unstartled at
The frowns of danger, did Argalia lie
An injur'd Captive, til commanded by
The stern Reformers of offended Law,
He hasts to th' Bar, where come, though death nere saw
A Brow more calm, or Breast more confident,
To meet his Darts: yet since the innocent
Are staind with guilt, when in contempt of Fate,
They silent fal, he means to meet their hate,
With all that each Beholder could expect,
From dying Valor, when 't had to protect
An envied stranger left no more defence,
But what their hate obscures, his Innocence,
[Page 38] The clamorous friends of Aphron, backt by those
Which knew his death the only mean to close
Almanzors bleeding honour, to the fair
And pitiful Pharonnida repair,
With cries of Vengeanc [...], whose unwelcom [...] sound
She by her Fathers strickt command was bound
To hear, since that those rivolets of Law,
Which from the Sea of regal power did draw
Their several streams, all flowd to her, and in
That chrystal Fountain pure as they had bin
From Heaven dispens'd, ere just Astrea fled
The Earth remaind, yet such aversion bred
In her soft soul, that to these Causes where
The Law sought blood, slowly as those that bear
The weight of Guilt, she came, whose dark Text she
Stil Comments on with noble Charitie.
High mounted on an Ebbon Throne, in which,
Th' imbellisht Silver shewd so sadly rich,
As if its varied form strove to delight
Those solemn souls, which Deaths pale fear did fright;
In Tyrian Purple clad, the Princess sate,
Between two sterner Ministers of Fa [...]e,
Impartial Judges, whose distinguisht tasks
Their varied habits to the view unmasks,
One, in whose looks, as pity strove to draw
Compassion in the Table [...]s of the Law,
Some softness dwelt in a magestick Vest
Of state-like red was cloathd, the other drest
In dismall black, whose terrible Aspect,
Declard his Office, serv'd but to detect
Her slow consent, if when the first forsook
The Cause, the Law so far as death did look.
[Page 39] Silence proclaimd, a harsh Command cals forth
Th' undaunted Prisoner, whose excelling wroth,
In this low ebb of Fortune did appear,
Such as we fancy, Vertues that come near
The excellence of Angels; fear had not
Rifl'd one drop of blood, nor rage begot
More colour in his Cheeks, his soul in state,
Thron'd in the Medium, constant Vertue sate
Not sleighting with the impious Atheists, that
Loud storm of danger, but safe anchord at
Religious hope, being firmly confident,
Heaven would relieve, whom Earth knew innocent.
All thus prepard, he hears his wrongfull Charge,
(Envie disguizing injur'd Truth) at large,
Before the people, in such Language read,
As checkt their hopes, in whom his worth had bred
Some seeds of pity, and to those whose hate
Pursu'd him to this Precipice of Fate,
(Dead Aphrons friends) such an advantage gave,
That Providence appeard too weak to save,
One so assaulted; yet, though now deprest,
Even in opinion, which oft proves the best
Support to those, whose publick Vertues we
Adore, before their private guilt we see▪
His noble Soul stil wings it self above
Passions dark Fogs, and like that prosperous Dove,
The Worlds first Pilot, for discovery sent,
When all the floods that bound the Firmament,
Ore-whelmd the Earth, Conscience calm joys t' encrease,
Returns fraight with the Olive Branch of Peace.
Thus fortifi'd from all, that tyrant fear
E'reawed the Guilty with, he doth appear,
[Page 40] The Courts just wonder in the brave defence
Of what, though power, armd with the strong pretence
Of right opposd, so prevalent had been,
T' have cleard him, if, when neer triumphing in
Victorious truth to cloud that glorious Sun,
Some faithless Swains, by large Rewards being won
To spot their souls, had not corrupted by
His Foes been brought, falsly to justifie,
Their Accusations, which beheld by him
Whose knowledge now did hopes clear Opticks dim;
He ceas'd to plead, justly despairing then,
That Innocence 'mongst Mortals rested, when
Banisht her owne Abode; so thinks it vain
To let truths naked Armes strive to maintain
The Field 'gainst his more powerful Foes; not all
His Vertues now protect him, he must fall
A guiltless Sacrifice, to expiate
No other Crime, but their invenomd hate.
An ominous silence, such as oft precedes
The fatal sentence, whilst th' Accuser reades
His Charge, possest the pitying Court, in which
Pre [...]aging Calm, Pharonnida too rich
In mercy (Heavens supream Prerogative)
To stifle tears did with her passion strive
So long, til what at first assaulted in
Sorrows black Armor had so often bin
For pity cherisht, that at length her eyes
Found there those Spirits that did sympathize
With those that warmd her blood, and unseen move
That Engine of the World, mysterious Love,
The way that Fate predestinated, when
Twas first infus'd ith' Embrio, it being then
[Page 41] That which espousd the active forme unto
Matter, and from that passive being drew,
Divine Ideas, which subsisting in
Harmonious Natures highest sphear, do win
In the perfection of our Age, a more
Expansive power, and Natures common store
Stil to preserve, unites Affections by
The mingled Attomes of the serious eye.
Whilst Natures Priest, the cause of each effect,
Miscal'd Disease indeavou [...] to detect
Its unacquainted operations in
The beauteous Princess, whose free soul had bin
Yet guarded in her Virgin Ice, and now
A stranger is, to what she doth allow
Such easie entrance, by those Rays that fall
From eithers eyes, to make reciprocal
Their yeilding passions, brave Argalia felt
(Even in the grasp of death) his Functions melt
To flames, which on his heart an on-set make,
For sadness such as weaker Mortals take
Eternal farewels in, yet in this high
Tyde of his blood, in a soft calm to die;
His yielding Spirits, now prepare to meet
Death, cloathd in thoughts, white as his winding sheet.
That fatal doom, which unto Heaven affords
The sole Appeal, one of th' assisting Lords
Had now pronouncd, whose horrid thunder could
Not strike his Laureld Brow, that Voice which would
Have putrified, a timerous Soul he hears
With calm attention, no disorderd fears
Ruffl'd his Fancy, nor domestick War
Rag'd in his breast, his [...]v'ry look so far
[Page 42] From vulgar passions, that, unless amazd
At Beauties Majesty he sometimes gazd
Wildly on that, as Emblems of more great
Glories then earth afforded, from the seat
Of resolution, his fixt soul had not
Been stird to passion, which had now begot
Wonder, not fear within him. No harsh frown
Contracts his Brow, nor did his thoughts pull down
One fainting spirit, wrapt in smootherd groans,
To clog his heart. From her most eminent Thrones
Of Sense, the Eyes, the lightning of his Soul
Flew with such vigour, forth it did controul
All weaker passions, and at once include,
With Roman Valour, Christian Fortitude.
Pharonnida, from whom the rigid Law
Extorts his Fate, being now inforc'd to draw
The longest Line she ere could hope to move
Over his Face, that beauteous sphear of Love,
Unto its great'st obliquity, she leaves
Him in his winter solstice, and bereaves
Loves Hemisphear of light, not hear, yet oft
Retreating wisht those Stars Fare plac'd aloft
In the first Magnitude of Honour might
Prove retrograde, so their contracted light
Might unto him part of their Influence
In Life bestow, Passion would fain dispence
So far with Reason, to recall again
The sentence she had past, but hop'd in vain,
Those false suggestions moves, his Jaylers are
Th' undaunted Prisoner hurrying from the Bar;
His fair Judge rising, the corrupted Court
Upon removing, all the ruder sort
[Page 43] Of Hearers rushing out, when through the throng,
Kind Ariamnes (being detaind so long
By strict Imployment comes) at whose request,
The Court their Seats resuming, he adrest
Himself to th' Princess, in a Language that
Whilst all Argalias Foes were storming at,
Even on her Justice so prevails, that he
Repriev'd, til all, hope could produce to free
Her Loves new care might be examind by
His active Friend, who now being seated nigh
Pharonnide, whilst all attentive sate;
The strangers story doth at large relate.
Pleas'd at this full relation, nere as much
As griev'd to see those Jewels plac'd in such
A course cheap Mettal, which could never hold
The least proportion with her regal Gold.
Pharonnida had now remov'd, if not
Thus once more stayed, the Rumor first bego [...];
From this sad truth, had with the common hast,
Of Ill arriv'd, where his Disease had plac'd
Aphron, whose Ears assaulted now with words
Of more infection then that Plague affords
Room for the st [...]onger Passion: though offended,
To leave a hold it had, at first intended
To keep til ruin'd, the imprisond blood,
And spirits are unfetterd, by that flood
To wash usurping grief from off that part
Where most she reign'd, but they drawn near the heart,
And finding Enemies too strong to be,
Incounter'd mix in their society;
Which thus supplyed with Auxiliaries in
Contempt of weakness, when he long had been
[Page 44] Languishing underneath a tedious Load
Of sickness, sends him from his safe Aboad;
'Mongst dangers which in deaths black shape attend
His bold design, to seek his honourd Friend.
Come on the spur of passion to the Court,
A flux of Spirits from all parts resort,
To prompt his anger, which abruptly broke
Forth in this Language. Do not Sirs, provoke
A forrein power thus far (I speak to you,
That have condemnd this stranger) as to do
An Act so opposite to all the Law,
Of Nations, here within your Realm to draw
Blood that's so neer allied unto the best
Of an adjacent State. If this request
Of mine, too full of insolence appear,
We are Spirits nobly born, and near
Enough to hav't, whatever Crime's the Cause
Of this harsh sentence, tri'd by our own Laws.
This bold Opposer of stern Justice, here
Pausing to see what Clouds there did appear
In that fair Heaven, whose influence only now
Could light to's friends declining Stars allow,
To free the troubl'd Court, which struggl'd i [...]
A strange Delemma had commanded bin,
To a more large discovery, if not by
His pitying Friend, discharg'd in a reply,
Doubting how far inregular boldness had
Provok'd just wrath, Argalia thus unclad
Amezements dark disguise. To you that a [...]
This Court (with that kneels to Pharonnida)
I now for Mercy flee, that scorn to run
From my own doom, so I might have begun
[Page 45] The doubtful task alone, but here to leave
My Friend from whom your Justice did receive
This bold Afront in danger, is a Crime
That not approaching death, which all my time
Too little for repentance cals, can be
A just excuse for, let me then set free
His person with your doubts, and joynd to those
What both their varied stories may compose.
For what this noble Lord, whose goodness we,
First found in needful hospitality,
From him hath differd him, impute it not
To eithers error, both Reports begot
From such mistakes, as Nature made to be
The careful Issues of Necessity;
That fatal difference, whose Vestigia stood
Where we Epiciae left fresh fil'd with blood;
By league so lately with Calabria made,
Being compos'd, that Fame did not invade
Our Ears with the report, til we had been
By a disguise secur'd, which shaded in
Whilst fearing danger we nere thought to leave,
Til safe at home; Thus what did first deceive
Kind Aminander you have heard, and now
Without the stein of boasting must allow
Me leave to tel you, that we there have Friends,
On whom the burthen of a State depends,
When to the Court just wonder, thus far he,
With such unshaken confidence as we
Pray on th' expanded wings of Faith, displayed
His Souls integrity, the Royal Maid,
Whom a repented destiny had made
His pitying Judge, endeavouring to evade
[Page 46] That dooms harsh rigour, grants him a reprieve,
Till thrice the Sun returning to relieve
Nights drooping Sentinels had circl'd in
So many days, in which short time to win
The fair advantage of discovering truth,
Old Aminander, active as fresh Youth
In all Attempts of Charity, to know,
From what black Spring those troubled streams did flow:
Hasts toward Andremons, whi'st Pharonnida
Active as he, toward all, whence she might draw
A consequence of hope, layes speedy hold
On this design, Commission'd to unfold
Their Masters Love toward her, there long had been
Embassadours from the Epicote in
Her Fathers Court, whose Message though it might
Wear Loves pure Robes, yet in her Reasons light,
Seems so much staind with pollicy, that all
Those blessings which the wise foresaw to fall,
As Influence from that Conjunction, she
Opposes as her stars malignity.
Proud of this new Command, with such a hast,
As those that fear more slow delays may wast
Their pretious time, th' Ambassadours attain
The Princess Court, where come, though hope in vain,
Only expect a speedy Audience, they
That frustrated, are soon taught to betray
More powerful passions; the first glance oth' eye
They on the Prisoners cast, kind sympathy,
Proclaim'd Love gave no leave for time to rust
Their Memories, both the old Lords durst trust
Eyes dim'd with tears, whilst their embraces give
A sad assurance there did only live
[Page 47] Their last and best of Comforts, which beheld,
By those from whom kind pity had expeld
All thoughts of the vindictive Law, they strive
By all the power of Rhetorick to drive
Those sad storms over, which good Office done,
They each inform the Prince, which was the Son
Of Nature, which Adoption, withall tel how
By their perswasions mov'd, they did allow
Them time to travel, which Disasters had
So long protracted, for some years with sad
And doubtfull hopes, they had in vain expected
Their wisht return, but that their stars directed
Their course so ill, as now near home to be
Ore-taken with so sad a destiny;
Since such a sorrow could be cur'd by none,
They sadly crave the time to mourn alone.
The end of the third Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The first Book. CANTO THE FOURTH.

The ARGUMENT.
VII.
At length the Vail from the deluded Law
with active Care by Aminander took,
The startl'd Court in their own error saw
How lovely truth did in Argalia look.
VIII.
The story of our Youth discover'd, he
His Merits yet in higher pitch to raise
Morea's Prince doth from a danger free,
Which unto death his noblest Lords betray.
THat last sad Night, the rigid Law did give
The late repriev'd Argalia leave to live;
Was now wrapt in her own obscurity,
[...]toln from the Stage of Time, when light got free
[Page 49] From his Nocturnall Prison summons all
Almanzors Friends, to see the long'd for fall
Oth' envied stranger, whose last hour was now
So neer arriv'd, faint hope could not allow
So much of comfort to his powerfulst friend,
As told her fears, she longer might suspend
His fatall doom. Mournful Attendants on
That serene Sufferer, all his friends are gon
Unto the sable Scaffold that's ordain'd
By the decree of Justice to be stain'd
With guiltless blood, all sunk in grief, but she
Whom by inevitable destiny,
Doom'd him to death, most deep. Dul sorrow raigns
In her triumphant, sad and alone remains
She in a Room, whose Windows prospect led
Her Eye to th' Scaffold, whither from the Bed
Where sorrow first had cast her, she did oft
Repair to see him, but her passions soft
Temper soon melting into Tears, denies
Her Soul a passage through o're-flowing Eyes.
Often she would in vain expostulate
With those (two subtile) Sophisters that Sate
Cloath'd in the Robes of Fancy, but they still
O [...]e-threw her weaker Arguments, and fill
Her Breast with Love and Wonder, passion gave
Such fierce Assaults, no Virgin Vow could save
Her Hearts surrender, she must love, and loose
In one sad hour, thus grief doth oft infuse
Those bitter [...], where hidden poyson dwell,
In the smooth pleasures of swee [...] Oximel.
Argalias friends that did this minute use,
As if the last of mortal enterviews
[Page 50] Had now reverst their eyes, expecting nought
But that stroaks fall, whole fa [...]all speed had brought
Him to eternal rest; when by a loud
And busie tumult, as if death grown proud
Expected triumphs, to divert their sight,
They from the Scaffolds lofty station might
Within the reach of an exalted Voice,
Behold a Troop, who as the Leaders choice
Confin'd to st [...]aight necessity, had there
Inrold all Commers, if of strength to bear
Offensive A [...]mes, did first appear to be
Some tumult drest in the variety
Of suddain rage, for here come headlong in
A heard of Clowns, armd as they then had been
From labour cal'd, near them (wel orderd ri [...]e)
(As greatness strove no longer to divide
Societies, (s [...]me Youths, brave as they had
Been in the spoils of conquerd Nations clad.
This sudden Object, first obstructing all
Their Courts proceedings, prompts their doubts to call
Their absent Prince, who being too wise for fears
Uncertain fixions, with such speed appears,
As checks the tumult, when, to tel them who
Had from their homes the frighted people drew,
Ith' Van of a wel-orderd Troop rides forth
Lov'd Aminander, whose unquestiond worth,
That strong Attractive of the peoples love,
Exspung'd suspition; whilst his Troops did move
With a commanded slowness to inform,
Th' expecting Prince, from whence this suddain storm
Contracted Clouds, he to his view presents
Andremons Friends, whose looks the sad contents
[Page 51] Of sorrow, with a silent Oratory,
Begs pity; whilst, he thus relates their story.
That we (great Prince) we, whom a loyal fear
To strict obedience prompts, dare thus appear
Before your sacred Person, were a sin
Mercy would blush to own, had we not been
Forc'd to offensive Armes, by such a Cause
As tore the Scepter, regulated Laws,
Forth of your royal hand, to vindicate
This suffering stranger, whom a subtle hate,
Not solemn Law, pursu'd. I here have brought
Such Witnesses as have their knowledge bought,
At the expence of all their joy, whom I
Found so confin'd, as if their misery
Were in their houses sepulcherd, a sad
And general sorrow in one Dress had clad
So many, that their only sight did prove
Lost Vertue caus'd such universal love
To free this noble Youth, whose Valour lent
A late protection to this Innocent,
But injur'd, Maid, they (unconstraind) had here
Implor'd your Aide, had not too just a fear
Caus'd from some Troops, raisd by a wrong'd pretence
Of your Commands checkt their intelligence,
With such illegal violence, that I
Had shar'd their sufferings, if not rescu'd by
These following Friends, whose rude Conjunction shews
It was no studied plot did first compose
So loose a body; but, least it appear
In me like envy, should I strive to clear
This doubtful story, here are those (with that)
Cals forth Andremons Friends, instructed at
[Page 52] The dearest price, which by discovering truth,
Will not alone rescue this noble Youth,
From falling ruine; but least he retreat
Into rebellion, force before this fear,
A man whose power, the people thought had bin
To punish Vice, not propagate a sin.
Having thus far past toward discovery, here
The grave Lord ceast, and that truth might appear,
From its first fair Original, to her
(Whose Vertue Heavens affected Messenger)
Commands Attention, the more horrid part
Of his relation leaves: And here vain Art
Took on, and envy, to behold how far
Thy strickt Rules (which our Youths Afflictions are)
Nature transcends, in a Discourse which she,
With all the Flowers of Virgin modesty,
Not Weeds of Rhetorick strew'd; to hear her miss,
Or put a blush for a Parenthesis,
In the relating that uncivil strife,
Which her sad Subject was, so near the life,
Lim [...]s lovely Vertue, that that Copy whence,
Ar [...] took those Graces, she doth si [...]ce dispence
To th' best of women, fair Pharonnida,
Ta [...]ght by that sympathy, which first did draw
Those lovely Transcripts of her sel [...], although
Varied as much as humble Flowers that grow,
Dispiers'd in shady Desarts, are from tho [...]e
That nice Art in enameld Gardens shews,
Yet like bright Planets, which communicate
To Earth their Influence, from exalted state,
She now descends, to cherish Vertue in
Those lovely Nimphs, whose Beauties though they'd bin
[Page 53] Yet in the Country clouded from Report,
Soon grow the praise, or envy of the Court.
Imboldned by that gracious favour shewn
To these fair Nymphs, to prosecute their own
Most just Complaints, Andremons wretched friends,
With prayers perceive that Mercy which descends
O're all their sufferings, on th' expanded Wings
Of noble pitty, whose fair hand first brings
Argalia from the sable Scaffold, to
Meet those Rewards to his high Merits due,
Not only in what deaths dark progress staies,
But Life's best joy, an universal praise
Aquir'd from just desert: Next she applies
Her self to those poor burthend Souls, whose Eyes
Look (even on Comforts) through their tears, the dead
Andremons Mourners, whose l [...]st Joy though fled
For ever from those wintring Regions, yet
As much receiv'd as sorrow would permi [...],
Souls so opprest, the splendid Court they leave,
With thankful prayers; And now, cal'd to receive
His sins reward Almanzor is, whose shame
Its black Attendant, when by his ha [...]ed Name
He'd oft been summond, prompts him to deny
That legal Call, which being an Act too high
For a depending power to patroniz [...],
To shun feard Justice publick doom, he flies
His Princes Mandates, an affront that sent
Him to's desert, perpetual banishment.
This Comet lost in clouds of Infamy,
The Court which had too long been burthend by
His injur'd power, with praises entertain
Impartial Justice, whilst to call again
[Page 54] Those pleasures which had in this interval
Of Law been lost, the Prince convening all,
That shar'd those sufferings, as the Center whence
Joy spread it self, to th' Courts circumference,
Crowns all their wishes, which by that bright Star
In Honours Sphear, th' auspitious Princes are
Exalted to their highest Orbs; her Love
Unto Argalia, though it yet must move,
As an unnoted Constellation, here
Begins its Erae, which that might appear
Without suspition, she disguises in
The publick joy, which 'mongst those that had bin
His serious Mourners to participate
That kind Epicote, who first taught his Fate,
The way to Glory comes, to whom he now
Was on those Knees Merit had taught to bow,
With as much humble reverence, as if all
The Waights of Nature made those burthens fall
A Sacrifice to Love, fixt to implore
Its constant Progress, but he needs no more
For confirmation, since his Friend could move
But the like joy, where Nature taught to love.
Passions encounter, which too high to last,
Into a calm of thankful prayers being past
The Prince from the Calabrian seeks to know
By what collateral streams he came to owe
Such love unto a stranger, one that stood
Remov'd from him ith' Magnetisme of blood;
Whom thus the Lord resolves, When blooming in
The pride of Youth, whose varied Sceans did win
Time on the Morning of my dayes, a while
To tast the pleasures of a Summers Smile,
[Page 55] I left the Courts tumulteous noise, and spent
Some happy time, blest with retir'd content,
In the calm Country, where Arts curious hand,
As Center to a spatious Round of Land,
Had plac'd a Palace, in whose lovely Dress,
The City might admire the Wilderness,
Yet though that ill Civility was in
Her marble Circle; Natures hand had bin
As liberall to the neighbouring Fields, and dect
Each rural Nimph as gaudy, til neglect,
Or slovenly Necessity had drawn
Her Canvass Furroughs o're their Vails of Lawn:
Near this fair Seat, fring'd with an ancient Wood,
A fertile Valley lay, where scatter'd stood
Some homely Cottages, the happy Seats
Of labouring Swains, whose careful Toil compleats
Their wishes in obtaining so much Wealth,
To conquer dire Necessi [...]y; firm health,
Calm thoughts, sound sleeps, unstarted innocence,
Softn'd their Beds, and when rouz'd up from thence,
Suppl'd their Limbs for Labour; amongst these,
My lov'd Argalia, for till Fate shall please,
His dim Stars to uncurtain, and salute
His better Fortune, with each Attribute,
Due to a nobler Birth, his Name must be
Contracted unto that Stenography,
Life's Sceans began, amongst his Fellows that
There first drew breath, being true Heirs to what
Whilst all his Stars were retrograde, and dim,
Unlucky Fortune, but adopted him;
Whilst there residing, I had oft beheld
The active Boy, whose Childhoods Bud exceld
[Page 56] More ful blown Youths, gleaning the scatterd Loc [...]
Of new-shorn Fields, amongst the half-clad Flocks,
Of their unripe, but healthful Issue, by
Which Labour tir'd, sometimes I see them try
The strength of their scarce twisted Limbs, and run
A short breathd Course, whose swift contention done,
And he (as in each other active [...]port)
With Vict'ry crownd, they make their next resort
To th' Springs cheap Bounties; but, what did of all
His first Attempts, did give the powerful call,
Both to my Love and Wonder was, what chanc'd
From one rare Act: the Morning had advanc'd
Her tempting Beauties to assure success
To these young Huntsmen, who with Labour less
Made by the pleasure of their Journey had
The Forest reacht, where with their Limbs unclad
For the pursuit, they follow Beasts that might
Abroad be recreation, and when Night
Summond them home, the welcomest supply
Both to their own, and Parents quality.
An angry Boar, chaft with a Mornings chase,
And now near spent, was come so neer the place,
Where (though secur'd) on the stupendious height
Of a vast Rock they stood, that now no flight
Could promise safety, that wild rage which sent
Him from the Dogs, his following Foes, is sp [...]nt
In the pursuit of them, which (to my grief,
Had sufferd ere we could have lent relief,
H [...]d not Argalia, even when danger drew
So near as death, turnd on the Beast, and threw
His happy Javelin, whose wel guided aime,
Although success it knew not how to claime,
[Page 57] From strength, yet is so much assisted by
Fortune, that what before had scornd to dy,
By all our power, when contending in
Nice Art, the honour of that day to win
To him alone, fals by that feeble stroke,
From all his speed; which seen, he, to provoke
His hastier death, seconds those wounds, which in
Their safety are, by those with terrour seen,
That had escapt the danger, and even by
Us that pursu'd with such amaze, that I
Who had before observ'd those Rays of worth,
Obscur'd in clouds, here let my love break forth
In useful Action, such, as from that low
Condition brought him, where I might bestow
On him what Art requir'd, to perfect that
R [...]re piece of Nature, which we wonderd at,
From those whom I ('mongst others) thought to be
Such whose Affection, the proximity
Of Nature claimd, with a regret that shewd,
Their poverty unwillingly bestowd
So lov'd a Jewel, had procur'd the Youth,
His Foster Father, loath to wave a truth,
That in the progress of his Fate might be
Of high account, discovers unto me
The worlds mistake concerning him, and thus
Relate his story, He was brought to us,
(Quoth the good man) some ten years since, by two
VVho (could men be discoverd to the view
Of knowledge by their Habits) seemd but such
As Fortunes narrow hand had gave not much
More then Necessi [...]y requires to be,
Injoyd of every man, whom Life makes free
[Page 58] Of Natures City; though their bounty shewed,
To our him judgments, that they only owed
Mischance for those course Habits, which disguiz'd,
What once the World at higher rates had priz'd,
Ith' worst extream of time, about the birth
Oth' fluggish Morning, when the crusted earth
Was tinsel'd o're with Frost, and each Sprig clad
With Winters Wool, I whom cross Fortune had
Destin'd to early Labours, being abroad,
Met two benighted men, far from the Road,
Wandring alone, no skilful Guide their way
Directing in that Infancy of day;
But the faint beams of glimmering Candles, that
Shon from our lovely Cottage-Windows, at
Which Marks they steerd their Course; one of them bore
This Boy, an Infant then, which knew no more
Then Natures untrod pathes. These having spi'd
Me through the Mornings Mists, glad of a Guide,
Though to a place, whose superficial view,
Lent smal hopes of relief, went with me to
Mine own poor home, where with such course cheap Fare,
As must content us, that but eat to bear
The burthens of a Life refresht, they take
A short repose, then being to forsake
Their new-found Hoast, desire with us to leave
The Child, til time should some few daies bereave
Of the Habiliments of Light. We stood
Not long to parl, but willing to do good
To strangers so distrest, were never by
Our poverty once tempted to deny.
My wife (being then a Nurse) upon her takes
The pretty Charge, and with our own Son makes
[Page 59] Him Fellow-commoner at the ful Brest,
And Partner of the Cradles quiet rest.
Now to depart, one that did seem to have
The nearst relation to the Infant, gave
Him first this Jewel (at which word they shewed
One which upon Argalia was bestowed
By those that left him) then that we might be
Not straightned by our former poverty;
Leave us some Gold, by which we since have bin
Enabl'd to maintain him, though not in
That Equipage, which we presume unto
His birth (although to us unknown) is due.
This done, with Eyes that lost their light in Tears,
They take their leaves, since when, those daies to years
Are grown, in which we did again expect
They should return; but whether be neglect
Or else impossibility detain
T [...]em from his sight, our care hath sought in vain.
Having thus plainly heard as much as Fate
Had yet of him discoverd, I, that late
Desir'd him for his own, now for the sake
Of's Friends (what ere they were) resolv'd to take
Him from that barren rudeness, and transplant
So choice a Slip, where he might know no want
Of Education; with some labour, I
Having obtaind him, til virility,
Rendred him fit for nobler Action, stayed
Him alwaies with me, when, my Love obayed
His Reason, and, then in the quest of what
Confin'd Domesticks do but stumble at
Exotick knowledge, with this noble Youth,
To whom his Love grew linckt, like spotless truth,
[Page 60] To perfect Vertue, sent him to pursue
His wisht design, from whence this interview,
First took its fatal Rise, and here the Lord
That a more ful discov'ry might afford
Them yet more wonder, shews the Jewel to
Sparta's pleas'd Prince, at whoes most serious view,
The skilfulst Lapidaries judging it,
Both for its worth and beauty only fit
To sparkle in the glorious Cabinet
Of some great Queen, such value on it set,
That all conclude the honour on' [...] must be,
Some falling Star ith' Night of Royaltie,
From Honours sphear, the Glories of a Crown,
To vaunt (the center of our Fears) dropt down.
And now the Court, whose brightest splendor in
These fatal Changes, long eclips'd had been,
Resumes its luster, wich to elevate,
With all the pleasures of a prosperous state,
For that contracted span of time design'd,
For th' Princes stay, Fancies are wrackt to find
New forms of Mirth, such, whose Invention might
Inform the Ear, whilst they the Eye delight.
All which, whilst to the less concernd they lent
A flux of joy, yet lost their first intent,
To please the Princess, who from mirth did move
Excentrical, since first iufl [...]m'd with Love,
Which did soon from Fancies Embrion grow,
A large limbd Tyrant, when prepard to go,
She sees Argalia, who engag'd t' attend
Th' Embassadors, here soon had put an end
To what, even from, those unto Love unkind,
Must now force tears ere it a period find.
[Page 61] That time expir'd, ordaind to terminate
Her Fathers stay, and so that splendid state,
That yet adornd the Princess Court, to shew,
How much he did for's Frontiers safety ow,
Unto those moving Cittadels, a Fleet
His Mandates cals each Squadron for to meet
Within Lepanto, in whose harborous Lay,
Those Ships that were ordaind for a Convay
To the Calabrians Messengers, who now
With all that Love, or Honour could allow
To noble strangers, being attended by
The brightest Glorys of two Courts, draw nigh
A royal Fleet, whose glittering streamers lent
Dul Waves the beauties of a Firmament:
Amongst which numbers, one, too stately far
For rough Encounters of defacing War,
VVhose gilded Masts their crimson Sails had spread
In silken Flakes, advanc'd her stately head,
High as where Clouds condense, where a Light stands,
Took for a Comet by far distant Lands,
For Cabbins where th' imprisond Passenger
VVants Aire to breath, she's stor'd with Rooms that were
So fair without, and yet so large within,
A Persian Sophy might have reveld in
Their spatious bulks. To this Molarchus, he
VVhom greatness joynd to known Ability,
Had made Sicillia's Admiral, invights
The Royal Train, where with what ere delights,
(Although Invention all her stock had spent)
Could be upon that liquid Element,
Prepard their welcome, whilst at every Bowl
A Health inters, the ful-mouthd Cannons trowl
[Page 62] A Peal of Thunder, which in white Waves drownd
The softer Trumpets do their Dirges sound.
Now in the ful Carier of Mirth, whilst all
Their thoughts in Perpendiculars did fall
From Honours Zenith; none incurvated
With common Cares, Parents that might have bred
A sly suspition, whilst neglective Mirth
Keeps all within from their deep bed of Earth
Molarchus hoist his Anchors, whilst that all
The rest lay stil, expecting when his call
Commands their Service, but when they beheld,
His spread Sails with a nimble Gale were sweld:
An opprest Slave, which lay at rest before,
Was with stretcht Limbs tugging his Finny ore;
Conceiving it but done, to shew the Prince
That Gallies swiftness, let that thought convince
Fears weak suggestions, and invited by
Their tempting Mirth, stil safe at Anchor ly.
But now, when they not only saw the Night
Draw sadly on, but what did more afright
Their loyal Souls, the distant Vessel by
Doubling a Cape loft to the sharpest Ey,
For hateful treason, taxing their mistake,
With Anchors cut, and Sails spread wide they make
The lasht Waves roar, whilst those inclos'd within
The Gally, by her unkown speed had bin
Far more deceived, being so far conveyed,
Ere care arrives to tel them they'r betrayed
Through Mirths neglective Guards, who now in hast
With anger rais'd, in vain those flames did wast
In wild Attempts, to force a passage to
The open Decks, whither, before withdrew
[Page 63] Molarchus was, who now prepar'd to give
That treason birth, whose hated Name must live
In bloody Lines of Infamy, before
They could expect it, opening wide the door
That led them forth, the noble Captives fly
To seek revenge, but being encounterd by
An Armed Crew, so fierce a fight begin,
That Nights black Mantle nere vvas lin'd vvithin,
With ought more horrid; in which bloody Fray,
The subtle Traytor valiant to betray,
Though Abject else unnoted, seising on
Th' unguarded Princess from their rage is gone,
Through Nights black Mask, with that rich Prize into
A Boat that plac'd, for that design was drew
Near to the Gally, whose best Wealth being now
Thus made their own, no more they study how
To save the rest, all which for death design'd,
The conquer'd Rebels soon their safety find,
From other Boats, but first, that all but she,
Oth' royal train secur'd by death might be,
So large a Leak in the brave Vessel make,
That thence her Womb soon too much waight did take
For her vast bulk to weild, which sinking now,
No safety to her royal Guests allow.
The Ship thus lost, and now no Throne but Waves,
Left the Sicilian Prince, just Heaven thus saves
His sacred Person, amongst those that sought
For timely safety, nimble strength had brought
Argalia, and his following Friend so near,
One of the Boats, in which (secur'd from fear)
The Rebels saild, that now they both had took
A Hold so sure, that though their Foes forsook
[Page 64] Their Oars to hinder't, spite of all their force,
Argalia enters, which a sad divorce
From Life, as he by strength attempts to rise,
From falling wounds, unhappily denies
The valiant Aphron, who by death betrayd
From time, and strength, had now left none to ayd
His Friend, but those attending Vertues, that
Ne're more then now, for th' world to wonder at,
Brave Trophies built; with such a suddain rage,
As all his Foes did to defence engage,
Those bolder Souls that durst resist, he had
From their disorderd Robes of flesh unclad,
VVhich horrid sight froc'd the more feareful to
Such swift submission, that ere fear out-grew
His hope, assisted by that strength which bought
Their Lives reprieve, their Oars reverst had brought
Him back to th' place, in which the guilty flood,
VVas staind with fair Sicillias noblest blood.
Assisted by those silver streams of Light,
The ful fac'd Moon shot through the swarthy Night,
On the smooth Sea, he first his course directs,
Toward one, whose Robes studded with Jems, reflects
Those feeble Rays, like new faln Stars, he there
Finds Sparta's Prince, then sinking from the sphear
Of mortall greatness in the boundless deep,
To calm Lifes cares in an eternall sleep,
From unexpected death, the Graves most grim
And ghastly Tyrant, having rescued him
With as much sp [...]ed, as griefs distractions joynd
To Nights confusion, could give leave to find
More Friends before that all were swallowd by
The Sea he hasts, when being by chance brought nigh
[Page 65] Dead Aphrons Father, to be Partner in
Their carer, who as they only sav'd had bin
To mourn the rest, he from the rude Sea saves
Him, to be drownd in sorrows sable Waves.
Now in the Quest of that deserving Lord,
Whose goodness did to's Infancy afford,
Lifes best of Comforts, Education, he
To bawk that needless diligence might see,
At one large draught the wide Waves swallow all,
Who vainly did till that sad minute call
To Heaven for help, which dismal sight beheld
By those that sav'd by accident, expeld
Their own just fears, for them to entertain,
As just a grief, their needful time in vain
They spend, no longer in their search, but though
Unweildy grief, yet made their motion slow,
Hast from that horrid place, where eache must leave
Such valued friends; numbers that did receive
Their blood descended to Nobility,
From th' royal Spring, here the griev'd Prince might se [...]
Interd ith' Ocean the Epirote Lord,
His late found Son, whom Love could scarce afford
A minutes absence; nor's Argalia less
Ingag'd to grief to leave, whom the distress
Of's Youth reliev'd, but what from each of these
Borrowed some streams of sorrow to apease,
A grief which since so many Floods hath cost,
The noble Aminander here was lost.
Rowed with such speed, as their desire joynd to
That fear which from the conquerd Rebels drew
A swift obedience, being conducted by
A friendly Light, their Boat is now drawn nigh
[Page 66] A rocky Island, in whose Harbour they
Found where the Boat that had out-sayld them lay,
Drawn neer the shoar, but all the Passengers
Being gone, the sight of that alone confers
No other comfort, then t' inform them that
The ravisht Princess had been landed at
That Port, which by their Saylers they are told
Belongs unto a Castle, kept to hold
That Island, though but one unnoted Town,
To th' scarce known Laws of the Sicillian Crown.
This heard by th' Prince, who formerly had known
That Castles strength being vext (although his own)
That now 'twas such, leaving the Vessel they
Protected by Nights heaviest shades, convey
Themselves into a neighbouring Cottage, where
The Prince, who now externally did bear
No forms of greatness, lest to his repose,
Argalia whilst Nights shadows yet did close
Discovering Eyes, hast back to th' Harbour, whence
To give the royal Fleet Intelligence,
Oth' Kings distress, he sends forth all but One,
Whose stoutness had best made his Valour known,
Of those which conquerd by his Sword, are now
By bounty made too much his own, t' allow
Even flight suspition room; This being done,
That Valour though with Love 'twere wingd, might run
On no rash Precipice, assisted by
That skilful Sea-man, from some Ships that ly
Neglected, 'cause by time decayed, he takes
So much oth' Tackling, as of that he makes
Ladders of length, sufficient to ascend
The Castle Wals, which having to defend
[Page 67] Them nought but slave security, is done
With so much ease, that what's so wel begun,
They boldly second, and first entering in
A Tower, which had by th' prudent Founder bin
Built to command the Havens Mouth, which lay
Too low for th' Castle, where when come, all they
Found to resist, is one poor Centry bound,
In sleep, which soon by death is made more sound.
To lodge the Prince in that safe place, before
His active valour yet attempted more:
The Gates secur'd that led to th' Castle, he
Protected by that Nights obscuritie,
By a conceald smal Salliport is to
Its strength soon brought; when now prepard to view
More dreadful dangers, in such habit clad,
As by the out-Guards easie Error had
Soon as a Soldier gave him entrance, come
To th' Hall he is, there being informd by some,
Oth' drousie Guards, where his pretended speed
Might find Molarchus, to perform a deed,
That future Ages, if that Honours fire
Lose not its light, shal worthily admire
His Valours hast; within a room whose pride,
Of Art (though great) was far more glorifi'd,
By that bright Luster, the Spectators saw
Through Sorrows Clouds in fair Pharonnida,
He finds the impious Villain heightend in
His late success, to such rude acts of sin,
That servile baseness, the low distance whence
He us'd to look, grew sawcy Impudence.
Inflam'd Argalia, who at once beholds
Objects to which the Sould inlarg'd, unfolds
[Page 68] Its passions in the various Characters
Of Love and Anger, now no more defers
The ex [...]cution of his rage, but in
So swift a death, as if his hand had been
Guided by Lightning, to Molarchus sent
His Lifes discharge, which with astonishment,
Great, as if by their evil Angels, all
Their sins had been displayed, did wildly fall
Upon his Followers, whom ere hast could save,
Or strength resist, Argalia's Sword had gave
Such sudden deaths, that whilst Amazements reignd,
Ere all he from the heedless tumult gaind,
That glorious Prize, the royal Lady, who
In all assaults of fears, not lost unto
Her own clear Judgment, as a blessing sent
From Heaven, whilst her base Foes Confusion lent
That Action safety, follows that brave Friend,
Whose Sword redeemd her, till her Journeys end
Through threatning dangers, brought her to that place.
Where with such passion, as kind Wives embrace
Husbands returnd from bondage, she is by
Her Father welcom'd into liberty.
Thus rescu'd, whilst exalted tumours sweld
To such Confusion, as from sense expeld
Reasons safe Conduct, whilst each Soldier leaves
His former Charge, fears pale disease receives
This Paroxisme; the Fleet, which yet had in
A doubtful Quest of their surpriz'd Prince bin
Directed hither with the new-born day,
Their streamers round the Cittadel display,
Which seen by them, that being deluded by
The dead Molarchus, to his treachery,
[Page 69] Had joynd their strength, guilt, the Original
Of shame, did to defend the plat-form Call
Their bold endeavour, but, when fidning it
Too strongly man'd for undermineing wit,
Or open strength to force, dispairing to
Be long secure, prompted by fear they threw
Themselves on Mercy, which calm Grace among
Heavens other blessings, whilst it leads along,
The Prince toward Victory made his Conquest seen,
Such as came not to punish, but redeem.
The end of the fourth Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The first Book. CANTO THE FIFTH.

The ARGUMENT.
IX.
The gratefull Prince, to shew how much he lov'd
This noble Youth, whoes Merits just reward,
Too great for less Abilities had prov'd,
Makes him Commander of his Daughters Guard.
X.
Where seated in the most benign Aspect,
Kind Love could grant to fair Pharonnida,
A sacred Vision doth her hopes detect,
Whose waking joyes his absence doth withdraw.
FReed from those dangers, which this bold attempt
Made justly feard, whilst joy did yet exempt
Those cares, which when by time concocted shall,
His Kingdome to a general Mourning call,
[Page 71] Sparta's pleas'd Prince, with all the Attributes
Ere Gratitude learnd from Desert, salutes
That noble Youth, which even when hope was spent,
Kind Heaven had made his safeties Instrument,
By acts of such heroick Vertue, that
Whilst all the less concernd are wondring at
The grateful Prince, in all the noble waies
Of honour lasting, as his life repaies,
By whose example the fair Princess taught
To shadow Love (her Souls most perfect draught)
In friendships Vail, so free a welcome gave
The worthy stranger, that al, prayer durst crave,
Though sacrific'd in Zeals most perfect fire,
Seemd now from Heaven dropt on his pleas'd desire.
Some daies spent here, whilst Justice vainly sought,
That Treasons root, whose base production brought,
Unto an unexpected Period in
Molarchus death with him had buried bin,
To future knowledge, all confessions, though
In torments they extracted were, bestow
Upon their knowledge, being th' imperfect shade
Of supposition, which too weak t' invade
Even those, whose doubtful Loyalty lookt dim,
The prudent Prince, burying mistrust with him,
Leaving the Island, with's triumphant Fleet,
On the Sicillian shoar, prepars to meet
That Joy in triumph which a blessing brought,
His loyal Subjects with their prayers had sought,
To cure those hot distemperatures, which in
His absence had the Courts Quotidian bin,
The Princess guard (as being an honour due,
To noble Valour) having left unto
[Page 72] That worthy stranger, whose victorious hand
Declar'd a Soul created for command,
The Prince departs from his loud Daughters Court,
To joyful Corinth, where, though the resort
Of such as by their service strove t' express,
An uncorrupted Loyalty, made less,
That Mourning, which the Kingdomes general Loss,
Claim'd from all hearts, yet like a sable Cross,
Which amongst Trophy's noble Conquerors bear,
All did some signs oth' publick sorrrow wear.
But leaving these to rectifie that State,
This Feaver shook, return, to whom we late
Left gently calm'd, that happy pair, which in
Desire (the shady Porch of Love) begin
That lasting progress, which ere ended shall,
So oft their Fate to strong assistance call.
Some Months in happy free delights, before
Passion got strength enough to dictate more,
Then Reason could, right fair they'd spent, in which
Slumber of Fancy, popular Love grown rich,
Soon becomes factious, and engages all
The powers of Nature to procure the fall,
Of the Souls lawful Soveraign; either in
Each Action of the others did begin
To place an Adoration, she doth see
What ere he doth, as shining Majesty
Beneath a Cloud, or Books, where Heaven transfers
Their Oracles in unknown Characters.
Like Gold yet unrefin'd, or th' Adamant,
Wrapt up in earth, he only seemd to want
Knowledge of Worth. Her Actions in his fight
Appear like fires feign'd Element, with light,
[Page 73] But not destruction arm'd; like the fair Sun,
When through a chrystal Aqueduct he'th run,
His piercing Beams, until grown temperate by
That cooling Medium, through humility,
Shun her Majestick worth; in eithers Eyes,
The other seemd to wear such a disguise
As Poets cloathd their wandring Gods in, when
In forms disguiz'd they here converst with men.
But long this conflict of their Passions ere
Resisted lasts not, when disdaind to bear
Those leaden Fetters, the great Princess tries
To quench that fire ith' Embrio, ere it rise
To unresisted blazes, but in vain,
What her tears smoother are by sighs again,
Blown into flames, such as, since not to be
By ought extinguisht, her sweet modesty
Strives to conceal, nor did them more betray,
Then by such Fugitives as stole away,
Through her fair Eyes, those Salliports of Love
From her besieged heart, now like to prove,
Had not her Honour cal'd the Act unjust,
So feeble to betray her Souls best trust,
Her flames being not such, as each vulgar breast,
Feels in the fires of Fancy, when opprest,
With gloomy discontents, her bright stars sate
Inthron'd so high, that like the Bays of Fate,
It stopt the Current of the stream, and to
The Sea of Honour, Loves fresh Rivers drew.
Thus whilst the royal Eaglet doth ith' high
Sublimer Region of bright Majesty,
Upon Affections Wings, still hover, yet,
Loath to descend, on th' humble earth doth sit,
[Page 74] Her worthy Lover, like that amorous Vine,
When crawling o're the Weeds, it strives to twine
Embraces with the Elm, he stands, whilst she
Desires to bend, but like that love-sick Tree,
By greatness is deni'd; he that nere knew,
A swelling tumour of conceit, nor flew
Upon the waxen Wings of vain Ambition,
A thought above his own obscure Condition,
Thinks that the Princess by her large respect,
Conferd on him, but kindly doth reflect
Her Fathers beams, and with a reverend zeal,
Sees those descending Rays that did reveal
Loves Embassies transported on the quick
Wings of that heart-o're-coming Rhetorick,
Instructing that the weakness of his Eye,
Dazl'd with beams of shining Majesty,
Might for too boldly gazing on a sight,
So full of glory, be depriv'd of light,
Stifling his Fancy, till it turnd the Aire,
That fand his heart to flames, which pale dispaire,
Chil'd into I [...]e soon; as he went about
With them to breath a storm of passions out.
But vain are all these fears, his Eagle sight,
Is born to gaze upon no lesser Light,
Then that from whence, all other beauties in
The same sphear borrow theirs, he else had bin,
Degenerate from that royal Airce, whence
He first did spring, although he fell from thence
Unfledg'd, the growing Pinnions of his Fame,
Wanting the purple tincture of his Name,
And Titles (both unknown) yet shall be fly,
On his own Merits strength, a pitch as high
[Page 75] Though not so boldly claimd, and such as shall
Inhance the blessing, when the dull mists fall
From truths benighted Eyes, whispering in
His Souls pleas'd Ear, her passion did begin,
Whilst all the Constellations of her Fate,
Fixt in the Zenith of bright honour sate,
Whilst his (deprest by adverse Fortune) in
Their Nader lay (even to his hopes) unseen.
Whilst thus Enthean fire did lye conceald,
With different Curtains, least by being reveald,
Cross Fate, which could not quench it, should to death
Scorch all their hopes, burnd in the angry breath
Of her incensed Father, whilst the fair
Pharonnida was striving to repair
The wakeful ruines of the day, within
Her Bed, whose Down of late by Love had been
Converted into Thorns, she having payed
The restless tribute of her sorrow, stayed
To breath a while in broken slumbers, such
As with short blasts cool feverish brains, but much
More was in hers, a strong Prophetick dream,
Divering by Enigmaes Natures stream,
Long hovering through the Portals of her mind,
On vain phantastick Wings, at length did find
The glimerings of obstructed reason, by
A brighter beam of pure divinity,
Led into supernatural light, whose Rayes,
As much transcended reasons, as the dayes
Dull mortal fires, faith apprehends to be
Beneath the glimerings of divinity.
Her unimprisond Soul disrob'd of all
Terrestial thoughts, like its Original,
[Page 76] In Heaven pure, and Immaculate, a fit
Companion did for those bright Angels sit,
Which the Gods made their Messengers to bear
This sacred truth: seeming transported where,
Fixt in the flaming Center of the world,
The heart oth' Mycrocosme, 'bout which is hurld
The spangl'd Curtains of the Sky, within
Whose boundless Orbs, the circling Planets spin
Those threads of time, upon whose strength rely
The pondrous Burthens of mortality;
An Adamantine World she sees, more pure,
More glorious far then this, fram'd to endure
The shock of Dooms-daies Darts, in which remains
The better Angels of what earth contains,
Plac'd there to govern all our Acts, and be
A Medium 'twixt us and Eternity.
Hence Nature from a Laberinth, half above,
Half underneath, that sympathetick Love
Which warms the World, to Generation sends,
On unseen Atomes, each small star attends
Here for his Message, which receiv'd is by
Their influence to the Astral Faculty,
That lurks on earth communicated; hence
Informing Forma sends Intelligence,
To the material principles of earth,
Her upper Garments, Natures second birth.
Upon each side of this large Frame, a Gate
Of different use was plac'd, at one there sate
A sprightly youth, whose Angels form delights,
Eyes dim'd with age, whose blandishments invights
Infants ith' Womb to court their wo, and be
By his false shape tempted to misery.
[Page 77] Millions of thousands swarm about him, though
Diseases do each minute strive to throw
Them from his presence, since being tempted by
His flattering form, all court it, though they ly
On beds of thorns to look on't, saving some
More wretched Male-contents, that hither come,
With Souls so sullen, that whilst time invights
Them to his Joys, they shun those smooth delights.
This, the Worlds Favourite, had a younger Brother.
Of different hue, each more unlike the other,
Then opposite Aspects Antipathy
Within their breasts, though they were forc'd to be
Almost inseparable dwelt: this Fiend
A passage guarded, which at th' other end
Oth' spatious Structure stood, betwixt each Gate
Was plac'd a Laberinth, in whose Angles sate
The vanities of Life, attempting to
Stay deaths pale Harbengers, but that black Cle [...],
Times dusty Girdle, Fates Arithmetick,
Griefs slow pac'd Snail, Joyes more then Eagle quick,
That Chain whose Links compos'd of hours and daies,
Thither at length spight of delay conveys
The slow pac'd steps of time; there alwaies stood
Near him one of the triple Sisterhood,
Who with deformity in love, did send
Him troops of Servants, hourly to attend
Upon his harsh Commands, which he from all
Society of flesh, without the Wall,
Down a dark Hill conveyd, at whose foot stood
An ugly L [...]ke, black as that horrid flood,
Gods made by men did feare, Myriads of Boats,
On the dark surface of the water floats,
[Page 78] Containing Passengers, whose different hue,
Tell them that from the Wals do trembling view
Their course, that there's no age of man to be
Exempted from that powerful tyrany.
A Tyde which nere shall know reflux, beyond
The baleful stream, unto a gloomy strond,
Circl'd with black obscurity, conveys
Each passenger, where their torn Chain of daies,
Is in Eternity pe [...]ckt up: between
These different Gates, the Princess having seen
Lifes various Sceans wrought to a method by
Disposing Angels, on a Rock more high
Then Natures common surface, she beholds
The Mansion house of Fate, which thus unfolds
Its sacred Mysteries, A trine within
A quadrate plac'd, both those incompast in
A perfect Circle was its form, but what
Its matter was, for us to wonder at,
Is undiscoverd left; a Tower there stands
At every Angle, where times fatal hands
Th' impartial Par [...]ae dwel, ith' first she sees
Clothe, the kindest of the Destinies,
From immaterial Essences to cull
The seeds of life, and of them frame the Wooll,
For Lachesi [...] to spin, about her flie
Myriades of Souls, that yet want flesh to lie
Warmd with their Functions in, whose strength bestows
That power by which man ripe for misery grows.
Her next of Objects was that glorious Tower,
Where that swift fingerd Nymph that spares no houre
From mortals service, draws the various threds
Of life in several lengths; to weary beds
[Page 79] Of age, extending some, whilst others in
Their Infancy are broke, some blackt in sin,
Others (the Favourites of Heaven) from whence
Their Origen, candid with Innocence:
Some purpl'd in afflictions, others dy'd
In sanguine pleasures; some in glittering pride,
Spun to adorn the Earth, whilst others wear
Rags of Deformity; but knots of care
No thread was wholly freed from. Next to this
Fair glorious Tower was plac'd that black Abbyss
Of dreadful Atropos, the bale ful seat
Of death and horrour, in each room replear,
With lazy damps, loud groans, and the sad sight
Of pale, grim Ghosts, those Terrours of the Night:
To this (the last stage) that the winding Clew
Of life can lead mortality unto;
Fear was the dreadful Porter, which let in
All Guests sent thither by destructive sin.
As its firm Basis, on all these depends
A lofty Piramid, to which each sends
Some Gift from Natures treasury to Fames
Uncertain hand, the hollow room with Names,
And empty sounds was only fil'd, of those,
For whom the Destinies daind to compose
Their fairest threads; as if but born to die,
Here all Ephem'raes of report did flie,
On feeble Wings, till being like to fall
Some faintly stick upon the slimy Wall,
Till the observant Antiquary rents,
Them thence to live in paper Monuments,
In whose Records they are preserv'd to be,
The various censures of posterity.
[Page 80] Ith' upper Room, as Favourites to Fate,
There only Poets (rich in Fancy) sate,
In that beneath, Historians, whose Records,
Do Theams unto those pregnant Wits afford;
Yet both preparing everlasting Bayes,
To crown their glorious dust, whose happy dayes
Were here spent well; beneath these cover'd o're
With dim oblivions shadows, Myriads more,
Till Dooms-day shall the gaudy World undress,
Lay huddl'd up in dark forgetfulness:
All which (as Objects not of worth to cast
A fixt Eye on) the Princess Genius past,
In heedless hast, untill obstructed by
Visions, that thus fixt her Souls wandring Ey.
A Light as great, as if that Dooms-daies flame
Were for a Lamp hung in the Court of Fame:
Directs her, where on a bright Throne there sate
Sicillia's better Genius: her proud state,
(Courted by all Earths greatest Monarchs) by
Three valiant Knights supported was, whose high
Merits disdaining a Reward, less great,
With equal hopes aim'd at the royal Seat,
Which since all could not gain, betwixt her three
Fair Daughters both her Crown and Dignity
Is equally bestow'd, by giving one
To each of them; when the divided Throne,
Had on each Angle fixt a Diadem,
Her Vision thus proceeds; the royal Stem,
That bore her Fathers Crown, to view first brings
Its golden Fruit, a glorious Race of Kings,
Led by the Founder of their Fame, their Rear
Brought by her Father up: next those that bear,
[Page 81] Epirus honourd Armes, the royal train
Concluding in Zoranza: this linkt Chain
Drawn to an end, the Princes that had swayed
Argalia's Scepter, fill the Scean till stayed
By the Epirots Sword, their conquerd Crown,
From aged Gelons hoaty head dropt down,
At fierce Zoranza's feet; this she beholds
With admiration, whilst hid truth unfolds
It self in plainer objects, the distrest
Actolian Prince again appears, but drest
In a poor Pilgrims Weed, in's hand he leads
A lovely Boy, in whose sweet look she reads
Soft pitties Lectures, but whilst gazing on
This Act till lost in admiration,
By sudden Fate he seemd transformd, to what
She last beheld him, only offering at
Loves Shrine his heart to her Idea; there
Joy had bereav'd her slumbers, had not fear
Clouded the glorious Dream, a dreadful mist,
Black as the steams of Hell, seeming to twist
Its ugly vapours, into shades more thick
Then Night ingendring Damps, had with a quick
But horrid darkness vail'd the Room, t' augment
Whose terrour a Clouds sulphry bosome rent,
With dreadful thunder-claps, darting a bright
But fearful blaze through th' artificial Night,
Lent her so much use of her Eyes to see
Argalia groveling in his blood, which she
Had scarce beheld, ere the malignant flame
Vanisht again she shrieks, and on his Name
Doth passionatly call, but here's no sound
Startles her Ear, but hollow groans, which drownd
[Page 82] Her Soul in a cold sweat of fears, which ended,
A second blaze lends her its light, attended
With Objects, whose wild horrour did present
Her Fathers Ghost then seeming to lament,
Her injur'd Honour, in his Company,
Thd slain Laconians Spirit, which let free
From the dark Prison of the cold Grave, where
In rusty Chains he lay, was come to bear
Her to that sad Abode, but as she now
Appeard to sink, a golden Cloud did bow
From Heavens fair Arch, in which Argalia seemd,
Clad in bright Armour fitting, who redeemd
Her from approaching danger, which being done,
The darkness vanisht, and a glorious Sun
Of welcome Light displayd its beams, by which
A Throne the first resembling, but more rich
In its united Glory to the eye,
Presents its luster, where in Majesty
The Angels that attend their better Fate,
P [...]ac'd her, and brave Argalia, in which state
The un-bard portals of her Soul, let fly
The golden slumber, whose dear memory,
Shall live within her noble thoughts, until
Treading o're all obstructions, Fate fulfil
These dark predictions, whose obscurity,
Must often first her Souls afflictions be.
When now the Mornings dews, that cool allay,
Which cures the Feavers of th' intemperate day,
Were rarifi'd to Aire, the Princess to
Improve her joy in private thoughts, withdrew
From burthensome society within
A silent Groves cool shadows, what had been
[Page 83] Her Midnights joy to recollect, in which
Delightful task, whilst Memory did enrich
The robes of Fancy, to divert the stream
Of thoughts, intentive only on her Dream.
Argalia enters with a speed, that shewed
He unto some supream Commander owed
That diligence, but when arriv'd so near
As to behold, stopt with a reverend fear,
Least this intrusion on her Privacies,
Might ruffle Passion, which now floating lies
In a calm stream of thoughts, he staies, till she
By her Comm [...]nds gave fresh activity
To his desires, then with a lowly grace,
Yet such, to which Prides haughty Sons gave place,
For Native sweetness, he on's knee presents
A Packet from her Father, whose Contents,
If Love can groan beneath a greater Curse,
Then Desperation, made her sufferings worse
Then fear could represent them, 'twas exprest
In Language that not wholly did request,
Nor yet command consent; only declare,
His royal Will, and the paternal Care
He bore his Kingdomes safety, which could be
By nought confirm'd, more then Afinity,
With the Laconian Prince, whose big fame stood
Exalted in a spatious Sea of blood,
On Honours highest Pyramid; his hand
Had made the triple headed spot of Land,
One of her stately Promontories bow,
Beneath his Sword, and with his Scepter now,
He at the other reaches, which, if Love
But gently smile on's new-born hopes, and prove
[Page 84] Propitious as the God of War, his Fate
C [...]imbs equal with his wishes, but too late,
That slow-pac'd Soldier bent his Forces to
Storm that fair Virgin Cittadell, which knew
Ere his pretences could a Parlee call,
Beneath what force that royal Fort must fall.
Inclos'd within this rough Lords Le [...]ters [...]he
Receiv'd his Picture, which inform'd her be
Wanted dissimulation (that worst part
O [...] Courtship ( [...]o put Complements of Art
On his Effigies; his stern Brow far more
Glorying ith' Scars, then in the Crown he wore:
His active Youth made him Retainer to
The Court of Mars, something too long to sue
For entrance into Love's, like Mornings clad
In griesl'd Frosts, ere plump-cheek'd Autume had
Sh [...]rn the Glebs golden Locks, some silver hairs
Mixt with his black appeard; his Age dispairs
Not of a hopeful Heir, nor could his Youth
Promise much more, the venerable truth
Of glorious Victories, that stuck his Name
For Ornament ith' Frontispiece of Fame,
Together with his Native greatness were,
His Orators to plead for Love, but where
Youth, Beauty, Valor, and a Soul as brave,
Though not known great as his, before had gave
Loves pleasing wounds; Fortunes neglected gain,
In fresh assaults, but spends her strength in vain.
With as much ease as Souls, when ripen'd by
A wel-spent life, hast to eternity.
She had sustaind this harsh encounter, though
Backt with her Fathers threats, did it not shew
[Page 85] More dreadful yet, in a command which must
Call her Argalia, from his glorious trust,
Her Guardian to a separation in
An Embassie to him, whose hopes had been
Her new created fears, which sentence read
By the wise Lady, though her passions bred
A sudden tumult, yet her reason staies
The Torrent, till Argalia who obaies
The strictest limits of observance to
Her he adornd, being reverently withdrew,
Inlarg'd her sorrow in so loud a tone,
That ere he's through the winding Laberynth gone,
So far, but that he could distinctly hear
Her sad Complaints, they thus assault his Ear:
Unhappy Soul, born only to infuse
Pearls of delight with Vinegar, and lose
Content for Honour; it's a sin to be
Born high, that robs me of my liberty:
Or is't the curse of greatness to behold
Vertue through such false Opticks as unfold
No splendor less, from equal Orbs they shine?
What Heaven made free, ambitious men confine,
In regular degrees: poor Love must dwel
Within no Climate, but what's parallel,
Unto our honourd births; the envied Fare
Of Princes oft these burthens find from state;
When lowly Swains knowing no Parents voice,
A Negative, make a free happy choice.
And here she sigh'd, then with some drops di [...]tild,
From Loves most soveraign Elixar fil'd
The chrystal Fountains of her eyes, which ere
Dropt down, she thus recals again; but nere,
[Page 86] (Ne're my Argalia) shall these fears destroy
My hopes of thee, Heaven let me but enjoy
So much of all those blessings, which their Birth
Can take from frail Mortality, and Earth,
Contracting all her Curses cannot make
A storm of danger loud enough to shake
Me to a trembling Penitence, a Curse,
To make the horrour of my sufferings worse,
Sent in a Fathers Name, like Vangeance fell
From angry Heaven, upon my head may dwell,
In an eternal stain; my honourd Name
With pale disgrace may languish, busie Fame
My Reputation spot, Affection be
Term'd uncommanded Lust, sharp poverty,
That Weed which kils the gentle Flower of Love,
As the result of all these Ills may prove
My greatest misery, unless to find
My self unpitied, yet not so unkind,
Would I esteem this mercenary Band,
As those far more malignant powers that stand
Arm'd with diswasions to obstruct the way,
Fancy directs, but let those Souls obay
Their harsh Commands, that stand in fear to shead
Repentant tears: I am resolv'd to tread
These doubtful pathes, through all the shades of fear,
That now benights them. Love, with pity hear
Thy Suppliants Prayers, and when my clouded Eyes
Shall cease to weep, in Smiles I'le sacrifice
To thee such Offerings, that the utmost date
Of deaths rough hands shall never violate.
Whilst our fair Virgin-sufferer was in
This Agony, Argalia that had been
[Page 87] Attentive, as an envied Tyrant to
Suspected Counsels: from her Language drew
So much, that that pure essence which informs
His knowledge, shall in all the future storms
Of Fate protect him, from a fear that did
Far more then death afflict, whilst Love lay hid
In Honours upper Region, now whilst she
Calmly withdraws, to let her Comforts be
Hopes of's return, his latest view forsook
His Souls best comfort, who hath now betook
Her self to private thoughts, where with what rest,
Love can admit, I leave her, and him blest
In a most prosperous Voyage, but happier far
In being directed by so bright a Star.
The end of the first Book.

PHARONNIDA. The second Book.

CANTO THE FIRST.

The ARGUMENT.
I.
Still wakefull guilt, Almanzors Rebel sin,
Taking advantage of unguarded mirth,
Which now without mistrust did revell in,
The Princess Court gives thence new Treason birth.
II.
By treachery seiz'd, and through Nights shades conveyed
She had for ever in this storm been lost,
Had not its rage by such rude hands been stayed,
That safety neer as much as danger cost.
THese Hell-ingendred Embrioes, which had long
Lay hid within Almanzors breast, grown strong;
Now for delivery strives; Clandestine plots,
Ripen'd with Age and Lust, dissolve the knots,
[Page 90] Wherein his fear had fetterd them, and fly
Beyond the Circle of his Loyalty.
Since his deserts made him a stranger to
His Princess Court, he'd liv'd like those that do
Fly that pursuing Vengeance, which attends
A Rebels Acts, seen only to such Friends,
Whose blemmisht Honour, suffering in his fall,
Assist his rising, though they venter all
By that unlawful Act, on pathes that may
Precipitate to ruine; the dark way
Had long been sought for, Consultations did
Whisper Rebellion in soft Aires, forbid
To live in louder Language, until like
Inevitable thunder it could strike,
As swift, as secret, and as sure as those,
Heavens anger hu [...]ls through all that durst oppose.
In all the progress of that dark design,
Whose unseen Engines strove to undermine
That power (which since Heaven doth in Kings infuse)
None but unhallowed Rebels durst abuse
Time (Treasons secret Midwife) did produce
No birth like this; such Friends as often use
Had taught him their Souls Characters he makes
Sharers of's guilt; but whilst he (troubl'd) takes
A care to fit each smaller Wheel unto
This fatal Engine, those black powers that do
Assist such dark designs, a moving spirit,
Supplies it with, although Almanzors merit
Purchast few friends, yet had his tempting Gold
Corrupted some, 'mongst which it surest hold
Upon Amphibia took, a Lady who
Before Florenza's sweeter vertues drew
[Page 91] Her Favour to a better Object, swayed,
The Princess choice Affections she betrayed
By glittering Charms, perswades her thoughts no deed
For guilt is branded, whose attempts may feed
Ambitions malice, and at one blow give
Envie and Avarice a hope to live
Pleas'd with their ruine, whose fair merits dwell
High in those thoughts, from whence she justly fell.
To rack revenge unto as large extent,
As hate could wish, what Hell could nere invent,
Without assistance of a female Wit,
Mans first Betrayer, all that seemd but fit
From Treasons close embrace to propagate
Revenge she lights him, what (though close as Fate,
When parling with the Destinies) is by
Her Counsel acted, swift as stories fly
From vulgar Tongues, her treachery makes known
To the bold Rebbel, whose intentions grown
Hence ripe for Action, when his secret guilt
A strong retreat had for rebellion built,
By laying the foundation on't, in those
Whom since by want, or envy made the Foes
To th' publick peace, are soon perswaded by
Their Princess fall, to cure that malady.
This plat-form layd, some whose wise valour he
By practice knew, adornd with secresie,
Amongst the number of his guilty friends,
Selected in its first attempt, attends
Treasons dark walks, which now more secret by
Nights dismal shadows made, had brought them nigh
The Princess Palace, through the Hemisphears
Dark Curtain, now the big bulkt roof appears,
[Page 92] And dapl'd Windows shewd their severall light,
Like rich Enamel in the Jet of Night;
All rockt in sweet security they found,
By Fate false smiles, triumphant mirth had crownd
The glorious Train, whose height of joy could tast,
No poyson of suspition, each embrac'd
His free delights, yet feard, no Snake should lye
Lurking within those Flowers: amidst which high
Divine flames of enthean joy, to her
That level'd had their way, a Messenger
Makes known their neer approach, for which before
She had prepar'd, and vaild the Pavement o're
In thin, but candid Innocence; accurst
By all that ere knew Vertue: oh, how durst
Thy Envie turn these commick Sceans into
So red a Tragedy as must ensue,
Thy guilts Stenography, which thus writes Fate
In Characters of blood: but now too late
'Tis to repent, when punishment wrought fair,
Shews thy foul Crimes, thou only mayst despair.
Leaving this Fiend to hatch her Vipers here,
Lets breath awhile, although in full carier,
Stay on the brow oth' precipice to view
The Cou [...]ts full joyes, which being arriv'd unto
Their Zenith seemd to Fate-discerning Eyes,
Like Garlands were before a Sacrifice,
The Cornu Copiae from the Tables now,
Remov'd by full fed Rurals, did allow
Time for discourse, as much as modest mirth
Durst stretch her wings; crownd Cups gave lusty birth
To active sports. The hearts warm bounties flame
From lofty Piles, and in their pride became
[Page 93] The luster of the Roof; to glorifie
Which yet imperfect Festival, the eye
That lent to this large body light divine,
Pharonnida, at whose adored Shrine,
These Sacrifices offerd were, appears
Within the Hall, and with her presence clears
Each supercillious brow, if hopes to see
What's now enjoy'd, suffer'd such there to be.
The Princess on her honourd Throne repos'd,
A Fancy tempting, Musick first unclos'd
The winding Portals of the Soul, which done,
Four Swains, whose time directed knowledge won
Attention with Credulity, by turn
Sicillia's Annals sung, and from the Urn
Of now almost forgotten truth did raise
Their Fame (those branches of eternal Baies.)
Which sober mirth, Preparatives unto
More active sports continuing, whilst the new
Modell of Treason was disguizing in
A Mask ordaind to candie o're their sin,
To gild those Pills of poyson with delight,
And strew with Roses, deadly Aconite,
Was now drawn neer an end, when from without
A murmuring noise of several sounds about
The Palace Gates was heard, which suddenly,
Dissolving to an antick harmony,
Proclaims their entrance, whose first solemn sight,
In dreadful shapes mixt terrour with delight.
In the black front of that slow March appears,
A Train, whose difference both in Sex and years,
Had spoke confusion, if agreement in
Their Acclamation had no Prologue been.
[Page 94] A Dance where method in disorder lay,
Where each seemd out, though all their rules obay,
Was first in different measures trod, which done
Twelve arm'd Viragoes, whose strange habit won
More admiration then their beauty led,
As many captive Satyrs, in the head
Oth' Amazonian troop, a Matron by,
To younger Nymphs supported, till come nigh
Pharonnida's bright Throne, presents the rest
Her Issue, who externally exprest,
So many fair soul'd Vertues, born to be
Protectors of their Mother Chastity,
Who wants their help, although supported by
Her weaker daughters Fear, and Modesty.
Those obscean vices, whose rude hands betray
Natures deformities forc'd to obay,
Their brave opposing Vertues did appear
Ith' captive Satyrs, who, being now brought near
A dreadful Musick's heard without, whose sound
Did gentler Aires in their first births confound;
VVhich being a signall to that act of blood,
That soon ensues, whilst all expecting stood,
Some happier change, the false viragoes drew
Their Swords, and with a speedy fury slew
The struggling Knights, who thus disguiz'd had bin,
VVith the more horrour to be murtherd in
Their royal Mistress sight, whose shrieks did tell,
VVhat trembling Guests within her breast did dwell.
Sudden and cruel was the Act, yet stands
Not Treason here, but whilst their purpl'd hands
Yet wreakt in blood, their guilty Souls to stain,
VVith blacket sins (her weak Defenders slain)
[Page 95] Rush toward the trembling Princess, who now lies
Betrayed by the Souls Janitors, her Eyes
To Passions insupportable, which grown
A burthen to her Spirits, all were flown
To th' Porch of death for rest: if Souls new fled
From tainted bodies that have surfeited,
On studied sins, could be discernd when they
Unarmd with penitence, are hurld away,
By long armd Fiends, less pale, less horrid would
Their guilty looks appear, confusion could
Not live in livelier emblem, each appears
To flie the danger, but about him bears
Its pale effects: so passengers forsake
A sinking Ship, such strong Convulsions shake
Surprized Forts, so Doomsdays Trumpet shall
Startle the unprepared world, when all
Her Attomes in their then worn Robes shall be
Ravisht in flames to meet eternity.
Th' unguarded Princess being by all forsook,
But poor Florenza, both from thence are took,
VVhilst neither in that horrid Agony,
Beheld their danger, and transported by
Almanzor to his Coach, which near attended,
On his assur'd success, who now befriended
VVith the protecting darkness hasts away,
Swift as desire with the fair trembling prey.
Those few opposing friends, whose will was more,
Then power to relieve her, over bore
By the victorious Rebbels, did in vain
Attempt her rescue, which since fruitless, slain,
Her Martyrs fall, leaving their lives to be,
An evidence of dying Loyalty.
[Page 96] Success attends thus far, but Fortune now
Left off to smile on Villany, her brow
Contracted into frowns, she swiftly sent
This Countermand, her Followers having spent
Their own endeavours to no purpose raise,
In hast the neighbourig Villages, nor staies
The swift Alarm, till it had out-fled
The speed Almanzor made; rouz'd from his Bed,
And warm Embraces of his Wife, by those
Which had out-run the danger of their Foes:
The drousie Villager in trembling hast,
Snatches such Armes as former fear had plac'd,
Fit to defend, with which whilst Hor [...]pies call
In tones more frantick then a bacchinal.
They stumble to their Rendesvouz, which none
But only by the louder cries had knowne.
This giddy multitude, which no command
Knew, but what rage did dictate, hovering stand,
Like big swoln Clouds drove by a doubtful wind,
Uncertain where to fall: one cries behind
The greatest danger lies; some like his choice,
And speedily retreat, untill a voice
More powerful though from the like judgment sprung,
Perswades them on again; some madly rung
The jarring Bels, as far from harmony,
As their Opinions: all which disagree
About the place, whence the Alarum's come,
One cries the Princess Court, untill struck dumb,
By a more terrifying Fool that swears
The next Port is surpriz'd, tow'rd which he stares,
To see the Beacons blaze, but is from far,
Deceiv'd by th' light of an [...]scending star.
[Page 97] So many shapes bear their weak Fancies, that,
All would do something, but there's none knows what.
In this strange Medly of Confusion, they
That could command, want such as would obey,
To exercise their power; each thinks his own
Opinion best, so must perform't alone:
Or else remain, as hitherto they had,
Busie in doing nothing: in which mad
Fit of distracted fury, like to fight,
For want of Foes amongst themselves, the Night
(Grown grey with age) fore-shewd her death, when each
Thinking that now he'd done enough to teach,
An active Soldier vigilance in spending
A Night abroad, which they will call defending
Their Prince and Country from a danger, but
What twas they know not, swearing't shall be put
In the next Chronicle, they disunite,
Their nere wel-joynted Forces, and a flight
Rather then march, to th' several Hamlets take,
From whence at first, being scarce half awake,
Not so much cloathd, their heedless hast had sent
Them, only noise and number to augment.
One troop of this disbanded Company,
Which, though but few, more then could wel agree
To march together, by mistake being cast
Into a narrow straight, met as they past
The Coach that bore the Princess, being by those
That stole her guarded, the mad Rowt t' oppose
Their farther passage, not because they thought
Them to be those their Ignorance had sought,
In their late meeting, the Antipathy
Twixt them and th' Gentry, is enough to be
[Page 98] That quarrels Parent, whose event shall make
Their Prince and Country blest in their mistake.
Startl'd from all his temperate joyes with this
Unlookt for Remora ith' Road of bliss,
Inrag'd Almanzor rows to ford the Flood
Oth' present danger, or with his own blood,
Augment the stream, with that he flies among,
Those that are nearest of the numerous throng,
Who, when they found what difference was between
Their Clubs (blunt as their Valor [...]) and the keen
Edge of his Sword would have fell back, but are
Forc'd on by those behind, who being far
From danger, fear it not. Thus some are forc'd
To fight, till their unwilling Souls divorc'd
From their cold Lodgings made their peace; but here
Whilst he a Conqu'ror reigns, ingenious fear,
Taught them that du [...]st no neerer come, to do
Most mischief at a distance, climb'd unto
The Rocks inequitable Clifts: from thence
They shower down stones that equally dispense,
Danger 'mongst Friends and Foes; had she not been
Defended by her Coach, their Princess in
This storm had perisht: or had fear of death
Unfixt her thoughts, she'd spent that pretious breath,
Now sacrificing in her prayers to be
From their wild rage deliverd safe, but she
(Opprest with Lethargies of sorrow) lends
No eare to this rude fight, on which depends,
So much of Fate, danger appears to ly,
Not more in the disease, then remedy.
Whilst the oppos'd Almanzor now had neer
Hewd forth his way through all of them, appear
[Page 99] More company by their loud clamors drew,
Unto their timely aide; now danger grew,
Horrid and threatning, till the impe [...]eous shower,
Wetting the Wings of the fierce Rebels power;
Clog all his hopes of flight, unless he leave,
His trembling prey behind him; to bereave
Him of his last of hopes, he sees his train
Begin to drop▪ with those that yet remain
He thinks it time, whilst undiscover'd, to
Secure himself, which difficult to do;
At length (though not unwounded) he alone
Breaks through their Forces, blest in being unknown:
Else had their batterd Weapons spar'd to shed
The blood of others, and had surfeited
On his, which adding knowledge to the fire
Of Rage, they had most reason to desire.
The unsuccesful Rebel thus secur'd,
By speedy flight, his train not long endur'd
The circling danger, which from each side sends,
Symptomes so deadly, all their strength de [...]ends
Not the rude torrent, nor their prayers could calm
Their Foes stern rage; sweet Mercies healing Balm
Is the extraction of brave Spirits, which
(By innate valor rarified) enrich
With that fair Jem, the triumphs of success,
Whilst Cowards make the Victors glory less,
Their highest flame of rage being but dull earth,
Fir'd into tyranny, the spurious birth
Of a precedent fear, whose baseness knows
No calm, but what from others danger grows.
And now the field, scourd by the beastly rage
Oth' savage Clowns, had left no Foe t' engage
[Page 100] A Life, nor could their policy perswade
Them to let one survive, till he had made
The Plot discoverd, with rude hast they crush
Their trembling Souls out, and all Weapons blush,
In part of th' b [...]o [...]d, so many bands had gave
Them hurt less Wounds, that the expecting Grave,
Needs only take their Bones, for madly they
Had mi [...]c'd their flesh for th' Vultures easier prey.
This Vict'ry gaind, they hast to th' Coach, and thence
The unknown Princess take, no large expence
Of prayers, pourd from Florenza's fears could be,
So powerful to obtain Civility.
She tels them who their rage prophanes, and by
Their Princess Name conjures them, but the high
Exalted out-cries drown her voice, till one,
Who had the Rape of the sad Lady known,
When first performd, did with a louder voice
Proclaim her there, and having first made choice
Of a more civil Companvt' oppose
Th' uncivil Clowns, rescues her, and then shews,
How neer their heedless rage had cast away
The glorious Prize of that victorious day.
From fainting slumbers raisd, the Princess now
Secure in their discovery, taught them how
To turn her Fury into Zeal, and show
By serving her, the Allegiance that they ow
Her royal Father. To the Palace come,
Rewarding all, she there commands that some
Stay for her Guard, but soon that Order grew
A troublesome obedience, none would to
His Cottage, whilst that any stayed within
The Palace Gates, but long they had not been
[Page 101] Thus burthensomly diligent, ere on
A new design, each struggles to be gone
From's former Charge; a Messenger is sought,
Who to the Court must post, but each one thought
Himself of most ability, so all
Or none must go, yet ere the difference fall
Into a neer approaching quarrel, he
Who rescu'd her, the Princess chose to be
Her Messenger. Euriolus (for so
The Youth was cald) disdaining to be slow,
Where such Commands gave Wings, with speed unto
The Court was come, but busie Fame out-flew
His eager hast, and ere's Arrival spread
Some scatterd fragments of the news, which bred
Suspition of that doubt full truth, from whence
His Message leads to doleful Confidence,
The end of the first Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The second Book. CANTO THE SECOND.

The ARGUMENT.
III.
Fre [...] from suspition by a Cause that tells
His injur'd Prince, Almanzors guilt exceed [...]
His great'st mistrust, from thence just anger swells,
Till for that Feaver the whole Nation bleeds.
IV.
Armies united in a dreadfull hast,
From distant places sad Spectators bring,
To see by Fortune Justice so defac'd,
The Subjects here pursue a Conquer'd King.
MOrea's prudent Prince, whose scars had bin
Before this Message, but like truths wrapt in
Dark Oracles; now, with a sence inlarg'd,
Beyond imperfect doubts, no longer charg'd
[Page 103] His Judgment with Dilemma's, but in all
The hast indulgent Love, when by the call
Of danger frighted, could procure, without
Staying to let slow Counsel urge a doubt,
Which might but seem a Remora unto
His fixt desires, having together drew;
His Guard was marching; when, in such a hast
As breathless speed fore-shewd they had been chac'd
By some approaching danger, such as were
Too full of truth, and loyalty to bear,
Rebellion longer, then their thoughts could be
Eas'd of the burthen by discoverie:
Arrive at th' Court with this sad news, that by
Almanzor (who forgetting Loyalty)
Had seiz'd Alcithiu's Castle, they were drove
To fly their Country, since that there he strove
To raise an Army, by whose strength he might,
To the Swords power subject the Scepters right,
By this sad news startl'd out of his late
Fixt resolutions, the vext Prince whose Fate
Had not through all the progress of his Reign,
Darted so many Plagues to entertain
Them now with strength unballast, cals in hast
His late neglected Counsel, and embrac'd
This sudden, but mature advice, that he
Should with such Forces as could soonest be
Prepar'd for service, having only seen
Pharonnida, possess that streight between
The Castle, and the Mountains, from whose rude
Inhabitants, which Nature did include
Within those Rocks, Rebellion soonest might
Grow to a dangerous tumour, the dim light
[Page 104] Of scarce discerned Majesty, so far
Being from them remov'd, that least a War,
Inforc'd him to command their aide, they nere
Heard of his Mandates, being more fit to bear
The weight of Armour on their bodies, then
Of Taxes on Estates, so smal that when
With all the art of Industry improv'd,
For want were kept, but not for ease belov'd.
Through paths that no Vestigia shewed to these
As being retaind, or lost with greatest ease;
Since naturally unconstant, comes the King,
Not much too late, Majestick Rayes did bring
Props to their wavering Faith that yet remaind
Unclad in lawless Armes, some being gaind
Unto Almanzor, whose revolt had brought
That freedome those, whose subtile plots long sought
For Innovations, wisht; the sickly State
In sad Eruptions, such as future Fate,
From sacred truths, speaks deadly symptomes in
Relaxes, all that order which had been
Till now her Cement; the soft harmony
Of peaceful Contracts, sadly silenc'd by
That discord, in whose flames the Kingdome burnd,
Had all their Measures into Marches turnd.
Throughout his Dominions speedy Orders flow,
For raising Troops; whilst with such hast, as new
Shorn Meadows, when approaching stormes are nigh,
Tir'd Labourers huddle up; both parties try
To levy Armies. The sad Scholar throws
His Books aside, and now in practice shews
His studied Theoricks; the stiff Labourer leaves
Ith' half-shorn fields the uncollected sheaves,
[Page 105] To female Taskers, and exchangd his hook
Into a Sword; each busie Trade that took
Pains in the nicer Ornaments of peace,
Sit idle till Want forc't them to encrease
The new raisd Troops; that Ornament oth' Hall,
Old Armours, which had nothing but a Wall
Of long time sav'd from the invading dust,
From Cobwebs swept, though its Enamel rust
Stick close, and on th' unpractic'd Soldier put,
Forth of their breasts, nor fear, nor danger shut.
Yet with an Army of this temper in
Hast huddl'd up, the wandring Prince had been
Inforc'd to fight, had not his just Cause brought
Some loyal Gentry, such, whose Vertue sought
Truth for reward, unto his side, with which
He now advances more compleatly rich,
In noble Valour, then's rebellious Foes,
In numerous Troops; no Enemies oppose
His speedy March, till being now come near
Alcithius Fort, Almanzors timely fear,
Hurries him thence; his better Fate depends
On larger hopes; unto such constant friends,
As equal guilt by sympathy secur'd,
To him he leaves the Castle, and assur'd
Them of relief, with what convenient speed,
Those of his Faction (which did only need
His presence to confirm rebellion by,
An injur'd power) could draw their Armies nigh.
As hence he marches, each succesful hour
Augments his strength, till the unlawful power,
Trebl'd his injur'd Princes; but as they
Who carry guilt about them, do betray
[Page 106] Her by her Sister fear, so these whose Crimes
D [...]tected, durst not, in more peaceful times,
Look Justice in the face, and therefore now
Stood vail'd in Armes against her, fearing how
She might prevail 'gainst power, march not till
A greater strength their empty bosomes fill
With hope, a tumor which doth oft dilate
The narrow Souls of Cowords, till their Fare
Flatter them into ruine, then forsakes
Them in an Earthquake, whose pale terror shakes
Base Souls to flight, whilst noble valor dies,
Adorn'd with Wounds, Fames bleeding Sacrifice.
Almanzors doubtful Army, since that here
The threatning storm at distance did appear,
Lockt in a Calme, possest with confidence,
Slowly their Squadrons move, but had from thence
Not a daies journey marcht, before the sad
News of Alcithiu's desperate danger had
Pal'd o're their Camp, which whilst the Leaders strove
To anim [...]te, Almanzor faster drove
On those designs, which (prospering) might prevent
It from surrender, but the time was spent
Too far before. The Governor that kept
It now, against his Prince too long had slept,
In the preceding down of peace, to be
Awakn'd into valour, only he
Had seen't kept clean from Cobwebs, and perhaps
The Guns shot off, when those loud thunder-claps
Proclaim'd a storm of healths; yet till he saw
The threatning danger circularly draw
An armed Line about him, in as high
A voice as valor, could a Foe defie,
[Page 107] He clothes his fears, which shook the false disguise
Off with the first assault, and swiftly flies
To's Princes mercy, whose pleas'd Soul he found
Heighten'd, to have his first attempt thus crownd
With Victory, which nere made his Army less,
Nor steept in blood, though travaild to success.
To this new Conquest, as a place whose strength,
He best might trust, if to a tedious length,
Or black Misfortune, the ensuing War,
His Fate should spin, his choicest treasures are,
Together with her, in whose safety he,
Plac'd Life it self, brought for security.
This done, that now no slow delaies might look
Like feare, he with his loyal Army took
The field, in which he'd scarce a Level chose,
To rallie's Army, ere his numerous Foes,
Appear on th' tops of the adjacent Hill,
Like Clouds, which when presaging storms, do fill
Dark Southern Regions: In a plain that lay
So near, that both the Armies full survay,
Might from the Clifts, on which Alcithius stands,
Be safely viewd, were the rebellious bands
Of 's Enemies descending, on each side
Flank'd by a River which did yet divide
Him from the Prince, who having time to choose
What ground to fight on, did that blessing use
To's best advantage, on a Bridge which by
Boards closely linkt had forc'd an unity
Betwixt the Banks, his Army past, he now
Within a Plain, whose spatious bounds allow,
Together with a large extention, all,
An ancient Leader could convenient call.
[Page 108] Remov'd no tedious distance from his Rear
Stood a smal Town, which, as the place took care
How to advance so just an interest, might
Be useful, when tir'd in the heat of fight,
Strength lost in Wounds should force some thither by
Wants which a Camp's unfurnisht to supply.
More near his Front, betwixt him, and the Plain,
Through which Almanzor led his spatious Train,
On a smal Hill which gently rose, as though
Its eminence, but only strove to shew
The fragrant Vale, how much nice Art out-went
Their beauties in her brows fair Ornament,
A splendid Palace stood, which having been
Built but for wanton peace to revel in,
Was as unfit for the rough hand of War,
As boisterous Armes for tender Virgins are.
To this, since now of consequence unto
The first Possessor had both Armies drew;
Commanded parties, which ere Night shut in,
Lights latest Rayes, did furiously begin
The first hot Skirmish, which continuing till
Dark shadows all the Hemisphear did fill,
To such as Fear, or Novelty had sent,
To th'Hils safe tops, such dreadful prospect lent,
By the swift rising of those sudden fires,
In whose short close, that fatal sound expires;
Which tels each timerous Auditor its breath,
To distant breasts, bears unexpected death:
That whilst their eyes direct their thoughts unto
Their danger, whom Reward or Honour drew
To the Encounter, all the uncouth sight
Affords, to horror turns that strange delight▪
[Page 109] These circling fires drawn neer their Center, in
Such tumult, as Armies engag'd begin
Deaths fatal task, a dreadful sound surpriz'd
The distant Ear, danger, that lay disguiz'd
In darkness yer, now, as if wak'nd by
The Conquerors shouts, so general, and so high
That it even drownd the clamourous Instruments
Of fatal War, her Vale of sables rents,
From round the Palace, by that horrid light,
Which her own Turrets, through the steams of Night
In dreadful blazes sent, discovering both
The shadowed Armies, who like Mourners loth
To draw too near their sorrows Center, while
Their friends, consume, surround the blazing Pile,
In such a sad and terrible aspect,
That those engag'd in Action, could neglect
Approaching danger, to behold how they
Like Woods grown near the foot of Aetna lay,
Whilst the proud Palace from her sinking Wals,
In this sharp Feavers fiery Chrisis fals.
But now the Nights, as wearied with a Rain,
So ful of trouble, had resign'd again,
The earths divided Empire, and the day
Grown strong in light, both Armies did display
To their full view, who to the Mountain, in
Sad expectation of th' event, had been▪
Early Spectators cal'd; here, seated nigh
Their female friends, old men exempted by
Weakness from Wars to, rough encounters, shew
Those Colours which, their active Youth did know
Adorn the field, when those that now engage,
Like tender Plants, kept for the future age,
[Page 110] In blooming Childhood were, 'mongst this they tell
What Heroes in preceding Battels fel,
Where Victory stoop to Valor, and where rent
From brave desert by fatal Accident:
Then ere their story can a period have,
Shew Wounds they took, and tell of some they gave.
This sad Praeludium, to an action far
More dismal past, the unvaild Face of War
Looks big with horror; now both Armies draw
So neer, that their divided Brothers saw
Each others guilt (that too too common sin
Of civil War.) Rebellions Sons stood in
Armes 'gainst their Fathers clad: friends that no cross
Could dis-unite, here found the fatal loss
Of Amity, and (as presaging blood)
Ith' worst Aspect, sad opposition stood,
One was their fashion, form, and discipline,
Strict Heraulds in one Scutcheon did combine
Th' Armes of both Armies, yet all this must be
By Wars wild rage rob'd of its unity.
Whilst like sad Saturn, ominous and slow,
Each Army mov'd, some Youths set here to grow
By forward Actions, stately Cedars, to
Adorn Fames Court, like shooting Stars were flew,
So bright, so glittering, from th' unweildy throng
Of either Army, which being mixt among
Each other, in a swift Numidian fight,
Like Aires small Atomes, when discovering light
Betraies their motion shews, some hours had past
In this light Skirmish, till now near Wars last
Sad Scean arriv'd, as the distrest heart cals,
Before the body deaths pale Victim fals,
[Page 111] Those Spirits that dispers'd by action were
Back to their Center, their Commanders care,
Summons these in, that so united strength
Might swiftly end, or else sustain the length
Of that black storm, where yet that danger stood,
Which must ere long fall in a shower of blood.
A dismal silence, such as oft attends
Those that surround the death-beds of their friends,
In the departing minute, reigns throughout,
Both Armies Troops, who gather'd now about
Their several Standards, and distinguisht by
Their several colours, such variety
Presents the eye with, that whilst the sad thought
Beholds them but as falling branches brought
To the decay of time, their view did bring
In all the pleasures of the checkquerd Spring.
Like a large field, where being confin'd unto
Their several squares, here blushing Roses grew,
There purpl'd hiacinths, and neer to them,
The yellow Cowslip bends its tender stem,
To th' Mountains top, the Army marching low,
Within the Vale, their several Squadrons shew.
This silent time, which by command was set
Asido to pay Confessions needful debt,
To oft offended Heaven, whose aide though gave
Ere askt, yet since our duty is to crave,
Expects our prayers, the Armies from their still
Devotion rais'd, declare what Spirits fill
Their breast, by such an universal joy,
As to get Young, and not the Old destroy,
Each had by beauteous Paranymphs been led,
Not to rough War, but a soft Nuptial Bed.
[Page 112] That fatal hour, by time, which though it last,
Till fixt Stars have a perfect Circle past,
We still think short, to Action brought, which now
So near approacht, it could no more allow
The Generals to consult, although there need,
Nought to augment, when Valours flame doth feed,
High on the hopes of Victory, the rage
Of eager Armies, ere their Troops engage
Their several Leaders, all that Art did use,
By which loud Wars rough Rhetorick doth infuse
Into those bodies, on whose strength consists
Their safety, Souls whose brave Resolves might twist
Them into Chains of Valour, which no force
Then death less powerful, ever should divorce.
The Prince, as more depending on the just
Cause that had drawn his Sword, which to distrust,
Looks like a Crime, soonest commits the day
To Fates Arbitrement; no more delay
Comforts the [...]ainting Coward: a sad sound
Of Cannon gave the Signal, and had drownd
The murmuring Drum in silence, Earth did groan,
In trembling Ecchoes, on her sanguine T [...]rone
High mounted Horrour sits, wild Rage doth fill
Each breast with Fury, whose fierce flames distill,
Life through th' Alimbecks of their R [...]ins, that Cloud
Of dust, which when they first did move, a shrowd
Of darkness vaild them in, allayd with blood,
Fell to the Earth, whose Clefts a crimson flood,
Fil'd to the brim, and when it could contain
No more, let forth those purple streams to stain
The blushing fields, which being made sl [...]ppery by
Th' unnatural shower, there lets them sink and dy:
[Page 113] Whose empty veins rent in this fatal strife,
Here dropt the treasure of exhausted Life.
In sad exchange of wounds, whilst the last breath,
Even flying forth to give another death;
Supports the fainting Spirits, all were now
Sadly imploy'd, arm'd danger could allow,
In this loud storm of Action, none to stand
Idle Spectators, but each busie hand
Labours in deaths great work, his life to sell
At rates so dear, that Foe by which he fell,
To boast his gain survives not; but now in
This mart of death, blind Fortune doth begin
To shew her self Antagonist unto
Less powerful Justice; In the common view
Of reason, which by the external shape
Of Actions only judges, no escape
From their desert, Captivity, was left,
The Rebels Armie, but th' unmanly theft
Of secret flight, to some, protected by
Their Fellows loss, when in a rage as high
As if it had attempted to out-roar
The Battels thunder, a rude Tempest bore
From Southern Climates, on th' exalted wings
Of new-rais'd winds, a change so fatal brings,
To th' royal Army, that from Vict'ries near,
Succesful pride, unto extreams which fear
Did nere suggest, it brought them back to view
Their glorious hopes thus sadly over-threw.
A strong reserve, rais'd by his friends to be
Almanzors rescue, if that Victorie,
Seem'd to assist the juster part, was now
Brought neer the River, which endeavouring how
[Page 114] To ford, they there unwillingly had been
Detaind, till strength had prov'd but useless in
The Princess Conquest, if the swelling flood,
VVhose added streams (too strong to be withstood)
Had not in that impeteous torrent tore
That Bridge which past the royal Army o're;
Whose severd Boats borne down the River, made
So sad a change, that whilst their Foes invade,
Their Rear on them, the late lamented loss,
Forbid the others when dispers'd to cross
Their Waves by dangers, which in each breast bred
Terrors as great as those from whence they fled.
The valiant Army, like Lifes Cittadel,
The heart, when nought but poysonous Vapours swel
Every adjacent part, long strugling in
Deaths sharp Convulsions, out of hopes to win
Ought there but what buyes the uncertain breath
Of future Fame, at the high price of death;
At length, not conquerd, but o're burthend by
A flood of power, in Nights obscurity,
When dreadful shadows had the field o're-spread,
As Darkness were a Herse-cloath for the dead;
That this daies losses might not grow too great
For reparation, by a hard retreat,
Attempt to save such of their strengths, as since
Inforc'd to fly, might safely guard the Prince
From dangers, which, could but his Foes have viewd,
Their motions all had unto death purfu'd.
In this distress, from that vast Sea of blood,
The field where late his Army marshald stood,
The wretched Prince retires, but with a train
So smal they seemd, like those that did remain
[Page 115] After a Deluge, where the Rivers course,
(Stopt with dead bodies) run with smallest force,
He venters o're the flood, whose guilty Waves,
Blushes in blood; some few whom Fortune saves
T' attend on his, a like succesful by
That bold adventure, whilst the Prince doth fly,
To guard Alcithius, by his Mandates are,
Since the disasters of this fatal War
Forc'd him to seek for more assistance, sent
To the Epic [...]te, striving to prevent
Those wild reports, that on the quick belief,
Of female fear, might be impos'd by grief,
He hasts to bear the sad Report to her,
Whose sorrows lost to see the Messenger.
The end of the second Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The second Book. CANTO THE THIRD

The ARGUMENT.
V.
Through the dark terrours of a dreadfull Night,
The Prince to's Daughter comes with flying speed
From dangers great, as those he fear'd in flight,
Is by Argalia's forward Valour freed.
VI.
Who having with succesfull Fortune gave
His Master freedome, their joyn'd strength pursue
Their flying Foes unto an unc [...]uth Cave,
In whose vast Womb Fates dark decrees they view.
THis last Retreat, which seemd but to defer
Danger by being Honours Sepulcher,
Attaind in hast, there calming all the strife
Of various Passion, since her Fathers Life,
[Page 117] Payd all the tears she owd his losses, he
His verteous Daughter found, prepar'd to be
No sad addition to his sorrow by,
The faults of female Imbecillity,
Untimely tears; but with a confidence
High as ere taught brave Valour to dispense
With sad disasters, arm'd to entertain
The worst of Ills, to ease the Wounded's pain,
Or stop their blood, those hands which once she thought
Should have to Victors Triumphs Garlands brought,
Are now imployd, yet that her Acts may be
The best examples to posterity;
Her present ill, she with such strength withstood,
Its power was lost in hopes of future good.
Precipitated from a Throne to be
Subjected by a Subjects tyranny:
To want their pity, who of late did know
No peace, but what his Influence did bestow,
With sad presaging fears, to think his fair,
His verteous Daughter, his rich Kingdomes Heir;
Like to be ravisht from his bafl'd power,
A Trophy to a rebel Conqueror,
With such afflicting griefs as did exclude,
The comforts of his passive Fortitude,
Opprest the Prince, when now an Army led,
By their pursuing Enemies ore-spread
The circling fields, and brings their fear within
The reach of th' Eye; heighten'd with hope to win
That now by parl, which ere the sad success
Of Battel made their conquer'd numbers less,
He feard in fight; the confidently bold
Almanzor in a Scrowl that did unfold
[Page 118] A Language, whose unreverend stile affords
Far more of anger then his Soldiers Swords,
Had ere stird fear within his Princes breast,
His fixt Intentious thus in brief exprest;
— Great Sir,
NO airy tumour of untam'd desire,
Nurst my Ambition, prompts me to aspire
To any Action that may sore above
My Birth or Loyalty, it was the love
I bore your verteous Daughter, that first clad
Me in defensive Armes, which never had
Been else unsheathd, though't had been to defend
Me from Injustice, should your Sword extend
Its power to tyranny; but failing in
That first attempt, ere streams of blood had bin
Shed in addition to those drops, my hand
Had broke my Sword as guilty, had this Land,
To whom I owe, for the first Aire I breathd,
Not washt the stain in tears, and since unsheathd
It in the name of Justice; to their good,
Which trembling on uncertain hopes hath stood,
Whilst fearing forrein Governours, I have
Added my love, and satisfaction crave
For both, before a greater ill may fall,
To make our sufferings Epidemical,
By being slaves to some proud Tyrant, that,
In politick Ambition reaches at
A Kingdom by profest Affection, and,
Marries your Daughter, to command your Land.
This Scrowl, spotted with Impudence, receiv'd
By the vext Prince, whom passion had bereav'd
[Page 119] Of politick Evasions, he returns
A swift defiance, but his high rage burns
Nought but his own scortcht breast, the fainting fire,
Quencht by constraint, wants Fuel to blaze higher,
Then flashy threatnings, which since prov'd a folly,
Sink in the Ashes of Melancholy;
For which his ablest Councel could prepare,
No Cordial of advice, they rather share
With him in sorrow, whose harsh burthen growes
Not lighter by the company of those,
That now lend hearts to bear it, only in
This sullen Clouds obscurity, this sin
Of their Nativity, the noble Soul,
Of the undaunted Princess did controul,
The harshest Lectures of her Stars, and sate,
Unshaken in this Hyrocane of Fate;
Calming her Fathers hot adversity
With Dews of comfort, taught him how to be
Prince of his Passions, a Command more great,
Then his that trembles in a regal seat.
The Enemy that vainly had till now,
Toil'd forth their strength, no more endeavours how
By force to conquer, some smal time they knew,
Would with the bloodless Sword of Famine do,
More then their Cannon could, the meager Fen
Already grew tyrannical, his men,
Like walking Ghosts, wait on their Prince and stand
For shadows on their Plat-forms, not a hand,
But was unnerv'd with want, yet whilst each part
Languisht tow'rd death, each bosome held a heart,
Which though most large, could never empty he,
Being doubly fil'd with grife and loyalty:
[Page 122] Amongst both which, hope for a part puts in,
As the Supporter, of what else had been
A burthen insupportable, and spoke
This pleasing Language, that the royal Oke
Beneath whose Winter Fortune now they stood,
Pining for want, the witherd under Wood,
That all his miseries dropt on, yet they shall
When ere his brighter Stars again do call
His Fortune into light, be comforted
By his kind shadow; which shall those that fled
Him in this sad extream, then leave to be
Scortcht in the Rays of angry Majesty.
Reduc'd unto this pitied exigence,
Yet by his honour, which could not dispense
With ought that like suspition lookt, detaind,
From what by parl might have their freedome gaind,
The loyal Sufferers, to declare how far
They fear declind, those mourning weeds of War,
Whose fight a desperate valour doth betray,
Black En signs on their guarded Wals display,
When to augment their high resolves, with what
Their valour was to pity so f [...]ned at,
After, with all those course, though scarce Cates, they
By sparing, first attempted to betray
Time till relief with, they'd been fed till now
There nought remaind, that longer could allow
Life further hopes of sustenance, to do
An Act so great, all Ages to ensue,
Shall more admire then imitate; within
The Hall, appears their Soveraign, leading in
His hand the Princess, whose first view, though drest
In Robes as sad as sorrow ere exprest,
[Page 123] Was but the Frontiers of their grief, to what
When nearer seen, whilst sorrow silenc'd at
So sad on Object, might for death be took,
Made solemn grief, like grave Religion look.
Whilst all thus in sad expectation stand,
Of future Fate, disdaining to command,
Those whom an equal sorrow seemd to make
His fellow Sufferers, the sad Prince thus spake
His fixt resolves, Brave Souls, whose loyal love,
Opprest by my unhappy woes must prove
Part of my grief, since by my wretched Fate,
Forc'd with my own life to precipitate
Yours into danger, from whose reach, since by
No Crime, until the love of Loyalty
Become a sin, you are cal'd guilty, yet
Seek some evasion, 'tis not you that sit
Upon the Throne he aimes at, nor doth here
Arival in Pharonnida appear.
No, 'tis our lives, our lives brave Subjects that
His bold Ambition only reaches at,
By this pretense, what to my Daughter, love
To's Country's, pity cal'd, could he remove
Those (now but smal Obstructions) soon would grow
To's pride united, till it over flow,
All limets of a Subjects duty, by
Rebellious reach, usurped tyranny.
Go then, and let not my unhappiness
Afflict you more, ith' shadow of distress;
Twil like warm comforts swel my Soul to know
That to his Favour you for safety ow.
Did not those sacred Canons that include,
All vertue in a Christians Fortitude,
[Page 12] Obstruct our Passions progress, we, ere this,
In death had made the haughty Rebel miss
The glory of his Conquest, which since now
Den [...]'d, although unweildy age allow
Not strength to sell my life at such a rate
Honour aimes at, yet shall the slow debate,
Even in my fall, let the World know I died,
Scorning his pity, as they hate his pride.
Here stopt the Prince, when, as if every breast,
One universal sorrow had possest,
Grief (grown into more noble passion) broke
Th' attentive silence, and thus swiftly spoke
Their resolution [...], On, on, and lead
Us unto death, no Critick eye shall read
Fear through the Opticks of our Souls, but give
Command to act, here's not a heart durst live
Without obedience; camforted with this
Rich Cordial, from his sorrows dark Abyss
Rais'd to resolves, whose greatness equal'd all
His former Glory, by their fatal fall;
To darken the ensuing day, the Prince
Gives a Command to all his Train, that since
Their own free Votes elected death, they now
With Souls that no terrestial thought allow,
A residence, 'gainst the next Morn prepare,
That wisht for freedome, with himself to share.
All sadly sate, expecting but that light,
Whose near approach must to eternal Night,
Their last Conductor be, a sudden, still,
And doleful silence, such as oft doth fill
The Room where sick men slumber, when their Friends
Stand weeping by, to Contemplation bends
[Page 123] Their busie thoughts; within each troubl'd breast,
Being to leave the Mansion she'd possest
So long, yet with so short a warning, all
Her Faculties the frighted Soul did call,
Forth of the Bosome of those Causes, in
Whose form they'd fetterd to their Crasis been,
To joyn those powers (yet strong in living breath)
For her assistance in the grasp of death.
The whispering Trumpet having cal'd them by
Such sharp Notes, as, when powerful Foes are nigh
Retreating Parties use, all swiftly rise
From bended Knees, and the last Sacrifice,
They ere expect to pay to Heaven, untill
Their Souls last gasp the vocal Orgains fill.
Concluded was the last sad interview,
The Prince was marcht, Pharonnida with-drew.
And now, all from the open'd Ports were in
A swift March sallying, had their speed not been
Thus swiftlier stopt; those scatterd horse that fled
The Battel to th' Epirotes Court had sped
So well in their Embassage, that the Prince
Whom the least negligence might now convince
Of want of love, proud of so fair a chance;
To shew's Affection, swiftly doth advance
With a vast Army tow'rd them, but the fear,
Prevailing danger, ere their strength come near,
To their necessitated Friends, might force
Them to unworthy Articles, some horse
Selected are, whose swifter speed might, (by
A desperate charge broke through their Foes) supply
Their fainting friends; the much desir'd Command
Of these few men, committed to the [...]and
[Page 126] Of brave Argalia (nere more blest then now
In serving the fair Princess) did allow
His Sword so fair a field to write the story,
Of Honour in, that his unblasted Glory,
Beyo [...]d this day shall live, out-live the reach
Of long-armd Envy, and those weake Souls teach,
That fear the frowns of Fate, in spight of all,
Heroick Vertue sits too high to fall.
With the dayes close they take their March, and ere
The silver Morning on her brow did bear
The burnisht guilt oth' Suns warm Rayes, arrive
In view oth' place; when Fortune, that did strive
To crown their hopes, had wrapt the earth in thick
And heavy mists; the sluggish Morning sick
Of Midnight surfei [...]s, from her dewy bed,
Pale, and discolourd Rose. This Curtain spread,
To vail their plot in, they assault their Foes,
Which when surpriz'd could not themselves dispose,
Fit for resistance, but whilst some did flie
From the distracting danger, others die
To their neglect a Sacrifice: the swift
Alarm, like a rude winds circling drift,
Hurries confusion through the field, and shook
The trembling Soldier: some unclad forsook
Their half-fir'd Cabbens; deaths large gripe did take
Whole troops that Destiny ordaind to wake
No more till Dooms-day, and in's march prevents
Th' unition of unrallied Regiments.
This frighted Language of Confusion heard,
By those oth' Castle, which were now prepard,
For their last desperate Sally, switly draws
Them to assist their friends, and though the cause,
[Page 127] (Being yet unknown) was only thought to be
Some private Jar grown to a Mutiny,
Or else the noise the Enemy had made,
When all their force was drawing to invade
Them in their works, howe're, they stand not to
Consult with reason, but as striving who
Shall first encounter death, each severall hand
Sought for his own from those that did withstand
His rage-directed strength; their Cannon in
A Funeral Peal went off, whose steam had been
Their Covert to the Camp, where finding such
A wild confusion, they assisted much
The fortune of the day, which now was grown
Indubitable, they might call their own
A glorious Conquest, the thick sulphry cloud,
Whose dismal shade did that destruction shroud,
Rent with those thunder-claps, dissolv'd into
A shower of blood, what she vouchsaft to do,
Fortune lends light to shew them; having left
Their Camp, whilst darkness did protect a Theft,
That only stole dishonour, which they were
Now in an open flight inforc'd to bear;
They see Almanzors broken troops ore-spread
The neighbouring fields: those clouds of men that fled,
Being pursu'd by Companies so smal,
That they appeard but like those drops that fall
After a storm. Yet as the labouring Hart
Long struggles for that life which doth depart
From the less noble Members, to lend aid
To her in deaths pale Conflict, having stayd
Some of his best Commanders, hoping by
Their valour to recal the rest, with high
[Page 128] Undaunted force, Almanzor doth oppose,
His Enemies pursuit, till like t' inclose
Him in, disdaining the reproachful end,
He must expect, no longer stands t' attend
The glimering light of hope: the field he leaves
To conquering Argalia, but deceives
Him of himself, the prize most sought for, which
When lost beyond recovery, he grown rich
In shining honour, that, like Sun-beams plac'd
Within a field of gules, by being defac'd,
Had beautifi'd his Armour; that dark mist,
Which did at first such contradictions twist,
That he both curst, and blest it, one cause did
Aide his design, the other cause it hid
His Heaven of Beauty, in their dewy Bed
Had left the blushing Roses, and was fled
Upon the Wings of th' wind. With wonder now
Discoverd colours taught each party how,
To know their Friends. The royal Standard in
The Princes party had disvellopt been,
By that fair signal to discover, who
Was present there: but ere Argalia to
That place arriv'd, Pharonnida, who had,
Whilst desperation all her beauties clad
In the pale Robes of fear, heard all the loud
Shock of the Conflict, but until the Cloud
Remov'd his fatal Curtain, never knew
How near the hour of her delivery drew;
That being dissolv'd, through those which grief had rais'd,
In her fair Eyes, did see, and seeing praised
Just Heaven which sent it; each of those that
Fought for her she commends, but wonders at,
[Page 127] Although unknown, the lightning valour she
Saw in Argalia, whilst with just rage he
Unravels Natures workmanship, a rent
Which were a sin, if not a punishment,
And from the slender web of life did send
Forth Rebels Souls, fast as each busie Fiend,
That wait their fals transport them, fain she would,
Ere known, conceit 'twere he, but how he should
Come there, and so attended did exceed
Imagination. Thus whilst her hopes feed
On strange desires, being come near unto
The Coach wherein she sate, prepard to do
His Loves Oblations, he that Face disarms,
Which when beheld, by those attractive charms,
VVithin the center of her best desires,
Contracted all her hopes, whose life expires,
Soon as they'r crownd with wisht success; too great
A distance parts them yet, she leaves her seat,
And flies to his Imbraces, but conceald
Her passion in his Merit, being reveald
To him alone, whose better judgment knew,
That in those Spirit-breathing beams that fl [...]w
Through the fair Casements of her Eyes, did move
The secret Language of an ardent love.
This conflict of her passions, which had been
Fought betwixt fear and hope, was setled in
A silent joy, that from her noble breast
Struggl'd for passage, whilst Argalia blest
Above his hopes, in burning kisses seals
His service on her Virgin hand, that steals
From thence new flames into her heart, which ere
Fed with desire, even whilst she did prepare,
[Page 130] To entertain those welcome Guests, appears
The Prince, who now, thawd from the icy fears
Of desperation, was come there to give
Thanks to his unknown friends; but words did live
Within a place too baren to bestow
That fruitful zeal, whose plenty did or [...]-flow
His Eyes (those clouded Orators) which till
Disburthend did capacious passion fill.
This moist Gale o're, when now they had awhile
Melted in joy, cloathing it with a smile;
He thus unfolds his comfort. Blessed Fates
You have out-try'd my charity, he hates
All real Vertue, that confesses not
My care of thee, was but an unknown spot
To this large world of satisfaction; here
Kind sorrow stopt his voice again, when fear
Their Enemies might rally, and ith' bud
Blast all their blooming joyes, even whilst the blood
Wreak'd on his Sword, leaving their Eyes to pay
Pursuing prayers, Argalia posts away,
But finds his Foes disperst, excepting one
Stout Regiment, whose desperation grown
To valour, spight of all pursuers, made
Good their retreat; till forc'd at length to shade
Themselves from the pursuing danger, in
A deep dark Cave, whose spatious Womb had been
Their Receptacle, when unlawfull theft
Was their profession. In this place they'd left
Their dearest pledges, as most confident
Those dark Meanders would their loss prevent.
These stout Opposers being protected here,
(Before Argalia brought his Army neer)
[Page 131] Had fortifi'd the narrow pass, and now
Presume of safety, since none else knew how,
Without their leave to enter; Hem'd about,
With all the Castle Foot, his Horse sent out
To clear the field, the careful General sees,
Then every Quarter made secure, he frees
His own from all suspected danger, while
This busie Siege did better things beguile
Of some few steps of time, the Prince arrives,
To see the Leager, where each Captain strives
With entrance to be honourd, but in vain,
The subtile Engineer here racks his Brain:
The Mountains yeild not to their Cannon shock,
Nor mine could pierce the marble-breasted Rock.
Thus whilst they lay despairing ere to force,
A place so difficult, with some few Horse
Only attended, the vext Prince surrounds
The spa [...]ious Hill, whose uncouth sight confounds
His ablest Guides; making a stand to view
A Promontory, on whose brow there grew
A Grove of stately Cedars, from a dark
And hidden cleft, proud of so rich a Mark;
Some Mus kets are discharg'd, which missing by
A desperate Sallie's seconded, to fly
The danger thorough such a dreadful way,
As now they were to pass, was not to stay,
But hasten ruine, though too weak, in fight
More safety lay, then an unworthy flight.
But Valour, like the royal Eagle, by
A cloud of Crows ore-masterd, less to dy
With honour, had no refuge left, and that
Here each Plebeian gains; when frighted at
[Page 132] Th' unusual clamour, with such troops as were
Most fit for speed, Argalia was come there;
Arriv'd even with that minute which first saw
His Prince a Captive; Now the Rebbels draw
Back to their private Salliport, but are
Too speedily pursu'd to enter far,
Within their dark Meanders, ere ore-took,
By their inraged Foes, who had forsook
Their other stations, and to this alone,
Drew all their Forces, entring the unknown
And horrid Cave, whose troubled Womb till then,
Nere such a Cholick felt: Argalia's men,
(Following so brave a Leader) boldly tred
Through the Rocks rugged Entrails; those that fled
Though better skild in their obscure retreat,
No safety find; the Caves remotest seat
Was now the stage of death, together throng'd,
After their Swords had Lifes last step prolong'd;
There all the Villains in despair had di'd,
Had not the fear their Prince in such a tyde
Of blood might have been shipwrackt, whom to save,
A gen'ral Pardon to the rest is gave.
And now the dreadful Earthquake which had turnd
The Rock to Aetna, could its top have burnd,
With Subteranean fires, being ceas'd, the Prince
Desirous by his knowledge to convince,
Those word-deep wonders, which report had spread,
Of that strange Cave, commands some to be led
By an old Out-law, whose experience knew
The uncouth Vaults remotest Corners, to
Those seats of horrour, which performd, and word
Returnd again, the danger did afford,
[Page 133] Subject for nobler Spirits; forthwith he
(Attended by Argalia) goes to see
What had afrighted them; the dreadfull way,
Through which he past, being steep, and rugged lay,
Between two black and troubled streams, that through
The cleft Rock rowld with horrid noise, till to
An ugly Lake, whose heavy streams did ly
Unstird with aire they come, and there are by
That black Asphaliis swallowd; a strang sound
Of yelling Dragons, hissing Snakes confound
Each trembling Auditor, till comforted
By bold Argalia, ventring first to tread
On stones, which did like ruin'd Arches ly
Above the surface of the Lake, he's by
Their aid brought to an ancient Tower, that stood
Fixt in the center of the lazy flood;
Its Basis founded on a Rock, whose brow
With age disfigur'd into clefts, did now
With loud and speedy ruine threaten to
Crush all beneath it; round about it flew
On sooty wings such ominous Birds as hate
The cheerful day, Vipers, and Scorpions sate
Circl'd in darkness, till the cold damp breath
Of neer concreted Vapours, sing'd to death,
By th' numerous light of Torches, which did shine
Through the whole Mountains Convex, and refin [...]
Aire with restraint corrupted, forcing way,
By conquering flames recals the banisht day.
Come now to a black Tower, which seemd to be
The Throne of some infernal Deity,
That his extended Lawes reaches unto
The brazen Gate, whose folded Leaves withdrew,
[Page 134] Assaul [...] their eyes with such a flux of light,
That as the dim Attendants of the Night,
In bashful duty shun the Prince of Day,
So their lost Tapors unto this give way;
Whilst it with wonder, that belief out-grew,
Transports their sights to the amazing view
Of so much beauty, that the use of sense
Was lost in m [...]re then humane excellence.
A glorious Room, so elegantly faire,
In 't [...] various structure, that the riotous Heir
O h' east [...]rn Crescent that might choose to be
The Theater of shining Majestie
They now behold, yet then its mighty strength,
Which had preserv'd such beauty from the length
Of Ages ire Tallons, there appear
More rare perfections, the large floor of clear
Transparant Emraulds, lent a luster to
The Oval Roof, whose scarce-seen ground was blew,
Studded with sparkling Gems, whose brightness lent
The beauties of the vaulted Firmament,
To all beneath their beams; the figur'd wals,
Imbost with rare and antick sculptry, cals
For th' next observance, though the serious eye,
The way to truth in secret mystery
He e having l [...]st, lets the dark Text alone,
To view the beauties of a glorious Throne,
Which plac'd within the splendid Room, did stand
Beneath an Ivory Arch, o're which the hand
Of Art, in golden Hierogliphicks, had
The story of ensuing Fate unclad,
But vainly, since the Art defective times,
Stro [...]k nought but discords on those wel-tun'd Chimes.
[Page 135] Upon the Throne, in such a glorious state,
As earths adored Favourites there sate,
The Image of a Monarch, vested in
The spoils of Natures Robes, whose price had been
A Diadems redemption, his large size,
Beyound this Pigmy Age, did equalize
Th' admir'd proportion of those mighty men,
Whose cast-up bones, grown modern wonders, when
Found out, are carefully preserv'd to tell
Posterity, how much these times are fell
From Natures youthful strength, if be not worse,
Our sins Stenography, the dwarffish Cu [...]se
Ordaind for large siz'd Luxury: before
The Throne a Lamp, whose fragrant Oyles had more
Perfum'd the Room, then all the ba [...]my wealth
Of rich Arabia, stood: Light, Life, and Health,
Dwelt in its Odours, but what more contents,
The pleas'd Spectators, that fai [...] hand presents
The rest to th' view: the Image to declare
Of whom th' Effigies was, on's Front did bear
A regal Crown, and in his hand sustaind,
A threatning Scepter, but what more explain'd
Antiquities mysterious dress was seen,
In a smal Tablet, which, as if 't had been
Worth more observance, then what Fate exprest
In unknown Figures he did gently rest
His left hand on, as if endeavouring by
That Index to direct Posterity;
How in their wonders Altitude to praise
The deeper knowledge of those wiser dayes,
By reading in such Characters as Time
Learnd in her non-age (this) in antick Rhyme.
[Page 136]
When striving to remove this Light,
To Princes Leaves involv'd in Night;
The time draws neer, that shall pull down
My old Morea's triple Crown,
Vniting on one royall Head,
What to disjoyn such discord bred,
But let the more remote [...]ake heed,
For there's a third ordaind to bleed;
For when I'me read, not understood,
Then shall Epiru's royall blood,
By waies no Mortall yet must know,
Within th' Artolian Channel flow.
This strange Inscription read, not only by
The Prince, but those whom wonder had drawn nigh
The sacred Room, their Fancies civil War,
Grows full of trouble, 'tis a Text so far
Beyond a Comment, that their Judgments in
Enigmaes maz'd, had long let motion been
In Epeleptick wonder lost, untill
(As that alone containd their dreaded ill)
The greater part with joynd consents advise,
To have the Lamp remov'd, since in it lies,
(If those Lines prove prophetick) the linkt Fate
Of all Ietian Princes, which debate,
Being carried in th' Affirmative, the rest
Drew back, whilst bold Argalia forward prest;
But's thus soon stayd, the stone on which he stept,
Next, was by Art so framd, that it had kept
Conceal'd an Engines chifest Spring, which by
The least waight toucht, in furious hast let fly
[Page 137] Unpractis'd wheels, and with such vigour strook,
The Scepter on the long liv'd Lamp, it shook
Its chrystal Wals to dust, not thunders strong
Exagitations, when it roars among
Heaps of congested Elements, a sound
More dreadful makes, but what did most confound
Weak trembling Souls, was the thick darkness that
Succeeds the dying flame, which wondring at,
Whilst all remain, Arts feeble aides supplie
The Lamps lost Vertue, with new Lights, but by
Cold Damps so darkned, that contracted Night
Scornd their weak flames, shewing that hallowd light
Containd more sacred Vertues; now as Fate,
Had only to that hour prolong'd the date
Of all within, a sudden change to dust,
The mighty body turns, consuming rust,
Had eat the brazen Imagry, and left
No sign of what till then, safe from the theft
Of time remaind, darkness had repossest
The sullen Cave, to an eternal rest;
In the rude Chaos of their ashes, all
Arts lively Figures in an instant fall.
Pleas'd with the sight of these strange Objects more,
Then with Wars dangers he was vext before;
The Prince with all his train of Conquerors now,
Is gone to teach th' expecting Army how
To share their wonder, but not far from thence,
Removes before confirmd Intelligence,
Acquaints him with th' Epirots March, who in
Mis swift advance, so fortunate had been,
That falling on such as the Mornings flight,
Flatterd with hope, they there met endless Night;
[Page 138] At unawares; but of these added numbers,
Was curst Almanzor none, yet Justice slumbers
Ith' prosecution of his unripe Fate,
Which must more horrid [...]ins accumulate;
Before cut off, his clamorous guilt must call
For vengeance louder, and grow hectical
With Custome, til the Tables of his shame,
Into oblivion rot his loathed Name.
The end of the third Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The second Book. CANTO THE FOURTH.

The ARGUMENT.
VII.
From Wars wide breaches, whence his brave friends had
With Victory brought him, th' old Prince arriv'd
In safety, whilst fear punishes the bad
Rewards that Vertue, which his Cause reviv'd.
VIII.
In which brave Act, Argalia's Merits met
With a reward that even desert out-grew,
Whilst him it the fair Princess Guardian set,
The root on which Loves fruit to ripeness grew.
THat too inferiour Branch, which strove to rise
With the Basillick to Anastomize;
Thus drain'd, the States Plethorick humours are
Reduc'd to Harmony; that blazing Star,
[Page 140] Which had been lifted by rebellious breath,
To's exaltation in the house of death;
Now lay opprest, which Victory compleat,
Leaving his Army, where before the seat
O [...]h' Rebels was, his entertainment by,
The welcome Harbenger of Victory,
Before prepared, the pleas'd Epirote goes
With an exalted joy to visit those,
His goodness (whilst unknown) reliev'd, where he
Such noble welcome finds, as not to be
Imagin'd, but by grateful Souls that know
The strength of Curtesie, when 'twould ore-flow
Those Merits, which whilst Love incites to praise
Our friends deserts, to Pyramids we raise,
The narrow Confines of Alcithius Wall,
Which kept them safe from dangers past, too smal
Grows for that present triumph, that blot out
All thoughts of grief, but what are spent about
Thansgiving for delivery, which they do
Perform in sports, whose choice delights might woo
Cold Anchorites from their sullen Cels, the Earth,
The Aire, the Sea, all in a plenteous birth,
Exhausted their rich Treasuries to pay
Tribute to their desires, which could time stay
Her Chariot wheels from hurrying down the Hill
Of feeble Nature, mans vain thoughts would fill
With subaltern delights, most highly priz'd,
Till the conclusion (death) hath annaliz'd
The doubtful Text, with what lets Mortals know
Their blooming joyes must drop to shades below.
That great eclipse of Glories rayes, within
Whose shades sad Corinth had benighted been:
[Page 141] Since like a widdowed Turth, first she sate
A Mourner for her wandring Princes fate;
Now like the dayes recoverd Rain breaks forth,
In fuller Luster; all excelling worth
That honour'd Vertue, or lov'd beauty plac'd
Her Ornaments, with their appearance grac'd
Those publick triumphs, she prepares to meet
The Princes in, in every splendid street;
The various pride of Persia strove t' out-vie
Rich English Wool, dipt in the Tyrrian Dye:
Each Shop shines bright, and every Merchant shews,
How little to domestick toyl he ows,
By the displaying beauteous Wardrobes, where
The worlds each part may justly claim a share,
Though what in all Arts stiff Contention lent
Most luster was the Windows Ornament,
Fair Constellations of bright Virgins, that
Like ful-blown Flowers, first to be wonderd at,
Display their beauties, but that past, with all
Tempt some kind hand to pluck them ere they fall.
Their entrance in this triumph made, whilst now
Each busie Artist is endeavouring how
To court their Fancies, times smal stock t'improve
The grave Epirote, whose designs toward Love;
Yet only by Ambition led, had made
His first approach so seeming retrograde,
By States nice Cautions; and what did presage
More ill the inequality of age,
That when Converse his Fancy Captive led,
His largest hopes on the thin Diet fed
Of a Paternal power, assisted by
Whose useful aid, with all the industry
[Page 142] Of cager Love, he stil augments that fire,
Which must consume, not satisfie desire.
But as occasion warn'd him to prevent
Unequal flames, he but few dayes had spent
In Loves Polemmicks, ere unpractic'd Art,
From this calm field, to wars more serious part
Is sadly summond, those large Conquests he
Had triumph'd in, whilst glorious Victory
Waited on's Sword, too spatious to be kept
Obedient whilst that glittering terrour slept,
In an unactive peace, disclaiming all
The harsh Injunctions of proud Victors, fall
Off from's obedience, and to justifie
Their bold revolt, to th' unsafe refuge flie,
Of a defensive power, to crush whose pride
With such a force, as an impeteous tyde
Assaults the shoars defence, he's forc'd to take
A march so sad as Souls, when they forsake
The wel-known Mansions of their bodies, to
Tread deaths uncertain paths, and there renew
Acquaintance with Eternity, perplext
To hear those new Combustions, but more vext
With Loves proud flames burning, in which wee'l leave
Him on his hasty Voyage, and receive
A smile from the fair Princess fate, which till
Enjoyment stifles strong desire, will fill
The tragick Scean no more, but with as sad
A progress to her hopes, as ever had
Poor Virgin to the Throne of Love, will frame
Those harsh Philacters, which in Cupids name,
She must obey, unless she will dispense
With sacred Vows, and Martyr Innocence.
[Page 143] These storms blown o're, and the Epirote gone,
Her Father, that till now had waited on
His Entertainment, with a serious eye,
Looks o're his Kingdomes wounds, and doth supply
Each part, which in this late unnatural War
Was grown defective, unto some that are
Not Lethargiz'd in Ill, he gently layes
Refreshing Mercies, sometimes danger stayes
From an approaching Gangren, by applying
Corroding threats, but unto those that flying
All remedies prescrib'd, had mortifi'd
Their Loyalty, stern Justice soon apply'd
The Sword of Amputation, which care past,
As 'twas his greatest, so becomes his last.
Pharonnida he places, where she might,
At once enjoy both safety and delight.
Her thoughts clear calm, too smooth for th' turbuler
And busie City, wants that sweet content
The private pleasures of the Country did
Afford her Youth, but late attempts forbid
All places far remote, which to supply,
He unto one directs his choice, that by
Its scituation did participate
Of all those rural privacies, yet sate
Cloathd in that flowry Mantle, in the view
Oth' Castle Wals, which as plac'd neer it to
Delight, not trouble, in ful bulk presents,
Her publick Buildings various Ornaments.
This beauteous Fabrick, where th' industrious hand
Of Art had Natures Midwife prov'd, did stand
Divided from the Continent, by th' wide
Armes of a spa [...]ious stream, whose wanton pride,
[Page 144] In Cataracts from th' Mountains broke, as glad
Of liberty to court the Valley, had
Curld his proud Waves, and stre [...]cht them to inclose
That type of Paradice, whose Crown-top rose
From that clear Mirror, as the first light saw,
Fair Eden' mids the Springs of Havilah;
So fresh as if its verdant Garments had
Been in the first Creations beauties clad
Ere by mistaking of the fatal Tree,
That blooming type of blest Eternity,
Subjected was, by mans too easie Crime,
Unto the sick Vicissitudes of time.
Nor was she in domestick beauty, more
Then Prospect rich, the wandring eye past o're
A flowry Vale, smooth, as it had been spred
By Nature, for the Rivers fragrant Bed.
At th' opening of that lovely Angle met
The Cities Pride, as costlier Art had set
That Master-piece of Wit and Wealth, to shew
Unpollisht Natures pleasures were below
Her splendid beauties, and unfit to be
Lookt on, less in the Springs variety:
Though from the Palace where in prospect stood
All that nice Art, or plainer Nature wood;
If in Contention, shew to magnifie,
Their power did stand, yet now appeard to vie
Ehat Prospect, which the City lent, unless
Diverted from that civil Wilderness:
The pathless Woods, and ravenous Beasts within
Whose bulk were but the Metaphors for sin;
We turn to view the stately Hils, that fence
The other side oth' happy Isle, from whence
[Page 145] All that delight or profit could invent
For rural pleasures was for prospect sent.
As Nature strove for something uncouth in
So fair a dress, the struggling streams are seen,
With a loud murmure rowling 'mongst the high
And rugged clefts, one place presents the eye
With barren rudeness, whilst a neighbouring field
Sits cloathd in all the bounteous spring could yield,
Here lovely Landskips, where thou mightst behold,
When first the Infant Morning did unfold
The Dayes bright Curtains, in a spatious Green,
Which Natures curious Art had spread between
Two bushy Thickets, that on either hand,
Did like the Fringe of the fair Mantle stand,
A timerous herd of grasing Deer, and by
Them in a shady Grove, through which the eye
Could hardly pierce, a wel-built Lodge, from whence
The watchful Keepers careful diligence,
Secures their private walks, from hence to look
On a deep Valley, where a silver Brook,
Doth in a soft and busie murmure slide
Betwixt two Hils, whose shadows strove to hide
The liquid wealth, they were made fruitful by,
From ful discoveries of the distant eye.
Here from fair Country Farmes that had been
Built 'mongst those Woods, as places happy in
Their privacy, the first salutes of light,
Fair Country-Virgins meet, cleanly, and white,
As were their milky loads; so free from pride,
(Though truly fair) that justly they deride
Courts nice Contentions, and by freedome prove
More blest their Lives, more innocent their Loves.
[Page 146] Ea [...]ly as these appears within the field,
The painful Husbandman, whose Labour steeld
With fruitful hopes, in a deep study how
T' improve the Earth, follows his slow-pac'd Plow.
Neer unto these a Shepherd having took
On a green Bank, plac'd neer a purling Brook,
Protection from the Suns warm beams, within
A cool fresh shade, truly contented in
That Sollitude, is there endeavouring how
On's wel-tun'd Pipe, to smooth the furrowd brow
Of careful want, seeing not far from hence
His flock (the Emblems of his Innocence)
Where the more lofty Rock admits not these
Domestick pleasures, Nature there did please
Her self with wilder pastimes, on those Clifts
Whose rugged [...]eads the spatious Mountain lifts
To an unfruitful height, amongst a wild
Indomitable herd of Goats, the mild
And fearful Cony, with her busie feet,
Makes Warmth and Safety in one Angle mee [...].
From this wild range, the eye contracted in
The Islands narrow bounds would think't had been
Ith' world before, but now were come to view
An Angel-guarded Paradice till to
A Pictures first rude Catagraph, the Art
Of an ingenious Pensil doth impart
Each Complement of skil, or as the Court
To the rude Country, as each Princely sport
That brisks the blood of Kings, to those which are
The gross-Soul'd Peasants rude delight, so far
These Objects differ, here wel-figur'd Nature
Had put in form, and to a goodly sta [...]ure;
[Page 147] On whose large bulk more lasting Arts were spent,
Added the dress of choicest Ornament.
The stately Mount, whose artificial Crown,
The Palace was, to meet the Vale stole down
On soft descents, by labour forc'd into
A fliding Serpentine, whose winding Clew,
An easie, but a slow descent did give
Unto a purling stream, whose Spring did live,
When from the Hils cool Womb broke forth, within
A Grotto, whence before it did begin
To take its weeping farewel, into all
The various Forms restrictive Art could call,
Her Elemental Instruments unto
Obedience by it, Courts th' admiring view
Of pleas'd Spectators, here exalted by
Clear Aqueducts, in showers, it from those high
Supporters fals, now turnd into a thin
Vapour, in that Heavens painted Bow is seen;
Now it supplies the place of Aire, and to
A Quire of Birds gives breath, which all seemd flew
From thence for fear, when the same Element
With such a noise as Seas imprisond rent,
Including Rocks do roar, which rude sound done;
As noble Conqu'rors who the Battel won,
From the loud thunders of impeteous War,
To the calm fields of peaceful Mercies are
By manly pity led, so Pro [...]eus like,
Returnd from what did fear or wonder strike;
The liquid Nymph resuming her own shape,
Within a Marble square, a clear escape,
Till from her winding stream the River takes
Still fresh supplies, from that fair Fountain makes
[Page 148] Upon those Banks which guarded her descent,
Both for her Odour, and her Ornament,
Lillies, and fragrant Roses there were set;
To heighten whose perfume, the Violet
And maiden Primrose in their various dress,
Steal through that Moss, whose humble lowliness,
Preserve their beauties, whilst Aurora's rose
And that ambitious Flower that will disclose
The ful-blown beauties of her self to none,
Until the Sun mounts his Meridian Throne:
Like envied worth, together with the view
Of the Beholders, being expos'd unto
Each storms rough breath, in that Vicissitude,
Finds that their pride their danger doth include,
When scortcht with heat, or bur [...]hend with a shower,
From blooming beauty sinks the fading Flower;
Though here defended by a Grove that twin'd
[...] Imbraces, and with boughs combin'd,
Protects the [...], which it ne're leaves,
Till thence the Vale its flowry wealth receives.
Plac'd as the nobler Faculty to this
Of vegitation, like an Emphasis,
Amongst the flowers of Rhetorick did stand
The gorgeous Palace, where Arts curious hand
Had to exceed example centerd in
One exact Model, what had scatterd been:
But as those Fragments which she now selects,
The glory of all former Architects,
Here did the beauties of those Temples shine,
Which Ephesu [...], or sacred Pallastine,
Once boasted in, the Persian might from this
Take Paterns for his fam'd Pers [...]polis:
[Page 149] This, which had that fair Carian Widow known,
Mausolea's Tomb had ne're a Proverb grown,
But been esteemd, after her cost, by her
That did erect, a homely Sepulcher.
Though to describe this Fabrick, be as far
Above my Art, as imitations are
Beneath its worth, yet if thy Fancies eye
Would at its out-side glance, receive it by
This cloudy Medium; on a stately square,
Which powerful Art forc'd to a level, where
The Mountain highest rose, compast about
With a thick Grove, whose leavy Vail let out
Its beauties so, 'tis at a distance seen,
A silver Mount enameld o're with green;
The shining Palace stood, whose outward form
Though such, as if, built for perpetual storm▪
Yet in that strength appeard but arm'd to be,
Beauties Protector, whose varietie
Though all met in an Artful gracefulness,
In every Square put on a several dress.
The sides whose large Balcones conveyd the Ey
To th' Filds wild Prospects, were supported by
A thousand Pillars, where in mixture shone
The Parian white and red Corinthian stone,
Supporting Frames, where in the like Art stood
Smooth Ivory mixt with India's swarthy wood:
All which with Gold, and purer Azure brought
From Persian Artists, in Mosaicks wrought:
The curious Eye into Meanders led,
Until di [...]erted by a sight that bred
More real wonder, the rich Front wherein
By antick sculpture, all that ere had been
[Page 150] The various Acts of their preceding Kings,
So figur'd was, no weighty Mettal brings,
Ought to inhaunce its worth, Art did compose,
Each Emblem of such various Gems, all chose
Their several colours, under a Saphir Sky,
Here cheerful Emeraulds, chast Smaragdi ly;
A fresh green field, in which the armed Knights
Were all clad in heart-cheering Chrisolites,
With Rubies set, which to adorn them twist
Embraces with the temperate Amethyst:
For parts unarmd, here the fresh Onix stood,
And Sardias stone appeard like new-drawn blood.
The Proteus like Achates here was made,
For Swords fair Hi [...]ts, but for the glittering Blade,
(Since all of rich and pretious Gems was thus)
Compos'd, was shewn of flaming Piropus.
And least ought here that's excellent should want,
The Ladies Eyes were shining Adamant.
These glorious Figures large, as if that in
Each common Quar these glittering Jems had been
By sweaty Labourers dig'd, united by
Succesful Art unto the distant Ey;
Their mixt beams with such splendid Luster sent,
That Comets, with whose fall the Firmament,
Seems all on fire, amazes not the sight,
With such a full and sudden Flux of Light:
As Lines extended from their Center, hence
Unto the Islands clear circumference,
Four flowry Glades, whose odoriferous dress,
Tempted the weary to forgetfulness;
Cutting the Mountain, into Quadrants led,
Into the Valley, Pleasures humbler Bed;
[Page 151] Where come (if Natures stock can satisfie
The Fancy at the Fountains of the Eye)
'Twas here performd in all that did include,
What active mirth, or sacred sollitude,
Could happy call, Groves never seen by th' Eye
Oth' Universe, whose pleasing privacy,
Was more retir'd from treacherous light then those,
To hide from Heaven, Earths first Offender chose.
When Contemplation the kind Mother to,
All thoughts that ere in sacred rapture flew
Toward Celestial Bowers, had here refin'd
The yet imperfect Embrioes of the mind;
To recreate contracted Spirits by,
The Souls best Med'cine, fresh variety;
An easie walk conducts them unto all
That active Sports did ere convenient call.
All which, like a fair Theater by th' Bank
Oth' River verg'd, was guarded by a Rank
Of ancient Elms, whose lofty Trunks embrac'd,
By clasping Vines, with various colours grac'd
Their spreding branches, whose proud brows being crownd
With stately Walks, did from that ample round,
The wel-pleas'd Eye to every place convay,
That in the Islands humble level lay.
To guard her Court, a hundred Gentlemen,
Such as had glorifi'd their Valour, when
Tryed in her Fathers Wars attended, which
Commanded by Argalia, did enrich
His Merit with such fair reward, that all
His better Stars, should they a Synod call;
Those fires conven'd nere with more glorious Light,
Could cloath his hopes, his Fortunes dim-ey'd Night,
[Page 150] Inflam'd to Noon, and the fai [...] Princess blest
By the same power; for though his Fate invest
His noble Soul within the obscure Mask
Of an unknown descent, his Fame shall ask
In time to come a Chronicle, and be
The Glory of that royal Family,
From whence he sprung: but ere he must attain
The top of Fortunes Wheel, that Iron Chain,
By whose linkt strength it turns, too oft will grate
Him with most hot Afflictions, his wise Fate
Digs deep with Miseries, before it layes
The ground-fork of his Fame, which then shall raise
On the firm Basis of Authentick story,
To him eternal Pyramids of Glory.
Thou that art skil'd in Loves Polemmicks here,
Wish they may rest awhile, and though drawn neer
A sadder Fate, if pi [...]y sayes to rath,
'Tis to let sorrow sad the Scean, wee'l bath
Our Pen awhile in Nectar, though we then
Steep it in Gall again; the Spring did, when
The Princess first did with her presence grace
This house of pleasure, with soft Armes embrace
The Earth his lovely Mistress, clad in all
The painted Robes, the Mornings Dew let fall [...]
Upon her Virgin Bosome; the soft breath
Of Zephirus sung calm Anthems at the death
Of Palsie-shaken Winter, whose large Grave
The Earth, whilst they in fruitful tears did leave,
Their pious grief turnd into smiles, they throw
Over the Herse a Vail of Flowers, the low
And pregnant Valleys sweld with fruit, whilst Heaven
Smil'd on each blessing its faire hand had given.
[Page 151] Be-calmd on this paciffick Sea of pleasure,
No boisterous Wave appearing, the rich treasure
Of Love, being ballast with Content, did fear
No threatning storm, so safe a Harbour neer,
As th' Object whence it sprung: such royal sports
As take their birth from the triumphant Courts
Of happy Princes, did contract the day
To pitied beauty, time steals away
On downy feet, whose loss since it bereaves
Them of no more then what new birth receives,
From the next teeming day, by none is thought
Worth the lamenting; sometimes rockt in the soft
Armes of the calmest pleasures, they behold,
A sprightly Comedy, the sins unfold
Of more corrupted times, then in its high
Cothurnal Sceans, a lofty Tragedy
Erects their [...], and doth at once invite
To variou [...] Passions, So [...]ow and Delight.
Time (Motions a [...]ed [...]) includes
Not more in all the [...],
Then their oft changing [...]
When the Suns lofty pride [...]
The Earths imbroiderd Robes, [...]
And palsie hand did those fresh [...]
Up in her hoary Plush, each Seas [...] [...]
Delights of 'ts own, such a beguil'd [...]
Its stock of hours unwasted on, in chast,
Though private sports, here happy Lovers [...]
Fancie's fresh Youth, whose first attempts did pro [...]
Too innocent for th' Sophistry of Love;
[Page 154] There scornful beauty, or the envious eye
Of jealous Rivals nere afflicts, all by
An equal and a noble height so blest,
Pride none had rais'd, nor poverty deprest.
The end of the fourth Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The second Book. CANTO THE FIFTH.

The ARGUMENT.
IX.
Whilst serene Joy sate smiling in her Court,
As shadows to illustrate Vertue by
Phantastick Love becomes the Princess sport,
Whose harsher Dictates she ere long must try.
X.
For now Suspition (Vertues secret Foe)
Fir'd with Argalia's just deserved Fame,
Makes her great Father think each Minute slow,
Till separation had allayd the Flame.
LEst that her Court, which seems compos'd of all
That's great, or good, th'ore-weaning world should ca [...]
Perfections height, a word which whilst on Earth,
(Vain as delight) only from Name takes birth,
[Page 154] In this, the largest and most glorious sphear,
Ere Greatness mov'd in, some few Stars appear,
To Vertue retrograde, th' informing Spirit
(Love) by whose motion, on the Pole of Merit,
This bright Orb turnd, even 'mongst these Heroes finds
A pair of Followers, whose imperfect minds
Transgrest his Dictates, and though no offence
So full of guilt, as foul Incontinence,
Durst here approach, by waies less known unto
What Love intends, those various Figures drew,
Whose Aspects nere more neer Conjunction move,
Then Eyes, the slight Astronomy of Love.
That new Platonnick Malady, the way
By which imperfect Eunuchs do betray
Natures Diseases to contempt, whilst by
Such slight repast, they strive to satisfie
Loves full desires, which pines, or else must crave
More then thin Souls in seperation have;
Being lately by some sick Phantasticks brought,
But neer the Court, within it long had sought
For residence, till entertaind by two
Whose meeting Souls no more distinction knew,
Then Sex, a difference which whilst here it grows,
Toward Heaven, it to Corporeal Organs ows.
But since that these so uncouth Actors here,
But as Intruders on the Scean appear,
Ere in their story we ingulph too far,
Let's first behold them in their Character:
If ere thy sober Reason did submit,
To suppling Mirth (that wanton Child of wit)
Beholding A Fantastick, drest in all
His vain delights, whats Annalogical
[Page 155] To our Acretius, then conceive thou'st seen,
Though if compar'd, those short to him had been,
As Transcripts are to Coppies; to compleat
A Humorist here, Folly had close a seat,
'Mongst more then vulgar knowledge, and might pass
The same account, an Academick Ass
Makes of his Fathers four year Charge, when he
Frights Villagers with shreds of Sophistry.
'Mongst forrein parts, of which like Coriate,
Hee'd run through some, he had acquir'd to prate
By priviledge, and as if every Nation
Contributed, is in each several fashion;
Which (like their Tongues) all so imperfect find,
That both disguiz'd his body and his mind;
Though self conceit (vain Youths fantastick Crime)
Made him steal singly from the Front of time,
Ith' Medium, which but seldome proves the seat,
For Lust's wild-fire, or Zeals reflected heat,
He amarous grows, and doubting to prevail,
For all his Wings caught Pegasus by th' Tail;
And being before with Cupidi Engines fit'd,
From his Posteriors doubly was inspi [...]'d.
She that at first this sympathetick flame,
Inspir'd him with the Court, knew by the Name
Of Philanta, to whom all would impair
Their skill, that gave that Epithet of fair
Except Acretius, since her beauty fit
For praises was, where parallel'd by wit.
Yet, now, although times sad discovery tels
Her Autumes furrows were no parallels,
In Beauties sphear, those youthful forms being grown
So obsolete, scarce the Vestigia's shown
[Page 158] A Native pride, and strange phantastick dress,
More admiration then ere comeliness
Could do, acquires: She formerly had been
A great Admirer of Romances, in
Whose Garb she now goes drest; a medly piece,
Made up of India, Turkie, Persia, Greece,
With other Nations, all enforc'd to be
Compriz'd within five foots Stenography.
Her Wit that had been critical, and rang'd
'Mongst Ladies more then th' Ushers legs, was chang'd,
To gratifie, and every word she sayd,
An Apothegme unto the Chamber-Maid,
From whom her long experienc'd knowledge in
Some of the female mysteries of sin,
Had gain'd the applause of being skil'd in all
That could prevent decaying Beauties fall.
Acratius and she, being such a pair,
As Nature, when tir'd with more serious care,
For Recreation made, instructed by
Their meeting Natures secret sympathy;
Soon learn to love, but as if now too wise
For Youths first dictates, Loves loose Rules comprize
In such strick bounds, that each the Object saw
Of their desires, like sacred things, some Law,
Fear made obey'd, forbids the world to use,
Least the Ador'd, enjoyment should abuse
Into contempt, nor are their meetings in
Those plainer pathes (which their nice Art cals sin)
At all performd, that the dull road unto
The Bridal Bed; this the fantastick Clew
To a delight, which doth in Labyrinths sit,
None ere beheld, while they preserv'd their wit.
[Page 159] Like wanton Jove committing secret Rapes
On mortal Beauties, they transmute their shapes,
At every inter-view, now in adress
Resembling an Arcadian Shepherdess;
She in the Woods encounters him, whilst he
Arm'd like a furious Knight, resolv'd to be
Her Ravisher approaches, but being by
Her prayers charmd into pity, there doth ly,
Fetterd in soft Embraces; now he must
Turn Hermit, and be tempted unto Lust,
By her a Lady errant; like distrest
Lovers, whose hopes by rigid Friends opprest,
Pines to despair, they now are wandring in
Unhanted Groves, whose pensive shades had been,
So oft their shady Vail, that every Tree,
In wreaths where Love lay wrapt in mystery,
Held their included Names, a subtile way,
To the observant Courties to betray
Their serious folly, which, from being their own
Delight, was now the sport oth' Pages grown;
The pleasant Off-springs of whose wanton wit,
Disturbs their peace, that though secur'd they fit,
In shady Desarts, with as much of fear,
As wandring Ladies, when the Gyants neer,
They'r still possest; less tertible were all
The dreadful Objects Ammadis de Gaule,
Or wittier Quixote, from their Enemies
Ere met, then was the fear of a surprize,
By those which did such strict observance take,
They thus their folly the Courts laughter make.
Neer to the Islands utmost Verge did lye
Retir'd even from Heavens universal Eye,
[Page 158] A deep, dark Vale, whose Night-concealing shade,
By a fresh Rivers silver stream was made
So sweetly cool, it often did invice,
Pharonnida to meet the smooth delight
Of calm retirement there, where to impart
With Natures Bounty all that liberal Art
Though fit for so remote a pleasure, stood,
A Grotto where, the Macrocosmes cold blood,
Run more disperst in various Labyrinths then
It circulates within the Veins of men.
Hither th' inventive Lovers, who long sought
Some way which Fancy nere her Followers taught,
T' express their serious folly in, repair,
Oft as the Sun made th' insalubrious Aire,
Unfit for publick walks; to entertain
Them here, with what exceeded all their vain
Delights before, newly erected by
Succesful Art, each various Deity,
Old Fancy plac'd the Seas Commanders, here
They with delight behold, but when drawn neer,
They saw ith' midst oth' blew-ey'd Tritons plac'd
Neptune and The [...]s Chariot, yet not grac'd
With their unfinisht figures: this they took,
For so much favour, as they had forsook
Their Thrones to give them place, but what adds yet
More to the future mirth, they swiftly fit
Themselves with Habits, such as Art had drew
Its Fancies in, both of their Robes being blew;
Inchac'd with silver streams, their heads with fair
Dishevel'd Perrywigs of Sea-green hair;
Were both adornd, circling whose Crowns they wore,
Wreathd Coronets of Flags, his right hand bore
[Page 159] A Golden Trident here (yet hardly red)
As if new pluckt from the Seas froathy Bed,
A branch of Corral: but whilst here they sit
Proudly adornd, both void of Fear, as Wit;
The Gates oth' Grotto, swiftly shutting in
A Torrent, such as if they'd seated been
At Niles loud Chataracts, by wayes before
Unseen break forth, by which the Engine bore
From its firm station, flotes aloft, and by
A swift withdrawing of those Bayes, which rye
Floods from commerce, is wafted forth into
A spatious Pool, where the bold Artist drew
Th' unfathom'd Seas Epitomy, within
A circling Wall, but such as might have been
A pattern to Romes big bulk'd pride, when they
Shewd Seas loud Battels, for the Lands soft play.
Our amorous Humorists, that must now appear,
These narrow Seas Commanders, shook with fear,
Sit trembling, whilst the shril-voic'd Tritons sound
Their crooked Shels, whose watry Notes were drownd
By th' lofty laughter of that Troop, they saw
Their pleas'd Spectators; for Pharonnida,
Being now with all her beauteous Train come to
Behold this Pageant, taught them how to view
A shame as dreadful as their fear, which yet
Was full of horrour, for though safe they sit
Ith' floating Chariot, yet the mounting Waves,
So boisterous grew, that even great Neptune craves
Himself relief, till f [...]ighted from all sense,
By second dangers, from that Port from whence
They sallied forth, two wel-rig'd Ships are now
Seen under Sail, whose actions taught them how
[Page 162] Sea-fights are mannag'd, in a method that
They being too neer engag'd to tremble at,
By fears slow conduct, to confusion led,
Fall from their Thrones, and through the Waves had fled
From shame to death, had they not rescued been,
By swift Relief, a Curtesie that in
Its first approach, though welcom'd when they come
To stand the shock oth' Courts loud mirth, as dumb,
As were the Fishes, they so late forsook,
Makes Mercy court them in a dreadful look.
But leaving these to pay with future hate,
Each Courtiers present mirth, a sadder fate
Commands my Pen no longer to attend
On smooth Delights, before it gives an end
To that Ephemera of pleasure, which
Whilst a free Conversation did enrich
Their thoughts too fast did ripen in the breast
Of both our royal Lovers, whose Fate rests
Not longin downy slumbers, ere it starts
In vain Phantasmaes, Hope her self departs
In a distracted trembling, their bright sphear
Of milder Stars, had now continued clear;
So long, till what their smiling Influence drew,
From the unthankful Earth, contracted to
A vail of Clouds, whose coolness whilst some prais'd,
Obscur'd those beams, by which they first were rais'd.
Hels subtile Embrioes, the Ingratitudes
Of curst Amphibia, whose disguise includes
Mischiefs Epitome, had often strook
In secret at their envied joyes, which took
Nere its effects till now, so heavenly free
The verteous Princess was, from what could be
[Page 163] Of him to vice, she knew not to mistrust
It in another, but thinks all as just
As her own even thoughts, wherefore without
Oppressing of her Soul with the least doubt
Rais'd from suspition, she dares let her see
She lov'd Argalia, though it could not be,
Yet counted more then what his Merits might
Claim as Desert, but this smal beam of light.
Through the Prospective of suspition, to
Envies malignant Eye conveyd, to do
An Act, informs the curst Amphibia, that
Makes Love lament, for what she triumph'd at;
Since Vertue (Heavens unspotted Character)
On the belov'd Argalia did transfer
Merits of too sublime a height to be
Shadowed with vice, from that Flowers fragrancie
She sucks her Venome, and from what had built
His Glory, now intends to raise his Guilt;
For [...]hough the Prince no Engines need to move,
His Passions Frame, but just Desert, his Love,
Her close endeavours are to heighten't by
Praises, that make Affection jealousie,
Whose Venome, having once possest his Soul,
It swiftly doth (like fatal Charmes) controul
Reasons fair Dictates, and although no fear
From such wel-order'd Actions could appear
To strengthen it, Argalia's Merits caus'd
Some sad and sullen doubts, such as when pauf'd
Awhile upon, resolve their Cure must be
Their Cause remov'd, though in that Action he
From his Breasts royal Mansion, doth exclude
The noblest Vertue, generous Gratitude.
[Page 166] My worthless Fortune with, will but prepare
Our future happiness, the time we spare
From feeding on Ambrosia, will encrease
Our wealthy store, when the white Wings of peace
Shall bear us back with Victory; there may
Through the dark Chaeos of my Fate display
Some beam of Honour, though compar'd with thine,
(That Element of living flames) it shine
Dim as the pale-fac'd Moon, when she lets fall
Through a dark Grove her beams: thy Vertues shall
Give an Alarum to my sluggish Soul,
When ere it drops; thy Memory controul
The weakness of my Passions: When we strive
Ith' heat of glorious Battel, I'le revive
My drooping Spirits, with that harmony
Thy Name includes; thy Name, whose memory
(Dear as those Re [...]icks a protecting Saint
Sends humble Vot'ries) mentions, will acquaint
My thoughts with all that's good, then calm again,
This Conflict of thy fears, I shall remain
Safe in the Hail of Death, if guarded by
Thy pious Prayers; Fates Messengers, that fly
On wings invisible, will lose the way
Aim'd at my breast, if thou vouchsafe to pray
To Heaven for my protection.—But if we
Nere meet again, yet—oh yet, let me be
Sometimes with pity thought on, at which word,
His ore-charg'd Eyes no longer could afford
A Room to entertain their Tears; both wept,
As if they strove to quench that fire which kept
Light in the Lamps of Life, whose Fortunes are
Ith' House of Death, whilst Mars the regal Star.
[Page 167] Some time in silent sorrow spent, at length
The fair Pharonnida recovers strength,
Though Sighs each Accent interrupted to
Return this Answer, Wilt, oh wilt thou do
Our infant Love such injury to leave
It ere full grown: When shall my Soul receive
A comfortable smile to cherish it,
When thou art gone; they'r but dull Joyes that sit
Enthron'd in fruitless wishes: yet I could
Part with a less expence of sorrow, would
Our rigid Fortune only be content
With absence, but a greater punishment
Conspires against us, danger must attend
Each step thou treadst from hence, and shall I spend
Those hours in mirth? each of whose minutes lay
Wait for thy life; when Fame proclaims the day,
Wherein your Battels joyn, how will my fear
With doubtful Pulses beat, until I hear
Whom Victory adorns? Or shall I rest
Here without trembling, when lodg'd in thy breast,
My heart's expos'd to every danger that
Assails thy Valour, and is wounded at
Each stroke that lites on thee, which absent, I
Prompted by fear to Myriads multiply.
—But these are Fancies Wildfi [...]es, we in vain
Do spend unheard Orizons, and complain
To unrelenting Rocks, this Night peect Scrol,
This Bill of our Divorcement doth inrole
Our Names in sable Characters, nought will
Expunge till death obliterate our Ill.
Oh do not (dear Commandress of my Heart)
Argalia answers, let our moist eyes part
[Page 168] In such a Cloud as will for ever hide
Hopes brightest Beams, those Deities that guide
The secret motions of our Fate, will be
More merciful, then to twist Destiny
In such black Threads, should Death unravel all
The feeble Cordage of our Lives, we shall
Spight of that Prince of Terrours, in the high
And glorious Palace of Eternity,
Being met again, renew that Love, which we
On Earth were forc'd, before Maturity
Had ripen'd it to Leaves; ith' numerous throng
Of long departed Souls, that stray among
The Mirtles in Elizium, I will find
Thy Virgin Ghost; and whilst the Rout inclin'd
To sensual pleasures here, refining are,
In purging Flames laugh at each envious Star,
Whose Aspects, if ill cited at our Brith,
With poysonous Influence blasts the Joyes of Earth.
Oh wast not (cries the Princess) dear time in
These shadows of Conceit, the Hours begin
To be 'mongst those inserted, that have try'd
The Actions of the World, which must divide
Us from our Joy; the Sea through which we sail
Works high with woe, nor can our prayers prevail
To calm its angry Brow; the glorious Fraight
Of my unwelcome Honours hangs a Waight
Too ponderous on me for to steer the way,
Thy humbler Fortunes do, else ere I'de stay
To mourn without thee, I would rob my Eyes
Of peaceful slumbers, and in course disguise,
(Whilst Love my Sex's weakness did controul)
Command my Body to attend my Soul:
[Page 169] My Soul, my dear, which hovering neer thee, not
Midnight alarums, that appear begot
By truth should startle; 'twixt the clamorous Camp,
Lightned with Cannons, and the peaceful Lamps,
That undisturb'd here wasts its Oile, I know
No difference, but what doth from Passion flow:
Whose close Assaults do more afflict us far,
Then all the loud impetuous storms of War.
We must, we must, replies Argalia, stand
This Thunder bolt unmov'd, since his Command,
Whose Will confirms our Law; happy had we
Great Princess been, if in that low degree,
From whence my Infancy was rais'd, I yet
Had liv'd a toiling Rural, then when fit
For Himens pleasures, uncontrol'd I'de took
Some homely Village Girl, whose Friends could look
After no Joynture, for to equallize
Her Portion but my love; no jealous Eyes
Had waited on our Meetings, we had made
All our Addresses free; the friendly shade
Cast from a spreading Oak, as soon as she
Had milkt her Cows, had prov'd our Canopy,
Where our unpollisht Courtship had a Love,
As chast concluded, as from th' amorous Dove,
Pearcht neer us we had learnt it; when arriv'd,
Unto Loves Zenith, we had undepriv'd,
By disagreeing Parents soon been led,
To Church by th' sprucest Swains; our Marriage-bed,
Though poor and thin, would have been neatly drest
By rural Paranymphs, clad in the best
Wool their own Flocks afforded; in a low
And humble Shed, on which we did bestow
[Page 170] Nought but our labour to erect, we might
Have spent our lustie youth with more delight
Then glorious Courts are guilty of, And when
Age had decayd our strength, grown up to men
Beheld our large course issue. Our dayes ended
Unto the Church been solemnly attended
By those of our own Ra [...]k, and buried been
Neer to the Font that we were Christned in.
Whilst I in russet Weeds of poverty
Had spun these course Threds, shining Majesty
Would have exhausted all her stock to Frame,
A match for thy Desert; some Prince whose Name
The neighbouring Regions trembl'd at, from whom
The generous Issue of thy fruitful Womb,
Might have deriv'd a stock of Fame to build
A future Greatness on, such as should yeild
Subject [...] of wonder to the World. About
To interrupt him, ere he had drawn out
This sad Theam she began to speak, but by
Nig [...]ts swift approach was hinder'd; now drew nigh
The time of his departure: whilst he bleeds,
At thought oth' first, a second S [...]mmons speec [...]s
His preparations to the City, where
That big bulkt body, unto which his care
M [...]st add a Soul, was now drawn up, and stayd,
Only to have his wisht Commands obeyd.
His powerful Passion, Loves strict Rules respecting,
More then bright Honours Dictates, yet neglecting
All summons stayed him, till he'd sacrific'd
His Vows to her, whose every smile he priz'd,
Above those trivial Glories; Ere from hence
He dares depart, each with a new expence
[Page 171] Of Tears, payes interest to exacting Fate,
For every Minute she had lent of late,
Unto poor Love, whose stock since not his own
Although no Spend-thrift is a Bankrupt grown.
Look how a bright and glorious Morning, which
The youthful Brow of April doth enrich,
Smiles, till the rude Winds blow the troubl'd Clouds
Into her Eyes, then in a black Vail shrouds
Her self, and weeps for sorrow; so wept both
Our royal Lovers, each would, and yet was loath
To bid farwel, till stubborn time inforc'd
Them to that Task; first his warm Lips divorc'd
From the soft balmy touch of hers; next parts
Their hands, those frequent witnesses oth' heart's
Indissoluble Contracts: last, and worst,
Their eyes,—their weeping eyes, (oh Fate accurst,
That layes so hard a task upon my Pen,
To write the parting of poor Lovers) when
They had even lost their light in tears, were in
That shade, that dismal shade, forc'd to begin
The progress of their sorrow; he is gone,
Sweet, sad Phoronnida left—left alone,
To entertain grief in soft sighs, whilst he
'Mongst noise and tumult, oft finds time to be
Alone with sorrow, though encompast by
A numerous Army, whose brave Souls [...]weld high,
With hopes of Honour, least Fames Trump want breath,
Hast to supply't by Victory, or death.
But ere calmd thoughts to prosecute our story,
Salute thy Ears with the deserved Glory
Our marshal Lovers purchast here, I must
Let my Pen rest awhile, and see the rust
[Page 172] Scour'd from my own Sword, for a fatal day
Draws on those gloomy hours, whose short steps may
In Britains blushing Chronicle write more
Of sanguine Guilt,
Newberies second Fight.
then a whole Age before:
To tell our too neglected Troops that we
In a just Cause are slow, we ready see
Our rallied Foes, nor wil't our sloathful Crime
Expunge, to say, Guilt wakend them betime,
From every Quarter, the affrighted Scout
Brings swift Alarums in, hovering about
The clouded tops of the adjacent Hils,
Like ominous Vapours lye their Troops, noise fils
Our yet unrallied Army, and we now
Grown legible, in the contracted Brow,
Discern whose heart looks pale with fear: If in
This rising storm of blood, which doth begin
To drop already, I'me not washt into
The Grave, my next safe Quarter shall renew
Acquaintance with Pharonnida, till then,
I leave the Muses to converse with men.
The end of the second Book.

PHARONNIDA. The third Book. A Tragi-comicall POEM.

CANTO THE FIRST.

The ARGUMENT.
I.
Beneath the powerfull Tyranny of Love,
Whilst the fair Princess weeps out every Star,
In Pleasures Sphear, those dark Clouds to remov [...],
All royall Pass-times in it practic'd are.
II.
Amongst whose Tryumphs, that her Train might lend
Her their Attendants in the shades of Grief;
Passion brings some so neer a fatall end,
That timely pity scarce affords relief.
SOme Months now spent, since in the clouded Court
Of sad Pharonnida, each Princely sport
Was with Argalia's absence maskt within
Sables of Discontent, Robes that had been
[Page 174] Of late her chiefest Dress; no cheerful smile
Ere cleerd her brow, those walks which were ere while;
The Schools where they disputed Love, were now
Only made use of, when her grief sought how
To hide its treacherous tear,; the unfil'd Bed
Oth' Widow, whose conjugal joy is fled,
Ith' hot and vigorous youth of Fancy, to
Eternal absence, sooner may renew,
(Though she for tears, repeated praises seeks)
The blooming spring of Beauty on her Cheeks.
When bright plum'd Day on the expanded wings
Of Aire approaches, Lights fair Herald brings
No overtures of peace to her; each prayer
In pious zeal she makes, a pale despair
In their Celestial Journey clogs; but long
Her feeble Sex could not endure these strong
Assaults of Passion, ere the red and white
Vanquisht from Beauties Throne, had took their flight,
And nought but melancholy palness lest
T' attend the light of her dim eyes, bereft
Of all their brightness; pining Agues in
The earthquake of each Joynt, leaving within
The Veins, more blood then dwelt in hers, which bea [...]
The hearts slow motions with a hectick heat.
Long Passions Tyrant reigns not, ere this change
Of Mirth and Beauty, letting sorrow range
Beyond the circle of Discretion, in
Her Father that suspition which had been
Kindl'd before renewing, he removes
His Court to hers, but the kind visit proves
A Paroxisme unto that strong Disease,
Which combates in her blood, no mirth could please
[Page 175] Her troubl'd Soul, since bar'd society,
With all its better Angels, gone to be
Attendant on Argalia; she beholds
Those studied pleasures, which the Prince unfolds
His love and greatness in, with no delight
More smooth then that a sullen Anchorite,
Which a harsh vow hath there enforc'd to dwell,
Sees the cold wants of his unhaunted Cell.
Amongst these sports, whose time betraying view
Ravisht each pleas'd Spectator, the fair Clew,
Contracts some sable knots, of which my Pen
Is only one bound to unravel; when
War had unclasp'd that dreadful Book of hers,
Where honour'd Names in sanguine Characters,
Brave valour had transcrib'd, fair vertue fixt
Euriolus in Honours Orb, and mixt
Him with the Courts bright Stars; but he who had
Whilst unregarded poverty had clad
His vertues in obscurity, learnt how
To sail in Fortunes boisterous storms, is now
By her false smiles be-calm'd and sunk, before
Desert (bound thither) toucht Loves treacherous shore.
Ith' playful freedome of their youth, when she
Was only a fair Shepherdess, and he
An humble Swain, he truly did adore
The fair Florenza, but aspir'd no more,
Since Poverty clog'd Loves ambitious wing,
Then by his private Muse alone to sing
Her praise with, such a flame of wit, that they
Which have compar'd, say envied Lau [...]a may
Look pa [...]e with spleen, to hear those Li [...]es exprest,
Though in her great Platonicks Raptures drest.
[Page 176] But now his Worth by Vertue rais'd, did dwel
High as his Hopes, and that a Parallel
To hers appearing, eithers Merits had
A Climax to preferment, and thus clad
Vertue in Honours Robes, which equal Fate,
Gave his Affection Language to relate,
What their Disparity kept dumb, nor did
Those Motions find acceptance, such as hid
Them for presumption, rather 'twas a Frost
Of Virgin Ice, then fire of pride that crost
His Masculine Desires, her Eyes unfold
So much of Passion, as by them she told
Who had most interest in her Heart, which she
From all brave Rivals his resolves shall be.
'Mongst those, Mazara, one, whose noble blood
Enrich'd the Gems of Vertue, though they stood
In Honours Altitude, was chief, nor could
A nobler Choice, were her Affections rul'd
By Worth, commend her Judgment, his fresh youth
Being Crownd with Vertues which might raise a truth,
Above Hyperboles, his Nature mild,
As was the Gaulless Dove, yet not the wild
And furious Lion, when provok'd could have
More daring Valour, an untimely Grave,
Whilst it ith' Embrio was, to every Vice,
But unto Vertue a fair Paradice;
Whose weedless Banks no pining Winter knew,
Till Death the Iufluence of warm Life withdrew.
That sympathy of meeting Vertues, which
Did both their Souls with equal worth enrich,
'Twixt him, and brave Euriolus had ty'd
A League not to be broke, could Love divide
[Page 177] His Blessings amongst Friends; But that of all
Our Passions brooks no Rival, fear may call,
Friends to partake of Palsies, Anger strives
To fire each neighbouring Bosome, Envie thrives
By being transplanted; but a Lovers pure
Flames, though converted to a Calenture,
Unwillingly with the least flame will part,
Although to thaw anothers frozen heart.
Few 'mongst th' observant Wits oth' Court yet knew
(Though it with twisted Eye-beams strengthend grew,
At every interview, and often dropt
Some Tears to water it) whose Love 'twas stopt,
Mazara's Sute, Euriolus to her
Whose melting pity only could confer
A Cure, unlocks the Secrets, whilst the other
More confident to win, nere strives to smoother
A Passion so legitimate, but by
All actual Complements, declares how high
He priz'd her Vertues, but this Worthies Fate,
Fixt him in Loves intemperate Zone, too late
[...]he pining Fruit was sown, the Spring so far
Being spent, its dayes were grown Canicular;
Schortching all hopes, but what made able were
By fruitful Tears Loves April Showers, to bear
Neglects untimely Frosts, which oft have lost
In bloomy Springs, the unhappy Lovers cost.
When this accomplisht Youth, whose Tongue and Pen
With Negatives more firm and frequent, then
Curst Usurers give impoverisht Clients, oft
Had been repuls'd, truth for discovery brought
This Accident, within the royal Court
Of bright Pharonnida, a full Resort
[Page 178] Of valiant Knights were met, conven'd to try,
Whose Valour Fortune meant to glorifie;
Of which selected number there was one,
Who though a stranger, Vertue soon made known
To all, 'cause fear'd of most, his valour had,
Before the first triumphant day unclad
The silver-vested Hemisphear, been oft
Cloathd in the Ornaments of Honour, brought
On Fames fair wings from the opposing part
Uncresting them to crown his high desert.
But now, when this new Constellation neer
Its Zenith drew, in Honours Hemisphear,
Cald thither by deciding Lots, the brave
Euriolus appears, whom Victory gave,
In the first shock success, and plac'd his Name
In the Meridian Altitude of Fame;
Where, though the valiant stranger prove no Foe,
So fortunately valiant do ore-throw
the structure of his Fate, yet his close Stars
Now sinks a Mine, to which those open Wars
But easie dangers were; Mazara in
His Crest a Scarff, that formerly had been
Known for Florenza's, seeing jealous Love
Converted into Rage, his Passions move
Above the sphear of Reason, and what late
Was but a gentle blaze, by alterd Fate,
Fires to a Comet, whose malignant beams
Foretold sad Ills, attending Loves extreams.
Loth to betray his Passions in so great
A breach of Friendship, to a close Retreat,
Mazara summons forward Rage; yet in
The strangers Name, whose Fortune might have been
[Page 179] The Parent of a private Q [...]arrel, sends
To call Euriolus, who now attends
Nought but triumphant mirth, ungua [...]ded by
Applauding Friends, in secret Fight to try,
What power did him from threatning danger guard,
When publick Fame was Victories Reward.
This fatal Scroll receiv'd, by him that thought
It real truth, since Passion might have sought
In him the same delay, a swift consent
Returns his Answer, but the Message went
So far from its directed Road, that ere
It reacht Mazara's, loose Neglect did bear
It to Carina's Ear, a Lady that
In silent tears her heart had offerd at
His Vertues Shrine, yet with such secret zeal,
Her Eyes forbid their Cupids to reveal,
That Language of her heart, she knew that in
Florenza's Sea of Merits, hers had been
Shipwrackt and lost, yet with a Soul as far
From envying her, as hating him, this War
Of factious Passions she maintains, and since
Reason now wanted Language to convince
Those head-strong Rebels, she resolves to be
Though ruin'd, ruld by their Democracy.
The Information her officious Maide,
Had from Mazara's careless Page betrayd;
Assures Carina the preceding Night,
Such Horse and Armour as the stranger Knight,
Euriolus had conquer'd in, had been
By his most cautious diligence within,
A (not far distant Wood) in whose black shade
He meant his Fury should his Foe invade:
[Page 180] Lodg'd by his Master, which discoverd truth,
Frighting her tears from the swift chase of Youth,
And Beauty into froward Age, to meet
Sorrow in private shades, withdraws the sweet
But sad Carina, who resolves to spend
Her sighs unnoted by her dearest Friend.
This in Florenza, who fore-saw that nought,
But Passions more then common, could have wrought
So swift a change, works high, who that she might
Dis-plume these Ravens, ere the Babes of Light,
Smile in their weeping Mothers Face, prepares
To see Carina, who with wakeful cares,
Her sad Companions by her friend surpriz'd,
No longer in their Ebbon Vail disguiz'd
Her thoughts pure candor; but with looks that did
Seem to implore Assistance, whilst they chid
Her own indulgent Nature, shews her how
Preposterous Love made her to Passions bow,
Whose fruit, since none of her first Planters came
From forward man, could be but female shame.
This (with its fatal Authour) known to free
Her Friend from shame, her self from cruelty,
Unto Mazara whose firm Love attends
Her least Commands, incenst Florenza sends,
Whose zeal transported Soul no sooner hears
That welcome sound, but though presaging fears,
Prompt him to stay, least haughty honour fall
Ruin'd by Fame, be lets her Standards fall
Before commanding Love, and goes to wait
On's honourd Mistress; but this sly deceit
Of hope, no Cordial proves, unto the sad
Carina's grief, the long experience had
[Page 181] Of his Affection to Florenza tells
Her doubtful Soul, those even Parallels
Could not by all her Friends perswasions be
Wrested into the least obliquity;
Which sad mistrust did Love precipitate,
On pathes whose danger frights protecting Fate.
Assur'd the Combates hour drew on, and that
Mazara's love-sick Soul was offering at
Florenza's Shrine, and by that willing stay,
Might be inforc'd some Minutes to delay
The time, in which his readier Opposite,
Expected him, she being resolv'd to write
Affection in her blood, with Loves wild hast,
Makes toward the Lists, there finds his Armour plac'd
Within the dark shade of an ancient Wood,
In whose black breast that place of horrour stood,
Where they appoint to meet, like those of Fate,
Obscure and dark by Beasts and Birds, that hate
The Light alone frequented; but love had
Dis-plum'd fears Haggars, being resolv'd she clad
Beauties fair Pearl, where smooth delights did dwell,
Ith' rough-cast Mould of that Ciclopian shell.
But that no Armes, nor bounding Steeds affright,
Where Loves fair hand hath Valours pasport wright,
Here we should pause, and pity her that now
Fancy beholds, whilst she is learning how,
To manage stubborn steel, within her sleek
And pollisht hand, through devious pathes to seek
For doubtful dangers, such whose horrid shape,
On mans best judgment, might commit a Rape.
Her swift Conductor Love, ere this had brought
Her to the place, where Passion had not sought
[Page 182] Long for the Object of her hate, ere she
Her valiant Brother, that was come to be
His Fames Protector sees, but so disguiz'd
In's Armes, that both, with envy unadviz'd,
By knowledge an unthought of guilt prepare,
In blood to meet; their foaming Horses were
Now freed from the commanding Rain, and in
Their full Carier; but Love in vain to win
The Field from Valour strives, her eager hast
But argues such an envy as did wast
It self in weak Attempts, which to the length
Of power extended, fals beneath the strength
Of her Victorious Foe, whose Fortune had
In Robes of Joy, what he must weep for clad.
Conquer'd Carina now dismounted lay,
Struggling for life, whose Fortress to betray
Toward Natures Tyrant Death, her blood transports
False Spirits through their purple Salliports.
Her Brother with an Anger that was grown
Into disdain, his Fury should be shewn,
On such resistless Subjects, ere he knows
How much of grief his Soul to sorrow owes,
For this unhappy Act, froms finisht course
Was now returning, not by strength to force
The harsh Commands of Tyrant Victors, but
By calm advice, a bloodless end to put,
To that ill-manag'd Quarrel: but before
He there arrives, to make his sorrows more,
When truth unvails their dark design, a Knight
With hast as speedy as the secret flight
O [...] wrath, when wing'd from angry Heaven, he saw
Bolted into the Lists, who soon did draw
[Page 183] Too neer in sober Language to dispute
Their fatal Quarrel, both, with Rage grown mute
Disdaining conference, found no place for words,
Amidst the mortal Language of their Swords;
Which, the first shock past o're, and Lances broke,
In hast took place, and at each furious stroke,
Unbay'd the Fountains of their blood, to stain
With purple guilt the Flower-enamel'd Plain.
Whilst each did thus with silent Rage imploy,
An Art directed Fury to destroy
The others strength, the bordering shadows weep,
In trickling Dews, and with sad murmures keep
Time with the hollow, and ill boding Note,
Sent from a fatal Ravens stretcht-out Throat;
Which from an old Oaks witherd top did sing
A baleful Dirg; but these sad Omens bring
No terror to their busie thoughts, which were
Too much imployd in Action, to take care
For any danger more remote, then what
With the next stroke might fall; perceiving that
Their Horses faint, they both dismount, and do
On equal terms the Fight on foot renew,
Till a Cessation from the want of breath,
Not Valour was en [...]orc'd: the Vail which death
Contracted from those steams, his wreaking blood
Breathd forth its Spirits in already stood,
Over Mazara's Eyes, which clouded se [...]s
Not that approach of Night; his trembling Knees
S [...]agger beneath their fainting Load, which in
To th' Grave had dropt, had not their fury bin
When its last heat was with Lifes flame neer spent
From further Rage, restraind by accident.
[Page 184] Some of the lost Carina's frighted Friends,
Fearing those Ills which desperate Love attends,
Spending that Morning in the fruitless Quest,
Of her had been, and now (their hopes distrest
With vain inquiries) to communicate,
Their Grief returning were, which secret Fate,
To interpose, through dark Meanders brought,
Neglect to find what care in vain had sought.
Whilst yet no more then brave humanity,
Prompts them to part a Quarrel that might be
Defil'd with blood, which if not shead in Wars,
With Murther stains, what it doth guild with Scars:
They toward them hast, even in that critical
And dangerous Minute, when Mazara's fall,
With Vict'ries Laurels to adorn his Crest,
His valiant Friend had rob'd of future rest,
Had not this blest relief of Innocence,
The one from death, the other from expence
Of tears restraind, before Revenge had found
So much of Guilt as might his Conscience wound.
His high wrought Rage stopt by too many hands,
To vent its heat, Euriolus now stands,
Shook with the Feaver of his anger, till
Those Friends which saw Mazara grown so ill
With wounds, to gasp for breath, by giving way
For aire, they to the Victors view betray
His best of Friends, at which afflicting sight,
Cursing the cause of that unhappy fight;
His Sword as guilty thrown aside, he hasts
To his Relief, in which kind act none wasts
Their friendly help, Life, as but stoln from pain,
Behind the Vail of death appears again
[Page 185] On Natures Frontiers, whose returning flame,
Though scarce of strength to warm, lookt red with shame,
When he so many wel-known Friends beheld,
Sad Witnesses, how much his passion sweld
Above the Banks, where Reason should have stayd,
When to that meeting it his Friend betrayd.
Their Vails of steel remov'd, each now beholds,
What shame and wonder in firm Contracts folds.
Amaz'd stands brave Euriolus to see,
None but his Friend, his honourd Friend should be
The Parent of that Quarel, shame confounds
Mazara more, and from internal wounds
(Though like the red Seas Springs his other bled)
Perhaps less danger, but more torment bred.
Both now by his unforc'd confession knew
Whose equal'd honourd Beauty 'twas that drew
Them to this fatal Combate, whose event
Him neer the Grave on Loves vain Errant sent.
Friendship renewd in strickt Embraces, they
Are now arriv'd, where weak Carina lay,
So faint with Loves Phlebotomy, that she,
Maskt in forgetful slumbers could not see
Approaching shame, which when discoverd sticks
Lifes fair Carnations on her death-like Cheeks.
Hasting to see, what over-forward Rage,
That unknown strangers weakness did engage,
In that unhappy Quarrel they beheld,
At the first glance an Object that expeld,
Into the shades of Sorrows Wilderness,
All temperate thoughts, his Sisters sad distress
Wrought by his Arme, whose strength betrayd her neer
The Grave, did to Euriolus appear,
[Page 186] Dreadful, as if some treacherous friend had shown
Those flames in which his scor [...]cht Companions grone.
Nor did Mazara, though but prompted by
Pity (that tender Child of sympathy)
With less relenting sorrow live to see,
Loves bloody Trophies, though unknown to be
By his victorious Beauty reard; to save
From the cold grasp of an un [...]imely Grave,
So ripe a Virgin, whilst her Brother stands
Unnerv'd with grief, amongst the helpful hands
Of other Friends are his imployd, till by
Their useful aide; fled Life returns to try,
Once more the Actions of the world, before
It shot the Gulf of Death; but on the shore
Of active Nature, was no sooner set,
But that (together with the Light) she met
Her far more welcome Lover, whom whilst she
Beholds with trembling, Heaven resolv'd to free
A suffering Captive, turns his pity to
So much of Passion, as ere long Love grew
On the same Stem, whose Flowers to propagate;
She in these words uncurtains mystick Fate.
For bear your aide brave Sir, and let me dy,
Ere live the Author of a P [...]odigy,
That future times shall curse: yet pardon me,
Dear Brother, Heaven will nere impute to thee,
The guilt of blood, twas my unhappy Love
Which rais'd this Storm, which if my prayers may prove
In death successful, let me crave of you,
Dear Sir, to whom I long have born a true
But indiscreet affection, that from hence
For poor Carina's sake, for this expence
[Page 187] Of tears and blood, you would preserve those dear
Respects of Friendship, that did once appear
Confirmd betwixt you, and, although my Fate,
Unto the worst of Ills precipitate
My Fame and Life, oh let my name not be
Offensive to your Ear, this, this for me,
Is all you shall perform; which spoke, she'd let
Her hovering Soul forth, to have paid the Debt
Of Nature to the Grave, had not shee bin
By some assisting Friends, whilst dropping in,
Scayd at the last step, and brought back to meet
The Bridal Pair, no single winding Sheet.
This doubtful Combate ended, they are to
The Court conveyd, where Fame upon this new
Text Commenting, in various Characters
Transcribes her sence; some this bold Act of hers
Term un-becoming Passion, others brave
Heroick love; but what most comfort gave,
To cur'd Carina, was, that this lost blood,
Had prov'd Loves Balm, and in a purple flood,
Washt from her heart Grief's sable stains, for now
Merit had taught her dear Mazara how,
To prize her verteous Love, and for its sake
Its Cabinet her hearts best Temple make.
Thus Passions troubl'd Sea had settl'd in
A smooth and gentle calm, had there not been
Unhappily, to blast their sweet content,
Not long before an Act for th' banishment,
Of all such Courtiers made, as should withont
A Licence from the Councel, fight about
What ever private Quarrel, but not this
Mazara, or his new choice frights; their bliss
[Page 188] Stood on more firm foundations then the Courts
Uncertain Favours were, whose glorious sports
Although he left, it was not to retire
To sullen cares, what Honour could require,
A state which cal'd him her unquestiond Lord,
Without depending favours did afford.
But whilst we leave this noble Lover by
This Mandate freed, from what before did tye
Unto a troublesome Attendance; we
From brave Euriolus are forc'd to be
With sorrow parted, since the generall love,
His Vertue had obtaind, wants strength to move
The ponderous doom; ere his impoverisht heart,
Grown poor in streams, could from Lifes springs impart
Warm blood enough for his pale Cheeks to drink
A Health to Beauty, he's enforc'd to think
Of that sad theam of parting, on whose sense,
His griev'd Soul dictates sighs, yet could dispense
Even with its harshest rigour, were there but
Any acception in it, that might put
Out parting with Florenza, that though he
Were shrunk into his former poverty,
(Calling the rugged frowns of Fate) would bear
A Brow unclouded with Ambitions care.
But he must go, not all the Rhetorick
Of tempting Love could plead against the quick
Approach of time, whose speedy motion now,
Only some slippery Minutes did allow
Their parting tears, in whose exalted flood,
Had Reason not with future hopes withstood
The rising stream, Loves Summer Fruits had been
(Ore-whelmd with grief) for ever buried in
[Page 189] A delluge of Despair; but that, whilst she,
With such sad looks, as wintring Scithians see
The Sun hasts toward the Artick Pole, beholds
His slow departure, glimmering hope unfolds
Twylight, which now foretels their frozen fear,
Day may return to Loves cold Hemisphear.
The end of the first Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The third Book. CANTO THE SECOND.

The ARGUMENT.
III.
The Princess by unluckie Accident,
Having Loves secret Embassies betrayd,
To her great Father, by that Action spent
That stock of hope, which promis'd future Ayd.
IV.
His rage being to such rash extreams inflam'd,
That he whose Mandates none durst disobey,
As if his power were of such Acts asham'd,
Shrinks from it self, and poorly doth betray.
IF angry Aid, the Enemy to Love,
Tels thy grave pride, thy Judgment is above,
What with contempt (although it injure truth)
Thy spleen miscals the vanity of youth.
[Page 191] If harsh imployment; gross society,
That feast of Brutes, make thee an Enemy
To love, the Souls Commercive Language, then
Remove thy Eye, whilst my unenvied Pen,
That long to Passion hath a Servant been
Confines the fair Pharonnida's within,
These paper limits; frozen still she lies
Beneath opposing Passions, her bright Eyes;
Those Stars whose best of influence scarce had power
To thaw what grief congeald into a shower
Of heart dis-burthening tears, their influence spend
In sorrows polar Circles, and could lend
No light to beauties World; ith' vigorous reign
Of this pale Tyrant, whilst she did remain
Unlighten'd with a beam of comfort, in
A Bower being sate, that formerly had been
Her seat, when she heard the unhappy news
Of parting with Argalia; whilst she views
She blames the guiltless shadows, who to ask
Pardon in trembling murmures did unmask
Their naked Limbs, and scatterd at her Feet
The fragrant Vail, in's death-bed sate the sweet
But pining Rose, each Grass its heavy head,
Laden with tears did hang, whilst her Eyes shead
A pattern to instruct them: hence, whilst she
Looks thorough on a way conceiv'd to be
The same her Lo [...]d marcht with his Army, when
He left Girenza, with a hast more then
A common Traveler, she sees one post
Towards her Court, whose Visage had not lost
Its room within her Memory, he's known
Argalia's Page, and now each minute grown,
[Page 192] A burthen to her thoughts, that did de [...]er
A neerer interview, the Messenger
Arrives, and to her eager view presents
His Masters Letters, whose inclos'd Contents,
Are now the Object, her expecting Soul
Courts with desire, nor doth she long controle
Their forward hast; A Diamond being by
The Messenger returnd, whose worth might vie
Price with an Indian Fleet, when it sails slow
With's glittering burthen; though each word ore-flow
With joy, whilst her inquisitive discourse,
Was on this pleasing theam, time did enforce
The Pages swift departure, who with all
Affected Epithites, that Love can call
To gild Invention when it would expresse,
Things more sublime then mortal happinesse,
Is gone to carry his expecting Lord,
What pleasure could, when ratified afford.
Whilst this sweet joy was only cloathd in fresh
Blossomes of hope like Souls, ere mixt with flesh
She only by desire subsisted, but
Now to her Chamber come, and having shut
The treacherous door, from the conjugal seal,
The white Lipt paper freed, doth soon reveal
Loves welcome Embassies; she reads, and by
Each Line transported to an Extasie,
In Fancies wild Meanders lost the way,
She rashly enterd, faint desire would stay
At every word in amorous sighs to breath
A Love-sick groan, but she is yet beneath
The Mount of joy, and must not rest untill
Her swift-pac'd eye had climb the flowry Hill,
[Page 193] Which now past lightly o're, with an intent
Of a review to its best Ornament,
His Name, she comes, which whilst bathd in the Balm
Of fragrant kisses, from joyes gentle calm
She thus is startl'd, a redoubled groan,
That sign of neighbouring sorrow, though unknown
From whence affrights her Soul; but she too soon,
Too sadly knows the Cause; the height of Noon,
Rag'd in reflected heat, when walking in
Those outer Rooms, her Father long had been
In expectation of her sight; but not
Finding her there, a golden slumber got
The start of's Meditations, to comply
VVith whose calm councel, he did softly ly
Down on a stately Couch, whose glittering pride,
A Curtain from the publick view did hide;
VVhere having pluckt from off the wing of time,
Some of her softest Down, the Dews that clime,
In sleep to stop each Ventrickle, begin
To steal a soft Retreat, hovering within
His stretcht-out Limbs, sleeps vapours lye, his hands
Rub from his Eyes those leaden boults that stand
Over their heavy Leads, which scarce was done,
VVhen first surpriz'd Pharonnida begun
To read her Letter, and by that sad chance,
Betray her Love; Passion strove to advance
Her Father from his Lodging, when he first
Heard the discovery, but though anger thirst
For swift Revenge, yet policy perswades
Him to hear further, ere his sight invades
Her troop of Pleasures, whose thin Squadrons broke,
By what sh [...]'d heard, before she could revoke
[Page 194] Her vanquisht spirits, that were fled to seek
Protection in her heart, robbing her Cheek
Of all the blood to waft in; whilst she stands
A burthen to her trembling Legs, her hands
Wringing each others Ivory Joynts; her bright
Eyes scattering their distracted beams, the flight
Oth' Curtain from her Fathers angry touch,
Discovers whence that groan which caus'd so much,
Her wonder came; Grief, and amazement strives
Awhile with Love, which soon victorious drives,
Those pale Guests from her Cheeks, unto whose aide,
Her noble heart (secure from being betrayd
By its own strength) did send a quick supply
Of its warm blood, her Conscience knows not why
To fear, 'cause knows no guilt, nor could have been
By Love so verteous, ere drawn neer a sin.
But as the Evening blushes for the rude
Winds oth' ensuing day, so fortitude,
Upon the lovely Roses that did grow,
Within her Face a deeper Dye bestow,
Then fear could ere have done, and did presage
Th' ensuing storms exagitated rage.
Silent with Passion, which his Eyes inflam'd
The Prince a while beholds her, ere he blam'd
The frailty of Affection, but at length
Through the thick throng of thoughts, armd with a strength
Which crusht the soft smiles of paternal Love,
He thus begins; And must, oh must that prove
My greatest curse on which my hopes ordaind
To raise my happiness? have I refraind
The pleasures of a Nuptial Bed, to joy
Alone in thee, not trembled to destroy
[Page 195] My Name, so that advancing thine I might
Live to behold my Scepter take its flight,
To a more spatious Empire, have I spent
My youth, till grown in debt to Age she'th seen
Diseases to arrest me, that impaire
My strength and hopes ere to enjoy an Heir,
Which might preserve my Name, that only now
Must in our dusty Annals live, whilst thou
Transfer'st the glory of our house, on one
Which, had not I warmd into life, had gone
A Wretch, forgotten of the World, to th' earth,
From whence he sprung. But tear this monstrous birth
Of Fancy from thy Soul, quick as thou'dst fly
Descending wrath, if visible, or I
Shall blast thee with my anger, till thy Name
Rot in my Memory, not as the same,
That once thou wert behold thee, but as some
Dire Prodigy, which to foreshew should come
All ills, which through the progress of my life
Did chance, were sent; I lost a Queen, and Wife,
Thy verteous Mother, who for her goodnesse might
Have here supply'd, before she took her flight
To Heaven, my better Angels place, have since
Stood storms of strong Affliction, still a Prince
Over my Passions until now; but this
Hath prov'd me Coward: Oh thou dost amisse
To grieve me thus fond Girl. With that he shook
His reverend Head, beholds her with a look,
Compos'd of Grief and Anger, which she sees,
With melting sorrow, but resolv'd Love frees
Her from more yeilding pity; to begin
The Prologue to obedience, which within
[Page 196] Her breast still dwelt (though swayd by Love) she fals
Prostrate at's feet, to his remembrance cals
Her dying Mothers Will, by whose pale dust,
She now conjures him not to be unjust
Unto that promise, with which her pure Soul
Fled satisfi'd from Earth as to controule
Her freedome of Affection, rather she
Desires her Interest in his Crown might be
Deni'd her, then the choice of one to sway
It in her right, she urges how it may
Be by his Vertue far more glorifi'd,
Whom she had chose, then if by Marriage ti'd
To any neighbouring Prince, who only there
Would rule by Proxi [...], whilst his greater care
Secur'd his own Inheritance; she then
Cals to remembrance wh [...] reliv'd him, when
Dist [...]est within Alcithiu's Walls, the Love
His Subjects bore Argalia, which might prove
Her choice their happiness, with all how great
A likelyhood i [...] was, but the retreat
O [...] Royalty, to a more safe disguise,
Had shewd him to their States deluded Eyes,
So mean a thing: Loves b [...]undless Rhetorick,
About to dictate mo [...]e, he with a quick
And fu [...]iou [...] hast forsakes the Room, his Rage
Thus boyling o're; And m [...]st my wretched Age
Be thus by thee tormented: but take heed
Correct thy Passions, or their Cause must bleed,
Until he quench the flame; at which harsh word
He leaves the room, nor could her strength afford
Her power to rise, which whilst she strives to do,
Her Memory adding more Weights unto
[Page 197] The burthen of her thoughts, her [...]oul opprest,
Sinks in a pale Swoon, catching at t [...]e rest
It m [...]st not yet enjoy, swift help lends light,
Though faint and glimering, to behold what Night
Of grief ore-shadow'd her: You that have been
Upon the Wrack of Passion, tortur'd in
The Engines of forbidden Love, that have
Shed fruitless [...]ears, spent hopeless Sighs, to crave
A rigid Parents fair Aspect, conceive
What wild destruction seiz'd her; I must leave
Her Passions Volume only to be read,
Wi [...]hin the breasts of such whose hearts have bled,
At the like dangerous wounds; whilst she sits here
Amaz'd with grief, know that no smiles appear,
To smooth her Fathers angry b [...]ow, yet to
None he unfolds his thoughts, but bent to do
What ere his Rage should dictate, to appease
This high-wrought storm, which turnd into disease
Each motion of the Brain, he only takes [...]
Scorn and Revenge, to whose ill counsel shakes
The qu [...]et of the Soul, to be his Guides
Through those Night-peect Walks, whose shadow [...]
The languisht beams of Love, awhile their strong
Ingredients boyl in's blood, before they throng
The scatterd thoughts into a quintessence
Of poysonous Resolutions, first from thence
There sprung this black Disaster to attend
Argalia's Fortune, he doth forthwith send
A secret Messenger to th' Warlike Prince
Of Siracuse, to let him know that since
He sent those Forces to assist him in
His War, their General, that till late had bin
[Page 198] The darling of his Love, by Arguments
Too strong was prov'd a Traytor, whose intents
Aymd at his Crown and Life; to aggravate
His spleen the more, he writes him word their Fate,
On the same ominous Pinions flew, if that
He prov'd succesful, having warmd him at
This flame of Passion, he concludes with; (Sir)
You guesse my meaning, I would have no stir,
About dispatching of him, for he's grown
Strong in affection, and may call his own
The hearts of half my Kingdome; let this give
Your Justice power; he's too much lov'd to live.
The startl'd Siracusian having read
These bloody Lines, which had not only bred
A new, but nourisht growing envy in
His mighty Soul, a stranger to all sin,
So full of guilt, as to dissemble, till
The new made Generals just deserts did fill
Fames still augmented Volume, and was grown
More legible, then what he cal'd his own.
What in a rivall Prince had been a high
And noble Emulation, kindled by
A smaller Star blasts Vertue, he beholds
His lightning Valour, which cach hour unfolds,
Examples for Posterity, destroy
What (though he trembl'd at) creates no joy
Within his sullen Soul, a secret hate,
By Envy fed, strives to unhinge his Fate,
From off their lofty Pyramids, and throw
What Merit rais'd, unto a place more low
Then their first step to Glory, yet, whilst nought
But Honour was engag'd, disdain nere sought
[Page 299] For life-excluding Corasives; but Love
Bearing a part, two Suns might sooner move
In the same sphear, then that hot Guest indure
A rival Flame, Desert could not secure
Worth thus besieg'd, yet this accurst intent,
Dares not unvail it self, the Army sent,
By him from fair Gerenza, ere the Sun
Perform'd his Summers progress, had begun
To Garrison their weary Fort within,
Such Towns as their own Valour first did win,
From the retir'd Ae [...]olians, ere this task
Was fully ended, curtaind in the Mask
Of Merits lawfull claim reward there came
A large Commission, which Zoranza's Name
Had made authentick, that the Government
Of Ardenna a Town, whose strength had spent
The baffl'd Foe, whose Fields of blood should be
Conferd on him, by the Vicinity
Of th' place, freed from a tedious Journey, in
The City he arrives, and what had bin
Sent from his Prince, presents those Mandates that
Informd the Governour, who frighted at
The strange Commands, lets a pale guilt ore-take
His swift Resolves, till glorious hopes did shake
Those Mourning Robes of Conscience off, and in
The purple Garments of a th [...]iving sin,
Shadows his trembling Soul, least she appear,
Shook with a cold fit of religious fear.
The discomposure of his look, which did
Appear the birth of Discontent, forbid
Suspition of a blacker sin; that night,
As being the last of's charge, he did invite
[Page 200] Argalia to remain his Guest: the next
Promising to [...] his, yet seeming vext,
To leave the place, though only to conceal
His dark d [...]sign that did it self reveal
To none but some selected Soldiers; by
Whose help he meant to murther him. To vie
I [...] benefits with th' Dayes, Night had bestowd
Refreshing slumbers upon all ha [...]owd
It to the l [...]st dayes Labour, when without
Fear of app [...]oaching danger, hem'd about
With guards of honest Valour, all his Train
Save such as meer necessity de [...]ain,
Lodg'd in the City, fearless Argalia in
T [...] [...] lies, where having tempted bin
By Midnight Revels, full crownd Cups, to be
Betrayd from Reason to Ebriety:
But nought prevaling, [...]e at length is led,
Like an in ended Sacrifice, to th' Bed,
Ordaind to be his last, untill the Earth
Within her Womb afford him one; the birth
Oth' Morn grew neer her slow approach, ere all
Th [...]s [...] Engines, by whose strength they meant his fall
Could be prepar'd; the Governour that held
The Helm of this black mischief, had expel'd
The poysonous Guilt of staining his own Sword
With blood, providing Villains that abhord
No [...] Contagi [...]n, though Revenge did wait
On every guilty st [...]p: that Evenings Bait
Their liq [...]id Mirth had layd, although it took
No use of Reason from his Soul, had shook
Its labouring Facul [...]ies into a far
More sudden slumber, which compos'd the War
[Page 201] Of wandring Fancy in a Harmony
Of the Concordant Humours, untill by
The sudden noise of those ordaind to be
His Murtherers, he wakes; amaz'd to see
His Chamber so possest, he catches hold
On one of [...]hem, but finds his strength controld,
By the assistance of the [...]ther, in
The Embrio of this treachery, ere their sin
Was past to execution, he conjutes
Them to forbear so black a Deed, assures
Them of Rewards, greater then hope could call
A debt from him that basely sought his fal [...].
But deadly silence had bar'd up the Gates
Of every Voyce, those curst Assassinates
Prepard for action were, but Heaven prevents
That aged sin of murthering Innocents,
With Miracles of Mercy. There was found
Not long before an ancient Story crownd,
With a Prophetick Honour, that containd
This sacred truth; ( When Ardenna is staind
With Treachery in F [...]iendships Vail disguiz'd,
Her sable Tower shall be by Foes surpiz'd.)
This known, but misconceiv'd, to c [...]zen Fate,
They did unwounded bear without the Gate;
The now resistless Lion that did ly,
Like that brave Prince oth' Forest, fetterd by
A crew of trembling Hunters; to the brow
Of an high Promontory, that did bow
Its black Clifts o're the clamorous Waves, they had
Conveyd the noble Youth; the place a sad
And dismal horrour wore, the grim aspects
Of louring Rocks, the grey-ey'd Sea reflects,
[Page 202] In ugly glaring beams, the Night-Raven beats
His [...]ufty Wings, and from their iquallid seats,
The baleful Scriek-Owls fly to bear their parts,
In the sad murmure of the Night; those hearts
Custome had steeld with Crimes, perhaps had bin
Here frighted to repentance, had not sin
Assisted by the hands of Avarice, drawn
The Bridge of Reason, and obscur'd the dawn
Of Infant goodness, to redeem the time
Astonishment had lost, towards their Crime
They now themselves precipitate the hand,
Ordaind to ruine that fair Structure, and
Unravel his Lifes even thred, prepares
To strike the fatal blow; but he that dares
Obstruct commanded Villany forbid
The further progress of their guilt, and chid
That pale sin in rough Language of, a strange
Confused sound, striking their Ears did change
The ominous Dirges of the Night into
A various noise of humane Voyces, who
Durst in that secret place approach, 'twas now
Too late to think on, the Rocks spatious brow,
Was clouded ore with men, whose glittering Armes
Threatend destruction, ere their swift alarms
Could summon sleeps infeebled aid; whilst they
Forsake their Prisoner, who becomes a Prey
To the Invaders, seeking safety in
Their flight, they fall before him, that had been
Ordaind to speedier ruine, entring at
The open Salliport, they give by that
Rash Act directions to the Foe, that mixt
Promiscuously with them, and now had fixt
[Page 203] Their Standards on the Gates. The Castle in
Feaverish alarms sweating, did begin
To case her fiery stomach, by the breath
O'th full-mouth'd Cannon. Ministers of death
In this hot labour busily distills
Extracted spirits, noyse and tumult fills
The frighted City, whose fir'd turrets lent
A dismal light. But the Assaylants spent
Their bloud in vain, the Souldiers that had been
At the first trembling fit distracted in
Confusions giddy maze, had rallied now
Their scattered spirits, and were seeking how
To purge dishonours stains in the bright fire
Of rage contracted valour. To retire
Unto their Ships in safety, now is all
Th' Invaders hope for, but so many fall
In that attempt, it leave no triumphs due
To Fortunes temple. By this winding clew
Of various fate, Argalia only findes
That stroke of death deceived, no hand unbindes
His corded arms, but that which meant to lay
Bondage as hard, so corrasives doe stay
A Gangrene fed by springs of poysonous blood,
When reaching at the heart, as these withstood
The catarracts of death. With tyrants more
Indomitable, then the sea that bore
Their black Fleet, leave our Hero to untie
This knotty riddle of his fate, whilst by
The ignis fatuus of a fancie led
With slow pac'd feet, through other paths we tread.
The tumults of the City silenc'd in
A peacefull calme, what the effects had bin
[Page 204] Of those loud clamours, whilst all seek to know
Argalia's losse makes giddy wonder grow
Into suspition, that this Act might be
Some stratagem oth' Guvernour, to free
Himself from a Successor, but those fly
Darts of mistrust were rendred hurtless by
His Princes Mandates, whose invenom'd hate,
That spurious birth had made legit [...]mate.
Yet swift Revenge aff [...]onis his Treason in
Its full carier, his Master having bin
By him informd of a surprizal, where
All sounds but death affrighted, could not bear
The burthen of his Fears, and yet not sink
Deeper in sin, ere the poor wretch could think
On ought but undeserv'd Rewards, he by
A brace of Mutes being strangl'd, from the high
But empty Cloudes of Expectation drops,
To let the World know what vain shadow props
Those blood-er [...]cted Pyramids that stand
On secret Mu [...]thers black and rotten Sand.
When thus the S [...]acusian had secur'd
His future Fame, Passion that still endur'd
A strong distemperature, slept not untill
The story of their crosse Design did fill
Palermo's Princes Ear, Argalia's losse,
Was now the Ball that babling Fame did tosse
Thorough the Court, upon whose airy Wing,
Reaching the Island, it too soon did bring
The heavy N [...]ws, disguiz'd in Robes more sad
Then truth to her, whose stock of Vertues had
Been venter'd on that Sea of Merit, in
Such forms of Griefe, as Princes that have been
[Page 205] Hurld from the splendent Glories of a Throne,
Into a Dungeon, her great Soul did grone
Beneath the Weights of grief; the doleful Tale,
Had thunder-strook all joy, her Spir' [...]s exhale
Their vigour forth in sighs, and faintly let
That g [...]orious Fabrick unto which they'r set
Supporters fail to th' Earth; yet sorrow stayes
Not in this frigid Zone, rude g [...]ief betrays
Her Passions to her Fathers jealous Ear
Who fearing least Argalia's Stars might clear
Their smoaky Orb [...], and once more take a flight
From deaths cold house by a translated L [...]g [...]t,
To s [...]parate from sorrow, and again,
In Fortunes house Lord of th' Ascendant Raig [...]
He doubts that Islands safety, and from thence
Removes her with what speedy diligence,
Fear could provoke suspition to; her Train
Shook with that suddain change, desire in vain
The Islands pleasure, ere they know how much
Their Fates must differ; as it oft in such
Unlookt for changes happens, each man vents
His own Opinion, some did discontents,
Of the young Princess, others that the season
Of th' year was cause; but though none know his reason,
All must obey his Will. The pleasan Isle
Whose Walks, fair Gardens, Prosp [...]cts did beguile
Time of so many happy hours, must now
A solitary Wildernesse, whose brow,
Win [...]er had bound in folds of Ice, be left
To wail their absence, whilst each Tree bereft
Of Leaves, did like to Virgin Mourners stand,
Cloathd in white Vails of glittering Icelets, and
[Page 206] Shook with the breath of those sharp windes that brought
The hoarie Fish. The pensive birds had sought
Out Springs that were unbar'd with ice, and there
Grew hoarse with cold. The crusted earth did wear
A rugged armour. Every bank unclad
With flowers, conceal'd the juicie roots that had
Adorned their Summers dresse. The Meadowes green
And fragrant Mantle, withering lay between
The griz'ie mountains naked armes. All growes
Into a swift decay, as if it owes
That tribute unto her departure, by
Whose presence 'twas adorned. Seated did lie
Within the circuit of Ghirenza's wall,
(Though stretch'd t' imbrace) a Castle which they call
The Princes tower, a place whose strength had stood
Unshook with danger, when that violent flood
Of warre rag'd in the Land, hither were brought
Such (if of Noble bloud) whose greatnesse sought
From treacherous plots extension, yet although
To those a prison, here he did bestow
His best of treasure, briefly, it had been
Unto the Spartan Kings a Magazeen
Since first they rul'd that Kingdome, and when ere
A war drew near them, their industrious care
Made it their place of residence; the hill
'Twas built upon, with's rockie feet did fill
A spatious Iftmos, at its depth a Lake
Supply'd by'th neighbouring sea, let in to make
The Fort the more impregnable, with slow
But a deep current running, did bestow
A dreadfull prospect on the bended brow
O'th hill, which cover'd with no earth did bow
[Page 207] Its torn clifts o're the heavy stream. The way
That led to it, was o're a bridge, which they
That guard it did each night draw up, from whence
A steep ascent, whose natural defence
Assisted by all helps of art, had made
The fatal place so dangerous to invade,
Each step a death presented. Here when he
Had plac'd his daughter, whose securitie
Rocks, walls, nor rivers warranted, without
A trusty guard of Souldiers, hem'd about
The walls, lesse hard then they. Those Gentlemen
That on her happier Court attended, when
Argalia did command them, as too milde
Were now discharg'd, their office on a wilde
Band of those Mountain Souldiers, who had in
His last great war most fam'd for valour bin,
Being confer'd, and these lest they should be
Forc'd by commands into civilitie,
Bestow'd upon the fierce Brumorchus, one
Whose knotty disposition nature spun
With all her coursest threds, composing it
For strength, not beauty, yet a Lodging fit
For such a rough, unpolish'd guest as that
Black soul, whose dictates it ought trembled at,
In feaverish glooms, whose subterranean fire
Inflamed that ill-formed Chaos with desire
Its vigour to imploy in nought of kin
To goodnesse, till 'twas better temper'd in
The Princes Court, where though he could not cast
His former rudenesse off, yet having past
The filing of the Courtiers tongues, at length
It thus far wrought him, he converts that strength
[Page 208] To's Princes service, which till then had lay
In Passions Fetters, learning to obey,
The gentle strokes of Government; though bred
In salvage wildness, nurst with blood, and fed
With hourly Rapine, since he had forsook,
Those Desart haunts, a firm obedience took,
Hold on's robustious Nature, not to be
By that effeiminate wanton (flattery)
Strok'd to an yeilding mildnesse, which being known,
To the mistrustful Prince, whose Passions grown
So far above the reach of Reason, that
Her strength could not support them, bending at
Their own unweildy temper, sunk in [...]o
Acts, that his milder thoughts wou'd blush to do;
Makes him from all his noble [...] Captains choose
Forth this indomitable beast; to use,
So harsh a Discipline unto the sole
Heir to his Crown, a Lady that did rowl
More Vertues on the Spindle of her Life,
Then Fate dayes length of Thred, had rais'd a strife,
So high in his vext [...]ubjects blood, that all
Murmure in secret, but there's none durst call
His Princes Acts in question, to behold
Her Prison through their tears, and then unfold
Their Friends a Vail of sorrow, is the most
Their Charity durst do: But that which crost
Distr [...]st Pharonnida above the grief
Of her restraint, or ought but the belief
Of her Argalia's death, is now to be
Bar'd when she wants it, most society
With sorrowful Florenza, whilst she stayd
The Partner of her secrets, now betrayd
[Page 209] By false Amphibia to her Father, and
Banisht the Court, retiring to withstand
The storms of greatnesse, to her Fathers own
Poor quiet home, which as if nere she'd known,
The beauties of a Palace, did content
Her eaven thoughts at leasure to lament,
In pensive tears, her wretched Mistresse Fate,
Whose joyes eclips'd, converts her Robes of State
To mourning Sables; what delights the place,
Was capable of having to deface
The Characters of grief, her Father strives
To make them hers, but no such choice Flower thrives
In the cold Region of her Breast, she makes
Her Prison such as theirs, whose guilt forsakes
All hopes of Mercy; the slow [...] footed day,
Hardly from Night dist [...]nguisht, steals away
Few beams from her tear-clouded Eyes, and those
A melancholy Pensivenesse bestows,
On saddest Objects▪ The ore-shadowed Room
Wherein she sate, seemd but a large siz'd Tomb,
Where Beauty buried lay, its furniture
Of doleful black hung in it, to inure,
Her Eyes to Objects like her Thoughts, in which
Night dress of sorrow, till a Smile enrich
Impoverisht Beauty, I must leave her to
Her sighs (those sad Companions) and renew
His fatal Story, for whose Love alone,
She dares exchange the Glories of a Throne.
The end of the second Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The third Book. CANTO THE THIRD.

The ARGUMENT.
V.
From Treachery, which, two Princes Annals staind
The brave Argalia by protecting Fate,
Deliverd, Land, or Rhodes fair Isle attaind,
Being there elected Champion for their State.
VI.
In which design, although with Vict'ry blest,
The common Fate him soon a Pris'ner makes
To a proud Turk, beneath whose power distrest,
His vertue profferd liberty forsakes.
THrough the dark pathes of dusty Annals, we,
Led by his Valours light, return to see,
Argalia's story, who, hath since that Night,
Wherein he took that strange distracted flight,
[Page 211] From treacherous Ardenna perform'd a course
So full of threatning dangers, that the force
Of his protecting Angel, trembled to
Support his fate, which crackt the sl [...]nder clew
Of destiny almost to death,; His stars
Doubting their influence, when such horrid wars
The Gods proclaym'd, withdrew their languish'd beams
Beneath Heavens spangled arch. In pitchie streams
The heavy clouds unlade their wombs, untill
The angrie windes fearing the floud should fill
The aire (their Region where they rul'd) did break
Their Marb [...]e Lodgings; Natures self grew weak
With these distemperatures, and seem'd to draw
Tow'rd dissolution, her neglected Law
Each Element forgot, th' imprisond flame
When the Clouds stock of moysture could not tame
Its violence, in Sulphry flashes break
Through th' glaring aire. The swolne clouds speak
In the loud voice of thunder; the sea raves
And foams with anger, hurls his troubled waves
High as the Moons dull Orb, whose waning light
Withdrew, to adde more terror to the night.
When the black curtain of this storm, that took
The use of Art away, had made them look
For nought but swift destruction, being so vain
For'th' Marriners to row, that the proud main
Scornd to be lasht with Oars; to ease distresse
The night forsook them, but a day no lesse
Dreadfull succeeds it, by whose doubtfull light
The wretched Captives soon discover night
Near them a Turkish Navie; to whose aid
The Renega [...]oes (having first displaid
[Page 212] Their silver Crescents) joyn; Nor did they meet
That help untimely, a brave Rhodian Fleet
Set forth from those (the Christian Bulwarks) to
Obstruct the Turks Invasions, was in view.
To meet the threatning danger, which 'twas then
Too late to wave, that miracle of men
The brave Argalia, chain'd unto an oar
Is with a thousand noble Captives more
Forc'd to assist damn'd infidels; and now
The well-arm'd Fleets drew near, their swift keels plow
The Oceans angry front. First they salute
Each other with their Cannon, those grown mute
Come to more desperate fight, unfriendly bands
Unite their Vessels, the fierce Souldier stands
Firm on his Hatches, whilst another bords
His active enemies, whose Ship affords
No room for such unwelcome guests, but sends
Their scattered limbs into thin air; Each bends
His strength to's Foes destruction; plunging in
Which bloudy sweat, the Rhodians hopes had bin
Lost with their Fleet, had not kinde Fortune smil'd
Thus on their fear; whilest action had beguil'd
Each soul of passive cares, Argalia sees
A way t' unlock his rusty Chain, and frees
Himself and fellowes from their bank, which done,
Those that continued at their Oars, did run
The Vessel from the rest, and ere unto
Their sight betray'd, the trembling Pirates slew.
Then closing with their unsuspitious Foes
I'th vigour of the fight, they discompose
Their well rang'd Fleet, and such confusion strook
Into the van, to see their Rear thus shook
[Page 213] With an unlook'd for Hirrocan [...], that in
A fearfull haste the numerous Turks begin
To stretch their fins and flee, but a [...] their speed
Was spent in vain, Argalia's hand had freed
So many Captives, that their Gallies must
Unto the windes uncertain favour trust
Or else becalm'd, but seebly crawl before
Their eager foes, who both with Sail and Ore
Chac'd them to ruine. Glorious Victory,
Thus to the Christian party being by
A stranger purchac'd, with such high applause
As those that rescue a declining cause
From the approach of ruine, welcom'd, he
Is now receiv'd into th' societie
Of the brave Christian order. But they not
Long joy'd in victory, ere the Turk to blot
The stayns of being conquer'd out had made
A mighty Army ready to invade
The valiant Rhodians, where Argalia shewes
So brave a spirit, their whole Army owes
His valour for example. The Turks had ought
Made desperate onslaughts on the Isle, but brought
Nought back but wounds and infamy, but now
Wearyed with toyle, they are resolv'd to bow
Their st [...]bborn resolutions with the strength
Of not to be resisted want, the length
Oth' Chronca' disease extended had
To some few moneths, since to oppresse the sad
But constant Islanders, the Army lay
Circling their Confines. Whilest this tedious stay
From battail rusts the Soldiers valour in
His tainted Cabben, there had often bin
[Page 214] With all variety of Fortune fought
Brave single Combats, whose successe had brought
Honours unwither'd Lawrels on the brow
Of either party; but the ballance now
Forc'd by the hand of a brave Turk, inclin'd
Wholly to them, thrice had his valour shin'd
In victories refulgent rayes; thrice heard
The shouts of Conquest thrice on's Lance appear'd
The heads of noble Rhodians, which had strook
A general sorrow 'mongst the Knights, all look
Who next the Lists should enter, each desires
The task were his, but honour now requires
A spirit more then vulgar, or she dies
The next attempt, their valours sacrifice,
To prop whose ruines, chosen by the free
Consent of all Argalia comes to be
Their happy champion. Truce proclaym'd untill
The combat ends, th'expecting people fill
The spatious battlements, the Turks forsake
Their Tents, of whom the City Ladies [...]ake
A dreadfull view, till a more noble sight
Diverts their looks, each part behold their Knight
With various wishes, whilest in bloud and sweat
They toyl for Victory, the Conflicts heat
Rag'd in their veins, which honour more inflam'd
Then burning Calentures could doe, both blam'd
The feeble influence of their Stars that gave
No speedier conquest, each neglects to save
Himself, to seek advantage to offend
His eager Foe. The dreadfull combats end
Nought but their losse of bloud proclaims their spirits,
In that Reflux of heat and life inherit
[Page 215] Valours unconqueer'd throne; but now so long
The Turks proud Champion had indu [...]'d the strong
Assaults of the stout Christian, till his strength
Cool'd on the ground with's bloud, he fell at length
Beneath his conquering Sword. The barbarous crew
O'th Villains that did at a distance view
Their Champions fall, all bands of truce forgot,
Running to succour him, begin a hot
And desperate combate with those Knights that stand
To aid Argalia, by whose conquering hand
Whole squadrons of them fall, but here he spent▪
His mighty Spirit in vain, their Cannons rent
His scattered Troops, who for protection flie
To'th City Gates, but closely followed by
Their Foes did there for sad oblations fall
To dying liberty; their batter'd wall
Groan'd with the wondrous weight of Lead, and in
Its ruines hides her battlements, within
The bloudy streets the Turkish Crescents are
Displayd, whilst all the miseries of warre
Rag'd in Their Pallaces. The common sort
Of people make the barbarous Souldier sport.
In dieing, whilst those that survive them crave
Their fate in vain, here cruelty did save
And mercy only kill, since death set free
Those happier Souls from dire captivity.
At length the unrestrained Souldier tires
Although not satisfies his foul desires
With Rapts and Murder, when amongst those pore
Distressed Captives that from thence they bore,
Argalia lies in Chains, ordain'd to die
A sacrifice unto the cruelty
[Page 216] Of the fierce Bashaw, whose lovd favourite in
The Combate late he slew, yet had not bin
In that so much unhappy, had not he
That honour'd then his Sword with victorie
Half-brother to Janusa been, a bright
But cruel Lady, whose refin'd delight
Her slave (though husband) Ammurat durst not
Ruffle with discontent; wherefore to cool that hot
Contention of her bloud, which be [...]oresaw
That heavy new [...]s would from her anger draw
To quench with the brave Christians death, he sent
Him living to her, that her anger spent
In flaming torments, might not settle in
The dregs of discontent. Staying to win
Some Rhodian Castles, all the Prisoners were
Sent with a guard into Sardinia, there
To meet their wretched thraldome, from the rest
Argalia sever'd, soon hopes to be blest
With speedy death, though waited on by all
The hell-instructed torments that could fall
Within inventions reach; But hee's not yet
Arriv'd to's period, his unmovd stars sit
Thus in their Orbs secured. It was the use
O'th Turk [...]sh pride, which triumphs in th'abuse
Of suffering Christians, once before they take
The ornaments of nature off, to make
Their prisoners publike to the view that all
Might mock their miseries, this sight did call
Janusa to her Pa [...]lace window, where
Whilst she beholds them, love resolv'd to bear
Her ruine on her treacherous eye-beams, till
Her heart infected grew, their Orbs did fill
[Page 217] (As the most pleasing object) with the sight
Of him whose Sword opend a way for th' flight
Of her lov'd Brothers soul; At the first view
Passion had strook her dumb, but when it grew
Into desire, she speedily did send
To have his name, which known, hate did de [...]end
Her heart, besieg'd with love, she sighs, and strait
Commands him to a dungeon, but loves bait
Cannot be so cast up, though to deface
His Image in her soule she strives: the place
For's execution, she commands to be
Gainst the next day prepared, but rest and she
Grow enemies about it, if she steal
A slumber from her thoughts, that doth reveal
Her passions in a dream, sometimes she thought
She saw her Brothers pale grim Ghost, that brought
His grizlie wounds to shew her, smeerd in bloud
Standing before her fight, and by that floud
Those red streams wept imploring vengeance, then
(Inraged) she cries, Oh let him die, but when
Her sleep imprison'd fancie, wandring in
The shades of darkned Reason, did begin
To draw Argalia's image on her soul,
Loves Soveraign power did suddenly controul
The strength of those abortive Embrio's, sprung
From smotherd anger. The glad birds had sung
A Lullaby to night, the Lark was fled
On drooping wings, up from his dewy bed
To fan them in the Rising Sun-beams, ere
Whose early raigne, Janusa that could bear
No longer lockt within her breast so great
An army of rebellious passion [...], beat
[Page 218] From Reasons conquerd Fortresse, did unfold
Her thoughts to Manto, a stout Wench, whose bold
Wit, joynd with zeal to serve her, had endeard
Her to her best Affections; having cleard
All doubts with hopeful promises her made,
By whose close wildes this plot must be convayd,
To secret action, of her councel makes
Two Evnuch Panders, by whose help she takes
Argalia from his Keepers charge, as to
Suffer more torments then the rest should do,
And lodg'd him in that Castle, to affright
And soften his great Soul with fear, the light
Which lent its beams unto the dismal place,
In which he lay, without presents the face
Of horrour smeard in blood, a Scaffold built,
To he the Stage of Murther, blusht with guilt
Of Christian blood, by several torments let
From the imprisoning Veins; this Object set
To startle his Resolves, if good, and make
His future joyes more welcome, could not shake
The Heaven-built Pillers of his Soul, that stood
Steady, though in the slippery pathes of blood.
The gloomy Night now sate enthron'd in dead
And silent shadows, Midnight Curtains spread
The Earth in black, for what the falling day,
Had blusht in fire, whilst the brave Prisoner lay
Circl'd in darknesse, yet in those shades spends
The hours with Angels, whose assistance lends
Strength to the wings of Faith, which mounted on
The Rock of hope, was hovering to be gone
Tow'rds her eternal Fountain, from whose source,
Celestial Love enjoynd her lower course.
[Page 219] Whilst in this holy Extasie, his knees
Descent, did mount his heart to him that sees
His thoughts disvellop'd, whilst dull shades opprest
The drousie Hemisphear, whilst all did rest,
Save those whose actions blusht at day-light, or
Such wretched Souls whose sullen cares abhor
Truce, with [...]ef [...]eshing slumbers, he beholds
A glimering light, whose neer approach unfo [...]ds
The Leaves of darknesse; whilst his wonder g [...]ows
Big with Amazement, the dim Tapour shews
What hand conveyd it thither, he might see
False Manto enterd, who prepard to be
A Bawd unto her lustful Mist [...]esse ca [...]ne,
Not with perswasive Rhetorick t' inflame
A heart congeald with deaths approach, but thaw
Him from the frozen Rocks of rigid Law,
With brighter Constellations, that did move
In sphears, where every Star was fir'd with love.
The Siren yet to shew that she had left
Some modesty unrifl'd by the theft,
Of mercenary basenesse, sadly wept,
Her Errands Prologue, but guilt was not kept
Within the Curtain long, she only sate,
A Mourner for the sicknesse of his Fate,
Until esteemd for pitiful, and then
Prescrib [...]s this Remedy, Most blest of men,
Compose thy wonder, and let only joy
Dwel in thy Soul, my coming's to destroy,
Not nurse thy trembling Fears; be but so wise
To follow thy swift Fate, and thou mayst rise
Above the reach of danger, in thy Armes
Circle that power, whose radient brightnesse charms
[Page 220] Fierce Ammurat's anger, when his Crescents shine
In a full O [...]b of Forces, what was thine
Ere made a Prisoner, though the doubtful state
Of the best Christian Monarch, will abate
Its splendor, when (that Daughter of the Night)
Thy feeble Star shines in a Heaven of Light.
If Life, or Liberty then bare a shape
Worthy thy Courting, swear not to escape
By the attempts of strength, and I will free
The Iron bonds of thy Captivity.
A solemn Oath by that great power he serv'd,
Took and believ'd, his hopes no longer sterv'd,
In expectation, from that swarthy seat
Of sad Despair, his narrow Jayl repleat,
With lazy Damps, she leads him to a Room,
In whose Delights Joyes Summer seemd to bloom;
There left him to the brisk Society
Of costly Bathes, and corsick Wines, whose high
And sprightly temper, from cool Sherbets found
A calm ally: here his harsh thoughts unwound
Themselves in pleasure, as not fearing Fate
So much, but that he dares to recreate
His Spirits (by unweildy Action tir'd)
With all that Lust into no Crime had fir'd.
By Mutes (those silent Ministers of sin)
His sullied Garments were remov'd, and in
Their place such various Habits layd, as pride
Would cloath her Favourites with, she means to hide
From those Deformities, which Accident
On Natures Issue, striving to prevent
Forms eaven progresse casts, when she would twine
That active Male with matter feminine.
[Page 221] Unruffl'd here by the rash Wearer rests
Fair Persian Mantles, rich Sclavonian Vests.
The gawdy Thuscan, or transmuted shape
Of the phantastick French, the British Ape,
The grave and constant Spaniard, all might here
Find Garments, such as Princes would appear,
To grace their honourd Nuptials in, or tell
Strangers how much their Treasure doth excell▪
Though on this swift variety of Fate,
He looks with wonder, yet his brave Soul sate,
Too safe within her guards of Reason, to
Be shook with Passion; that there's some bing new
And strange approaching, after such a storm
This gentle Calm assures him, but the form
Of pleasure softens not, that which the other,
And worse extream, not with fears damps could smother.
He flies not with the rugged Separatist,
Pleasures smooth Walks, nor doth enjoying twist
Those threds of Gold to Fetters, he dares tast
All mirth, but what Religions stock would wast.
His Limbs (from Wounds but late recoverd) now
Refresht with liquid Odours did allow
Their suppl'd Nerves no so [...]ter rest, but in
Such Robes as wore their Ornament within,
Vaild o're their beauty; Linnen smooth, and soft,
As Phoenix Down, and whiter then what's brought
From furthest China he puts on, and then
What habit Custome made familiar, when
Cloathd in his own, makes choyce of for to be
Most ho [...]ourd of that rich variety.
In an Italian Garb, [...]o th' Dubblet clad,
Manto, Lusts swift and wa [...]chfull Spy that had
[Page 222] With an efficious care attended on
That motion, entring, hasts him to be gone,
To [...]'rd more sublim'd delights, which though a just
And holy doubt proclaim the road of Lust,
Knowing his better Angel did attend
Upon each step, he ventures to descend
The dreadful Precipiece so far, untill
The burni [...]g Vale was seen, then mounts the Hill
Of Heaven-bred Fortitude, from whence disdain,
Floods of contempt on those dark fires did rain.
[...]is guilty Conduct now had brought him neer
Ihonusa's Room, the glaring Lights appear,
Through the Windows chrystal Wals, the strong
Perfumes of balmy Incense mixt among
The wandring Attomes of the Aire did fly,
Sights nimble Scouts, yet wer: made captive by
A slower sence, as if but to reveal
What breathd within, those Fugitives did steal,
Thorough their unseen Salliports, which now
Were uselesse grown, the open doors allow,
A free accesse into the Room, where come,
Such reall Forms he saw, as would strike dumb
Their Alcharons Tales of Paradice; the fair
And sparkling Jems ith' gilded Roof impair
Their Fapours fires, yet both themselves confesse,
Weak to those flames Ihonusa's eyes possesse.
With such a joy, as bodies that do long
For Souls shall meet them in the Doomsdayes throng,
She that rul'd Princes, though not Passions, sate
Waiting her Lover, on a Throne whose state
Epitomiz'd the Empires Wealth, her Robe
With costly pride had rob'd the checquerd Globe,
[Page 223] Of its most fair and orient Jewels, to
Inhance its value; captive Princes, who
Had lost their Crowns, might here those Jems have seen,
That did adorn them, yet she trusts not in
These Auxiliary strengths, her confidence
In her own Beauty rests, which no defence
Of Chastity ere yet withstood, and now
She scorns to fear it, when her power did bow
Unto a Slave condemnd, that nere could look
To see the sight, but whilst some torment took
The use of Eyes away, whilst he draws neer,
(By her command) no lesse it did appear,
Her wonder to behold his dauntlesse Spirit,
Then his, what Vertue to applaud as Merit.
Plac'd in a Seat neer her bright Throne, to stir
His settl'd thoughts, she thus begins; From her
Your Sword hath so much injur'd, as to shed
Blood so neer kin to mine, that it was fed
By the same milky Fountains, and within
One Womb warmd into life, is such a sin,
I could not pardon, did not Love commit
A Rape upon my Mercy, all the wit
Of man in vain Inventions, had been lost,
Ere thou redeemd, which now although it cost,
The price of all my Honours, I will do,
Be but so full of gratitude, as to
Repay my care with love: Why dost thou thus
S [...]t dumb to my discourse, it lies in us,
To raise, or ruine thee, and make my way
Thorough their bloods, that our Imbraces stay.
This on the spur of Passion spoke, she strains
His hand in hers, where feeling the big Veins,
[Page 224] Beat with intemperate heat, conceiving it
The strokes of Lust, to aggravate the Fit,
Into a Paroxisme of Guilt, she shews
(More then with modesty) how much she ows
To N [...]tures Treasare, for that ill spent stock
Of Beauty she enjoyd, her Eyes unlock
Two Cabinets of sparkling Diamonds, which
The even foils of Ebbon brows enrich,
With a more Orient brightness; on her Cheek,
The Roses (conquering the pale Lilly) seek
To counterfeit a Blush, but vanquisht shame
Submits to Love, in whose insulting flame,
The modest Virgin a sad Martyr dies,
And at Fames wounds, bled Passions Sacrifice.
Natures embost work, her soft swelling breasts
(Those Bals of living Ivory) unprest,
Even with the Weight of Tiffany displayes,
Whitenesse that sham'd the Swans, the blood that strai [...]s
In Azare Channels over them did shew
By their sweld st [...]eams, how high the Tyde did flow,
Wherein her P [...]ssions saild; the milky way
Loves fragrant Valley that betwixt them lay,
Was moist with balmy Dew, extracted by
The busie Spirits that did hovering fly
Thorough her boyling blood, whose raging flame,
Had scortcht to death the April Flowers of shame.
To charm those sullen Spirits that within,
The dark Cells of his Conscience might have bin,
Yet by Religion hid, that Gift divine,
The Souls Composure, Musick did refine,
The lazy Aire, whose pollisht Harmony,
Whi [...]st dancing in reboubled Ecchoes, by
[Page 225] A wanton Song was answerd, whose each part,
Invites the Hearing to betray the Heart.
Having with all these choice Flowers strewd the way
That leads to Lust, to shun the slow delay
Of his approach, her sickly Passions hast
To die in action; Come (she cries) we wast
The pretious Minutes, now thou knowst for what
Thou'rt sent for hither, which if active at,
Thou only liv'st in my esteem; and then
(O Impudence, which from the worst of men
Might force a Blush) she swiftly hasts to tread
Within Lusts Tropicks, her polluted Bed.
And here black sinner, thou, whose bloods disease,
Of kin to Hels, wants numbers to appease
Its flaming Callenture, blusht to behold
A Virgin Vertue, spotless leaves unfold
In youthful Volume, whilst thy ripe years spent,
In lust, hath lost thy Ages Ornament.
In this, as hot and fierce a Charge of Vice,
As (since he lost the field in Paradice)
Man ever felt; the brave Argalia sits,
With Vertue coold in Passions feaverish Fits:
Yet at Lifes Garrisons his Pulses beat,
In hot Alarums, till to a soft Retreat
Cal'd by that fair Commandresse spight of all
Beauties prevailing Rhetorick, though he fall,
Ruin'd beneath her anger, he by this
Unwelcome Language, her expected bliss,
Converts to rage; And must my freedome then
At such a rare be purchast, rather when
My life expires in Torments, let my Name
Forgotten die, then live in black-mouth'd Fame;
[Page 226] A s [...]rvant to thy Lust, go tempt thy own
Da [...]'d Infidels to sin, that nere had known
The way to Vertue, not this cobweb Vail
Of beauty which thou wearst, but as a Jayl,
To a Soul, pale with guilt, can cover o're
Thy Minds deformities; a tainted Whore
Conscience proclaim thee will, when thou shalt sit,
Shook with this spotted Feavers trembling Fit.
(Rent from these gilded Pleasures) send me to
A Dungeon dark as Hell, where shadows do
Reign in eternal silence; Let these rich
And costly Robes (the gawdy Trappings) which
Thou meanst to cloath my sin in, be exchang'd
For sordid Rags; when thy fierce spleen hath rang'd
Through all invented torments, [...]hoose the worst
To punish my denial, less accurst,
I so shall perish, then if by consent
I'de taught thy guilty thoughts how to augment
Their sins in action, and by giving ease
To thy bloods Feaver, took its loathd disease.
To have the spring-tyde of her pleasures, sweld
By Lusts salt waters, thus by force expeld
Back to Confusions troubl'd Sea, had made
Such troops of Passion ready to invade,
An ill desended Conscience, that her look
Like a cast Felons, out of hopes of th' book;
Was sad with silent guilt; the Room she leaves
To her Contemner, who not long receives
The benefit of rest, she that had been
The Prologue unto this obstructed sin,
With six a [...]m'd Slaves was enterd, thence to force
Him to his dismal Jayl, but the Divorce
[Page 227] Of life, from those which first approacht, joynd to
The others flight had put her to renew
That scatterd strength, had not that sacred tye
(His solemn Oath) from Laur [...]ld Victory,
Snatcht the fair wreath, and though brave Valour strives
To reach at Freedome through a thousand Lives:
At her Command more tamely made him yield,
Then conquerd Virgins in the Bridal Field.

CANTO THE FOURTH▪

The ARGUMENT.
Anger (improv'd by Lusts enormous Flam [...])
Fires vext Jhonusa, with such sad [...]ex reams
Of Rage, that her swcet Sexes native shame,
Is scortcht to death, in those prodigious beams.
Which wilst they to her angry Lord betray,
Her Honours loss, such tumulis in him breed,
That both their deaths must serve for an allay,
Whose sudden fall our Christian Champion freed.
OUr noble Captive to fair Vertues Throne,
In safety past, though through Lusts burning Zone
Finds in his Dungeons lazy damps, a rest
More sweet, though with the heavy waights opprest,
Of Iron bondage, then if they had bin
Loves amorou [...] wreaths ( Jonusa's Armes) within
Whose Ivory Circles he had slept; but shee,
(Her grief compos'd of all malignity)
Lusts flames unquencht converts to, whilst they burn.
Black thoughts within her breast, that beauteous Urn
Of Lusts corruption: sometimes anger flies
Above the sph [...]ar of Reason, and there dyes,
With tears extinguisht; she breaths Curses in
Her Souls pale Agony, such as had bin
[Page 228] More deadly then infectious damps if not
Strangl'd ith' Embrio, dead before their hot
Poyson could work upon her fancie more
Then spleenfull thoughts which were recal'd before
Ripen'd for execution. Now she steeps
Her down in tears, a floud of sorrow weeps
Of power (if penitent) to expiate
Youths vigorous sins, but all her mourning sate
Beneath a darker Vayle then that which shades
Repentant grief, since sinne but wisht invades
The soul with that which leads to horror, when
Grief for sins past bring into light agen
One through a sea of trouble leads the way
To a safe Harbour, th'other casts away
Poor ship-wrackt Mortals, when by deaths swift stroak
Lifes feeble hold is from hopes anchor broke.
So far the fair Jonusa in this sad
Region of grief had gone, till sorrow had
That Feaver turn'd, upon whose flaming wings
At first lust only sate, to one which brings
Deaths symptomes near her heart, which had so long
Beneath the burthen groand, untill the strong
Disease had wrought up all the blood within
Her checks into consuming flames; the skin
Had lost its soft repose of flesh, and lay
On nought but bones, whose sharpnesse did betray
Their macerated nerves; The Rose had lost
His Ensigns in her cheeks, and though it cost
Payns near to death, the Lillie had alone
Set his pale Banners up, no brightnesse shone
Within her eyes dim Orbs, whose fading light
Being quench'd in death, had set in endlesse night
Had not the wise endeavours of her Mayd
(The carefull Manto) griefs pale Scouts betrayd
[Page 229] By slie deceipt. Knowing if she should want
Health, untill cur'd by that exotick plant
The Captives love, what lust at first did burn
With inflammations might a Gangrene turn,
Although she cures not, yet gives present ease
By laying Opiates to the harsh disease.
A Letter, which, did for uncivil blame
His first denyal, in the strangers name
Disguiz'd she gives her, which, with eyes that did
O're-flow with joy, read ore, had soon forbid
Griefs sullen progresse, whose next stage had been
O're Lifes short road, the Grave, deaths quiet Inne
From whose dark terror by this gleam of light
Like trembling children by a Lamps weak light
Freed from nights dreadfull shadowes, she'd imbrac'd
Sleep (natures darknesse) had not joy defac'd
Those sooty characters, and on the wings
Of ayrie hope (that wanton bird which sing [...]
As soon as fledg'd) advanc'd her to survey
The dawning beauties of a long'd for day.
But ere this pyramid of pleasure to
Its height arrives, with's presence to undoe
The golden structure, dreadfull Ammurat
From's floting mansion, safely landed at
The Cities Pott, impatient Love had brought
In an untimely visit, ere swift thought
Fetterd with guilt, could from his eager eye
By an excuse to sanctuary flie,
He enters, and she faints, in which pale trance
His pity findes her, but to no such chance
Imputes the cause, rather conceives it joy
Whose rushing torrent, made her heart imploy
His nimble servants, all her Spirits, to
Prevent a deluge, which might else undoe
[Page 230] Loves new made Common-wealth; But whilst his care
Hastens to help, her fortune did declare
Her sorrows dark enigma, from her bed
The Letter drops, which when lifes Army fled
Their frontier Garrisons neglected had
Been left within't, this seen, declares a sad
Truth to'th amazed Bassa, though 'twere mixt
With subtill falshood, whilst he stands betwixt
High rage, and grief distracted, doubtfull yet
In what new dresse to wear revenge, the fit
Forsakes Ihonusa, who not knowing, she
Detected stood, of Lusts conspiracie
Gainst honours Royal Charter, from a low
Voyce strayns a welcome, which did seem to flow
From fickle discontent, such as the weak
Lungs breath the thoughts in whilst their fibers break.
To counterfeited slumbers, leaving her,
He's gone, with silent anger to confer
And though rage lives in fire, the fury lies
Unseen through the false opticks of his eyes;
With such a farwell as kinde husbands leave
Their pregnant Wives, preparing to receive
A Mothers first of blessings he forsakes
The room, and into strict i [...]quiry takes
The wretched Manto, who ere she could call
Excuse to aid, surpriz'd, discovers all
Her sins black art, from whose dark Theorems, he
This method drawes, that night design'd to be
Lightn'd with Lusts hot triumphs, he pretends
Commanded absence, yet the false stroke bends
But towards that guard, ere by a swift reverse
Brought back, his souls slie Scouts had gain'd commerce
With all those enemies to honour by
Whose aid Ihonusa ruins chastity;
[Page 231] Plac'd by false Manto in a Closet, which,
Silent, and sad, had only to inrich
Its roof with light, some few neglected beams
Sent from Ihonusa's room, which serve as streams
To wa [...]t intelligence; Here he beheld
Whilest she, who with his absence had expelld
All thoughtfull cares was with her joy swell'd high
As Captives are when cal'd to liberty,
Her Linnen (like a Princely Brides that meets
In the soft folds of her first nuptial shee [...]s
Perfum'd and costly, her fair bed was more
Adorn'd then Shrines, whose Saints rich Kings adore,
Incense in smoaky curles, climbs to the fair
Roof, whilst choice musick rarifies the aire,
Each element in more perfection here
Then in their first creation did appear
Yet liv'd in harmony, the wing'd fire lent
Perfumes to'th aire, that to moist Cordials pent
In Christal Vials, strength, and those impart
Their vigour to that ball of earth, the hart,
The nice eye here epitomiz'd might see
Rich Persia's wealth, and old Rome's luxury
But now (like Natures new made Favorite
Who untill all created for delight
Was fram'd, did nere see Paradice) comes in
Deceiv'd Argalia, thinking he had been
Cald thither to behold a Penitent
Arming for death, not heavens choice blessings spent
On th' vanities of Life, but mirth soon gives
That thought its mortal wound, and shewes she lives
Beyond that dark sphear, where her joyes did move
As if her eyes alone gave Lawes to Love,
Where beauties Constellations all did shine
As if no crosse aspect could ere untwine
[Page 232] Their claspt Conjunctions, which did seem to guide
Old Natures steps, till from their Zeniths pride,
By vertue (the Souls motion) which the World
In order keeps, into coufusion hurld.
For here gay vanity, though cloathd in all
Her gawdy Pageants, lets her Trophies fall
Before bright Vertues Throne, with such a high
Heroick scorn, as aged Saints that die
Heavens Favourites, leave the trivial world, he slights
That gilded Pomp, no splendent beam invites,
His serious eye, to meet their Objects in
An amorous glance, reserv'd as he had been,
Before his grave Confessor, he beholds
Beauties bright Magick, whilst its Art unfolds
Great Loves mysterious Riddles, and commands
Captive Ihonusa to infringe the Bands
Of Matrimonial modesty; when all
Temptation falls, she leaves her Throne to fall,
(The scorn of Greatnesse) at his Feet; but Prayer
(Like flattery) expires in uselesse aire,
Too weak to hatter that firm confidence,
Their torments thunder could not shake: from hence
Despair (Loves Tyrant) had enfor [...]d her to
More wild Atempts, had not her Ammurat, who
Unseen, beheld all this, prevented by
His sight, the death of bleeding modesty.
Made swift with rage, the ruffl'd Curtain flies
His angry touch, he enters, fixt his eyes,
(From whence some drops of rage distil) on her
Whose heart had lent her Face its Character,
Whilst he stood red with flaming anger, she
Looks pale with fear, Passions disparity
In such extreams, as Natures Laws require,
'Twixt Earths cold Center, and th' aires circling fire,
[Page 233] Dwelt in their troubl'd breasts, his wild eyes stood
Like Comets, when attracting storms of blood
Shook with portentuous sadnesse, whilst hers sate
Like the dull earth, when trembling at the Fate
Of those ensuing ills, heavy and fixt
Within their Orbs. Passions thus strangely mixt,
No various Feaver ere created in,
The phrenzi'd Brain, when sleeps sweet calm had bin
From her soft Throne depos'd: this Lightning past,
Thunder succeeds, as burning Mountains cast
Out horrid noise, after their flame and smoak,
So having paus'd, his dreadful Voyce thus broke
The dismal silence; Thou prodigious Whore,
The curse of my Nativity, that more
Afflicts me, then eternal wrath can do
Spirits condemnd, some Fiends instruct me to
Heighten revenge to thy desert, but so
I should do more then Mortals may, and throw
Thy spotted Soul to flames, yet I will give
Its passe-port hence, for think not to out-live
This hour, this fatal hour, ordaind to see,
More then an Age before of Tragedy;
She that fell from a Firmament of pride
To Fortunes lowest Region, and there di'd
A sad example to ensuing times,
That Honours Altitude supports not Crimes.
When in their stretcht Extentions reaching to
Justice, which can through reverst Opticks view
Giants, though Pigmy sins do oft appear,
Like the dim Moon, more great, because more neer,
Sins, that till fear their guilt did aggravate,
Wore Vertues Frontispiece, since now too late
To hope for life, in their own monstrous form,
Encounter Reasons Guards, till the big storm
[Page 234] Of various p [...]ssions all were settled in
Dregs of despair, when [...]earing tears should winne
The victory of anger, Ammurat drawes
His Simme [...]er, which had in blood writ Lawes
For conquerd Provinces, and with a swift
And cruel rage, ere penitence could lift
Her burthen'd soul in a repentant thought
Tow'rds heaven, sheathes the cold steel in her soft
And snowy breast, with a loud g [...]oan she falls
Upon the blou [...]y floore, half breathlesse calls
For his untimely pity, but perce [...]ving
The fleeting spirits with her bloud were leaving
Her heart unguarded, she imployes that breath
Which yet remain'd, not to bewayle her death,
But beg his life that caus'd it, on her knees
S [...]rugling to rise, but now calm'd Ammurat frees
Her from d [...]sturbing death, in's last great work,
And thus declares some vertue in a Turk;
I have brave Christian by perusing thee
In this great act of honour, learnt to be
Too late thy slow-pac'd follower, this [...]ing (with that
Gives him his Signet) shall when question'd at
The Castle guards, thy safety be, and now
I see her bloods low water doth allow
Me only time to lanch my souls black Bark
Into deaths rubick Sea, for to the dark
And silent Region, though we here were by
Passion divorc'd, Fortune shall not deny
Our souls to sail together: From thy eyes
Remove deaths load, and see what sacrifice
My Love is offering, with that word a stroak
Pierces his breast, whose speedy pains invoak
Deaths Opiates to appease them, be sinks down
By's dying Wife, who ere the cold floud drown
[Page 235] Life in the deluge of her wounds, once more
Betrayes her eyes to'th light, and though they bore
The weight of death upon their Leads, did keep
Them so long open, till the icie sleep
Began to seize on him, and then she cries
Oh see just heaven, see, see my Ammurat dies
To wander with me in the unknown shade
Of Immortality, but I have made
The wounds that murther'd both, his hand that gave
Mine, did but gently let me bloud to save
An everlasting Feaver. Pardon me
My dear, my dying Lord, Eternity
Shall see my soul washt white in tears, but Oh
I now feel times dear want, they will not nowe
Fast as my stream of bloud. Christian farewell,
When ere thou do'st our tragick story tell,
Do not extenuate my crimes, but let
Them in their own black characte [...]s be set
Near Ammurats bright vertues, that read by
Th' unpractic'd Lover, which posterity
(Whilst wanton windes play with our dust) shall raise
On beauties throne, the good may justice prayse
By his example, and the bad by mine
From Vice [...]s Throne be scar'd to Vertues Shrine.
And here the speed deaths messengers did make
To hurry forth their souls, did faintly shake
Her words into imperfect accents, this
She cries is our last enterview, a kisse
Then joyns their bloudlesse Lips; Each close the eyes
O'th other, whilst the parting spirit flies
Mounted on both their breaths, the latest gasp
They ere must draw. Whilst with stiffe arms they clasp
Each others neck, Argalia through a cloud
Of liquid sorrow did behold the proud
[Page 236] Triumphs of death in their untimely fate,
He sees great Ammurat for a Robe of State,
Groveling in blood, the fair Ihonusa lie,
Purpl'd in death; like pollisht Ivory.
Dipt in Vermillion; the bright Chrystals that
Her Soul in conquering flames lookt thorough at.
Both quencht and coold in death; but time did lend
His tears scarce passage, till a drop could end
Its Journey o're his Checks, before a Page
Whose cruelty had far out-grown his Age;
Enters in hast, and with an anger that
(Though indiscreet) at wrongs seemd kindl'd at,
In wounds, did on the Bassas body vent
A spleen that deaths discharge could not content.
This seen, Argalia (to whom all must be
Offence that injures fair humanity)
Stops the vain Torrent, and a neerer way,
To just revenge directs the angry Boy,
Who by unfolded truth, now lets him know,
His Rage to that uncivil height did grow,
Not from a childish spleen, but wrongs that he
A Christian, sufferd in Captivity.
Assur'd by this confession, that he might
Be useful more, then in a secret flight,
Argalia bids him, in his Bassas Name,
A Mandate, write for some of worthiest Fame,
'Mongst all the Christian Citizens, and those
To send the Guard for, ere the Morning rose,
On the black ruines of the Night; this done,
Before that time the Victory had won
Of opportunity (their Warders slain)
Each Christian Captive from his rusty Chain,
His bold band frees, and by their happy aide,
The Gates being first secur'd, with ease dismayd;
[Page 237] The drousie Garrison, from whom they found
But weak resistance, some soft fleep had bound
To Beds of ease, intemperate Riot kept
Others more vainly waking; here one slept
Between a Mistresse Armes, and there another
(Stole to a private Cattamit) did smoother
Delight in whispers, in which loose Garb found,
Ere time rowls up what slow neglect unwound,
Even in securities soft Lap surpriz'd,
They met grim death in Pleasures [...]hape disguiz'd,
All now being slain but feeble Eunuchs, and
Poor trembling Maids, the new, but valiant Band
Of late freed Captives Crown the Wals, from whence
They saw the Soldiers wicked dilligence,
In finding those which the false Mandate had
Design'd for Ruine general, as sad
The Cities sorrows were, a desolate
And silent horror, unregarded sate,
Ith' empty streets, which action had not fil'd,
Yet with employment; but when day did gild
The Ebbony of Night, to hear the rude
Murmure that did, from the mixt multitude,
Open'd together with their Doors, assures
Argalia, that their [...]ear, which yet secures,
That bandfull of insulting Tyrants, might
(With anger being charg'd home) be put to flight,
With a reserve of hope, whilst every breast
Was sweld with stiffl'd Spirits, whilst opprest
With silent grief, helplesse Spectators, they
Saw those they once for Vertue did obey,
(Their reverend Sena [...]ors, whose silver'd heads,
Age now made fit for ease) forc'd from their Beds,
By feaverish powers rude fits, whose hear, not all
The Jewleps of their Tears, though some drops fall
[Page 238] From Beauties lovely blossoms, cools their R [...]ge,
Neglected Youth slights like unreverent Age.
But when the conquering Captives, by the brave
Argalia rescued, from the Castle gave
Bright Vict'ries Signal, when they saw each Lance,
The bleeding head of a grim Turk advance
Anger (like unobstructed Love) breaks forth
In flaming hast, yet here the Want of worth
And Valour 'mongst the City heard, had drove
Them all to deaths dark Fields, if whilst they strove
With that stout band of Iannizaries, they
Had not been by Argalia taught the way
To Victory, who in a sally meets
Retreating fear, when crecping from the streets,
To th' vain protection of their doors, and now
His conquering Sword having taught all to bow
Beneath its burnisht splendor, since the high
Applause oth' loudest acclamations fly
Beneath his worth, a general Vote elects,
Him for their Prince, but his brave Soul affects
Not so sublime a burthen, knowing they
Bred under a Democrisie, obey
Contracted power, but harshly he returns
All to their Senate, who of late like Urns
Nought but the uselesse Ashes did contain,
Of their own Laws, which were by Conquest sl [...]in.
But his refusal, where acc [...]ptance, not
Envy could say, Ambition had begot,
But new Plants Vertue; who from thence did take
The deeper Root, and 'mongst the throng did make
That choice so Epedemical, that he
For Valour feard, lov'd for Humility;
The peoples prayer (those humble shrubs) that ow
For safety to pow [...]'s Cedars) joyn to grow,
[Page 239] [...]hadowd beneath his Merit, and create
Him Prince oth' Senate, who (their doubtful state
Requiring strong Ailies) A Fleet prepard,
To seek those Princes, who their danger shard;
Which ready with a prosperous Gale of wind,
He (though imployd by Honour) sails to find
Out Loves rich Indiaes, and with's white winged Fleet,
Hastens Palermos neerest Port to meet.

CANTO THE FIFTH.

The ARGUMENT.
With prosperous Sails mov'd from Sardinia's Shore,
Argalia safe doth now from danger set
The Cyprian Prince, who though so large in score,
With noble friendship soon repays the Debt.
In Sparta's Court they'r now arriv'd, where he
That Life he sav'd, venters to serve him in
An Act so great, it sets the Princess free,
Who for his sake had long a Prisoner bin.
WHilst with bent Oars Argalia's Squadrons move,
Like the light wings of (Times Physitian) Love,
Who steerd his course, and now had safely drawn
Him through th' Ionian Waves, when by the dawn
Of a still Morning, whose pale sickly light
(Yet bounded in the Ebbony of Night)
Shewd like a dull Quicksilver foil spread o're
The Worlds great Glasse, whose even Surface bore
Within their view two Galleons, whom they saw
(Like timerous Hares) base Hunters give no Law;
[Page 240] Chac'd by a nimble, numerous flee [...]. Drawn near,
Christians the chac'd, the Chacers Turks appear,
Which like a shole of smaller Fishes made
So bold by number, that they durst invade
The big bulkt Whale, on every side assails
The slow-pac'd fleet, who, since not strength prevayls
Against such ods, their fiery spirits spent
In thunder, which, had from their broad sides sent
The last great groan, for powers decease, and they
Not their Foes terror, but good fortune lay.
Whilest crampt in this convulsion of their fear
Which (honour gilding) made despair appear
The childe of fortitude, they all prepare
Brave [...]y to die, Argalia's squadrons bare
Up with the winde, and ere the Turks proud Fleet
(Deceiv'd by their own Crescents) fear to meet
A danger (like a Hirrocane) falls in
Destruction which was suffer'd whilest unseen.
So wealthy Merchants, whose returning cost
A storm on the pacifick Sea hath lost,
Fall from the arms of hope. Sudden, and swift
As inundations, whose impetuous drift
Swallows a sleeping City up, had they
Lost the firm hold of Victory, and lay
Sad Captives in their own lost Ship, for flight
Saves few, where all in hopes of conquest fight
Fair Vict'ry made more bright by accident
(Even when despair hopes wasted stock had spent)
Those that were rescu'd, from their soft prayers raise
To pay heavens tribute in their louder prayse
Which (oft neglected) debt discharg'd, they gave
(Allay'd with thanks) to him, whose band did save
A miracle in their delivery, all
D [...]sev'd applause, that can when mounted, fall
[Page 241] Ith' Circle of Humanity; to kisse
Those hands wich pluckt him from the black Abbysse
Of Death, their brave Commander goes, where he,
(Discoverd by Majestick curtesie;
Such real forms of worth, that (he was grown
Rich in esteem, before more fully known.
But long Truth stands not vail'd in a disguize
Of Ignorance, ere they are taught to prize
His Friendship at a higher rate, by seeing
Their active Valour had been blest in freeing
The Cyprian Prince, for such he was, and then,
Bound for Morea: this made publick, when
Acquaintance had taught Love more boldnesse, he
All that discretion would permit to be
Lodg'd in the Closet of a friendly Breast,
Tels to Argalia, who (though in his best
Of hopes, a Rival knowing him, was in
Love too secure to harbour envious sin.
Their prosperous Fleet, ere times short steps had trod
In hours, a full dayes Journey safely rod
At Anchor in Ghirenza's Bay, from whence
When known, their Cannons in a loud expence,
Proclaim their welcome; the Acquaintance that
The Cyprians Father, ere his youth stayd at
Its Summer Solstice, with Cleander had,
Revives ith' Suns embraces, which the glad
Citie in th' triumphs ecchoes, ere 'twas known,
That his Resolves were such, as Love was grown,
The wishes of the peoples throng, who thought
That that unpollisht Prince Zoranza brought
Unequal strength of Merit, ere to win
The Fort Pharonnida lodg'd Vertue in.
When first they enterd the admiring Court,
Fame (wise mens care, but the Fools busie sport)
[Page 242] Making the Ear the Eyes wise Harbinger,
By Learning first their Vertues, did coafer
More honour on their persons, they beheld
Ith' Cyprian Prince heroick worth, yet sweld
With no ambitious tumour, calm and free,
As who [...]esome aire, when its Ubiquity
Breaths healthful blasts, where his smooth thoughts to all
Most sweetly affable, but few could call
His Love familiar, his Youth had not
Yet learnt rough War, although from Precept got
Its useful Rudiments, and by Valour shews
Future Command may pay what Action ows
To speculation; by the Grave, sad man,
Whose counsel could Conspiracies unspan,
When ready to give fire, he is beheld,
As one whose Vertues far his years exceld;
And might, when at maturity afford
Length to the Scepter, from's victorious Sword.
From this young Prince (Heavens hopeful Blossom) they
Pleal'd but not satisfi'd, their Souls convey
On those wing'd Messengers, their Eyes unto
Manly Argalia, finding there a new
And various form of worth on's Brow did sit,
Reserv'd discretion, reconcil'd to Wit.
Serious and grave his carriage, yet a Face,
Where Loves fair Shrine did Wisdoms Temple grace.
His scars (those broad Seals) which protecting sate,
His future safety sign'd in, on him sate
Not to deform, but until Age remain
Like M [...]ids of Honour plac'd in Beauties Train.
True worth dwelt in the other; but in this
Brave Heroes breast had her Metropolis.
The Cyprians safety, and Sardinia's brave
Redemption were the past:-ports which Fame gave
[Page 243] Unto his travelling prayse, which fled in haste
Through th' ears short stages, in each breast had plac't
A Love of's worth, which wise men softly prayse
Whilst the loud throng to acclamations raise.
Not long these true-born Sons of honour in
Palerino's Court remaine, ere what had been
The cause which had the youthfull Cyprian drew
Froms Fathers Court, white fame presents unto
Busie Inquirers; Which design from all
Those swift (but weak recruits) good wishes call
Except from some it most concern'd, mongst which
Cleander staggers unresolv'd, the rich
And powerfull Kingdome, which affinity
With Cyprus promis'd, was a prize to be
Valued before Epirus wealth, who though
Of late victorious, yet could never grow
Up to that glorious height. This thought the most
Of all the ere obstructed love, had crost
Zoranza's hopes, had not his wishes been
(Though coveto [...]ly vast) confin'd within
The others merits, amongst which the chief
Opposes first it self, and the relief
Whispers in's soul, that had been thence brought by
Him, when his state wept bloud for liberty.
This in the Scale of Justice seem'd as large
As Loves dimensions, till a second charge
Of thoughts proclaim the Cyprians power to doe
The same if in necessity sought to,
Which blames becoming gratitude, as in
Relation to servility, a sinne
In the great souls of Princes, who can be
If they remain in debt for curtesie
But Captives in the throne, too oft the cause
Why meritorious Subjects meet the Lawes
[Page 244] Harsh Rigour for Reward, when their Deserts
Many and great, o're fill their Princes hearts.
Before Cleanders Gravity had layd
This [...]empest of his Passions, Fame betrayd
Their Cause to the Epicote Prince, who hears
The Cyprians welcome, which his various fears
But briefly comment on, before without
More slow delays then what were spent about
The swiftest preparations, he intends
To visit fair Pharonnida, and ends
His Journey, ere a thought unwing'd with Love,
Could lead him forth of's Court, which hast did prove
His Passions stronger then the strength of age
Appeard to promise what it might presage,
To see at once two royal strangers in
Their glorious Court, which both imployd had bin
About one amorous Errand, strangely did
Affect the Citizens, whose fears forbid
The publick Stage, in private whispers tels
What danger lay betwixt those parallels.
Yet in the opposition of those Scars,
That shine in Passions sphear, Loves civil Wars
Had no field Army, all his power did rest
Within the private Garrisons oth' breast,
Which though besieg'd, by sly suspition made
No verball Sallies, but prepare t'invade
Beauties bright Province; yet, each only had
A single Visit given unto the sad
Sweet Object of their hopes, and thence receiv'd
A Welcome, such as neither had bereav'd
The others hopes, both rather finding cause
Of cold despair,; Cleander pleads the Laws
Of Nature, and free choice, to wave his own
Engagements to Zoranza, which had blown
[Page 245] Loves sickly flame with the tempestuous breath
Of anger forth, had not those thoughts to death,
Ith' Bud been doom'd: whilst thus his Passions slept
In Loves soft Armes, the noble Cyprian kept
A distance 'twixt his hopes and wishes by
The stayd Epicots interest, both rely
On their own Merits, and Loves doubtful sate,
Makes subject to the Monarchy of Fate.
But whilst this busie Combate of the heart
On equal tearms it fought, time bent to part
The royal Champions, through the obscure Ports
Of dark disguize into Loves field resorts,
A third brave Combatant, whose Merit had
(Though not ith' Armour of great Titles clad)
By parly wonne that Maiden Fort, which they
Although they scal'd, on golden Mountains, lay
Before in vain; Argalia though within
Ghirenza's Court, had yet a stranger bin,
More then in Fame and big Report, to her
Whose best of thoughts wore his Souls Character;
And yet (although a Virgins bashful grace
Conceald her own, for to behold that Face
So much in debt to th' peoples Prayses) to
Her window oft the royal Maid had drew,
Where whilst his eyes did wast their Beams in vain,
To pierce those stubborn Walls that did contain
Rich Loves unvalued-Treasure, she beholds
His brave Deportment, which, since strange, unfolds
New Volumes of unprinted joy, which she
(Sorrow affording so much liberty)
Oft with delight looks o're, beholding in't
Argalia's Vertues in a different print.
But his wise Fare, even when his prayer grew weak
In Faith, did through hopes cold Antartick break,
[Page 246] In a long Summers day, his noble friend
The Princely Cyprian did so largely spend
His st [...]ck of elo [...]uence in's praise when he
Last saw divine Pharonnida, that she
Although from no remoter cause then springs
From Vertues publike love, tells him he brings
His next best welcome with his Friend, which proud
To be observant in, when time allow'd
A visit he performs. Now to the Court,
Beauties dull Cloyster, which no throng'd resort
Of Clients fill they'r come, the surly Guard
Those wakefull Dragons, did without reward
Let in that danger in disguise, which had
Met death i'th entrance, if in that unclad.
The way that clest the scowling Rock, being by
A thousand steps ascended, they i'th high
Clifts finde the Royal E [...]glet, trying that
Bright eye of her fair soul, discretion at
The fiery beams of anger, which were shot
From her Majestick Father. Being got
Once more to breath his Soul upon that hand
Where Loves first Vows, seal'd with his Lips did stand
(Knowledge inflaming passions Feaver) like
Unpractic'd Saints, which miracles do strike
Into a Reverend zeal, he trembling takes
That holy Relique, which a cold fear shakes
In that warm touch. Her eyes fair splendor sho [...]e
Like bright Stars, in heavens trepidation
Shook with the general motion, though betwixt
The Sphears of Love and Wonder they stood fixt
In their own Orbs, and their united beams
Center'd on him, yet (like dead friends which dreams
Imperfectly present) his Lovely form,
As Marriners, when Land is through a storm
[Page 247] With doubtfull joy desery'd, she sees, but yet
Knowledge had met with no prospective fit
To guide her through the dark disguize, unto
The Rode of truth, his Valour was in new
Habiliments of honour cloath'd, and scars
Made her Love's heaven adornd with unknown Stars.
But whilest her Recollecting spirits were
All busied, his Idea to compare
With what she a saw, sudden glance o'th eye
Disvellopes truth, that Jewel which was by
His first Protector left is seen, by which
Hope (near impoverisht with despair) growes rich
In Faith (heavens tenure). But the rushing tide
O're-flowes so much, that Loves fresh Rivers glide
Over weak natures banks, she faints, and in
A silent joy (contracted what had bin
By Love dilated) from which giddy trance
To rescue her Argalia doth advance
To charge those troops of passions, which o're her
Had prov'd vict [...]rious, nor did sate deferre
Their Conquest long ere she displayes again
Beauties fair Banner in Loves Ivory plain.
Th' imprison'd spirits freed, the bloud in haste,
(Fearing her Love had Wisdoms throne defac'd
To beauties Frontiers flies. So mornings weep
And blush together when they over-sleep
Themselves in nights black bed. Though fears dull charm [...]
Whilst in the circle of Argalia's arms
Like Dreams fantastick Visions vanish. in
Her waking joyes, yet knowing they had been
Betray'd into a strangers view, they both
Stood mute with passion, till the Cyprian, loth
To adde more weights unto affliction, by
Imping Loves wings with noble courtesie
[Page 248] Fans off the Southern clouds of fear, and thus
Calms the loud storm; Doubt not because to us,
(Fair Princess) Loves mysterious Riddles are
By accident resolv'd, the factious war
Shall be renewd, such base intelligence,
Traytors and Spies give, when the dark offence,
Starts at discovery; if my service may
Be useful (Know) I sooner dare betray
My sins to th' world, then your intentions to
A smooth Seducer: This rare interview
May be my wonder; but shall never prove
My guilt, though all the stratagems of Love
Lay open to my heart, which though unskild
In his Polemmicks, yet with truth is fil'd.
Since now too late to seek protection by
A faint denial, the wisht privacy
Their Room afforded, gives them leave to lead
His apprehension, where conceit did read
The story of Loves civil Wars, whose Rage
Since treaty could not calm, makes him engage
His stock of power in their defence, and end
His Passions progresse to let Love attend
On Friendships royal Train, what not the force
Of Earths united Beauties could divorce;
Nor Wealths, nor Honours strong Attractions draw
To other Objects, by that holy Law
Informd, as hateful Sacriledge doth fly,
The bold intrusion on Loves Hierarchy.
VVith joy assur'd of such a powerful Friend
The hopeful Lovers sadder cares suspend,
To lay the plat-form of their safety by
A fair escape, but fear doth oft unty
The golden webs of Fancy, when they come
To name the means, Invention then struck dumb,
[Page 249] Startles into distraction; no smooth stroke
Of soft palmd flattery could ere provoke
Sleep in her watchful Dragons, nor no shower
Of ponderous Gold pierce through her sable Tower.
The harsh Commander of her surly Guard,
VVakeful as foaming Cerberus, and hard
As Parian Quars, a heart that could not melt
In Loves Alimbeck, the Slave never felt
His Darts, but when Lust gave the wound, and then
(Seard with enjoying) the blood stops agen,
And leaves behind the Feaver, which Disease
Now in him rag'd, Amphibia that could please
None but a sympathizing Nature, in
His blood had both Disease and Med'cine bin
VVith Lusts Inchantments, thick loose glances, first
Breeding a Callenture, whose sickly thirst
Consenting, sin allays again; but long
This Monster thrives not in the dark, ere strong
By custome grown, with Impudence he dares
Affront unvaild Report, and boldly bears
Himself above those head-strong Torrents, by
VVhose streams harsh Censure grew to callumny,
Vvhich carelesse pride did unobstruct the way,
Through which to liberty Loves progresse lay.
A short delay, which lets not Fancy rest
In idle thought, their Actions did disgest
Into a Method; the succeeding Night
To that great day by whose triumphant light,
Their Annuall Feasts her Birth did celebrate,
The time design'd, which done, to stroke rough Fate
Into a calm, Argalia first finds out
Despis'd Florenza, then imployd about
Course Huswifery in the dull Country, where
Shee soon became a Partner of his care;
[Page 250] Prepares for safety with a diligence,
Whose privacy payes lavish Times expence.
Now from Nights swarthy Region rose that day,
'Gainst which Invention taught her Babes the way
To level at delight, though she flew high
As Monarchs breasts, Beauty and Valour vie
Each other in a conquering Pride, within
A spatious field, that ought before had bin
The Theater of Martial sports, each Knight,
VVhom the desire of honour did invite
By her swift Herald, Fame, were met, and all
VVhom the respects of either part did call
To th' Epicotes, or young Cyprians part
Repair unto their Tents, which rich in Art,
Adornd both sides oth' stately Lists, and lent
Their Beauties to be Prospects Ornament.
Neer to the Scaffold every seat was fil'd,
Vvith bright Court beauties, Ladies that did gild
Youth (Natures Throne of pollisht Ivory) in
Pride, there but greatness, though low Fortunes sin.
Rang'd next to these the City Madams, that
Came both to wonder, and be wonderd at,
Fine (as on their first Lady-dayes) did sit
Comparing Fashions, to commend their wit;
Besides the Silk-worms spoyls (their husbands gain)
Jewels they wore (like Eyes in Beauties Wane)
Grown dim with Age, so dim, that they did look
As if they'd been from plunderd Delphos took,
Although that sprung from Faction, yet each Face,
Was all set form, hardly affording place
For a stoln smile, save when some ticklish Lord
Strikes sail, which they could wish should come abroad,
Below, neer to the over-heated throng
Sweet Country beauties, such as nere did wrong
[Page 251] Nature with nicer Art were seated, where
Though big, rude pride cast them in Honours Rear,
Yet in Loves Province they appeard to have
Command from their acknowledgd beauty gave,
Humble their Looks, yet Vertue there kept state,
And made even Envy wish to immitate
Their Fashions, not phantastick, yet their dresse
Made Gallantry in Love with comliness.
Whilst here the learnd Astronomers of Love,
Observ'd how Eyes (those wandring Stars) did move,
And thence with heedful Art did calculate
Approaching changes in that doubtful state;
The Princesse (like the Planet of the day)
Comes with a luster forth that did betray
The others beams into contempt, and made
The Morning Stars of meaner beauties fade,
Sadly confessing by their Languisht light,
They shone but when her absence made it Night:
Stately her look, yet not too high to be
Seen in the Valleys of Humility;
Clear as Heavens Brow was hers, her smiles to all,
Like the Suns comforts, Epidemical:
Yet by the boldest Gazer, with no lesse
Reverence ador'd, then Persians in distresse;
Do that bright power, who though familiar by,
An aiery Medium, still is thron'd on high.
Least the ungovernd Multitude which raise
Their eyes to her, should in their lavish praise,
From zeal, to superstition grow, they'r now
Drawn off, the enterd Combatants allow
Their Eyes no further leisure, but beginning
Their Martial sports, with various fate were winning
Bright Vict'ries Laurels. But I here must let
Honour in their own stories Live, the debt
[Page 252] I ow to promise, but extends unto
The fortune of our royal Lovers, who
(Though both concernd in this) have actions far
More full of Fate approaching, that bright Star,
Which gave Argalia Victory here, scarce shews
Its spangl'd Records unto which he ows,
Far more sublime protection, yet it lends
Vigour to that bright Planet which attends
His future fortune, and discovers all
His Astracismes in rising Cosmicall;
Followd with Acclamations, such as made
The troops of envy tremble to invade
His conquering Fame, he leaves the Field, and by
Cleander with Rewards of Victory
First honourd in the publick view, is brought
From thence to meet delitious mirth in soft
Retir'd Delights, which in a spatious flood,
From Princes breasts to tenifie the blood
Of the blunt Soldier hasts, whose dull souls sweld
With aiery pleasures had from thought expeld
All sullen Cares, and leveld paths, unto
Designs which did to their neglect ensue.
The black-browd Night to Court the drousie World,
Had put her starry Mantle on, and hurld
Into the Sea (their spatious breasted Mother)
Her dark Attendants, silent sleep did smoother
Exalted Clamours, and in private meets
The busie Whisperer sporting 'twixt his sheets,
Vaild in which shady calm, Argalia by
The noble Cyprian only, in his high
Attempt assisted, now prepares to free
The great Preserver of his liberty.
Come to the Bridge, that to secure the sleep
Oth carelesse Guard, which slender watch did keep,
[Page 253] Finding it drawn, the depth, and ugly look
Oth' heavy stream, had from the Cyprian took
All hopes of passage, till that doubt did end
In greater fear (the danger of his Friend)
Who with a Courage high, as if in that
He'd centerd all the world did tremble at,
In his precedent Victories, had cast
Himself to th' mercy of the stream, and past
In safety o're, though Nets enough were spread
On her dark Face to make his Deaths cold bed.
Giving his Spirits leave to fortifie
His heart with breath, he then ascends the high
Opposing Clifts, which in an ugly pride,
Threatend beneath her ruin'd Scales to hide
That rising flame of honour; being come
To th' other side a Centry, but struck dumb
With sleeps prevailing Retorick he finds,
Upon whose Keys he seizes, and then binds
His sluggish Limbs ere full awake, convays
Him to a place, whence no loud cry betrayes
The sounds of danger to his Fellows, that
Reveld in louder mirth, unstartl'd at
The Rivers depth, the wondring Cyprian now
Crost the united Bridge, and being taught how
By immitation to slight danger, goes
With his brave Friend toward their careless Foes.
Not far they were advanc'd, before they hear
Approaching steps, a Soldier was drawn neer,
Which to relieve, the other came, but shar'd
In his misfortune, ere he had prepard
To make resistance, which attempt succeeds,
So equal to their wishes, that there ne [...]ds
No more to strengthen Faith; by the command
Oth' Wil [...] best Leader (Reason) both did stand
[Page 254] A while to view their danger, through a way
Narrow and dark their dreadful passage lay;
The rugged Rock upon each side so steep,
That should they've miss't, no trembling hold could keep
Them from the grasp of death; to add to this,
More forms of horrour from the dark Abysse,
Which under-min'd the Rocks rough sides they hear,
A hollow murmure; the black Towers appear,
Flanckt with destruction, every part did hold
Peculiar terrour, but the whole unfold,
Through the black Glasse of Night, a Face like that,
Which Chaos wore, ere time was wakend at
The first great Fiat, or could ought appear,
More dark and dreadful, know 'twas emblem'd here.
Safe past through the first steps of danger, they
Now to the main Guard come, whom they betray
By a soft knock, of all conceived 't had bin
The Voyce their Centry cal'd for entrance in,
Their Errand undisputed, Postern Gates
Are open thrown, at which the royal Mates
Both rushing in, strangely amaze them, but
Now being enterd, 'twas too late to shut
The danger forth, nor could Confusion lend
Their trembling Nerves a strength fit to defend
By opposition, in base flight lay all
Their hopes of life, which some attempting fall
On the dark road of death, but few escape,
To shew their fellows dangers dredful shape.
Whilst here like powerful winds that dissipate
Infectious damps in unobstructed state,
Their valour Reign'd, to tell them that the way
Which led unto the Princesse freedome lay,
Yet through more slippery pathes of blood, with hast
Wild as their Rage; Burmorch [...] Brother's plac't,
[Page 255] That Guards Commanders enter, loose neglect,
Which drew them thence, since cause of that effect,
They now redeem with speed; Riot had not
Un-nerv'd their Limbs, although their blood grew hot,
With large intemperate Draughts, the Feaver yet
Ith' Spirits only dwelt, till this rude fit
On the stretcht heart layes hold in flames, which had
Scortcht Valours Wings, if not in Judgment clad.
Here (though their numbers equal were, yet in
A larger Volume danger had not bin
Often before presented to the view
Of the brave Champions, as if she had drew
With doubtful Art Lines in the Scheam of Fate,
For them and their proud Foes, pale Vertue sate
Trembling for fear her power should not defend
Her Followers 'gainst that strength which did attend
Those big-bon'd Villains strokes, beneath whose force
The Cyprian Prince had felt a sad divorce
Of Natures Wedlock, if when sinking in
The Icy sleep, deaths wide Gorge had not been
Stopt by a stroke from fierce Argalia sent,
To aide him when in his defence he'd spent
His stock of strength, freed by which happy blow,
From Janus Guard, since now his Friend lay low▪
Neer Deaths dark Vally, he contracts his power,
To quench the others Lamp of Life, a shower
Of wounds lets fall on's Enemy, which now
Clog'd his Souls upper Garments, and allow
His Eyes dim Opticks, no more use of light,
Then what directs him in a staggering flight.
Yet in the darknesse of approaching death,
In Mischiefs Sables, that small stock of breath
That yet remains to Clothe, he suddenly
Gives fire unto a Cannon that was by
[Page 256] Wise care ordaind to give intelligence,
When big with danger, fear could not dispence
With times delayes; the Princess that within
Her Closet, had that fatal Evening bin
Retir'd and sad, whilst strong wing'd prayer acquaints
Her flaming zeal with Heavens whole Quite of Saints,
Thus startl'd by the treacherous thunder all
H [...]r yet unnumberd stock of Beads lets fall
'Mongst those that prayer had ranckt, and did implore
In one great shrick deliverance, to her door
Hasts to behold the danger of those Friends
On whose success (Loves fortresse) hope depends.
Where being come, her eyes first progresse met
Her prayers Reward, even whilst his Sword was wet
With blood (the balm of Victory) but long
The Extasies of Fancy, though more strong
Then sacred Raptures last not, all was now
Too full of noise and tumult, to allow
A Room for Passions flow, disputes within
The Schools of Action, loud Alarums in
The Castle, Court, and City rag'd, all were
Huddl'd into confusion, some prepare
To fly, what others with an Ignorance,
As great (though bolder) to oppose advance.
Here had our Heaven-protected Lovers lost,
What such large summs of prayers and tears had cost,
Had not the torrent of the peoples throng,
When rushing towards the Castle, by a strong
Voyce, danger, been diverted to prevent
A hungry flame, which in the Cyprians Tent
Began, had spread its aire-dilated wings
Over the City, whose feard danger brings
On them a worse distemperature, then all
Their last Nights Surfets, whilst proud Turrets fall
[Page 257] In their own Ashes, the discordant Bells,
Ordaind to call for aide, but ring their Knels,
That in a drunken fury, half awake
First their warm Beds, and then their Lives forsake,
For to destruction here big pride had sweld,
Had not Nights errors been by day expeld.
With swift Cals frighted, but more terrifi'd
At their sad Cause, Fear being his doubtful Guide;
The stout Epicote to Cleanders Court,
Repairs, and there amongst a thick resort
Of Subjects, finds the Prince distracted by
Those Epidemick Clamours that did fly
From every part oth' City, to appease
Whose fury whilst he goes, the sharp disease,
In flames feeds on her ruin'd beauty, and
Mounts on insulting wings, which to withstand,
Th' amaz'd Inhabitants did stop its flight,
With the whole weight of Rivers, till that light
Which an Usurper on the sooty Throne
Of darknesse sate, vanisht, or only shone
From their dim Torches Rayes, the Prince thus stayd,
In's hasty Journey, till the flames allayd,
Lent safety to the City, by it gave
The royal Fugitives the time to save
Themselves by flight, from those ensuing ills,
Whose clamorous Scouts (rude sounds) the stird aire fills.
Descended to the Gardens Postern Gate,
A place where silence yet unruffl'd sate.
A Night obscure, and an unhaunted way,
Conspiring their Pursuers to betray,
To dark mistakes, with silent Joy which had
All Fears pale symptomes in Loves purple clad;
Close as that bold Attempter, whose brave theft
Was sacred fire (the walks behind them left)
[Page 258] Argalia hasts unto the Castle Moat,
With his rich prize, there a neglected Boat
Half hid amongst the Willow Beds, finds ou [...],
In which Pharonnida, that nought could doubt,
Whilst her successful Lover steerd, past o're
To meet the safety of a larger Shore.
The end of the third Book.

PHARONNIDA. The Fourth Book.

CANTO I.

The Argument.
I.
Whilst noise and tumult fills the Court, the sad
Orlinda to lament alone, retir'd,
Finds the brave Captain in deaths symptoms clad,
Whose perfect health her friendly care acquir'd.
II.
The Scouts with an unwelcom emptiness
Of news return'd; the Princess secret flight
Yet well succeeds, but now in sad distress
Find a black morning to that dismal night.
VVHen Fear, like an unskilful Pilot in
A storm distracted, long in vain had been
Plac'd at the helm of Action, whilst those rude
Waves, rais'd by greater winds, the Multitude
[Page 2] Swell'd with uncertain councels, all met in
A thick and dangerous confluence, those within
The Castle by a hotter passion to
A high wrought fury startled, did undo
Those links of councel, which the other broke
With corrosives of fear, by the rude stroke
Of heedless Anger, whose uncivil strife
Had rob [...]d Revenge of justice, and each life
That here was in deaths inundation spilt,
Shed but to aggrevate a private guilt;
Had not the Prince, whose angers flame they fear'd
More then grim death, t'appease the storm appear'd.
Beat from the out-works of their hopes, all in
A busie tumult are imploy'd within
The Princess lodgings; but there only find
Their knowledge by her secret flight strook blind,
Stumbl'd on errors; No characters but what
The wasteful hand of death had scatter'd at
The Guard informs them; and even those seem left
The weak opposers of successful theft,
Dropt as their Foes victorious fate slue by,
To shew his fortune, and their loyalty.
Leaving which late warm tenements of breath,
Without once throwing up that bed of death,
Their grave-cloaths ore them, every active friend
Hasts toward her search, whilst suffering females spend
[Page 3] The hours (grown slow since burden'd by their fears)
In prayrs, whose doubts they numbred by their tears.
But amongst all of those that sacrific'd
Tears to her loss, sorrow had most disguis'd
Lovely Orlinda, the fair sister to
The vext Messenian, who with Love that grew
From equal attributes of Honor, in
The parallels of Beauty plac'd had been
In this restraint of liberty so long
Her pleas'd Companion, that her grief too strong
For comfort grown, to mourn her absence she
Forsaking all her friends societie,
Whilst seeking of some shady grove is brought
To one whose vail, black as her darkest thought,
Appear'd so much a stranger to the light,
That solitude did thither soon invite
The pensive Lady, who, whilst entring, by
A deep groans sound diverted, turns her eye
Toward one, who near the utmost ebb of life
Disguis'd in's blood, was with the latest strife
Of death contending; at the dreadful view
Of which sad object she retreating to
Some of her maids, who fearing to intrude
Whilst she appear'd intending solitude,
A distance kept, made hold by number, now
Return to see if life did yet allow
[Page 4] A room for help, or if his soul were fled,
To let their care intomb the helpless dead.
Arriv'd so near, that through the rubrick vail
Of's blood they saw how life did yet prevail
O'er deaths convulsions, they behold one lie,
Whose wound's an object for their charity,
Soon drew them nearer in such trembling haste,
As if they fear'd those lavish springs would waste
Lifes stock too fast; where come, with linen soft
And white as were those hands that thither brought
That blessing, having gently wip'd away
His blood, his face discover'd did betray
Him to their knowledge; for the Ciprian Prince
All soon conclude him, whose desert e'er since
That Court she knew, had to Orlinda prov'd
A dear delight, yet she ne'er knew she lov'd,
Till her soft pitty, and his sad distress
Conspiring to betray that bashfulness
Whose blushes scorch'd that tender plant, did now
Even in their fortunes roughest storm allow
It leave to grow, safe, since yet passing by
No other name but noble charity.
By all the nimblest stratagems which Art
E'er learnt from nature, striving to impart
The best of mortal blessings, health, unto
Her Royal patient, prais'd Orlinda grew
[Page 5] So high in his deserv'd esteem, that though
Posterity doth to his friendship ow
For their most perfect copy, knowing she
Too much ador'd Pharonnida to be
Her base betrayer, when his healths advance
Gave way for language, every circumstance
Declares which was in that so fatal night,
The sad preludiums to her secret flight;
By which when she whose love (though full of fire)
Yet lay rak'd up in a remote desire,
Unstirr'd by hope, with joy had learn'd that he
More then what friendship parroniz'd, was free
From all affection to the Princess, in
Her eyes, which until then had clouded bin.
Love with as bright and pure a flame as ere,
Did in the shades of modesty declare;
Passion, breaks forth, which happy signs by him
Whose heart, her eys, even whilst they shone most dim
With mutual flames had fir'd, that loyal love
Which fate in vain shall struggle to remove,
Begins with flames as innocently bright
As the first rayes of new created light.
But stay rash Reader, think not they're led
Through these smooth walks unto their nuptial bed;
But now, behold, that their misfortune prove,
Which thou hast wept for, if thou e'er didst love
[Page 6] A separation, the suspition that
Sparta's vext King, when first distemper'd at
His daughters loss, did of this stranger Prince
Justly conceive, perswades him now that since
Not found within the Cyprian Court, that he
Who had been vainly sought abroad might be
Yet lodg'd at home, which supposition bred
So strict a search, that though the silent dead
Not silenter then her Attendants were,
Yet kind Orlinda whom a pious care
Prompted to save what she did yet possess,
Whilst seeking with a Lovers tenderness
How to secure him, doth at length convay
Her roving fancy to this hopeful way.
Not long before, though now 'twere silenc'd in
Domestick ills, Report had busied been
In the relating of the sad distress
Of a brave Lybian Prince, whom heaven to bless
With an eternal Crown, in midst of all
His Youths fresh glories, by a powerful call
Summons to serve her, and that faith which he
Had from the early dawn of infancie
Suckt from the great Impostor of the East,
Though now by time Opinions strength increast,
Spight of a peoples prayers or fathers threats
Wholly forsaking; which revolt begets
[Page 7] So much aversion, pitty could invent
Nought easier then perpetual banishment
To punish what their faith, mistaken in
Its object, terms a black Apostates sin.
Disguis'd in such a dress, as pitty might
Expect t'encounter so distrest a Wight
As was that wandring Prince, attended by
No train but what becomes th'obscurity
Of such a fortune, to the Spartan Court
Amindor comes, where though the thick resort
Of well known friends might justly make him fear
Some treacherous eye; knowledge could ne'r appear
Through that black vail his happy art had took
To make him like a sun-burnt Lybian look.
Yet what engag'd them more then safety in
Prayers to heaven, his person had not bin
Not long the wonder of the Court, before
His fairer vertues which adorn'd him more
Then th'other could disguise, did justly prove
The happy object of the Princes love,
Whose influence whilst it him to power did raise
Taught by reflex the people how to praise
That fair election, till the Pyramed
Rais'd to his fame, had fixt its lofty head
Above the clouds of fortune, yet not this
Fates fairest smile, a Lovers best of bliss,
[Page 8] A free commerce, which unsuspected might,
Though long and pleasant as the Summers light,
Be ne'r disturb'd, with fair Orlinda gives
Content such fulness, that although he lives
To all unknown but her alone, in that
Enjoy'd more then ambition e'er aim'd at.
And now from all the fruitless diligence
Of inquisitions, and the vain expence
Of time, return'd were every troop that had
Trew forlorn hopes been, Active in the sad
Search of Pharonnida, which ending in
A just despair, some that till then within
The Castle walls had (though as vainly) sought,
Their sorrow forth, before the griev'd Prince brought
Brunorchus, whom they in a small lodge, where
Secur'd by sollitude, the houshold care
Of locks and bolts were vain unsought, they found
In the soft bands of griefs, best opiate bound,
Sleep, who though thron'd within her ebbon seat
From lusts hor field appears, but his retreat
When tir'd with action; for besides him they
Where's poisons antidote, Amphibia lay
Block'd up in's arms, beheld the air with all
Their voices stroke at length, had rais'd a call
That drown'd their sleeping thunder, from the bed
Brunorchus starting struggles to have fled
[Page 9] The shamefull danger, whilst Amphibia creeps
Beneath her sheets protection, but nought keeps
Pursuing vengeance back, there took, and brought
Before the Prince, who startl'd at the thought
Of such a complicated crime, refers
Their punishment to death 's dire Messengers.
The yet succesfull Lovers long e'er this
Safely arriv'd at their first stage of bliss,
Florenza's low unenvied roof, did there
Since speed was now the fairest childe of care,
Stay only to exchange their horse, and take
With her a guide whose practick skill could make
Their untrod paths familiar, through a low
Dark vail where shade-affecting weeds did grow
Eternal strangers to the Sun, did lie
The narrow path, frequented onely by
The forest Tyrants when they bore their prey
From open dangers of discovering day.
Past through this desart valey, they were now
Climing an easie hill, where every bough
Maintain'd a feather'd chorister to sing
Soft Pahegyricks, and the rude windes bring
Into a murmuring slumber, whilst the calm
Morn on each leaf did hang her liquid balm,
With an intent before the next Suns birth
To drop it in those wounds which the cleft earth
[Page 10] Receiv'd from's last days beams, the hills ascent
Wound up by action, in a large extent
Of leavie plains, shews them the canopie
Beneath whose shadow their large way did lie:
Which being lookt ore, whilst thankful praise did pay
Their debts to heaven, they thence with a convay
Of prayers (those swift ambassadors) did send
A hopeful glance tow'rd their large journies end.
These short surveys past, since the place assures
A safe repose to cool the Calentures
Of feverish action, down a way that led
From Pleasures throne unto her fragrant bed
A rank of Laurels, spreading to protect
The flowry path, which not unprun'd neglect
Robb'd of delight, they past, the slow descent
Soon brings them where her richest ornament
(Although with art unpleited) Nature in
A lovely Landshape wore, that once had been
Sacred to th'Islands fruitful Goddess; here
Whilst they behold the infants of the year
Ith' Springs unsullied livery clad, the fair
And large-limb'd trees, preparing to repair
Autums spent stock, from out an humble hill
A tributary fountain did distill
The earths cold blood, and murmuring convays
It on a bed of peebles, till it pays
[Page 11] Her debts to th' neighboring river. Near to it
Full Chorusses of feather'd Hero's sit
Amidst their willow-mansions, to whose ease
Their shrill notes call the sportive Driades.
Whilst by the brightest glories of that age
This Royal robe worne in a hermitage
Is seen with such a silent sad delight
As smooths the furrows of an Anchorite;
Their solemn walk had brought them to a green
Skirt of that mantle fairly spread between
Two mossie rocks, that near the chrystal slood
Appendixes to larger mountains stood:
Near which they saw, with mournful majesty,
A heap of solitary ruines lie
Half-sepulchred in dust, the bankrupt heir
To prodigal Antiquity, whose fair
Composures did (beneath times pride sunk low)
But dim vestigia's of their beauty shew.
Yet that it might unreverend gazers tell
It once was sacred Ceres image fell
From a thrones splendor did neglected lie
Sunk with her temple to deformitie,
Dark, gloomy groves, which holy altars shade
With solitude, such as religion made
Full of an awful reverence, and drew
The ravisht soul from the worlds wandring view,
[Page 12] Circled the sacred valley, into one
Of which our Royal Lovers were alone
Retir'd in private sollitude to pay
Sleeps forfeitures, whilst the bright bloomy day
Sweats the hidroptick earth, but joy denies
That sullen ghest an entrance in their eies.
Their eyes, which now like wandring Plannets met
After a race of cross aspects, and set
Within a firmament of beauty, thence
On Loves cold Region dropt their influence;
Warm'd by whose vigor, springs of pleasures had,
Watring their cheeks, those fields in roses clad.
Fear, that till now had made them languish in
A dang'rous hectick, or at best had bin
But cas'd with intervals, which did include
Ambiguous hopes in times vicissitude,
Ceas'd to usurp, yet (though the throne expell'd)
A large command in Reasons Empire held
Leading those parties which wise counsel sent
Close ambuscado'd dangers to prevent;
Nor could the conduct fail, assail'd by ought
Within the circuit of extended thought.
Deliberation (the souls wary Scout)
Being still imploy'd to lead fresh parties out
'Gainst the known enemies of hope. But here
Black Troops of danger, undiscern'd of fear,
[Page 13] Assaults unralli'd fortitude, whilst she
Slept 'mongst the rose-beds of securitie.
Exalted far above the gross mistakes
Of vulgar love, cloth'd in such thoughts as shakes
Ripe souls from out their husks of earth, to be
Pick'd up by Angels, joys Stenographie
In their embraces met; not with less strength
Of love (though yet not to be wrought at length)
Then that which meets in nuptial folds when they
Reap Heavens first blessing, in their bloods allay
Met their full seas of passion, yet both calm
As vertues brow, their blood but warm'd like balm
To pour in sorrows wounds, not boild into
A scum of lust, The worlds first man did wo
The blushing off [...]pring of his side, the fi [...]st
Unpractickt Virgin, with as great a thirst
Of blood as theirs, when in the safe defence
Of Paradice each act was innocence.
Here whilst th [...]ir sweet imployment was discourse
Taught in the School of Vertue, to divorce
Those maiden brides, their twisted eye-beams, sleep
Which flies the open gates of care, did creep
In at their cristal windows to remove
The lamp of joy, fill'd with the oil of love.
The Princess spirits fled from the distress
Of action into calm for getfulness
[Page 14] Having the Curtains drawn, Argalia's head
Softly reposing on her lap (that bed)
Of precious odors, there receives a while
A rest, for sweetness such as Saints beguile
Time in, in their still dormitories till
Heavens summons shall their hopes on earth fulfill.
Remov'd from them, feeding his horses in
A well-fle [...]'d meddow which that age had seen
Till then ne'er loose its Sommer robe before,
Russet with age, he put it off, and wore
A glittering tissue furr'd with snow, did lie
Their careful guide, secure, till frighted by
A dreadful noise of horse, whose rushing wakes
Him to behold; what seen with terror shakes
Off sleeps declining weights, in such a strange
Amaze as (forts surpris'd) the skar'd guards, change
Their swords for Fetters, flying he looks back
On the steel fron [...]ed troop, till at his back
Approaching danger gathering in a cloud
Of death overwhelms him, frighting with its loud
Exalted clamors from their then clos'd eyes,
(Loves altars,) sleeps intended sacrifice.
Shook from their slumber with the first salutes
Of light to meet their ruin, thick recruits
Of brave resolves into Argalia's brest,
Had swiftly summon'd; but the Princess rest.
[Page 15] Exchang'd for wilde amazement, in which sad
Restraint of spirits, life with beauty had
Fled to the silent Region, if not by
Her Royal friend supported, who the high
Pitch of exalted anger, whilst he draws
His sword to vindicate their righteous cause,
Descends to comfort her, thinking those troops
Her Fathers Messengers, his brave soul stoops
Not to request a favor; but although
Their multitude, in hopes account outgrow
Life more then those diseases which attend
On ages cold extream, he dares defend
Love, though by vigor of supream commands
Depriv'd of favor's mercinary Bands.
Prompted by power that soveraign antidote
'Gainst Natures poyson, baseness and by roate)
Not Arts fair Rules, taught Lessons of defence:
These dregs of men, not having more pretence
Then what from Riot was extorted, in
Unwieldy throngs the conquest strive to win
From single valor, not the powerfull pray'r
Of her whose voice had purified the ayr
To a seraphick excellence, the sweet,
Heav'n lov'd Pharonnida could come to meet
Pitty in this rude wilderness, her words
Losing their form in the wild air affords
[Page 16] Their busie souls no heedfull leasure, but
With wilder passions the soul's portals shut.
That sober friend to happy sollitude,
Silence, which long those blest shades did include,
By rude noise banisht from her solemn Throne,
Did in a deep and hollow eccho grone;
Whilst the brave Champion, whose own worth did bring
Assistance, yet had in a bloody ring
Strew'd death's pale triumphs, and in safety stands
The dangerous business of so many hands,
All which had in the grave joyn'd palms, if by
One stroke that index unto victory,
His sword, had not with sudden breaking prov'd
Traitor to th' strength by whose command it mov'd.
Rob'd of this safe defence, Valors brave flame
In vain is spent, that Piramis of fame
Built by his hand o'er Loves fair temple, now
Even in the view of 's Saint is forc't to bow
Beneath an earthquake, his commanding soule
In this sharp conflict, striving to controle
Nature, (rebellious to her power) lets flye
In vain the piercing lightning of the eye,
Whose dark leads drooping in a death like close,
Forbids high fury thundring on his soes.
He falls, and from each purple salliport
Of wounds, tir'd spirits, in a thick resort
[Page 17] Flie the approach; in which wild trance
His eyes did their declining lights advance
Above their gloom of darkness to convay
The last faint beam of natures falling day
To his distrest Pharonnida: but she
In clouds of sorrow lost, was gone to be
Close mourner for his rigid fare beneathe
A pale sowns shady vale, and could not breathe
One sigh to welcom those sick guests, nor lend
A beam to light them to their journies end;
Which being depriv'd of, in deaths dark disguise
Forgetful shadows did obscure his eyes.
Branded with an ignoble victory,
His base oppressors, staying not to try
Where fire remains in lifes dark lamp, forsake
Their bleeding shame, and only with them take
The trembling Ladies, whose amazement yet
Griefs floodgates shuts in a distracting fit
Of wilder passions, circled in which cloud
She's hurried thence; and ere that damp aloud
Light through her souls prospectives, had past ore
Much of the Desart, and arriv'd before
A barren Rocks proud front; which being too steep
For the laborious traveller, a deep
Dark vault did pierce, whose dismal black descent
Safe passage to a distant valley lent.
[Page 18] With slow ill-boding steps, this horrid way
Orecome, they meet the Beauties of the day
Within the pregnant vale, a place that shewed
Some art had prun'd what natures hand bestowed.
No earth-encumbring weeds, but wholsom plants
Such as relieve the winter of our wants,
Were here in comely order plac'd, each tree
Tir'd with his fruitful burden stoops to be
Eas'd by the lowliest hand; for want of which
Their feeble stems had dropt them to enrich
Their pregnant mother; this civilitie
Proclaiming more then art had meant to be
The dress of desarts, did at first appear
As if those useful blessings had for fear
That wasteful man should ravish them to feed
his luxury, fled thither; none that need
Such thrifty joys in the circumference
Oth' vally seeming to have residence.
All whose exalted pride did terminate
The levell'd eye, was a round hill that sate
As center to the golden vale, come near
To which, what did externally appear
A rock in ivy drest, being enter'd shewed
The beauties of a gorgeous palace, hewed
Out of the living stone, whose vaulted brest
Had by the union of each part exprest
[Page 17] The strength of Concord; The black Rock was all
Tinsell'd with windows, over which did fall
Thin Ivy-wreaths, like Cobweb-vails that shade
The salliports of Beauty, only made
To cool, not darken, and on those that sit
VVithin bestow a shady benefit.
They being drawn near, a sad old man that sate
Unwilling Porter, from the spacious gate
Withdrew the verdant curtain, she is now
Enter'd the Castle, where could fear allow
Her eyes that liberty she had survai'd,
Buildings, whose strength with beauty join'd, betrai'd
Times modern issues to contempt, and by
A lasting glory prais'd antiquity.
But Pleasure spreads her baits in vain, she sate
Beneath the frozen Artick of her fate,
Whilst he from whose aspect she only felt,
Delightful heat, in's winter-solstice dwelt.
More to depress her sinking spirits, she
Too soon finds cause to think that gravitie
She met ith' entrance, but the reverend shade
Of injur'd worth, which accident had made
Stoop to that bondage, vertue drooping in
His furrowed cheeks, as if depos'd, she'd bin
Thither confin'd within the walls, to let
Imperious vice her painted banners set.
[Page 20] A troop of wild Bandits, vilains whose guilt
Shun'd publick haunts, heavns privat blessings spilt
There in luxurious riot, which grown bold
By toleration, durst to th' light unfold
Vices deformedst issues; nought by th' name
Of sin being known, but sins betrayer, shame.
In such a loose intemperance as raigns
In conquer'd cities, when the soldiers pains
With spoils of peace is paid, they liv'd: 'mongst these
Some few unhappy women kept t'appease
Lusts tumults, she beheld, whose looks betraid
A sickly guilt, and made the Royal maid
Amidst her griefs cold symptoms blush to see
How pale they look'd with Lusts deformitie.
Whilst these are view'd, with such a change as that
Poor Village-drunkards are enforc'd to at
An Officers approach, when the night grows
Deep as their draughts, she sees them all compose
Their late wild looks; nor was this dress of fear
In vain put on, Almanzor did appear
Dreaded Almanzor, who on them had built
A power, which though by unsuccessful guilt
Banisht to th' desart, forc'd their wants to be
The helpless sufferers of his tyrannie.
Past through the fear dispersed throng, he's to
The Princess come, where startled at the view
[Page 21] Of Majesty, shrinks back, unsteady haste
VVhich brought him there but to view Beauties plac'd
VVithin the reach of 's lust, assaulted by
Objects that both to love and loyalty
Had prov'd him an apostate, to retreat
Within a blush attempts; but that's too great
A friend to bashful vertue in that face
Whose heart deposes her, to sprinkle grace.
Ruffled with this recoil of spirits, in
Such troubled haste as Novices begin
New conn'd orations, he himself applies
To th' injur'd Lady, whose brave spirit flies
Not what she fear'd, but with the brave defence
Of scorn opposes blushless impudence,
Crushing the embrio's of that language, in
Whose guilty accents he attempts to win
Opinions favor, and by that redeem
VVhat former guilt had lost in her esteem.
Contemn'd with such a look as Princes cast
On over-bold usurpers, he is past
The first encounter of her eye, and she
Turn'd in disdain to shew her great soul free
From low submission, by which fir'd into
A sullen anger, he resolves to mew
The Royal Eaglet, until freedom grow
A favor whose fair streams might overflow
[Page 22] Those barren fields of indesert, in which
His fortune pines, lest this fair prize inrich
The cursed soil, and on its surface place
The long abstracted beams of princely grace.
She to the narrow confires of a room
Restrain'd to let his rufl'd thoughts resume
Their calm composure (counsels throne) he goes
Aside, and on that doubtfull text bestows
The clearest comment of his judgement, yet
Falls short of truth, and must contented sit
To know her there, though not the accident
Which from her fathers glorious Court had sent
Her so ill guarded; but referring that
To times discovery, he transported at
What was a truth confirm'd, within the wide
Arms of his hope, grasps, what aspiring pride
Or lusts loose Rhet'rick, when youths rigrous fire
Beauty hath kindled, prompts him to desire.
Yet by two sev'ral paths to tread that way
His crime's dark roads, Lust and Ambition lay,
The poor Florenza, that long since had been
The trembling object of the baser sin,
To make his slie access to either free
From th' others thoughts, must from her Lady be
In this dark storm remov'd, he fearing less
That counsel aiding vertue in distress,
[Page 23] Though wanting strength the battel to maintain,
Might countermine the engine of his brain.
To this sad separation leaving them
Whom innocence had licenc'd to condemn
Fortunes harsh discipline, Almanzor goes
Fates dark enigma's, by the help of those
That took her to unvail, but 'twas a work
Too full of subtil mysterie, a Turk
Her brave Defender, by those garments which
Rash fear had onely refled to enrich
Nice inquisition seem'd, by which betray'd
To dark mistakes, his policy obey'd
Domestick counsels, and by subtil spies
Whose ears were more officious then their eyes,
Soon from the lovesick Ladies close complaints
His wiser knowledge with their cause acquaints.
The End of the First Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The Fourth Book. CANTO II.

The Argument.
I.
From all the hopes of Love and Libertie
O'erwhelm'd in the vast Ocean of her grief,
The wretched Princess is constrain'd to be
A Prisoner to her youths first dreadfull thief.
II.
The curs'd Almanzor, in whose dismal Cell
She comments on the various [...]eats of grief
In every form, till from the tip of Hell,
When seeming darkest, just Heav'n sent relief.
DIstracted in the agony of Love
Pharonnida, whose sad complaints did prove
Her sorrows true Interpreters, had made
Argalia's name, wrapt up in sighs invade
[Page 25] The ears of an unseen Informer, whence
Almanzor's thoughts, deliver'd from suspence,
Shake off their doubtfull dress of fears, and teach
Hypocrisie by paths untrod to reach
The Apex of his hopes. What not the fear
Of ills, whilst her own interest did appear
The onely sharer, could perform, he now
Presumes affection to her Friend would bow
With low submission, if by that she might
Aid his dim Stars with a reserve of light.
With frequent visits, which on sins dark Text
Wrought a fair gloss, Almanzor oft had vext
The calmer passions of the Princess in
To rufled anger; but when all could win
No entrance on her favor, fury tries
A harsher corrosive, stern power denies
Her even of those poor narrow comforts which
Her souls dark region, that was onely rich
In sorrows sables, could possess. Withdrew
Were all those slippery Parasites that knew
To her no pity, but what did reflect
The rayes o'th Tyrants favor, whose neglect
Taught them the Lesson of disdain, whilst she
Her practic'd soul trained in humility.
Pensive as an unpractic'd Convert in
A Bath of tears, she shadow'd lies within
[Page 26] The unfrequented room, a curtain bed
Her close retreat, till Lights fair Angel fled
The swarthy Region. But whilst here she lies
Like a dark lanthorn that in black disguise
Circles imprisoned Light —
Grief from the sullen world conceal'd to turn
The troubled stream, as if the silent urn
Of some dead friend to private sorrow had
Summon'd her thither, enter'd was a sad
And sober Matron, in her hands she bore
A light whose feeble rayes could scarce restore
The sick successor of the day unto
A cheerfull smile. Sad Pilgrims that renew
Acquaintance with their better Angels by
Harsh penitence, have of humility
Less in their looks then she, her habit shew'd
Like costly ruins that for fashion ow'd
To elder pride, in whose reversion she
Appear'd the noble choice of charitie.
This shadow of religious vertue drawn
Near her disordered bed, a sickly dawn
Of light breaks through the Princess clouded eyes
To meet the welcom object, the disguise
Of sorrow, which at first appearance sate
Fixt on her brow, a partner of her fate
Making her seem; nor was the fancy crush'd
I'th infancy of faith, fair truth first blush'd
[Page 27] For verbal crimes, near to the bed reposed
Where the sad Lady lay, she thus disclosed
Her cause of entrance. Cease (fair stranger) to
Monopolize a sorrow which, not you
Here share alone; pitty instructed by
Experience in the rules of misery
Hath brought me from complaining of my own
To comfort thine; this Castle once hath known
Me for its Mistriss, though it now behold
Me (in the dress of poverty grown old)
Despis'd and poor, the scorn of those that were
Nurs'd into life by my indulgent care.
This in her tears o'erflowing language spoke
Perswades the pensive Princess to revoke
Deprav'd opinions doom, confessing she
Wedded not grief to singularitie.
But comfort in the julip of her words
Was scarce dissolv'd, e're a reply affords
Conceiv'd requital, striving to prevent
The (oft more forward) thanks. Rise to content,
Fair soul, she cries, be but so wise to let
Sick passion die with just neglect, I'll set
Thy dropt Stars in their orbs again; I have
(Forc'd by command) a late attendance gave
Unto a wounded stranger that remains
Within this Castle in the heavy chains
[Page 28] Of cruel bondage, from whose weight unless
Your Love redeem him, dark forgetfulness
Will draw the curtains of the grave about
His dull mortality, and the sick doubt
Of hope resolve in death, this evening I
Ore heard his heavy doom, from which to fly
He hath no refuge but your mercy, which
Strip'd of light passion, must be cloth'd in rich
But graver robes of reason, when it sits
In counsel how to reconcile the fits
Of feverish love, when being most propense
To passions heat, a frost of abstinence
Benums it to a Lethargy. In brief,
'Tis he whose prosperous tyranny the chief
Command within this castle gave, that in
His swift destruction doth attempt to win
Free passage to enjoying you, then prove
He friend to him that begs you to change love
For now more usefull pity, and so save
A life that must no longer live to crave,
If now deny'd. This Ring (with that presents
A jewel, that when loves first elements
The harmony of faith united, she
Gave to confirm her vows) he sends to be
A note that he denies what e'er was made
Authentick, when your mixt vows did invade
[Page 29] Unwilling Heaven, which in your sufferance shews
We may intend, but wiser powers dispose.
Pharonnida, whose fears confirm'd did need
No more to wound a fancy that did bleed
At all the springs of passion, being by
The fatal Present taught whose liberty
Her Loves exchange must purchase, with a sad
Reverse o'th eye beholding it, unclad
Her sorrow thus: And did, oh did this come
By thy commands, Argalia! no, by some
Unworthy hand thou'rt rob'd of it, I know
Thou sooner wouldst be tempted to let go
Reliques of thy protecting Saint: Oh, cease
What e'er you are, to wrong him, the calm peace
He wears t' encounter death in, cannot be
Scatter'd by any storm of fear: would he
That hath affronted death in every shape
Of horror, tamely yield unto the rape
Of 's Virgin honor, and not stand the shock
Of a base Tyrants anger; but I mock
My hopes with vain fantasms, 'tis the love
He bears to me carries his fear above
The orb of his own noble temper, to
An unknown world of passions, in whose new
Regions ambitious grown, it scorns to fall
Back to its Center, Reason, whither all
[Page 30] The lines of action until now did bend
From's souls circumference; yet know his end
If doom'd unto this cursed place, shall tell
The bloody Tyrant that my passing bell
Tolls in his dying groans, and will e're long
Ring out in death, if sorrow when grown strong
As fate, can raise the strokes of grief above
The strength of nature; which if not, yet love
Will finde a passage where our souls shall rest
In an eternal union, whilst opprest
With horror he, by whose command he dies,
Falls to th' infernal pow'rs a Sacrifice
If that your pitty were no ficton, to
Betray my feeble passions, and undo
The knots of resolution, tell my Friend,
I live but to die his, and will attend
Him with my pray'rs (those verbal angels) till
His soul's on th' wing, then follow him, and fill
Those blanks our Fate left in the lines of life
Up with eternal bliss, where no harsh strife
Of a dissenting Parent shall destroy
The blooming springs of our conjugal joy.
Vext by this brave display of fortitude
To sullen anger, with a haste more rude
Then bold intrusions, lusts slie advocate,
Forsakes her seat, and though affronts too late
[Page 31] Came to create a blush, yet passion had
Her cheeks in red revenges livery clad;
Her eyes like Saturn's in the house of death,
Heavy with ills to come, her tainted breath
Scatt'ring infectious murmurs, with a look
Oblique and deadly, the curs'd Hag forsook
That ebbon cabinet of grief, and hastes
To tell Almanzor how his passion wastes
More spirits in perswasions hectique, then
If power had quench'd ambitions fever when
'Twas first inflam'd with hope, whose cordials prove
Oft slow as opiates in the heat of love.
This, with a heat that spoild digestion, by
The angry Tyrant heard, rage did unty
The curles of passion, whose soft trammels had
Crisp'd smooth hypocrisie, from which unclad
Disvellop'd nature shews her unfil'd dress
Rough as an angry friend, by no distress
Of beauty to be calm'd, since slie deceit
Vertue had now unmask'd, no candid bait
Conceals his thoughts, which soon in publick shews
From what black Sea those mists of passion rose.
Dayes sepulchre, the ebbon arched night
Was rais'd above the battlements of light;
The frenzy'd worlds allaying opiate, sleep,
Oretaking action, did in silence steep
[Page 32] The various fruits of labor, and from thence
Recovers what pays for her times expence.
In which slow calm, whilst half the drowsie earth
Lay in the shade of nature, to give birth
Unto the burthen of sick fancy, fear,
Groans, deep as deaths alarms, through her ear
Fly toward the throne of Reason, to inform
The pensive Princess, that the last great storm
Of fate was now descending, beyond which
Her eyes (orewhelm'd in sorrow) must inrich
Their orbs with love no more; but in the dawn
Of Life behold her Friends destruction drawn,
Since threatn'd danger sad assurance gives
In those deep groans he now but dying lives.
More swiftly to destroy the falling leaves
Of blasted hope, with horror she receives
By a convey of wearied light, that stroke
Through rusty grates, intelligence which shoke
The strength of fortitude, there was a room
Deep and obscure, where in a heavy gloom
The unstirr'd air in such a darkness dwelt
As mask'd Egyptians from Heavens vengeance felt,
Till by the strugling rayes of a faint lamp
Forc'd to retreat, and the quicksilver damp
Shed on the sweaty walls, which hid within
That glitt'ring vail, worn figures that had been
[Page 33] The hieroglyphick epitaphs of those
Which charity did to the earth dispose
In friendships last of Legacies, except
What is to cure loose fames diseases kept.
Here 'mongst the ruines of mortality,
In blood difigur'd, she beholds one lie
Who though disguis'd in death's approach, appears
By's habit (that confirmer of her fears)
Her gentle Love, alone, and helpless in
The grasp of death, striving in vain to win
The field from that grim Tyrant, who had now
Embalm'd him in his blood, and did allow
Him no more spirits, but what in that strife
Serv'd to groan out the Epilogue of life
And then depart natures cold stage, to be
Suck'd up from time into eternitie.
When thus the ever lasting silence had
Lock'd up his voice, and death's rude hand unclad
His hovering soul, whose elemental dress
Is left to dust and dark forgetfulness
When natures lamps being snuft to death, he lay
A night-piec'd draught of once well-modell'd clay;
With such a silent pace as witches use
To tread ore graves when their black arts abuse
Their cold inhabitants, his murtherers were
Entred the vault, from the stain'd floor to bear
The cold stiff coarse, which having softly laid
In's doom-days bed, unto the royal Maid,
[Page 34] Whose beauty in this agony defac'd
Griefs emblem sate, with eager speed they haste.
Either a guilty shame, or fear to be
Converted by her forms divinity,
Made them chuse darkness for protection, in
Whose hideous shade, she of her self unseen
Is hurried thence unto that dreadfull place
Where he intomb'd lay, whom she must imbrace
In death's dark lodgings, and e'er life was fled
Remain a sad Companion of the dead,
Confining beauty in youth's glorious bloom
To the black prison of a dismal tomb,
Where fast inclos'd, Earth's fairest blossom must
Unnaturally be planted in the dust,
Where life's bright Star, Heav'ns glorious influence,
Her soul in labor with the slow suspence
Of lingring torments must expecting lie
Till famine Natures ligatures untie.
And can, oh, can we ever hope to save
Her that's in life a Tenant to the Grave!
Can ought redeem one that already lies
Within the Bed of Death, whose hot lust fries
In the enjoyment of all beauties that
The aged World e'er had to wonder at;
To feed whose riot, the well temper'd blood,
That sanguine youth's smooth cheek, mixt with a flood
Of harsh distemperatures, o'erflows and brings
Some to their lodgings on the flaming wings
[Page 35] Of speedy feavers, whilst the others creep
On slow consumptions, millions from the steep
And dangerous precipice of war: Some in
A stream of their own humors that have bin
Swell'd to a dropsie, being even prest to death
By their own weight, whilst others part with breath
From bodies worn so thin, they seem'd to be
Grown near the souls invisibilitie.
But whither strayes our fancy? have we left
The wofull Lady in a tomb bereft
Of all society, and shall I let
My wandring pen forsake her? such a debt
Would banckrupt pity. Th' undistinguish'd day
Whose new-born light did but e'en then display
Its dewy wings, when first she was confin'd
To the dark tomb, was now grown almost blind
With age, when thus through fates black curtin broke
Unlook'd for light, that darkness which did choake
All passages by which the thin air held
Commerce with neigboring rooms, being now ex­pel'd
By the dim tapers glimmering beams let fall
Part of the rayes through an old ruin'd wall
That fenc'd an ugly dungeon, where the night
Dwelt safe as in the Center; by the fight
Of which unlook'd for guest some prisoners who
Had there been stay'd, even till despairing to
Be ere releas'd, in eager fury tries
To force their way, where their directing eyes
[Page 36] Led by the light should guide them, come at length,
Where with times burden tir'd the buildings strength
Losing its first firm union was divorc'd
With gaping clefts, an easie strength inforc'd
Those feeble guards; but come into the room
Where ore the living Ladies sable tomb
Hung the directing light, they there in vain
For further passage seeking, were again
To the black dungeon, horrors dismal seat,
In sad despair making their slow retreat.
Now neer departing, a deep dolefull groan
Revers'd their eyes, amazement almost grown
To stupefaction stays them, whilst they hear
New sighs confirm their wonder, not their fear;
Till thus Euriolus, whose bold look spoke
The braver soul, the dismal silence broke.
What ere thou art that hoverest here within
This gloomy shadow, speak what wrong hath bin
Thy troubl'd Ghost's tormenter, art thou fled
From wo to stir the dust o'th' peacefull dead?
Or com'st from sacred shadows to lament
Some friends dead coarse, which this dark Tenement
Hath lodg'd in dust. The trembling Lady hearing
A humane voice again, and now not fearing
Th' approaches of a greater danger, cries,
What ere you are, fear mo [...]ks your faith, here lies
A wofull wretch int [...]mb'd alive, that nere
Must look on light again, my spirit were
[Page 37] Blest if resolv'd to air, but here it must
A sad companion in the silent dust
To Loath'd corruption be, until the pale
Approaching Fiend, harsh famine, shall exhale
In dews of blood the purple moisture, that
Fed life's fresh springs; but now shall tremble at
My dolefull story, 'tis enough that fate
Hath for this tomb exchang'd a throne of state.
To active pity stirr'd, the valiant friends
Attempt her rescue, but their labor ends
In fruitless toyles, the ponderous marble lies
With too much weight to let the weak supplies
Of humane strength remov't, which whilst they tride
To weary sweats, kinde fortune lends this guide
To their mask'd vertue; the informing ear
Proclaims approaching steps, which usher'd fear
Into Ismander's brest; but his brave friend
(The bold Euriolus) resolv'd to end
By death or victory their bondage, goes
Near to the gate, where soon were entred those
Which in Pharonnida's restraint had bin
The active engines of that hateful sin,
With them, that Hag whose curst invention had
Revenge in such an uncouth dressing clad.
Whilst her Ismander seis'd, and with a charm
Of nimble strength commands the active arm
Of fierce Euriolus, directed by
Victorious valor purchac'd liberty
[Page 38] By strokes whose weight to dark destruction sunk
His worthless foes, and sent their pale souls drunk
With innocent blood stagg'ring from earth, to be
Maskt in the desarts of eternitie.
This being beheld by her whose hopes of life
With them departed, she concludes the strife
Of inquisition by directing to
An engine which but toucht would soon undo
That knot which puzzl'd all their strength, and give
The captive Princess hopes again to live
Within the reach of light, whose beams whilst she
Unfolds her eyes (those dazl'd stars) to see,
Dark misty wonder in a cloud orespread
His faith that rais'd her from that gloomy bed:
Amaz'd Euriolus, whose zeal-guided eyes
Soon knows the Princess through griefs dark disguise,
Could his inflam'd devotion into one
Great blast of praises be made up, t'had gone
Toward heavenly bowers on the expanded wings
Of his exalted joy, nor are the springs
Of life less rais'd with wonder in the brest
Of's royal Mistress, whose free soul exprest
As much of joy as in her clouded fate
With reason at the helm of action sate.
Here had they maskt in mutual wonder stay'd
T'unriddle fate, had not wise Fear obey'd
Reasons grave dictates, and with eager speed
Urge their departure, for whose guide they need
[Page 39] No more but her directions, who then lay
Taught by the fear of vengeance to obay
Their just demands, by whom inform'd of all
That might within the Castles circuit fall
With weights of danger, and taught how to free
Confin'd Florenza, to meet libertie,
They march in triumph, leaving none to take
Possession there, but her whose guilt would make
The torment just, though there constrain'd to dwell
Till death prepar'd her for a larger hell.
Whilst sleeps guards doubled by intemprance raign'd
Within the walls, with happy speed they gain'd
The Castles utmost ward, and furnisht there
With such choise horses as provided were
For th'Outlaws next days scouts; A glad adieu
Of their loath'd jail they take: Ismander knew
Each obscure way that in their secret flight
Might safety promise; so that sullen night
Could not obstruct their passage, though through ways
So full of dark meanders, not the days
Light could assist a stranger, ere the dawn
O'th' wakeful morn had spread her vails of lawn
Ore the fair Virgins of the Spring, there past
That silvan labyrinth, and with that had cast
Their greatest terror off, and taught their eyes
The welcom joys of liberty to prize.
And now the spangled squadrons of the night
Encountring beams had lost the field to light,
[Page 40] The morning proud in beauty grown, whilst they
With chearful speed past on the levell'd way
By solitude secure, of all unseen
Save early Laborers that resided in
Dispers'd poor cottages, by whom they'r view'd
With humble reverence, such as did delude
Sharp-ey'd suspition, they are now drawn near
Ismanders palace, whose fair towers appear
Above the groves, whose green enamel lent
The neighboring hills their prospects ornament.
A River whose unwearied bounty brings
The hourly tribute of a thousand Springs
From several fragrant vallies here, as grown
So rich, she now strove to preserve her own
Streams from the all-devouring Sea, did glide
Betwixt two hills which nature did divide
To entertain the smiling Nymph, till to
An entrance where her silver-eye did view
A wealthy vale she come, a vale in which
All fruitful pleasures did content enrich;
Where all so much deserv'd the name of best,
E [...]ch took a part seem'd to excell the rest.
Rounded with spacious meads, here scatter'd stood
Fair Country-farms, whose happy neighborhood,
Though not so near as justling Palaces
Which trouble Cities, yet had more to please
By a community of goodness in
That separation. Natures hand had been
[Page 41] To all too liberal, to let any want
The treasures of a free inhabitant,
Each in his own unrack'd inheritance
Where born expir'd, not striving to advance
Their levell'd fortunes to a loftier pitch
Then what first stil'd them honest, after rich;
Sober and sweet their lives, in all things blest
Which harmless Nature living unopprest
With surfeits did require: Their own Flocks bred
Their homespun garments, and on that they fed
Which from their Fields or Dairies plenteous store
Had fresh supplies: what fortune lent them more
Then an indifferent mean, was sent to be
The harbingers of hospitalitie.
Fair Virgins in their youths fresh April drest,
Courted by amorous Swains, were unopprest
By dark suspition, Ages sullen spies,
Whose spleen would have the envious counted wise.
Love was religious here, and for to aw
Their wilder passions, conscience was their law.
More to compleat this rural happiness,
They were protected from the harsh distress
Of long-wing'd power by the blest neighborhood
Of brave Ismander, whose known greatness stood
Not to eclipse their humble states, although
It shadowed them when injur'd power did grow
To persecution, by which means he prov'd
Not fear'd for greatness, but for goodness lov'd.
[Page 42] Which gentle passion his unhappy loss
Had sowr'd to grief, and made their joy their cross.
But now their antidote approaches, he
From heavy bondage is return'd to be
Their joyful wonder, at his Palace gate
Being now arriv'd, his Palace that of late
With's absence dimm'd in her most beauteous age
Stood more neglected then a Hermitage
Or sacred buildings, when the sinful times
To persecution aggravate their crimes.
But being enter'd, sadder objects took
Those outside wonders off, each servants look
Spoke him a sullen mourner, grave and sad,
Their sober carriage, in no liveries clad
But doleful sable, all their acts like those
Of weeping wives, when they to th' grave dispose
Their youthful husbands; yet all these were but
Imperfect shadows of a sorrow, put
In distant landskip, when to trial brought
Near his fair Ammida's, whose grief had sought
As dark a region for her sad retreat
As desperate grief ere made pale sorrows seat
In sacred temples the neglected lamp
So wastes its oil, when Heresies do cramp
Religions beams, with such a heavy look
Monarchs depos'd behold themselves forsook
By those that flatter'd greatness, shut from all
Those glorious objects of the world that call
[Page 43] Our souls in admiration forth, her time
Being spent in grief, made life but Natures crime.
The rough disguise of time assisted by
The meager gripe of harsh captivity,
Had now expung'd those characters by which
Ismander once was known, and even the rich
In love and duty rendred strangers to
Their honor'd Master, from whose serious view
Neglective grief withdraws them, so that he
An unknown Pilgrim might have gone to be
Theirs and his own afflictor, had that fear
Not thus been cur'd▪ A Spaniel being of dear
Esteem to Ammida, since the delight
Of her Ismander once, come to the sight
Of's first protector, stays not till a call
Invites acquaintance, but preventing all
The guides of reason by the sleights of sense,
Fawning on's Master, checks th' intelligence
Of's more forgetful followers, which being seen
By an old servant, whose firm youth had been
Spun out amongst that family, till by
Grave age surpris'd, it led his sober eye
To stricter observations, such as brought
Him near to truth, and on contracted thought
Rais'd a belief, which though it durst conclude
Nought on the dark text; yet i'th' magnitude
Of hope exalted by his joy he hastes
To's mourning Mistress, tells her that she wastes
[Page 44] Each minute more she spends in grief, if he
Dares trust his eyes t'inform his memorie.
Contracted spirits starting from the heart
Of doubtful Ammida, to every part
Post through the troubl'd blood, a combat fought
Betwixt pale fear and sanguine hope, had oft
Won and lost battails in her cheeks, whilst she
Leaving her sullen train, did haste to see
Those new come guests: But the first enterview
Unmasks Ismander, wing'd with love she flew
To his imbraces; 'twas no faint disguise
Of a course habit could betray those eyes
Into mistakes, that for directors had
Loves powerful optiques, Nuptial joys unclad
In all their naked beauties, no delight
So full of pleasure, the first active night
Being but a busie and laborious dream
Compar'd with this, this, that had swell'd the stream
Of joy to fainting surfeits, whose hot strife
Had overflow'd the crimson-sea of life,
If not restrain'd by a desire to keep
What each had lost in the eternal sleep.
But now broke through the epileptique mist
Of amorous rapture, rallied spirits twist
Again their optique cordage, whose mixt beams
Now separate, and on collateral streams
Disperst expressions of affection bore
To each congratulating friend that wore
[Page 45] Not out those favors with neglect, but by
A speedy, though unpractick sympathie
Met their full tide of bliss; glad fame which brings
Truths messages upon her silver-wings,
In private whisper hovers for a while
Within the palace, every servants smile
Invites a new spectator, who from thence
(Proud to be author of intelligence
So welcom) hastes till knowledge rang'd through all
Diffusive joy made epidemical:
For though that noble family alone
Afforded pleasure a triumphant throne,
Yet frolick mirth did find a residence
In every neighbors bosom; they dispence
With their allegiance to their labor, and
Revel in lusty cups, the brown bowls stand
With Amber-liquor fill'd, whose fruitful tears
Dropt lov'd Ismander's health, till it appears
In sanguine tincture on their cheeks: All now
Had, if not calm'd their passions, smooth'd a brow
To temporize with pleasure. The sad story
Of his own fortune, and that Ages glory,
Pharonnida, whilst each attentive dwells
On expectation, brave Ismander tells.
The End of the Second Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The Fourth Book. CANTO III.

The Argument.
I.
From the sad consort of her silent grief
The Princess doth with pleasing wonder hear
Poor Vanlore's fate, and the unjust relief
Which his unworthy Father freed from fear.
II.
Whose hell-deep plots the dregs of avarice
Had so defil'd, that whilst he seeks for aid,
His subtlety mask'd on the road of vice,
By his presum'd Assistant is betraid.
COmposing time did now begin to slack
The rain of mirth; exalted Joy shrunk back
From Pleasures summer-solstice, and gave way
For more domestick passions to obay
An Oeconomick government, which brought
Loose fancy on the wings of serious thought
[Page 47] Back to her sober home, in that to find
Those several burthens that were left behind
In the carier of mirth, amongst which number
Pharonnida that had let sorrow slumber
In the high room of joy, awakes again
That clamorous elf, which she must entertain
At Beauties cost: Yet in this dark retreat
From Pleasures throne to Sorrows dismal seat
She finds a sweet Copanion, one that had
By fatal love oppos'd, with loss unclad
Delight of all his summer-robes, to dress
Her trembling soul in sables of distress.
The sad Silvandra (for surviving fame
Hath on record so character'd her name)
Being sister to return'd Ismander, in
This flourish of triumphant joy had bin
So much eclips'd with grief, that oft her tears
Dim'd Beauties rays, whilst through them she appears
A fit Companion for the Princess to
Twist those discourses with, whose mourning clue
Led through the labyrinth of their lives. They oft
In shades as secret as their closest thought
With pensive paces meeting, sit and tell
Stories so sad, that nought could parallel
But Love, and Loss, a theam they both had bin
By rigid power made hapless Students in.
One eye-bright morning tempting them to take
The start of time, soon as the Lark did wake,
[Page 48] Summons them from the Palace to the side
Of a small Wood, whose bushy crest the pride
Of all the flowry plains, they chose to be
'Gainst the invading sun their canopie.
Repos'd beneath a full-grown tree that spread
His trembling arms to shade their fragrant bed,
They now are sate, where for a while they view
The distant vale, whilst contemplation grew
Pregnant with wonder, whose next prosp'rous birth
Had been delight, had they not sent their mirth
In sad exchange, whilst tears did usher in
Silvandra's fate, who, weeping, did begin
With such a look as did command belief,
The late-past story of a present grief.
In yonder fields (with that directs her eye
To a black Fen, whose heavy earth did lie
Low in a dark and dirty vale) is plac'd
Amarus Castle, which though now defac'd
More by the owners covetous neglect
Then times rough strokes, that strength which did protect
Once its inhabitants, being now but made
Use of when want doth with weak prayers invade
The gates, being thought sufficient if they keep
The poor at bay, or whilst his stiff hindes sleep
Their laboring beasts secure. But I alas
Blush to discover that this Miser was
Father to my dead Vanlore, and to her
Whose living vertues kind heaven did confer
[Page 49] As blessings on my brother; but the sun
Ne'r saw two sweeter streams of vertue run
From such a bitter fountain. This accurst
And wretched man, so hated, that he durst
Scarce look abroad, fearing oppression would
Be paid with vengeance, if he ever should
Fall into th' hand's of those whose faces he
Grownd with extortion, till the injury
Fear cloath'd like justice, ventring once to view
A Mannor whose intemperate Lord out-grew
In debts the compass of a Bond, besides
His common guard of Clowns, fellows whose hides
Serv'd for defensive armor, he commands
His sons attendance, who since from his hands
Rack'd Tenants hop'd for ease, he thought that they
Would for that hope with reverent duty pay.
But vain mistakes betray opinion to
A fatal precipice, which they might view
I'th objects of each glance; one side affords
Large plains, whose flock's, the wealth of several lords
By him contracted, but the spoils appears
Of beggar'd Orphans, pickl'd in their tears;
Farms for whose loss poor widows wept, and fields
Which being confin'd to strict inclosure, yields
To his cram'd chests the starving poor mans food,
For private ends robbing their publick good,
With guilt inclos'd those wayes which now ha [...] brought
Him by some cottages who honors bought
[Page 50] Poor livelihoods at a laborious rate
From his rack'd lands, for which pursuing hate
Now follows him in curses; for in that
They yet take vengeance, till arriving at
The thicker peopl'd Villages, where more bold
By number made, the fire of hate takes hold
On clamarous women, whose vext husbands thirst
I'th' fever of revenge, to these when first
They kindled had the flame, swiftly succeeds
More active men, such, as resolv'd their deeds
(Spight of restrictive law) should set them free
From the oppressor of their liberty.
His son (the noble Vanlore) to appease
The dangerous fury of this rash disease,
Spends all his stock of Rhetorick, but in
Fruitless attempts. His rustick guard had bin
At the first onset scatter'd, and were now
Posting for fafety, whilst his son, taught how
By frequent injuries to entertain
Angers unusual guests, shews it in vain,
Though brave attempts of valor, by whose high
Unhappy flame, whilst circling foes did die
Unworthy hecatombs for him, at length
Engag'd him had beyond the power of strength,
Though back'd by fortune to redeem; which when
Beheld by those whose characters of men
In rage was lost, they wildly persecute
Revenge, till life, natures hurmonious fruit,
[Page 51] Was blasted to untimely death. And here
Her fatal story in its full carier,
The memory of him, who di'd to be
The peoples curse, and crime of destinie
Grief did obstruct, whilst liquid passion feeds
Her chrystal springs, which stopt, she thus proceeds,
His brave defender now retreating to
The rode of death, whilst he did vainly sue
For undeserv'd remorse, Amarus lies
Their furies object, in whose wild disguise
Whilst giddy clouds of dark amazement dwell,
Ore his dim eyes th' exalted tumult fell
In a black storm of danger, in whose shade
They drag him thence, that fury being made
Wise by delays, might study torments great
As was their rage; but in their wild retreat
They thus are stopt: A wandring Knight that near
The place approach'd, directed by his ear
How to inform his eye, arrives to see
The wretched trophies of this victory,
A dying son, whose latest beams of light
Through deaths dim opticks bids the world good­night,
With looks that did so black a sorrow lim
He frown'd on earth, though heaven did smile on him
Hurri'd from thence by unrelenting hate,
A living father of more wofull fate.
Pity (that brave allay of manly heat)
Perswades the noble stranger to intreat
[Page 52] A parle with rage, which being deny'd he then
Attempts to force; and since their ablest men
Were wounded in the former conflict, soon
Successfull proves, like mists i'th pride of noon
Being hudl'd into hurtless clouds they flye
Before his fury, till from reach o'th eye
Shrunk to the woods protection, where whilst each
With such a fear as sanguine guilt did teach
The worlds first murtherer, seeks for safety, he
Retreating leaves the scatter'd herd to be
Their own afflictors, and hastes thence to finde
Him to whom fortune prov'd so strangely kinde
In his approach, as by his sword to be
When hope lost anchor, blest with liberty.
Come to the place where old Amarus lay
With fear so startl'd, that he durst betray
Life through no motion, yet he's follow'd by
That train of Cowards, which though they did fly
The danger, when they saw their foes pursu'd
On the reward, (the victory) intrude,
Whose easie spoils (those invitations to
A Cowards daring) such a distance drew
Them from their homes, that they with labor were
Recall'd from rifling enemies to beare
Their feeble Masters off, Amarus living
As weak with fear as Vanlore was with dying.
Before the black obstructions of the night
Did interpose, they were arriv'd i'th sight
[Page 53] O'th Castles ruin'd walls, a place whose hew,
Uncouth and wild, banish'd delight into
Uncomly profit, and at distance gives
A sad assurance that its honor lives
By men so hated, and by heaven unblest,
As he enjoy'd not what he there possest.
Come to the front o'th house, whose dirt sorbid
A cleanly entrance, he sees pavements hid
With heaps of rubbish, times slow hand let fall
From the neglected ruines of the wall,
Green Arbors, pleasant Groves, all which were now
Swiftly dismantling to make way for th' plow;
Onely his Barns, preservers of that store
Detain'd with curses from the pining poore,
Their upper garments of warm thatch did weare
So thick to keep them dry, whilst thin and bare
E'en his own lodging stood; the Hall first built
To have that wealth, which he in sparing spilt,
Spent there in hospitality, nere by
More heat warm'd then a candle gave, did lie
Moulded with lazy damps, the wall oregrown
With moss and weeds, unhaunted, and alone
The empty tables stood, for never Guess
Come there, except thin Bankrupts whom distress
Spurr'd on with sharp necessity to crave
Forbearing moneths, which he, when brib'd forgave.
Hence (by a rude domestick led) he goes
To veiw the cellar, where like distant foes
[Page 54] Or buildings in a new Plantation stand
The distant Barrels, yet from all command
But his own keys exempted. To bestow
A welcom on him, which he ne'r did shew
To man before; led by a rusty slave,
Whose iron limbs ratling in leather gave
Alarums to the half-starv'd Rats; he here
Is by Amarus visited, whose feare
That place should too much suffer, soon from thence
Sounds a retreat to supper, where th'expence
Became a Usurers purse: yet what was by
Sparing defective, neatness did supply:
A vertue where repining penurie
Prepares, unusual; but he soon did see
Whence it proceeds, the sad sweet Ammida
Whom shame and grief attempted to withdraw
From publick view, was by her fathers call
To crown that entertainment brought, whose all
Was else so bad, it the first visit might
Repented make, not to the next invite.
Here, with afflicted patience, he had spent
Some few, but tedious days, whose slow extent
Behind his wishes flagg'd, ere he had seen
Vanlore interr'd, whose obsequies had been
In secret huddl'd up, but then prepares
To take his leave, when adverse fate that shares
Double with mans intentions, in the tart
Of's full resolves opposing, claims her part
[Page 55] By harsh command, a dangerous Fever that
Threatned destruction ere arriving at
Its distant crisis, and on flaming wings
Posts through the blood, whose mass infected brings
Deaths banners near the Fort of life, which in
Acute distempers it attempts to win
From Natures guards, had not the hot assault
By youth sustain'd made deaths black army halt
Whilst marching to the grave, the swift disease
Like a proud foe repulst, forc'd to give ease
By slow retreats; yet of those cruel wars
Left long remaining bloodless characters.
But ere the weak Euriolus (for he
This hapless stranger was) again could be
By strength supported, base Amarus, who
Could think no more then priceless thanks was due
For all his dangerous pains, more beastly rude
Then untam'd Indians, basely did exclude
That noble guest; which being with sorrow seen
By Ammida, whose prayers and tears had been
His helpless advocates, she gives in charge
To her Ismander, that till time enlarge
Her then restrain'd desires, he entertain
Her desolate and wandring friend: Nor vain
Were these commands, his entertainment being
Such as observant Love thought best agreeing
To her desires. But here not long he stayed
Ere Fortune, prompted by his wit, obeyed
[Page 56] That artfull Mistris, and reward obtains
By fine imposture for firm vertues pains.
The gout (that common curse of slothfull wealth)
With frequent pain had long impair'd the health
Of old Amarus, who, though else to all
Griping as that, for ease was liberal.
From practic'd physick, to the patients curse,
Poor pratling women, or impostors worse
Slie Mountebanks, whose empty impudence
Do frequent murthers under healths pretence,
He all had tried, yet found he must endure
What though some eas'd, none perfectly could cure.
Oft had his judgement, purse, and patience bin
Abus'd by cheats, yet still defective in
The choice of men: which error known unto
My brother and Euriolus, they drew
Their platform thus: Euriolus clad in
An antick dress, which shew'd as he had bin
Physitian to the great Mogol, first by
Ismander prais'd at distance, doth apply
Himself unto Amarus, where t' [...]inhance
The price of's art, he first applauds the chance
That had from distant Regions thither brought
Him to eclipse their glory, who had sought
For't in his cure before, then seconds that
With larger promises; which tickled at
Amarus vies with his, threatning to break
His iron chests, and make those idols speak
[Page 57] His gratitude, though lock'd with conscience they
To his own clamorous wants had silent lay.
Some common medicines, which the people prize
'Cause from their knowledg vail'd in slight disguise,
Apply'd to's pain, and those assisted by
Opinion, whose best antidotes supply
The weak defects of art, he soon attains
So much of health, that now his greatest pains
Had been th' ingag'd reward, had he not bin
By future hopes kept from ingratefull sin
So far, that in performing action he
Exceeds his passions prodigalitie,
Large promises, with such performance, that
Whilst his deluders smile, and wonder at,
Thus speaks its dark orginal; To shew
Euriolus how fortune did out-grow
Desert in his estate, he was one day
From th' Castle walls taking a pleas'd survay,
Of spacious fields, whose soils made fertile by
Luxurious art, in rich variety
Still youthfull nature cloath'd, which whilst he views
An old suspition thus his tongue renews.
How blest, my worthy friend, how blest had I
Been in my youths laborious industry
T' have seen a son possest of this! but now
A daughters match, a stranger must endow
With what I've toil'd to get, and what is more
My torment, one that being betroth'd before
[Page 58] My sons decease, wants an estate to make
Her marriage blest; but knew I how to shake
This Swagg'rer off, there lives not far from hence
One that to match her to were worth th' expence
Of my estate, his name is Dargonel,
A wary Lad, who though his land do swell
Each day with new additions, yet still lives
Sparing and close, takes heed to whom he gives
Or whom he lends, except on mortgage, by
Whose strength it may securely multiply.
This worthy Gentleman, with wise foresight
Beholding what an object of delight
Our link'd estates would be, hath since I lost
My heir, been in's intention onely crost
By this Ismander, whom, though I confess
A braver man, yet since a fortune less,
Ne'r must have my consent; onely since by
Her contract I have lost the liberty
Of second choice, unless I vainly draw
My self in danger o'th ore-busie Law,
I want some sound advice that might inform
Me how to rid him, yet not stand a storm
Broke from his rage, although my daughter love
Him more then health, I shall command above
Her feeble passions, if you dare impart
So much of aid from your almighty art
As to remove this remora; and here
He stopp'd, yet lets a silent guilt appear
[Page 59] In looks that shew'd what else the theam affords
He'd have conceiv'd, as being too foul for words.
Which seen by him whose active wit gr [...]w strong
In friendships cause, as loath to torture long
His expectations, thus their stream he stayes
With what at once both comforts and betrayes.
Raise up your spirits, my blest Patron, to
Sublime content, Heav'n sent me to renew
Your souls harmonious peace; that dreadfull toy
Of conscience wisely wav'd, you may enjoy
Uninterrupted hopes: yet since we must
Be still most wary where we're most unjust,
Lets not be rash; swift things are oft unsure,
Whilst moles through death's dark angles creep se­cure.
Then since it's full of danger to remove
Betroth'd Ismander, whilst his publick love
By your consent rais'd to assurance, may
A granted interest claim; first let us stay
His fury, and the peoples censures by
A nuptial knot, whose links we will unty
Ere the first night confirms the hallow'd band,
By wayes so secret, that death's skilfull hand
Shall work unknown to fate, and render you
To the deluded worlds more publick view
A real mourner, whilst your curtain'd thought
Triumphs to be from strict engagements brought.
Besides the vailing of our dark designe
Like vertue thus, this plot will sink a Mine
[Page 60] Whose wealthy womb in ample jointure will
Bring much of dead Ismanders state to fill
The vast desire of wealth. This being done,
I with prevailing philters will outrun
Sorrows black Bark, which whilst it lies at drift,
I'll so renew her mirth, no sigh shall lift
Its heavy sails, which in a calm neglect
Shall lie forgot; whilst what's not now respect
To Dargonel, shall soon grow up to be
Like Natures undiscovered sympathie,
A love so swift, so secret, all shall pause
At its effects, whilst they admire the cause.
This by Amarus, with belief▪ which grew
Into applause, heard ou [...], he doth renew
With large additions what h'had promis'd in
His first attempts: Then hasting to begin
The tragick scene which must in triumph be
Usher'd to light, his known deformitie
Of wretched baseness for a while he lays
Aside, and by a liberal mirth betrays
Approaching joy, which since incited by
His wishes, soon lifts Hymens torches high
As their exalted hopes. The happy Pair
Dear to indulgent heaven, with Omens fair
As were their youthful Paranimphs, had bin
I'th' hallowed Temple taught without a sin
To taste the fruits of Paradice; and now
The time when tedious custom did allow
[Page 61] A wisht retirement, come, preparing are
To beautifie their beds, whence that bright star
Whose evenings blush did please the gazers eyes,
Eclips'd in sorrow is ordain'd to rise.
But such whose superficial vail opprest
Only her friends, whose knowledge were not blest
With the design which to our proscript Lovers
Euriolus with timely zeal discovers.
The morning opens, and the wakened Bride
By light and friends surpris'd, attempts to hide
Her bashful beauty, till their hands withdrew
The curtains, which betraid unto their view
Ismander cold and stiff: which horrid sight
Met where they look'd for objects of delight,
At first a silent sad amazement spread
Through all the room, till Fears pale army fled
In sad assurance, Sorrows next hot charge
Began in shrieks, whose terror did enlarge
Infectious grief, till like an ugly cloud
That cramps the beauties of the day, grown proud
In her black empire, Hymens tapors she
Changes to funeral brands, and from that tree
That shadows graves, puls branches, which being wet
In tears, are where Loves mirtles flourisht set.
Their nuptial himns thus turn'd to dirges, all
In sad exchange let cloudy sable fall
Ore pleasures purple-robes, whilst from that bed
Whence Love opprest, seem'd to their sorrow fled
[Page 62] To death for refuge, sadly they attend
To th' last of homes, his tomb, their sleeping friend,
Who there with all the hallowed rights that do
Betray surviving friendship, left unto
Darkness and dust, they thence with sober pace
Return, whilst shrowded near that dismal place
Euriolus conceals himself, that so
When sleep, whose soft excess is natures fo,
Hath spent her stupefactive opiates, he
Might ready to his friends assistance be.
And now that minute come, which to comply
With Arts sure rules, gives Nature leave t'unty
Sleeps powerful ligatures, his Pulses beat
The Floods revelly, from whose dark retreat
The spirits thronging in their active flight,
His friend h'encounters with the early light;
By whose assistance whilst the quiet earth
Yet slept in nights black arms, before the birth
O'th' morn, whose busie childhood might betray
Their close design, Ismander takes his way
Toward a distant friends, whose house he knew
To be as secret as his love was true.
There whilst conceal'd even from suspition, he
In safety rests, Euriolus, to free
Her fears fair Captive, Ammida, hastes back
To old Amarus, who too rash to slack
Sorrows black cordage by degrees that might
Weaken mistrust, lets mirth taken open flight
[Page 63] Into suspected action, whilst he gives
To Dargonel, who now his Darling lives,
So free a welcom, that he in't might read
If love could not for swift succession plead,
Power should command; yet waves the exercise
Of either, till his Empericks skill he tries:
Who now return'd, ere Dargonel that lay
Slow to attempt, since certain to betray,
Had more then fac'd at distance, he pretends
To close attempts of art, whose wisht for ends
Ere their expecting faith had time to fear,
In acts which rais'd their wonder did appear.
Love, which by judgment rul'd, had made desert
In her first choice the Climax to her heart,
By which it slowly mov'd, now; as if swaid
[...]y heedless passion, seems to have betraid
At one rash glance her heart, which now begins
To break through Passions bashful cherubins,
Spreading without a modest blush the light
Of morning-beauty ore that hideous night
Of all those dull deformities that dwell
Like earths black damps ore cloudy Dargonel,
Who being become an Antique in the Mask
Of playful Love, grows proud, and scorns to ask
Advice from sober thought, but lets conceit
Perswade him how his worth had spread that bait
Which slie Amarus who presum'd to know
From whence that torrent of her Love did flow,
[Page 64] With a just doubt suspecting, strives to make
His thoughts secure, ere Reason did oretake
Passions inforc'd carier; Nor did his plot
Want an indulgent hope, like dreams, forgot
In the delights of day, his daughter shook
Off Griefs black dress, and in a chearful look
Promis'd approaching love, no more disguis'd
Then serv'd to shew strict vertue how she pris'd
Her only in applause, whose harmonie
Still to preserve, she is resolv'd to be,
If secret silence might with action dwell,
Swift as his wish espous'd to Dargonel.
More joy'd then fetter'd Captives in the year
Of Jubile, Amarus did appear
Proud with delight, in whose warm shine when's haste
Had with officious diligence imbrac'd
Euriolus, he waving all delays,
To Dargonel the welcom news conveys;
Who soon prepar'd for what so long had bin
His hopes delight, to meet those joys within
The sacred temple hastes: The place they chose
For Hymen's Court, lest treacherous eyes disclose
The Brides just blushes, was a Chappel where
Devotion, when but a domestick care,
Was by his houshold practis'd; for the time
'Twas ere the morn blusht to detect a crime.
All thus prepar'd, the Priest conducting, they
With sober pace, which gently might convey
[Page 65] Diseas'd Amarus in his chair, they to
The Chappel haste, which now come near, as through
Th' ancient room they pass, a sad deep groan
Assaults their ears, which whilst with wonder grown
Into disease they entertain, appears
A sad confirmer of their doubtfull fears;
Ismander whom but late before they had
Follow'd to th' grave, his lively beauty clad
I'th' upper garments of pale death: which sight
The train avoiding by their speedy flight
Except the willing Bride, behinde leave none
But lame Amarus, who, his chair orethrown
By his affrighted bearers, there must lie
Expos'd to fear, which when attempts to flie,
Through often strugling prov'd his labor vain,
He groveling lies unseen to entertain.
Thus far successfull blest Ismander thence
Conveys his lovely Bride, whilst the expence
Of time being all laid out on fear, by none
He was observ'd; Amarus long alone
Lying tormented with his passions, ere
His frighted servants durst return to beare
Their fainting Master of; but being at length,
When greater numbers had confirm'd the strength
Of fortitude, grown bold, entring again
The room, which yet fear told them did retain
The scent of brimstone, there they onely found
Their trembling master, tumbling on the ground.
[Page 66] Horror, augmented by internal guilt
Had in his conscience trepidations spilt:
Both pray'rs and tears, which since heav'ns law they crost
For humane passions in dispair were lost;
Obscur'd in whose black mists, not daring to
Unclose his eyes, fearing again the view
Of that affrighting aparition, he
Is hurried from that dreadfull place, to be
Their mirth, whom he (for fiends mistaking) cries
For mercy to, scarce trusting of his eyes,
When they unfolded had, discover'd none
But such whom long he'd for domesticks known.
Yet to torment him more, before these fears
Wholy forsake him, in his room appears
Some officers, whose power made dreadfull by
The dictates of supream authority
As guilty of Ismander's death, arrest
Him for his murtherer, by which change opprest
More then before with fear, he, who now thought
On nought but death, to a tribunal brought,
Ere ask'd confesses that foul crime, for which
He this just doom receives; since to inrich
What had before wealths surfeit took, this sin
Was chiefly acted, his estate, faln in
To th' hands of justice, by the judge should be
From hence dispos'd of, then from death to free
His life, already forfeited, except
Murther'd Ismander, whom he thought had slept
[Page 67] In's winding sheet, his hopeless Advocate
Should there appear, in which unhappy state
The wretch, now ready to depart, beholds
This glorious change; Ismander first unfolds
Himself, and her, who bound by natures laws,
Implores his pardon ere they plead his cause,
Which done, the Judge, that his lost wealth might be
No cause of grief, unmasking, lets him see
Euriolus, by whom, from th' worst of sin
To liberal vertue he'd deluded bin.
The End of the Third Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The Fourth Book. CANTO IV.

The Argument.
I.
Whilest we a while the pensive Lady [...]eave
Here a close Mourner for her rigid fate,
Let's from the dark records of time receive
The manner how Argalia wav'd the hate
II.
Of his malignant stars, which when they seem
To threaten most, through that dark cloud did lead
Him to a knowledge of such dear esteem,
He his high birth did there distinctly read.
FReed from the noise o'th' busie world, within
A deep dark vale, whose silent shade had bin
Religions vail, when blasted by the beams
Of Persecution, far from the extreams
Of solitude, or sweary labor, were
Some few blest men whose choice made Heaven their care
[Page 69] Sequestred from the throngs of men to finde
Those better joyes, calms of a peacefull minde.
Yet though on this pacifick sea, their main
Design was Heaven, that voyage did not restrain
Knowledge of humane arts, which as they past
They safely view'd, though there no anchor cast;
Their better temper'd judgments counting that
But hoodwink'd zeal, which blindly catches at
The great Creators sacred will, without
Knowing those works that will was spent about,
Which being the climax to true judgement, we
Behold stoop'd down to visibilitie
In lowliest creatures, natures stock being nought
But God in's image to our senses brought.
In the fair evening of that fatal day,
By whose meridian light Love did betray
Ingag'd Argalia near to death, was one
Of these (heav'ns happy Pensioners) alone
Walking amongst the gloomy Groves to view
What soveraign vertues there in secret grew
Confin'd to humble plants; whose signatures
Whilst by observing, he his art secures
From vain experiments, Argalia's Page
Crossing a neighboring path, did disingage
His serious eye from natures busie task,
To see the wandring Boy, who was to ask
The way; for more his youths unprompted fear
Expects not there, to the blest man drawn near.
[Page 70] But when, with such a weeping innocence
As Saints confess those sins which the expence
Of tears exacted, he had sadly told
What harsh fate in restrictive wounds laid hold
Of's worthy Master, pity prompted by
Religious love, helps the poor Boy to dry
His tears with hopes of comfort, whilst he goes
To see what sad Catastrophe did close
Those bloody scenes which the unequal fight
Foretold, before fear prompted him to flight.
No [...] far they'd past ere they the place had found
Where groveling in a stream of blood, the ground
His purple-bed, the wearied Prince they see
Strugling with death, from whose dark monarchie
Pale troops assail his cheeks, whilst his dim eies
Like a spent lamp which ere its weak flame dies,
In giddy blazes glares, as if his soul
Were at those casements flying out, did roll
Swifter then thought their bloodshot orbs; his hands
Did with deaths agues tremble; cold dew stands
Upon his clammy lips; the springs of blood
(Having breath'd forth the spirits) clotted stood
On that majestick brow, whose dreadful frown
Had to deaths scepter laid its terror down.
The holy man upon the brink o'th' grave
Finding such forms of worth, attempts to save
His life from dropping in, by all his best
Reserves of art, selecting from the rest
[Page 71] Of his choise store, an herb whose soveraign power
No flux of blood, though falling in a shower
Of death could force, which gently bruis'd, and to
His wound apply'd, taught nature to renew
Her late neglected functions, and through short
Recruits of breath made able to support
His blood-enfeebled body, till they reach
The Monastry, where nobler art did teach
Their simple medicines to submit to those
Which skill from their mixt vertues did compose.
Life (which the unexpected gift of fate
Rather then art appear'd) in this debate
Of death prevailing, in short time had gain'd
So much of strength, that weakness now remain'd
The only slothful R [...]mora that in
His bed detain'd him; where being often seen
By those whom art alike had qualifi'd
For his relief, as one of them appli'd
His morning-medicines to a spacious wound
Fixt on his breast, he that rare jewel found
Which in his undiscerning infancie
There hung by's father, fortune had kept free
From all her various accidents, to shew
How much his birth did to her favor owe.
Shook with such silent joy as he had been
In calm devotion by an Angel seen,
The good old man, his wonder rarifi'd
Into amazement stands, he had descri'd,
[Page 72] What, if no force had robb'd him of it since
'Twas first bestow'd, none but his true born Prince
Could wear, since art (wise Natures fruitful ape)
Ne'r but in that had birth which bore that shape
Assur'd by which with unstirr'd confidence
He asks Argalia where he knew from whence
When nature first did so much wealth impart
To earth, that jewel took those forms of art:
But being answer'd, that his infancie
When first it was conferr'd on him, might be
Th' excuse of's ignorance; that voice alone
Confirms his aged friend, who having known
As much of fortune as in fates dark shade
His understanding legible had made
From weak Argalia, to require him leads
Knowledge where he his lifes first copy reads
Drest in this language.—
—'Twas, unhappy Prince!
(For such this story must salute you, since
Told to confirm't a truth) my destinie
When youth and strength rendred me fit to be
My dearest Countries servant, plac'd within
Mantinea's glorious Court, where, having been
Made capable by sacred Orders, I
Attain'd the height of Priestly dignity,
Being unto him whose awful power did sway
That crown, in dear esteem; but Honors day
Which gilded then the Courtly sphere, sunk down,
I lost my Mitre in the fall o'th' Crown.
[Page 73] Sad is the doleful tale; yet since that in
Its progress you may find where did begin
Your lifes first stage, thus take it. When the Court
Stifl'd with throngs of men, whose thick resort
Plenty and peace call'd thither, being grown
Sickly with ease, view'd as a thing unknown,
Dangers stern brow, which even in smiling fates
Proves a Quotidian unto wiser States;
Whilst pride grew big, and envy bigger, we
Sleeping i'th' bed of soft securitie,
Were with alarums wakened; Faction had,
To shew neglects deformities, unclad
That gawdy monster, whose first dress had bin
The night-peec'd works of their unriper sin,
And those that in contracted fortunes dwelt,
Calmly in favors shadow, having felt
The glorious burthen of their honor grown
Too large for all that fortune call'd their own,
Like fishes which the lesser frie devour,
Pride having join'd oppression to their power,
Prey'd on the subject, till their load outgrew
Their loyalty, and forc'd even those that knew
Once only to obey, in sullen rage
To mutter threats, whose horror did presage
That blood must in domestick jars be spilt,
To cure their envy, and the peoples guilt.
These seeds of discord which began to rise
To active growth, by th' honorable Spies
[Page 74] Of other Princes seen, had soon betraid
Our States obscure disease, and call'd to aid
Ambitious subjects, forein powers, whose strength,
First but as physick us'd, was grown at length
Our worst disease, which whilst we hop'd for cure,
Turn'd our slow Hectique to a Calenture.
A Syracusian army, that had bin
Against our strength often victorious in
A haughty Rebels quarrel, being by
Success taught how to ravish victory
Without his aid, which only useful prov'd
When treason first for novelty was lov'd:
Seising on all that in's pretended cause
Had stoop'd to conquest, what th' infeebled laws
In vain attempted, soon perform, and give
The traitor death, from what made treason live.
This done, whilst their victorious ensigns were
Fann'd by fames breath, they their bold standards bear
Near to our last of hopes, an army which
Like oft try'd Oare, disasters made more rich
In loyal valor then vast numbers, and
By shaking fixt those roots on which did stand
Their well-elected principles, which here
(Opprest with number) only did appeare
In bravely dying, when their righteous cause
Condemn'd by fates inevitable laws,
Let its religion, vertue, valor, all
That heaven calls just, beneath rebellion fall.
[Page 75] Near to the end of this black day, when none
Was left that durst protect his injur'd throne,
VVhen loyal valor having lost the day
Bleeding within the bed of honor lay:
Thy wounded father, when his acts had shewn
As high a spirit as did ever groan
Beneath misfortune, is inforc'd to leave
The fields wild fury, and some rest receive
In faithful Enna, where his springs of blood
VVere hardly stopt, before a harsher slood
Assails his eyes: Thy royal mother, then
More blooming then earths ful-blown beauties when
VVarm'd in the Ides of May, her fruitful womb
Pregnant with thee, to an untimely tomb,
Her fainting spirits in that horrid fright
Losing the paths of life, from time, from light,
And grief steals down; yet ere she had discharg'd
Her debts to death, protecting heaven enlarg'd
Thy narrow lodging, and that life which she
Lost in thy fatal birth, bestow'd on thee;
On thee, in whom those joys thy father priz'd
More then lov'd empire, are epitomiz'd.
And now as if the arms of adverse fate
Had all conspir'd our ills to aggravate
Above the strength of patience, we are by
Victorious foes, before our fear could flie
To a remoter refuge, clos'd within
Unhappy Enna, which before they win
[Page 76] (Though storm'd with fierce assaults) the restless sun
His annual progress through-the heavens had run;
But then, tir'd with disasters which attend
A slow-pac'd siege, unable to defend
Their numbers from resistless famine, they
With an unwilling loyaltie obey
The next harsh summons, and so prostrate lie
To th' rage, or mercy of their enemie.
But ere the Cities fortune was unto
This last black stage arriv'd, safely withdrew
To th' Castles strength thy father was, where he
(Though far from safety) finds the time to be
Inform'd by sober councel how to steer
Through this black storm, love, loyalty, and fear
Had often varied judgments, but at last
Into this form their full resolves were cast.
To cool hot action, and to bathe in rest
More peaceful places, darkness dispossest
The days soveraignity, to usher whom
Into her sable throne, a clouds full womb
Congeal'd by frigid air, as if that then
The elements had warr'd as well as men,
In a white vail came hovering down to hide
The Coral pavements, but forbid by th' pride
Oth' Conquerors triumphs, and expell'd from thence
As that which too much emblem'd innocence,
Since that the City no safe harbor yields,
It takes its lodging in the neighboring fields,
[Page 77] Which mantled in those spotless robes invite
The Prince through them to take his secret flight.
In sad distress leaving his Nobles to
Swallow such harsh conditions as the view
Of danger candi'd ore, from treacherous eyes
Obscur'd in a Plebeians poor disguise
His glorious train shrunk to desertless I,
The sad companion of his misery;
He now departing, thee his infant son
Heir to his crown and cares, ordain'd to run
This dangerous hazard of thy life before
Time taught thee how thy fortune to deplore.
When ventring on this precipice of fate,
We slowly sallied forth, 'twas cold and late,
The drowsie guard asleep, the Centries hid
Close in their huds did shivering stand, and chid
The whistling winds with chatring teeth, when now
A leave as solemn as haste would allow,
Of all our friends, our mourning friends, being took,
We like the earth vail'd all in white forsook
Our salliport, whilst slowly marching ore
The new faln snow, thee in his arms he bore.
Whilst this imposture made the scar'd guards when
They saw us move, then make a stand agen,
Either to think that dallying winds had plaid
With flakes of snow, or that their sight betraid
Their fancy into errors, we were past
The reach of danger, and in triumph cast
[Page 78] Off with our fears, what had us safety lent
When strength refus'd to save the innocent.
The eager lover hugs himself not in
Such roseal beds of joy, when what hath bin
His sickly wishes is possest, as we
Through watchfull foes arriv'd to libertie
Imbrace the welcom blessing; first we stear
Our course tow'rds Siracuse, whose confines near
The mountain stood, upon whose cloudy brow
Poor Enna did beneath her ruins bow.
The Stars cloath'd in the pride of light, had sent
Their sharp beams from the spangled firmament,
To silver ore the Earth, which being embost
With hills, seem'd now enamel'd ore with frost,
The keen winds whistle in the justling trees,
And cloath'd their naked limbs in hoary frees.
When having pac'd some miles of crusted earth,
Whose labor warm'd our blood, before the birth
O' th' sluggish morning from his bed had drawn
The early Villager, the sober dawn
Lending our eyes the slow salutes of light,
We are encountred with the welcom sight
Of some poor scatter'd Cottages that stood
In the dark shadow of a spacious wood
That fring'd an humble valley, toward those,
Whilst the still morn knew nought to discompose
Her sleepy infancy, we went, and now
Being come so near we might discover how
[Page 79] The unstir'd smoke stream'd from the Cottage tops,
A glim'ring light from a low window stops
Our further course, we're come to a low shed,
Whose happy honor (ne'r disquieted
With those domestick troubles that attend
On larger roofs) here in content did spend
Fortunes scant gifts, at his unhaunted gate
Hearing us knock, he stands not to debate
With wealthy misers slow suspition, but
Swift, as if 'twere a sin to keep it shut,
Removes that slender Guard; but when he there
Unusual Strangers saw, with such a care
As onely spoke a conscious shame to be
Surpris'd, whilst unprovided poverty
Straitned desire, he starts, yet entertains
Us so, that shew'd by an industrious pains
He strove to welcom more. Here being by
Their goodness, and our own necessity
Tempted a while to rest, we safely lay
Far from persuing ills, yet since the way
To danger by suspition lies, we still,
Fear being betray'd by those that meant no ill,
Since oft their busie whispers, though they spring
From love, and wonder, slow discoveries bring.
Being now removing, since thy tender age
Threatned to make the grave its second stage
If thence conveigh'd by us whose fondest love
Could to thy wants but fruitless pity prove
[Page 80] T' inlarge thy commons, though increase our fears
To those indulgent rurals, who for tears
Had springs of milk to feed thee, thou remain'st
An infant tenant, for thy own name 'gainst
What since thou hast bin known by, which when we
Contracted had to the stenographie,
Some gold, the last of all our wealth we leave
To make their burthen light, which they receive
With thankfull joy, amaz'd to see those bright
Angels display their strange unwonted light
In poverties cold region, where they had
Been pin'd for want, if not by labor clad.
When age should make thee capable to tell
Thy wonder how thy infancy had fell
From honors pyramids, a jewel which
Did once the splendor of his Crown inrich
About thy neck he hangs, then breathing on
Thy tender lips a parting kiss, we're gone,
Gone from our last delight to finde some place
Dark as our clouded stars, there to embrace
Unenvi'd poverty, in the cold bed
Of sad despair, till on his reverend head,
Once center to a crown, grief makes him weare
A silver frost by frequent storms of care
Forc'd on that royal mount, whose verdute fades
Ere time, by youths antagonist invades.
Not far, through dark and unknown paths we had
Wander'd within those forrests, which unclad
[Page 81] By big windes of their summers beauteous dress
Naked, and trembling stood, ere fair success
Smiling upon our miseries did bring
Us to a chrystal stream, from whose cold spring,
With busie and laborious care, we saw
A feeble Hermite stooping down to draw
An earthen pot, whose empty wants supply'd
With liquid treasure, soon had satisfy'd
His thirsty hopes; who now returning by
A narrow path, which did directing Ile
Through th' unfrequented desart, with the haste
Of doubtfull Travellers, in lands laid waste
By conquering foes, we follow till drawn near
To him whom innocence secur'd from fear,
Disburth'ning of his staff, he sits to rest
What was with age and labor both opprest.
Our first salutes, when we for blessings had
Exchang'd with him, being sat, we there unclad
All our deform'd misfortunes, and unless
A kingdoms loss disvellop'd our distress.
Which heard with pity, that he safely might
Be the directing Pharos by whose light
We might be safely guided from the rocks
Of the tempestuous world, his tongue unlocks
A cabinet of holy counsel, which
More then our vanish'd honor did enrich
Our souls (for whose eternal good was meant
This cordial) with the worlds best wealth, Content,
[Page 82] Content, which flies the busie throne, to dwell
With hungry Hermites in the noiseless cell.
More safe then age from the hot sins of youth,
Peaceful as faith, free as untroubled truth,
Being by him directed hither, we
Long liv'd within this narrow Monast'rie,
Whose orders being too strict for those that ne're
Had lost delight ith' prosecuting care
Of unsuccessful action, suited best
With us, whose griefs compar'd taught the distrest
To sleight their own, as guests that did intrude
On reason, in the want of fortitude,
That brave supporter, which such comfort brings,
That none can know but persecuted Kings.
The purple-robe, his births unquestion'd right,
For the course habit of a Carmelite
Being now exchang'd, and we retir'd from both
Our fears and hopes, like private Lovers loth
When solve from the observant Spy, to be
Disturb'd by friends, for want, or greatness, free
Secure and calm, we spent those happy days
In nought ambitious, but of what might raise
Our thoughts towards heav'n, with whom each hour acquaints
In prayr more frequent then afflicted saints
Our happy souls, which here so long had bin
Refining, till that grand reward of sin,
Death, did by age (his common harbinger)
Proclaim's approach, and warn'd us to defer
[Page 83] For the earths trivial business) nought that might
Concern eternity, lest life and light
Forsaking our dark mansions leave us to
Darkness and death, unfurnisht of a clew
Which might conduct (when time shall cease to be)
Through the meanders of eternitie.
Thy pious father, ere the thefts of age
Decaying strength, should his stiff limbs engage
In an uneasie rest, to level all
Accounts with heaven, doth to remembrance call
A vow, which though in hot affliction made
Whilst passions-short ephemera's did invade
His troubled soul, doth now, when the disease
Time had expung'd, from solitary ease
Call him again to an unwilling view
Oth' active world, in a long journey to
Forlorn Enna, unto whose Temple he
Had vow'd, if fortune lent him libertie,
Till tir'd with the extreams of weary age,
The cheap devotion of a pilgrimage.
The End of the Fourth Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The Fourth Book. CANTO V.

The Argument.
I.
To the grave Author of this happy news
The pleas'd Argalia with delight did hear,
Till (whilst the fatal story he persues)
He brings his great soul near the gates of fear,
II.
By letting him in full discovery know
The dreadful danger that did then attend
His royal Sire, who to his sword must ow
For safety, ere his sad afflictions end.
FOrsaking now our solitary friends,
Whose prayrs upon each slow-pac'd step attends
From danger by a dress so course exempt
As wore religion to avoid contempt,
Through toils of many a tedious day, at last
We Enna reach, where when his vows had past
[Page 85] The danger of a forfeiture, and we
(That debt discharg'd to heaven) had libertie
To look abroad, with sorrow-laden eyes
We view those ruines in whose ashes lies
Sad objects of our former loss, not then
Rak'd up so deep, but old observant men
When youths were in procession led, could tell
Where towrs once stood, and in what fights they fell;
Which to confirm, some in an aged pride
Shew wounds, which then though they did wisely hide
As signatures of loyal valor, they
Now unsuspected with delight display.
Hence when commanded by the wane of light
We sought protection from approaching night
In an adjacent Monastry, where we
(The wandring objects of their charitie)
Although by all welcom'd with friendly zeal,
Found only one whose outside did reveal
So much of an internal worth that might
To active talk our clouded souls invight
From griefs obscure retreats; his grave aspect
(Though reverend age dwelt with unprun'd neglect)
Seem'd drest with such a sacred solitude,
As ruin'd Temples in their dust include.
My royal Master, as some power divine,
Had by instinct taught great souls how to twine
Though 'mongst the weeds of poverty, with this
Blest man consorting, whilst their apt souls miss
[Page 86] In all their long discourse no tittle set
For mans direction in heavens alphabet;
Whilst controverted points, those rocks on which
Weak faiths are shipwrackt, did jems inrich
Their art-assisted zeal, a sudden noise
Clamorous and loud, in the soft womb destroys
That sacred infant; the concordant bells
Proclaim a joy, which larger triumph tells
To be of such a publick birth, that they
(In quiet cells) for what they late did pray
In tears (the souls oreflowing language) now
(Being by examples common rule taught how
They vary passions) and in manly praise
Their silent prayers to Halleluiahs raise.
By swift report inform'd that this days mirth
From the proclaiming of their Prince took birth
These private mourners for the publick faults
Of busie nations, by the hot assaults
Of triumph startled from their gravitie,
Prepare for joy; all but grave Sophron, he
Then with the pilgrim Prince, who both were sate
Like sad Physitians when the doubtful state
Oth' Patients theatens death, the serious eye
Of Sophron as a threatning prodigie
Viewing that flattering smile of fate, which they
Of shallower souls prais'd as approaching day.
When both (their souls from active words retir'd)
A while had silent sate, the Prince desir'd
[Page 87] To know the cause why in that triumh he
Of all that Covent found the time to be
With thoughtful cares alone, whom Sophron gave
This satisfaction: Worthy Sir, I have
In the few hours of our acquaintance found
In you such worth, 'twould question for unsound
My judgment, if unwilling to impart
A secret, though the darling of my heart.
Know then, this hapless Province, which of late
Faction hath harrast, a wise Prince whom fate
Depriv'd us of, once rul'd; but so long since,
That age hath learn'd from time how to convince
The hot enormities of youth, since we
With such a Ruler lost our libertie.
For though at first, as he alone had bin
Our evil Geni [...], whose abode brought in
All those attendant plagues, our fortune seemed
To calm her brow, and captive hope redeemed
In the destruction of our foes, which by
A hot infection were enforc'd to fly
From conquest near obtain'd: yet we, to shew
That only 'twas our vices did orethrow
The merits of his weaker vertues, when
Successful battails had reduc'd agen
Our panting Land from all external ill,
Domestick quarrels threatned then to kill
What forein powers assail'd in vain, and made
Danger surprise, which trembled to invade.
[Page 88] For many years tost by th'uncertain wind
Of wild ambition, we had sail'd to find
Out the Lucadian rocks of Peace; but in
A vain pursuit; for we so long had bin
A headless multitude, the factious Peers
Oppressing th'injur'd Commons, till our fears
Became our fate, few having so much left
Unsequestred, as might incite to theft
Even those whom want makes desperate, all being spent
On those that turn to th [...] worst of punishment
What wore protections name, Vilains that we
Inforc'd maintain'd to christen Tyrannie
Ith' injur'd name of Justice, such as kept
Litigious Councels, for whose Votes we wept,
From punishment so long, till grown above
The blinded peoples envy, or their love.
But lately these prodigious fires that led
Us through the night of Anarchy, being fled
At the approach of one, who since hath stood
Fixt like a Star of the first magnitude,
Diffusive power, which then was only shewn
In Factions dress, being now Rebellion grown,
By the uniting of those attoms in
One haughty Peer, ambitious Zarrobrin,
Whose pride (that spur of valor) when 't had set
Him in the front of Honers alphabet,
The sole Commander of those forces whence
Our peace distill'd, and in as large a sense
[Page 89] As Subjects durst (whilst loyal) hope to have,
Adorn their tombs, the highest titles gave
Of a depending honor, to repay
Their easie faiths that levell'd had the way
Unto his greatness, that Command he made
The steps by which he strugl'd to invade
A Throne, and in their heedless Votes include
Unnoted figures of their servitude.
When with attempts frequent as fruitless, I
With others, whose firm love to loyaltie
Time had not yet expung'd, had oft in vain
Oppos'd our power, which found too weak to gain
Our Countries freedom, we, as useless, did
Retire to mourn for what the fates forbid
To have redrest: since when, his pride being grown
The peoples burthen whilst he urg'd his own
Ambitious ends, he hath, to fix their love
On principles whose structure should not move,
Unless it their allegiance shook, brought forth
Their Prince, whose fathers unforgotten worth
Did soon command their full consent, and he
For treason fear'd, made lov'd for loyaltie.
But since that 'mongst observant judgments this
So sudden change might stand in doubt to miss
A fair construction, to confirm't he brings
An old Confessor of their absent Kings,
The reverend Halophantes, one whose youth
Made humane arts submit to sacred truth
[Page 90] So much, that now arriv'd to graver age
He (like authentick Authors) did engage
The people [...] easie faith into a glad
Belief, that when his youths afflictions had
Unthron'd their Prince, he in that fatal night,
Wisely contracting his imagin'd flight
(As rodes unto destruction) leaving all
Frequented paths, did in nights silence call
At's unfrequented Cell, where entertain'd
With all the zeal that subjects which have gain'd
From gracious Soveraigns, study to express
A vertue in, which thrives by the distress
Of an afflicted patron's, he betrayes
Enquiring Scouts, till some expunging dayes
Make them forsake their inquisition in
Despair to finde: which vacancy did win
Time to bestow his infant burthen where
Some secret friends did with indulgent care
Raise him from undiscerning childhood to
Be such as now expos'd unto their view.
Thy father, who with doubtful thoughts had heard
This story, till confirm'd in what he fear'd,
Starts into so much passion as betrayes
Him through the thick mask of those tedious dayes.
Time had in thirty annual journeys stept
To Sophron, who, when he a while had wept,
A short encomion to good fortune, in
Such prostrate lowliness as seem'd for sin
[Page 91] To censure guiltless ignorance, he meets
His Princes full discovery, whom he greets
With all the zeal, such whose uncourtly arts
Make tongues the true interpreters of hearts,
Do those wise Princes whom they know to start
At aguish flattery, as if indesert
Usher'd it in:—Those that know how to rate
Their worth, prize it by vertue, not by fate.
With Arguments which to assist he made
Reasons firm power, Passions light scours invade,
He had so oft th' unwilling Prince assail'd,
That importunity at length prevail'd
On his resolves, from peacefull povertie
His ages refuge hurrying him to be
Once more an Agent unto fortune in
Uncertain toils, whose trouble to begin,
Leaving his Prince to so much rest as those
Whose serious souls are busied to compose
Unravell'd thoughts into a method; now
Sophron forsakes him to discover how
His fellow Peers of that lost party stand
Dispos'd for action, if a Kings command
Should give it life; all which h [...] findes to be
So full of yet untainted loyaltie,
That in a swift convention they prepare
By joyning judgements to divide their care.
From distant places, with such secret haste,
As did declare a flaming zeal, though plac'd
[Page 92] In cautions shadow, owe considerate Peers,
Such whose light youth th' experienc'd weight of yeers
Had long since ballast with discretion, met
To see their Prince, and to discharge the debt
Of full obedience, each had with him brought
His states surviving hope, snatch'd from the soft
Hands of lamenting mothers, that to those,
If fit for arms, they safely might dispose
The excution of those Councils which
Their sober age with judgement did inrich.
In Sophron's Palace, which being far remov'd
From the streets talking throngs, was most aprov'd
For needfull privacy; these loyal Lords
Whose faithfull hearts th' infallible records
The heedless vulgar (whose neglective sin
Had lost the copies of allegiance in
This inter regnum) trust to, being met
To shun delayes, (mans late repented debt)
The Prince with speed appears, whom no disguise
Of youths betrayer, Time, could from their eyes
Long undiscover'd keep, through the rough vail
Of Age, or what more powerfull did prevail
On Beauties ruines, they did soon descry
The unquench'd embers of a Majesty
Too bright for time to hide, with curtains less
Dark then that mansion of forgetfulness,
The Grave, which mans first folly taught to be
The obscure passage to eternitie.
[Page 93] That their example might be precept to
Unknowing youth, with all the reverence due
To awefull Princes on their thrones, the old
Experienc'd Courtiers kneel; by which grown bold
In their belief, those of unriper age
Upon their judgements did their faith engage
So far, that they in solemn vows unite
Their yet concordant thoughts, which ere the flight
Of time should leave the day behind, desire
To live in action: But this rising fire
Of loyal rage, which in their breasts did burn,
The thankfull Prince thus gently strives to turn
Into a milder passion, such as might
Not scorch with anger, but with judgement light.
How much is't both my wonder and my joy,
That we whom treason studied to destroy,
With near as much of miracle, as in
The last of dayes, lost bodies that have bin
Scatter'd amongst the elements, shall be
Conven'd i'th' Court of immortality.
Depress'd with fortune and disguis'd with age,
(Sad arguments, brave subjects, to engage
Your loyal valor) I had gone from all
My mortal hopes, had not this secret call
Of heaven, which doth with unknown method curb
Our wilde intention, brought me to disturb
Your peacefull age, whose abler youth had in
Defending me expos'd to ruine bin.
[Page 94] I had no more my conscience (now at rest)
With Widows curses, Orphans tears opprest;
No more in fighting fields, those busie marts,
Where honor doth for fame with death change harts,
Beheld the sad success of Battails, where
Proud victors make youths conquest ages care,
But hid from all, a crowns false glories, spent
Like beauteous flowers, which vainly waste the scent
Of odors in unhanted desarts, all
My time conceal'd till wither'd age should fall
From that short stem of nature, life, to be
Lost in the dust of deaths obscuritie.
When in the pride of youth my stars withdrew
Their influence first, I then had stood with you
Those thunderbolts of fate, and bravely died,
Contemning fortune, had that feverish pride
Of valor not been quench'd in hope to save
My infant son from an untimely grave.
But he, when from domestick ills convey'd
In safety, being by treacherous fate betray'd
Either by death, or ignorance, from what
His stars, when kindl'd first, where pointed at,
Either lives not, or else conceal'd within
Some course disguise, whose poverty hath been
So long his dull companion, till he's grown
Not less to us, then to himself unknown.
All this being weigh'd in reasons scale, is there
Ought in't can tempt decrepid age to bear
[Page 95] Such glorious burthens, which if fortunate
In the obtaining of, in natures date
Can have no long account, ere I again
What I had got with danger, kept with pain,
Summon'd by death the graves black monarch, must
With sorrow lose: yet since that heaven so just,
And you so loyal I have found, that it
Might argue fear, if I unmov'd should sit
At all your just desires, I here i'th' sight
Of heaven declare, together with my right,
To prosecute your Liberties as far
As Justice dares to patronize a war.
This with a magnanimity that shew'd
His youths brave spirits were not all bestow'd
On the accounts of age, had to so high
A pitch of zeal inflam'd their loyalty,
That in contempt of slow-pack'd counsels they
Did like rash youth, whose wit wants times allay,
Haste to unripe engagements, such as [...]ound
The issue weak, whose parents are unsound.
All to those towns where neighborhood had made
Them lov'd for vertue, or for power obey'd;
Whilst each with his peculiar guar [...] attends
His honor'd Prince, imploy their active friends,
Who having with collecting trumpets made
Important errands ready to Invade
The peoples censure, for a theme to fame
Their long lost Princes safe returu proclaim;
[Page 96] Which, though at first, a subject it appear'd
Onely for faith, when circumstance had clear'd
Th' eye of Reason, from each nobler minde
Th' embraces of a welcom truth did finde.
In publick throngs, whilst every forward friend
Spoke his resolves, his sullen foes did spend
Their doubts in private whispers, by exchange
Of which they found hate had no farther range
Then close intelligence, whose utmost bounds
Ere they obtain, the usefull trumpet sounds
No distant summons, but close marches to
His loyal friends, whom now their foes might view
In troops, which if fate favor their intents,
Ere long must swell to big-bulk'd Regiments:
Through Country towns, and Cities prouder streets
The murmuring drum in busie marches meets
Such forward valor, husbandmen did fear
The earth would languish the succeeding years
For want of Laborers; nor could business stop
The streightned Prentice, who, the slighted shop
Left to his angry Master, who must be
Forc'd to abridge his seven years tyranny,
Changes the baser utensils of trade
For burnisht arms, and by example made
More valiant, scorns those shadows which they fear'd
More then rough war, whilst 'mongst the cities herd.
To Regiments, from scattering bands being grown,
From that to Armys, whose big looks made known
[Page 97] Those bold designs, which Justice fear'd to own,
Though hers, till plac'd in Powers imperial throne,
They now toward action haste; which to begin,
Whilst Castles are secur'd, and Towns girt in
With armed lines, whose Pallizado's had
Whole Forrests of their whispering Oaks unclad.
The Prince, his mercy willing to prevent
Approaching danger, by a Herald sent
To Zarrob [...]in, commands him to lay down
His arms, and as he owed unto his Crown
A Subjects due allegiance, to appear
Before a moneth was added to that year,
Within his Court, which now, since action gave
Life to that body whose firm strength did save
His life (by treason levell'd at) was in
His moving Camp. But this too weak to win
The doubtful Rebel, since his lawful right
Swords must dispute, the Prince prepares to fight.
Proud Zarrobrin, who had by late success
Taught Siracuse how to avoid distress
By seeking peace, like a black storm that flies
On Southern winds, which in a tumult rise
From neighboring seas, was on his march: But come
Sonear the Prince, that now he had by some
Of's spreading Scouts made full discovery where
His Army lay; whose scarce discovered Rear
Such distance from their well-arm'd Van appear'd,
That such whose judgments were with numbers feard
[Page 98] Making no further inquisition, fled
By swift report their pale disease to spread.
Disturbing clouds which rather seem'd to rise
From guilt then fear spread darkness ore the eyes
O'th' Rebels, who, although by custom made
To death familiar, wish their killing trade
In peace concluded, and with murmures nigh
Grown to the boldness of a mutinie,
Question their own frail judgments, which so oft
Had life expos'd to dangers, that had brought
No more reward then what preserv'd them still
The slaves unto a proud Commanders will.
To stop this swift infection, which begun
In lowly huts, to lofty tents had run,
Slie Zarobrin, who to preserve th' esteem
Of honor, lest lib'rality might seem
The child of fear, with secret speed prevents
What he appears to slight, their discontents.
As if attending, though attended by
Their young Mock-Prince, whose landskip royaltie
Shew'd only fair, when view'd at distance, he
Passing with slow observant pace to see
Each squadrons order, he confirms their love
With donatives, such as were far above
Their hopes if Victors; then, to shew that in
That pride of bounty h'had not strove to win
Assistance by unworthy bribes, he leads
Them far from danger, since his judgment reads
[Page 99] In long experience, that authentick story,
Whose lines hath taught the nearest way to glory;
That soft delays, like treacherous streams, which by
Submitting lets the rash intruder try
Their dangerous depth, to an unwilling stay
His fierce persuers would ere long betray;
Whose force since of th'untutor'd multitude
By want made desperate, and by custom rude
Would soon waste their unweildy strength, whilst they
Whom discipline had taught how to obey,
By pay made nimble, and by order sure,
Would wars delays with easier wants endure.
This sound advice meeting with sad success
From the persuing Army, whose distress
From tedious marches being too clamorous grown
For's friends estates to quiet, soon was shewn
In actions such, which though necessitie
Inforc'd on vertue, made their presence be
To th' inconsiderate vulgar, whose loose glance
For vertue take vice gloss'd with circumstance,
Such an oppression, that comparing those
Which fled with mildness, they behold as foes;
Only their ruder followers, whom they curse,
Not that their cause, but company was worse.
When thus their wan [...]s had brought disorder in,
And that neglect whose looser garb had bin
At first so shie, that what was hardly known
From business then, was now to custom grown.
[Page 100] This large limb'd body, since united by
No cement but the love to loyalty
Loses those baser parts, such as to please
Unworthy ends turn'd duty to disease,
Retaining onely those whose valor sought
No more reward then what with blood they bought.
But here, to shew that slumbring justice may
Opprest with power, faint in the busie day
Of doubtfull battel; when their valor had
So many souls from robes of fresh unclad
Of his brave friends, that the forsaken Prince
Whose sad success taught knowledge to convince
The Arguments of hope; unguarded left
Unto persuing foes was soon bereft
Of all that in this cloud of fortune might
By opposition or unworthy flight,
But promise fafety, and when death denide
Him her last dark retreat to raise the pride
Of an insulting foe, is forc'd to see
The scorn of greatness in captivity.
Yet with more terror to limb sorrow in
His mighty soul, such friends as had not bin
By death discharg'd in fatal battel, now
Suffer'd so much as made even fear alow
Her palest sons, to seek in future wars
Brave victory got, by ages honor, scars,
Or braver death, that antidote of shame,
Whose stage none pass upon the rode of Fame,
[Page 101] Those that far'd best being murther'd, others sent
With life to more afflicting banishment.
When thus by him whose sacred order made
The truth authentick, from his fortunes shade
Argalia was redeem'd, the Prelate to
Confirm his story, from his bosom drew
The jewel, which having by wayes unknown
To him that wore it open'd, there was shewn
By wit contracted into art, as rare
As his that durst make silver sphears compare
With heavens light motion, an Effigies which
His royal Sire, whilst beauty did enrich
His youth, appear'd in such epitomy,
As spacious fields are represented by
Rare opticks on opposing walls, where sight
Is conzen'd with imperfect forms of light.
When with such joy as Scythians that grow proud
Of day, behold light gild an eastern cloud,
Argalia long had view'd that picture in
Whose face he saw forms that said his had been
Drawn by that pattern, with such thanks, as best
The silent eloquence of looks exprest,
The night grown ancient, ere their stories end,
With solemn joy, leaves his informing friend.
The End of the Fourth Book.

PHARONNIDA. The Fift Book.

CANTO I.

The Argument.
I.
Tier'd with afflictions in a safe retreat
From th' active world, Pharonnida is now
Making a sacred monastry her seat,
Where near approaching the confirming vow,
II.
A rude assault, makes her a Prisoner to
Almanzors power, to expiate whose sin
The subtil Traytor swiftly leads her to
The Court, where she had long a stranger bin.
HEre harsh imployments, the unsavory weeds
Of barren wants had over-run the seeds
Of fancy with domestick cares, and in
Those winter storms shipwrack'd what ere had bin
My youths imperfect off-spring, had not I
For love of this neglected poverty,
[Page 103] That meager fiend whose rustic tallons stick
Contempt on all that are inforc'd to seek
Like me, a poor subsistance 'mongst the low
Shrubs of imployment, whilst blest wits that grow
Good fortunes favorits, like proud Ceders stand
Scorning the stroke of every feeble hand,
Whose vain attempts, though they should martyr sense,
Would be repulst with big-bulk'd confidence:
Yet blush not gentle Muse, thou oft hast had
Followers, by fortunes hand as meanly clad,
And such as when time had worn envy forth
Succeeding ages honor'd for their worth.
Then though not by these rare examples fier'd
To vain presumption, with a soul untir'd
As his, whose fancies short Ephemeraes know
No life, but what doth from his liquor flow,
Whose wit grown wanton with canaries wealth
Makes the chast Muse a pandress to a health,
Our royal Lovers story I'll pursue
Through times dark paths, which now have led me to
Behold Arga [...]ia, by assisting art
Advanc'd to health, preparing to depart
From his obscure abode, to prosecute
Designs, which when, success strikes terror mute
With pleasing joy, shall him the mirror prove
Of forward valor, glost with filial love.
But let us here with prosperous blessings leave
A while the noble Hero, and receive
[Page 104] From times accounts the often varying story
Of her whose love conducted him to glory,
Distrest Pharonnida, whose sufferings grown
Too great for all that vertue ere had known
From humane precepts, flies for refuge to
Heavens narrowest paths, where the directing clew
Of Law, to which the Earth for order owes,
Lost in zeals light, a useless trouble growes.
Return'd were all the messengers, which she
Had at the first salutes of Libertie
To seek Argalia sent: But since none brought
Her passions ease, sick hope no longer sought
Those flattering Emp'ricks; but at Loves bright fires
Kindling her zeal, with sober pace retires
From all expected honors, to bestow
What time her youth did yet to nature ow,
A solemn Recluse, by a sacred vow
Lockt up from action, whilst she practis'd how
By speculation safely to attain
What busier Mortals doubtfully do gain.
Within the compass of the valley, where
Ismanders palace stood, the pious care
Of elder times had plac'd, a Monastrie,
Whose fair possessors from life's tumults free,
In a calm voyage towards heaven (their home) there spent
The quiet hours, so sweetly innocent,
As if that place, that happy place, had bin
Of all the earth alone exempt from sin;
[Page 105] Some sacred power ordaining (when 'twas given)
It for the next preparing school to heaven;
From whence those Vestals should, when life expires,
Be for supplies advanc'd to heavenly quires.
Lost to the world in sorrows lab'rinths, here
Pharonnida, now out of hope to cleer
This tempest of her fate, resolves to cast
Her faiths firm anchor: But before she past
The dangerous straits of a restrictive vow,
She to such friends as judgment taught her how
To prize, imparts it; 'mongst which few, the fair
Silvandra, whom lost love had taught despair,
With sad Florenza, both resolve to take
The same strict habit, and with her forsake
The treacherous world. But to disturb this clear
Stream of devotion, soon there did appear
Disswading friends, Ismander loth to lose
So lov'd a guest, whilst she's of power to choose,
Together with the vertuous Amida,
Spend their most powerful arguments to draw
Her from those cold thoughts, that her vertue might
Whilst unconceal'd, lend weaker mortals light.
Long had this friendly conflict lasted, ere
Her conquer'd friends, whom a religious care
Frighted from robbing heaven of Saints, withdrew
To mourn her loss; yet ere they left her to
Her cloyster'd Cell, Ismander, to comply
With aged custom, calls such friends whom nigh
[Page 106] Abode had made familiar, to attend
His Royal guest; some hasty days they spend
In solemn feasting, where each friend although
Cloath'd as when they at triumphs met, did shew
A silent sadness, such as wretched Brides,
When the neglected nuptial robe but hides
The cares of an obstructed love, before
Harsh parents wear. The mirthless feast past ore,
The noble Virgins in procession by
The mourning train, unto the Monast'ry
Slowly conducted are, each led by two
Full-breasted Maids, whom Hymen to renew
The worlds decaying stock, his joys to prove
By contracts summon'd to conjugal love.
These as they past, like Paranymphs which led
Young Beauties to espouse a Maidenhead
With harmony, whose each [...]concording part
Tickl'd the ear, whilst it did strike the heart
With mournful numbers, rifling every brest
Of their deep thoughts, thus the sad sense exprest.
I.
To secret walks, to silent shades,
To places where no voice invades
The air, but what's created by
Their own retir'd society,
Slowly these blooming Nymphs we bring
To wither out their fragrant spring,
[Page 107] For whose sweet odors Lovers pine,
Where beauty doth but vainly shine:
Cho.
Where Natures wealth, and Arts assisting cost
Both in the beams of distant hope are lost.
2.
To Cloysters where cold damps destroy
The busie thoughts of Bridal joy;
To Vows whose harsh events must be
Vncoupl'd cold Virginitie;
To pensive prayers, where heaven appears
Through the pale cloud of private tears,
These captive Virgins we must leave,
Till freedom they from death receive:
Only in this remote conclusion blest,
Cho.
This vale of tears leads to eternal rest.
3.
Then since that such a choice as theirs,
Which stiles them the undoubted heirs
To heaven, 'twere sinful to repent:
Here may they live till beauty spent
In a religious life, prepare
Them with their fellow-Saints to share
Celestial joys, for whose desire
They freely from the world retire:
Cho.
Go then, and rest in blessed peace, whilst we
Deplore the loss of such societie.
[Page 108] Through all the slow delays of Love arriv'd
To the unguarded gate, friendship that thriv'd
Not in Perswasions rhetorick, withdraws
Her forces to assist that juster cause,
Prayers for their future good; with which whilst they
Are taking leave, th'unfolded gates give way
For the blest Votries entrance, whom to meet,
A hundred pair of Maids, more chastely sweet
Then slowers which grow untoucht in desarts, were
Led by their Abbess; to whose pious care
These being join'd, with such a sad reverse
Of eyes oreflowing, as the sable herse
Close mourners leave, when they must see no more
Their coffin'd dead, their friends are from the dore
With eager looks, woes last since now denied
A further view, departs unsatisfied.
This last of duties which the dearest friend
Ought to perform, brought to successful end;
For here no custom with a dowries price
At entrance paid, nurst slothful avarice:
They're softly led through a fair garden, where
Each walk was by the founders pious care,
For various fancies, wanton imagrie,
To catch the heart, and not to court the eye,
Adorn'd with sacred histories. From hence
To th' center of this fair circumference
The fabrick come, the roving eye confin'd
Within the buildings, to enlarge the mind
[Page 109] In contemplation, saw where happy Art
Had on the figur'd walls the second part
Of Sacred story, drawn in lines that had
The worlds Redeemer from his first being clad
In robes of flesh, presented to the view
Through all his passion, till it brought him to
The Cross, that highest seal of love, where he
A sinless offering died, from sin to free
The captiv'd world, which knew no other price
But that to pay the debts of Paradice.
Past through this place, where bleeding passion strove
Their melting pity to refine to love,
They're now the Temple enter'd, where to skreen
Their thoughts yet nearer heaven, whom they had seen
Ith' entrance scourg'd, contemn'd & crucifide,
They there beheld, though veils of glory hide
Some part of the amazing Majestie
In his Ascension, as when rais'd to be
For them that hear his death freed from the hate
Of angry heaven, the powerful Advocate.
Besides these bold attempts of Art that stood
To fright the wicked, or to prompt the good;
Something more great, more sacred, then could by
Art be exprest, without the help oth' eye
Reacht at the center of the soul, from whence
To heaven, our rais'd desires circumference,
Striking the lines of Contemplation, she
Wrapt from the earth, is in an extasie
[Page 110] Holy, and high, through faith's clear optick shown
Those joys which to departed saints are known.
Before those pray'rs which zeal had tedious made
With their last troops did conquer'd heav'n invade;
The day was on the glitt'ring wings of light,
Fled to the western world, and swarthy night
In her black Empire thron'd; from silver shrines
The kindl'd lamps through all the temple shines
With dapl'd rayes, that did to th' eye present
The beauties of the larger firmament.
In which still calm, when all their rites were now
So near perform'd, that the confirming vow
Alone remain'd, a sudden noise of rude
And clamorous sound, did through the ear intrude
On their affrighted fancies, in so high
A voice, that all their sacred harmony
In this confusion lost, appear'd so small,
As if that whisper'd which was made to call.
Although the awfull majesty that here
Religion held, the weak effects of fear
With faith expel'd, yet when that nearer to
Their slender gates the murmuring tumult drew;
The Abbess sends not to secure, but see
Who durst attempt what heaven from all kept free
By strictest law, save those unhallow'd hands
That follow curses whilst they flie commands,
But they being entred ere the timerous Scout
Could notice give, fear, which first sprung from doubt
[Page 111] Being into wilde confusion grown, from all
Set forms affrights them, whilst at once they call
For heavens protecting mercy, to behold
That place where peacefull Saints us'd to unfold
Heavens Oracles, possest with villains that
Did ne'r know ought but want to tremble at,
Which look'd like those that with proud Angels fell,
And to storm heaven were sent in arms from hell,
Converts that Scean where nothing did appear
But calm devotion, to distracting fear;
Amaz'd with horror, each sad votress stands
Whilst sacred relicks drop from trembling hands;
Here one whose heart with fears convulsions faint,
Flies to the shrine of her protecting saint;
By her another stands, whose spirits spent
In Passion, looks pale as her monument:
One shrieks, another prayes, a third had crost
Her self so much, ill Angels might have lost
The way to hurt her, if not taught to do'r,
Cause she to th' sign too much did attribute.
The royal Stranger by her fear persu'd
To th' altar fled, had with mixt passion view'd
This dreadfull troop, whilst from the temple gate
They past the seat where trembling virgins sate
Free from uncivil wrongs, as if that they
That entred had been men prepar'd to pray,
Not come to ravish, from which sight her fear
Picks flowers of hope, but such, as they drawn near
[Page 112] From fancies soft lap, in a Hirocane
Of passion drop'd her pray'rs and tears in vaine
As words in winds, or showers in Seas, when they
Prepare for ruin the obstructed way
To pitty, which her stock of pray'rs had cost,
In the dark shade of sudden horror lost.
Seis'd on by two o' th' sacrilegious train
Whose black disguise had made the eye in vain
Seek to inform the soul, she and the poor
Florenza, whilst their helpless friends deplore
With silent tears so sad a loss, are drew
From the clasp'd Altar in th' offended view
Of their protecting saints, from whose shrines in
A dismal omen dropt what ere had bin
With hopes of merit plac'd. Black sulphry damps
With swift convulsions quench'd the sacred lamps,
The fabrick shakes, and as if griev'd they stood
To circle guilt, the walls sweat tears of blood.
Shrieks, such as if those fainted souls that there
Trod heaven's strait paths, in their just quarrel were
Rose from their silent dormitories to
Deter their foes, through all the temple flew.
But here in vain destroying angels shook
The sword of vengeance, whilst his bold crimes struck
'Gainst heaven in high contempt; with impious haste,
Snatch'd from the altar, whilst their friends did waste
Unheard Orizons for their safety, they
Unto the Fabrick's utmost gate convey
[Page 113] Their beauteous prizes, where with silence stood
Their dreadful guard, which like a neighb'ring wood
When vapors tip the naked boughs in light,
With unsheath'd swords through the black mists of night
A sparkling terror strook, with such a speed
As scarce gave time to fear what would succeed.
To such preceding vilanies, within
Her Coach imprison'd, the sad Princess, in
A march for swiftness such as busie war
Hastes to meet death in, but for silence far
More still then funerals, is by that black troop
With such exchange as falling stars do stoop
To nights black region, from the Monastrie
Hurri'd in haste, by whom, or whither, she
Yet knows no more then souls departing, when
Or where, to meet in robes of flesh agen.
The day salutes her, and uncurtain'd light
Welcoms her through the confines of the night▪
But lends no comfort, every object that
It shewed her, being such, as if frighted at
The Prince of day, griev'd h'ad no longer slept,
To shun, shrunk back beneath a cloud, and wept.
When the unfolded curtains gave her eyes
Leave to look forth, a troop, whose close disguise
Were stubborn arms, she only saw, and they
So silent, nought but motion did betray
The faculties of life, by whom being led
In such a sad march as their honor'd dead
[Page 114] Close mourners follow, she some flow-pac'd days
'Mongst strangers passing through stranger ways,
(At both amaz'd) at length, unfathom'd by
Her deepest thought within the reach oth' eye
Her known Ghirenza views; but with a look
From whence cold passion all the blood had took,
And in her face (that frozen sea of fear)
Left nought but storms of wonder to appear.
Conven'd within the spacious Judgment-hall
Of Reason, she, ere this had summon'd all
Her weaker passions to th' impartial Bar
Of Moral Vertue, where they sentenc'd are
Only to an untroubled silence; in
Which serious act whilst she had busied bin,
She is, unnoted, ere the fall of day
Brought by her convoy to a Lodge that lay
Off from the rode, a place, when seen, she knew
Ere his rebellion, had belong'd unto
Her worst of foes, Almanzor, which begins
At first a doubt, whose growing force soon wins
The field of faith, and tells her timorous thought
Her fathers troops would ne'r have thither brought
Her, if design'd to suffer, since that he
Knew those more fit for close captivitie.
But long her reason lies not fetter'd in
These cross Dilemma's; the slow night had been
With tedious hours past ore, whilst she by none
But Mutes, no less unheard, then their unknown
[Page 115] Is only waited on, by whom, when day
To action call'd (she veil'd) is led the way
To the attending Convoy, who had now
Varied the Scene, Almanzor studying how
To court compassion in his Prince, dares not
At the first view, ere merit had begot
A calm remission of rebellious sin,
Affront an anger which had justice bin
In his confusion; his arms he now behind,
As that which might too soon have call'd to mind
His former crimes, he leaves, and for them took
To gain the aspect of a pitying look,
A Hermites homely weed, his willing train
By that fair gloss their liberties to gain,
Rode arm'd; but so, what for offence they bore,
Was in submission to lay down before
The throne of injur'd power, to cure whose fear
Their armed heads on halter'd necks appear
Near to the rear of these, the Princess in
A mourning Litter, close as she had bin
In a night-march unto her tomb, is through
The Cities wandring tumults led unto
The royal palace, at whose gates all stay
Save bold Almanzor, whom the Guards obey
For his appearing sanctity so much,
That he unquestion'd enters, and thought such
As his grave habit promis'd, soon obtain'd
The Princes sight, where with a gesture fain'd
[Page 116] To all the shapes of true devotion, he
By a successfull fiction comes to be
Esteem'd the true converter of those wilde
Bandits, which being by their own crimes exil'd
In spight of law had liv'd to punish those
Which did the rules of punishment compose.
These being pardon'd, as he'd took from thence
Encouragement, veil'd under the pretence
Of a religious pity, he begins
In language, whose emolient smoothness wins
An easie conquest on belief, to frame
A sad Petition, which although in name
It had disguis'd Pharonnida, did finde
So much of pity as the Prince inclin'd
To lend his aid for the relief of her
Whose vertue found so fair a character
In his description, it might make unblest
That power which left so much of worth distrest.
Though too much tir'd with private cares to shew
In publick throngs how much his love did owe
To suffering vertue, yet since told that she
Was too much mask'd in clouds of grief to be
The object of the censuring Court, he to
The Litter goes, whose sable veil withdrew
With wonder, that did scarce belief admit
Shadow'd in grief, he sees his daughter sit,
His long lost daughter, whom unsought, to be
Thus strangely found, to such an extasie
[Page 117] Of joy exalts him, that his spirits by
Those swift pulsations had been all let fly
With thanks towards heav'n, had not the royal Maid
With showers of penitential tears allaid
Those hotter passions, and revok'd him to
Support her griefs, whose burthen had out-grew
The powers of life, but that there did appear
Kinde natures love, to cure weak natures fear.
In this encounter of their passions, both
With sorrow silent stood, words being loath
T' intrude upon their busie thoughts, till they
In moist compassion melted had away
His angers fever, and her frozen [...]ears
In Natures balm, soft loves extracted tears:
Like a sad Patient whose forgotten strength
Decay'd by cronick ills, hath made the length
Of life his burthen, when near death, meets there
Unhop'd for health; so from continual care,
The souls slow hectick, elevated by
This cordial joy, the slothfull Lethargy
Of age, or sorrow findes an easier cure
Then the unsafe extream, a Calenture.
Nor are these comforts long constrain'd to rest
Within the confines of his own swell'd brest,
Ere its dismantl'd rayes did in a flight
Swift as the motions of unbodied light
Disperse its Epidemick vertues through
The joyfull Court, which now arriv'd unto
[Page 118] Its former splendor, heavens expected praise
Doth on the wings of candid mercy raise:
Which spreading in a joyful Jubile
To all offenders, tells Almanzor he
Might safely now unmask; which done, ere yet
Discover'd, at the well-pleas'd Princess feet
Humbl'd with guilt he kneels; who at the sight
As much amaz'd as so sublime a flight
Of joy admitted, stands attentive to
What did in these submissive words ensue.
Behold, great Sir, (for now I dare be seen)
An object for your mercy that had been
Too dreadful for discovery, had not this
Preceding joy told me, no Crime could miss
The rode of mercy, though like mine, a sin
The suffering Nation is invellop'd in.
Sunk in the ocean of my guilt, I h'd gone
A desperate Rebel, waited on by none
But Outlaws to a grave obscure, had not
Relenting heaven thus taught me how to blot
Out some of sins black characters, ere I
Beheld the beams of injur'd Majestie.
This in his passions relaxation spoke,
Perswades the Princes justice to revoke
Its former rigor. By the helpful hand
Of mercy rais'd, Almanzor soon did stand
Not only pardon'd, but secur'd by all
His former honors from a future fall,
[Page 119] Making that fortune which did now appear
Their pities object, through the glass of fear
With envy look'd on, but in vain, he stood
Confirm'd in Loves Meridian altitude
The length of life from Honors western shade,
Except in new Rebellion retrograde:
Which plotting leave him, till the winding clew
Of fancy shall conduct your knowledge to
Those uncouth vaults; and mounting the next story,
See Vertue climbing to the throne of glory.
The End of the First Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The Fifth Book. CANTO II.

The Argument.
I.
Leaving Pharonnida to entertain
The varieus passions of her Father, we
Must now return to see Argalia gain
That power by which he sets his Father free
II.
From the command of haughty Rebels, who
By justice sent to a deserved death,
Argalia takes the Crown, his merits due,
And the old Prince in peace resigns his breath.
REturn'd to see what all the dark records
Of the old Spartan History affords
Ith' progress of Argalia's fate, I found
The chain'd Historian here so strictly bound
To follow truth, although at dangers cost,
No silent night, nor s [...]cky battail lost
[Page 121] The doubtfull rode, which often did appear
Through floods of faction fill'd with storms of fear
Obscure and dark, to the belief of that
Less guilty age; though then to tremble at
Romes bold ambition, and those prodigies
Of earth, their Tyrants, to inform their eies,
Left mourning monuments of ill, but none
Like what they now attempt, a sin unknown
To old Aspirers, which should have been sent
Some Ages forward for a president
To these, with whom compar'd, their crimes had bin,
Though past to act, but weak essayes of sin.
With such a speed as the supplies of air
Fearing a vacuum, hasten to repair
The ruptures of the earth, at our last view
We left reviv'd Argalia posting to
Aetolia's distant confines, where arriv'd,
He found their Army, whose atempts had thriv'd
Since he Epirus had forsook, so far
Advanc'd, that now the varied scene of war
Transferr'd to faithless Ardena, was there
Fixt in a siege, whose slow approaches were
The doubts of both; the city pines for fear
Remote supplies might fail, which drawn so near
The circling Army knows, that either they
Must flie from conquest near obtain'd, or stay
To meet a danger, which by judgement scan'd,
Their strength appears unable to withstand.
[Page 122] Whilst thus their pensive leaders busied are
In cross dilemma's, as by publick war
He meant to meet revenge in private, to
Their camp Argalia comes, a camp which knew
Him by the fair-wrought characters of fame
So well, that now he needs no more then name
Himself to merit welcom, all mistrust
Being clear'd by them which left as too unjust
To be obey'd, the false Epirots [...]ide,
When by his loss made subject to the pride
Of stranger Chiefs; these for their vertue prais'd
For number fear'd, to such a height had rais'd
Applauding truths of him, that Zarrobrin
Conjoyn'd to one he trembl'd at, whilst seen
In opposition, slights what did of late
Appear a dreadfull precipice of fate.
Lest poor imployments might make favor shew
Like faint mistrust, he doth at first bestow
On the brave stranger the supream command
Of some choise horse, selected to withstand
The fierce Epirot's march, whose Army ere
The slow Aetolians could their strength prepare
Fit to resist, if not by him withstood,
With case had gain'd a dangerous neighborhood▪
But he, whose angers thunderbolts could stay
Though hurl'd from clouds of rage, if the allay
Of judgement interpos'd, here finding nought
More safe then haste, ere his secure foes thought
[Page 123] Of opposition, strongly had possest
A strait in which small troops had oft distrest
Large bodied Armies, until brought so low,
Those they contemn'd did liberty bestow.
Whilst stop'd by this unlook'd for remora
The baffl'd Army oft had strove to draw
Argalia from his safe retreats, but found
His art of more advantage then his ground;
In the dead Age of unsuccesful night
A forward party which had learn'd to fight.
From honors dictates, not commands, being by
Youths hasty guide, rash valor, brought so night,
Argalia's troops, that in a storm which cost
Some lives, they many noble Captives lost:
Amongst which number, as if thither sent
By such a fate as shew'd Heavens close intent
Pointed at good, E [...]riolus appears
First a sad captive; but those common fears
Soon, whilst in conflict with his passions, rest
On the wish'd object of his long inquest
Admir'd Argalia, to whose joy he brings
As much of honor, as elected Kings
Meet in those votes, which so auspicious prove,
They light to honor with the rayes of love.
Having from him in full relation heard
Pharonnida yet liv'd, whom long he fear'd
Beyond redemption lost, they thence proceed
To councels, whose mature results might breed
[Page 124] Their heedle [...]s foes confusion, which since they
That now were captives, bore the greatest sway
In the opposing Army proves a task
So free from danger, death did scarce unmask
The face of horror in a charge, before
Argalia's name eccho'd in praises ore
The rallied troops, summons from thence so large
A party, that the valor of a charge
In those that stood were madness, which to shun,
Base Cowards taught brave Fighters how to run.
This easie conquest gain'd; ere Zarrobrin
Was with his slower Army drawn within
The noise o' th' battel, to such vast extent
Of fame, high vertues spreading ornament,
Had rais'd Argalia's merits, that the pride
Of his Commander wisely laid aside
For such advantage, to let honor stand
On her own basis, the supream command
Of all the strangers in his Camp to him
He freely gives, a power which soon would dim
His, if ere by some harsh distemper plac'd
In opposition; but his thoughts imbrac'd
In all suspitions darkest cells, no fiend
So pale as fear, fixt on the sudden end
Of high designs, he looks on this success
As the strait rode to future happiness
With such a speed as prosperous victors go
To see, and conquer, when the vanquish'd foe
[Page 125] Retreats from honor, the Aetolian had
Follow'd success, till that fair hand unclad
The sunk Epirot of his strength, and now
Secur'd from forrein ills was studying how
To cure domestick dangers; which since he
The weak foundation of his Tyrannie
Had fixt in sand but onely cemented
With loyal blood, such just contempt had bred
I' th' Ages deep discerning judgements, that
Th' unsettl'd herd, ere scarcely lightned at
Those sober flames, like ill mixt vapors break
In blustring murmurs forth, which though too weak
To force his fortune on the rocks of hate,
With terror shook the structure of his fate.
Like wise Physitians, which when call'd to cure
Infectious ills, with Antidotes make sure
Themselves from danger; since hypocrisie
Could steal no entrance to affection, he
Leads part of's Army for his guard, that they
Where mines did fail, by storm might force a way.
But since he doubts constrain'd domesticks, though
Abroad obedient, might, when come to know
From burthen'd friends their cause of grief, forsake
Unjust commands, his wiser care did take
Argalia and his stranger troops, as those
(Which unconcern'd) he freely might dispose
To winde up all the engines of his brain,
So guilt were gilded with the hopes of gain.
[Page 126] By hasty marches being arriv'd with these
Within Aetolia, where his frowns appease
Those bubbles, that (their Neptune absent) would
Have swell'd to waves, ere his hot spirits cool'd
Were with relaxing rest, he visits him
The weak reflex of whose light crown looks dim
To th' burnish'd splendor of his blade that set
Him onely there to be the cabinet
Of that usurped diadem, which he
Whose subtile arts in clouded brows could see
The hearts intended storms, beheld without
His unstrain'd reach, until the peoples doubt,
Which yet liv'd in the dawn of hope, he saw
Oreshadow'd with the forms of injur'd Law.
Though time (that fatal enemy to truth)
Had not alone rob'd the fresh thoughts of youth
O' th' knowledge of their long lost Prince, but been
Even unto those that had ador'd him in
His throne, oblivions handmaid, yet lest by
Some power occult that in captivity
Forsakes not injur'd Monarchs, there remain'd
In most some passions, which first entertain'd
At pities cost, at length by reason try'd
Grew so much lov'd, that onely power deny'd
Them to support his sinking cause, which seen
By Zorabrin, whose tyranny had been
At first their fear, and now their hate, he brings
His Army, an Elixar, which to Kings
[Page 127] Transforms Plebeians, by the strength of that
To binde those hands, that else had strugl'd at
Their heads offence, which wanting power to cure,
They now with griefs convulsions must endure.
A Court conven'd of such whose killing trade
The rigid Law so flexible had made,
That their keen Votes had forc'd the bloodiest field
To the deep tincture of the Scaffold yeild;
Forth of his uncouth prison summon'd by
The rude commands of wrong'd Authority,
An object which succeeding Ages when
But spoke of weep, because they blush'd not then,
The Prince appears a guarded captive in
That City where his morning Star had bin
Beheld in honors Zenith; slowly by
Inferior slaves, which nere on Majesty
Whilst uneclips'd durst look, being led to prove
Who blush'd with anger, or look'd pale with love.
By these being to a mock-tribunal brought,
Where damn'd rebellion for disguise had sought
The veil of justice, but so thinly spread,
Each stroke their envy levell'd at his head
Betray'd black treasons hand, couch'd in that Vote
Which struck with Law to cut Religions throte.
From a poor Pleader, whose cheap conscience had
Been sold for bribes, long ere the purple clad
So base a thing, their calm-soul'd Soveraign hears
Death's fatal doom, which when pronounc'd, appears
[Page 128] His candor, and their guilt, the one exprest
By a reception, which declar'd his brest
Unstir'd with passion; th' other strugling in
Their troubled looks, which shew'd this monstrous sin
That this damn'd plot did to rebellion bear,
Even frighted those that treasons midwives were.
Hence (all their black designs encourag'd by
The levell'd paths of prosperous vilany)
High mounted mischief, stretch'd upon the wing
Of powerfull ill, persues the helpless King
To the last stage of life, a scaffold, whence
With tears (cheap off-springs to his innocence)
Such of his pitying friends as durst disclose
Their passions, view him, whilst insulting foes
(Exalted on the pyramids of pride)
By long-wing'd power, with base contempt deride
Their sorrow, and his sufferings whom their hate
Had followed near the period of his fate;
Which being now so near arriv'd, that all
With various passion did expect the fall
Of the last fatal stroke, kinde heaven to save
A life so near the confines of the grave,
Transcends dull hope by so sublime a flight,
That dazl'd faith, (amaz'd with too much light;
Whilst extasies of wonder did destroy
Unripe belief) near lost the rode of joy.
Even with the juncture of that minute when
The ax was falling, from those throngs of men
[Page 129] Sway'd by's command, Argalia with a speed
That startl'd action, mounts the stage, and freed
The trembling Prince from deaths pale fear; which do ne
To shew on what just grounds he had begun
So brave, so bold an action, he seises all
That knowledge or suspition dares to call
The Tyrants friends, the guilty Tyrant, who
Whilst he doth from his distant palace view
This dreadful change, with a disdain as high
As are his crimes, being apprehended by
Argalia's nimble guards, is forc'd to be
Their sad Conductor to a destinie
So full of horror, that it hardly lies
In's foes to save him for a sacrifice
From their wild rage who know no justice but
What doth, by death, a stop to fury put.
From noisless pray'rs and bloodless looks, being by
The bold Attempters of his liberty
Rais'd to behold his rescue; heedless fear
Hatcht by mistake, from those that border'd near
Had with such swiftness its infection spread,
That the more distant knowing not what bred
The busie tumult, in so wild a haste
As vanquish'd troops which at the heels are chac'd
Flie the persuing sword, they madly run
To meet those dangers which they strove to shun▪
In which confusion none o'th' throng had bin
Left to behold how justice triumph'd in
[Page 130] Revenges throne, had not a swift command
By power enabl'd, hasten'd to withstand
That troubl'd torrent which the truth ourgrew
Until their fears original they knew.
The onset past, Argalia, having first
Secur'd the Tyrant, for whose blood the thirst
Of the vext people rag'd, he mounted on
That scaffold whence his father should have gone
A royal martyr to the grave, did there
By a commanded silence first prepare
The clamorous throng to hear the hidden cause
Which made him slight their new-created laws.
Then, in that mart of satisfaction which
With knowledge doth the doubtful herd enrich,
The publick view, he freely shews how far
Through [...]ortunes desarts the auspicious star
Of heavens unfathom'd providence had led
Him from the axe to save that sacred head,
Whose reverend snow his full discovery had
In the first dress of youthful vigor clad,
Could constant nature sympathize with that
Reviving joy his spirits panted at.
His sons relation, seconded by all
That suffering sharer in his pitied fall,
Mantinea's Bishop, knew, join'd to the sight
Of that known jewel, whose unwasted light
Had serv'd alone to guide them, satisfies
The inquisition even of critick eyes
[Page 131] With such a fulness of content, that they
(Each from his Prince being lighten'd with a ray
Of sprightly mirth) endeavour'd to destroy
Their former grief in hope of future joy:
Which to attain to, those whose counsels had
The land in blood, and them in mourning clad,
Call'd forth by order to confession, there
Are scarce given time the foulness to declare
Of their past crimes, before the peoples hate
(That headstrong monster) strove t' anticipate
The sword of vengeance, and in wild rage save
The labor of an ignominious grave
To every parcel of those rent limbs, that
When but beheld, they lately trembl'd at:
"Such being the fate of falling Tyrants, when
"Conquering, the fear, conquer'd, the scorn of men
But here lest inconsiderate rage should send
Their souls to darkness, ere confession end
Their tragick story, hated Zarrobrin
With that unhappy boy whose Crown had been
Worne but to make him capable to die
A sacrifice to injur'd libertie,
Rescued by order from the rout, is to
A publick trial brought, where in the view
Of all the injur'd multitude, the old
Audacious traitor did to th' light unfold
His acts of darkness, which discover'd him
They gaz'd on, whilst unquestion'd power did dim
[Page 132] Discerning wits but a dull Meteor, one
By hot ambition mounted to a throne,
By an attractive policy, which when
Its influence fail'd, back to that lazy Fen,
His fortunes Center, hurling him again,
The onely Star in Honor's Orb would raign.
This slie Imposture seconded by that
Rebellious guilt his actions offer'd at
In all its bold attempts, had kindl'd in
The late supporters of unprosperous sin
So high a rage, that in wild fury they
Their anger wanting what it should obey,
A sober judgement, stands not to dispute
With the slow Law, but with their strength confute
All tending to delay; like torrents broke
Through the imprisoning banks, to get one stroke
At heads so hated all rush in, untill
Their sever'd limbs want quantity to fill
A room i' th' eyes receiving beams; this done,
With blood and anger warm'd, they wildly run
To search out such whom consanguinitie
Had rendred so unhappy, as to be
Allied to them, all which with rage that stil'd
Beasts mercifull, and angry soldiers mild,
They to destruction chase, whilst guiltless walls
In which they dwelt in funeral blazes falls,
Where burns inviting treasure, as they saw
In the golds splendor an Anathema
[Page 133] So full of horror, as it seem'd to be
A plague beyond unpitied Povertie.
Impetuous Rage, like whirle windes unoppos'd
Hush'd to a calm, as hate had but unclos'd
The anger-blinded eyes of Love, the bold
Flame like a fire, forc'd from repulsive cold,
Breaks through the harsh extream of hate, to shew
How much their loyal duty did out-grow
Those fruits of forc'd obedience, which before
They slowly to intruding Tyrants bore;
In which procession of their joy, that he
Might meet their hopes with a solemnitie
Large as their love, or his delight; the Prince
Taught by informing age how to convince
Ambitions hasty Arguments, calls forth
His long lost son, whose late discover'd worth
Was grown the Ages wonder, to support
The ponderous Crown, whilst he did tread the short
And sickly step of age, untroubl'd by
The burthen of afflicting Majesty.
His Coronation past in such a tide
Of full content, as to be glorifide,
Blest souls in the worlds conflagration shall
From tombs their reunited bodies call,
The feeble Prince leaving the joyful throng
Of his applauding Subjects, seeks among
Religious shades (those cool retreats) to finde
That best composer of a stormy minde,
[Page 134] A still devotion, on whose downy bed
Not long he'ad lay before that entrance led
Him to the Court of heaven, though through the gate
Of welcom death, a cross, which though from fate,
Not accident, he being instructed by
Age, and Religion, to prepare to di [...]
On Natures summons, yet so deep a strain
Spreads ore those robes that joy had dy'd in grain,
That his heroick son to meet alone
So fierce a soe, leaving the widow'd throne
Retreats to silent tears, whose plenteous spring
By the example of their mourning King,
From those small clouds there first beheld to rise,
Bege [...]s a storm in every Subjects eies.
Betraying time, the worlds unquestion'd thief.
Intending ore obliterated grief
Some new transcription, to perform it brings
A ravish'd quill from Loves expanded wings,
Presenting to Argalia's willing view
What ere blinde chance roll'd on the various clew
Of his fair Mistris, Fate, unfolded by
Euriolus, who was when victory
First gave him freedom, by Argalia sent
With speed that might anticipate intent,
The unconfin'd Pharonnida to free
From her religious strict captivitie.
But being arriv'd where contrary to all
His thoughts, he heard how first she came to fall
[Page 135] Into Almanzors hand, by whom convey'd
Thence to her Fathers Court, his judgement stay'd
Not to consult with slow advice, but hastes
On the persuit of her; whom found, he wastes
Few dayes before fair opportunitie
Was so auspicious to his prayers, that he
Not onely proves a happy Messenger
Where first imploy'd, but in exchange for her
Returns the story of what had been done
Since first this tempest of their fate begun.
How she forsook the Monastry, and in
What agonies of passion thence had bin
Forc'd to her fathers Court, where all her fears
Dissolve in pity, he related hears
With calm attention; but when come to that,
Whose first conceptions he had trembl'd at,
The Siracusians fresh assaults unto
That Virgin-fort, whose strength although he knew
Too great for storm, yet since assisted by
Her Fathers power, the wraths of victory
Rent by command from his deserts might crown
Anothers brows, to pull those Laurels down
Ere rais'd in triumph, he prepares to move
By royal steps unto the throne of love.
The End of the Second Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The Fifth Book. CANTO III.

The Argument.
I.
From the Aetolians l [...]te victorious King
Ambassadors in Sparta's Court arrive;
Where slighted, back they this sad Message bring
That force must onely make his just claim thrive.
II.
Which to confirm, th' Epirots power invades
His Land, in hopes for full reward to have
Pharonnida; but close Almanzor shades
His glorious hopes in an untimely grave.
AN unripe rumor, such as Causes near
Declining catch at, when betraying fear
Plunges at hope, had through Ghirenza spread
The story of Argalia's fate, but shed
From such loose clouds of scatter'd fame, as by
Observant wits were onely thought to fly
[Page 137] I' th' airy region of report, where they
Are forc'd each winde of fancy to obey.
Whose various blasts, when brought unto the test
Of judgment, rather the desires exprest,
Then knowledge of its Authors: here 'mongst those
Of various censure, slie Almanzor chose
To be of the believing part, since that
Might soonest crush all hopes that levell'd at
Affection to Pharonnida, whom he
Strove to preserve in calm neutralitie.
But here he fails to countermine his plot,
This seeming fable soon appears begot
By solid truth, a truth which scorns to lie
Begging at th' gates of probabilitie;
Which to avoid, she from Argalia brings
Ambassadors (those mouths of absent Kings)
To plead her right, at whose unlook'd for view
Almanzor, whose falacious schemes were drew
Onely for false Phaenomena's, is now
Forc'd to erect new figures, and allow
Each star his influence; but declar'd in vain,
Since Pride did lord of the Ascendant reign;
Pride, which conjoyn'd to policy had made
All other motions seem but retrograde.
His black Arts thus deceiv'd, since nought could make
The dull Spectators ignorance mistake
This constellation for a Comet, he
Attempts with fear of its malignitie
[Page 136] To fright each busie gazer, and since all
The circles of opinion were to fall
Like spacious Azminths in that Zenith, to
S [...]ttle the Prince, through whom the people view
All great conjunctions, where the different signe
Should force those aspects, which might 'mongst that trine
Of love else hold a concord, to dispence
On him its most destructive influence.
The Court being thus prepar'd, he boldly now
Dares the delay'd Ambassadors allow
A long expected audience, which in brief
Makes known their masters fate in the relief
Of's injur'd father, thence proceeds to shew
How much of praise his thankfull friends did owe
To heaven for's own restor'd estate, which he
Desires to joyn in calm confederacie
With them, his honor'd neighbors; hence they past
To what concern'd Pharonnida, their last
And most important Message: which when heard
In such a Language as the Rivals fear'd,
A Language, which, to prove his interest
In her unquestion'd, come but to request
The freedom of a fathers grant, a high
But stifled rage began to mutiny
In all their breasts, such, as if not with-held
By th' Law of Nations, had her father swell'd
To ope [...] acts of violence; which seen
By some o' th' Lords, they calm his passion in
[Page 137] A cool retreat, such as might seem to be,
Though harsh contempt, wrapt in civilitie.
Fir'd with disdain, th' Ambassadors in such
A speed which shew'd affronts that did but touch
Their Masters honor wounded theirs, forsook
Ghirenza, whilst Euriolus betook
Himself to some more safe disguise that might
Protect him, till the subject of delight,
The course his royal master meant to stear
In gaining her, his Story makes appear
Unto distrest Pharonnida, who in
That confidence secure, as she had been
From all succeeding ills protected by
A guard of Angels, in a harmony
Of peacefull thoughts, such as in dangers keep
Safe innocence, rocks all her cares asleep.
But here she rests not long before the fall
Of second storms proves this short interval
But lightning, which in tempests shews unto
Shores, which the shipwrack'd must no more then view:
Anger, ambition, hate, and jealous fear
Had all conspir'd Loves ruine, which drew near
From hasty counsels rash results, which in
His passions s [...]orm had by her Father bin
Like rocks, which wretched Mariners mistake
For Harbors, fled to, when he did forsake
That safer channel of advice that might
From free conventions, like the welcom light
[Page 140] Of Pharos guided his designs, till they
At Anchor in the rode of Honor lay.
As if his fears by nothing could have bin
Secur'd, but what prov'd him ungratefull in
Argalia's ruine, all discourses are
Distastefull grown, but what to sudden war
Incites his rage: which humor, though it needs
No greater fire then what his envy feeds,
Besides those Court-Tarantula's whose breath
Stings easie Princes, till they dance to death
At the delightfull sound of flattery, there
Were deeper wits, such whom a subtile care,
Not servile fear taught how to aggravate
His angers flame, till their own eager hate
Though burning with a mortal fury, might
Pass unobserv'd, since near a greater light.
Amongst those few whose love did not depend
So much on fortune, but the name of friend
Was still preserv'd, the faithfull Cyprian Prince
Durst onely strive by reason to convince
Their wilder passions; but each Argument
With which affection strugl'd to prevent
A swift destruction, onely seem'd to prove
His friendship more effectual then his love.
From which mistake, such as did strive to please
The angry Princes passionate disease
With what might seed the sickly humors, draw
A consequence that proves Pharonnida
[Page 141] A blessing which was to his merits due
Who most oppos'd the bold aspirer to
That throne of Beauty, which before possest,
Whole Armies must dispute their interest.
The slighted Cyprian, since their fear could trust
None but confederates, from their Councils thrust
Those swift conclusions, which before to stay
Their violence, had Reason's cool allay
Hurry'd to action, strict commands are sent
From fierce Zoranza through each Regiment,
Which stoop'd their Ensignes to his power, that by
Such marches as they'd follow victory,
They reach Aetolia ere its new-crown'd King
Warn'd by report, had liberty to bring
Opposing strengths, (a task too hard to be
Perform'd with ease in powers minoritie.)
Nor fails this Council; for their Army draws
No sooner near, but such as in the cause
Of unsuccessful Rebels late had been
Expos'd to danger, seek for refuge in
A fresh revolt; and since their ulcerous guilt
Was so malignant, that even mercy spilt
Its balm in vain, their injur'd Prince forsake,
To strengthen his proud Enemies, who make
Those Poisons up in Cordials, and compound
Them with their Army, which being thus grown sound
Whereas it lately fainted, durst provoke
Unto the trial of another stroke
[Page 140] His late victorious forces; which, though yet
Faint with the blood lost in the last great fit
Of Honors fever, when the Crisis prov'd
The cures prognostick, had with ease remov'd
The proud invaders, had Morea bin
As heretofore a hurtful Neuter in
That war; which now, since double strengths oppose
Brave fortitude, like base oppression shews.
So long both parties with varietie
Of fortune fought, that fearing whose might be
The sad success, that old Cleander, in
Such speed as if his Crown engag'd had bin,
Raises an Army, whose command, since he
Base flattery takes for brave fidelitie,
Waving those Peers to whose known faith he owes
The most of trust, in hoodwink'd hope, bestowes
On false Almanzor, who by power advanc'd
Near to those hopes at which Ambition glanc'd
But like weak eyes upon the dazeling sun,
From that last [...]atal s [...]age his plots begun
Mischiefs dark course, which ere concluded shall
Crush the Epirot in Morea's fall.
In this the hot distemper of their state,
A [...]ind [...], whom the Destinies of late
To double-die his Honors purple-thred,
Robb'd of a father, most disquieted
Their secret councels, since they knew the love
He bore Argalia, propt with power, might prove
[Page 141] A sad obstruction to their plots, if he
Urg'd by distastes, shook their confederacie
Off to assist his friend; which to oppose,
With slattery fleeting as the gourd that rose
But to discover his just wrath that made
The plant to cover, when it could not shade,
They all attempt, though he engage not in
Their party, yet his easie youth to win
By honors moths, by times betrayers, soft
And smooth delights, those serpents, which too oft
Strangle Herculean vertues: But they here
In Ages April find a wit appear
Of such full growth, that by his judgment they
Are undermin'd, who studied to betray.
Being thus secur'd from forein fears, they now
Imploy that rage, whose speed could scarce allow
Advice from Councel, to extirpate those
New planted Laurels vict'rie did compose
To crown Argalia. But before they go
To ravish Conquest from so cheap a Foe
Whose valor by orewhelming power was barr'd
From lying safe at a defensive guard,
Till old Cleander, that their league might be
Assur'd by bonds whose firm stabilitie
Death only could divorce, intends, though she,
With such aversion as their destinie
Wretches condemn'd would shun, attempt to fly
The storm of fate; yet countmanded by
[Page 144] His power, the fair Pharonnida, although
He not to love, but duty seem'd to owe
For such a blessing, should Zoranza's be
Confirm'd by Hymen's high solemnitie.
This resolution, whose self-ends must blame
Her fathers love, once registred by fame,
Submits to censure; whilst Pharennida
Laments her fate, some prompted by the law
Of love and nature are to entertain
So much of freedom, as they prove in vain
Her advocates: Others, whose cautious fear
Dares only pity, in that dress appear
Silent and sad; only Almanzor in
This State-distemper, by that subtile sin
Dissimulation, so disguises all
His black intentions, that whilst truth did call
Him Treasons agent, its reflected light,
Appearance, spoke him Vertues proselyte;
So much a Convert, as if all those hot
Crimes of his youth ambition had begot,
Discreeter age had either cool'd, or by
Repentance chang'd to zeal and loyalty.
Whilst thus i'th' Court the most judicious eyes
Deluded were by factions false disguise,
By rumors heavy as the damps of death
When they flie laden with the dying breath
Of new-departed souls, this fatal news
Assaults the Princess, which whilst reason views
[Page 143] With sad resentments, to support her in
This storm of fate, Amindor, who had bin
In all her griefs her best adviser, now
Enters to tell her fainting sorrows how
They'd yet a refuge left, from whom she might
Reap hopes of safety: The first welcom sight
Of such a friend, whose former actions had
[...]nhanc'd his worth, encountring with her sad
And serious thoughts, so rarifies that cloud
Of grief, that ere dissolving tears allow'd
A vocal utterance, as intended words
Something contain'd too doleful for records:
Both sigh'd, both wept; at length the Princess broke
Silence, and thus lier dismal passions spoke.
Dare you, my Lord, approach so near unto
A factious grief, in this black storm to view
Distrest Pharonnida? have either I
Or my Argalia's slighted memorie
Yet in Morea a remaining friend,
Whose vertue dares by its own strength contend
Against this torrent of Court-factions? Now,
Now, Royal Sir, that doom which will allow
My soul no more refreshing slumbers, by
My father's past, my father (Sir) whom I
Must disobey with all the curses due
To black rebellion, or else prove untrue
Those vows, those oft repeated vows, which in
Our Loves full growth hath to Argalia bin
[Page 144] Seal'd in the sight of heaven. About to speak
Her passions fuller, sorrow here did break
The sad theme off, and to proclaim her fears,
(Except th'oreflowing language of her tears)
No Herald left. In which sad silent fit
The valiant Cyprian, who at first did sit
His passions prisoner, from that bondage free,
To her disease prescribes this remedie.
—Cease Madam—
Cease to eclipse illustrious beauty by
Untimely tears; your griefs deformity
Frights not Amindor from his friendship, when
I first beheld that Miracle of men
Ador'd Argalia, pluck from victorie
His Naval laurels, Honor told me I
Was then so much his Vertues captive, that
Not all the dangers mortals tremble at
Can make me shun assisting of him in
Retaining you, though my attempts have bin
Imploy'd in vain, in publick councel, to
Procure your peace, there's something left to do
By which our private plots may undermine
Their publike power, and unperceiv'd decline
That danger which, without this secret friend,
It lies not in our fortune to defend.
From griefs cold swoon to living comforts by
This cordial rais'd, Pharonnida's reply
Owns this pathetick language: If there be
In all the dark paths of my destinie
[Page 145] Yet left a rode to safety, name it, Sir,
What I'll atempt, no danger shall deter,
So brave Amindor be my conduct through
The dismal rode; but my wild hopes outgrow
What ere my reason dictates. No, my Lord,
Flie that sad fate whose progress can afford
Nought but disasters, and live happy in
Orlinda's love; should I attempt to win
You from so fair a vertue, 'twere a wrong
Too full of guilt to let me live among
The number of your friends, 'mongst whom let m [...]
In all your future thoughts remember'd be
As the most wretched to whom rigid fate
All hopes weak cordials hath appli'd too late.
Here ceas'd the sorrowing Lady, to suspend
Whose following tears, her charitable friend
Prescribes this comfort: Though my zeal hath bin,
When serving you, so unsuccessful in
My first attempts, it gives just cause to doubt
My future actions; yet to lead you out
Of this dark labyrinth where your sorrow stands
Maskt with amazements, not the countermands
Of my affection to Orlinda, though
Confirm'd by vows, shall stop; let grief bestow
But so much time (unclouded by your fear)
To look Hopes volumes ore, there will appear
Some lines of comfort yet, which that we may
Not in a heedless horror cast away,
[Page 146] Prepare for speedy action, to prevent
Ensuing ills no time is left unspent
But only this approaching night, by which
To slie from danger you must stoop t'enrich
A course disguise, whose humble shadow may
Enquiring eyes to dark mistakes betray.
Our first retreat, which is design'd to be
No further then the neighboring Monastrie
Where I of late did lie conceal'd, I have
Thus made secure: There stands an antient cave,
Close hid in unfrequented shadows, near
Your gardens postern gate; which when the fear
Of bordering foes deni'd a free access
To the old Abby, they from the distress
Of threatning Scouts were safe deliver'd by
A vault that through it leads; which though so nigh
Unto the city, careless time, since not
Forc'd to frequent, hath wholly left forgot
By busie mortals. In this silent Cell
Where nought but Lights eternal strangers dwell
In the Meridian depth of night, whilst all
Are rob'd in rest, you none encounter shall
(Except my self) but him, who may with us
This secret share, esteem'd Euriolus;
With whom, and your indear'd Florenza, we
Within the unsuspected Monastrie
Protected by some secret friends may stay
Till fruitless searches waste their hopes away,
[Page 147] Whose watchful spleen by care conducted might
Stop our intentions of a further flight.
Rais'd from the cold bed of despair, from this
Mature advice to hopes of future bliss,
The heavenly fair Pharonnida had now
Withdrawn the vail of grief, and could allow
Some smiles to wait upon those thanks which she
Return'd her friend; who, that no time might be
Lost by neglect from needful action, in
A calm of comforts, such as had not bin
Her late associates, leaves the Princess to
Persue those plots, which fortune bent t'undo,
Whilst hope on expectations wings did hover,
Did thus by fatal accident discover.
That knot in her fair thread of destiny,
That lurking snake, the Purgatory by
Which heaven refin'd her, curst Amphibia, had,
Whilst mutual language all their thoughts unclad,
Close as an unsuspected plague that in
Darkness assaults, an unknown sharer bin
Of this important issue; which with hate
Her genius met, soon strives to propagate
A brood of Fiends: Almanzor, whose dark plots
Like images of damn'd Magicians rots
Themselves to ruine others, like in this
Last act of ill by too much haste to miss
The rode that led through slipp'ry paths of sin,
From prides stupendious precipice falls in
[Page 148] A gulf of horror, in whose dismal shade
A private room his dark retreat is made.
Here whilst his heart is boil'd in gall, his brain
Orewhelm'd in clouds, whose darkness entertain
No beam of reason, whilst ambition mixt
Examples of the bloodiest murthers fixt
Upon the brazen front of time, all which
Lends no unfathom'd policie t'enrich
His near impoverish'd brain, he hears one knock,
Whose sudden noise soon scattering all the flock
Of busie thoughts, him in a hasty rage
Hurries to th' dore, where come, his eyes engage
His tongue to welcom one whose curst advice
His tortur'd thoughts turn'd to a Paradice
Of pleasing hopes, on whose foundation he
Prepares to build a future Monarchie.
A slow-consuming grief, whose Chronick stealth
Had slily robb'd Palermo's Prince of health,
In spight of all the guards of Art had long
Worn out his strength, and now had grown too strong
For age to bear, each baffl'd Artist in
A sad despair forsaking what had bin
Try'd but t'upbraid their ignorance, except
An aged Frier whose judgment long had slept
From watchful practice. but i'th' Court of Arts
Been so imploy'd, that the mysterious parts
Of clouded Theoricks, which he courted by
High contemplation, to his minds clear eye
[Page 149] Lay all undrest of that disguise which in
Mans fall t'afflict posterity, they'd been
By angry heaven wrapt in; so that he knew
What astral vertues Vegetables drew
From a celestial influence, and by what
Absconded magick Nature fitted that
To working humors, which they either move
By 'xpulsive hate, or by attractive love.
This Arts true master, when his hope was grown
Faint with delays, to the sick Prince made known,
A swift command calls from his still repose
The reverend Sire, who come, doth soon disclose
That long conceal'd malignity which had
The feeble Prince in sickly paleness clad:
Nor stays his Art at weak prognosticks, but
Proceeds to practice whatsoere may put
His Prince in ease, Cordials abstracted by
A then near undiscover'd chymistry,
Such as in single drops did all comprise
Nature ere taught Art to epitomise;
Such, as if arm'd with a Promethean fire,
Might force a bloodless carkass to respire;
Such as curb'd fate, and in their hot assault
Whilst storming life, made deaths pale army halt.
This rare Elixar by the Prince had bin,
With such success as those that languish in
Consuming ills, could wish themselves, so long
Us'd, that those fits which else had grown too strong
[Page 150] For nature to contend withall, were now
Grown more remiss; when Fate, that can allow
No lasting comforts, to declare her power
Ore Art it self, arrests that Conqueror
Of others ills, with a disease that led
Him a close prisoner to an uncouth bed;
Which like to prove natures slow chariot to
Th'expecting grave, loth to the publike view
To prostitute a secret, yet bound by
The obligation of his loyalty
T'assist his Prince, he to Pharonnida
That soveraign secret, which could only awe
Her fathers threatning pain, declares, which she
Hath since compos'd; when ere's extremitie
Suffer'd those pains, whose progress to prevent,
Sh'ad by Amphibia now the Cordial sent;
The slie Amphibia, who did soon obay
What lent her hate a freedom to betray.
His first salutes being past, with such a speed
As did declare the guilt of such a deed,
Might doubt discovery, she unfolds that strange
Amazing truth, which from the giddy range
Of wild invention soon contracts each thought
Into resolves, such as no object sought
But the destruction of what ere might stop
Ambitions progress; toward the slippery top
Of which now climbing on Conceits stretcht wing,
He silent stands, whilst teeming fancy brings
[Page 151] That Monster forth, for whose conception he
Long since deflour'd his virgin-loyaltie.
Few minutes, by that auxiliary aid
Which her discovery lent, his thoughts convaid
Through all the rodes of doubt: which safely past,
Strictly imbracing her who in this last
And greatest act of vilany must have
A farther share, he thus begins: Oh save,
Save, thou that art my better genius now,
What thou alone hast rais'd; my hopes must bow
Beneath impossibilities, if not
By thee assisted; Fortune hath begot
The means already; let this Cordial be
With poison mixt, Fate knows no enemie
Dares grapple with me; Do not start, there's here
No room for danger, if we banish feare.
His thoughts thus far discover'd, finding in
Her various looks, that apprehended sin,
The souls Mercurial pill, did penetrate
Her callous conscience, in whose cell this sate
With knawing horror; whilst all other lives
Whom her fraud spilt, prov'd hurtless corrosives,
From the cold ague of repentance, he
Thus rouses her: Can my Amphibia be
By fear (that fatal remora to all
That's great, or good) thus startl'd? is the fall
Of an old Tyrant grown a subject for
This soft remorse? let thy brave soul abhor
[Page 152] Such sickly passions, when our fortune stands
Fixt on their ruine, the unwilling hands
Of those that now withstand our glorious flight
Will help inthrone us, whilst unquestion'd right,
(Which is for power the worlds mistaken word)
Is made our own by th' Legislative sword.
Rais'd from her fears cold trepidations by
These hot ingredients, in an extasie
Of flatuous hopes, she casts herself into
This gulf of sin; and being prepar'd to do
An act, which not the present times could see
With sense enough, whilst in th'extremitie
Of wonder lost, through all his guards strict care
Death to the unsuspecting Prince doth beare.
Freed from this doubt, Almanzor to avoid
That storm of rage, which when their Prince destroid
The Courtshould know, might rise from fear, pretends
Haste to the Army; but being gone, suspends
That speedy voyage, and being attended by
A wretch whose guilt assur'd his privacy,
Through paths untrod hastes to the Cave wherein
Those habits which had by Amindor bin
(Whilst he his beauteous charge did thence convay)
Prepar'd to cloud illustrious beauty, lay:
Of which, in such whose size did shew they were
For th' largest sex, they both being clad, with care
Secret as swift, haste to augment the flood
Of swelling sins with yet more royal blood.
[Page 153] Th' Epirots constant Prince, by custom had
Made known a walk; which when the day unclad
Of glittering tissue, in her evenings lawn
Sate coolly drest, to court the sober dawn,
He often us'd, near this Almanzor (by
Hell made successful in his vilany)
Arriv'd some minutes ere the other, lies
Conceal'd, till darkness, and a close disguise,
(Those safe protectors) from his unseen seat
Call him to action, where, with thoughts repleat
With too much joy t'admit suspition, he
Finds the Messenian, whom no fear to be
Assaulted there had arm'd, his spacious train
Shrunk into one that serv'd to entertain
Time with discourse: Upon which heedless paire
The arm'd Almanzor rushing unaware,
Ere strength had time their valor to obay
In storms of wounds their senses lose the way
T'external objects; in which giddy trance
The other Lord, whose spirits readvance
To life, they fear not, lies secure, whilst by
Redoubl'd wounds his Princes spirits fly
From the most strong retreats of life, which now
Batter'd by death, no safety could allow.
Revenges thirst being in this royal flood
Quench'd for a while, that from the guiltless blood
His Honor might not yet a stain receive
First hasting to the cave, he there doth leave
[Page 154] Those injur'd habits, which by him were meant
For the betrayers of the innocent.
This done, that he even from suspition might
Secure his guilt, before the wasted night
Looks pale at the approach of day, he flies
To th' distant Army, there securely lies,
Till all those black productions of his brain
Now ripening to perfection should attain
Maturity, and in the Court appear
In their most horrid dress, knowing the fear
Of the distracted City soon would call
Him, and his Army, to preve [...]t the fall
Of such distracting dangers as might be
Attendants on th'eclipse of Majestie.
The End of the Third Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The Fifth Book. CANTO IV.

The Argument.
I.
Now, as if that great Engineer of ill,
Accurst Almanzor, had accomplisht all
Those black designs, which are ordaia'd to fill
The Spartan Annals, by his Princes fall:
II.
With secret spight, yet such as seem'd to be
From an advis'd Protector of the State,
Pharonnida's ill fate assisting, he
Toward her destruction prosecutes his hate.
THat dismal Night which in the dark records
Of story, yet so much of fate affords
In the Morean Annals, had to Day
Resign'd its reign, whose Eastern beams display
Their morning-beauties, by whose welcom light
The early Courtier, tir'd with tedious night,
[Page 156] Rises to meet expected triumphs, in
Their Princes nuptials, which so long had bin
The joyful business of their thoughts, that now
Sallying to action, they're instructed how
To court observance from the studied pain
Of best inventions, by attractive gain
Join'd to the itch of ostentative art,
Were thither drawn from each adjacent part.
In this swell'd torrent of expected mirth
Which all conclude must make this morning birth
To future Ages celebrated by
An annual triumph, the disparity
Of passion (sorrow) first breaks forth among
The slain Epirot's followers, who so long
Had mist their master, that they now begin
To doubt his safety, every place had bin
By strict enquiry search'd, to which they knew
Either affection or imployment drew
His frequent visits; but with an effect
So vain, their care serv'd only to detect
Their love, not him its object, who might have
Lain till corruption sought it self a grave,
Had not an early Forrester, so near
The place approach'd, that maugre all that fear
Alleag'd to stop a full discovery, he
Beheld so much as taught him how to free
His friends from further fruitless searches, in
Discovering what beneath their fears had bin.
[Page 157] In sorrow, such as left no power to vent
Its symptoms, but a deep astonishment
Th'amaz'd Messenians, whom a sad belief
Depriv'd of hope, did entertain their grief,
Whose swift infection to communicate
Their murther'd Prince, as if pale death kept state
Clad in the crimson robes of blood, is to
The City brought, where whilst the publick view
In busie murmurs spread her sable wings,
Pale terror to the Court, griefs center, brings
The dreadful truth, which some officious Lord
Whom favor did the priviledge afford
Of easie entrance, through the guards of fear,
In haste conveys t'assault the Princes ear.
With such a silence as did seem to shew
Unwelcom news is in its entrance slow,
Enter'd the room, he's with soft pace unto
The bed approach'd, whose curtains when withdrew
Discover'd horror in the dismal dress
Of death appears; freed from the slow distress
Of Age (that coward tyrant) which ne'r shews
His strength till man wants vigor to oppose
Through deaths dark gates fled to the gloomy shade,
Whose fear, or hope, not knowledge doth invade
Our fancies yet, he mans material part
There only sees; which form, whose heavenly art
Tunes motion into'th faculties of life,
Had now forsook the elemental strife
[Page 158] Which had so long at concord aim'd, was now
Silenc'd in death, on his majestick brow
No awefull frown did sit, the bloods retreat
From life and action left his cheeks the seat
Of deaths cold guest, which summon'd by his fate
There in a pale and ghastly horror sate.
Whilst the astonish'd Courtier did behold
This with such trembling, as when graves unfold,
Their Doom-dayes curtains, sinfull bodies shall
Rise from their urns, eternally to fall;
His stay, caus'd from restrictive fear, had drew
In more Spectators, to whose wandring view
This ghastly object when oppos'd had strook
So swift a tertor, that their fears forsook
The safe retreats of Reason, seeing life
Had now concluded all the busie strife
Of natures conflicts by delivering those
Time-shaken Forts unto more powerfull foes,
Outcries in vain attempts for pitty to
Scale heaven, whose ear, when from their prayers withdrew
The Court (now of her royal head bereft)
In a still calm of hopeless sorrow left.
Infectious grief, disdaining now to be
Confin'd within the brief Stenographie
Of first Discoverers, spreads it self among
The City herd, whose rude unsteddy throng
Rais'd grief (which in the mourning Court did dwell
In such a silence as an Anch'rites Cell
[Page 159] Ne'r knew a heavier solitude) into
Exalted outcries whose loud call had drew
From their neglected arts so many, that
What first was choler, now being kindl'd at
Their rage, like humors grown adust had bin
The open breach to let rebellion in;
Had not the wiser Nobles, which did know
That vulgar passions will to tumult grow
When back'd with power, by a new modell'd form
Of counsel soon allay'd this rising storm.
Their tears (those fruitless sacrifices to
Unactive grief, wip'd off whilst they did view
The States distemp'red body, to supply
The wants of that departed Majesty,
Which when their Prince from Lifes horizon fell
Fled from their view, before report should tell
This fatal story to the Princess, they
A Councel call, by whose advice she may
Whilst floating in this Sea of sorrow be
Sav'd from those unseen rocks, where treacherie
Rebellions subtile Engineer might sit
To wrack the weakness of a female wit;
Which, though in her such that it might have bin
The whole worlds Pilate, could, since clouded in
Such a tempestuous Sea of passions, see
No Star that might her safe director be.
A Messenger whose sad observant wit
By age allay'd seem'd a conveyer fit
[Page 160] For such important business, with the news
Hasts towards the Princess, whom whilst fear persues
On wings of pity, being arriv'd within
The Palace, he, as that alone had bin
The onely feat where rigid sorrow took
Her fixt abode, beholds each servants look
Obscur'd with grief, through whos dark-shades whilst he
Searches the cause, the strange variety
Explains it self, as families that have
Led their protecting Ruler to the grave,
whose loss they in a heedless sorrow mourn
So long, till care doth to distraction turn:
Her servants sate each wildly looking on
The other, till even sense it self was gone
In mourning wonder, whose wilde flight to stay
Its cause, they to the pitying Lord display
In such a tone, as whilst it did detect
The Princess absence, shew'd their own neglect.
When this he'ad heard, with such a sympathie
Of sorrow as erected grief to be
The mourning Monarch of his thoughts, to those
Return'd that sent him, he that transcript shews
Of this obscure original, the flight
O' th' absent Princess, whilst the veil of night
Obscur'd her passage, tells: but question'd how,
With whom, or whether knowledge did allow
No satisfaction, all inquiry gain'd
From her amaz'd attendants but explain'd
[Page 161] Their grief, whose troubled rivolet flow'd in
To that vast Ocean where before they'd bin
By sorrow shipwrack'd in the general flood
Mixt, wants a language to be understood
In a peculiar character, and so
Conjoyn'd makes up one universal wo.
Onely, as if love knew alone the art
That taught his followers how to mourn apart,
Sad, sweet Orlinda, whose calm innocence
Had fostred passion at her healths expence,
Whilst wet with grief's oreflowing springs, she to
Her brothers ghost did pay soft natures due
In sorrow of such sad complection, that
Others might lose their own to wonder at;
Yet when (as in the margint plac'd) she hears
Amindor lost, with new supplies of tears
Grief sallying forth, as if to be betray'd
Love now did fear, he draws the bashfull Maid
From those that did the mourning consort keep
Where she unseen for loves decease doth weep,
Frail womans faith, and mans neglect doth blame,
And softly then sighs out Amindors name;
Her lost Amindor, whose suppos'd disdain
Destroy'd those spirits grief could ne'r have slain.
And now before that powers decay ingage
To many hands in a vindictive rage
The wise supporters of the State to stay
Increasing factions (which can ne'r obey
[Page 162] Lest fear commands) unto Almanzor send
A mandate which injoyns him to attend
Their Councels in this interregnum, till
Their joynt consent had found out one to fill
The empty throne: which summons prompted by
A care which they interpret loyalty,
Though truely call'd ambition, he obey'd
With such a speed as Love would fly to aid
A ravish'd Lady, having to impede
His march no more then what his care could lead
Even with a singes speed, yet that a strength
Enough to make his will confine the length
Of their desires, who soon in Council sit
But to bewail th' abortion of their wit.
The frighted City having entred in
A mourning march, as if his thoughts had bin
A stranger to the sad events of this
So dismal night, he by relation is
Inform'd of each particular, which he
Seeming to hear in griefs extremity,
From silent sorrow which appear'd to wait
On still attention, his prepar'd deceit
Disguis'd in rage appears, a rage which in
Its active flight to finde what hearts had bin
Defil'd with thoughts of such foul crimes, did seem
So full of zeal, its actions did redeem
The lost report of loyalty in those
His former crimes made his most constant foes.
[Page 163] By guarded gates, and watchfull parties that
Surround the walls, till th' people frighted at
Their fury, shrink from publick throngs, they now
Assur'd of safety, whilst enquiring how
Hell hatch'd these monsters, whose original
Whilst searching, they by the consent of all
His best Physitians, whose experienc'd skill
From outward signs, knew what internal ill
Death struck the Prince, inform'd the cause could be
From nought but such a subtil enemy
As poyson, which when every accident
They had examin'd, all conclude was sent
Mixt with that cordial whose conceal'd receit
Unknown to art, their envy term'd the bait
To tempt the easie Princes faith into
That net which death allur'd by treason, drew.
With power from this imbrac'd suspition sprung
Almanzor, who not envies spotted tongue
Durst call prophane, though rudely forcing those
Weak gates, which need no greater strength t'oppose
Unclean intruders, then the reverence they,
Inforc'd by zeal, did with Religion pay
Unto that places sanctity, which he
Contemning, ere the wrong'd societie
Expecting such injurious visits, in
Rude fury entring, those whose power had bin
Imploy'd by noble pity to attend
The suffring Princess, in such haste did send
[Page 164] Them to her close and dark abodes, that now
Their doubts confirm'st, they're only studying how
To shun that danger which informing fear
Falsly perswades, towards them alone drew near.
Which dark suspition, ere unclouded, by
Seising on him whose innocence durst fly
To no retreat, the Royal fugitives
Back to the vault where first they enter'd, drives.
Now at the great'st antipathie to Day
The silent earth opprest with Midnight lay
Vested in clouds, black as they had been sent
To be the whole worlds mourning monument;
When through the Caves damp womb, conducted by
A doubtful light that scarce inform'd the eye
To find out those unhaunted paths, they in
A faint assurance, with soft pace begin
To sally forth, where unsuspected, they
Are seis'd by guards that in close ambush lay:
Which ere amazement could give action leave
To seek for safety, did their hopes deceive
By close restraint, aw'd by whose power, they're to
Almanzor brought, who from that object drew
Such joy as fills usurpers when they see
Wrong'd Princes strugling with captivitie.
From hence in such disdainful silence led
As taught their fear, from just suspition bred,
To tremble at some unknown ill, about
That sober time when Lights small lamps go out
[Page 165] At the approach of Days bright glories, brought
Back to the Court, they there not long had sought
Their sorrows sad original, before
A Court conven'd of such whose power had bore
Whilst (Gods own choice) a Monastry, had lent
Their dictates law, the weight of government,
They hither call'd by summons that did sound
Like bold rebellion, in sad omen found
More then they fear'd; A mourning train of Lords
Plac'd round a black tribunal, that affords
To the spectators penetrated eye
A dismal horror cloath'd in majestie.
Like hierogliphicks pointing to that fate
Which must ensue, all yet in silence sate
A dreadful silence, such as unto weak
Beholders seem'd to threaten when they speak,
Death and destruction dictates, when they saw
Their Princess enter'd, as if rigid Law
To loyal duty let the scepter fall
In an obedient reverence rais'd, they all
Lowly salute her, but that complement
To bribe their pity, fear in vain had spent;
When all resuming now their seats, command
The Royal captives, whose just cause did stand
On no defence but unknown truth to be
Summon'd to th' bar, where that they first might see
What rigor on the royal blood was shewn,
From no unjust conspiracie had grown,
[Page 166] A sable curtain from their herses drawn
Betrays her eyes then in the sickly dawn
Of grief grown dim, unto that horrid place
Where they met death drawn in her fathers face,
By whom now turn'd into well-model'd clay,
Fitted for's tomb the slain Epirot lay.
At this, as if some over-venturous look
For temperate rays, destructive fire had took
In at her souls receiving portals, all
Lifes functions ceas'd, sorrow at once lets fall
The burthen of so many griefs, which in
A death-like slumber had forgotten bin
Till humane thoughts obliterated by
The wish [...] conversions of eternity
Opprest no more, had not in [...]urious haste
Before this conflict could those spirits waste
Which had, to shun passions external strife,
Fled to the primum mobile of life,
Recall'd with them her sorrows to attend
Their nimblest motions, which too fast did spend
Her strength, to suffer weakness to obay
The Courts intentions of a longer stay.
From ruffl'd passions which her soul opprest,
By the soft hand of recollecting rest
Strok'd to a calm, which setl'd reason in
Her troubled throne; by those that first had bin
Her guards, the Princess (that fair pattern, whence
Men drew the height of humane excellence)
[Page 167] Is now return'd, to let her proud foes see
That the bright rays of magnanimitie
Though envy like th'ungrateful moon do strive
To hide that sun, except what's relative
Ne'r knows eclipse, the darkness taking birth
From what's below, whilst that remov'd from earth,
Her clear unclouded conscience ever stays
Amongst bright vertues universal rays.
The mourning Court (those ministers of fate)
In expectation of their prisoners sate,
They now appear in those disguises which
They first were took, being habits, though not rich
Enough to gild their rare perfections, yet
Such as did seem by sorrow made to fit
Their present sufferings; both the men cloth'd in
Monastick robes, black as their threds had bin
Spun from Peruvian wooll; the women clad
Like mournful Votaries, shew'd so sweetly sad,
As if their vertues which injurious fate
Did yet conceal, striving t' anticipate
The flights of time, had to th' external sence
Shew'd these as emblems of their innocence.
But love, nor pity, though they both did here
Within their Judges sternest looks appeare,
Durst plead for favor; their indictments read
So guilty sound, that those whose hearts even bled,
Disdain'd their eyes should weep, since justice did
In such foul crimes mercy as sin forbid.
[Page 168] Yet more to clear what circumstance had made
Level with reason, from th' approaching shade
Of death redeem'd, that Lord whose wounds had bin
But slumbers to recover safety in
When the Messenian murdred was, did now
Declare as far as reason could allow
The eyes to judge, those habits which they then
Did wear the same w ch cloath'd the murth'rers when
His Prince was slain; which open proof appears
So full of guilt it stops her friends kinde fears
Ere rais'd to hope, and in appearance shews
A guilt, which all but pitty overgrows.
The vext Epirots who for comfort saw
Revenge appearing in the form of Law
Retir'd, to feed their spleen with hope until
Th' extent of Justice should their vengeance fill;
When now by accusations that denide
Access to pity, for a Paracide
The Princess question'd, whose too-weak defence
Being but the unseen guards of innocence,
Submits to censure; yet to shew that all
Those scatter'd pearls, which from her eyes did fall
Dropt not t' attempt their charity, but shew
That no injurious storm could overslow
Her world of Reason, which exalted stood
Above the surface of the spacious stood,
Her tears for grief, not guilt, being shed, whilst in
The robes of magnaminity, not sin
[Page 169] Grown impudent, her brave resolv'd soul sate
Unshaken in this Hyrocane of sate.
To meet her calm (which like religion drest
Doth all become, but female vertues best)
The rough Amindor, whose discolour'd face
Anger did more then native beauty grace,
Since justly rais'd, disdaining thus to be
By a Plebian base captivity
Forc'd to submit his innocence unto
Their doubtfull test, had from his anger drew
A ruine swifter then their hate intends,
Had not his rage, whilst it toward danger bends,
Been taught by her example to exclude
Vain passions with a Princely fortitude,
Whose usefull aid (like those good works which we
For comforts call in deaths necessity)
Brought all their better Angels to defend
Them from those terrors which did death attend.
In busie whispers, which discover'd by
Their doubtfull looks the thoughts variety,
Long in sad silence sate the Court, until
Those noiseless streams of fancy which did fill
Each several brest united by consent
Want onely now a tongue so impudent
As durst condemn their Soveraign, which being in
Theumantius found, a Lord whose youth had been
By favor nurs'd, till power's wild beast grown rude
Repays his Fost'rer with ingratitude.
[Page 170] This bold, bad man, Loves most unhappy choice,
From flatteries Treble now exalts his voice
Without the mean of an excuse, into
The Laws loud Base; and what those fear'd to doe
That had been favour'd less, that black dec [...]ee
Pronounc'd, which discords all the harmonie
Of subject fear, and soveraign love, by what
Succeeding ages justly trembl'd at
Whilst innocent, but have of late been grown
So bad to shew such monsters of their own.
This sentence past, which knew no more allay
Of mercy, then what lets their judgments stay
From following life to deaths obscure retreat,
Till twenty nights had made their days compleat,
The Court breaks up; yet ere from publick v [...]ew
To close restraint the Royal captives drew,
Grant them this favor from their rigid laws,
That if there durst, to vindicate their cause,
In that contracted span of time appear
Any whose forward valor durst indear
The peoples love and prayers, so much to be
Their Champion, that his victory should free
Them from that dooms strict rigor; to oppose
Which brave Attempter, they Almanzor chose
(Since high command that honor did afford
To him alone) to weild the answering sword.
Now near departing, whilst the Cyprian in
A brave disdain, which for submissive sin
[Page 171] Looks on an answer, as his haste would show
An anger that did scorn to stoop so low
To strike with threats, stands silent, whilst that she
Whose temper heaven had made too calm to be
By rage transported, with a soul unmov'd
By stormy passions, thus their sin reprov'd.
Should I (my Lords) here with a female haste
Discharge my passions, 'twere (perhaps) to waste
My prayers, or threats, whilst one you would not fear,
Nor th'other pity: But when heaven shall clear
This curtain'd truth, wrapt in whose cloudy night,
Unjustly you, from my unquestion'd right
By birth, obedience, into faction stray,
Then (though too late) untimely sorrow may
Strive by repentance to expunge these stains
Cast on your honor. These exhausted vains,
Fixt eyes, pale cheeks, deaths dismal trophies, in
This royal face I now could not have seen
With a less sorrow then had serv'd to call
Me to attend him, had not the rude fall
Of your unjustice, like those dangerous cures
Perform'd by tutning into Calentures
Dull Lethargies, upon my heart laid hold
In such a flame of passion, as the cold
Approach of death wants power to quench until
You add that crime to this preceding ill.
Yet (though no fear can prompt my scorn to crave
A subjects mercy for my self) to save
[Page 172] This Noble Stranger, whose just acts being crost
By misconstruction, have their titles lost,
I shall become your suppliant, lest there be
A sin contracted by his serving me;
And onely in such noble wayes as might
Unveil themselves to th' suns Meridian light;
Sure he unjustly suffers, which may cause
You want more swords to vindicate your Laws
Then his you late elected to make good
Your votes, ere scarce cleans'd of that loyal blood
He in rebellion shed; but I am now
Too near my fatal period to allow
Disturbing passion any place within
My peacefull soul: what ere his crimes have been
In publick war, or private treason, may
Kinde Heaven, when with th' injustice of this day
Those shall be strictly question'd, to prevent
Their doom, conceal them in the large extent
Of mercies wings, which there may prove so kinde
To you, though here I can no justice finde.
This spoken in a garb that did detect
A sorrow which was ripened to neglect,
She silent stands, whilst through the thick resort
Of throng'd Spectators, toward the rising Court
Orlinda comes, with such a haste as shew'd
That service she by Love's allegiance ow'd;
Love, which had sorrows sable wings out-fled
To mourn the living, not lament the dead;
[Page 173] Come where her fears (now near lost) object she
Within the shadow of the Grave might see
By sentence shut, neglecting death that lay
In ambush there her reason to betray
To hate, when by the false informing Law,
Her Friend she as her brother's murtherer saw
In actions such as Scythian Tyrants feel
Some softness from, she that ne'r us'd to kneel
Too ought but heaven, a lowly suppliant falls
Before the Court, from whose stern brests she calls
So much of sorrow as perhaps had strook
Them all with horror, if a sudden look
Obliquely on her murther'd brother cast,
Had not ere Love assaulted with her last
And powerfull'st pray'rs, whilst hot with action in
A cool retreat of spirits, silenc'd bin.
She fainting faln, as an addition to
Their former grief, is from the throng withdrew
Into the free untainted air, where by
Assisting Friends which gently did apply
Their needfull aid, heat, which was then grown slack
In Natures work, antipathy calls back
To beauties frontiers, where like bashfull light
It in a blush meets the Spectators sight
But such a one, as ere full blown is by
Her Friends disasters forc'd again to fly
Beneath those clouds of grief, whose swelling pride
Spread by report, did now not onely hide
[Page 174] The Court or City, but to bear a part
Of that sad load, summons each Subjects heart.
Whilst now the Prisoners, ere the peoples love
To anger turn, the active Guards remove
To still the clamorous multitude, who sway'd
By various passions, did whilst each obey'd
Opinions dictates, but in darkness rove
At shadow'd truth, whence now they boldly strove
To pluck the vail from Declarations that
Contain'd those falshoods, which whilst wondring at
They wept to force upon their faith, are sent
Through th' Lands each Town, & Armies Regiment;
By which Almanzor, who attempted in
This plot to joyn security with sin,
Doubting if ere this story reach his ear,
Argalia might their combatant appear,
Besides those stains which common fame did take
For sins just debts, sliely attempts to shake
The heaven-erected fabrick of his love
By closer engines, such as seem'd to move
On noble pity, which with grief ingrost
That faith which envy in disdain had lost.
Black rumor, on the wings of rais'd report
Flying in haste, had soon attain'd the Court
Of the amaz'd Aetolian Prince, who hears
The dreadfull story with such doubtfull fears
As shook his noble soul, but not into
An easie faith, each circumstance was true,
[Page 175] He knew Almanzor's vilany to be
Of that extent so foul a progenie,
As all those horrid murthers might from thence
Take easie birth: but when the innocence
Of's vertuous Princess, and his honor'd Friend
The noble Cyprian Prince, come to contend
With oft confirm'd report, that strikes a deep
And solemn grief, yet such as must not keep
A firm possession in his soul, until
A further inquisition either kill
His yet unfainting hopes, or raise them to
Joy by confirming those reports untrue.
The End of the Fourth Canto.

PHARONNIDA. The Fifth Book. CANTO V.

The Argument.
I.
Through royal blood to level that dark way
Which Rebels pass unto the injur'd throne,
Pharonnida is now condemn'd to pay
A debt for crimes that none durst call her own.
II.
When near the last step, brave Argalia, who
In close disguise truths secrets had betraid,
When most did doubt 'twas now too late to sue
To heaven for pity, brings a timely aid.
IF on those vanisht Heroes that are fled
Through the unknown dark Chasma's of the dead,
To rest in regions so remote from hence
Twixt them and life there's no intelligence,
When ere thou look'st through times dim optiques, then
Brave emulation of those braver men,
[Page 177] Rouses (that ray of heav'n) thy soul to be
A sharer in their fames eternity;
Thou'st then a genius fit to entertain
A Muses flight, which may be rais'd again
To sing thy actions, when there's left no more
Of thee, but what by life, whilst passing ore
Natures short stage, had either scatter'd bin
By careless youth, or firmly planted in
Maturer age, whose wasted talent spent,
(Those were his Friends, this is his monument)
Is all, except some Muse thy life records,
That to thy worth, th' unthankful world affords.
But if thy uninspired soul do beare
A lower sail, which flagging with the care
Of humid pleasures, ne'r is swell'd into
Sublimer thoughts, then such as onely view
Earth for its object, which ne'r yet did lend
Her favorites more then what they here do spend
T' improve her barren wants, may none rehearse
Thy name (beneath the dignity of verse)
But trivial flatterers, such as strive to gain
Thy favor from Ephemera's of the brain
Unsalted jests, pleas'd at whose painted fire
I leave fond thee in vapor to expire,
Whilst from thy living shadow I return
To crown the dust in brave Argalia's urn.
From common fame (that wild impostor) he
Had often heard what Love deny'd should be
[Page 178] For truth admitted, his Pharonnida
Accus'd for sins which envy strove to draw
Objects for heavens severest wrath, and now
Ere his considerate judgment would allow
Report for real, secret Messengers
To Corinth sends, who ill inform'd, transfers
His further trouble, in confirming what
Whilst others wept for, he transported at
So sad a change in her whose vertue had
Inflam'd his thoughts, by passion near unclad
His soul of all his robes of [...]lesh, which now
So loosely hung, as if she practic'd how
To strip her self, should unexpected death
To heavens hard course, call forth the nimble breath.
Could earth here conquer, or had it within
The power of whatsoever is mortal bin
T' have wrought disorders of amazement where
The noble soul such true consent did beare
With the harmonious Angels, he in all
His acts like them appears, or (ere his fall)
Perhaps like man, that he could onely be
Distinguish'd from some hollow'd hierarchie,
By being cloath'd in the specifick vail
Of flesh and blood, this grief might then prevail
Over his perfect temper; but he bears
These weights, as if unfelt, on his soul wears
The sable robes of sorrow, whilst his cheek
Is drest in scarle [...] smiles; no frown his sleek
[Page 179] And eaven front contract, like to a slow
And quiet stream his obscur'd thoughts did flow
With greater depths then could be fathom'd by
The beamy lines of a judicious eye.
Whilst those good Angels which fond men call wit,
Reform'd by age, did all in Council sit,
To steer those thoughts by which he did attend
Pharonnida's escape, they to this end
At length reduc'd his Councils, that he must
To succor her leave groveling in the dust
His Kingdom, which being by domestick strife
Late wounded, was but newly rubb'd to life:
Yet since that there to her redemption lay
In all the progress of his thoughts no way
Less full of danger, such of's Lords as he
Honor'd for age, and prais'd for loyalty,
Call'd to a secret Council, he discovers
His fixt resolves, which they, though now no Lovers,
With such consenting souls did hear, that though
They knew his danger might ev'n fear outgrow,
They to oppose that scourge of cowards brings
His vows, his sacred vows, those scepter'd Kings
Which justly rule the conscience, that aw'd by
Usurping fear submits to Tyranny.
Their first proposals, whence their judgment sought
To hide his absence, to conclusion brought,
They thence proceed to level him a way
Through that thick swarm of Enemies that lay
[Page 180] Circling the walls, where reason stayes a while
In various censure, ere 't could reconcile
Their diff'ring judgments, but at length in this
(As that which in this dangers dark abiss
Seems to lend fear most of the helpfull light
Of hope) concludes, that when succeeding night
With strength of age was grown so gravely staid,
That dark designs fear'd not to be betraid
By th' wanton twilight, he in close disguise,
Whilst some of's troops diverted by surprise
His watchful foes, might pass their guards, which don,
Their care might be, with's surther march begun.
In dismal darkness, that black throne of fear,
Nights silent Empress, aw'd the Hemisphear;
When now Argalia's ready troops, with slow
And noiseless marches issued through their low
Close Salliports, are swiftly rallied by
Such as had long taught valor how to dy
For honors rescue; Captains that had bin
From youth's first bud, till age was reverenc'd in
Her honor'd scars, such strict disciples to
Wars hardest precepts, that their fame out-grew
Their power, which that had so authentick made
Where fear was scorn'd, they were for love obay'd▪
By these brave Hero's, which had often led
Armies to sleep in honors purple bed,
The Prince assisted, was with secret haste,
By wayes where fear no Centinel had plac'd,
[Page 191] Drawn near the Leagure, which th' alarum took
From a storm'd Fort, had with such speed forsook
Their huts, that haste which was intended to
Preserve, being now to wild confusion grew,
Helps to destroy: In undistinguish'd sounds,
Which not inform, but frighted sense confounds
With wild amazement, the unnoted words
Even of command are lost; no ear affords
Room for advice, nor the most serious eye
A place for order; Ensignes vainly flye
Since unperceiv'd through the dark air, which in
A storm ne'r knew more tumult then had bin
Since first their fear on this alarum fled
From Reason, through the troubled Leaguer spread.
In this loud horror, whilst they need no lamp
To guide them more then their own flaming Camp,
His frighted foes (fled from their quarter) lend
The Prince some hope this sudden charge might end
Their slow-pac'd siege; yet since approaching day
Perswading haste, denies his longer stay,
The power to those Commanders left, which he
For valor knew might force from victory
Unwilling laurels, though their judgment such,
Those hallowed wreaths they ne'r durst rashly touch'
He leaves (when first his sword, which none did spare
Within its reach, had of his being there
Left bloody marks) the conquer'd foes, to finde
Out sterner foes in his afflicted minde,
[Page 192] Which since usurping doubt with peaceful love
For empire strove, taught passion how to move
In spheres so differing from his reasons right
Ascension, that his cares protracted night
From this oblique position caus'd, had made
His sorrow tedious, as those nights which shade
Cold Artick regions, when the absent sun
Doth underneath th'Antartick tropick run.
This passage forc'd through his obstructive foes,
That now the treacherous day might not disclose
Him whilst unguarded, to their view that might
In larger troops persue a baser flight
Through deep dark paths, which ne'r to th'sun had shown
Their uncouth shades, being to all unknown
Save neighb'ring rurals, he conducted by
A faithful guide, directs his liberty
Towards stately Corinth, near whose confines ere
Six morning dews had cool'd the hemisphere,
Arriv'd in safety, that kind heaven might bless
His future actions with desir'd success
To seek to them, he first sought those, that in
The wane of's blood had lifes supporters bin,
Those holy Hermites to whose art he ow'd
For life, next heaven which first that gift bestow'd.
Come to their quiet Cell, where all receive
Him with a wonder that did hardly leave
A room for welcom, till their fear had in
A full relation of his fortune bin
[Page 193] Chang'd for as much of sanguine mirth as they
Could know, that had Religions cool allay
To check delight, he being retir'd with him
Whose first discoveries in his fortunes dim
Imperfect light directed him to know
His royal off-spring, lets his language flow
With so much freedom as discovers what,
Whilst he by active war was aiming at
His Kingdoms safety, call'd him thence to save
Sweet vertue from an ignominious grave.
The fatal story heard by him, whose love
Fixt by religion, passion could not move,
Although he pitied all th'afflicted, to
More softness then what had its off-spring drew
From heav'ns strict precepts which are then mispent
When easie man mistakes the innocent:
Since what permits hypocrisie to win
Remorse, by mercy doth but cherish sin.
Which to avoid, ere his consent approve
Of the design, neglecting all which Love
Prompted by pity could alleage to draw
Him to the combat, though he in it saw
Nought to defend but innocence, since in
That shape deluded, charity hath bin
Too oft deceiv'd, that his victorious sword
Might not but where fair justice could afford
Vict'rie be drawn, he, like a Pharos plac'd
'Mongst rocks of doubt, thus rectifies his haste.
[Page 194] Take heed, brave Prince, that in this doubtful way
'Twixt love and honor thy bright vertues stray
Not from Religions latitude, into
More dangerous stations, Reasons slender clew
Is here too short to guide thee, and may in
Its conduct but obliquely lead to sin.
Be cautious then, and rashly venture not
On unknown depths, where valor seems begot
By vain presumption: Mortal beauty, that
Imperfect type of heaven, though wonder'd at,
Yet may not be so much ador'd to make
Our passions heavens directing road mistake.
Though thy affections were legitimate
As mans first choice, since in that happy state
Of innocence frail woman then found out
A way to fall, still let thy reason doubt
The same deceit, since that affected she
Which thou ador'st, yet wears mortalitie;
A garment which since ma [...] first wore, hath bin
But once cast off without some spots of sin.
Yet know, my councel strives not to prevent
Thy swords assisting of the innocent;
As much of mercy on neglect being spilt,
As there's got vengeance from presumptuous guilt
Only before thy valor dares to tread
This rubick path, whose slipp'ry steps have led
So oft to ruine, let Religion be
Thy prompter unto so much policie,
[Page 195] As may secure thy conscience; which to do,
Claim my assistance as thy vertues due.
The grateful Prince with lowly looks had paid
His thankful offerings, when, that promis'd aid
Might not fall short of expectation, he
Whose words (like vows that hold affinitie
With heav'n) breath'd nought but constant truth, did thus
Proceed towards action; whilst (lov'd Prince) with us
Of this poor Covent, you, by wounds restrain'd
From action liv'd, you know that what's contain'd
In our calm doctrine, gives us leave to be
So intimate with each societie,
No secret, though maskt in the clouds of sin,
Flies those discoveries which informs us in
Their last confessions; by which means you may
Know whether justice calls your sword to pay
These bloody offerings as a victim to
Th'appeasing of an inward vertue due.
By this advice instructed to convince
What love suggests, the apprehensive Prince,
Since this includes nothing but what's too just
To disobey, although he all mistrust
Of her like sin avoids, consents to be
Rul'd by his Council, whose assistance he
So oft successful found; which, that delay
(That slow-pac'd sin) might not obstruct the way
With times too oft neglected loss, he now
So fast toward action hastes, they could allow
[Page 196] The night scarce time to steal a dark retreat,
Ere having left that melancholy seat,
Devotions dark retiring place, he goes
To see how much her frowns did discompose
That Cities dress, of whom he'd ne'r a sight
Before, but when 'twas polish'd with delight.
His Arms (bright Honors burnisht robes) into
Such weeds as shew'd him to the publick view
A course Monastick, chang'd, attended by
His aged friend, soon as the mornings eye
Adorn'd the East, the prosp'rous Prince begun
His pious journey, which, before the sun
Blusht in the West, found a successful end
In clouded Corinth, where arriv'd, they spend
The hours of the succeeding night to find
How, in that factious troubl'd sea, inclin'd
The City stood, whose shallow sons dare vent
By nothing but their tongues, that discontent
Their hands might cure, were not those useful parts
Restrain'd from action by unmanly hearts,
Which being at once with grief and fear opprest,
Durst do no more but pity the distrest;
Which gentle passion, since so general, lends
Some light of hope to her enquiring friends.
To usher in that dismal day, whose light
Design'd to lead into eternal night
As much of beauty as did ere give place
To death, the morning shews her gloomy face
[Page 197] Wrapt up in clouds, whose heavy vapors had
Hung heaven in black, when, to perform the sad
And serious office of [...]onfessors to
Those royal sufferers, whom harsh fates persue
To deaths dark confines, through their guard of foes
Argalia and his grave assistant goes;
Where he whose love to neither did surmount
His zeal, to take the Cyprians last account
Himself addrest, whilst his kind passions lead
Argalia from Pharonnida, to read
Her lifes last story, made authentick by
The near approach of her eternity.
Enter'd the room, which to his startl'd [...]ight
Appear'd like sorrow sepulcher'd in night,
So dismal sad, so silent, that the cold
Retreat of death, the grave, did ne'r unfold
A heavier object, by a sickly light
Which was even then to th' artificial night
That fill'd the room resigning'ts reign, he saw
Griefs fairest draught, divine Pharonnida,
Amidst her tears, faln like a full-blown flower,
Whose polisht leaves oreburthen'd with a shower,
Drops from their beauties in the pride of day'
To deck the earth, so sadly pining lay
The pensive Princess, whom an extasie
O [...] passion led to practise how to die
In such abstracted contemplations, that
Angels forsook their thrones to wonder at.
[Page 198] Wet with those tears, in whose Elixar she
Was bathing of the Lilies nurserie,
Her bloodless cheeks; her trembling hand sustan'd
A book, which what heavens mercy hath ordain'd
For a support to humane frailty in
Storms of affliction, lay; which, as she'd bin
Now so well in repentant lectures read,
That faith was on the wings of knowledge fled
To meditation, her unactive grief
Lets softly fall, whilst Time, wise natures thief,
That all might look like sorrows swarthy night,
Is stealing forth of the neglected Light;
Whose sullen flame, as it would sympathize
With those quencht beams that once adorn'd her eys
After a feeble blaze that spoke its strife
But vain, in silence weeps away its life.
Come to behold this beauteous monument
Of mourning passion, his great spirits spent
On love and wonder, the astonish'd Prince
Here silent stands, valor could not convince
His wild amazement: To behold her lie
By rigid laws restrain'd from libertie,
To whom his soul was captive, troubles all
His reasons guards: But when, how she must fall
From beauteous youth, and vertuous life, to be
One of the graves obscure societie,
Must fall no Martyr, whose lamented death
Grows pities object, but depart with breath
[Page 199] 'Mongst ignominious clouds of guilt, that must
Stick an eternal odium on her dust;
That thought transports him from his temper to
Passions, in which he had forgot to do
His Priestly office, and, in rage as high
As ever yet inflam'd humanitie,
Sent him to actions, whose attempt had bin
The rode his valor must have perish'd in,
Had not her sorrows agony forsook
The Princess, by whose first unsteady look
He, being as far as his disguise gave leave,
Discover'd, is invited to receive
Those last confessions, in whose freedom she
Seeks by absolving comforts how to free
Her soul of all which a religious fear
Like spots on her white conscience made appear.
Having from her unburthen'd soul learnt how
To ease his own, the Priestly Prince had now
As far as bold humanitie durst dive
Into remission, heavens prerogative,
Pronounc'd that pardon for whose seal there stood
The sin-polluted worlds redeeming blood:
By which blest voice rais'd from what did appear
Like sorrow, till her faith had banish'd fear,
The Princess in such gentle calms of joy
As souls that wear their bodies but to cloy
Celestial [...]lights can feel, to entertain
Her fatal doom with a resolv'd disdain
[Page 200] Of death prepares, whilst he whom heaven to her
Had made their mercies happy Messenger,
Forsaking her, repairs to him that had
With the same hand the Cyprians thoughts unclad:
By whom inform'd, how that in their defence
His sword protected nought but innocence,
Arm'd with those blessings which so just a cause
Proclaim'd his due, he secretly withdraws
To change those emblems of Religious peace,
Monastick robes, for such as might increase
Their joy and wonder, whose contracted fear
Despair'd to see a Combatant appear,
Although they knew his sword defended then
The best of causes 'gainst the worst of men.
Whilst he prepares with near as much of speed
As incorporeal substances that need
But will for motion, to defend her in
Th' assaults of death, that hour which long had bin
The dreadfull expectation of those friends
That pitied her, arriv'd, in sorrow ends
Fears cold disease; those Ministers of fate,
The props to all that's illegitimate,
The Army, to suppress the weak essayes
Of love or pity, guarded had the wayes
By which illegal power conducted her
From that dark room, griefs curtain'd Theater,
To be beheld upon the publick stage,
The glory, yet the scandal of the age▪
[Page 201] Which two extreams met on the scaffold in
A Princess suffering, and a peoples sin:
Which now, join'd to the dreadful pomp that cals
His Subjects to attend the funerals
Of her lov'd father, whose lifes vertues won
Tears for his death, thus solemnly begun.
Remov'd no further from the City then
An hours short walk, though undertaken when
Sol rag'd in Cancer might with ease convay
Scorcht travellers, a dismal temple lay
In a dark vally, where more antient times
Had perpetrated those religious crimes
Of humane offerings to those Idols that
Their hands made, for their hearts to tremble at,
Yet this, since now made venerable by
Those reverend reliques of antiquity,
The Spartan Princes monuments, by those
Of later times, though alter'd faith, is chose
For their retreat, when lifes extinguisht glory
Sought rest beneath a silent dormitory.
Nor stood this fabrick all alone; long since
A Palace by some melancholy Prince
Which hated light, or lov'd the darkness, built
To please his humor, or conceal his guilt,
So near it stood, to distant eyes which sent
Thither their beams, it seem'd one monument,
Whose sable roof 'mongst Cypress shadows fills
The deep dark basis of those barren hills
[Page 102] With such a mournfull Majesty as strook
A terror into each beholders look,
Awfull as if some Diety had made
That gloomy vale to be the sacred shade
Where he chose in enigma's to relate
The dark decrees of mans uncertain fate.
Betwixt this temple and the City stood
In squadrons thick as shews an ancient wood
To distant sight, the Army, plac'd to be
In this sad march their guilts securitie
Whose glittering swords shon, as if drawn to light
Dayes beauties to the palace of the night;
Toward which, the prisoners, yet detain'd within
The City, in this dreadfull pomp begin
Their mournful march, led by that doleful call
By which loud war proclaims a funeral:
Those that had been the common guards unto
The murther'd Princes, to the peoples view
Are first presented, on an ebon spear
Each bore a scuchion, where there did appear
The arms which once adorn'd those Princes shields
Sadly display'd within their sable fields.
Next these, some troops whose prosperous valor in
Their Courts had steps unto preferment bin,
Come slowly on, but slowlier follow'd are
By elder Captains, such whom busie war
Whose victories had their youth in honor di'd,
As useless-now for Council laid aside:
[Page 103] I' th' rear of these the Officers of State,
Grave as they'd been of Council unto Fate,
I' th' purple robes of royal Mourners clad,
With heavy pace conducted in a sad
And dismal object, two black Chariots drawn
Like hideous night when it assaults the dawn
In dreadfull shadows, where to fright the day
With sadder objects, on black herses lay
Th' Effigies of the murther'd Princes, in
Whose form those spots of treason that had bin
Fates Agents, to unravel Natures law,
In bloody marks the mourning people saw,
At which sad fight from silent sorrow they
Advanc'd had let external grief betray
Their love, and loss, if not diverted by
Succeeding objects, which assault the eye
With what, though living, yet more terror bred.
Then what they found for the lamented dead,
In such a garb as sorrow strives to hide
The hot efluviums of a sullen pride,
Almanzor next, with slow portentous pace
Follows the herses, his discover'd face
So subtilly di'd in sorrow as it had
Strove to out-mourn the sable arms which clad
His falser breast, whose studi'd treason knew
No such disguise, as first to meet the view
O' th' censuring people in a dress that shews
Him by their States maturer Council chose
[Page 204] 'Gainst who'ere durst maintain the pris'ners cause
By's valor for to vindicate their laws.
But now, to lose these rivolets of tears
In the vast Ocean of their grief, appears
Their last, and most lamented object in
The royal Captives, whose sad fate had bin
Not so disguis'd in attributes of guilt,
But that the love their former vertue built
In every breast, broke through their fear to show
How much their duty did to sorrow ow.
In that black train they had beheld before,
Though full of sadness, wearied life past ore
The stage of nature, is their darkest text
To comment on, which since good men perplext
With life's cares are, finds less regre [...] then now
To living sufferers justly they allow:
Friends though less near (since death is but that rest
They vainly seek that are in life distrest)
Being pitied more then those whose worst of Fate
We have beheld destruction terminate.
That nought might in this scene of sorrow be
Wanting to perfect griefs solemnitie
The Kingdoms Marshal, who supported in
His hand a sword, which glitring through a thin
Wreath'd Cipers, through the sad Spectators eye
Strook such a terror as if shadow'd by
Death's sooty vail; conducting after goes
Th' undaunted Cyprian, with a look that showes
[Page 205] A soul whose valor was of power to light
Such high resolves as by their splendor might
Make death look lovely; on his upper hand
Her sexes glory, she whose vertues scann'd
Her actions by heavens strictest rules, the swee [...]
Pharonnida, unmov'd prepares to meet
The ministers of death, her train being by
Florenza, who must in that Tragedy
Act her last part, sustain'd. The garment which
The beauteous Princess did that day inrich
Was black, but cut on white, ore which the fair
Neglected treasure of her flowing hair
Hung loosely down; upon her head she wore
A wreath of Lillies, almost shadow'd ore
With purple Hyacinths, on which the stains
Of murther yet in bloody marks remains;
Over all this a melancholy cloud
Of thick curl'd Cipers from the head did shroud
Her to the feet, through which those spots of white
Appear'd like stars, those comforts of the night,
When stole through scattred clouds; in her right hand
She held a watch whose next stage should have spand
The minutes of her life; her left did hold
A branch of mirtle, which as grown too old
To live, began to wither, for defence
O' th' falling leaves, as death and innocence
Had both conspir'd to save 't; the bow was round
In mistick wreaths of black and silver wound.
[Page 106] Near to the royal Prisoners, many Peers
Of either Kingdom, men of th' gravest years
And loyal'st hearts, did with a dolefull pace
Bring up the rear, each melancholy place
Through which they past, being with those pensive flowers
That wait on funerals strew'd. The lofty towers
Of checquer'd marble had their stately brows
In sables bound, their pinacles with boughs
Of dismal Yew adorn'd, as if their knell
Should next be rung, a solemn passing bell
In every Church was toull'd, whose dolefull sound
Mixt with the drum & trumpets dead march, dround
The peoples cries, whose grief can ne'r be shown
In 'ts native dress, till loud and clamorous grown.
In this black pomp the mourning train had left
The sable City, which being now bereft
Of all her sad and solemn guests, did bear
The emblem of an empty sepulchre,
So full of silence, all her throng being gone
With heavy pace to be attendants on
Those funeral rights, which ere perform'd must have
More vertue for attendants to the grave
Then ere they could again expect to see,
Whose hopes of life lay in minoritie.
Come to the desert vale, which yet had kept
A solitary loveliness that slept
There in untroubl'd rest, a levell'd green
Chose for the Lists, which nature lodg'd between
[Page 107] Two barren hills, upon whose bare front grew
(Though thinly scatter'd) here a balefull Yew,
And there a dismal Cypress, plac'd as they
Had onely chose that station to display
The peoples passions, who with eyes fixt in
Full orbs of tears, ere this had sorrowing seen
The pitied prisoners, to those Scaffolds brought
Where those lamented lives whose treason sought
To ruine must be sacrific'd to please,
Ambitious man, not angry heaven appease,
This curles their bloods, which soon inflam'd had grown
Had not the varied scene of sorrow shown
The murther'd Princes, who product, as they
Had been reserv'd as opiats to allay
Their angers flame, are both expos'd unto
The satisfaction of the publick view,
Mounted on herses, which on either side
O' th' Temple gate with deaths most dismal pride
On ebon pillars stood, as rais'd to show
What justce did to their destruction ow.
Plac'd near to these, their sorrows sad Records,
Almanzors tent, to shew that it affords
For red revenge a close reception, stood
Like a black rock from whence in clouds of blood
The sanguine streamers through the thickned sky
Did waving with unconstant motion fly,
In view of which, though at the other end
If any durst appear that could defend
[Page 208] Their cause, whom heaven alone knew innocent,
There to receive him stood an empty Tent,
Whose outside, as if fanci'd to deter
His entrance, there appear'd a Sepulcher
Over whose gate her false Accusers had
Transcrib'd those crimes which so un [...]ustly clad
In purples sins those spotless [...]ouls; which seen
In their bright vertues candid robes had been
The hated wonders of those foes, whose ends
Now finde success i' th' pity of their friends.
Near this black tent, on mourning scaffolds, where
Death did t' encounter innocence prepare
His heaviest darts, such as were headed by
That more then mortal plague, foul infamy,
The prisoners mounted; at the other gate
Almanzor, like the messenger of Fate
Fraught with revenge appears, his dreadfull form
More full of terror then a midnight storm
To straitned Fleets, appearing to the view
O' th' multitude, who whilst their prayers persue
The prisoners safety on the flagging wings
Of sickly hope, his sure destruction brings,
Since from their knowledge more remote to cure,
Unto their hates impatient calenture.
Thrice had the trumpet sadly sounded bin
And thrice a Herald's voice had summon'd in
Some bold defendant; but both yet so vain,
As if just Heaven neglected to maintain
[Page 209] That righteous cause, which sadly seen of all,
The sorrowfull, but helpless people fall
Since hopes of life was shrunk into despair,
To be assistant by their private prayer
At deaths distracting conflict; in a brief
Effectual speech, which answer'd to the chief
Heads of's indictment, in those powerfull words
Conceiv'd his last, the Cyprian Prince affords
Their sorrow yet a larger Theam; which done,
Being first to die, having with prayer begun
That doubfull road, he now a short leave takes
Of all his mourning Friends, then calmly shakes
Off each terrestial thought, and heightned by
The speculations of eternity,
Above those damps which natures hand did weave
Of humane fear, submitting to receive
The fatal stroke, that Center to a crown,
But orb of wit, his sacred head layes down.
Fled to the dark cell of their utmost fears
With eyes whose lids were cemented in tears,
Each still Spectators thoughts did now repair
To the last refuge of a silent prayer:
In which close parl, from that deep Lethargy
They are to joy and wonder waken'd by
A trumpets voice, which from the other gate
Sounds a defiance; 'twas not yet so late
In hopes dim twilight, but they once more may
In expectation of a glorious day
[Page 110] Dare look abroad: which done, unto their view
A Cyprian Herald being design'd unto
That office, they leading a stranger Knight
Into the Lists behold, whose welcom sight
Was entertain'd with acclamations, that
Rais'd thunder for his foes to tremble at.
This valiant Hero, whose brave gesture gave
Life to that hope which told them heaven would save
Such suffering vertue, now drawn near unto
The tent, is taking a disdainful view
Of that accurst inscription, whilst all eyes
Center'd on him, see through his steel-disguise
A goodlier shape, though not so vastly great
As that curst lump nature had made the seat
Of's enemies black soul: The armor which
He wore, they knew not whether for more rich,
Or rare to prize; the ground of it, as he
For those had mourn'd, which now from infamie
His sword sought to redeem, was black, but all
Enamell'd ore with silver-hearts, let fall
From flaming clouds, which hovering above
Them, look'd like incense fir'd by heavenly love.
'Mongst these in every vacant place was found
A deaths-head scatter'd, some of which were crown'd
With laurel, others on their bare fronts wore
A regal diadem; in's shield he bore
In a Field argent on the dexter side
A new-made Grave, to which a Lamb deni'd
[Page 111] Succor on earth, to shun the swift persuit
Of a fierce wolf, was fled; but ere one foot
Was enter'd there, from a red cloud that charg'd
The field in chief, a thunderbolt inlarg'd
By heav'ns just wrath, from's sulphrie seat was sent
So swiftly, that what sav'd the innocent,
The guilty slew, which now in's blood doth lie
A President for powerful tyrannie.
Those short surveys o' th' people hardly took,
Ere having now th'unuseful tent forsook,
The brave Defendant with a loud salute
Had past the scaffold in the bold persuit
Of glorious vict'rie, whom his angry foe
Whose valors flame ne'r an allay did know
So cold as fear, in that wild flame which rage
Oppos'd had kindl'd, hastens to engage
Him with so high a storm of fury, that
Each falling stroke, others did tremble at
What they sustain'd. Strength, valor, judgment, all
Which ere made Conquerors stand, or conquer'd fall,
Here seem'd to meet: As it t'outrun desire,
Each nimble stroke quick as ethereal fire,
When wing'd by motion fell, yet with a heft
So full of danger, most behind them left
Their bloody marks, which in this fatal strife
Seem'd like the open'd salliports of life.
Sadly expecting whom by fate would be
This day chose favorite unto destinie,
[Page 212] The people in such silent extasies,
As if their souls only inform'd their eyes,
Sate to behold the combat; when to give
Their faith assurance justice yet did live
Unchain'd by faction, from a fatal blow
Strook near his heart, Almanzor faln so low
From hopes of vict'rie they beheld, that in
His ruine, what before their fear had bin
Grew now their comfort, when that speedy death
Might not transport his soul ere his last breath
Confest his guilt; the noble Champion stays
His just rais'd rage, whilst his own tongue displays
His thoughts black curtains, by discovering all
Those crimes beneath whose burthen he did fall,
Heavy as curses which from heaven are sent
For th' peoples plague, or Princes punishment:
In which short close of life, to ease the grief
Of late repentance, that successful Thief
Whose happiest hour his latest prov'd, being took
For president, he in a calm forsock
That world, which, whilst his plots did strive to build
Ambition high, he had with tempests fill'd.
The multitude, whose universal voice
Had taught even such, though distant, to rejoice,
As age or sickness had detain'd within
The City-walls, forc'd those that yet had bin
Her foes (converted by the general votes
For joy) to change their envies ill set notes
[Page 213] To calm compliance, in whose concord they
With as much speed as duty did convey
Her best of subjects, to congratulate
Her freedom hastes, who in this smile of fate,
[...]ilst all her friends strove to forget those fears
Whose form they lately trembl'd at, appears
Shadow'd in grief, on whose joy could reflect
No beam of comfort, the suppos'd neglect
Of her Argalia, whose victorious sword
Did in her fears extremity afford
Some hopes of comfort, which t'opinion lost
More sorrow then th'assaults of death had cost;
Had not, whilst she did in dark passion stray,
His full discovery glorifi'd the day.
Amidst the peoples acclamations, she
Though from a scaffold now convey'd to be
Rais'd to a Crown, all that vain pomp beholds
With eyes orecast in grief, till he unfolds
Her further comfort, by discovering what
Whilst each spectator was admiring at,
Becomes to her so much of joy, that in
This calm, that courage which before had bin
Unshook in tempests now begins to move,
And what scorn'd hate, submits to powerful Love;
From whose fixt centre, with as swift a flight
And kind a welcom, as the nimble light
Salutes the morning, pleasure now imparts
Her powerful beams, until those neighboring hearts
[Page 114] That liv'd by hopes thin diet, drew from hence
Substantial lines to joys circumference.
Her innocence unvail'd by his success,
And both by that black foil of wickedness,
Almanzor's guilt, more glorious made, is now
The only volume wonder could allow
Those that before her worst of foes had bin,
Sadly to read repentant lectures in:
Which seen by her observant Peers, that all
Succeeding discords in that Tyrants fall
Might find a tomb, him, being their Princess choice,
The Spartan Armies universal voice
Salute their Chief, which President affords
A pattern to the wise Epirot Lords,
Who had a law age made authentick, which
Prohibited their diadem t'enrich
A female brow, on him, whose title stood
Nearest of all collateral streams of blood;
They wisely fix a choice, which proves to be
Their glory, and their States securitie.
And now rais'd from that lowly posture in
Which fear had left them, the vast rout begin
Their motion toward fair Ghieranza, where
The varied scene did such proportion bear
With joy's exalted harmonie, which in
Their rescu'd Princess dwelt, all that had bin
Their sorrows dismal characters they now
Obliterate, and her late clouded brow
[Page 113] Crown with delights. The solemn bells whose sad
Toll, when they left your mourning City, had
Frighted the trembling hearer, now are all
Rung out for joy, as if so loud a call
Only becom'd a love which could not be
Exprest until the full solemnitie
Of their approaching nuptials did unite
Their hearts or crowns, not with more full delight
Then what did near as great a blessing prove
(Discording subjects) in your bonds of love.
Thus after all the wild varietie
Through Fates dark labyrinths, now arriv'd to be
Crown'd with as much content as ere was known
By any that death did enforce to own
The frailties of mortality, we leave
Our celebrated Lovers to receive
Those blessings which heaven on such Kings showers down,
Whose vertues add a lustre to the Crown.
FINIS.

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.