FORTUNE proud and insolent , beyond all imaginationd , emands a sumptuous Theater , to cause the might of Her Empire , to appeare . It is in the Court of Great Kings , where She elevates the Trophies of Her tyranny , & where She brandishes Her vanity . It is there that She takes delight , to breake a Scepter a sunder , to overthrow a Crowne , and to tread under foot , all this pride of the earth , to the end She might render Her victories , so much the more glorious by such magnificent ruines , and Her Trophies the more illustrious , by such noble spoiles . But if amongst those Tragick accidents , She doth afford some cause of contentment , She doth temper it with so much bitternesse , that ordinarily , there is more prickles then Roses found in Royalty . This History is a lively portraiture therof , and causes us to see remarkable examples in it .

Meleander King of Sicily , possessing a rich State , and seeing himselfe adored by His subjects , who tasted with an extraordinary delight , the mildnesse of His government , thought to be arrived at the height of His glory . And that He might say he was happy on all sides , He was Father of a Daughter so accomplished in all kinds of perfections , that those who saw Her , imagined that Heaven had assembled all the treasures of beauty , and gathered all the riches of comlinesse , to forme this lofty Master-peece of nature . He imagined that this yong Sunne , should be the ornament of his Crowne , the prop of his State , the delight of his Life , and the consolation of his Old age . But men are ignorant of their destinies , and know not what may befall them . The event then , made Him know , that as the greatest lights are subject unto the greatest shadows , so the greatest prosperities are exposed unto the greatest accidents , therefore one must not so much trust unto the favours of Fortune , but that one must dread Her inconstancy .

Argenis then was the name of the Heire of Sicily , which ought to be as a living spring of all goodnesse to Her Father and Her State , sees Her selfe to be the subject of a furious and bloody warre , raised by a Prince , one of Meleander's subjects , who having had the temerity , to aske Her in marriage , received the refusall which his presumption merited . The image of this contempt , made such a furious impression upon this wilde and ambitious spirit , that to take revenge , hee resolved to put the Father out of the world , and to steale away the Daughter to crowne his parricide . This execrable designe had come to passe , if the Divinity , which hath a speciall care of Crownes , and which loves Kings , had not miraculously put by , the misfortune whereof the Sicilian Scepter was threatned . All Europe , and Affrick also were filled with the rumor of Argenis's beauty , which was placed amongst the wonders of the world and nature . A thousand yong couragious spirits , taken with Her love , had resolved to serve Her , and to imploy all their industry and valour , to insinuate themselves in Her favour . Amongst the rest Poliarchus Prince of France , and Heire of one of the fairest Crownes in the world , suffering Himselfe to bee transported with this passion , sought out for this glory with more successe then wisedome . ( But ought one to looke for any in love ? ) Imagining in Himselfe that an extraordinary beauty merited no common pursuits ; Hee left his Kingdome , and taking a Gentlewomans habit , crossed the sea , and went to Sicily , where He informed Himselfe diligently of the place where the Princesse was , to whom He desired , with so much passion to offer His service . Meleander fearing least despaire should cause Lycogenes to procure some shame unto Her , had placed Her in a strong Hold , where She passed the time with Her maids , being visited of none but Her Father , who sometime going from Syracuse ( which was not farre from thence , ) came to see Her , and stayed with Her to divert Himselfe in Her company . Poliarchus following His designe , goes that way , and spying the meanes , to enter in this agreeable solitarinesse , takes His journey towards Syracuse , where being arrived He finds by good fortune Solenissa Argenis'ses Governesse within the Temple of Iuno , where She was at Her devotions . He had learn'd in what ranke she was with the Princesse . He cals her aside , and having cast Himselfe at her feet , beseeches her to take pitty on the most unfortunate Lady which the Sunne shined on , on earth , and to give Her the meanes to tell Her some thing , which could not be knowne to any but she , unto whom She brought letters from a great Princesse . The Strangers comely behaviour , the novelty of Her habit , and Her language , which shewed She was not of the Court of Sicily , caused in Selenissa a desire to learne what She would say . Then going out of the throng , She leads Her , to her sisters house , and entred alone in a Closet fit to receive Her most secret thoughts . Then Poliarchus kissing the letters gives them unto Her , and at last leads so happily this enterprize , that He causes himselfe to be taken for a French Princesse , which the rage of Her Vncle had driven into Sicily to looke out for the refuge and surety , which She could not finde in Her Realme amongst Her friends . My name , said he , is Theocrine the Kings daughter , and Sister unto the Heire of the Crowne of France , whom this parricide ( who hath procured all my mis-fortunes , ) hath caused to be poisoned that hee might usurpe his Diadem . That which made her to give more faith unto his words , was , that calling a Freed slave who gave Her a Cabinet , which She had committed to his charge , She drew forth the most exquisite riches , and the fairest precious stones , that were ever seene in Europe ; then with a magnificence which truely resembled a great Princesse , gave such a great number unto Selenissa , that at the instant ( suffering her selfe to bee dazled with their sparkling and radiation ) She bound her selfe with a strong tye of affection unto Poliarchus , which she took for Theocrine . Whereupon Theocrine conjured her to embrace Her affaires , and to procure that favour towards Argenis , that She might receive Her into Her company , where She pretended not to hold the ranke of a Princesse , but would esteeme her selfe happy to hold the quality of a Waiting-woman .

Selenissa being touch'd with Her complaints , offers Her all manner of assistance , neverthelesse , said she unto Her , to give you accesse in the Princesses house , is a thing which is not in my power , by reason of the strict defence , which the King hath made , not to suffer any strangers of either sexe to see Her . But Theocrine , who desired noting more , then to enjoy this glory , conjures her to breake this obstacle , and to mediate this favour towards the King , with whom She doubted not , but shee was powerfull , since He had committed to her trust that which He held most deare in the world , the Princesse his daughter . Being overcome by such charming intreaties , shee undertakes to enforme Meleander of this , whom She soone after caused to yeeld , telling Him al the good which shee could invent of this faire Stranger . At her returne , she declares unto Argenis , the occasion of her journey , & makes Her so favorable a report of the beauty , comlinesse , and magnificence of Theocrine , that She offers not onely to receive Her as a great Princesse , but also to love Her as Her Sister . Being then inflamed , with a desire to see Her , She commands that without any further delay , She should be brought in , that She might see if Her presence would equall the glorious praises which were giuen Her . She is then where She desires . At this first enterview , She forgets nothing of Her good behaviour , allurements , and attractive lookes , to charme the Princesses heart , who begins to bee but one Soule with Hers. She can so artificially accommodate Her humour unto that of Argenis , that in a short time She doth purchase a full power over Her mind , though not in the same quality which She wished . They then , passed away the time so sweetly together , that they thought they were in Heavens glory . But Licogenes , unto whom the remembrance of the injury , which he thought to have received , gave him cruell torments , raised a tempest which troubled the calme of their delights . For , having plotted with his friends , the meanes to revenge himselfe , the resolution of this infamous counsell was , that the Fort ought to be surprised , to make away the King , and take perforce from thence the Heire of the Kingdome , and so put himselfe in quiet possession of the Crowne ; that , to differre any longer , it would be the way to ruinate their affaires , considering the accidents which might happen . Therefore that hee should shew himselfe a man , and that hee should finde in them the succour and assistance , which hee could hope for , of those who had a whole interest in his trouble . There needed not , to make use of stronger reasons , to perswade a spirit already imbrued with this crime .

It was long , since Licogenes saw with griefe the Scepter of Sicily in the hands of Meleander . But to bring this furious counsell to passe , hee thought it fit to corrupt certaine Souldiers , who should know the entrances of this Fortresse . He finds out one , who being conquered by his promises , offers to fulfill his desire , so that hee procure him confederates whose courages may bee like his , and declares unto him , that hee knew the meanes to enter , by the Sea side where there was no guard . Licogenes glad to have found such a fit instrument for his perfidiousnesse , gives him consorts as desperate as he , and as resolute to commit a parricide . Upon a night then , that Meleander was arrived there , to disburden ( according to His wonted use ) some part of his sorrowes in His daughters bosome ; these traitors knew how to follow their enterprise so well , that they entred into the Fort , and having separated themselves in two bands , went the one to the Kings lodgings , and the other to the Princesses . Argenis thought on nothing else , but sweetly to passe away the time ▪ amongst Her Ladies , and caused Selenissa and Theocrine ( whose beds were in her chamber ) to entertayne Her with a thousand pleasant discourses : Meleander whose age tooke away the sweetnesse of this entertainment , had retired himselfe to take rest . Argenis understanding a noise , which She was not us'd to heare , holds up Her eyes , and seeing so many armed men to enter thronging in one after another , is frighted , and begins to cry out with feare . Her other Ladies surprized with the like astonishment , shew no more assurance , and for all their defence , have recourse to their teares . But the gentle Theocrine perceiving one , ( who had advanced himselfe first ) to lay hands on the Princesse , le ts the reines loose to Her rage , and with an extraordinary courage , layes hold on that traytors sword , wreathes it from him , and presently employes it , against him from whom She had taken it , and layes him dead in the place . Then taking up his buckler , She runnes upon the rest of these rascals , whereof She cuts some part in pieces , and causes the rest to looke out for the doore . Another band of the conjurors , had rush'd in Meleander's chamber , whom having found asleepe in His bed , there needed no great strength to seaze on Him .

Theocrine , who had none left to fight with , hearing the noise , which those wicked rogues made about the King , went that way , and entring in the chamber , perceived a spectacle which would have drawne teares from a Tyger . Those infamous Hang-men had bound this great King with cords , and loaded Him with chaines , who amongst so much insolence and brutality , perceiv'd before His eyes nought else , but the images of despaire and horrour . The sorrow to see the Father of Her Argenis so unworthily abused , swells Her courage in such sort , that without any feare of danger where She was going to precipitate Her selfe , She enters upon these desperate fellowes , and having made a cruell slaughter , amongst them , addresses Her selfe unto Meleander , and taking away the cords and chaines , said these few words unto Him . SIR , Those who have committed this outrage against you , have not kept the respect due unto Scepters , and your vertue . But the Gods have given me the grace to put you againe in case , to make an exemplary punishment , of the authors of this barbarous attempt . Arme your selfe , I am going to take order about the rest of your affaires ; for it is to be feared , least those who have had the audacity , to plot so infamous a treason should make a last attempt , to asswage their rage , which will not be thus ended . At the instant Theocrine gives a generall allarum , and gives notice to the Guard , of their fault , and of the danger wherein the King had lately beene . And as She saw Meleander's safety to be made sure , She came unto her Argenis , and kneeling on the ground , us'd this language . Faire Princesse , it is bootlesse now to dissemble , any longer ; the miracles of your beauty , have given strength to my arme , to take revenge for the cruell injury , which hath beene done to the Sicilian Scepter . I am not a Lady , as hitherto you have believed . I also esteeme , that , what you have seene mee performe , hath already dis-abused you . At least , it is impossible , that henceforth , Meleander should take me to be , what hee thought I was . For feare then , least I should ruinate my designes , instead of advancing of them , I take my leave of you : But before I goe from the presence of your faire eyes , I most humbly desire you , by all the graces , whereof Heaven hath so richly endowed you , to pardon mee this offence , which is an effect of the power of Love , unto which the Gods themselves cannot resist . You have prostrate at your feet , the Heire of the Crowne of France , who begs pardon of you . My name is Poliarchus , and not Theocrine . I have borrowed this , that I might enter where Poliarchus could not have had accesse : I part from you with the same sorrow , that I should part with my life : but I hope that by my services I shall open the way to more liberty . Pronounce my sentence , and I will take it from you , even as the conquered , receives it from the Conquerour .

Argenis being , as it were , thunderstruck , by the freedome of these words , finds Herselfe surprised , and at the same instant , hath an inward combat by two severall passions , of Love and Feare , which held Her soule in agitation , in such sort that being astonied at Theocrines language , She knowes not what answere to make Him . Feare , that this action should make a spot , in Her Glory , causes Her at first , to breath forth some sparkles of Choler . She complaines of this audacity , and shewes She doth not approve those fictions , whereby She might receive more blame , then the Author could expect contentment . Neverthelesse , at last Love , that ( so many present victories went fortifying ) banishes all those Feares , and causes Her to finde Theocrines excuses good , to whom at that time She doth in few words disclose Her thoughts , and testifies unto Him , that those proceedings are not displeasing to Her , but enjoynes Him to publish His sexe , and to make himselfe knowne , to be the valiant Poliarchus .

This generous Prince , who onely sought triumphs to insinuate Himselfe by His valour , into Argenis's favour , reassumes the name of Poliarchus , and at the same time , kissing His Mistresses faire hands , goes out of the Fortresse and steales away from Meleander , and His Guard , busied in the seeking out of the factious , whereof they made a horrible slaughter . In the meane time the King is troubled to finde out the Author of His liberty , and as His Daughter tels Him that He is obliged of His life , unto Theocrine , He desires to see Her , that He might give Her the praises , and recompence due to so eminent , and prodigious a vertue . But being inform'd that She is vanish'd , as a lightning , and that She is not to bee found , He presently imagines , that doubtlesse , She was no mortall creature , but the Goddesse Pallas , who foreseeing his misfortune , had taken the forme of this Lady , to put by the ruines of Sicily , which was in Her keeping . Thereupon , even as superstition is fertile in new devotions , He revolves with himselfe , with what new tribute of piety , He may repay , this remarkable good deed , which seemed to be beyond all manner of retribution : and wandring in His thoughts , He caused the Chiefest of His Counsell to be assembled , unto whom speaking of this adventure , He testified to owe His life and safety , to a particular assistance of the Divinity , rather then to any mans succour , letting them know thereby , that He had a designe to erect new honours and worship , unto the Goddesse unto whom He imagined to be indebted , for His miraculous preservation . Such a Religious design having beene greatly applauded and approved by the common voices of all the Counsell ; Meleander whose soule was already full of these religious thoughts , and who feared , that shewing Himselfe ungratefull towards the Gods , He should oblige them , to draw backe their blessings from His Crowne , was easily led away with this advice , and calling His Daughter , opens His deliberation unto Her , and perswades Her , so artificially , that She freely accepted , the quality of Minervas High Priest , in acknowledgement of the favour which She had shewed , to Her Father and State . There She is then wholly tyed , to the Goddesses service , by vertue of Her new Office , now She thinks on nothing else then the ordering of the sacrifices , and ruling of the holy ceremonies .

In the meane time Lycogenes , who knowes his crime to be unpardonable , assembles his friends , represents unto them , that their safety consists in hoping none , and that they must come to an open force , since craft and artificiall cunning have not succeeded . And whereas the horror of this offence , should have caused the armes to have fallen from his hands , hee prepares to give battayle unto his King . His felony gives meanes unto the French Prince , to cause His great courage to appeare , aswell under the name of Poliarchus , as it had done , under that of Theocrine . He had gone and presented Himselfe unto Meleander as being newly arrived in His Court , not making Himselfe knowne to be Him , who had newly saved His Life and State . He had beene received there as a stranger , and in few dayes , had left both to the King , and all the Court , a great opinion of His valour . During that time , He found the meanes oftentimes , to see , His Argenis , amongst the sacrifices , which were rendred unto Minerva , for Theocrines victory . Neither His , nor Argenis's devotion , was not so much fixt , on the contemplation of the ceremonies nor on the admiration of all the pompe , as to enterchange amorous lookes , wherein lay all their felicity .

The envious army , which was already in the field , troubled all this solemnity , and oblig'd the King to take up Armes , to oppose the fury of the rebels . He had a singular confidence in Poliarchus His valour , which belyed not this hope , nor the good opinion which the world had conceived of the greatnesse of His courage . The two Armies being in sight , He began the fight , and as a mighty war-like thunder , unto which nothing can resist , did so much by the wonders of His sword , that Meleander won a glorious victory , and put the rebels out of hopes , to attempt any more , the hazzard of Combats . Dispaire made them seeke after peace ; they have permission , to send their Deputies in Court , to make the overture of some treaty . Poliarchus , who could not live in rest , at the first newes of this peace , which He did not approve , not believing , that the King ought to trust to Traytors ; resolved to goe elsewhere , to finde out new occasions of Glory . Having then left the Court , and traversing a great forest , having no other thoughts then on His Argenis , which filled all His spirits ; Hee meets those whom Licogenes sent unto Meleander , rather ecquipped like Cavaleers , or to speake the truth like Robbers , then Ambassadours . They immediately knew Him for the Author of their misfortune , and enraged , with fury , resolve to revenge on Him the affront , which His valour caused them to receive . At the same time , they set on Him , and make it appeare , that they would bereave Him of His life . But He , who could feare nothing , not being astonied , at their threates , makes them feele the effects of His courage , overthrowes two , dead upon the place , scatters the others , and puts them to flight . Those that could escape , goe and fill the Court with their complaints , and aggravate this outrage , done unto Ambassadors , whose persons are held for sacred , yea amongst the Barbarous . They demand Justice which cannot be denied them , because the Court hath no knowledge of their crime , nor of the innocence , of Him , whom they accused . It is true , that Meleander could not imagine , that so notorious a villany , could have entred , in so noble a courage , and besides all that , that which came from Licogenes'es party was to bee suspected , also the Souldiers wholly affected to Poliarchus , who in their sight , had done so many wonders in the Field , did openly jeere at this accusation , which , in what kind soever , it could be interpreted ; could not , but turne , to the shame of those , who made it , since they accused , one man alone , to have beaten five , well armed , and in case to defend themselves . But , the conjurors faction , was so puissant , in Court ; that , at last , it obtained that Poliarchus , should be condemned , and to be destined , to serve for a sacrifice , unto the Kings enemyes fury , who in defending of Him , might have caused a suspition , amongst those diffident spirits , that He had done nothing , but by His authority . Order is then given every where to take Him , and also , the Commons are armed , to the end , that all meanes of escaping , might bee taken away .

In the meane time , it hapned during the fight , that , Archombrotus Prince of Mauritania , who was also searching out adventures , under a disguised habit , was by chance , neere the place , where the combat was given . He was newly landed , ( having beene beaten with sundry tempests at sea ) neere unto that great and thicke Forest , where He was gone , thinking to take some rest under the shade of some trees , being wearied of the sea . But the vertuons Timoclea , who had seen the furious outrage , done to the Prince of France , came unto Him weeping and waking Him , conjured Him , that if He would doe an action , worthy the generosity which appeared in His visage , that without any further delay , He should goe and succour the most valiant man in the world , that Robbers endeavoured to murther . Opening His eyes , He searches for His Armour confusedly , and preparing Himselfe , at all adventures , endeavours to put Himselfe in case to fight . Timoclea fearing , least the number , might oppresse valour , urges Him to advance , and represents unto Him the necessity , and danger , wherein Poliarchus finds Himselfe . He who was enflamed with desire , to have His courage to appeare , in so faire an occasion , without further delay , spurres His Horse towards the place of the combat . But He sees , with some kind of sorrow , that He arrives too late , and that He , whom He is desirous to succour , hath needed no other assistance , then that , of His sword . Ravish'd with this wonder , He doth accost Him , and having courteously saluted Him , informes Himselfe of the particulars of this encounter , offers to assist Him , in case there remaines any enemy , to fight with , and conjures Him , to honour Him so much , as to imploy Him in this quarrell . Poliarchus resting extreamely satisfied of the Prince of Mauritania's good behaviour , and courtesy , thanks Him for this freedome , and assures Him of the esteeme Hee makes of His courage , not refusing to make use of it , in case , His affaires oblige Him thereunto . But , Gentle Cavaleere , said He , I know neither those , who have so cowardly assaulted me , nor the reason of the furious hatred , which they beare me . Timoclea arriving thereupon with some of Poliarchus His servants , breakes off the two Princes discourse , and taking the word conjures them , to goe out of this Forest , and follow her , to a house which shee hath , neere unto that place , where they might learne the true causes of this encounter . They went then altogether with Timoclea , where they are hardly arrived , when the Shepheards of the Country , come to give them notice , that all the champion , is full of kindled fires , every where , and that doubtlesse , there is some accident fallen out at Court ; seeing that was never done , but upon great and important occasions . And that He might take no rest , news were brought , that Poliarchus was the subject of all this emotion , to which they adde that upon the Ambassadours complaint , He hath beene condemned in Court . Poliarchus seeing that 't is He , whom this tempest threatens , breathes forth all manner of outrages against Meleander , doth reproach His services , complaines of His ungratitude , accuses also the innocent Starres , as if they were the cause of His mis-fortune . Timoclea fearing least He ( unto whom all Sicily owed their safety ) should fall in the hands of those Traitors , that they should advance His ruine , by their artificiall deceits opens Him the way , how to shade Himselfe , against this tempest , shewes Him at the going out of a closet , of Her house , a long Vault , which went under ground , whereof the avenewes , were knowne to few , and conjures Him to make use of this opportunity , not onely to steale away , from the eyes of those , who sought Him , but also to goe out of Sicily under the favour of a borrowed visage , wherewith she could so artificially disguise Him , that His most intimate friends , would hardly take Him to bee Poliarchus . At last , He is overcome with her perswasions , makes use of the opportunity , which she presents unto Him , and though unwilling , confines Himselfe within this Vault , ( untill he can give some order for His retreate ) where Timoclea , and the Prince of Mauritania , would needs conduct Him , daring not to trust those of the houshold , whose faith they suspected ; having left Him in this cave , and being come backe to the house , Timoclea began to entertaine her guesse , with the best and most civill discourses which she could invent . In the meane time Timoclea and Archombrotus , thinking to assure Poliarchus His life , did almost ruinate His affaires . To take away all suspition , they bethought themselves , to cause a rumor of His death , to be spread abroad , and that none might doubt of it , caused His servants to be seene , weeping the losse of their Master , & they also shewed sad testimonies of their sorrow . This rumor did fly as farre as Argenis's eares , who would not survive Him , having as She thought , lost Him , who made Her take all the delight She had in the world . Selenissa brake this designe , by her wisedome , shewing unto Her that She ought not so slightly to give faith to a rumor , who had no assured Authour . That asswaged something Her griefe , but did not altogether heale the sore . Her thoughts were then tossed , with irksome cares , which altred by little and little the beauty of Her face . Also Meleander being come to entertaine Her , with His affaires , though She had resolved , to oppose Her constancy , to Her mis-fortunes , and to suppresse Her sorrowes , for feare , that Her Love should be knowne , neverthelesse when He began the discourse , of Poliarchus His accident , and to tell Her how He had bin constrained , to abandon Him , to His enemies rage , She could be no longer mistris of Her senses , but fell downe in a trance , at the recitall of this adventure . Selenissa smothered this accident , in the best wise she could , and assured the King , that She had had sundry such fits lately , but that she believed , there was nothing to be feared , and that they were but little faintings , caused with the displeasure , which She had suffered during Licogenes his warre ; Her Father left Her , amongst Her Women , who , with the severall remedies they gave Her , made Her come to Her selfe againe . But She received a full cure , by the newes which were brought unto Her , few daies after of Her Poliarchus , by an intimate friend of His , named Arsidas . This trusty confident had learn'd by Gelanore , a domesticke servant unto Poliarchus , the truth of His History , thereupon he came to finde Him out in Timocleas house , where having had conference ( of all His affaires ) with Him , Poliarchus conjured him , to see His Faire Argenis , in His name , and to know of Her , as of His Oracle , what He should doe , in this extremity ; He knew to what end the rumor of His death had beene spread ; He had also had notice , with what violence the Commons ( to shew themselves passionate for the Kings service , ) pursued Poliarchus , seeing , that being perswaded , He was in Timocleas house , had runne thither , and without any respect , had violently entred in 't , to take and make Him prisoner . In which , having had no successe , because Poliarchus was in a place of safety . They neverthelesse , discharged their choller , upon His Fellow the Prince of Mauritania , who was , at last , constrained , to suffer Himselfe to be led captive , unto Meleander , as if it had beene He whom they sought after . Arsidas then , who had seene all these violences , came to give Argenis notice of the state of Her Poliarchus His affaires . At these pleasing news She was as much troubled to keepe backe Her soule , and to hinder it , from leaving the body , as She had beene , in the excesse of Her griefe . But Joy setled Her minde againe ; insomuch that the rayes of this Sunne of the Court , began to appeare againe . During which time , newes were brought unto Her , that Poliarchus was led as a prisoner unto the Court : But the intelligence , which She had received , by Arsidas of Archombrotus accident , hindred this ill rumor , from making an impression , upon Her spirit . So that this cloud was soone over . As the Commons , which had taken him , were arrived at Court , one of the Captaines of the Guard , seeing so faire a prisoner , in the hands of rusticall men , ask'd of him who conducted Him , what that Cavalleere had done , whom they us'd so rigorously . This Head of the common people , having replyed , that it was Poliarchus , whom the King had commanded , should be taken , that He might be punish'd , according to justice ; He began to smile , and said unto this people , that to speake the truth , they had shewed their fidelity , for the Kings service , but that they had not sped , in this occasion , seeing their prisoner , was not Poliarchus which was sought for . Neverthelesse , He was led before Meleander , who , after He had praised His subjects zeale , address'd Himselfe unto Arcombrotus , and made Him a thousand excuses , for this offence happened not by His command ▪ but by the ignorance , of this people , who had mistaken themselves , in His person . The Prince of Mauritania , though full of rage , to see Himselfe so unworthily abused , neverthelesse dissembled His choler , & making His complement , with a very comely behaviour , most humbly desired Him to believe , that in what manner soever , He could bee brought before Him , He held it alwaies for a singular glory , that He had the meanes , to offer Him His service . In fine , neverthelesse , shewing Himselfe more sensible of the injury done to His friend , then to Himselfe , He could not hinder Himselfe from representing his complaint , and said with a haughty courage unto Meleander . But , concerning Poliarchus His disgrace , which hath beene the subject of my mis-fortune ; Your Majesty , will give me leave to tell Him , that if accusations make crimes , there will bee no innocence , assured in the world , since , that the most just , will by this meanes be exposed , unto the rage of slander , which is perpetually , about Princes eares , to surprise and give them all manner of ill impressions , against those which they would put out of favour . Your Majesty may be pleased to remember Licogenes his brazen face , and the insolency , of all his confederates ? Doe not You imagine also , that those who have made such an outrage , against the Crowne , will spare Your best Servants ? Those who conspire against Kings , and that will have their Empires , to grow desolate , doe first endeavour , to corrupt and seduce those whom they know to bee most passionate for their service , and when they cannot doe it , make use of other crafts , to cause their Masters to suspect their fidelity , to the end that daring not to trust them any more , they should remaine wholly ●●●sefull unto them , I have learn'd of a Lady of this Court ( who by chance was in company with that Cavalleer , when I first saw Him , ) the great assistance which He hath given You , in the Warre , that those seditions have most unhappily kindled in the middest of Your Kingdome , and the hurt which He hath done to Your enemies . The griefe which they have conceived thereat hath caused them , to seeke out the meanes to make Him away , by open violence , that they might rob You of that powerfull prop , of Your State . But this designe having fayled , by the great valour that was in Him whom these cowards assaulted ; They now have had recourse unto vayled artificiall deceits . And to circumvent Your goodnesse , doe father upon an innocent , the odiousnesse of an action , where there 's no crime , but that which proceeds from their perfidiousnesse . Your Majesty who hath purchas'd so much glory , by the true execution of Justice , not onely amongst His subjects , but also amongst strangers , will reserve , if He pleases , an eare for Poliarchus , to learne by His owne mouth , the particulars of this encounter , which troubles all Your Court , and may be pleased to remember , that though He were guilty , it would alwaies bee a kinde of injustice , to condemne Him , and not heare His reasons . And if Your Majesty will grant , that I may finde out the truth of this businesse by those meanes , which are used amongst Cavalleers , I offer my selfe to enter in combate against the authors of this slaunder . I am sure that having the Gods , ( whom they have offended , ) for their enemies , and that having a continuall remorse , in their consciences , their armes will fall from their hands , and that their cowardise will bee a visible proofe , of the infamous treason , whereof they have beene the inventors . The King , who was a generous Prince , was not offended at Archombrotus His freedome , but by the mildnesse of His face and speeches , testified altogether the beliefe He had of Poliarchus His innocence , and the esteeme He made of His friends great courage , who offered Himselfe so freely to fight , in the behalf of His cause . All the Court made acclamations of joy , at this lofty testimony , which the Prince of Mauritania rendred unto Poliarchus . Argenis who tooke the best part therein , thank'd him , with much curtesie , and by this civility , did put Herselfe in danger to spoile all , seeing that Archombrotus who had nothing of the Moore but the name , being kept backe , in Her Fathers service , and having gotten the reputation of the most valiant Cavalleere in the world , after Poliarchus , was surprised with vanity , which made Him so farre to forget , all His promises , that He became His friends Rivall , and endeavoured to rob Him of the Princesse . In the meane time Argenis , sends a dispatch by Arsidas to Poliarchus , conjures Him by Her letters , to believe that all these crosses of fortune , were usefull onely , to encrease Her love , rather then to diminish it , that Argenis will never be to any , but to Poliarchus , that She passionatly desired She might assure Him thereof , with Her owne mouth but that She feares , least comming to Court He should be knowen ; therefore let him take the surest party , and if He thinkes it fit , He should returne in His Kingdome : But that He should not forget , to cause His greatnesse to appeare , by bringing so faire an army , from His Countrey , that among'st the obstacles , which might oppose themselves to their designe , He should be able to free Her from those cares and troubles , which Their separation causes , that in the meane time , Shee will indeavor , to change Her Fathers anger and bring Him againe , in His favour . Which She imagines will not be very difficult , considering the esteeme which He makes , of His vertue . Poliarchus having read this letter , could not tell what to resolve . The imagination , of the perill and feare to be discovered , caus'd Him to apprehend the journey to Court , where he doubted not , but His enemies , were watching to surprise Him . Arsidas and Timoclea fearing , least ▪ He should miscarry , represented Him the danger , yet greater then it was . But the desire He had to see Argenis , made Him despise all the hazzards , which they represented . He then calls aside , His deare friend , and declares unto Him , that He had rather expose Himselfe to His enemies rage , then to goe out of Sicily , and not see the Princesse . Arsidas seeing the ardour of His passion , in lieu of opposing , fortifies it , by the assurance which he gives Him , to runne the same hazard . They take leave of Timoclea , unto whōPoliarchus protested , to be so much obliged , that it is out of His power , to acknowledge the innumerable courtesies , which she hath heap'd upon Him ; conjures her to believe , that at least , she hath a Crowne and a King at her devotion ; assures her , that Hee will returne into Sicily , so well accompanied , that the greatnesse of His birth , shall not bee doubted , and that then , He shall have some manner of meanes , to acknowledge the good offices , which His trusty friends have done him ; and then addes , that He is going to make use , of the perriwigge , and beard ( whereof she had made Him a present ) to disguise Himselfe . Thus with an extreame sorrow He takes His leave of this vertuous Lady , which did shed , an Ocean of teares at His departure He soone after arrived at Court , with Arsidas His Conduct , where immediately after , He gives notice unto Argenis of His coming , the joy which She received thereat , cannot be exprest ; but seeing Him , with a forme , so different , from that of Poliarchus , She did shed some teares , seeing in what danger , He did precipitate Himselfe for Her sake : on the other side , the contentment which She received , to see before Her eyes , that which She held most deare in the world , caused Her , presently to leave off Her teares . It was in the Temple , in the middest of the devotions and sacrifices , where they saw each other , but it was impossible to continue this practice , full of danger , any longer ; Argenis sent Him word by Arsidas that Hee should with expedition saile into France , to raise there , with promptitude , an army able , not onely , to overcome the Kings enemies , but also all Sicily . Arsidas undertooke to fraight a ship , for that voyage , under colour that he had another to make in Italy . They imbarque themselves , intending to hold their course towards France , but the fates disposed otherwise of it .