ROme began to resent with griefe the violences and furies of Nero , after having suffered with patience the first debauches of his youth : and the people that was proud with the spoyles of all the world , groned under the cruelties of that Prince ; when Fortune was pleas'd to bring forth accidents to crosse the most vertuous affections of the earth , and suffer'd that the Cirque , where Combats were made onely for pompe and recreation , should bee watered with blood by a detestable treason . But that basenesse could not have its full effect , and was not left unrevenged , for that by a prosperous foresight of heaven , those who were appointed to assault , were prevented by a terrour , which taking from them their courage and judgement , preserv'd the lives of those that were ordain'd to destruction . Two young Sicilians going by night through the City , one of them carried by love , the other out of compla●sance onely for his friend , and passing neere the Cirque with foure or five of their traine , after they had made a noyse with their swords upon some designe they had , were set upon by a troope of men at Armes , whose disorder made them rather seeme persons affrighted , than resolute for the lives of those strangers : Neverthelesse , their number was such , that had it not beene for the extreme valour they encountred , they would soone have made themselves free passage : But they that were assail'd , being ignorant of their purpose , shewed such dexterity and valour , that after a great fight , the other party was constrain'd to say , It was the Emperour .

At that name the strangers gave the day over , when they had done a thousand actions too brave to have had no other light but the Moones ; and let their enemies retire : But they remain'd so charg'd with wounds , that one of them fell downe presently in a sowne for losse of blood , and the other going to helpe his friend , was surpriz'd with a like faintnesse .

Their servants , who melted into teares to see their valiant Masters in that extremity , were preparing to lift them up from the place to carry them to their houses , when two Ladies richly clothed , and whose beauty received a lustre from the Torches that two young boyes carried before them , came thither with their servants to learne the cause of the noyse they had heard before their lodging ; but seeing those that lay along upon the place , and knowing them to be the brave Melintus , and the generous Palamedes ; the love Emilia had to Melintus put her into an extreme sorrow to see him for her occasion in so deplorable an estate ; and Camilla gave some teares to Palamedes misfortune , of whom she knew she was so passionately loved .

These two Sisters after they had a long time express'd their griefe , caused the bodies to be carried home to their house , to make tryall of remedies that might make them come to themselves againe , and put them in severall places into beds becomming the richesse and luxuriousnesse of that age .

And there Melintus by the assistance of Emilia returning as it were from a profound sleepe , and at last opening his eyes , asked where Palamede was . Emilia that knew well their friendship , told him hee was not farre off , and that he was hurt as well as himselfe ; but if it pleas'd the gods , they were both in no great danger . Then he intreated Emilia that she would let him goe see him : But she would in no wise suffer him , because he might not yet rise for his wounds ; and was satisfied in this to assure him that hee was in the next Chamber in as great need of rest as he . Leave me then , said he , to my rest , I pray you ; and not able to endure the sight of her , he turn'd himselfe to the other side of the bed .

Emilia being gone , he beganne thus to complaine to himselfe : Ah , Palamed , what faults doe I incurre by your friendship , against the purenesse of my love ! Was not my feining to love Emilia , at your request , insupportable enough to me , but it must still draw on more disasters ! What couldst thou expect but vengeance from the gods , after thou hadst so often betrayed my soule , forcing my words to be contrary to all my thoughts ? In stead of ordering all that is in me by a common consent to adore but one thing , I have permitted a division within my selfe , my mouth and actions sacrificing to false Deities , while my thoughts ador'd but one most pure and holy one . But for all this could I deny Palamede any thing ? or could my love refuse to bee forced thus for his sake , that was Author of it ? And when hee desir'd my helpe , should I have alleag'd the severity of our Lawes , to brand my selfe with ingratitude ? Alas ! how hard is it to live exempt from blame ; and how oft for satisfying one duty , doe men quit the consideration of another ? At least thou my Soule wilt witnesse for me , and thou Divinity that art present to my remembrance , that if my words have given a respect to any other thing , my thoughts have still disavow'd them , and despis'd such subjects unworthy of their consideration , and farre differing from the perfect cause of my affection .

Hee stayd himselfe some while upon that conceit that gave him comfort : then seeing in how many places he was hurt , hee continued thus thinking : Must the wounds of that true affection I labour under be invisible , while for a disguis'd love , I beare so true and visible hurts ? hurts sometimes marks of glory , but to me shamefull ; how shall I conceale you from my offended love ? Fortune that my constancy despis'd , hath not lost the occasion at what time my actions might well be blam'd for infidelity : and after shee had graven on me by these wounds the eternall remembrance of that same encounter , in spight of my designes hath brought mee to these beds I so carefully avoyded . But , Fortune doe what thou canst , thou shalt never make my soule consent to lose the quality of loving well . I am reveng'd of thee by despising thy favours so desired of others : one while thou presentst me them under the charmes of sweetnesse and facilitie : another while thou lead'st me to them by the force of thy inevitable accidents , for to ruine in mee a perfection that scornes thy Empire : And I have nothing to oppose them with , but the memory of the beauty I love , for to render all their devices unprofitable . No , no , deceiver , never hope to have mee forsake this constancy thou art enemy to ; thou mayst well make my affection unfortunate , but thou shalt never be able to make it decline so much as one degree from that height it hath attain'd .

Such different thoughts tormented or comforted his Spirit as it received each kind of them , and entertain'd him till the next day , when hee found himselfe constrain'd to keepe his bed because of his wounds , although there was none of them mortall . But Palamede was a great while longer without shewing any signe of life , but that his heart did yet beat : Neverthelesse , by force of medicines they made his sight returne at last , and his wounds being searcht were found very dangerous .

These two friends had a great estimation at Rome for their Nobility accompanied with many admirable qualities , and acquir'd the friendship of all that loved vertue , since their honest desire to see the seat of the Empire had caus'd them to follow an Embassie which the Syracusians sent to Nero , to be eas'd of certaine new impositions . They had made themselves recommendable in that employment , and gain'd the glory to bee accounted the most accomplish'd men in the world , but yet by differing qualities ; Melintus that had a wise , and perfectly discreet spirit , was the more reserv'd , and more opportunely manifested his naturall vertues , and those Sciences he had learned : But Palamede was the prompter and more undertaking , yet with such grace , that for the most part his designes ended in a prosperous and glorious issue .

They were both of them exceedingly faire and handsome : Melintus was the higher , and of a freer making ; his haire , which he wore long & curl'd , was something browne , and besides he had certaine Charmes in his face , with such a pleasing Majesty , that made him lov'd and respected of all that beheld him . Palamede was flaxen hair'd , his face and body of more fulnesse , with a fashion alwayes cheerely ▪ and who seemed but seldome to entertaine his mind with care or troubles .

Otho a Knight of Rome , that was afterwards Emperour , was at that time the most powerfull in credit with Nero , and hee above all others esteem'd their friendship , and had favour'd the beginning of their reputation at Rome by making it appeare that they were the two famous Sycilians of whom there was ever report made in the newes that came thither of the victories of Corbulo , Lieutenant of the Emperour , against the Parthians ; under whose conduct they had given proofes of a most excellent valour . Many times were they the first that mounted at assaults , and leapt downe together from the top of walls into besieg'd Townes , to shew the way to the Souldiers : many times were they the cause of winning battels , by opening the thickest Squadrons with furious blowes of their Javelins and Swords which nothing was able to resist : In such sort that they were endear'd to all Gentlemen , and admir'd by the people , being knowne to be of the most ancient houses of Greece , adorn'd with many rare qualities , and amongst the rest with a valour that did alike render them lovely and redoubted .

But Fortune jealous of a vertue so high that shee fear'd it might sometime have the mastery of her , was pleas'd to crosse their lives by her most cruell rancontres ; for not content to have reduc'd them so neere their end , shee provok'd the fury of Nero against them , and made him resolve to send to kill them in their lodging , so to revenge himselfe for the accident happened to him the night before . They scarce beganne to ope their eyes to see the day light , when some came to advertise Melintus of that cruell purpose , which would give them no long time to enjoy their life . But all was conceal'd from Palamede , who was in a state sufficiently miserable , without adding to it the feare of that evill that must presently give him so unfortunate a cure . Melintus knew besides that the night combat hapned by an Ambuscado that was laid for them by Nero himselfe under the direction of Marcellin , and that the Emperour had beene hurt in the hand , and Marcellin in the arme .

This man was one of the chiefest Ministers of the passions of that young Prince , whose love to Camilla , and jealousie of Palamede , made him attempt the dispatch of him and Melintus , and so give pastime to Nero , who was delighted to walke up and downe by night , fighting with , and killing all hee met . Marcellin having faild that first bout , and seeing the Emperour animated to revenge himselfe of his wound , sufferd not his rage to be cooled , but resolv'd on this , that a Tribune by night should goe with guards to massacre them in Maximus his house , whither they thought them retir'd , because that was the place where they liv'd .

This newes that might have daunted the boldest spirits , wrought no astonishment in Melintus , who being too couragious to feare death , prepar'd himselfe to receive it , being uncapable for his wounds either to resist , or flye : for although the Emperour at that time knew not where they were , yet that must needs quickly come to his knowledge . That heape of deadly mishaps filled the house with sorrow : some were dumbe with amazement , others desperate to see their losse inevitable : Emilia and Camilla would not be comforted , and could not dissemble before all to expresse the excesse of their griefe . Onely Melintus continued invincible against so many mis-fortunes , admir'd of by all that saw him so well prepared to suffer without dread the blowes of Fortune .

Arcas , Melintus slave , who never forsooke his Master from his youth , and had alwayes beene a witnesse of his extreme vertue , and valiant actions , seemed to have drawne profit from so faire an example , for he was very courageous , and had formed in him so great an affection towards Melintus , that nothing could parallel the care he had to his service .

This slave could not consider the constant face of his Master , and the extremity of his miserie , but that his heart overprest must needs send forth teares into his eyes . In the end , inspir'd by some God , or carried away by his owne courage , he was bold to propose , that if the place where they were could be for a while conceald , he would assure their lives , and that no more search should be made for them . They would know of him what meanes he had invented ; but he bade them onely be carefull of that hee had declar'd , and they should presently know the effect of his resolution . He went instantly out of Emilia's house , towards Maximus his , having along with him another slave only that belong'd to Palamede , called Nisus , whom hee was assur'd was as affectionate as he for the safety of his Master . When they were come thither , and shut close within Melintus and Palamed's Chamber , Arcas sayes to him ; Nisus , I have made choyce of thee to assist mee in the designe I have thought on for the saving our Masters lives : I am resolv'd to dye for Melintus , and if thou hast courage enough , thou shalt dye too for Palamede . Nisus without being amaz'd , ask'd him what was to be done ? Arcas answers , Wee will each of us take a sute of clothes of theirs , and for feare we be discover'd by those that shall come from Nero , we will have Helmets on our heads , and wee 'le arme our selves with swords and poynards as of set purpose either to defend our selves , or else to fell our lives deare , when they shall enter the Chamber : after we have resisted a while , wee may disfigure our face with blowes of our poynards as we receive our deaths , and so soule it with blood and wounds , that we shall be taken for our Masters , and so appease the Emperours vengeance , who will no more thinke of the matter . Nisus standing mute , and musing on the order of this invention , Arcas beleev'd hee had not resolution enough for so brave a deed , and said to him ; What , Nisus , doubtst thou to dye for a cause that shall make us the fairest examples of courage and fidelity in the world ? Hadst thou rather live in the basest condition of men , than dye as the most renowned of the age ? having so vertuous and valiant Masters , have we not so much learn'd as to doe an action wherein they may be imitated by us ? Nisus interrupted him , saying , Arcas leave off perswading mee , I am as resolute to dye as you . In vaine have I exprest so continued affection to Palamede , if I should not shew it now in the most important occasion of his life : thou shalt see with what joy I will entertaine death : and my soule should goe her way with more content , if before her depart , shee might know that our Masters were in safety . The gods , replyed Arcas , will doe the rest , let but us doe our duty : we cannot but dye well satisfied ; for if they be to dye , our surviving them would be impossible ; and if wee preserve them , what glory will it be , to be commended by them as long as they live ? Nisus , let us doe a deed in our life time that hath nothing of the slave in it , and declare that fortune at the least hath not taken from us the liberty of dying .

Hereupon the two faithfull servants embrac'd one another , and being provided of clothes , helmes and swords , they resolv'd to attend death in that Chamber where they should be sought for .

Though the night was not yet very neare , yet for all that their courage abated not , but entertaining themselves with the admirable parts of their Masters , they were the more animated to dye for them , and conceiv'd their end glorious . At the length the house was incompassed with Souldiers , the Tribune enters with fifty of the Emperours guard , and speaks to Maximus , who told them , the two Sycilian friends were not in his house , yet for all that he obey'd the Commission for breaking ope the Chambers . Into Melintus his they enter , and find the two slaves , worthy eternall memory , each of them with a sword and a poynard , and their helmets on , whom they tooke to be Melintus and Palamede , that resolv'd to dye , their Armes in their hands . The Tribune that came in but with three souldiers onely , seeing that he was stayed by them ; What , sayes he , dare you resist Nero ? But they answering nothing , set upon them , and shewed themselves along time worthy servants of so valiant Masters : Neverthelesse , their designe being to dye , and not to defend themselves , they gave them no more blowes but what they judg'd sufficient to make their dissimulation the more probable . The Roman souldiers who increas'd in number , and wanted neither Art nor Courage , had easily the better of them ; and in the end Nisus being borne to the ground by many strokes , and making as though he oppos'd himselfe to those that were assaulting Arcas , to represent the dearenesse of their Masters , gave himselfe three or foure blowes with his poynard on the face , not being perceived . In the meane while they heard a voyce crying from without , to save their lives , and that Nero commanded it . That cry stayed the Souldiers , and presently Otho entring the Chamber , made himselfe knowne , and said , he brought the grace that the Emperour gave them . He embrac'd Arcas in Melintus clothes , and rejoyced he had escap'd that danger : But at the same time Nisus dyed , which made him extremely sorrowfull that he came no sooner : Arcas prayd him to cause the Souldiers retire , that they might speake in secret together ; and when they were alone , he puts off his head-peece , which surpriz'd Otho in a great amazement ▪ but hee soone eas'd him of it , by declaring who hee was , and the plot that he had laid with Nisus . Otho admiring such resolution , gave a thousand praises to so great loyalty , and made as many wishes that the soule of Nisus might meet with a place worthy of so brave an action . After care had beene taken of Nisus his body , he prayed Arcas to carry him where Melintus was , and that he would weare the same clothes still . So they went presently out of the house , but in stead of re-assuring those of Emilia's house , they put them all into a terror at their first entry , for that Otho brought a great traine with him , and they were taken to be Nero's Souldiers that had found where the two friends were ; yet after that Otho and Arcas had declar'd themselves , the trouble was a little appeas'd till they had spoken with Melintus . Otho first of all presented to him Arcas , and seeing him in a wonder to behold him in that attire , he made a relation to him of his generous resolution that was admir'd of all . Then Melintus bade him come neere his bed , and embrac'd him a good while , the poore slave not being able to pronounce one word , so much joy had he , rather to see his Master out of danger , than that he himselfe was left alive . After that , Otho told how happily he came to understand towards night the command that was given out against them by the instigation of Marcelline , without his knowledge , as hee was also ignorant of the night combat : and how he had presently gone to Nero , and represented to him the merits of those he would destroy : that he had knowne them well to be more discreet than to have offended his Majesty : that Marcelline was to be suspected that perhaps for some difference betwixt them ▪ had design'd their destruction ; and that he was more in fault than they to make the Emperour serve his passions , without dreaming that the glory of so great a Prince might be stain'd with the reproach of having put so valiant men to death . That in the end having caus'd the command to bee revok'd , hee would come thither himselfe in haste for feare the execution should have beene too sudden . He told him next the griefe he had at his first comming into the Chamber , to see one of them already dead upon the place : after that his mistake , going to embrace Arcas for Melintus : yet hee vowed withall , that his action deserv'd well other respects . Melintus after hee had given him thanks for all the cares he was beholding to him for , enfranchis'd Arcas in his presence , and promis'd him greater rewards at his returne into Sicily . That change of accidents set joy into the place of preceding apprehensions , Otho having assur'd him , that as long as he should have any power , they should live securely at Rome . Melintus oblieg'd by so great favours , being more satisfied for his friends safety than his owne , testified by the most affectionate words he could make choyce of , in what sort he had gaind them to himselfe . Otho that was of the most noble and courteous among the Romans , made an honest reply to his civilities , and for feare of troubling him any more , because he spake with paine , tooke leave of him , without seeing Palamede , who was in no state to be visited .

When he was gone away , Melintus impatient of seeing his friend , and telling him all had passed , rose up , did Emilia what she could to hinder him , who very carefully assisted : but being in the Chamber ▪ he was forbid to speake with him by the advice of the Chirurgions , signifying what danger he was in . Melintus beganne inwardly to curse those unfortunate women that lost him so deare a person , and with griefe beheld the faire Camilla neere his bed , who spared no paines to ease him : But yet Palamede drawing the Curtaine perceiv'd Melintus , and desir'd him to come neere ; afterwards intreating Camilla to leave them alone together , she withdrew her selfe : Then Melintus being set , with a very feeble voyce he spake thus : I was never able to thinke I could apprehend death , yet never was there any man more loth to dye than I : I find that I am farre off from the best father , and the sweetest sister in the world , and I dye for a cause that will ever be disapproved of my deare Melintus . It is the greatest displeasure that can accompany mee to my grave , that I followed not the counsell of so vertuous a friend , but constraind his prudence to obey the transports of my youthfull fancies . If the gods are resolv'd rather to take my life from me , than make me wise by these accidents , I submit to their justice , praying them to give you another friend as affectionate , but more moderate than I : Yet if your friendship cannot easily change the subject of it , I have another my selfe whom I may well call more deserving than I : I leave behind me a sister whom I desire you to love , if already , as I beleeve , you have not esteem'd her worthy your affection . I know your merits be above hers , but yet I am assur'd , she will never give her selfe to any man of lesse worth than you . This consolation I shall have at least after my death , when I shall know that with the goods I am to leave her , she is to possesse the greatest I was able to procure . The first words of Palamede had possest with sadnesse the soule of Melintus , and his eyes with teares ; but the last surpriz'd him with astonishment ; not thinking that Palamede had ever had knowledge of the secret love hee had to the faire Ariana his sister , and not willing to avow it , seeing shee her selfe would not have it discover'd at all to any , he contented himselfe to give him this answer .

It were not possible for me to have more joy , receiving so deare witnesses of your friendship , if the occasion thereof were not so unfortunate : But I cannot choose but give you thankes for the first , and regret the other : and I will yet hope , that the gods will not so soone separate us ; but that the occasion of my discontent shall cease , and I long time enjoy the affection of so perfect a friend . If the estate wherein you are , suffer'd me to accuse you , I might complaine of you for beleeving that I could ever blame your actions : If at any time I have dislik'd them , it was rather because my humour was contrary to them than my reason . Cure your selfe onely , and imagine not of giving me any person that may hold your place . I would not conceive the like thought of you , that after me you could love any thing . Melintus conceal'd so violent and respectfull a passion for Ariana . that he durst not pronounce her name , nor speake one word of her , and so left off his discourse . Palamede when he had stayd a while , said to him , And what say you to my sister ? This , replyed Melintus , is a matter that I find so farre above my merits , that I cannot thin●e upon it without presumption ; and besides that , Aristides your father hath his designes more high in all reason ; wherefore I content my selfe to honour her with all the respect I may . Palamede would have answer'd this , but Melintus told him , that hee could no longer endure to heare him speake with so much paine , and desir'd hee would remit that discourse to another time , and rest himselfe for feare of some greater danger . I will make but one request to you , said Palamede , to send into Sicily as speedily as you can to my father : it may be I shall be alive yet some dayes , in which time hee may be here with my sister , or at least render me the last duties of a friend , if my death prevent their arrive : I have no greater wish than this , that I may see them before I dye . Melintus tooke that occasion to leave him , after telling him that he went instantly to dispatch one of his men ; and that hee hoped for all that , when they should be come to Rome , they would have more cause to rejoyce for his cure , than to mourne his losse . Then studying how hee should write for putting Aristides and Ariana into too much feare , he determin'd to dissemble his griefe as much as might be , and wrote these Letters .

Melintus to Aristides .

I Was not able to refuse Palamede this service he desir'd of mee , to advertise you of some wounds he receiv'd in a combat , and to beseech you by the affection you beare him , to come to Rome to him with his sister . The feare he hath to dye without seeing you , was stronger than all the prayers I could make , that hee would not give you so much apprehension and paine . But in satisfying of his desire , diminish your owne feares , and beleeve that your sonne defying all remedies , will not be beholding for his cure , but to your sight .

He put this other apart to be deliver'd in secret to Ariana .

Melintus to Ariana .

IT is with sorrow that I make you understand newes that will a little trouble your mind : Neverthelesse when you shall know that the brother that is so deare to you feares to dye for any wounds , and desires to see you , thinke not this misfortune so neere ; but rather that your happy destiny hath brought forth this accident , to have the fairest person of the earth appeare in the chiefe City of the world . You are not to thinke it strange that he will have you gaine this glory with the prejudice of a little feare : you shall there find men to whom love cannot be favourable farre off from Syracusa , and that wait but for your presence to cure them . In the meane time I mistrust no ill fortune , nor can I judge the cause ill , that shall produce so faire an effect , as the happinesse to see you .

Melintus that had not yet dared to make a full discovery of his passion to the faire Ariana , had taken this liberty to write to her since his depart from Syracuse , and for this reason was he permitted to doe it , because Palamede was over negligent , and that she might heare often from them : so as hee spake but insensibly of his affection to her , intermingling covertly that which nearest touch'd him in the things that passed , without giving her any cause to accuse him of unadvisednesse . And shee her selfe was very well pleas'd to receive testimonies of his passion without the ingaging of her honour , by feigning ignorance of his designe : and so they did both deceive one another willingly , if we may call deceit , the secret knowledge they mutually gave of a vertuous and inviolable affection .

After Melintus had clos'd these Letters , hee gave them into the hand of Arcas his faithfull Freeman ; and instructing him what was to be done , gave him charge to make all haste , to report Palamedes disaster in such a sort , that they might not be too much affrighted , and to say , that he would have written himselfe but for a hurt in his hand : then hee went backe againe to his friend , and dispatch'd this bearer in his presence to let him see how he obeyed his request , and to give him this content at least .

Marcellin that had alwayes before made esteeme of Palamede and Melintus because of their merits , and had not declar'd himselfe against them , his jealousie having not yet burst forth , full of despight that they had twice escap'd the death he had prepared them , and not thinking that hee was knowne the Author of those treacheries , counterfeited himselfe to be fallen sicke , and sent to know how they did , and that hee was in paine till hee heard from them . When he had learn'd that his chiefest enemy was in the worst condition , he sent him an oyntment as an excellent remedy for his wounds ▪ but Melintus having receiv'd it , would not have his friend make triall of the Drug , comming from a place so suspect . The faire Camilla sent for a Dog that they presently strucke with a knife , then she made the Oyntment be applyed to the wound , and foure houres after the Dogge was found dead , this composition hauing envenomed the sore , and penetrated in a small time to the very heart .

The knowledge of this treason made Marcellin be as much hated of Camilla , as he had before time beene loved ; and when he came to see her after his sicknesse , she shewed such displeasure at him , that he well perceived hee was lost with her . Melintus afflicted with his friends evill , though it was not then judg'd mortall , and seeing himselfe constrain'd to feigne a passion for a Lady he loved not , passed a very troublesome life in that house . Emilia that could not beleeve these coldnesses and distasts of his proceeded from the small affection he had to her , but rather imputed the cause of them , one while to the misfortune had arriv'd to them , another to his desire of being reveng'd on Marcellin , never ceas'd rendring him her most passionate cares . One day when he was in bed , she said to him ; Melintus , It grieves me to see you so sad in a place where it is desired you should be most content . Madam , answered he , the greatest discontent I have , is , to put you to so much trouble , and I could wish you would be pleas'd to remit the paines you take to them that serve us , so I should be eas'd of the halfe of my evill . No , no , Melintus , replied she , hide not your selfe from me , this is not the cause of your griefe , for if you love me , you desire to be loved of mee ; and you cannot receive at this time other testimonies of this , than my assistance , so as my paynes must rather be agreeable than troublesome to you . But in good truth , dreame you not of revenging you on Marcellin for the villanies by which he pursues the life of Palamede ? Melintus , who was glad to conceale the principall subject of his sorrow , was very well pleas'd at her abuse , and that he might entertaine her still in it , he sayes , Madam , 'T is true , his treasons possesse me with horrour and feare , for I see that he will not leave practising against us , and it will be more difficult for us to warrant our selves from a coward and traytor , than an open and valiant enemy . Leave that care to mee , answered shee , we must by little and little banish him our company , and afterwards wee shall know how to preserve our selves from his designes : my sister already hates him , and this have I gained of her , representing to her how much this fellow is to be detested . There is no doubt , replyed he , but his company is very dangerous , and that sometime or other , those that are of so mischievous a disposition will make others that converse with them partakers of the miseries of their owne lives .

I beginne , though late , sayd Emilia , to see the truth of this you say ; for I tooke him for a man capable of doing a mischiefe , yet seeing hee did us so many good offices , I could not beleeve hee would attempt any thing that might occasion our displeasure . I will not , proceeded shee , reproach you with the service I did you in the person of Palamede , making him accepted with my sister : yet I must needs let you see what affection I beare you , and what power I have with her , by estranging Marcellin from her heart , to whom we cannot deny , but we had singular obligations . Whereof , if you have leisure , I will make a short relation to you . Melintus who was well content to let her have the talke , desir'd her to take the paines , and shee replyed thus :

Three yeares agoe my sister and I married on one day two Knights of Rome , my sister Decius , and I Antonine : But scarce had six moneths passed , but Decius quitting the affection he had to my sister , fell in love with mee , at least he would make me beleeve so : I discreetly resisted him , because I would not have his intention come to my husbands or my sisters knowledge for indangering the friendship that was amongst us , and I hoped also that hee would retire himselfe from it of his owne accord . This mildnesse made him beleeve that in the end I would let my selfe be gained , and that nothing retained me but the affection I had to my husband . On the other side , judging of others by himselfe , he thought Antonine was in love with my sister , and was againe loved of her , because they entertain'd one another familiarly enough without any great occasion ; whereupon hee conceiv'd so furious a jealousie , that he resolv'd to make them both away , this rage of his being usefull also for the love he made to me , for he pretended to marry me after he had dispatch'd those two persons . One day when wee dined with him , I was amaz'd to be held backe by him , taking me by the arme , as I was going to eat of a dish of meat whereof there was but little in it , and well seasoned to appearance , he feigning to remember me of something he had to say to me , entertain'd me till Antonine and Camilla had eaten the most of that was in the dish , then he made it be taken away . At that time I perceiv'd nothing at all , but presently after dinner , my sisters young stomacke beganne to worke , and was strong enough to expell the poyson she vomited . Antonine that was more in yeares , and had eaten the most of it , finding in like manner some gripings , did what he could to cast out that hee had taken in , but he could never doe it whatsoever remedies were given him , and dyed the day after . The crime and designes of Decius being apparant enough , you may conceive how I was transported to lose a husband I honour'd , and with what fury I attempted to revenge me on him : and hee above all this would have had me attributed his action to the excesse of love he had to mee , and that I was beholding to him for it . But this mad man being not yet satisfied , but desirous to have my sister dye what ever happened , I could then devise of nothing but the preserving of her life by taking her home to me , where I was resolv'd to live free without ever marrying againe . In that time Marcellin fell in love with Camilla with so violent passions , that there was nothing he would not have enterpriz'd for her sake : and seeing us ever in teares , my sister and I , she because Decius sought by all meanes to put her to death , and I for the losse I endur'd ; he tooke in hand to revenge us both , and to free us for ever from so cruell an enemy . A little while after we understood that Decius had beene slaine in the Appian high-wayes , and Marcellin confessed to us he had caus'd it to be done for our sakes , which gave me a great satisfaction , and brought so much ease to my sister , that for recompence she dissembled not to give her selfe to him . Since that there hath beene no kind of assistances wherewith he hath not pleasur'd us , and for which wee account our selves much oblig'd to him . But to his misfortune went shee on smiling , Melintus is come from Syracuse , who furnished with merits that cannot be refus'd any thing , hath made me endevour to pull out of my sisters affection a man that she was much ingaged to , and to set Palamede there in his place . I tell you not these things , to let you see that you are beholding to me , nor yet to entreat you to pardon Marcellin in consideration of us , but that it may appeare to you , that having had so much power over my sister , as to put that person so farre out of her heart , I may be able also to put him as farre out of her sight .

Melintus who heard this discourse with much attention , and in the meane time gave his censure to himselfe of the lives of these women that had caused all those tragedies ; not beleeving that all such jealousies happened without cause ; and knowing that women that live with honour , have not such disordered fortunes , dissembled neverthelesse those thoughts , to give her this answer : Madam , you alwayes give mee so great testimonies of your friendship , that I shall remember them every day of my life : but it is not reasonable that for our occasion you should be ingrate towards Marcelline : I had rather for your sakes pardon him , than you should detest him for mine ; one feare have I onely , knowing Marcelline , by your discourse , to be a man of bloud , that we be not forced to goe from Rome , or depriv'd of your sight to avoyd the effects of his hate , and you may judge how unpleasing these two things will be to us . Melintus , said Emilia , doe not thinke of leaving us : I had rather lose Marcelline for ever , than the sight of you one moment . It may be , replide Melintus , Camilla had not the same desire . Assure your selfe , said she , that she for the most part does what I perswade her to . Madam , answered Melintus , what ever we doe , it will be the most expedient to dissemble on your part , as well as ours , and in the meane time to keep us to our guards . I beseech you therefore , continued he , to intreat Camilla , that she would not use him so hardly , for making him declare against us , and then we must needs depart this City where hee is too powerfull , and lose you for ever . Emilia taking him by the hand , answered , we will doe all you desire , doe you but something in our favour , and love us but as much as we desire to be loved of you . Madam , replied he , it is impossible for me to love you more than I doe , and this I call the gods to witnesse , that know the secret of my soule . I will beleeve this , said she , for my owne satisfaction ; then she left him to go tel her sister what they had devis'd together , to keepe them a longwhile with them .

Melintus seeing himselfe alone , beganne to entertaine his thoughts thus : Faire Ariana , what would you say if you were present ? Would you accuse me for feigning an affection to Emilia ? or would you rather pitty me for the constraint I endure ? To accuse mee would be but injustice in you , for dissimulation is here too necessary : and why should you refuse me your pitty , knowing that I suffer so much paine , but for loving you well ? But seeing she is not present , how unnecessary are these discourses ? This faire creature is now in Sicily , who knowes not my griefes ; or if shee imagines I am not exempt from them for her love , shee thinks I am not vexed but with the cares of absence , not being able to fancy this cruell burthen that is come upon mee . Yet for all this why should she not know my troubles ? If I love her , is she not in my soule ? and if she be there , is she not witnesse of all the torments that accrue to me , for not failing of my fidelity to her ? This beauty that alwayes forbade me to discover my passion to her , doth not for all that despise it ; but desirous to judge with more certainty of it , shee hath lodged her selfe in my very soule , where finding she was loved with so much ardencie , and adored with so much respect , she leaves not that place , but beholds with joy the crosses which afflict me , as faithfull proofes of my love , and her deserts . What consolation could I have , if my memory did not let mee see as oft as I please , this divine image , without which my life would be insupportable ? Upon this meditation he rested him , and shutting his eyes , to have Ariana's beauties the better represented to him , with all the graces and lights that accompanied them in his imagination , in this pleasing trance hee made these Verses :

REmembrance deare as my desire , Sweet entertainement of my fire , Doe not confine me to this place : But for thee , surely life had left me Even from the time I left that face , Which of my liberties bereft me . Griefe for an absence importunate , Horrour of being unfortunate , That intercepts all hope of ever her espying My violent desires , where no effects are gained , My cares , my furies barre my life to be sustained ; But thy lovely object doth forbid me dying , Dresse thy selfe then with all thy charmes , And glister in thy fairest Armes , Happy subject of my torment : Reigne alone within my memory , And sustaine my dayes extent For my love onely and thy glory . Divinest imge of my faire one , A trusty consort , and rare one . Who still to follow me had dreaded no distresse ; Who tak'st not in disdaine my lot of misery , Cast from thy splendour but one beame to comfort me , And dissipate the cares that vex my quietnesse , Then my Soule in part relieved Of the evils she was grieved , Shall live content with thy decree : Thou shalt be securely feared , And in a place pure like to thee , Please thy selfe to be adored . I perceive my cloud to separate , Already , this same heavenly pourtrait Dispels my troubles with her Soveraigne-ruling eye ; Shall I e're well endure the brightnesse of her light ? Now I see her , now she comes entirely to my sight , As faire as Phoebus seemes within the elearest skye . Victorious of all my paines , Heavenly Bewty that ordaines Such happinesse for all my woe , Now that such a rare delight Makes me forget all my sorrow , Let nothing take thee from my sight . I care not much in this content Though they prepare me punishment , Although they doe conspire besides my life to take : Full of repose , my thoughts I 'le have in order placed , While they consider thee , and hold thee still embraced , Since that 's the onely good my passion can partake .

While Melintus was carried away with the sweetnesse of his imaginations , Emilia was come to her sister into Palamedes Chamber , and had interrupted a discourse that was very agreeable to them : Camilla already overcome with the love and good grace of Palamede , and finding moreover that she was transported with pitty to see him so ill for hersake , had thus addrest her selfe to him : Palamede , what thing can be capable at this time to give satisfaction to your mind , and comfort to your griefes ? Your presence , sayes he , Madam , which causes in mee these two effects : for although Fortune hath handled me cruelly enough , I know not how to be angry with her , in what case soever she hath led me hither to give me the happinesse of seeing you at all times . But I would not , answer'd she , have you buy my favours at this price often , for then my good will would be farre more cruell than all the rigours you could receive : Well , see what it is you desire of mee : your affection , sayes hee , which I demand but of grace , though it may seeme I have purchas'd it with my bloud . You should not be here , replyes she , if this affection were not yours already : but I will assure you besides by an oath I make you , to banish from me what ever you would have me , to love but you onely . Palamede willing to thanke her , tooke her hand , and lift up his head from the bolster in paine to kisse it . Camilla making as though she would have placed him right againe as he was , for feare he might take harme , came neare him with her head , and kiss'd him ; and because that , at the same time hee gave a straine that made him feele a shooting in all his wounds ; Oh gods , said he , what envious Demon thus intermingles paine with joy ? Then Camilla bowed downe , and kissing him againe , said ; I will not have you be the last in paine . Madam , sayes he , I am asham'd to let you goe all the way , but if I were cur'd , you should not thus prevent mee . We must , sayes shee , take pitty of the sicke , and doe for them what they would willingly doe themselves in another season . Madam , answers hee , if it please you sometimes to take this paines for me , I promise to returne you foure times as much when I am in health . I will not ingage you , replies shee , in so great debts , that you shall never be able afterwards to pay me . I sweare to you , sayes hee , that as soone as I am well , these scores shall the first be acquitted . Emilia surpriz'd them in this loving entertainment , and after some common discourse , shee advertis'd them what Melintus and she had consulted of concerning Marcelline : but just as they were speaking together , there came a messenger to Palamede from his father with these Letters .

Aristides to Palamede .

MY Sonne , I doubt not but Rome hath wonders enow to stay you there all your life : but consider that you have a father that loves you , and would be glad to see you againe ; and a sister whose marriage is but now resolv'd on with Amyntas , and who waits but your returne to deliberate upon the happinesse and repose of her life : leave therefore all things , for our sakes , and come home to enjoy our friendship , if it be still at least deare to you .

Ariana that lov'd Melintus , though she would not he should know it , had foreseene that this Letter might produce great perturbations in his minde ; and therefore shee accompanied it with this other which shee wrote to her brother , knowing well , he would not faile to shew him either of them . Palamede , when he had read the first , opened his sisters Letter , which was thus :

Ariana to Palamede .

MY deare Brother ; you will much wonder that my designes should be differing from my fathers : but I will tell you thus much , that you need not hasten your returne for the newes he sends you : for I attend you but for this , to declare that I will never marry Amintas for some reasons I shall let you know hereafter . It is therefore in your choyce to come , or not to come , as it will be one day in mine to determine with whom I am to live .

Palamede was of opinion that the reasons of his sister , which made her assume this liberty of speech , and leave her accustomed modesty , must needs be important . Then he sent for Melintus to communicate the Letters with him . And he presently rose from his bed , and came to him ; and the sisters leaving them alone , Melintus tooke the letters out of Palamedes hand , and could not choose but change colour sometimes as he read them : which Palamede observ'd well enough , but knowing he desir'd to keepe secret his affection , hee was wel content to favor this discretion of his , since he lov'd to live after that fashion and so was resolv'd never to enquire for any knowledge in that matter , but at what time Melintus should think it seasonable ; so much respect had he to this vertuous friend of his : When he perceiv'd he had done reading , that he might keep him from suspecting of his regarding of any thing , he prevented him thus : The letters you sent them since the dispatch of these ▪ will make our excuses , if we should so suddenly goe to them . The excuses , answered Melintus , are very lawfull , but yet they will not be very acceptable to them ; and now I finde you past all danger , I repent me , that I obeyed you , and gave them so much feare . My sister , replies Palamede , will not be angry , that I have given her this occasion to see Italy : but that they may finde us both in good estate , returne you to your bed againe , for I am sure you have need of rest , for the paines you have taken for me .

Melintus went backe againe to his Chamber , where being alone he thanked Ariana in his mind , for the care she had taken to send this letter to secure him from feare , well perceiving it was rather addrest to him than to her brother : and judging more to his own advantage of the state of his loves , than he durst have hoped heretofore , hee was resolv'd to endure patiently the constraints wherein he found himselfe obliged to Emilia : and his wounds being clos'd up ag●●ne , he employ'd all his time with his friend . Wherein he was so carefull , that Palamede with the helpe of the Ladies was in case to be able to lift himselfe up , though it were still not without much paine .