CALYPSO continued Disconsolate for the departure of Ulysses : Her Grief was so violent , that she thought her self unhappy in being Immortal : Her Grotto was no more heard ecchoing to her tuneful Voice : The Nymphs that serv'd her , durst not venture to speak to her : She often walk'd alone on the Beach , which was cover'd with a charming mixture of Green and Flowers quite round the Island : But these beautiful Walks were so far from asswaging her Grief , that they serv'd only to awaken the killing Thoughts of Ulysses , whose Company she had so often enjoy'd in those Places : Sometimes she stood still and wept , watering the Banks of the Sea with her Tears , and always turning her Eyes to that side where she had last seen Ulysses his Ship plowing through the Waves ; when on a suddain she perceived the broken pieces of a Vessel that was just then split upon the Rocks , the Oars and Seats of the Rowers scatter'd here and there upon the Sands , the Mast , Rudder and Cables floating near the Shoar .

Immediately after this , she discovered two Men at a distance , one of them appearing to be Aged , and the other , tho Young , resembling Ulysses ; the same sweetness and dignity in his Looks ; the same noble Meen and majestick Port. The Goddess presently knew him to be Telemachus , the Son of that Hero . But tho' the Deities of this Order far surpass all Men in Knowledge , yet she could not discover who was the yenerable Person that accompanied Telemachus . For the superior Gods conceal from the inferior whatever they please ; and Minerva , who in the shape of Mentor , accompanied Telemachus , would not be known to Calypso .

In the mean time Calypso overjoy'd at this Shipwrack , that had brought the Son of Ulysses , and so like his Father , into her Island , advanc'd towards him ; and without seeming to know who he was ; whence had you , said she , the Confidence to enter my Island ? Know , young Stranger , that there are Punishments for all those that come within my Empire . Under such menacing Language she endeavour'd to cover the joy of her Heart , which for all this , appeared in her Face .

Telemachus answer'd , O whoever you are , whether a Mortal or a Goddess ( 〈◊〉 by your Looks you should be something Divine ) can you be insensible of a Son's Misfortune , who seeking his Father , and committing his Life to the mercy of the Winds and Seas , has seen his Ship dash'd in pieces against your Rocks ? Who , I pray , replied the Goddess , is that Father you seek ? He is called Ulysses , said Telemachus ; and is one of those Kings , who after a Siege of ten Years , destroyed the famous City of Troy . His Name is celebrated in all Parts of Greece and Asia for his Valour in Fight , and much more for the Wisdom of his Counsels : But now he wanders in unknown Seas , and has past most astonishing Dangers . His Country seems to fly from him : His Wife Penelope , and I , who am his Son , have lost all hopes of seeing him again . I run the same Hazards he has done , to learn where he is ; but what do I say ! It may be he is now buried in the profound Abyss of the Sea . O Goddess ! Pity our Misfortunes ; and if you know what the Fates have done , either to save or destroy Ulysses , disdain not to instruct his Son Telemachus .

Calypso fill'd with Amazement and Compassion to find so much Wisdom and Eloquence in so much Youth , could not satiate her Eyes with looking on him , and stood for some time silent . At last she said to him ; we will inform you O Telemachus , what has happened to your Father ; but the Relation is long , and 't is more than time to repose after all the Fatigues you have endur'd . Come into my Habitation , and I will receive you as my Son : Come , you shall be my Consolation in this Solitude , and I will make you happy , if you know how to be so .

Telemachus followed the Goddess , who was surrounded by a Crowd of young Nymphs , and surpassed them all in Stature , as a well grown Oak of theForest raises his losty Head above the rest of the Trees . He admir'd the lustre of her Beauty , the rich Purple of her long and floating Robes , her Hair carelessly but gracefully tied behind her Neck , the Fire that darted from her Eyes , and the sweetness that temper'd this Vivacity . Mentor , with a modest Silence , and looking towards the Ground , follow'd Telemachus . Arriving at the entrance of Calypso's Grotto , Telemachus was surprised to see whatever might charm the Eye , cover'd under the appearance of rural Simplicity . There was neither Gold nor Silver to be seen , no Marble nor Pillars of Stone , no Painting nor Statues . The Grotto was cut into divers Vaults within the Rock , which were incrusted with Shells and Rockwork . The Tapistry was a young Vine , extending its tender Branches equally on every side . The gentle Zephyrs preserv'd a refreshing coolness in this Place , secure from the scorching Heat of the Sun . Springs of pure Water pass'd sweetly whispering through the Meadows that were painted with Violets and Amaranthus , and form'd divers natural Baths as clear and as bright as Christal . A thousand Flowers enamell'd the green Turf that surrounded the Grotto . There was an intire Wood of those Trees , that bear golden Apples , and put forth Flowers in every Season , yielding the sweetest of all Perfumes . This Wood seem'd to Crown the beautiful Meadows , and made an artificial Night , which the Beams of the Sun could not penetrate . Here nothing was ever heard , but the singing of Birds , or the noise of Waters impetuously precipitating from the Rocks , and gliding away through the Fields .

The Grotto of the Goddess was on the descent of a Hill , from whence she had a view of the Sea , one while clear and smooth as Glass , at another time vainly angry with the Rocks , swelling into Waves , and breaking to pieces against them : From another side she might see a River , containing many little Islands border'd with flowering Lime-Trees , and lofty Poplars , that rear'd their stately Heads to the Clouds . The several Channels that form'd these Islands , seem'd to play and sport between the Banks , some rowling their Waters with rapidity , others more gently and quietly ; and others after many windings , returning as it were to the Spring from whence they came , seem'd unwilling to leave the charming Place . One might see afar off many Hills and Mountains hiding their Heads in the Clouds , and forming such odd and unusual Figures as were very agreable to the Eye . The Hills that stood at less distance were covered with Vines , the Grapes of which surpass'd the richest Purple in Colour , and could not conceal themselves under the Leaves of the Trees that bow'd under the weight of their Fruit. The Fig-tree , the Olive and the Pomgranat , with all Kinds of other Trees cover'd the rest of the Country , and made it one intire Garden .

Calypso having shew'd Telemachus all these Beauties of Nature , said to him , 't is time for you to repose , and to change your wet Garments ; after which we will see one another again , and I will tell you some Things that shall affect your Heart . Having said this , she caused them both to enter into the most private and retired part of a Grotto , which stood near to that in which she dwelt . Her Nymphs had taken care to light a Fire of Cedar , which fill'd the Apartment with an agreeable scent , and had left all necessary Apparel for the two Strangers . Telemachus finding that the Goddess had design'd him a Tunick of the finest Wooll , and white as Snow , with a Vest of Purple , richly embroider'd with Gold , was , like a young Man , infinitely pleas'd with this Magnificence ; which Mentor perceiving , he said with a grave and severe Voice ,

Are these , O Telemachus , the Thoughts that ought to possess the Heart of the Son of Ulysses ? Think rather to maintain the Reputation your Father has acquired , and to overcome the Persecutions of Fortune . A young Man who loves to dress like a Woman , is unworthy of Wisdom and Glory . The Heart that knows not how to suffer Pain and despise Pleasure , is unfit to possess those glorious Advantages .

Telemachus with a deep Sigh answer'd , May the Gods destroy me rather than suffer me to fall under the power of effeminate Pleasures . No! the Son of Ulysses shall never be subdued by the Charms of a soft and unworthy Life : But what Favour of Heaven has brought us to this Goddess , or to this Mortal , who has received us with so much Goodness ?

After this they return'd to Calypso , who waited for them ; and presently her Nymphs , dress'd in white , with their Hair tied up , brought in a plain but exquisite Repast , consisting of Birds that they had taken with Nets , and of Venison that they had kill'd with their Bows . The Wine was sweeter than Nectar , and flow'd from Jarrs of Silver into Golden Bowels , that were crown'd with Flowers . All sorts of Fruit that the Spring promises , and Autumn ripens in profusion , were brought in Baskets , and four young Nymphs began to Sing . First , they sung the War of the Gods against the Gyants , then the Loves of Jupiter and Semele ; the Birth of Bacchus , and his Education under the care of old Silenus ; the Race of Atalanta and Hypomenes , who was overcome by means of the Golden Apples that came from the Garden of the Hesperides . Last of all they Sung the War of Troy , and exalted the Valour and Wisdom of Ulysses to the Heavens . The chief of the Nymphs , whose Name was Leucothoe , accompanied their sweet voices with her Lute . When Telemachus heard the Name of his Father , the Tears that flow'd down his Cheeks , gave a new lustre to his Beauty . But Calypso perceiving that he could not Eat , and that he was siez'd with Grief , made a sign to the Nymphs ; and presently they began to Sing the Fight between the Centaurs and the Lapithae , and the descent of Orpheus into Hell , to recover his dear Eurydice .

When they had eaten , the Goddess took Telemachus aside , and said to him ; You see , O Son of the Great Ulysses , with what savour I receive you into my Habitation . Yet know , that I am Immortal , and that no Mortal can enter into this Island without being punished for his rash attempt ; nay , even your Shipwrack should not secure you from the effects of my Indignation , if I did not love you . Your Father had the same Happiness you now enjoy ; but , alass ! he knew not how to use it . I detain'd him a long time in this Island , and , had he been contented , he might have liv'd with me in an immortal Condition : But a fond Passion to return to his wretched Country , made him reject all these Advantages . You see what he has lost for the sake of the 〈◊〉 of Ithaca , which he shall never see again . He resolv'd to leave me ; he went away , and I was reveng'd by a Storm . After his Vessel had serv'd for Sport to the Winds , it was buried under the Waves . Make a right use of so sad an Example ; for after his Shipwrack , you can neither hope to see him again , nor ever to reign in the Island of Ithaca . Forget this Loss , and remember you have found a Goddess , that offers to make you happy , and to present you with a Kingdom . To these Words Calypso added many more , to shew him , how happy Ulysses had been with her . She related his Adventures in the Cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus , and the Disaster that befel him in the Country of Antiphates King of the Lestrigons ; not forgetting what happened to him in the Island of Circe , Daughter to the Sun ; or the Dangers he pass'd between Scylla and Charybdis . She represented the last Storm that Neptune had rais'd against him when he left her , and desired to perswade him , that he had perished in that Shipwrack ; but suppress'd his arrival in the Island of the Pheacians .

Telemachus , who at first had too easily abandon'd himself to Joy when he found he was so well received by Calypso , now began to perceive her Artifices , and the Wisdom of those Counsels that Mentor had given him . He answer'd in few Words , O Goddess , pardon my Grief , which at present I cannot overcome ; it may be , hereafter I may have more force to relish the Fortune you offer me : Give me leave at this time to Weep for my Father ; for you know better than I , how much he deserves to be regretted .

Calypso not daring to press him any farther on that Subject , feigned to sympathize with him in his Affliction , and to shew her self passionately concerned for the loss of Ulysses ; but that she might the better find the way to his Heart , she ask'd him in what manner he had suffer'd Shipwrack , and by what Adventures he was brought to her Island . The Relation of my Misfortunes , said he , would be too long . No , no , replied she , I am in pain to know them , and therefore give me that Satisfaction . After much sollicitation she prevailed with him , and he began thus .

I parted from Ithaca with intention to inquire of those Kings that were return'd from the Siege of Troy , what they knew concerning my Father . The Lovers of my Mother Penelope were surpris'd at my departure , which I had taken care to conceal from them , because I was well acquainted with their Perfidiousness . But neither Menelaus , who received me with Affection at Lacedemon , nor Nestor , whom I saw at Pilos , could inform me whether my Father were still alive . Weary with living always in suspense and uncertainty , I resolv'd to pass into Sicily , where I had heard my Father had been driven by the Winds . But the Sage Mentor who is here present , opposed this rash Design , representing to me on the one hand the Cyclops , who are monstrous Gyants that devour Men ; on the other , the Fleet of Eneas and the Trojans , who were upon that Coast. The Trojans , said he , are highly incensed against all the Greeks ; but they would take a singular Pleasure to shed the Blood of the Son of Ulysses : Return therefore to Ithaca , it may be your Father , who is a Favorite of Heaven , may arrive there as soon as you : But if the Gods have resolv'd his Destructino , and he is never more to see his Country , at least it becomes you to revenge him against his Rivals , to deliver your Mother , and to give such proof of your Wisdom to all the People of Greece , that they may know you are as worthy to reign , as ever Ulysses was . This Counsel was useful and honourable , but I had not Prudence enough to follow it , and heark'ned only to my own Passion ; yet the wise Mentor lov'd me to such a degree , that he condescended to accompany me in that Voyage , which I rashly undertook against his Advice .

Whilst he spoke , Calypso look'd earnestly , and not without Astonishment upon Mentor . She thought she perceived something Divine in him , but could not disintangle the confusion of her Thoughts ; which caused her to continue apprehensive and diffident in the presence of this unknown Person . But fearing above all Things to discover the disorder of her Mind , she desired Telemachus to proceed , which he did in this manner .

We had the Wind favorable for some time after our departure for Sicily ; but then , a violent Storm arising , depriv'd us of the view of Heaven , and involv'd us in the obscurity of Night : Yet by some flashes of Lightning , we perceived other Ships exposed to the same Danger , which when we understood to be the Fleet of AEneas , we thought them no less formidable to us than the Rocks themselves . In that Moment I comprehended , tho' too late , what the Heat of imprudent Youth had hindred me from considering before . Mentor , in the midst of this Danger , appear'd not only Resolute and Intrepid , but more cheerful than he used to be . 'T was he that inspir'd me with Resolution , and I felt the extraordinary force of his Encouragements . He gave out all necessary Orders , when the Pilot knew not what to do . I said to him , my dear Mentor , why did I refuse to follow your Counsels ? Am I not unhappy , to act by my own Advice , at such an Age , as has no foresight of Futurity , no experience of things past , nor moderation to govern the present ? O! If ever we escape this Storm , I resolve to distrust my self , as I would my most dangerous Enemy , and to believe you alone for ever . To this Mentor answer'd smiling ; I shall not blame you for the Fault you have committed : 'T is enough that you are sensible of it , and make it serve you hereafter to moderate your Desires . But perhaps when the Danger is past , Presumption will return . We may now be apprehensive , and endeavour to prevent the worst ; but if all we can do , prove ineffectual , we have nothing left but a generous Contempt . Shew your self worthy of such a Father , and let your Courage be greater than the Dangers that threaten . I was charm'd with the sweetness and magnanimity of the wise Mentor ; but I was much more surpris'd , when I saw with what dexterity he brought about our Deliverance .

The Trojans were so near , that they could not fail to discover who we were , as soon as the Light should appear ; which Mentor knowing , and in that Instant perceiving one of their Ships which was separated from the rest of the Fleet , to be something like ours , except certain Garlands of Flowers that she carried at her Stern , he hung up the same sorts of Flowers on the same part of our Ship , and fasten'd them himself with Ribbons of the same Colour with those of the Trojans . He order'd the Rowers to bow themselves as low as the Oar would permit , that they might not be discovered by the Enemy . In this manner we pass'd through the midst of their Fleet , whilst they shouted for Joy to see us , supposing we were their Companions , which they thought to be lost . We were forced along with them by the violence of the Weather for a considerable time ; but at last we found means to keep a little behind , and whilst they were driven by the Winds towards the Shoar of Africa , we exerted our utmost Efforts to make the nearest Coast of Sicily .

We arrived , as we design'd ; but that which we sought , proved almost as fatal to us , as the Fleet we avoided ; we found more Trojans , and consequently Enemies to all Greeks ; for old Acestes reigned in these Parts . As soon as we got Ashoar , the Inhabitants , thinking us to be either some other People of the Island come to surprize them , or else Strangers that design'd to sieze their Country , burnt our Ship , kill'd our Companions , and reserv'd only Mentor and me to be presented to Acestes , that we might inform him of our Designs , and whence we came . We were brought into the Town with our Hands tied behind our Backs , and our Death was deferr'd , only to make us a Spectacle to a cruel People , as soon as they should know we were Greeks .

We were without delay presented to Acestes , who sate with a golden Scepter in his Hand , distributing Justice , and preparing himself for a great Sacrifice . He ask'd us with a severe Voice , of what Country we were , and the occasion of our Voyage . Mentor answer'd , We come from the Coasts of the great Hesperia , and our Country is not far from thence : By this means he avoided to say that we were Greeks . But Acestes would hear no more , and taking us for Persons that conceal'd some bad Design , he commanded us to be sent into a Neighbouring Forest , there to serve as Slaves to those who look'd after the Cattle . This Condition seem'd more terrible to me than Death . I cried out , O King , order us rather to suffer Death , than to be treated so unworthily : Know , that I am Telemachus the Son of the wise Ulysses , King of the Ithacians . I seek my Father in all parts of the World ; and if I can neither find him , nor return to my Country , nor avoid Servitude , take that Life from me , which I cannot bear . Scarce had I pronounced these Words , when all the People in a Rage cried out , That the Son of the cruel Ulysses must die , whose Artifices had destroy'd the City of Troy .

O Son of Ulysses , said Acestes , I cannot refuse your Blood to the Ghosts of so many Trojans , that your Father precipitated into the Waters of the black Cocytus . You and your Conductor shall die . At the same time an Old Man of the Company proposed to the King , that we should be Sacrificed upon the Tomb of Anchises . Their Blood , said he , will be grateful to the Soul of that Hero . AEneas himself , when he hears of this Sacrifice , will be overjoy'd to see how much you love what was dearer to him than all other Things in the World . Every One applauded this Proposition , and nothing remain'd but to put it in Execution . We were led to the Tomb of Anchises , where two Altars were erected , and the Sacred Fire kindled . The Knife was brought , we were Crown'd with Garlands , and no Composition would be accepted to save our Lives . Our Fate was determined , when Mentor calmly desir'd to speak to the King ; and having receiv'd Permission , said , O Acestes , if the Misfortunes of Young Telemachus , who never carried Arms against the Trojans , may not plead for him , at least let your own Interest move you . The Knowledge I have acquir'd to predict the Will of the Gods , informs me , That before the end of three Days , you shall be attack'd by a barbarous People , who will come down like a Torrent from the Mountains , to destroy your City , and ravage your whole Country . Hasten to prevent them , Arm your People , and from this moment begin to secure within these Walls all the Riches you have in the Fields . If my Prediction be false , you may Sacrifice us when the three Days are expir'd ; but if on the contrary it prove true , remember , That no One ought to take away the Lives of those , by whom his own was preserv'd . Acestes was astonish'd at these Words , which Mentor spoke with more assurance than he had ever found in any Man . I see , said he , O Stranger , That the Gods who have granted you so small a share in the Favours of Fortune , have in Recompence given you such Wisdom , as is more valuable than the highest Prosperity . At the same time he put off the Sacrifice , and issued out all necessary Orders with the utmost Diligence , to prevent the Attack that Mentor had foretold . On all sides were to be seen Old Men and Women trembling for fear , and accompanied with great numbers of Young Children , bath'd in Tears , and retiring into the City . The lowing Oxen and bleating Sheep , left the rich Pastures and came along in confusion ; but their number was too great , to find places to contain them all . The Noise and Tumult of People pressing to get in , was such , that no One could understand another . In this Disorder , some took an unknown Person for their Friend , and others ran , tho' they knew not whether . But the Principal Men of the City , thinking themselves wiser than the rest , suspected Mentor to be an Impostor , who had predicted a Falshood to save his Life . Yet before the third Day was expired , whilst they were full of these Imaginations , a Cloud of Dust was seen rising upon the descent of the Neighbouring Hills ; an innumerable Multitude of Barbarians appear'd in Arms , and all those who had despis'd the wise Prediction of Mentor , lost all their Slaves and their Cattle . Upon this , the King said to Mentor ; I forget that you are Greeks ; our Enemies are become our faithful Friends ; the Gods have sent you to save us ; I expect no less from your Valour , than from the Wisdom of your Words : Hasten therefore to assist us .

Mentor shew'd in his Eyes a boldness , that was sufficient to astonish the fiercest Warrior . He takes up a Shield , a Helmet , a Sword and a Lance : He draws up the Soldiers of Acestes , puts himself at their Head , and advances in good Order towards the Enemy . Acestes , tho' full of Courage , could not follow him , but at a distance , by reason of his Age. I follow'd him more close . But nothing can equal his Valour . In the Fight , his Helmet resembled the immortal One of Minerva . Death flew from Rank to Rank , where-ever his Blows fell : As a Lyon of Numidia , provok'd by cruel Hunger , falling upon a Flock of unresisting Sheep , kills , tears , and swims in Blood : Whilst the Shepherds far from assisting their Flock , fly trembling away from his Fury .

These Barbarians , who hoped to surprise the City , were themselves surpris'd and defeated . The Subjects of Acestes were animated by the Example and Words of Mentor ; and felt a Vigour which they thought not to be in them . With my Lance I kill'd the Son of the Barbarian King . He was of my Age , but much higher than I am ; for this People is descended from Gyants , and of the same Race with the Cyclops . He despis'd so weak an Enemy ; but I , not at all daunted with his prodigious Strength , or his fierce and savage Looks , push'd my Lance against his Breast , and made his Soul gush out at the Wound in a Torrent of black and reeking Blood . As he fell he was like to crush me in pieces by his Fall . The sound of his Arms eccho'd in the Hills . I took the Spoil , and return'd to Acestes with the Arms I had gain'd from this formidable Enemy . Mentor having intirely broken the Barbarians , pursued them to the Woods , and cut them in pieces . This unexpected Success made Mentor to be regarded , as one cherish'd and inspir'd by the Gods : And Acestes from a sense of Gratitude , shew'd his Concernment for us if the Fleet of Eneas should return to Sicily . He gave us a Ship to carry us to our own Country ; made us many and rich Presents , and press'd us to hasten our Departure , that we might prevent any Mischief . But he would not give us either a Pilot , or Mariners of his own Nation , sor fear they might be expos'd to too much Hazard upon the Coast of Greece . He committed us to the care of certain Phenician Merchants , who Trading with all the People of the World , had no occasion to fear , and order'd them to bring back the Ship , when they had left us safe in Ithaca . But the Gods , who sport with the Designs of Men , had reserv'd us for farther Calamities .

The Tyrians by their Insolence had highly provoked the King of Egypt , whose name was Sesostris , and who had conquered many Kingdoms . The Riches they had acquir'd by Trade , and the impregnable Strength of Tyre , which stands situated in the Sea , had render'd this People so Proud , that they not only refused to pay the Tribute which Sesostris imposed upon them in his ruturn from the Conquests he had made , but assisted his Brother with Forces , who had conspir'd to murder him on the Festival that was appointed to be celebrated on account of his great Victories . For these Reasons Sesostris resolved to humble them , by ruining their Commerce at Sea , and commanded all his Ships to seek out and assault the Phenicians . One of his Fleets met with us , as soon as we lost sight of the Sicilian Mountains , when the Harbour and Land seem'd to fly from behind us , and lose themselves in the Clouds . At the same time we saw the Egyptian Ships advancing towards us like a sloating City . The Phenicians perceived , and endeavour'd to avoid them , but 't was too late . Their Ships were better Sailors , their Mariners more numerous , the Wind favour'd them , they Boarded us , Took us , and carried us Prisoners to Egypt . I told them , but in vain , that I was no Phenician , they hardly vouchsafed to hear me ; they look'd upon us as Slaves , in which Merchandise they knew the Phenicians traded , and thought only of making the best of their Prize . We arrived in the Island of Pharos , and rom thence were carried up the Nile to Memphis . If the Grief we felt by reason of our Captivity , had not render'd us insensible to all Pleasure , our Eyes would have been charm'd with the fruitful Country of Egypt , like a delicious Garden every where Water'd with the purest Streams . We could not turn our Eyes on either side of the River , without discovering many opulent Islands ; great numbers of well situated Villa's ; Lands richly cover'd with a golden Harvest ; Meadows full stock'd with Cattle ; Labourers bowing under the weight of the Fruits they had gather'd , and Shepherds that made the Eccho's on every side repeat the sweet sound of their Pipes and Flutes .

I answer'd , alas , Mentor , 'T is not now the Question , by what Maxims a King ought to Reign . We shall never see Ithaca again . We shall never see our Country or Penelope more ; and tho' Ulysses should return full of Glory to his Kingdom , he would never have the satisfaction of seeing me there ; nor I that of obeying him , and learning the Rules of Government from him . No , Let us dye , dear Mentor ; for we must have no other Thoughts : Let us dye , since the Gods have no Compassion for us . As I spoke , my Words were interrupted with sighs . But Mentor , tho' he could be apprehensive of approaching Evils , knew not what it was to fear them when they had happen'd . Unworthy Son of the wise Ulysses , cried he , Dost thou suffer thy self to be overcome by thy Misfortunes ? Know that you shall one Day see both Ithaca and Penelope . You shall see what your Eyes have never seen , The invincible Ulysses in his former Glory : He , whom Fortune cannot Conquer , and who in greater Misfortune admonishes us never to Despair . O! if he should hear in the Regions , where he is driven by the Winds and Sea , that his Son knows not how to imitate him , either in Patience or Courage , such News would overwhelm him with Shame , and prove more heavy than all the Misfortunes he has yet suffered .

After this Mentor caused me to observe the Fertility and Happiness that was seen over all the Country of Egypt , which contain'd Two and twenty thousand Cities . He admir'd the regular Government of these Places ; the distribution of Justice , which was every where exercised with great regard to the Poor ; the good Education of Children , who were inur'd early to Obedience , Labour , Sobriety , Arts or Learning ; the due observation of all the Ceremonies of Religion , a generous and disinterested Spirit , a great desire of Reputation , an universal Sincerity in their Dealings with Men , and a just Reverence of the Gods ; which every Father took care to infuse into his Children . He thought he could never enough admire this beautiful Order . He would often cry out in a Rapture of Joy , O! how happy is that People , which is thus govern'd by a wise King ! But yet more happy is that King , who when he has provided for the Happiness of so great a People , can find himself happy in his own Virtue . Such a one is more than fear'd ; he is belov'd . Men not only Obey him ; but they Obey him with Pleasure . He Reigns universally in their Hearts ; and every Man is so far from desiring his Death , that he fears it above all Misfortunes , and would readily sacrifice his Life for him .

I heark'ned with Attention to what Mentor said ; and as he spoke , I found my Courage to revive in the bottom of my Heart . As soon as we were arriv'd at the rich and magnificent City of Memphis , the Governor commanded us to be sent to Thebes , in order to be presented to King Sesostris , who being highly incens'd against the Tyrians , had resolved to examin us himself . So we proceeded in our Voyage up the River Nile , till we came to the famous Thebes , which has a Hundred Gates , and serves for a Habitation to that great King . This City appear'd to us of a vast Extent , and more Populous than the most flourishing Cities of Greece . The Orders are Excellent , in all that regards the neatness and conveniency of the Streets , the course of the publick Waters ; the Baths ; the advancement of Arts and Sciences , and the common Safety . The Piazza's are adorn'd with Fountains and Obelisks . The Temples are Marble ; of plain , but majestick Architecture . The Palace of the Prince is like a great City ; 't is full of Marble Pillars , Pyramids , Obelisks and vast Statues , with Moveables of solid Gold and Silver . They who took us , inform'd the King , that they found us on board a Phenician Ship . For he had certain Hours of every Day , in which he regularly heard all his Subjects , that had any thing to say to him , either by way of Complaint or Advice . He neither despised nor rejected any Man , and knew he was King for no other end , than to do Good to his Subjects , whom he lov'd as his Children . Strangers also he received with Kindness , and was always desirous to see them ; because he thought it a useful and advantageous Thing to be inform'd of the Customs and Maxims of remote Nations ; and this Curiosity of the King was the principal Cause that we were brought before him . When he saw me , he was upon a Throne of Ivory , with a golden Scepter in his Hand . He was Aged , but Comely , full of Sweetness and Majesty . He daily distributed Justice to the People , with such Patience and Wisdom , as made him admir'd without Flattery . After he had spent the whole Day in doing Justice , and taking care of the publick Affairs , he usually pass'd the Evening in hearing the Discourses of learned Men , or conversing with the best of his People , whom he knew how to chuse , and admit into his Familiarity . During his whole Life he could not be blam'd for any thing , except for triumphing with too much Pomp over the Kings he had Conquer'd , and trusting a Man whose Picture I shall draw by and by . He was mov'd with my Youth and my Affiction , and ask'd me my Country and my Name , whilst we wonder'd at the Wisdom that spoke by his Mouth . I answer'd You have undoubtedly heard , O Great King , of the Siege of Troy , which lasted ten Years , and the destruction of that City , which cost so much Grecian Blood . Ulysses , my Father , was one of the principal Kings who ruin'd that Place . He now wanders through all the Seas , without being able to return to the Island of Ithaca , which is his Kingdom . I seek my Father , and by a Misfortune equal to his own , have been surprised and taken Prisoner . Restore me to my Father and Country , and may the Gods preserve You to your Children , and make them sensible of the Pleasure of living under so good a Father .

Sesostris continued to look upon me with an Eye of Compassion ; but being desirous to know if what I said was true , he referr'd us to be examin'd by one of his Officers , commanding him to inquire of those that took our Ship , whether we were Greeks or Phenicians . If they are Phenicians , said the King , they must be doubly punished , first because they are our Enemies , and then , because they have endeavour'd to deceive us by a base Falshood . But if on the contrary they are Greeks , I will have them to be treated favourably , and sent back into their own Country in one of my Ships ; For I love the Greeks , who have received many Laws from the Egyptians . I am not ignorant of the Virtues of Hercules , the Glory of Achilles has reach'd our Ears , and I admire what I have heard of the Wisdom of the unhappy Ulysses . I have no greater Pleasure than to assist unfortunate Virtue .

The Officer to whom the King had referr'd the Examination of our Business , had a Heart as Corrupted and Malicious , as Sesostris was Sincere and Generous . The Name of this Man was Metophis . He endeavour'd to ensnare us by artificial Questions ; and when he saw that Mentor answer'd with more Wisdom than I , he look'd upon him with Aversion and Diffidence ; for ill Men are always Enemies to the Good . He caused ut to be separated , and from that time I knew not what became of Mentor . This Separation was to me , as if I had been struck with Thunder . Metophis was not without hopes , that by a separate Examination , we might be drawn to say contrary Things . At least he thought to dazle my Eyes with his flattering Promises , and make me acknowledg what Mentor had conceal'd from him . In a Word , he sought not to find out the Truth ; but by any means to get a pretence to tell the King we were Phenicians , that he might keep us for his Slaves .