THe Sicilian Monarchy being invincible against all foreign assaults , was the envy of her neighbours , and the wonder of the whole world ; till the people weary of so much felicity , to shew the greatness of their power , destroyed their own happiness , and what no Enemy durst attempt , by an intestine war invaded the liberties of their native Country .

But this madness was not yet generall , when the season of the year , with the favorable influence of the heavens , had produced so great a serenity in the air , that the Sea having remained divers days in an undisturbed calm , the inhabitants of the coasts of Leontium resorted in troops to the shore , there to enjoy the freshness that in the evening came off from the Main ; and whilst some recreated themselvs with their country sports upon the sands , others more active shewed their address in rowing , and those whose profession it was cast out nets for fish the chief Lord of the place , and of many adjacent villages , a person of eminent rank and condition , who being retired from the great affairs of the world , chose rather to live beloved in his own Province , then through vain ambition to tempt the hazards of fortune , in a State by civil dissentions exposed to ruine ; and though not insensible of his Countries sufferings , yet not so far dejected with the sense thereof , as to debar himself of such delights as were necessary for the preservation of his health ; with two Gentlemen , his attendants , came down to the Sea-side ; and after some ordinary civilities passed amongst the chiefest of the Country-people that were his neighbours , entred into a Fallocque that waited for him , which was covered with Crimson-dammask , and slightly gilt and painted with the Arms and Devices of his Family , rather to shew a distinction from the vulgar , then any way to boast either his birth or quality .

The Steers-man , as soon as his Master was seated in the Boat , directed his course towards a great point of Land that lay out into the Sea , where with more privacie he might enjoy the benefit of the air : And whilst they advanced gently into the Main , he entertained his company with several discourses , to which they were exceeding attentive , all that had the honour to be neer him , finding that they profited more by his ordinary familiar talk , then they could ever attain to in the Schools of the Philosophers ; for they study only to dispute , but he studied the truth ; and with those reasons on which he had founded his own judgment , would communicate his conclusions to others : Yet at that time he was not upon any deep subject , but only relating divers passages and occurrences of State , in which himself had been a principal actor ; and from the unexpected alterations that had happened , arguing the uncertainty of mans condition . When having gained the Point whither he was going , he discovered a tall Ship , with her fails flaging about her masts , that lay becalmed about two leagues from the shore , which at the same instant first hung out a white Flag , and then struck her main Top-sail , intelligible signs amongst Mariners of a friendly approach ; and if she were not in some distress , that either she desired Boats to land passengers , or else a Pilot to conduct her upon those Coasts .

Synesius , so was this noble person called , whatsoever the meaning were , being ever ready to perform the office of a Cavalier , presently commanded his men to row back agen with all the speed that was possible ; and having taken care himself to see a Fallocque well manned , gave them order to go immediately aboard the Vessel , to be informed what she was , and if they found her a friend , as he imagined , to do them all hospitable services that their occasions did require . But notwithstanding the diligence that was used ▪ by that time they were ready to launch , the Sun had finished his course for that day ; yet the dawn of the evening , with the brightness of the Moon in a cleer sky , encouraged the Sea-men to a prompt obedience , though otherwise observant enough of their Lords commands , who was not more reverenced amongst them for his authority , then beloved and honour'd for his hospitality .

As soon as they had doubled the Point , they presently saw the Ship ▪ which still lay hulking in the same manner , and at that time again with beat of drum and sound of trumpet made all the noise that was possible ; which caused the Mariners the more vigorously to pursue their course : But before they had advanced far , they perceived , a good distance from them , two things floating upon the water , which at first they supposed to be either by chance , or on purpose , cast out of the vessel ; but by the disturbance of the Sea in so great a Calm , they soon found their mistake , yet could not imagine what they should be ; for their motions yielded sometimes such a resplendent brightness , and such a sparkling light , as if against nature the Ocean had cast up flakes of fire , or else Stars shot from the firmament had remained floating upon the surface thereof . Some conjectured one thing , some another ; and the wisest amongst them would needs have the rest imagine that it was nothing else but the reflection of the Moon upon the breaking of the water , caused by Porpices or some other great fishes , and began to wish their business dispatched , apprehending , as it is commonly believed among Sea-men , that the appearing of those creatures presaged a storm , or at least a great alteration of the weather .

Whilst they were thus reasoning amongst themselves , they approached so neer the object of their wonder , that the dispute ceased , though not their admiration : For they plainly discerned two young men of an excellent beauty swiming towards them ; one whereof carried in his hand a naked Sword of a rarely polished mettle , and the other had about his neck a Tablet mervailously enriched with diamonds . The former seeing an unexpected assistance so neer , launched himself forward with a wonderfull force , and catching hold of one of the Oars , with the help thereof leaped aboard ; then waving his sword above his head , immediately with both his hands laid the hilt thereof , which was curiously enchased with rubies , to his heart , and casting up his eyes to heaven smiled a little , as if by that he had overcome the present , and meant to vanquish all future danger ▪ But at the same instant the other , his strength failing him , began to sink , and he had undoubtedly perished , if the mariners , notwithstanding their surprisal by so strange an accident , had not been very speedy in giving him assistance , and as he rise agen above the water , taken hold of his Tassata breeches , which were all the garment he had on , and by them lifted him into their Fallocque .

At the first , though he were not altogether without life , yet he was in a manner past sense ; but by bending his body forward , and other usual remedies that Sea-men in such cases practice , having voided a great quantity of water , which overcharged his stomack , he soon came to himself again , and immediately feeling for the Tablet that was about his neck , with great reverence kissed it , holding up his hands to heaven , as in token of thankfulness , that since his life was preserved , that Jewel was so likewise , which he seemed to value not inferior to the other : Then kissing it agen , and fixing his eyes upon the Characters artificially formed with Diamonds of an inestimable value , after a deep sigh cryed out , Ah Mariana ! and having pronounced that name so sacred to his memory ; presently stoped , as if in that one word he had said all that could be spoken .

But at length calling to mind his condition , he looked earnestly about him to consider into what hands he was fallen ; when perceiving his companion that had run the like hazard with himself , and in the same manner as he thought preserved , they presently embraced , with infinite testimonies of joy congratulating each others safety ; and had continued longer in those expressions , if the mariners desiring to finish their work , had not interrupted them with signs that they made , for they perceived they were strangers , and spake another language , to know whether they should return back , or else go on to the ship , of which they supposed they were : but understanding they desired rather they should return , having accommodated them the best they could with garments , of which two of the Sea-men willingly stript themselves , they instantly tackt about , and a fresh gale then rising from the sea , almost in a moment arrived upon the shore .

The Country-people , partly in curiosity to hear news , for by reason of the war some novelty or other happened almost every day , but the better sort to wait upon Synesius , attended the return of the Fallocque ; which no sooner touched upon the Beach , but they all flocked to the Sea-side , and when they were ready to land , He with his Gentlemen being come to the head of the Boat , when they saw the strangers , were seised with a kind of admiration , in beholding two such goodly persons in a habit so unsuitable to their demeanure , and presently step'd to give them their hands ; which civility , as soon as they were on shore , they returned with great demonstrations of gratitude , and by their deportment gave testimony of a birth and education far above their present condition .

They were both of equal perfections , though somthing differing in years , the eldest being about two and twenty , the other not above nineteen ; the one of a most deli●●te complexion , the other of a more manly vigorous composition ; the one the people were ready to adore as the God of war , the other emblemed that Youth for whom the Goddess of Love herself suffered such an ardent passion ; and both had impressed such characters of manhood and beauty , as promised an assured victory in the contentions either of Love , or War .

The elder was of a stature more then the ordinary size of men ; his hair , which was brown , hung in great ●ings dangling upon his shoulders , his beard appeared only like young doun , his eyes were gray , yet full of a majestick gravity , and his face though something enclined to leanness , was the index of a most daring mind , and more generous spirit ; in brief , nature had framed his body , as if to shew the perfection of the ●ex both in comelines of proportion , and address in all manner of exercises . The other was about half the head lower , and of a complexion that made all others neer him seem to have none ; his hair flaxen , with such a glistering brightness , as that alone was ornament enough for any one man ; but all the rest of the fabrick was answerable , large gray eyes , a wide forehead , a mild cheerfull countenance , and a shape so compleat as drew the eyes of all the beholders into admiration .

The worthy Synesius took so strict a survey of these rare endowments , that he assured himself they were persons to be treated with more then a common civility : On the other side , his grave deportment , the honour that was rendred him by the people , and the extraordinary respect he used towards them , were sufficient testimonies that he was a person of eminent degree and quality ; wherefore they made their addresses to him with great shews of humility , being ready to give him all the dues belonged to his quality , as willing for the present to conceal their own . So that after the first salutations were past with equal complements and caresses on either side ; Sir , said the elder stranger , We desire you will be pleased to look upon us as persons , after infinite sufferings , at length by the compassion of the Gods exposed to your charity ; and though we already owe you for our own preservation , before we can scarcely acknowledg that debt , we must implore the continuance thereof towards the men left in our Vessel , which lies not far hence in the road , but hath sprung so many leaks , that without present assistance they must all certainly perish . Synesius not suffering him to proceed farther , replied , If I have any way obliged you , I perceive you are Cavaliers of so much worth , that I esteem my self happy in the occasion ; and for your request , it is my duty to perform what you desire : But you have already suffered too much in your own persons , therefore I beseech you to take such refreshment as my poor habitation not far from hence will afford , and doubt not of my care in sending present assistance to your ship . Whereupon turning about to Nicander , he gave him order and full authority immediately to man all the Boats upon the coast , and to conduct them himself into the Road.

Whilst he was giving such directions as were necessary , it being something late , and the sky begining to be darkned with clouds , his Chariot was come to the place , with some of his servants , to wait upon their Lord home ; and immediately the wind begining to rise by degrees , such a sudden shower of rain poured down upon them , as forced him with his guests , and Eleutherius the other Gentleman that accompanied him , without farther complement or ceremony to enter into the Chariot , and dissipated the rest of the company to their several homes ; only Nicander calling the Sea-men about him , remained under the shelter of a poor Cottage , to put in execution those commands which his Lord had left with him concerning the Vessel in the road .

Though Synesius house were but a little way distant from the sea , yet the storm was so sudden and violent , m●●ed with such terrible thunder and lightening , that the horses being hot-metled could not be governed by the driver ; yet with the help of the Footmen , though with some disorder , they were made to advance , till being come under the shelter of certain trees , which planted in four ranks made a spacious shady ascent up to the house , they began to go quietly of themselves ; and at length being come into the Base-court , divers servants with torches of white-wax attended at the gate : But when they were descending from the Chariot , the younger of the two Strangers was found in such a condition , that they could scarcely discern any life in him , which by reason of the noise and disorder caused by the tempest , was not till then perceived ; wherefore he was carried upon mens arms , accompanied by Synesius , and his companion in misfortune , into a chamber fit to receive so noble a guest , where all means were used to recover his fainting spirits , caused , being of a delicate complexion , through his sufferings first in the ship , and the over-violent force he used afterwards to recover the shore by swiming . But being laid in a bed , and having taken such Cordials which Synesius sent for out of his Cabinet , he soon came to himself agen , yet not so but that there remained almost certain symptoms of a violent feaver ; to prevent which , nothing was judged more necessary for the present then a little repose : wherefore Synesius having expressed his sorrow for so ill an accident , and left a necessary attendance about him , conducted his other guest to another appartement , which was so richly furnished , the feelings so nobly gilt , and the chimneys and windows so adorned with porphyrie , and polished marble , that the Stranger could not think it less then a Princes palace , or at least a Subjects of the most eminent rank . Nevertheless Synesius , through his accustomed civility , made many excuses for the defects of the place , promising to supply them with a ready obedience to all his commands ; and thereupon it being late , caused only a slight Collation to be brought up , to refresh him after his sufferings at sea : But as they sate together , perceiving his Guest to be full of pensiveness , for that time troubled him not with many questions , or much discourse ; but the tables being taken away , told him that he thought rest was most suitable to one in his condition , and therefore for the present he would leave him to it , assuring him that he would not be deficient in any obsequious offices either towards himself , or those remaining in the ship ; and that if the sudden tempest had not prevented it , they had already received such succor as that Coast could afford .

Sir , replied the Stranger , I find you so abounding in all kind of courtesie , that I cannot but render thanks to heaven , that after so many adversities I am arrived in a place of such generous entertainment ; yet I cannot but remain perplexed to see my companion in affliction , though otherwise a stranger to me , in so ill a condition ; but as to those in the ship , ( whereupon through a generous compassion he fetched a deep sigh ) I fear the storm hath prevented those benefits you intended towards them ; however I cannot despair of their safety , since you have been pleased to undertake their protection , whose actions I perceive are favoured by the Gods .

Synesius told him , If the Gods were pleased to concur with his desires , there was no doubt of their safety ; therefore earnestly entreated him to take such repose as the time required : And thereupon , after infinite acknowledgments of mutual obligations , and many civilities passed on either side , Synesius , leaving two Gentlemen to attend him , retired to his own lodging , where as soon as he had given order to one of his servants to go early the next morning for Cassianus a famous Physitian , who was then at certain medicinal wells about two leagues off , went to his rest , which he fell into with great satisfaction , having ended the day with works of so much hospitable charity , yet not with a perfect content , because of the fears he conceived for those still remaining in the ship .

The Stranger being now left to himself , having put on such linnen as lay prepared for him , soon dismissed his attendants , and casting himself into his bed , the remembrance of his former misfortunes in the whole course of his life , came so thick upon him , that overpressed with care and grief , at length he yielded to sleep which on a sudden wholly possessed him .

About two or three hours after , as soon as day began to break , by which time the storm was quite over , there was a great noise of men and horse about the house : whereupon Synesius , who was watchfull upon all occasions , apprehending Souldiers were come into those quarters , and fearing his new guests might be molested with tumults , immediately calling for Eleutherius , desired him to look out , and to bring word what might be the occasion of so early a disturbance . But as soon as he had caused the gates to be opened , and was going out with half a dozen resolute men , well prepared for any equal encounter , Nicander entred into the Court , followed by a great number of Sea-men and Country people , besides horses and mules with several ladings , and amongst the rest two persons , who both by their habits and demeanure bore the appearance of Gentlemen .

Eleutherius soon conjectured the truth , that these were persons and goods come from the ship ; yet desiring to return with full information , entreated Nicander to relate to him the particular passages that had happened : Who readily condescending to his request , told him that immediately after his Lord was departed , whilst he was preparing Boats , there rise so great a wind , which came directly off from the Sea , that the Captain seeing his Vessel almost half full of water , and despairing of all other means of safety , taking the advantage thereof , commanded his men to make all the sail they could , and laying her just in the wind , ran in upon the shore , where she stuck fast upon the sand for a while ; but being so neer , he used such diligence , that all the men , and goods of any value were saved , and that immediately after by the force of the waves beating upon her she was broke into a thousand pieces : That among the rest those two Gentlemen , who called themselvs Lysander & Cleanthes , made great enquiry after two persons , who rather then to run the hazard of perishing miserably in the Vessel , had exposed themselves , whilst the Sea was calm , to the mercy of the waters ; And being assured they were in safety , with great expressions of joy desired to be conducted to them with those coffers which it seems were left in their charge ; but being very sparing in their discourse , and wary of discovering themselves , that he knew nothing more of their story then what their present condition declared .

This was sufficient : Therefore having desired Nicander to give all civil respects to the Gentlemen , and to entertain the rest in the best manner he could , according to their several conditions , he hasted with the news to Synesius , who was not a little pleased that the men were so happily preserved , and desired Eleutherius to communicate the same to his guests , but by no means if they were reposed to disturb them .

The one being indisposed , he judged it most convenient to go first to the others appartement , who being lodged on that side the house next the gate , had heard much that passed , and as Eleutherius came to the door , was ready , having cast a night-gown about him , to come out ; and as soon as they met , after the first salutations were past , he recounted to him all that had happened , and how there were two Gentlemen , Cleanthes and Lysander , that made great enquiry after him and his Companion . Whereat the Stranger seeming much rejoyced , returning agen into his chamber , desired Cleanthes might be brought to him , which was immediately done , who as soon as he saw his master , touched the ground with one knee , and offered to kiss his hand ; but he not suffering it , raised him up , and as he embraced him , pretending to kiss his cheek , whispered something in his ear : which Eleutherius observing , though it were only to advertise him that he should not use any such ceremony , imagined he desired to be in private , and presently withdrew .

Being gone down stairs , passing through the great Hall , he met Cassianus the Physitian , whom Synesius had sent for to visit his sick guest , and after a civil salute conducted him to his Lords lodging , who being by this time ready , kindly welcomed him ; and having first visited his Lady to acquaint her with what had passed , which as yet she understood but imperfectly , immediately called for Lysander , and having embraced him gave him his hand , which the other offered to kiss ; but he not permitting that , said , I shall perhaps return your civility to your satisfaction , if you will take the pains to go a little with me . For understanding the other was private with Cleanthes , he meant to visit his sick guest first ; and entring into the Ante-chamber , he was informed by the attendants , that though he had taken a little rest , yet he found no intermission of his feaver . Wherefore going softly into the room , they approached towards him with as little noise as might be : but he hearing their tread , put back the curtain with his hand ; to see who they were ; and as soon as Lysander espied him , without any ceremony , running to the bed-side , he kneeled down , and holding up his hands said , Ah my Lord and Prince ! Is it possible I see you safe here ? Have the Gods been so favorable to hear my prayers for your preservation ? I can now no more doubt of a good success to all our undertakings , and that this Land will be propitious unto us , since at our first arrival we have found such humanity amongst the inhabitants , and so favourable an entertainment in this place .

He would have spoken more ; but the Prince putting his arm about his neck , and laying his face close to his , with a close embrace hindred his speech , saying , How pleasing this encounter is , I leave to your self to judge ; but the preservation of my life ; and with my life this Jewel ( shewing the Tablet ) which encloseth the Idea of my souls happiness , I owe to this worthy Lord , pointing to Synesius , who took that occasion to approach neerer to him , though with greater reverence then before , understanding somthing of his quality , and humbly desired him not to call that a debt which was but a duty on his part ; for if he had done him any service , both the benefit and the honour redounded wholly to himself , praying him for the present to think of nothing but the preservation of his health , and thereupon presented Cassianus , assuring him that he might rely upon his skill as the most learned and practised in his profession , of the whole kingdom .

The Prince having accepted his offer , and with a courteous salute welcomed the Physitian , Synesius presently left the chamber , desiring Lysander who remained there , to command both himself , his house , and family in any thing that might be usefull for the Princes service , who having made a due acknowledgment of his noble hospitality , and conducted him to the stairs head , returned agen into the chamber to advise with Cassianus concerning the Princes indisposition .

In this interim Cleanthes gave a full account to his Lord of all that had happened in the ship after his departure ; how the mariners being wearied with their continual labour in pmping , the water came in upon them in such abundance , that to lighten her they were forced to heave all the lumber , and a great part of their lading over board , and that amongst the rest the coffer in which was the Cabinet with all his jewels , was in the confusion , by mistake , cast into the sea . Wherewith not seeming at all moved , he only asked whether his Arms were safe ; and understanding they were , replied , With them , and this , pointing to his sword , I must get more . And thereupon Synesius entring into his chamber , hearing him coming he left Cleanthes , and receiving him at the dore , after mutual complements and civilities on either side , the Company waiting in the outward room , they sate down together , and began to enter into discourse .

There is no doubt but Synesius had a great desire to know the person he had entertained , and something of the passages of his life , having as it appeared by some strange accident been brought upon that coast ; yet he would not so much as by circumstance give any hint thereof , lest it might displease . But the Stranger making many acknowledgments of the obligations he had received from him , and then composing his countenance , began to speak in the native language of the Country ; at which Synesius was not a little amazed , and could not so conceal it but the Stranger perceived an alteration in his countenance . Whereupon he said , I see you wonder that I , a Stranger , having hitherto used another dialect , should now speak in your own language : But I find you a person of so much honour , that I dare not doubt to repose a confidence in you ; yet I have been hitherto so unfortunate both in my self and family , that if I were not inwardly assured by all your proceedings , that you live by principles of honor and justice , should not so freely communicate my self to you as I intend .

When you know my name , you will know part of my misfortunes ; and as you are affected to your Kings service , either continue your friendly offices towards me , or else deliver me into the hands of his and my enemies , who I very well know have only for their own ends caused so many miserable distractions in this Island .

Synesius finding him so well acquainted with the affairs of the Country , replied , Sir , whatsoever my inward inclinations are concerning the present war , or the differences between the King and his People , you may be assured I can never betray a trust ; and therefore you may freely communicate your self so far as you think I may be serviceable to your affairs , and you shall not find me so impertinently curious as to enquire farther .

Then the Stranger , bending his body a little forward , with a great sigh said , No , I know the worthy Synesius is descended of too noble a race , to be treacherous to the unfortunate , and much wronged Philocles .

Immediately Synesius putting back his chair , rise up , and replied , Sir , you have told me enough to teach me my duty ; I now know the respect I ought to bear you , and you shall not find yourself deceived in the trust you have been pleased to repose in me . But before he could proceed farther , Prince Philocles forced him to take his seat agen , and then he continued :

Sir , if I am contented to be thus unmannerly in your presence , be pleased to impute it to a compliance with your affairs ; for I shall humbly advise you will as yet conceal your self , and not make known who you are to any in this place : For though my loyalty , and the relation I have ever had to the Kings service , will oblige me to be faithful to you , yet I am not exempt from those inconveniences which divers great Families in this Country now suffer , to have many neer to me , and even my own Children , of contrary inclinations perhaps to my self ; and though I believe they would not injure me so much , as to do any thing unworthy of their birth , yet being engaged with the other party , I cannot tell how far those obligations may prevail with them above the respect they ought to bear to you as a Prince , or the reverence which is due to me as a Father .

It is true , I have heard much of the calamities that have befallen your royal family , yet not so perfectly , but I shall , if the request be not unmannerly , desire to be better informed , when your disposition , and the convenience both of time and place shall concur to invite you to it ; but for the present I shall with leave retire , untill such time as you make yourself ready to partake of that homely entertainment which this poor place can afford . And Philocles being exceedingly pleased with the discourse he had already held with Synesius , not desiring to pass farther for the present , willingly dismissed him .

During the time of this conference , Cleanthes having caused the Coffers to be opened , had prepared cloaths and other necessaries for the Princes wearing , which he put on whilst Synesius was giving order about his houshold affairs .

The one and the other were soon dispatched : For Synesius lived in such order and method , that his more serious thoughts were seldom interrupted with petty domestick business ; and Prince Philocles was so much a Souldier , that he despised effeminate adornments , and held those unworthy the name of Man , that would consume any considerable part of their time in those affected vanities .

Therefore soon after they had parted , Philocles having sent Cleanthes to visit the sick Prince , they met in the garden , which was so stored with rare fruits of all kinds , so adorned with Fountains , Grots , Canals , and Walks both artificial and natural ; and that part of the house which fronted upon the Garden , was such a noble , antient fabrick , that all considered together , they shewed both the antiquity of the family to which they belonged , and the continuance of it in greatness and prosperity to those latter times , which had furnished so many rare inventions for pleasure and magnificence .