The First Book .

WHen Alexander was dead , his Commanders who then numbered more Victories then days of his Life , like Stars at the setting of the Sun , made themselves conspicuous with the Rayes of Regal Power ; for , dividing that great Empire amongst them , every one of them became a King .

By one of them which was called Antigonus , Demetrius was begotten , a Prince no less famous for the greatness of his Minde , then the handsomness of his Body .

To him alone it appeared , That Heaven with a hand rather Prodigal then Liberal , would give what it had of most value in the Rich Treasury of Nature . Demetrius was observed by all as a Prodigy of that Age : Not Vertue , but Fortune onely was wanting to him , to equal him to Alexander .

When he was pleased to be seen in the Camp , and gloriously to appear amongst his Soldiers , he made all that beheld him , to think of an Adonis in the habit of Mars .

This Prince then and Fila his wife were Stratonica's Parents .

She was presented to the World in that time , when the Stars were most active to Characterize a Womans Nativity with the gentleness of their Influences . The ●hilde grew apace , and her Hereditary Beauty displaying it self ( which , restrained in the narrow confines of that so tender Age , was not fit yet to raise up with a Grace the appetite of Sense ) arrived at that height , That possessing the Mindes of all her beholders with a sudden admiration , gave occasion to men of doubting , whether she was Mortal or no.

I would willingly draw here to the life the pourtraicture of this Queen , if my black Ink were not too unfit a colour to set forth a Celestial Beauty .

Let the Reader therefore imagine a Face , and a Body shaped with the most exquisite proportion , of a hew as white as the driven Snow , and cloathed with the best Grace . Let him conceive in his fancy such a Readiness in her , as is most commended in Speaking ; such a Modesty , as is most approved in Conversation ; and such Courtesie , as is most desired in Courtship ; and of all these particulars , let him finally beleeve Stratonica's Composition . Nature left her nothing to desire , but bright shining Hair ; for hers was neither yellow , nor black , but of a middle colour ; but the brownness of her Chestnut coloured Hair , together with the whiteness of her Face and black Eyes , without doubt represented her more beautiful .

Now Stratonica's Fame grown greater then Belief , though not the Truth , flew with most glorious applause through the remotest Provinces of Asia and Europe .

It s flight was so fortunate , that where by it self it could not arrive , it came driven by the sound of her Fathers Martial Trumpets ; so as where they recounted Demetrius his Victories , they likewise made mention of Stratonica's Beauty .

The Prisoners which were brought from the Camp to the Court where she was , having frequent occasions of seeing her , took it for a very great happiness that they had been overcome ; for they knew it was not lawful for any to see so much Beauty , without the loss of his Liberty .

Apelles lived in that time . His age , though then great , yet was not at that pass to diminish one jot the force of his Body , or the vigor of his Minde . He no less famous for his Pensil in the Excellency of his Art , then bold of Spirit in the variety of his Designs , made it appear to the World for an undoubted Maxime , That the greatest Wits are more violent and hardy in their Affections then others . He hearing Stratonica's Beauty much commended , desired extreamly to draw her Picture . He supposed that the Glories of his Pensil could no where receive greater honor , then from that Princesses Fame . Being then resolved for such an enterprise , he stole away from Corinth , the place of his abode , and in few days arrived at Bursia , a City seated at the foot of the Mountain Olympus , where Demetrius had his residence .

The Custom of the Queens in never shewing themselves publiquely , unless on Solemn days , for some Moneths would have retarded the execution of Apelles his design , if his Fortune had not brought him to that place in a time , that was near a noble Sacrifice , which they every year used to celebrate for three days together in the Temple of the Idol Baal .

All beginnings do concur in order to the end , when the end crowns the Work .

Amongst the rarest Fabricks of Asia , that Temple was esteemed as the greatest . It had four Frontispieces of the finest polished Marble , and as many great Gates . In the middle of the Temple was erected a proud Altar , very easie to be seen from all the four doors .

The first of the days ( which were destined to the Sacrifice ) being come , and the greater part of the Nobility and People gathered together with solemn pomp within the Court , Apelles ( who had with anticipated time made choice of a very fit place behinde a Pillar ) as soon as he saw among the waving multitude the longed for Stratonica , with her Mother the Queen , to enter into the Temple , I know not by what cause ( being overcome with wonder ) remained not senseless . That pillar peradventure ( which he used as a wall to stand before him ) bequeathed to him its qualities ; if we may not rather say , That he needed much a pillar to keep him on his legs , at the first encounter of that fairest sight .

She , with her Mother , being seated near the Altar on a Throne , which they used to prepare for their Majesties on such days , seemed a Goddess worthy to be bowed to by the Idol it self , whom all bowed to .

Demetrius was not present with these Queens , for he was engaged in the war he had made against Ptolomy . His absence eclipsed the rayes of Apelles his glory . He , after he had for a good while ( while the Priests were expected at the Ceremonies ) fed the first hunger of his eyes , with the sight of an object so rare , began ( as if come to himself ) to think of his Pensil , and Designing . To that end snatching suddenly a Black-lead Pen with some Paper , he designed in haste the lineaments onely of her face , to be able better afterwards in his lodging , to colour with his Pensils her Image so lively imprinted in his minde .

The good old man ( while he formed his design in that maner behinde the pillar ) resembled another Prometheus , stealing the beams from the Sphaer of the Sun .

That would certainly have happened to him , which befel him in the painting of Campaspe , if the frost of his snowy age had not kept his heart unhurt from the flames , which were breathed by that countenance .

So in those three days of the Sacrifice , he having the opportunity of beholding Stratonica at his pleasure , so happily finished her Picture , that in nothing but silence it differed from the original .

The joy he had that the Picture was well done , exceeded far Pigmalions for the beauty of his statue .

Being therefore ready to go homewards , he seemed a proud Jason , returning from the conquest of the golden Fleece . He found no opportunity of returning to Corinth , to adorn with that Picture his Cabinet , where he kept the dearest pieces he had , but forced to deviate from the shortest way ( by reason of the wars of the adjacent Countries ) he arrived at Nicomedia : Finding there a Galley that was bound for Corinth , he embarqued himself very gladly , and began his journey .

The Sea shewing its beauty in a calm , and the Wind in that serenity its faith , enticed all the passengers to be enamored of their voyage ; but their constancy lasted but a day .

The Sun did set that Evening , covered over with clouds ; and the Heavens , by the colour of that funeral habit , seemed to represent to the Saylors the horror of an approaching death .

The first hours of the night , assembled together all the breath of the Wind , which blew from the land ; and they went not much farther , but by little and little they heard the North-wind blow fresh a far off .

As the waves grew bigger and bigger , so the clouds in like maner were condensed , as if that the Stars had procured them to hide all their faces , because they wanted courage to look on the destruction which the sea was about to commit .

Now the wind , grown impetuous , roar'd aloud among the Masts and the Sayl-yards , which beaten by the Ropes , seemed in a maner to inform them by a doleful whistling , That the Sayls being too big with wind , were straight to be delivered by the death of the Galley .

It rained without end , and lightned most horribly . 'T was fearful to see by the light of the Lamps , the huge height of the waves , which ( resembling snowy mountains , by the foam which grew white on their backs ) came rowling all along to bury the unfortunate Vessel .

The Marriners therefore turning all pale , fell hastily to easing of their Galley , by throwing into the Sea all the Fardels and Chests which came next to their hands .

Apelles in so great a confusion , having nothing but a Hamper , in which were lockt some cloaths , together with Stratonica's Picture , was not wanting to conceal it for some time ; but seeing that they continued casting overboard , knew not how longer to preserve it .

What wilt thou do unhappy Apelles , now that thy life and thy glory depend ( to speak so ) on the will of a mad Sea ? If with drowning thy self , thou wert sure to keep thy Picture , I beleeve thou wouldst gladly lose thy life to save that , which would make thy life eternal ; but the evil of it is , that thy loss both in this and in that is the same .

O Gods , if any one could have seen what variety of things in a moment , that Wit then thought of , who shewed himself always co●tagious in his actions !

When he had been for a while so ambiguous , he suddenly snatcht the Hamper , and seeing that the Rain was gone by break of day , which though dusky , yet came on apace , he took out Stratonica's Picture , and exposing it in haste to the eyes of the Marriners , cryed out ,

Behold , O Friends , behold her Picture , who now can onely save us ! Behold , O Sacred Goddess , behold our Dangers , hear our Lamentations , suffer not the Waves to drown the devoted to that Deity which is born of the Sea .

Every one being stupid and dazled at the Beauty of that Face ( which they certainly beleeved was the Picture of Venus ) made so doleful a noise , and wept in that maner , as it would have moved to pity any other thing but the Sea .

While they so prayed , were it by chance , or diabolical operation , the Galley arrived in a Neighboring Creek , where the Sea with a great deal less noise did beat the sandy pavement of the shore .

The wretched shipwrack'd-men had now some time to breathe , but they breathed in that maner , as if they had been doubtful of their safety , so sudden a change of Fortune had astonished them so much : But assured that they were safe , they went ashore , and although they were far off from all Humane commerce and habitation , yet in touching that barren Coast , they had all the pleasures which the greatest and most flourishing City could afford them .

They stayed there two days , till the Sea was appeased , to recover themselves of the disasters they had suffered . Thence putting again to Sea , they landed in a little time after at the much desired Haven of Corinth .

Certain Ambassadors of Seleucus ( driven by the same tempest ) arrived also there , who returned for some Affairs from Cassander then reigning in Caria . They desirous to see a City renowned for many things , after they had visited the principal places , came to Apelles his house .

There he ( in the middle of a very great Hall ) stood with his miraculous Pensil , distinguishing from the Chaos of colours , so many Worlds as he had Pictures at hand .

The Figures then finished , seemed as if they gloried in their Being ; and on the contrary side , to desire their perfection , who had not then obtained it . The Skin and the Flesh grew visibly on those Muscles , which had nothing that was faigned but Opinion . The Figures would have spoken , if Apelles , like another Pythagoras , had not first of all taught them to be silent in his School .

The Ambassadors were amazed , and seemed no less Figures , then the Figures themselves . Being at last in his Cabinet , where his perfectest things were , they presently fixt their eyes on Stratonica's Picture . They would have kneeled to it , for the majesty of that Countenance would not let them beleeve it was a Picture . They could not understand how those Eyes and that Mouth had not life ; and they stood with so much reverence contemplating it , that they blushed .

They thought that Stratonica said , I boast of two Forms , the one from Jupiter , the other from Apelles : If I had not had the first , it had been no matter , provided that I had not wanted the second . To be born in Apelles his time , and painted by him , is to have ( as it were ) the priviledge of being twice born . That Being which Apelles hath given me , envies that of Jupiter , because it hath no life ; that envies this , because it is not subject to death .

The Ambassadors ( taken up with such like thoughts ) said , 'T was happier to be a Picture , and have always the sight of Stratonica , then a man , and not present in that place .

Man hath no happier Deceit to feign himself a Deity , then the Art of Painting .

It is a glorious thing to know how to make a Body , it would be more glorious to know how to form a Soul ; but if the Soul were a visible Object ( so much imitation hath intrenched on sacred things ) the Painter would give life to his Pictures .

But the Ambassadors returned to Seleucus ( among the most memorable things they had seen in their journey ) related to him the story of that Picture .

The King beleeving what they said in the praise of Stratonica's Beauty , and enticed with the Fame of Apelles his Art , was presently on fire for the same . A Gentleman to that end was dispatcht to the Painter , with order to pay him for that piece any sum he should demand ; provided he would part with it .

Apelles ( as soon as he had heard what Seleucus desired ) much lamented his ill fortune , which always endeavored to deprive him of so precious a Jewel . In the end , having very well considered what was best to be done , he refused the Money and delivered the Picture .

It is needful to sell dearly to Princes , or to give freely to them ; the first is more secure , the latter would be Nobler , if many great persons hated not the actions in private men , which ( having more of greatness then the state of a private life requires ) resemble the actions of a Princely Minde .

The Picture being come to Seleucus his hands , it is impossible to describe his astonishment at it . Those Eyes and that Face ( which were nothing but shadows joyned together ) darted such a light on the old mans Minde , that they dazled his Reason , and inflamed his Heart .

Seleucus grown a Lover , what childish things fell not he into ? what indignities did he not commit ? Made an Idolater of a Goddess more conceived in Opinion then Essence ; while he adored the Copy , he sighed for the Original . He spake to himself , and had no Body with him at that time , when his business gave him leave to be alone , he beheld it , reverenced it , kissed it , being onely so happy in his unhappiness , as he could , when he pleased , satisfie himself with those shadows of Beauty , which in being onely shadows , were extreamly like Beauty .

Having thus , with the memory of Stratonica , oftentimes an occasion of remembring Demetrius , and thinking very seriously on the credit and glory he had purchased in the Wars , he resolved for the love of his Daughter , or as Plutarch rather sayes , ( to strengthen himself with a potent Kings friendship ) To request her in Marriage .

Ambassadors being therefore dispatcht to Demetrius , he expected the issue of the Embassie with great uncertainty of Minde .

Demetrius was a very wise Prince , though lascivious : And though he was then in that condition , that it seemed easie to him to aspire to the Empire of all Asia ; yet , considering that nothing was less certain then Martial Expeditions , he neglected not the means to fortifie himself with that assistance , which he judged to be best against the assaults of all sudden Accidents whatsoever .

Having therefore understood the Kings minde , he not onely was well pleased with the offer of his Alliance , but likewise resolved to conduct the Bride himself into his Kingdom .

The Ambassadors returning to Seleucus with so fortunate an Answer , so transported him with joy , that he was almost distracted .

He no sooner had heard that news , but he was all a fire to celebrate the Nuptials .

He therefore gave order to Antiochus his Son , to prepare himself speedily ( with the greatest Princes and Lords of the Court ) to be gone towards Bursia , and from thence to accompany Demetrius , and the desired Stratonica .

Antiochus ( who was a youth of great hopes , and of an age ripe for marriage ) without doubt seemed fitter for that match then Seleucus ; but he that with the colour of his hair had not changed yet the vigor of his minde ( being still in an age that could command in Loves assaults , and preferring his own pleasure before his Sons ) would have her for himself .

All things being ready , Antiochus departed with a very good attendance of the noblest of the Kingdom , and carrying with him very fair Presents , in less then eight days arrived in Bursia .

Demetrius ( who then was come back from the Expedition against Ptolomy ) there received him with great Demonstrations of kindness , and presented him to Stratonica , who was lodged in the end of the Pallace .

His Reception was glorious , and the Complements which passed between them , confirmed their affection and mutual Devotion .

The eyes of the Prince ( which were eager in gazing on Stratonica's face ) should in reason have caused a sudden fainting in his heart , yet his inward alteration was not great ; were it that Antiochus being yong , and not knowing the true value of Beauty , was not ripe yet for Love ; or were it ( as 't is more credible ) that Love being to win him by little and little , could not with those first flashes kindle a fire which could be perceived .

All Demetrius his Court was full of joy for so great a Persons coming , and many Shows and Feasts were ordained in the City to entertain him the more honorably .

While they were thus employed in Bursia , Seleucus ( who had no other life , but what the hope gave him of soon being in his Mistrisses arms ) solicited with frequent and indefatigable Posts , Antiochus his return .

The hours of the day ( too too fleet and soon gone ) seemed Ages to him . He was offended with himself , that his Scepter wanted Power to invert the Motions of the Celestial Machines , to make that Day instantly come , which was to illuminate his Nuptials .

They are extream in their affections , who are in the extremity of fortune . A Prince ( that resembles a God ) is angry to do things like a man . He thinks it a defect , if his Power be not as ready in performing , as his Will is in desiring ; whence running to the end of his desires the shortest way , he invades and overthrows oftentimes all the humane and sacred respects which do thwart him .

In the end after three Moneths , which were spent by Demetrius in preparing all things needful for the Voyage , and expecting a time fit to sayl in , he departed with Fila his wife , Stratonica and Antiochus , and arriving at Nicomedia , where a gallant Navy was in order for that purpose , he embarqued himself for the coast of Soria .

'T was then the Moneth of June , from whose serene Majesty the fearful Winds flying , durst build no more clouds in the Heavens , nor erect any Waves in the Sea . The Fleet sayled on a Plain of moving Christal , having onely so much wind in their Sails , as served to make peaceably their way .

'T was a very fine sight to see the huge Galley ( which carried the three Princes ) flame all of Gold , and draw after it for bravery its Streamers of Purple along the contiguous shore .

The proud Ornaments that deckt it , were a Patern perhaps to Cleopatra's Ship , which was afterwards seen to ride in such Pomp upon Nilus .

It was so capacious , that it held two thousand of the Guard , and besides many very useful Chambers , had a Piazza and Gardens proudly compassing the Prore and the Poupe .

The Pride of the Kings of Asia was not onely not content to tame the Sea with the weight of such prodigious Fabricks , but would also ( inverting the Order of Nature ) have Trees seen to blossom , and fruit ripen too in those Barren and Salt Plains .

Amongst other Maids of Honor which Stratonica had brought with her , was by chance Sophonisba , the daughter of Faustus , Demetrius his kinsman . She had ( to accompany the Nobleness of her Blood ) a most beautiful Body , and as fair a Minde .

She was skilful in Rhetorique , and very well learned ; She had good skill in Musick , and made as good Verses as any of the Poets of her time . She was infinitely well Fashioned , but humorous ; and all her Actions shewed a kinde of Greatness and Spirit , which made her much admired .

She was for those qualities , not onely well beloved and esteemed by Stratonica , but likewise of all the Court . Antiochus his Gemus resembling Sophonisba's both in Musick and Poetry , he took delight to be every day in her Company , to Sing and make Verses .

This Recreation encreasing with Pleasure , was a little while after the cause of great Amity between them ; but the friendship so augmented in Sophonisba ( who was very full of life ) that it quickly turned to love .

Antiochus at that time was but seventeen years of age . He was tall of stature , and very finely shaped , though still growing . His Masculine gravity ( encreasing with his age ) began then to bud in the full blown Beauty of his Face . He looked and spake so sweetly , that all swore the Graces had their residence in his Eyes and in his Mouth . His Minde was as Resolute as Gallant ; and though he was young , yet he always shewed great Constancy in his Resolutions .

The now Love-sick Sophonisba felt therefore her Bowels to burn with more violence , by how much she endeavored to conceal with greater secrecy her flame .

Those amorous fits would have shortly come to dotage , if she had not very wisely used means to help decaying Nature .

To be often in the sight of her beloved , was the way to feed in her a great part of that desire , which was nourished by nothing but Antiochus his Presence . But the Waters of those Visits served for no other end to her Amorous Dropsie , but to make her thirst the greater . All the ease she had ( if it be credible that a secret Lover can have any ease ) consisted not in any thing , but in mentioning him often , and praising him to Stratonica her Mistress .

She disguized her Praises of affection in the habit of Duty , adventuring to hide with some pretext that which no pretext could do her the favor to reveal .

But the Sentinels now began to discover Demetrius his Navy from the Mountains of Soria . Seleucus ( who two days before was come with a reasonable Army to Tripolis to meet with his Bride ) as soon as he knew it , gave orders to his Soldiers to be ready , and he with the Flower of his Court very gloriously Adorned , went aboard certain Bucentori of the nature of Galleys , to go meet with his heart which was coming to him in his Mistresses Bosom .

The first Salutations in the approaching of the Fleet , were artificial Sounds , passing through the holes of a thousand hollow instruments of Box.

Perhaps they joyned to Seleucus his Sighs , formed an equal Wind , either to refrigerate his Flames , or to blow them with more Violence .

As soon as they had Boarded one another , 't was a Sight ( that deserved to be seen by all the World ) to see with what Majesty and Ceremony the two Kings received one another , at whose onely Names the remotest Confines of Asia trembled .

Seleucus beheld Demetrius and admired him . The Beauty of his Body and the Gallantry of his Minde represented him to Seleucus for more then a Man .

Demetrius on the other side reverenced Seleucus as a Relick of Alexanders Glories , and as a Captain who had been a Soldier under the Command of a Man , to whom the Command of one World seemed too little .

Seleucus was tall of Stature and strong of Body , in so much that on a time when Alexander was a sacrificing , by chance a wilde Bull having fled from the Altar , was by him caught again , and held fast .

He was clad that day in a sky-coloured Armor sparkling with pieces of polished Silver . He had on the side of his Heart ( set in his Corslet ) a heart of fine Corral , near which a Sun of Gold was represented darting its Beams on it .

The extravagant wearing of his Crown , which ( resting on a Rowl of fine Bisse , woven with divers colours ) gilded his temples , and the wanton negligence of his regal Mantle falling from his right shoulder , and hanging on the side he wore his Sword , were an alluring Habit , which though they were fitter for a man of fifty years , misbecame him not at all .

Having ended their Complements , and rejoycing much together for their new made Alliance , Antiochus ( who had at the first done his Duty to his Father ) bowed to him again , and Seleucus ( having quitted Demetrius ) embraced him with great kindness .

Thence going all three towards the Chambers of the Queens , they were very well seen by the Gentlemen and Soldiers there present of both Crowns .

The Sea groaned quietly under the stroaks of the Oars of so many Galleys , and the Air being beaten with Millions of Sounds of Drums and Trumpets , made so great a noise , that it wearied the Eccho's of the neighboring Shores .

The three Princes ( being come to the Antichamber of the Poupe ) heard themselves welcomed on the sudden by a Consort of Viols , whose strings without doubt would have played away Seleucus his Heart , if the hand that toucht them had plaid more then once .

But no sooner they had begun , but the door was opened to them .

I want a Similitude to express with it the wonder that by drawing of that Curtain was presented to the eyes of Seleucus . The removing of a Vail , which shews in the night the Glory of a Scene beautified with innumerable Lights , is a vile Comparison .

Seleucus resembled a man , who departing this life opens his eyes in another world .

The Chamber was all covered with Mother of Pearl : The Conjunctions of Gold which held them together , were wrought with fine Figures . Stratonica with Fila her Mother sate on a Couch of cloth of Silver on Cushions of the same . Eight or ten Children cloathed like little Cupids with a Bow and a Quiver at their flanks , plaid up and down . More below in a circle sate twelve beautiful Maids of Honor , among which Sophonisba appeared no less eminent in Beauty then in Dignity .

Stratonica was habited like a Nymph ; the Gold and Jewels she wore , exceeded much the value of a Kingdom . But Fila seated with a Crown on her head , was Majestick and Grave .

Those amorous Archers had a custom ( when any went in to the Queens ) to shoot at them ( for Ornament ) with their Bows . Were it by Chance , or by Art , one of the Arrows ( gilded and blunt ) as Seleucus entered in , hit him on the heart , which we spake of before .

He was so transported in that his first appearance , that by his disorder his good grace was in danger of miscarrying . All his life was reduced into a look , and the Queens onely knew he was a live by his looks .

The admiration in seeing one another was reciprocal in all .

The Queens had heard often of Seleucus his Fame , and desired as much to see him , as he to see them .

The good King kneeled as they rose up , and with a stammering tongue desired to kiss their hands . They forcing him to rise , would by no means permit him to do them that service . At last being gently reproved by Demetrius , he rose up and said to them ,

I should rejoyce with you ( my Ladies ) if in having acquired a Son in Law and a Husband so unequal to your merits , you could say you had gained by the Purchase . My Crown ( though esteemed by the world ) deserves not to be valued by you , but for this , that 't is rich in incomparable Devotion and Affection to your Majesties . It belongs then to you ( O my Queens ) to rejoyce with me . I onely ( among all that are this day alive in the World ) have more obligation to the Stars , then any man besides . To live when Stratonica lives , to be the Companion of her Fortune , and the end of her Thoughts , are such Graces , as Heaven never gives , but when it intends perfect Happiness . To make me very fortunate , be pleased , O Stratonica , my Mistress , to accept of me readily for your Servant , and give me some assurance of it , that my Happiness being known to the World , every one may swear , I no longer am Mortal .

Having said so , he embraced her with much reverence , and kissed her .

Thou diedst not Seleucus of pleasure , because it was impossible for thee to die in the mouth of thy life . Thy Soul in that kiss had contracted all the pleasures which Love hath to give . If thou hadst not loved Stratonica in that maner , that thy passionate Affection made thee chaste , that sweet Povson would not doubtless have found an Antidote against it .

The Queens were well satisfied with Seleucus his Behavior and Expressions , and answered him with that courtesie , which is due in like cases .

In the mean time all the Courtiers there present , hung at the mouth of the Princes , observing their Majesties , and admiring their carriage .

Having ended their Ceremonies , they discoursed of other matters ; in the progress of which , Seleucus stealing often his Soul from his words , gave it to his looks .

His eyes were so eager in beholding Stratonica , that they were like the eyes of the Bird that hatches her Eggs with her looks .

O what immensity of Beauty , restrained in the narrow confines of a Face , presents it self , Seleucus , to thy view ? Why seest thou it , and diest not , since Seeing and Dying deprive alike of life an enamored Heart ? It perhaps preserves thy life to think , that those animated Alabasters live not , and soften not for any but thy self .

The possession of a Happiness so great , is certainly able to give life ; but if the possession of Beauty be not otherwise enjoyed , then by looking upon it , That possession is unprofitable which hath no longer pleasure then the lasting of a look .

By that time the Navy ( slowly sailing on towards the Haven ) arrived .

They dis-imbarked with that greatness and pomp , which became well the Majesty of a King , and a Lovers first desire .

But among the stateliest things which were seen in Seleucus his Delights , was a very great Pallace , made all of Wood in that maner , that Two thousand men hired for that purpose , could instantly set it together . It was rarely well built , all gilded , and curiously Painted : When it was taken asunder , they carried it conveniently on Carts in the journey .

In this Pallace , every night ( while they travelled from Tripolis to Damascus ) the Princes were so gallantly lodged , that Lucullus his Apolline , and the Delights of Heliogabalus ( which followed after ) in comparison of them , might be justly called Shadows .

Stratonica rode in a Chariot drawn by four Birds of that bigness , that it is liker a fable then the truth to relate it .

They breed in the Inhospitable Mountains of Giava the greater ; and it is written of them , that they carried with such ease through the Air a Calf , fastned to their Talons , as a Falcon would a Sparrow .

By the Winged Coursers , we may judge of the rest of the Chariot .

The Armies of both Crowns went before , and Fifty other Chariots followed after ; in which were the Princes , the Ladies , and chief Officers of the Court.

It was Majestick to see with what Military Rule and good Order they travelled . The Pioneers joyned in two Legions , levelled the Hills , removed the Woods , and dryed up the Rivers , if need so required .

The power of Kings can do these wonders , and it is not a wonder that it can do so much . If man be the King of Animals , to be King of many Men , is to be King of many Kings ; and who wonders , that the Actions of a King should be great , since in them the Assistance of so many Kings concurs .

All Ages envyed the Plains which Stratonica passed over , being the Scene of so beautiful a sight .

Let the Reader imagine , That the Soul of Seleucus was distributed among all his Soldiers . Every one of them co-operated with that diligence to his end , that the new Lover had nothing else to do but to desire . The slowness of their march onely vexed him : He desired that Stratonica's Chariot would have flown , and perhaps to that end he put the Birds in it ; but who knows that those Birds were not Seleucus his winged Desires ? They doubtless would have flown in my Opinion , if the Bridle of Respect , due to his Queen , had not checkt them .

But being near Damascus , they were met , and received by the City , with the greatest signs of Loyalty , that faithful Subjects could demonstrate to their Prince .

The Arch-Triumphals and Altars were erected , the streets hung with Tapistry , and the Playes and Balls which that day were seen , would weary any Tongue , and any Pen.

The concourse of people was so great , that besides the Inhabitants of Damascus , torrents of persons came tumbling from the neighboring Cities . The Galleries , the Balcones and Windows were all filled ; and the rest of the people , not knowing which way else to come to see , hung on the ridges of the houses , and kept themselves from falling , by leaning on the Walls .

The huge throng of people would have doubtless stifled thousands of the Curious , if a Masque recreating their spirits , had not kept them alive .

Stratonica used always to go masked ; were it that the World was unworthy to see her Face , or were it , that she feared lest her Face might occasion some ruine to the World . Howsoever it was , a little piece of Velvet , or Black-Taffaty , hid from the eyes of Damascus that Beauty , which neither high Mountains , nor vast Seas could conceal from the eyes of Seleucus .

Being arrived at the Pallace ( which stood at the head of a very large Piazza ) and weary of their journey , they reposed four days , and the Sacrifices in the mean time , and nuptial Magnificence , were prepared .

In the end , the day being come that was appointed , Seleucus ( after he had solemnly Sacrificed ) espoused his dear Stratonica by the hands of the high Priest . Having afterwards caused her to sit down on the right hand of his Throne , he made all his Lords swear Loyalty to her , and acknowledge her for their Queen .

The Feasts that then followed , and the Banquets which were made , are far beyond all imagination .

No Pleasure was omitted , nor Show laid aside : But that which had power above every thing else , to transport the hearts of all with a wonder , was a very vast Theater , which the Engineer of the portable Pallace , that we spake of before , had built on that spacious Piazza .

It was ( like a Geryon ) composed of those three Bodies which make Architecture admired . The great Pillars , the beautiful Statues , the majestick vast Beams , the curious Pictures , the various Devices , and quaint Motto's , made a heap of Wonders able to amuse the clearest understanding .

It contained Twenty thousand Spectators , and had Six moving Machines in its vast hollow bulk , every one of which made a Scene . In them Orpheus was represented in Hell , playing on his Harp for Euridices recovery ; Theseus in the labyrinth when he killed the Minotaure ; The same when he deserted Ariana in the Island ; Circes transforming her Lovers into Beasts ; Ulysses retreating from the Musick of the Syrens ; and Arion saving himself on the back of the Dolphin .

Those Acts were seconded with most excellent enterludes of Musick . The Spectators were amazed in that maner , that many learned men thought it necessary to deliver them to posterity in Books .

The patern of those Representations ( being afterwards by those ancient times , delivered from one another , to our days ) was lastly seen to flourish in the Feasts of the Princes of Italy , and particularly in his Highnesses of Parma ; the Machines of whose Nuptials , if they wholly exceeded not those of Seleucus , exceeded them at least in having there present one Claudio Achillini , whose admirable invention , not onely with the harmony of Order , but likewise the design of the Carpenters work , perpetually made them famous .

Other pleasant Shows succeeded the former , and Damascus for the space of a moneth appeared the Worlds delight .

When that time was expired , Demetrius ( to ease Seleucus his Country of the inconveniencies caused by his Army , and to carry back his Navy to the Havens of his Kingdom ) took his leave of his dear Daughter , and his new Son-in-law , and returned with Fila to Tripolis , where he embarked himself .

Stratonica felt their departure with that grief , which was taught her by the Law of filial affection . And while she was alone in her Chamber , to accompany their voyage with her sorrow , Antiochus came to see her .

He saw her ( ah sight ! ) he saw her in that posture , which would have mollified a Flint .

Her Face was so sweetly full of pity , that even sorrow it self looked well in those Cheeks . The fire of her looks , though bathed in sadness , was not lessened at all ; but albeit it burned in the water , yet it could not be said to be artificial fire . It was too natural to Stratonica to burn him with her looks .

It is hard to describe with what affection those eyes big with grief brought forth tears . The fair Queen in that act resembled Aurora in travel of the day . Her tears much exceeded the morning dew in Beauty .

To hear her name pitifully her Father , so wounded the heart of the Prince , that the hurt was incurable .

He beholding so pleasing a sight , was wholly transported with her Face , and began to consider more seriously Stratonica's great Beauty .

That his pity ( which he felt pierce his heart ) was the Embryo , of which , by little and little , Love afterwards came to be formed .

It was but Reason , that what began of Pity , should make an end in Love . And it was a lucky sign to Antiochus his love , that it began of grief .

Joy and Sorrow are the two Centers of all humane Actions . He that begins with the one , ends necessarily in the other .

Antiochus undertook to comfort the Queen , and so affectionately comforted her , that he even kept her company in weeping .

His Compassion assured her of his Love , and her Sympathy and Affection to him from thence increased infinitely .

The remembrance of that afflicted Beauty was a Key , which opened to Antiochus the door of acquaintance . From that time , ever after , when he looked on Stratonica , her Beauty seemed greater to him , and her Behavior more pleasing . He delighted in nothing but her Conversation . To be the mark of her Looks , and the eccho of her words , represented to him the felicities of Paradise . Now Antiochus was grown almost a Lover , but perceived not that he loved .

On the other side Stratonica , who saw that in all Feasts , and particularly in the Balls , and in Tilting , Antiochus alone was reputed the most valiant , and esteemed the most handsom ; considering too no less , the most pleasing and amorous dispositions of his nature , was by little and little so enamored of him , that she acted more the part of a Lover then a Friend .

Reputation in Arms , is a very great motive to Love .

Women , as deprived of that excellency ( in this unlike themselves ) envy not Valor , but admire it in Men.

They hate so much Feminine weakness , that they cannot love the man that is Effeminate ; or being to be subject to man , they cannot without blushing endure to be commanded by him , who cannot shew himself to be more then a woman .

So by little and little , the Fire fortified it self in the two Princes hearts .

But the flames were so great in Sophonisba's beyond measure , that there was no hope of remedy , unless she would discover them . If either Love shewed her Antiochus in Armor in the Field , to shew his Valor , or if he presented him to her unarmed in the middle of a Ball , to make a new Conquest with his Graces , his presence had still the same power , either this way or that to unbowel her .

The Unfortunate Lady sang frequently with him , and perhaps composed the Songs in order to her Passion ; but Art could do nothing where Nature would not help .

She was now so far gone in her Love , that it either would have shortly caused her death , or forced her to speak ; but Love very strangely delivered her from the danger she was in .

She received advice , That Faustus her Father was dead , and that she as his sole Daughter , was left Heir of a large Country ; that therefore it concerned her ( in the company of her Cosen Periander , who was come to convey her from the Court ) to resolve to depart .

She retired into her Chamber at that news , being invaded in a moment with a Million of thoughts tormenting her Minde . Her serene Brow was un-calmed , the colour of her Face turned Pale , her Eyes wept abundantly , her Breast sighed aloud , and she in an instant was made an unfortunate Winter of Affliction .

She felt her Fathers death by the absence of her Lover ; she felt her Lovers absence by the death of her Father : One grief encreased with the memory of another , and in the Ashes of that , the Fire of this kindled apace .

It is no little Happiness to one that is unhappy , to vent without scandal his Torments , when his Torments are derived from a Cause , which may occasion Scandal .

The Minde of Sophonisba ( over-flown with the torrent of such Sorrows ) could not choose but transport her to a firm Resolution of discovering her self to Antiochus .

The state of that Lover seems to her too unfortunate , who is silent and far off . She therefore sought occasion to be with him alone ; but when she is beginning to speak , affrighted with the Majesty of the Face she adores , little more then half alive she congeals and grows mute .

The Prince took no notice of her Passions , because she was still to be unhappy . She seeing she had lost so fit an opportunity , knew not how with any thing to punish more her self , then by going away presently .

'T was now night when she began to take her leave of all .

'T was fit a black Licence should forerun so dark a Voyage .

Seleucus having given her a very rich Jewel , kissed her on the fore-head .

All happiness go with thee Sophonisba . The Gods know ( he said to her ) what a loss my Court hath of thy Presence .

Stratonica wept , and embraced her oftentimes ; onely Antiochus wished her a good journey , and took his leave of her without much alteration .

That was very good luck for Sophonisba : one pale look of his would have made her dye of wanness .

Having ended her Ceremonies with all , she locked her self in her Chamber . She went not to bed to take rest ; but after much uncertainty of minde , wrote a Letter to Antiochus , and delivered it to one she loved well in the Court called Eleuteria , entreating her to give it into his hands , when she guessed she might be a little way off from Damascus .

The morning being come , Aurora scarce blushed when she with her Company took Coach , and set forwards on their journey .

The disconsolate Lady was glad , that then all the Court was asleep , that she might meet no more of those Objects , which would cause her to weep . She concealed her self in her funeral Coach , lest the Objects she might see , should seem to reprove her of her distance from Antiochus .

Eleuteria about noon supposing Sophonisba was far enough off , found Antiochus , and presented him with the Letter . He blushed a little at it , yet thanked Eleuteria , and locking himself in his Chamber , opened it , and read as here followeth :

I Am too bold , O Antiochus . To write then to you when I may speak , is not always a sign of Modesty . If these Characters ( in which my mourning thoughts like a Serpent move hither and thither ) had the force to make you penetrate what I fain would have you know , how your vertues have had the Power to make me feel what I would conceal from all but your self , I should live more contented , you remain better satisfied . But what do you expect that I should tell you ? In what an ocean of thoughts waves your Minde while you read ? Where think you will these rows of Words , or rather these Lines finde an End , which are drawn from the Centre of my Breast ? Alas , I want Power to express it . My Antiochus , who truly art not mine , but as I represent you to my self . Since it was my fortune to contemplate your Vertues , and receive your Favors , Love so invaded me , that I could not resist him by forbearing to be yours . Many Moneths are now past , since my heart hath encreased the number of your Vassals . You have commanded one Soul more then you knew of , and still are Lord of it . My Actions , my Looks and my Words would have well informed you of it , if you had made reflection on them . But I have been either too fearful , or you too negligent . Being content howsoever with my Fortune , which was careless in acquainting you with it , I rejoyced as much in loving you , as another would perhaps have rejoyced in being loved again . I was to my self ( as I may say ) both the Idol and Idolater too . The Sphaer of my Fire had no greater Circumference , then what was turned about by the Circuit of a Heart . To see you , to speak to you , and to be in your Company , were the greatest rewards I could desire for my Love . That Lady seemed too happy to me , who had leave to lay her heart in the bosom of a King . But since the death of Faustus my Father hath made unhappy the happiness of my life , by forcing me to go from your Court , I ( wounded past all Cure ) knew not what other remedy to have recourse to ( to preserve me alive ) but this of informing you , That I love you more then my self . To love you at a distance , and without your knowledge , were too cruel Conditions to the Fortune of one so unhappy as I am . I must either have died , or informed you of it . To have done it with my tongue , would have been more pleasing to me , with my Pen it hath been safer . If you should have refused me , I should have died of grief ; if accepted of me , of delight . Either this way or that I must have died , if she be said to dye , who is Crowned with a triumph or Martyrdom . Be not scandalized my King . A woman that so long hath known how to be silent , would have known ne'er to Love , if it had been in her Power .

I am sure that you will not condemn in your Servant , the Flames which your own Rayes have kindled . Pity my sorrows , which onely are mine , because I am excessively yours . And remember , that I ( turning sometimes to the Heaven , under which you take your breath ) will invoke that name often , which would onely make me happy if I had not occasion to invoke it . I desire you not to Love me , for it would be temerity to desire so great a thing . I onely beseech you to pardon me , if those offences be worthy of pardon , which in nothing else have Wronged you but in Loving you .

Amazement seized Antiochus , as soon as he had read over the Places , which had Power to make him wonder ; and , as if his Soul from that Letter had drunk some liquid Poyson , he began to perceive a sudden fire in his Bowels .

An amorous Letter to a youthful Heart is a learned Enchantment . The Hooks of those Characters are artificial pick-lock-tools to open the secret Bolt of a Heart . To see a Leaf written , is like seeing an Army in the Field ; Every Line is a File of Men. Words give Battel to the Minde and overcome it , for there is no force more powerful then that of Words to batter a Minde .

Antiochus read over the Letter once or twice , which was a Composition too pleasing to uncalm the tranquillity of his Thoughts ; and causing Eleuteria to come to him , questioned her earnestly to see what she knew else of Sophonisba . Thinking then again on the accident , and Love making in the Field of his Memory a Muster of the Vertues of that Lady , he lamented much her absence , and so violently fell in Love with her , as he would have repaired all his past negligence , if what is once past could ever become present .

He omitted not to answer her Letter , and mingled in his answer many amorous Conceits , to assure Sophonisba that he loved her again . But his answer come to Bursia , was returned with this answer , That the miserable Lady was dead .

The sorrow she had for leaving her Antiochus , was the cause of her death . And who wonders that she died leaving him , if Antiochus was her life ?

The Fame of her Death being spread through Damascus , all that had known her , wept for her . Every one bewayled the too untimely death of Sophonisba , the Sun of whose Vertue had given so much Lustre to that Court.

Antiochus above all ( cloathing in Black his dearest Thoughts ) erected in the Temple of his Heart , a Monument of Tears to his deceased Mistris .

His sorrows were the greater , in order to the strife within himself to conceal them .

But all he could do , could not hinder the Marks of his grief from appearing with state on his Countenance .

Those Remembrances are sorrowful , which called to the Heart make the Eccho of a Tomb. They have something of poyson , which fuming to the face , makes it pale . Sepulchers contain onely ashes , and can give no other colour to him that thinks on them , but what is of ashes .

But the Mark being removed towards which the desires of Antiochus began to run , he remained as deprived of sense , because he could no longer be sensual .

The man that applies not himself to some Love , is like a Body without Life .

The good Prince is unsatisfied , till he fill afresh his heart with some other Affection .

Humane Condition is of such a constitution , that if once it lose its modesty in desiring , it presently becomes dishonest in its Desires .

He waving up and down in these irresolutions , Love presents before him Stratonica . He before having carelesly designed the first Draughts of a Love more then filial towards her , thinks it easie to pursue it , until it degenerate into lust . He therefore begins to wish to see her , and is pleased with her favors . But return'd to himself , it is probable that he said oftentimes to himself ,

What ways are these ? Whither runnest so Antiochus ? Dost thou invent Treasons ? Treason 's the more hainous , since they are against Honor ? Can thy Heart have a corner where a Thought may hide it self ; a Thought that is so foul to be an Adulterer to thy Father ? And livest thou , and breathest ? And hast the impudence ( wicked wretch ) to endure the others looks ? And on what are founded all thy Hopes , though they are just Hopes ? Perhaps on Stratonica's allurements ? And thinkest thou that she flatters thee lasciviously ? Mad-man that thou art , canst not be faithless enough thy self , unless thou likewise thinkest Fidelity it self faithless ?

With these or the like internal Motions , Antiochus mortifying his Senses , stopt the course of his Affection to the Queen , and was afterwards more cautious , and less careful to preserve it .

She seeing him grown tepid and sad , was not wanting to make use of all occasions to rekindle his Affection .

And he ( after some little resistance ) returned to the Happiness of her Favors , and began to desire them afresh very passionately .

So the course of his Affections altered by turn , till after some days Antiochus arrived at that point of his Life , in which a Change of Fortune was decreed him by his Fate .

On the side of the Pallace , Seleucus had a Garden no less spacious then beautiful : In it , as in a leavy Lycaeum , or an Academy of Plants well looked to , the vegetative Creatures taught men the Sciences of the most learned Beauties . There in the Summer the King used to walk in the Evening , and to Sup oftentimes .

One Evening therefore among the rest , being there at Table with the Queen and the Prince , they were infinitely merry .

It was in that part of the year , when the World ( become yong again ) uses with flowry Hair to array his naked Face . To see Stratonica in a Garden , was to see the Sun in his Sphaer . That Garden seemed the Epitome of all the Worlds Beauty , and Stratonica's face the Epitome of that Garden .

Antiochus ( grown drunk with the pleasure of a thousand little flatteries of the Queen ) was no sooner a Bed , but disordered his minde with a Chaos of Thoughts now unquiet , now calm , and penetrating into the Contemplation of what had passed that day , sighed to himself through abundance of Compassion , and cryed out oftentimes .

Sweetest Stratonica ! And who would be happier then I am , if what thou dost to me as a Mother-in-law , thou wouldst do as a Lover ?

In these or such like words he continued , and his Senses being fettered with the soft snares of sleep , he dreamed in the night , That passing through the Garden , he had found Stratonica all alone in a labyrinth of Mirtles , which grew there in the middle . The afflicted Queen being seated ( as he thought ) in those shady retreats , immoderately wept .

What ails you Madam ? Why weep you so disconsolately ?

She then looking on Antiochus with a countenance between angry and pleased , seemed thus to answer him ,

Cruel man ! Art still so inhumane to ask me why I weep ? I so long have been dying for thy love , and thou returnest not my kindness , nor makest account of it , and yet thou askest me why I weep ?

The Prince ( congealing at those words ) was inmoveable and sensless . Having afterwards by little and little recovered his spirits , he endeavored to mitigate her Sorrow , by assuring her , That he suffered as much for her sake .

The Dream wrought so powerfully , that Antiochus awaked . Being come to himself , O Gods ( said he ) who can tell if Stratonica loves thee not unfeignedly ? who can tell ? But Fool , what say I ? Is Stratonica false to my Father ? Ah! these are distempers of a youthful Brain , they are distempers .

So he reasoned with himself , and leaping out of his Bed ( when the Sun had now gilded the Windows ) came into the Room , where he used every morning to do his duty to the Queen .

Poor Antiochus , how near is thy Liberty to an end ?

Round that Presence-Chamber , from the top , hung rich imbroidered Cloth , the height of which ( being adorned with a circle of Pictures done by rare Masters ) entertained the Eyes of all the Beholders with a very stately Sight . On one of the four sides , on a Table of Silver , was erected to the middle of the Wall , a very great and clear four-square Looking-glass , which resembling a calm Sea , bounded with the Ethiopian shore of a transparent Ebony , invited all the Faces and Species of near Objects to fail on its Bosom .

Now while Stratonica , the King , and many other domesticks ( which coming from their Chambers , had assembled there themselves ) stood discoursing on the rest they had taken the night past ; the Queen ( who was afraid to be observed by her Husband , if too often , as she otherwise would have done , she had fixed her Eyes on her beloved ) learned to look kindly upon him by stealth in the Image , which the Glass reflected of him : so while she was secretly delighted with his sight , Antiochus by chance casting his eyes up and down , found the Queens fixed on him .

But who can now repeat the great force of that encounter of their looks ? And how significant was that sudden correspondence of their eyes ? It was the Work of an Angel , that she in an instant assured , reproved , and encouraged the enamored Prince .

If thou doubtest that I love thee ( he thought that those Eyes said to him ) if thou doubtest that I love thee , O Antiochus , behold this my Soul , which wholly contracted in the little circle of a covetous Apple of the Eye , hopes onely to be helped by a dying Aspect . To assure thee of my Love , me-thinks the many signs thou hast had of my Affection , should suffice thee . But since thou wouldst never credit them , nor beleeve the last Nights Vision , wilt thou credit this Glass ? Ah , see Antiochus , see that I love thee .

The Eyes are the Wonders of the Face , and dark Figures of Divinity . We may call them too the Dyals of Love , which fastned on the Wall of a Countenance , shew with the Style of their Looks , the minutes of hours , either happy or unhappy to Lovers . They shewed Love-sick Antiochus that infallibly from that Moment , by assuring himself of Stratonica's Affection , he burnt in that maner , that his Flame was almost after past extinguishing .