CORALBO was gone to accompany the valiant Lindadori and her Parents at their departure from Memphis : When , he being left alone , found himselfe enflamed by the fire of this reverberating absence , in the same manner , as things here on Earth use to be enflamed , more by the Sunnes reflection , then by the Sunne it self . Her presence had till now , kept him from those paines which grew in an instant , like a dolefull birth , of such a privation nourished by the overflowing milk of fancy . There was not any sensible thing in him , which , to aggravate the sence , did not make an exact scrutiny of those desired perfections . His memory represented unto him his confusions , his darknesses , and in the thickest of them , the Altar consecrated to the Idol of those faire eyes , which having formerly been objects of astonishment and delight , were now become unto him objects onely of necessity and desire . It was objected unto him , that he had evill resolved himself , and that the covetous desire of Kingdoms and jealousie of honour ( for the most part vicious and vaine ) had more prevailed with him , then a maidens desert , worthy to be preferred to all the Crowns and Honours in the world ; her selfe being a sufficient crown and honour to any one , who should have the fortunate happinesse to possesse her , and whose lot it might be to be crowned with her love , a Crown far exceeding any other Diadem . He came to the Court late , and though imagined he had at other times seene it , yet that very thought seemed fallacious to him ; so naked it appeared bare of that Ornament ( which in his opinion ) was the very height and transcendency of its beauty . Nor could any one that saw so much mutation in him , penetrate into the cause of it . It was imagined , his melancholly proceeded from the losse of his companions indifferently : That passion is a virtue , which not to discover it selfe to be love , doth cloath it selfe with the vail of friendship . The Princesse of Cyrene , who had to her first amorous affection ( after he was declared Prince ) joyned the second of a good opinion , and did so wind about him , and hang upon him , being grieved to see his minde perplexed , that she vexed him even when she imagined with her dalliances to comfort and cherish him . She thought alone to possesse him , not perceiving that being borne to misfortunes in respect of a lawfull love , all unlawfull ones were momentary and mournful to her : what eye was there ever that could penetrate the Heavens , and with the priviledge of discerning , know the occult characters of divine providence , unlesse discerning be a perceiving that disordinate affections never come to any good end , and that the punishment which followes them , though it does not touch the life , yet it ruines mans honour and reputation by an ignominous report ? Psemitides failed not in providing of what he judged to be needfull for the undertaking of what he had designed and promised , and wherewith he had threatned another , having given order for all things with such facility , that one might easily perceive his long practise in warfaring , had made him free from all irresolutions . And having sent for Celitcazween of Arabia , with the princesse Bell-alba her Daughter to Memphis , hee received them with all such honours , as any raigning Princesses could expect , having already resolved in the secret counsel of his thoughts , that he could not bestow his Daughter Elitrea upon a more worthy Son in law , then Coralbo , who being obliged by affinity and benefits , he promised himself an undoubted secureness within his Dominions , whilst he lived ; and after his decease , a potent and faithfull tutele for his eldest Sonne Gradovido . Having ruminated and digested such thoughts in his minde , calling Celitea aside , he thus spake unto her . I am resolved ( Madam ) to goe very shortly into Arabia for the recuperation of your Kingdomes , which I hope to recover with my forces , justified by your rights . But I have resolved first to do a thing , which as it shall be a benefit to you , so will it give me abundance of satisfaction . Your benefit it will be , to encourage and hearten my Souldiers in such manner , as that having an interest in your affaires , they may not only willingly expose themselves to the dangers of War , but be as it were obliged to die in your service : Otherwise I might justly have cause to feare , their hope of ransacking and plundering being taken from them ( seeing the body of your Dominions must be kept entirely whole for you , as I intend they shall ) they will hardly with cheerefulnesse engage or adventure themselves , being deprived of all their military emoluments , and especially they being to fight neither for me , nor for themselves ; and Aegypt not to gaine the propriety , nor any benefit of such conquests as it shall gaine with th' expence of its own blood . Then it will be a great satisfaction to me , to make it appeare to the world ( which will hardly believe Princes do stirre , unlesse it be for some interest of their owne ) that my resolution to aide you , proceeds from a free will : and that if there be any interest , it is worthy my greatnesse , and others commendation . I will give your Sonne Coralbo my Daughter Elitrea to wife , and your Kingdomes ( which I will recover at mine owne perill and cost ) for a Dowry . If this proposition shall be acceptable to you , it shall much content me , if not , I will not howsoever faile to make trial of my fortune , and the obedience of my subjects without any condition . Celitea who stood all this while suspended , not knowing or imagining to what Psemitides's speeches would tend , would have kneeled to him to give him thanks , but he taking her under the arme , would not suffer it ; when she with a Majestick humility , answered him : Sir , though your Majestie will not permit me to kisse your hands , which is the duty to which your magnanimity binds me , yet shall not you deny me with a tongue enflamed with affection to give you such thanks as I am able , though all too little , in respect of your transcendent favours . The Gods endowed you with so much prudence , and enriched you with such abundance of curtesie , that to make use thereof , you please to be carelesse of that esteem , which is justly due unto you , for your other transcendent parts . That Scepter which so happily governs so many Kingdomes , is held in a hand as powerful as Clement : Your subjects , my Lord , are neither so bare of affection , or armed with power sufficient as to disobey you . Not so little inriched with so many spoiles , attained through your many-fold glorious Victories , that they will pretend either any hopes more worthy then the obeying of your commands , or greater profits , then to eternize their renown under the unconquered ensignes of your incomparable valour . Wherefore he that should imagine , that need of this should be the motive of this unheard of courtesie , were unworthy to receive it . And as for that which you pretend , under pretext of cautions to accumulate me with favours , it is the utmost can be , not only pretended , but also imagined . Who is it but may perceive , that where such vertues are , there can be no roome or place void for any interests ? your Majesties head is begirt with so many Diadems , that the addition of more would not onely be supernumerary , but troublesome also . The sublimenesse of this your royal mind , composed ever of magnificent Liberalities , joyned to the innumerable vastnesse of your Treasures , cannot breed in any one such irrational impressions ; wherefore whatsoever you say or doe for me , will be but a publique Declaration to the world , that you are a King and Monarch without any equall in all manner of vertues . Behold sir , here I am , your servant , together with Coralbo . Dispose of us as you please , goe on in causing Nature to admire , seeing it is your will so to doe , raise your servant to be your Sonne ; raise me who am abased by so many misfortunes , to the happy title of Mother to your onely Daughter , a Princesse so eminent , to make me happy in serving her . All these will be Miracles , Sir , and if they be not so to you , to whom doing good is an ordinary course of nature , yet will it be so to us , to whom it , receiving any comfort , hath a long time been extraordinary and supernaturall Having thus said , she would againe have made obeysance unto him , but he ( having decreed within himselfe to intreat her , not onely as his equall in degree , but also with all such respect as any courteous Knight might afford to a great Lady ) would not suffer it , but holding her up , answered . Madam , The courteous opinion wherewith you please to honour me , as it doth surpass all manner of conception , so can not my duty equal the great desire I have to serve you . If the Gods have been liberall towards me of any extraordinary Talent , it was conditionally , that I should employ it for the publique benefit . They did not establish worldly powers to oppresse , but to relieve the oppressed ; and though there be some composed of oppressions , yet they are not all such . The different degrees to power , make the difference betweene Powers . Those whose ends were avarice and covetousnesse , had no other meanes to attaine to them , but frauds , corruptions , and hypocrisies : the Gods make use of such for scourges and instruments of wrath amongst mortals . But the others , whose ends are glorious , raised themselves by the onely meanes of fortitude and clemency , by which they represent together with Omnipotency , celestial mercy . In the first , there was never any but nominal peace . In the latter war it selfe promises peace , and subjection , a state of securenesse and rest . Now they having , placed me amongst the latter , and your Kinsman Bramac amongst the first ; your protection duely belongs to me , without pretence of your any way being obliged unto me . In the meane time , let this marriage be concluded betwixt us , which you shall intimate to Prince Coralbo , and my wife shall speake of it to my Daughter . Celitea lost no time , in communicating of the Kings proffers to her Sonne , thinking to make him lift up his hands to heaven for joy : but the contrary befalling her , being much perplexed therefore , she having reproved him for his folly , and shewed him , that a dishonest and hurtful affection , ought not to prevaile above the interests of profit and honour , intimating to him by such conceipts , the love of the Princesse of Cirene , in such sort that he might very well perceive it . But Coralbo after a little agitation of the minde , answered her , Madam , I am not so farre divided from my selfe ( though I be not throughly my selfe ) as to be ignorant of the great good which you offer me , seeing that of my selfe being poore , and without any state , there is offered me , together with an estate , the possession of so great and worthy a Princesse . I would smoother my mine evills in silence , if I were not perswaded it might make you believe a thing too dissonant from truth , the bonds whereby I am bound unto you , as my mother and soveraigne being too great to suffer me to be disobedient . The love of the Princesse of Cirene doth not trouble me , and if it should , I could not pretend to make her my wife , she being already married . Here he related unto her the History of Lindadori , his amorous inclinations , how he had resolved to serve her and make her his Lady ; but shee not knowing thereof , and he consequently being free , he intended ( though unwillingly ) to accept of the gift , which at this present was tendred him by fortune , being assured that Elitrea , infected with the same malady , would not consent to it . And because Celitea could not well understand what he would infer thereby , he prosecuted the relation of the comming of Lindadori and Eromena , to that Court in the habit of Knights , and how Eromena having inflamed the Queene , and Lindacori Elitrea , with their loves , he could not esteeme her free to bestow her selfe on any other . Celitea smiled at these casualties , resting well satisfied of her Sonne , who preferring obedience to his youthful affections , had put her out of those doubts which she already did begin to feare . The King , when night was come , communicated to his wife Leiride , what had passed betweene him and the Queene of Arabia , alledging amongst others reasons two as chiefe . One , that he could not bestow his Daughter upon a nobler Prince then Coralbo , unlesse he had resolved to make choice of one of the two Princes of his blood , not yet espoused , which he ought not to do , for feare of such confusions as might arise within his owne Dominions , in case he should die before his Son Gradovido were come to age ; besides that , he did not perceive either of them to be capable of it . The Duke of Siene too young , and linked to the Prince of Berenice . The Duke of Missorme , vicious and temerarie , imbued with Maximes full of poyson and dangers , both for state and subjects . His other reason was , that having cause to stand in feare of those Princes , by reason of his Sonnes tender , and his own failing age , he being by course of nature near his end , he ought to get a Son in law , who should be powerful of himselfe , and void of all pretences to the Kingdome of Aegypt : That to this end he undertooke the War of Arabia , because that having conquered it , he might invest him in it , by the name of Dowry , and so leave him never a foot of Land on this side the Sea , from whence he might have forces or assistance , intending in time , to leave him Tutor to his Sonne , assuring himselfe he could not be able to abuse the Authority of that title , having so many who would watch over his actions ; nor the Princes attaine to the ends of their designes , being opposed by a great Prince , strong in his owne and the Countries Forces , by the Lawes , and the person of the pupill King . That if any one should take occasion to taxe him , for giving his Daughter that for a Dowry , which in meer propriety belonged to his Son in law ; it was an objection of no great moment . Prudent Princes caring little for others discourses , words wounding no man : and royal spirits being of sufficient proofe against the tongues of the vulgar . But that these were not his ends , though but rationall if they had been such , being sure he should spend as much Treasure in the conquests of the Arabies , and a great deale more , then would have countervailed his Daughters portion , and that his subjects would hardly have stirred , fought but weakly , and destroyed the whole Country , if he had not before hand made it knowne , that it was for his interest in a thing which concerned his Daughters portion , and his future Grand-childrens . Leiride applauded her Husbands discourses , and purposing to move the question to her Daughter , Elitrea was no sooner up , but she sent for her , and with much joy related unto her , her Fathers intention , thinking nothing could be more pleasing to a maiden , then the proposall of marriage . But simplicity enforced by love , caused her to oppose all her Mothers perswasions , declaring she would have no other Husband but Lindadori , whom she knew by no other name ; but the youngest of the Knights of Europe , who had beene at the Court but few moneths since . Leiride was troubled at it , not knowing what answer to give her Husband , fearing his just indignation and displeasure . But seeing that neither prayers , nor threatnings , could alter her resolution , she was constrained to relate unto him what the Princesse her answer was , mitigating the offence with her simplicity and childishnesse . Psemitides laughed at it , and unfolding the Riddle , unfolded unto her the Riddle of the two warrieresses , excusing himselfe that he had not before disclosed it unto her , by reason of his promise made to Coralbo . He related unto her the occasions of their comming into Aegypt , and of their suddain departures thence , wherewith she remained no lesse astonished then comforted ; seeing her self freed from those affections , which the love of Eromena had raised in her : for having till that time lived an enemy to any thing as savored of dishonesty , her Conscience was troubled for having harbored any thought contrary to her former course of life and demeanour , which though she had not in effect violated , yet she had in Cogitation at least corrupted and stained . Having passed some time in pleasant discourses upon these newes , she took her leave , to relate these particulars to her Daughter , who made question a long time , whether she should believe them or no , till at last very fortunately Celitea came in , who relating many other particulars which she had heard from Coralbo , it was not difficult for her , in few dayes to alter that affection which was framed upon a false supposition , into a true one , without any change of fortune ; for as she was deceived in the one at first , so was she extreamly in the latter . The marriage published , and to be consummated after the enterprize was brought to an end ( Elitrea being yt too young to undergo so great a burthen ; ) there was every where a generall joy ; the Banks of Nilus being every day frequented by the continuall passage of Men and Horses . There were at that time in the Court , as many factions as there were Princes of worth in it , it being an ordinary thing among Warlike Nations , to corrupt the inward peace , while the externall flourisheth with all the Neighbours . Psemitides , a great Philosopher in knowing the nature of his subjects , had endeavoured many yeares by divers means , to breed one War out of another , employing those turbulent spirits abroad , to keep himselfe peaceable in the internall quietnesse of his own Dominions . But his thoughts at last proved vaine , his designs being not continued by him , and his valour having caused him too quickly to terminate those victories which might have rendred him compleatly happy , if he could have been contented to conquer more slowly , wanting Kingdomes to conquer , and Wars whereby he might obtaine that security which was needfull for him . Whereby that proved true in him , namely that accelerated virtue , prone to excesses , did for the most part prove hurtfull , and sometimes mortal . For esteeming himselfe formidable to all , for his so many royal conditions , with the reputation of such transcendent victories , free from envie , having no peer , beloved for his clemency and justice : he forsooke his solid judgement , and gave himselfe over to Fortune , not considering that virtue had enemies , who the more cowardly they were , were so much the more cruell and inexorable . It was almost ten yeares , since his forces being driven back by the excessive hot seasons of the Equator , and by the vast sands of Libya he returned home , weary of so long a War , purposing to forsake Mars , and follow Venus ; a War far more dangerous for him then for any other , as well for the too late appliance of himselfe thereunto , his haire being already grown hoary , as also because the same having corrupted and depraved his imaginative faculty , endammaged his advice , and made way to the plotting of meanes to ruine him , to which the tender age of his successor was a great invitation . The Rebels being perswaded , they might not onely govern him according to their own desires , but also take from him his richest Jewels , and pluck the fairest flowers out of his richest and fairest Garlands . The King of Ethiopia had already solicited many , by secret Messengers , and large pensions to procure his death by any meanes , for feare of being one day oppressed amongst those which were daily conquered ; but none of them durst undertake so hard and dangerous a taske , as well because he being beloved of all , they saw him environed continually by so many Guards , as also because they would avoid being obliged ( he then having neither Wife , nor legitimate Children ) to obey their companion : being rather willing to obey a lawful and vertuous Prince , then a tyrannical Traytor whom they could not trust , nor he them . Then this plot being interrupted by the ensuing peace , and the venome remaining in their hearts , it tooke effect in this new raising of Armes . Aegypt had many Princes , whereof foure were of the Royal blood . There were some others , if not equal in degree , yet in traines of followers no lesse powerful then they . Of the first sort , the Prince of Berenice , and the Duke of Missormo , hated the King to death : the former offended in his Wife , with whom he had held some kind of not well concealed practise for many yeares , and did still continue it ; and although he was enriched , and had daily favours accumulated upon him , yet that was a continuall sting sticking in his heart . Missormo had no cause at all given him , yea was daily obliged by innumerable benefits , yet he hated him , by reason of the dissimilitude of their customes . And because he was the first Prince , the Government fell to him during the successors minority , he by his death aspired not only to the Government , but also ( if he could procure his death ) to the Crown it self . The Prince of Cirene , who till that time had been faithful , began to waver after the marriage with Elitrea was published . For hating Coralbo , he could not without despight , see him with any authority in Aegypt ; his Wife not onely inamoured , but frantick in publishing her love to him . The Duke of Siene , by reason of his tender yeares , unable to dispose of himself , did depend upon the Prince of Berenice , who had been his Fathers Brother . The others , who were not of this rank , some followed the King , and some the Princess , the former guided by their duty and loyalty , the latter by vast hopes , which easily sprung up in those , who become poore by spending richly , would try any way to grow rich , to the end they might by spending , grow poor againe . Bramack having received Psemitides Embassie , grew not faint-hearted , trusting both upon his own Forces , and his treacherous deceits . He had already secured himselfe of his own subjects in such manner that he did not feare them , having obliged some few with benefits , who were his instruments to keep the others within the bounds of fidelity , leaving no publique nor private place , no Harbour , House , nor Temple , without spies , where woe was it for them who but durst to have held their tongue whilest others spake : Actions , words and silence , being all equally dangerous . Praises being made crimes , discourses concerning the Royall person indifferently hurtful , publique assemblies prohibited , conversations forsaken , parents suspected , diffidencies and dissimulations amongst brethren , Praytors the more abominable , the more prodigally rewarded ; wherefore unhappy was that Father , whose chance it was to have an unnatural disobedient Child . Whatsoever was done by himselfe , was by his Sycophants applauded , as if it had been decreed in heaven . He shadowed his Art with cunning , making use of hypocrisie to deceive the most penetrating judgements ; indoctrinated and taught , if not by others , by himself , that the best way to cozen people , was by meanes of superstition . It having Iron lawes , Adamantine bits , and a yoak of lead ; whereas piety is gracious in its Lawes , having mild bits , and its yoak being light , serving none but it selfe , if any else , such Princes onely , whose Gods onely object were the subjects welfare . That a Prince as he was , could not attaine to his designes without deceiving , and that after he had so done , he was sure he might dazle the best sighted eyes , bow the most flexible necks , cloak perfidie with Religion , and under pious and religious names , make it lawful to himselfe , to grow cruel against charity , religion and nature : He had caused to come out of the neighbouring Indies , a sect of Philosophers called Samaneans , who hating poverty , and the incultivated rigidnesse of the Gymnosophists their institutors , had with politenesse and wealth , embraced a more tractable Philosophy , and gained to themselves most of the riches , and the pleasantest seats of all the Indies : they were divided into Classes , and though all under one profession , yet had they severall ends . Their chiefe Classis governed the rest . And as the Watch-maker with one key , gives an universal motion to the whole Worke ; so this Classis moved the subordinate ones , which in the manner of insensible wheeles , being constrained by their discipline , came to operate each one by it selfe , and to terminate times without knowing them , by others directions , joyning the first to the seconds carreer , towards their last scope : namely to gaine full authority over Princes and Nations , and having gotten it , to constraine the one by the favour of the others , to obey their becks , to suppresse all other Sects as superfluous , and unuseful , to inherit thereby all offices , wealth , and honours . These therefore being by Bramack , known to be men of extraordinary understanding , of much repute among the Indians , so that Princes themselves stood in awe of them ; he would trie if within his Dominions they could bring that to passe , which others of their sect had done in other places , namely to instill into his subjects minds , to not esteem of dangers , but to adventure themselves into any perils in his behalfe , and to even die for him . Neither was he deceived , for they having received honours , and liberall gifts , and freedome of will and advice ( which is the thing they chiefly aimed at , and seemed most to despise ) those spirits were so refined , that in a small time they gained many for him , perswading them to devote their lives to his service , telling them this was the shortest way , and the securest to bring them to the happy springs of the everlasting Gardens , confirming their thoughts therein , with ( besides the everlasting fame which they should gaine ) other recompences which were promised to their Wives , Children , and Heirs . After Psemitides had declared War against him , his first conceipt was to make use of these men , but he could not tell upon which of the two his death to resolve , Psemitides or Coralbo . He considered , that the murtherer being taken ( which in Psemitides murther must needs happen , he being continually environed by so many men ) alive , and proving rather resolved to die , then to be tormented , he then should find himselfe in the Sands , if not in a worser case then he was : for the Aegyptians would continue warres against him , in revenge of their King , and that which imported most , accompanied with everlasting ignominy , which though in opinion contemptible , would not perhaps prove so in effect , supposing it might give a strong alarum to all the neighbouring Kings . The killing of Coralbo , he thought might prove easier , it being possible to find him alone , and so the murtherer might ( after the act was done ) save himselfe by flight , which proving right , he deprived Psemitides of his cause of warring , and if it did not , the Arabians lost their pretence of building new hopes : for though a Mother and a Sister survived , yet the inclination of the subjects depended upon the Son , neither would they exchange a male Prince , possessed of his rights , for two dis-inherit females , subject to such dangers as their sex brings them into . These considerations made him resolve Coralbo his death , designing the others also if need required . But before the effecting of it , he sent a great confident of his into Aegypt , a man , who surpassing all others in cunning , was so skilful in the Aegyptian tongue , that he questioned not but he might passe for an Aegyptian , in such a wast City as Memphis , and amidst the concurrency of so many Souldiers of severall Nations and Tongues . He commanded him to observe the Souldiery , their Order , their Qualities , their Armes , their Municions . And causing a little letter of credency to be sown up in a doublet he had made of Hippotatamus skinnes , he appointed him to deliver it to Geldebar , one of Queen Celitea her servants , who used to informe him of all the Queens proceedings , and had sent him word of Coralboes arrival . He bid he should by him informe himselfe of all the most secret particulars of the Court , especially concerning Coralbo . What his course of life was , what friends he had , with whom he conversed , how he passed the time away , whether he followed hunting whether he went often from Court , whether accompanied , or alone , or by night ; what enviers , or enemies he had ; in what esteem he was with the Princess , and others : Whether a plot might be laid against his person without danger ; if with danger , how it might be avoided . He gave him orders for the receiving of great summes of money by such by-wayes , and with so many cautions , that they seemed not to come out of Arabia , having been formerly returned by Bills of exchange at severall times in all places of Syria and Rhenicia ; from thence into Cyprus , and thence to Memphis by severall blanks . He bid him give a good part of it to Geldebar , to be employed by his advice : His intention being they should purchase themselves dependencies upon one Prince or more of that Court : and besides money , he gave him very rich Jewels , discoursing to him that covetous Princes , in dangerous affairs did spend more ten to one , then liberall ones ; that wisdome is blinded with the love of money ; that which is expended besides the material charge , of Souldiers and Ammunition , seemed to some to be cast away , who do not know that intelligences , spies , and corruptions are the true meanes either to extinguish Warres , or bring them to a good period . Raisemet ( for so was this man called ) being thus dispatched , arrived to Memphis without any danger , neither was it difficult to him to find out Geldebar , in a City so full of inhabitants , and at that time more then ever , full of strangers . After he had given him the letters , and enriched him with a great summe of ready money , and filled him with great hopes ; he related unto him Bramacks conceptions , according to the malice of their understandings , being both exceeding cunning . They pleased Geldebar extreamly , and so much the more , because they were most conformable to his owne , wherefore though he were prevented in the proposall of them , he was not so in the advice of the executing of them .

Having therefore given Bramack many thanks for his bountifulness , and highly commended his prudency , he told him that the Princes of the Court ( excepting some few ) were all apt to be corrupted ; Idlenesse , prodigality , and ease , having rendred them stubborne , poor , and desirous of changes . That he notwithstanding , thought it not fit to make use of any more then one of them ; one being sufficient to draw in more without any danger . He named Missormo , deciphered him what manner of man he was , temerary , ambitious , covetous , enemy to the King , and much more to Coralbo , whom he esteemed to be the onely obstacle to his designes : So that upon this basis , ought the whole designe to be grounded , that the death of the King , Coralbo , or both , would be fruitlesse without him . That the least advantage Bramack could gaine thereby would be , to transport the War out of his own Kingdome into others , or to enjoy a calme peace , while there should spring up in Aegypt an infinite of seeds of dissention , which were by such a hand to be sowen . Geldebars cautelous discourse , pleased Raisemet wondrous well , and remitting the care thereof to him , he would have given him Jewels , and Gold for the Duke , but he would not take them , judging it would be better to give them himselfe . He had already gotten some knowledge of the Duke , giving him to understand by his talke , that he was evill affected towards his Mistresse and her Sonne , but had proceeded no farther , thinking him startled at that discourse . But he was deceived , for he was very well pleased therewith , and very well contented , to have some of Coralboes houshold depend upon him . So that whilest Geldebar sought some occasion to speak to him for Raisemet , he himselfe presented him one , by enquiring concerning the Ports , Castles , and Forts of Arabia : But Geldebar giving him a civill and discreet answer , with some reserves , as if such a relation deserved some more secret place , made him call him apart , where continuing his interrupted discourse , he described Arabia to him so strong , that Psemitides forces might find some obstacles and oppositions in it . Bramack to be the most prudent and generous Prince in the world , whose subjects would rather die at his feet then yeeld ; and that they did not onely think Coralboes pretence to be unjust , but did also imagine this to be a supposed Coralbo , and that the right one was taken and killed when he fled ; but that it was not published , because Bramack thought it not fitting lest it should be hurtful to him , to make himselfe hateful in the beginning of his Raigne , to those who favoured Celitea : That amongst all his laudable qualities , his chiefe was , to make high esteem of generous Princes : That Missormo was very much inclined towards him , and had thought many times to send a secret Ambassadour to him , to offer him his friendship and amity . Missormo assured of Geldebars hatred to Coralbo , and that he being of one of the chiefe Families of Arabia , might hold some intelligence with Bramack , thought hee himselfe was the same Ambassadour , so that undermining one another they came at last to discover themselves ; but having heard Raisemets Ambassage , and of the presents sent him , the facility of killing the King , though with the murtherers certaine death , with the proffers made to maintaine Warres for him in Aegypt , to raise him to the Crown : He admitted Raisemet , and accepting of the presents , appointed the time of the murtherers comming to slay Psemitides . Coralbo after his decease , remaining without any forces , and Bramack secured from the Aegyptians Armies , comming into Arabia . Raisemet prodigal of what his Master had given him for many , gave it all to Missormo alone , examining the occasions wherewith he should availe himselfe of them : And being returned home , he rendred so pleasing an accompt of his negociation with Bramack , that in a short time he became for Titles , Dignities , and Revenues , the greatest man in the Kingdome . And though Missormo his opinion concerning the death of Psemitides , was by him judged to be the best to free him from war , yet the making away of Coralbo , he also esteemed absolutely necessary , to free himselfe from the onely competitor he could have , whom since he had reason to feare , he could not naturally chuse but hate extreamly . Wherefore having made choice of two murtherers , he sent them to Memphis , without directing them to any man ; the subjects on whom they were to employ themselves , being so conspicuous , that the venturing of them to the sight of any ( though very good friends ) could not chuse but be very dangerous Wherefore being first perswaded , they should by this deed ( if they dyed ) obtaine everlasting happinesse ; he added thereunto promises of high rewards to their posterity , the most cunning deceivers being of opinion , that one ought to think that natural reason being able to reflect with some raye of truth amidst the thickest fogs of deceipt , and dissipate them , it was needful to raise up deceiptful hopes of the equally fallacious imagination , with the reall ones of sence , which are not subject to such grosse illusions . In the meane time , there were in Aegypt , such preparations for Warres , as being calculated by humane judgement , one might have verily believed , that Psemitides might therewith have made himselfe Master , not of Arabia onely , but of the Universe : when his unexpected death over-threw all mens expectation . He was come forth of the City into the field , to add wings unto the Captaines diligence by his presence , who marched away under their Colonells , six or eight thousand at a time towards the Arabian Sea , the Chanels of Nilus being full of great Boats to passe them over with all their Baggage . There was he ( not content to stay and take his ease in a Tent ) running up and downe so swiftly , that followers were troublesome to him . There was a Regiment newly imbarqued , when the King retreating a little from the bank side , espied a Souldier on Horseback , and called back the next Boat to carry him away , and in the meane time espying in his hand a little Cross-bow all of Iron , and judging it of no use for warre , would see it , and the Souldier taking it againe , as it were to shew him the trial of it , bent it with a Key , and laded it with a steel Arrow , not above a span long , and running at him on Horse-back , shot it into his heart , so that passing clean through him , it remained in the body of another Knight who was behind him ; all which was done so suddainly , and without any noise , that had they not both fallen suddainly without speaking ever a word , no body could have imagined any such thing . The Boat which was called back , knowing that man to be none of theirs , went away without waiting the Kings command . The Princes were in a Tent playing with Coralbo . The Souldiers were at a distance looking to their Furnitures , ready to passe over as soon as the Barks returned . Some of Psemitides Houshold were with him , but a foot as he was , so that the Traytor had time to fly without being presently pursued : But the rumour thereof being arrived to the Kings Tent , you cannot imagine what an astonishment possessed all the sences of Coralbo . Missormos knowing whence the blow came , and fearing least the parricide should be taken alive , got upon the next Horse , and followed him with all speed : so did all the Horsemen , running every way to thwart his passage which they might easily doe , the Country being watered by many Chanels made by the hands of men . He in the meane time fled , keeping upon the border of Nilus , to reach to a bark four miles higher , which he had hired to passe him over : But finding it alone , the owner being gone a little way about some businesse , and his pursuers following him so close , he could not have had time to embarque his Horse , though the Boat had beene loose , it being made fast with a lock and a chaine , he thought it therefore his safest way , to adventure himselfe in the River , then to fall into the hands of so many enemies . The Horse did as much as a Horse could do , to overcome the swiftnesse of the streame . But though it were one of the best of Arabia , it was not able long to strive against the violence of the current , suffering it selfe in despight of hand and spur to be carried towards the bank : Missormo being spectator , and raging that he did not sink , feigning he believed he might escape , commanded him to be shot with arrowes . But there was by chance but one Bow to be found in the whole company , every one upon such a suddaine occasion , being runne thither onely with Sword and Spear . The Traytor in the meane time perceiving the danger , and that crossing the water directly , ( as he at first had foolishly attempted ) was impossible , suddenly turned his Horse , and let him goe with the streame , thinking by little and little , he might gaine the other side . Neither might he , peradventure , have been deceived , if he had at the first guided him with a more gentle hand ; but being bred with the former violent courses , he began to take in water so fast , that he was in danger of sinking , if he perceiving it had not eased him , and casting himselfe out of the saddle , had not catcht hold of his tail : But the Beast , whose ends were contrary to his Masters , finding it selfe at liberty , turned towards the nearest shore , where nature prompted him he might save his life , his Master being not able to turne or stay him by the tayl . Missormo being resolved he should not be taken alive , alighted ( blaming within himselfe the mans cowardlinesse , who to live some few dayes longer , should make choise of a most cruell death amidst a thousand torments , rather then to be drowned in an instant without any more pain ) & taking the next Lance to him , run him just into the wind pipe before he came to the shore , so that the water running into the wound , and the blood issuing out , he remained in the River till he was almost dead , and being drawn out , ( and though some cried he should be let alone with that little breath he had , Missormo not contradicting it , seeing him in such case that he was not like to speak any more ) was by the inraged people cut into a thousand peeces upon the shore , there remaining nothing but the Horse left , whereby one might judge who was he that had employed him in this businesse , which was known to be Bramacks by the crowned Phenix which was on his thigh , the ancient and famous mark of the Kings of Arabia's horses . Coralbo had in the meane time with inward griefe , caused Psemitides body to be brought into the Tent , and finding Chirurgery had no power over death , riding towards Memphis in a full cariere , to speak with the Queen and her Mother before the Princes arrival , no body following him but foure of his own houshold . He was hardly come out of the camp , when a Horseman crossed his way , who seemed to desire to speak with him ; Coralbo stayed , thinking he had been sent upon some message . And as desire uses to be often times a raiser of dead hopes , he thought him a messenger of Psemitides despaired life . But the man being come neare to him , let fall his cloak , and drawing out a short Semitar , ranne upon him to wound him , and had done it , if Coralbo before hand suspecting it , had not spurred his horse another way . The assailant passed forward , carried away by his horses fiercenesse , so that he had no time to turne his face upon Coralbo his four men , who were upon him suddainly , and one of them taking hold of his bridle , gave the three others time to take away his weapon , by him easily yeelded , because he would lose no time in striving for it ; but drawing his dagger , he wounded two of them with two mortal wounds , and spurring on to do the like to Coralbo , who was come nearer him , his Horse grew unruly , and he reyning him in hard to make him obedient to the bit , the reynes broke , and the horse carried him away against his will , and falling under him he had been taken alive , if with a desperate resolution he had not with his owne dagger deprived himselfe of life . Coralbo took breath seeing the danger past , yet grieved much for his two wounded servants , especially one of them who was upon dying . But seeing necessity drove him to go forward , and his stay not being able to doe dying men any good , he left the two which were not wounded , to take care of the other two . Being come to Memphis , I am not able to relate how his dolour was increased by the lament which he heard , being many times stayed by the weeping people . He found the Palace despoiled of all its ornaments . Leiride and Elitrea , Celitea and Bel●alba , the Princesses and Ladies , their haire loose , and their vestiments torn , lying on the ground , their howlings ( rather then teares ) increasing at his comming in , his grieved affections could not chuse but second them , humanity , piety , and the apprehension of evills , having at that instant taken away his constancy from him ; neither could he choose , unlesse he would have been wanting to himselfe , seeing that accompanying teares with griefes , is in extreame mis-fortunes , an image of content . The Queen arose , and with her all the rest , by whom being encompassed , they called as earnestly upon his assistance , as if the enemy had been comming upon them : He having stayed the teares , which , with an importunate violence flowed from his eyes , taking the Queen and Mother aside , into a little chamber adjoyning thereunto ; said unto them , Ladies , If teares could call back the Kings life , or withstand the perills threatned us by his death , I should esteeme comforts to be treacheries , and a kind of compliance to the guilt not to mourn for the effect . But as the one is impossible , so are we like to have time more then enough to grieve , and too little to look for remedies . The life of this glorious King , the more it deserves lamenting , the more it ought to perswade us , to suspend our laments , to examine the dangers which hang over our heads . What hath befallen him you have already heard , what hath befallen me , and is like to happen to us all , I will now relate . Here he made a narration of his own case , the death of the assaulter , and the little hope of life of both the wounded men , which reiterated the terrour of both the Queenes which heard him . Then directing his words to Leiride , he went on , saying , Madam , These things do all proceed from the machinations of Bramack , and from the Duke of Missormo . The arguments and reasons which perswade me are : That the Horse which was taken out of Nilus , is of Bramacks race , and the parricides accents Arabish , Missormo amongst all the Princes alone , ( an imployment farre too low beneath one of his rank ) followed him , and killed him , whilest he ought , and might have taken him alive to have driven the truth out of him , and cleared all doubts , and punish him by the hangmans hands , though in this last he deserves pardon , he being the true formal executioner of Aegypts whole Monarchy . But that which increases in me the credency thereof , that the King some three moneths since told me , that he knew by a Gentleman belonging to the said Missormo , that Geldebar my Mothers servant , was often with him in secret conference : and that about a moneth since , the same Gentleman had told him that Missormo had disbursed abundance of money , and it not known that he had alienated any thing of his owne , or others lent him any . That he had given the Princes of Cirene and Berenice money , and jewels of great value . Practises , and liberalities which had oftentimes perswaded and enticed him to secure his person , but had abstained from so doing , moved by the inconveniencies which might follow , and the hope he had to catch him at such a time as he should not be able to excuse nor save himselfe . And besides , I was no sooner known to be Coralbo , when I came disguised with Polimero Prince of Sardinia to see my Mother , but Bramack had notice of it . That any other hath done this , but Geldebar , we have no likelihood ; wherefore this , and the secret practises and conferences he had with Missormo , make me certainly beleeve , that they two were the plotters of this Treason , to the end that Bramack freed from the danger of losing his state , and revenged of us who would have taken it from him , might make way for Missormo to usurpe the Crown , by disinheriting and killing of Gradovido . The two Queenes were astonished : But Celitea accustomed to such affaires , affirmed it could be no otherwise , she having for a long time observed upon severall occasions , that she had spies in her house ; and that she had also advice thereof , by some friends out of Arabia . It was therefore agreed upon , after sundry consultations , that Geldebar should secretly be made prisoner , before Missormo his arrivall , and putting him to torments , to draw the truth out of him . Celitea had all ( save this one ) faithfull servants : so that it proved an easie matter , the same night to keep him prisoner without any tumult . Finding himselfe discovered he disclosed all ; adding that Celitea , together with her Daughter , were to be yeelded up to Bramack without any great noise , for being to be forced to leave the Court , and retire to their first old habitation , they might easily be taken by the Arabians with the Princes conveniences . That Missormo his intention , was to make himselfe King , but that he dissembled it for feare of his companions , who had concurred in Psemitides death , to enjoy equally ( in the Princes minority ) the benefits of the government . That he aspired to the marriage of Eli rea to effectuate his designes with lesse difficulty , to which he hoped to attaine in despight of them by Gradovido his death , he being next to succeed . That supposing Coralbo dead , there was no other resolution taken concerning him ; but that being escaped , he was not to live long , all of them having conspired his death . Leirides was astonished in the vast chaos of so many machinations ; but more seeing Coralbo and Celitea forced to give way to fortune , seeing that with them she was deprived of all aid and counsell . Such a resolution distasted Coralbo , seeming to him that his honour suffered thereby , but considering himselfe to be too weak a fence , against the torrent of so many Princes , being a stranger without any followers , hated and envied , his marriage broken off , treasons certaine , and his death manifest , but above all the imminent danger of his Mother and sister ; he desired Leirides to be of good courage , assuring her that her right , and virtues would soon gaine her friends and advice . That hands open to liberalities , would unite those which were not yet united to her service , and divide those who were already united to her dammage . That by such means she might penetrate into the most secret councels with this advantage , that her enemies could have done nothing but weakly , and by wicked ( and consequently unfaithful instruments , who would be perswaded easily to revolt by hopes , and more certaine rewards , or by feare , and their duty . Whereas she with her royal right , benefits , and treasures , of which she ought to make her selfe the sole distributrix , could not want the best ( and consequently the most faithfull ) besides the good reputation which she should gaine thereby , which though it be a birth of the imagination , yet such an one that without it , it is impossible for Common-wealths , or Kingdoms to stand long and not ruine . That if she could keep Geldebar alive without discovering his imprisonment , she should doe it . He being a strong engine at any time , and upon any occasion against the conspirators ; but if the secret should come to be disclosed , before the establishment of her authority , and that disturbances might happen thereby , she should cause him to be put to death secretly . That she should not by any meanes , give the Princesse Elitrea in marriage to Missormo , but rather to the Duke of Siene , and that as soon as possible it might be : For as jarres and divisions would ensue thereon , amongst all the Princes , so with the establishment of her party , would she secure her Sonnes state and life . That the resolution of his , and his Mothers going away , was as necessary for her , as for them , their presence being but a pretence for others to trouble her ; and seeing they were not able to assist her with any service , why should they stay there to damnifie her ? The dangers dryed up Leirides tears , and the weaknesses of her mind were strengthned by the knowledge of her affaires , and the manner of managing of them . So that there was not thence-forth , any Queene that carried her selfe better then she : obliging , cherishing , and conniving ; and by this meanes restoring a monarchy to health , which amidst the putrifaction of many humours , was by the Colledge of Politians judged incurable , and mortall . She caused the next day a small light Gallie first to be rigged and fitted with good rowers , and loading it with most precious riches , for the reliefe of such deare friends , she took leave of them with abundance of teares . And being imbarqued by night with all their servants , they gained in small time the open Sea ; when Celitea , unresolved of what place she might make choice of to end her dayes in : Sardinia was by Coralbo propounded unto her . But that generous spirit , not overcome by so many adversities , could not but unwillingly abandon those Climates which were nearest her ancient Kingdome : hoping fortune , inconstant in humane affaires , might shew it selfe the same to her enemies . But she was deceived in it , for it would be a kind of constancy , or at least of justice in fortune , if in her volubilities she did equally raise the oppressed to her former favours .