Cynthia with the tragical account of the unfortunate lovers of Almerin and Desdemona : being a novel illustrated with variety of the chances of fortune, morallized with many useful observations drawn from thence whereby the reader may reap both pleasure and profit / done by an English hand.

CYNTHIA .

FRom forth a desart and unfrequented Wood , in the East Parts of Albion , abutting to the Sea , issued out a Woman , and seated her self upon a Carpet of sweet Flowers , embroider'd there by the Hand of Nature : She resembled Diana , the beautiful Huntress of the Woods ; or more fair , if possible : One would have taken her for a Celestial Deity , if the succeed●ng Vicissitudes of Fortune had not strongly persuaded , she was a Mortal Beauty . Indeed , the Purity of her Complexion seem'd to excel ●he new fall'n Snow , but Sorrow had gather'd ●he Carnations of her Cheeks . All the Features ●f her Face had so near a Kindred , and form'd ●o so rare a Proportion , that she seem'd Na●ure's Master-piece ; or rather , sympathiz'd ●omething of that Divinity , whose Name she ●ore . From her Eyes darted a Lustre , min●led with a Vivacity so penetrating , and there●ith so charming , that it was impossible for ●he most confident Soul to make a Resistance . This prodigious Creature , after she had search'd every vacant place with her Eye , fearing to be over-heard ; with a troubled , and low Voice , she began as followeth :

O my dear , though absent , Orsamus ! to whose Merits , I never yet gave any Reward ; whose Complaints , I could never be induc'd to Pity ! When Neptune shipwrack'd thee upon this Shore , I little thought thy Presence wou'd beget me such Disquiet , or that thy Absence shou'd produce such Remorse . O Duty ! O Love ! To what Extreams do you hurry me ? And what Enemies are you to my Rest ? The Birds that live in these unfrequented Woods , on the wild Benefit of Nature , live happier than I : For they may chuse their Mates , and carol their sweet Pleasures to the Spring ; but by the cruel Commands of a Father , I am forc'd to neglect the Person I love ; and disesteem the Services of one with Disdain , whose Welfare I prize above my Life ; who once lost , I wou'd not bid a Welcome to the dearest Good the World can afford me . But , alas ! The Time draws near , that will make a perpetual Divorce . Unfortunate , Orsamus , by thy Absence ! Miserable , Cynthia , by thy Folly .

Scarce had these Words took a Farewel from her Mouth , when from an adjacent Part of the Wood , issu'd out a Man , richly apparell'd , and bent his Steps directly to the place where she sate . Her Eyes had no sooner found him out , but with Excess of Grief , she utter'd these Complaints , O cruel Heavens ! Do you take a Pleasure in tormenting submitting Innocence , that you conduct this Monster , the Enemy of my Content , and fatal Disturber of my Quiet , so fortunately to the place of my Concealment ! Now farewell , my poor Orsamus ; I shall only stay here , amongst the Living , to consecrate the Relicks of a languishing Life to thy dear Memory .

By this time , the unknown Person had lessen'd the distance that parted 'em , courting her with many Complements ; and seating himself by her Side , he accosted her with this Discourse : Madam , said he , your Father expects you with Ardency , and is in fearful Apprehensions of the Certainty of your Safety . Why , Madam , continued he , at such a Time as this , do you seek out Solitude , and so carefully shun the Person that adores you ? Why these Clouds , my dear Princess , on a joyful Day ? Wherefore these Tears , too too precious to be thus lavishly cast away ? Why are my promising Joys o'er-cast with such fearful Omens , and my sweetest Hopes vanish'd ? Tell me ; Oh , tell me ! Joy of my Bliss , what may occasion your Disquiet ; that with the Peril of my Life , I may procure a Remedy .

This fair Unknown was preparing for a Reply , when they were disturbed with a Noise from the neighbouring Thicket ; and casting their Eyes about , to understand the Cause of that Surprizal ; when behold , there rushed out a Man , whose unexpected Appearance was quickly become their Astonishment : His Visage was pale , and clouded over with Grief ; in all the Regards and Lineaments of his Face , appear'd a natural Fierceness ; his whole Composure shew'd the Evidence of something so great and noble , that spake him to command others , born to disesteem the whole World , and think it held none sit to be his Rival ; his Stature was tall , his Gesture noble , every Action becoming , and all Majestick .

He set his Face , and directed his hasty Steps to the place where they sate ; but his Presence put them both into a Confusion . He no sooner presented himself to their Sight , but fixing his Eyes wholly on this fair Unknown , as the Load-stone of his Will , and Centre of all his Happiness ; with a Rapture of Joy , he suddenly cast himself at her Feet , embracing her Knees , with a strange Emotion of Spirit : O my divine Princess , said he ; Beautiful Cause of all my Misfortunes , and cruel Original of all my Miseries ! How careful has Fortune been to make me happy , when I intended to sacrifice the Fragments of this wretched Life to your Severity ? I have yet this Comfort left me in Death , to complain to you of your Injustice .

All this time , a wavering Colour often went and came in her Cheeks , that she became stiffned with Astonishment , as if she had been Planet-struck ; but at last , calling back that Assurance , her sudden Surprizal had sequester'd : Gods ! said she , Is this Orsamus himself , I see before me ? Yes , replyed he , it is Orsamus , if you have not cast the Memory of so poor a Wretch into Oblivion , that is come to offer up the last Remains of a miserable Life at your Feet . This said , he dis-embrac'd himself from her Knees , and with a Look full of Terrour , he drew his Sword , to pierce his Breast with that fatal Weapon . But Cynthia no sooner saw that glittering Minister of Death unsheath'd , but giving a grievous Shriek , she fell into a deadly Swoun . When suddenly casting his Eyes about , he saw this first Gallant , sitting like one metamorphos'd , or a Statue without Life ; and suddenly calling him to remembrance : Oh! ( cry'd he ) Have I found you , the only Opposer of my Bliss ? Can you think to go safely away with that Prize , is only due to my Services ? If you know how to own a Good , maintain the Interest you wou'd challenge in this divine Creature , with your Sword . Saying this , he presented his Sword against his Breast ; but he never mov'd from the place where he sate , neither did he endeavour to make any Motion of Defence .

In this Interim of Time , the Friends and Attendants of this Gallant , whose Name was Cordello , who had been in quest of him in the most secret parts of the Wood , hearing a Disturbance , came up unto him ; and seeing Cordello in danger , at that Moment they made in , and rescu'd him out of his Hands , when , no doubt , he had acted the last Catastrophe and Scene of his Life . They all assaulted him at once ; but he , without spending a Thought upon the Number , coaped with all ; rushed upon 'em like Lightning , with a Swiftness and Look so terrible and dreadful , that he made the forwardest to repent their Rashness , and them that were further off , to become more cautious . Six lay slain by his Hand ; and they had encompass'd him about , so that it seem'd impossible he cou'd make any long Resistance against such Numbers as surrounded him .

When loe , Fortune provided a Remedy for this Disaster ; yet one that seem'd worse than the Disease . Behold , from an adjoyning Creek of the Sea , shaded by a little Hill , issu'd out about sixteen Pirates , led on by their Captain : They came not to assist either Side , but to make their utmost Advantage of both . No sooner had the Assailants of this brave Cavalier beheld them coming , but they all ran away ; only he alone set himself in a posture of Defence , to preserve the Lady , which as yet lay senseless in a Trance . Rashness and Despair made him resolute to sustain their utmost Charge ; and he oppos'd them with so much Bravery , that the Relation wou'd almost seem incredible : But , in fine , over-power'd by their Numbers , they forc'd him to submit unto their Wills ; yet not before he had receiv'd four desperate Wounds in the Body ; in Revenge of which , he had slain four of their best Men belonging to their Vessel . They convey'd Cynthia , with Orsamus , on board the Boat , intending to satisfie the Death of their Companions , with the Author that had occasion'd it . They put off from Shoar , and began to prepare for his intended Execution : Mean while , the fair Cynthia , whose Spirits were newly return'd , to execute their proper Function , sate almost dissolv'd in Tears ; beholding these Preparations for Orsamus Death , fearfully apprehending what she cou'd not as yet know the Cause of , Love and Pity embolden'd her to know the worst , that she might so be freed from the present Fear that opprest her . So that going unto him that seem'd Commander of the rest , she demanded of him , to what use those Weapons and Preparations of Death were made . He return'd Answer , For that Cavalier , that in her Defence , had slain four of the best Men belonging unto his Ship . Sir , ( replyed Cynthia ) that young Man is my Brother ; and you cannot well blame him , for what he did in the Defence of a dear Sister : And sure , the Course you wou'd take is indirect ; since if you fulfil your Resolutions , you can gain nothing by his Death ; but by preserving his Life , you may receive a great Ransom .

The sweet Thought of Gain , deliver'd from so lovely a Creature , set both his Love and Covetousness on the Rack . In fine , the Hope of Gain turn'd the Current of their Revenge ; in Execution of which , their Choler abated , and they rested satisfied . But it was not so with their Commander ; for the Eyes of his fair Prisoner had open'd themselves a Passage , and darted their resplendent Rays into the Soul of this fierce Pirate . He found such Charms , as it seem'd impossible , and meer folly , to stand in Opposition against them . Here was a Metamorphose wrought by the Force of Love and Beauty , a Barbarian civiliz'd to a milder Temper : For accosting his fair Prey , he compos'd all that was fierce and rude in his Looks , to Respect and Duty . Madam ( replyed he ) 't is enough , that you desire your Brother shou'd live : Rest satisfy'd , he shall live only for your sake ; not so much for our Interest , as for your Content : For we cou'd well have dispenc'd with our Gain , to give our Revenge Precedency : But your Desires have put a Period to our Resentments . Thus you reign triumphant , whilst you esteem your self a Captive . O Madam , continued he , Cease these Showers ; clear up those bright Stars : Have you any Desires ? Give 'em a Name , for I find it irresistable to give you a Denial . Retire to yonder Cabbin , which shall be wholly at your Disposal . Your Menial Servants shall not be more officious , than these my Men , that seem so barbarous , shall be dutiful at your Commands . For my self , I 'll pay my Respects with as chaste a Zeal , as we pay our Devotions to the offended Deities ; at such Times only , when my Visits will not incommode you : For I am not so much Pirate , but I know what Civilities ought to be paid to Ladies of your Quality ; which , as you seem to me , is not mean . Rest firm in the Assurance of my Promise , whilst I take care for the speedy dressing of your Brother's Wounds , and for his Accommodation in the Ship . Saying this , he left her with a profound Respect .

Orsamus , whio was an Auditor , and Spectator of the Discourse , that pass'd betwixt the Pirate and Cynthia , was transported with Ravishment , when he understood , that she was his Preserver . Nay , said he , since my Life is not indifferent to my fair Divinity , I 'll live to free her from this Captivity , or perish in the Attempt . Since she seems to have an Esteem for my Life , I 'll endeavour to preserve it ; for I cannot but prize what she esteems . These Words overbold , and dangerous to his Life , were overheard by those that guarded him ; but being spoken in the British Tongue , were not understood . By their Captain's Command , he was carefully conducted into the Hold ; where he had a Lodging assign'd him , and Surgeons sent him , that search'd his Wounds ; which they found dangerous , but not mortal : They carefully drest 'em , and left him unto his Rest .

This rude Rabble , that violated all Laws , both Divine and Humane ; yet obey'd their Superior , with a dutious Respect : His Commands were a Law , not to be examin'd or disputed by 'em , whether just or unjust ; but fulfill'd with all Obedience , and submitted unto without Repugnancy . So that it became a Law amongst 'em ( He himself spake it : ) So there remain'd nothing behind , but to put it in speedy Execution .

While things were thus stated , they wou'd have tack'd about again for the Shoar , to have receiv'd their expected Ransom for Orsamus ; but there arose a cruel Tempest which convoy'd them many Leagues from thence , into the main Ocean . The Pyrate also doubting that there might be some Vessel sent in pursuit of him , drew a small Compass forth his Pocket ; and according to the Directions of that Compass , commanded his Men to steer a contrary Course . The Captain not so sorry for disappointing his Men of their Hopes , because he had an Opportunity to oblige Cynthia , with the Stayance of her supposed Brother ; as also , to benefit himself , in making him the Sollicitor of his Love .

Three days had pass'd , since this last Disaster befel . Cynthia : Mean time , Orsamus was carefully drest , and officiously attended , and Cynthia serv'd with much Caution , the Pirate never visiting her without Permission . On the fourth Day , he invited her to take a Walk upon the Deck of the Ship . It was about the time that Sol left watery Neptune's Bed , and newly darted his Rays upon the Face of the Waters . Neptune walk'd proudly along with his sweet Burthen , and Zephyrus gently courted their Sails , while the pretty Fishes made pleasant Pastime , sporting themselves in the Ocean .

Cynthia accorded with his Desire ; and kindly presenting him her Hand , they went both forth the Cabbin . But Oh , what a Mine of Beauties did the tell-tale Light present to his Sight , which Grief , and that dismal Place had detain'd from his Eye : For the Pain and Fear she suffer'd for Orsamus , by the Assurance of his Safety , was partly vanish'd away ; so that the Beauty they had put to flight , was almost return'd back again to its usual Lustre ; which this Pirate took some time to contemplate and admire . The Increase of her Beauty augmented his Passion ; and those Sparks of Love and Pity , that lay hid before , began to blaze into a Flame , as by the Sequel will appear : For after she had sweetly complain'd unto him , of the detaining of her Freedom , and that , according to his Promise , he had not put her Brother to his Ransom ; taking a Hint from these Words , he began as followeth .

Madam ( said he ) wou'd I set your Freedom to Sale , a Kingdom were too little to pay the Ransom . If your Brother's Liberty have been deferr'd , perhaps your Interest was the chief Occasion ; when in some sort , to oblige you , I have neglected so great a Gain . For shou'd I accord with you in this one thing , touching your Freedom , possibly I shou'd devorce my Eyes from their dearest Object for ever . Madam , I love you , because 't is impossible to see you , and be insensible . I have a Passion for you , that nothing can extinguish but Death : But 't is legitimate , and may be owned by you without a Scruple , were your Condition equal to the Degree of a Princess . My Birth is not ignoble , although the Disasters of my Life have been uncommon ; nor because I seem rustick , is my Condition so mean ; since the King of Norway , a few days since , proffer'd me his Niece to Wife : Which , upon my Return to Norway , I did intend to accomplish ; and had certainly effected it , had not your prodigious Beauty disappointed my Designs . And for your Liberty , How can you account it a Restraint , when your Jaylor is become your Slave , and your Guardians , your officious Servants ? Abate but our Separation , and your Desires cannot name another thing , shou'd meet my Refusal . If once I be so happy , to attain the Shoar of Norway , whither I intend , in a few days , to go , I 'll spend the Residue of this wretched Life at your Feet , and never pass the Dangers of this uncertain Element any longer . Here he continued silent , leaving Cynthia in a Maze at the Discovery of his Passion ; yet being oblig'd to reply , she return'd this Answer . Sir , your respective Usage cou'd not give me more Satisfaction , than your unpleasant Discourse gives me Discontent , since you take away the Hopes of my Liberty , in denying my Ransom . Never think , by Constraint , to gain my Affection ; nor by detaining my Liberty , to make me become kind . Wou'd I accord to your Will , yet I am at my Brother's Disposal ; whom you disable , in denying him his Freedom . But never think , by such rude Ways , to force Love ; for your Hopes will all fail you : For my Soul is free , although my Body be your Prisoner ; and you shall find , I can dye , when I cannot love . Saying this , she left him , and retir'd to her Cabbin .

Mean while , the Pirate stood like one transform'd with her Answer . Yet , not minding to despair for the first Repulse , when he had the Person in his Power : So that , recollecting his Spirits , he went immediately to give Orsamus a Visit ; whose Wounds , by this time , were reasonable well recover'd . After Salutations past , he began almost in the same Form , to reveal his Love , as he had done before to Cynthia ; desiring him to be his Assistant to his Sister , who protested , never to dispose of her self , without his Consent ; promising him , in Recompence , to give him his Freedom ; or if he wou'd accompany him to Norway , ample Revenues , wherewithal to subsist during Life . These Offers in Civility must be suited with an agreeable Answer , although his Intentions roved far from the Matter . He promis'd him , if he wou'd allow him the Freedom to visit his Sister , he wou'd perform the utmost of his Endeavours , to procure his Content : That if his Felicity depended upon his Disposal , he wou'd be no Obstruction to defer it : That seeing he had put him to his Choice , he had rather go to Norway with his Sister , than to return without her into his own Country . Thus he was forced to delude him with Hopes , so to detain him within the Bounds of Reason ; since he did but intreat for that , which by force , he might take at pleasure .

The Pirate was satisfy'd at the Freedom of his Discourse , giving the Physicians Order , when his Wounds wou'd permit him , to let him have free Access to his Sisters Chamber , and Liberty of Conversation , at such times as he best pleas'd .

This past , he left him unto his Rest ; but his Transport was too great , to let him mind that necessary Minister of his Health : That which Cynthia had done for him , in preserving his Life , by adopting him with that happy Title of Brother ; and lastly , not to dispose of her self without his Consent , was a fit Subject to exercise his Thoughts upon . Now her former Rigours were all vanish'd to his Memory , and he consider'd her only as his Benefactor , and Original of his Felicity . Oh! ( quoth he , in a Rapture , to which this charming fair One had reduc'd him ) If so rich a Myne of Treasure be left to my Disposal , I shall grow too great a Miser , and become too covetous , ever to allow a Partner , or admit a Rival to my Happiness . O happy Orsamus , in the midst of thy Misfortunes ! Oh , welcome Disasters , that have engag'd my dearest Cynthia to pity me ! O unkind Wounds , that detain me from paying my Adorations to so sweet an Object !

He past away his time in such pleasing Transports , ever fancying the Idea of his fairest Cynthia before his Eyes , that all other Thoughts were hush'd in Silence , and his Contentment seem'd perfect in the heighth of his Satisfaction . Whether his Wounds receiv'd Addition from the Temperature and Quietness of his Mind , I cannot tell ; but in two days time , he found himself in a Capacity to visit his dearest Physician . Which being made known unto the Pirate , the more to oblige Cynthia , he intended to present him unto her himself .

't was about the time that Phoebus had climb'd unto his Mid-day heighth , and began to drive his Chariot to the Western Seas , when Orsamus accompany'd him to Cynthia's Cabbin . They found her sitting in the most dismal part of the Room , very disconsolate , accompany'd only with a mournful Silence . At their first Entrance , the Pirate saluted her in this manner : Madam ( said he ) Since the disconcealing of my Love has begotten your Disquiet , I have courted all Opportunities to dissipate your Resentments : Yet I fear , you will not welcome Happiness , because I bring it . Rouze your self from this melancholy Solitude , and let me once more behold the Horizon of my dearest Object clear from Clouds . See here , Madam , your Brother , by my careful Endeavours , in a Capacity to walk abroad , and give you a Visit . If this small Obligation can beget the least Esteem , to plead in my behalf , I am fully satisfy'd . But lest I shou'd disturb your first Gratulations with my unseasonable Presence , I 'll retire a while , and leave you alone . This said , with great Respect , he departed out of the Cabbin .

Scarce had he given an Exit by his Absence , shutting the Door after him , but Orsamus , in a Transport , cast himself at Cynthia's Feet so hastily as she had neither time nor power to prevent him . But she , unwilling to let him remain in that Condition , presented him her Hand . Rise Orsamus ( said she ) this prostrate Action can scarce obtain its Pardon : Your Presence at this time , is not unwelcome , since it has quitted me of some Fears , that pre-possess'd me in your Absence , concerning your Welfare , and the Wounds you receiv'd lately in my Defence .

Them Wounds ( reply'd Orsamus ) have been less cruel , than those I receive from your fair Eyes : They wou'd admit of a Cure , but these daily augment , without hope of Remedy . O my dearest Princess ! I dye daily , and every Moment begets a new Death . If your Anger has prepar'd me a Condemnation , I will receive the fatal Doom from your Mouth , with a perfect and entire Obedience . Believe it , Orsamus ( reply'd she ) you will not obtain that so easily , as your Imagination flatters you ; neither , perhaps , has my Severity proceeded from the same Cause , as your Opinion has taken it . No , no ; I have not been insensible of your Love , nor regardless of your Merits ; but have priz'd them both at their true value , in my Breast : And , bating the Interest and Obedience , a Father may claim of a Child , there is none , perhaps , amongst the Stock of Mankind , I cou'd have prefer'd before Orsamus . Make haste to be well then , as soon as possible ; and think not of dying , but remember , I bid you live . Vanquish your Malady , disperse those effeminate Passions , until a time more suitable : For if Heaven be so kind , to free us from the hands of this Pirate , I have some Hope still left unstrangl'd , that tells me , Heaven will not always let you be unhappy . More Satisfaction I cannot give you : Nor let not my Condition persuade you to presume to covet greater Advantages , lest you lose them you have already gain'd in my Esteem .

Orsamus bowing his Head at this Discourse , with a profound Respect : Then , Madam , ( reply'd he ) I am not utterly lost , as my Fear constru'd it : For if my Princess vote me happy , I 'll bid Defiance to Fortune's Malice ; since she cannot , in all her Stock of Misfortunes , find one Obstruction to make me miserable . But , Madam , What shall this happy Wretch do , whose Life you have preserv'd with such Excess of Generosity ? What Price shall he pay for the least of these divine Bounties ? By a Fidelity ( reply'd Cynthia ) which I value above my Father's Crown ; and by which , till Death , you may preserve that Affection , whereon you establish your Happiness . If that be the Means ( reply'd Orsamus ) I will be happy to my Tomb , and all the humane Considerations shall not make me waver one Moment in my inviolable Loyalty ; Honour , or what else we esteem most dear , or precious , shall all submit , as Trophies to my Love : Neither wou'd I welcome a Happiness , that comes not from you , or for you . But , Madam ( continu'd he , after a small Pause , ) If I may have Licence to ask it , How shall we dispose of our Affairs in this Condition , whereinto Fortune hath blindly brought us ? The happy Title of Brother , you have conferr'd on me , hath preserv'd my Life ; and by your Bounty , I begin to prize it at its true Value ; so that I can dare the worst Effects of Fate . But for you , my dear Princess , that you should be brought to these Extreams , is that which galls my Heart with unexpressible Grief . My Misfortunes are become my chief Felicity , but I am too miserable in yours : You have rais'd me to the heighth of humane Happiness ; then Gratitude calls , that I shou'd purchase your Content . Fortune , spite of her self , shall shortly give you ease , or put a Period to the Cause ; since to expect her to be kind , is to involve our selves into greater Dangers . Desperate Wounds must have desperate Cures : Extreams must be thus serv'd . When Bliss and Happiness be in danger of a Wrack ; boldly to dare , is bravely to preserve it . Thou wretched Rival , Obstructer of my Bliss ( continued he , with a Tone somewhat elevated ) I 'll give an Exit to thy Love and Life , though guarded with a thousand Swords ; nothing shall secure thee from my Arm : If I fail in the Attempt , I shall part with this Satisfaction ; I did endeavour your Quiet , though I cou'd not effect it .

O Sir ! ( quoth Cynthia , with a timorous Agitation of Spirit ) do not , with such a rash Resolution , cast away your Life ; but consider , that Stroke that ends your Days , gives a Period to mine . Oh , think , in the Custody of what Villains I shall be left ; acquainted with nothing , but what is ill ! Then Death may fly me ; and that may be forc'd from me , I esteem far above my Life . I shall have none then to participate in my Sorrows , or revenge my Quarrel , when you are gone . Death , when all Hope is past , will not fail to relieve us : Why shou'd we tempt our Ruin ? Fortune is full of Vicissitudes ; and being unkind so long a time , must at last be just : That Valour is unconquerable , to which Discretion is joyn'd , when Wisdom directs it for the most Advantage . This Caution will be pardonable , when you remember , I interceed for Cynthia's Safety , in the Welfare of Orsamus . As yet , Respect seems to have the upper Hand in his Thoughts ; let us not abuse it , to our own Destruction : In the mean time , seek to attempt nothing , but upon good mature Consideration in each other's Life . We may continue safe , and be good Companions in Adversity . Let your Carriage be circumspect , that he may not suspect you for other than what you seem ; so you may remain secure , whilst I rest firm guarded with my Innocency . Because he has made you the Agent of his Love , you may feed him with Hope ; for 't will be dangerous to lose those Advantages , he hopes from you . My Carriage unto him shall be follow'd by your Advice ; and you may tell him , what your Wisdom and Reason accords to , is convenient ; always reserving my Honour entire . And seeing , Orsamus , I repose my Honour in your Trust , look , you do not fail my Confidence . O , Madam ! ( replyed Orsamus ) That Life , which you set so high a Price on , is not worth the Care you take to preserve it ; but it were no Life , were it not wholly at your Devotion ; and being only yours , I shall be careful , not to cast that Life useless away , which is reserv'd wholly and entire for your Interest . Your Commands shall lead me by the Hand ; which I will execute , as far as weary Life will go . For your Honour ; He that 's intrusted with such a Treasure , and safeguards it not , let him live wretched , and detested dye . 't were a Sin ( replyed Cynthia ) to doubt your Fidelity ( taking more Kindness into her Eyes , than they exprest before ) and the Continuance may not go unrewarded . 't is not he that runs swiftest , and then faints ; but he that continues to the End of the Race , that wins the Prize . But let us leave this Discourse , for a Time more agreeable , and consider how to treat the Pirate at his Return , which will not be long . I 'll shew my self somewhat kinder , that he may conceive , you have prevail'd something in his Behalf : And this Kindness , if my Expectations fail me not , shall purchase a Relation of his Life ; which will , for a small time , free me from his Importunities , and in some sort , dissipate my Misfortunes , by the History of his Disasters ; since we naturally find a Pleasure , in the Rehearsal of past Miseries . His Respect and Behaviour towards us , shews him to be more than what he seems ; yet this odious Course makes him seem less than what he is : His Life , in my Apprehension , must be monstrous , that walks in a Way so uncommon .

In such Discourse they pass'd away the small Time of the Pirate's Absence ; but Fortune soon took Care , they should not surfeit of their Joys , by hastning his Return to the Cabbin . And having saluted Cynthia with much Respect , as his Mistress ; and caress'd Orsamus , as her Brother ; he seated himself , to participate of their Discourse ; which he apprehended , did tend to his Advantage .

He was opening his Mouth to speak , when the fair Princess prevented him : And taking the Word , with an Air repleat ; with a Grace and Behaviour , only peculiar to her self , she began her Discourse thus . Sir , your Kindness us'd to my Brother , is no small Obligation that I owe you ; nor have you fail'd in your Purpose , when you made him your Sollicitor ; since none can more perswade my Inclinations , or more freely dispose of me , than he : Yet he , I think , will not agree to force my Will to what is repugnant . If I must love , I wou'd have a Subject worth my Affection : ( Such may you be ) if your Life have been regulated , and guided by that Rule formerly , as in this Time , since we have been your Prisoners . But the fairest Fruit is not always pleasant to the Taste ; nor will a wise Merchant purchase Commodities , without a Trial . We may paint the Sun , but not his warm Influence ; and the Fire , but not its Heat . With a small Trouble , you may ease me of this Doubt , in relating your Extraction and Birth , and the forepast Adventures of your Life . In according to my Request , may tend to your Advantage : To deny me so small an Obligation , will not profit you ; since before I ll inforce my Affections , against my Inclinations for one I know not , I 'll send my Soul to enjoy her Liberty , in you upper Horizon .

This bold Language of Cynthia put the Pirate to his Dumps ; knowing the Relation of his Life wou'd diminish the Esteem , they had already conceiv'd for him : And shou'd he give her a Denial , he began to fear her first Resolution : So that , for a small time , his Thoughts were upon the Rack , and he sate possess'd with a deep Silence ; but at last , recollecting himself , he made this Reply .

Madam , cease these horrible Resolutions , for I find it impossible to disobey you : You shall be satisfy'd with a true Narration of the Disasters of a miserable Wretch , injur'd by Fortune , and pursu'd by Fate ; the Relation of which , will set my Wounds bleeding afresh ; yet , Madam , you shall be obey'd . Then prepare your selves with Attention , to receive the Satisfaction you desire , whilst I entertain you with the Tragick Story of my Life ; which , if it cannot beget Love , it may produce Pity .

When Orsamus and Cynthia had seated themselves with regard , in Expectation of his Discourse ; after he had satisfy'd himself in some particular Niceties , and Scruples of his Discourse , with Sadness in his Looks and Actions , he began as followeth .

The Tragical History of Almerin and Desdemona .

IN the Mediterranean Sea , is situate an Island , call'd Sicilia ; renown'd over the World , for the sweet Wholsomness of the Air , and Fertility of the Soil ; extoll'd highly by Fame , by that wonderful Mountain Aetna , there fix'd ; which being always , on the out-side , cover'd with Snow , yet , by a Sulphurous , or Brimstone-matter , doth continually burn within . Oftentimes the Flame mounting upwards , is so strong , it brings up with it burnt and scorching Stones , and pieces of hard Substances , which seems to be rent out of some Rock ; to the great Terrour , and Danger of the Beholder . Report has not been idle , in proclaiming the known Rareties of this Isle ; but above all , that so much fam'd City of Syracuse , twenty two Miles in Compass , wall'd about with three strong Walls , for their Strength and Security ; water'd with many sweet Springs , and Crystal Rivolets ; adorn'd with many brave Gardens , and pleasant Arbors : the noble Buildings added to its Gallantry , whose lofty Towers and Turrets seem'd to support the Skies ; retaining a Majesty , and yielding a glorious Shew to the Eyes of the Beholders . It was the Mart-Town of the Island , from whence Ships go out , and resort thither , to and from all Parts of the World ; which mightily enriches the Inhabitants .

't was this City that gave me Being , although my Father had his Original out of Norway , a Kingdom far hence distant , towards the frozen North-Pole ; his Inclinations being more to travel strange Countries , than to live a quiet Life in his own ; when the one begets nothing but Effeminateness and Sloth , and the other produces Experience and Valour . So that , with his Father's Consent , he took his Journey ; having well stor'd himself with Jewels and Money , Necessaries very needful for such a Voyage , in a few Years he ranged over the greatest part of Africa and Asia ; where he saw the famous Cities of Gran Cayro in Egypt , the City of Jerusalem in Palestina ; where he did behold many rare Monuments , with the lofty Pyramids . Having pass'd through many large Dominions , at last , he arriv'd at Bizantium . Constantinople , the Imperial City of the Grecian Empire . Here he spent some time ; and at last , took Shipping there , to visit the Isles of the Mediterranean Sea ; so that he came at last , to the famous Island of Sicilia ; where the Pleasantness both invited , and inticed his longer Stay and Abode .

Where by strange Fortunes , and unheard of Chances , he was made known unto King Sancredus , who at that time , had his Residence in Syracuse ; in whose Affection , in a small time , he gain'd so great Esteem , as he gave him his own Kinswoman in Marriage , enrich'd him with several Lordships , made him one of his Council , and Governor of the famous City of Syracuse .

I was his only Son , and in this City I received both Life and Education . I liv'd with my Father in a Garb befitting a Prince , rather than a Governor's Son : All their Hope and Comfort they seem'd to treasure up in me ; no Cost seem'd dear to 'em , and their best Performances came short of their Wills . Thus I continu'd , until I arriv'd to the Age of sixteen Years , and became capable to receive the Impression of Love .

Small Time had pass'd away afterwards , before Fortune presented me an Object , to beget Love ; and a Subject , wherewithal to continue it . For Fate had so decreed , that in a pleasant Garden belonging to the City , garnish'd with many private Walks , and adorn'd with many shady Arbors ; among which , I had chosen out one for Privacy , to retire my self from the scorching Heat of the Sun , which began to climb to his Mid-day heighth . Here it was , I went to seek Rest , and found Eternal Disquiet : For by the Bank of a little Rivolet , which had a Thorough-fare , and many Turnings in t●e Garden , sate a most beautiful Damosel , who had seated her self , as it were , to observe the decent gliding of the murmuring Stream . The Place where I had retir'd my self was so order'd by Nature , that I cou'd see , yet remain unseen . I neglected no Time , but took a serious Observation of this fair Unknown : Her Years might be about Fourteen ; her Stature , not very tall , but comely ; her Face , the perfect Map of Beauty , fresh and blooming ; where the Lilies , and the Roses , did seem to surpass in Glory what Dame Nature had ever fram'd , or Art had ever perfected : her Eyes like two resplendent Diamonds , cast a Lustre , able to inslave the most resolute Beholder . Each part was so amiable , and agreeable , that the most critical and curious Surveyer cou'd not find an Error in her whole Composure ; each part sympathizing in a sweet Harmony ; over which , Nature had plac'd a Charm , which the most senseless and obdurate Hearts cou'd not resist , but of necessity , must submit .

Thus , Madam ( said he , turning to Cynthia ) and more fair you may imagin her to be , or think her like your self , which seem to be the Master-piece of the Gods . And I vow to you , besides the fairest Desdemona ( for so I learn'd afterwards , she was call'd ) I never yet saw any Beauty , I might parallel , or compare with yours . I beheld her with Amazement ; for never before did my Eyes behold any thing so lovely : Yet that Amazement was accompany'd with a Transport , in beholding so rare a Creature , which brought forth a delicious Ravishment ; and a Rapture of unusual Joys began to possess my Senses . So that then , and only then , I began to be wretched ; and greedily began to devour that Poyson , I shou'd have expell'd . This fatal Minute was a Prologue to the Catastrophe of my Tragical Misfortunes . I fix'd my Eyes on her Face , with a timorous Disturbance of my Spirit ; when , raising her Voice , with a bewitching Harmony , and a sweet charming Melody , she chanted this Song .

O happy Time , when Nature only sway'd , And all did live in Innocency f●ee : When all did seem to rule , yet all obey'd , And e'ery one enjoy'd his Liberty : When simple Truth was thought the highest Skill ; And so deceive a Friend , the greatest Ill. But all things pass , as they had never been ; And Nature brings forth Monsters , that rebel . Deceit is termed Wit , and not a Sin : What once did Heaven seem , is now a Hell . Truth stands neglected , scofft at with Disgrace ; And being dis-esteemed , hides her Face . Beauty is no Divinity , I see ; As Falshood wou'd make silly Souls believe : Truth says , it is a Map of Misery , That will the Owner suddenly deceive . And what , a Goddess , seems to us to day , Sickness , or Death , to morrow sweeps away . He which admireth Beauty , will confess , That 't is attended with a fatal Charm ; Which , if not waited op with good Success , 't will do the Owner , that enjoys it , harm . Riches and Beauty oft are made a Prize , And robb'd by such as call 'em Deities .

Thus undescry'd , and unperceiv'd , I was conquer'd by this unknown Beauty ; and at that fatal Hour , without Resistance , I became her Slave ; and with an unwilling Willingness , resolv'd to wear her Chains .

Thus I embrac'd a Passion , which since , hath prov'd fatal to my Quiet . Thus , like young Novices in War , that through Rashness , become resolute ; and without Consideration , seem to out-face the greatest Dangers ; not thinking on the Peril , their Indiscretion may purchase 'em : I embark'd thus , in strange Seas , without a Pilot ; and began to travel the most intricate and unknown Ways , without a Guide . I never knew what Love was , till now ; therefore the Proceedings were Mysteries to me : Yet Nature was so kind , to suggest to me , that in the Affairs of Love , it was a Rule ; Where first we receive a Wound , there to endeavour a Remedy : And as Heat extinguishes Heat , and gives present Remedy to the Pain ; so a Return of Love gives sudden Ease to the Torment , and a perfect Cure to the Malady . Yet how to make my Addresses unto one , that till then , I never saw , or to talk of Love to her , both seem'd gross : The first seem'd too full of Confidence , and the other seem'd to savour much of Impudence .

But here Fortune supply'd this Want , and at first , seem'd to court me , but 't was only to drill me into greater Miseries ; for I no sooner saw her arise from the place where she sate , but I made towards her , from the Place and Covert , where I lay conceal'd ; when , behold , this charming Beauty was surpriz'd by an unknown Stranger ; who , with Expressions of Joy , utter'd these Words : Fortune , I defie thy further Malice ; and dare my Fate , to make a second Relapse in my Desires . So that , by Force , in spight of her Resistance , taking her delicate Body rudely in his Arms , he began , with a more than ordinary pace , to convey her to a neighbouring Thicket . My Eyes had never lest her , but were wholly employ'd , and fix'd on this insolent Action , perform'd on so lovely a Creature . I needed no Solicitors , but her Cries and Innocency , to prepare me for a Revenge : And 't was but a few Moments betwixt the Resolution , and the Execution ; for with my utmost Diligence , I pursu'd him , by the same Track , I saw him pass . Such Expedition I made , that my Haste out-went his Speed ; and my Fury overtook him , before I had Time to consult with Reason : So that , without demanding any Questions , I ran him through the Body ; and he , not having disburthen'd himself of his fair Prey , fell down , clasping her in his deadly Embraces . The first thing I did , was to free her from his Arms ; which , with some Trouble , I perform'd . After I had set her at liberty from that Danger , and her frightned Spirits return'd to her again , she fell down at my Feet ; and embracing my Knee , Sir ( said she ) this sudden and unexpected Assistance persuades me to esteem of you , as the Genius of my better Fortune , since you have , by a timely Redemption , preserv'd what is more precious to me , than that which we prize most dear . Seeing there 's no Possibility of making Satisfaction , equal to the Obligation , take my Life in liew for a small Recompence ; but continue still to preserve my Honour , which you have so bravely defended .

Her Tears , and sweet charming Speeches , transform'd me from my usual Temper ; and I cou'd not behold her in that mournful Posture , and distressed Condition , without participating in her Sorrows . So that , taking her up in my Arms , kissing her lovely Cheek , as it was bedew'd with pearly Tears ; returning her this Answer : Madam , I rejoyce , that the Destinies 〈◇〉 made me so fortunate , in making me the happy Cause of preserving you . If I have oblig'd you in this Action , I have a Satisfaction , above what I cou'd hope ; and Fortune has been kind , above my Wishes ; since few Minutes have pass'd , when I was to seek for such an Opportunity , to manifest my Affection . O Madam ! Blame me not , when I reveal , I love you : And prove not cruel to one , that adores you . If you think , I have oblig'd you , Oh! pay it in Love , and I shall soon become the Debtor : And talk not of Death , when the Gods detest the Proposition ; but think , lovely Creature , if so much Beauty can be without Pity , and yield no Redress to my Love ! See , beauteous Lady , Death will be kinder than you , and yield a Remedy , when you deny it . This said ( with an Action , wholly passionate ) I set my Sword against my Breast ; saying , Here , Madam , is that , will yield Relief in Necessity ; and seeing I cannot live without your Love , I 'll endeavour , in Death , to gain your Pity : And if my Love be become an Offence , this very Sword shall make Satisfaction , and destroy that Life that gave it Birth . She no sooner did behold this desperate Offer at my Life , but casting an Eye of Pity on my Rashness , Oh , hold ( said she ) that fatal Weapon , the cruel Disturber of my Quiet ! And think , who ere you be , what an Error I must commit , in yielding to love one , that till this Moment , I never saw ; and how I shall forget Paternal Duty , to give my self away , without their Knowledge . Consider what an Obligation will lie on you , when I relie upon your Promise of Fidelity , to preserve my Honour entire ; and how the Gods will punish you , if you prove perjur'd . Once more meditate , on what Conditions I must love ; and endeavour to recollect your wandring Thoughts , and you will soon perceive , what Folly it is , for any one to enter into Bonds , that may continue free , and at liberty .

Vertuous Lady ( replyed I ) you wrong my Love , to think it base ; and my Integrity , to imagine I may prove unconstant . No , no , Madam ; your Charms are too strong , to be rivall'd by any o her Object ; and my Affection too entire , to be deceiv'd by any other Beauty , since I have beheld yours . Because you shall not be oblig'd to love one , you know not ; and to esteem of one , that till this Minute , you never saw ; to disperse these Doubts , Know , my Name is Almerin , the only Son of Artemidorus , Governor of this famous City of Syracuse : Never before unfortunate , if you prove pitiless , nor never before this time happy , if you become kind . If you relie on my Fidelity , nothing but Death shall make me unconstant ; but my Affection shall always fl●urish : Nay , should Death it self endeavour to extinguish it , he might well divert it , but not destroy it ; when the Remainders of those Sparks of Love , shall keep warm my Ashes in the Grave . If I ever endeavour to violate your Honour , or think to commit so great a Sacrilege on your Vertues , let all the Gods rain down Vengeance on my Head , for my Disloyalty . Let the Heavens be Witnesses to what I promise ; and with them , this innocent Grove shall witness , and give Evidence , that when I prove false to you , I may not prosper in what I esteem most dear ; that my Pleasures may become Torments , and my chiefest Delights , Vexations . Evidence what I have said O ye Powers Divine ! By all this , and by your fair self , I swear , a Divinity , too precious to be prophan'd .

Oh , hold ! ( quoth she ) Swear not by that : Cankers may eat that Flower on the Stalk ; the Scratch of a Pin may soon deface it ; Sickness and Mischance may soon ruin it ; Age and Time are great Devourers of it : And when in these Cheeks and Lips , which you extol so high , shall not be left Red enough , to blush at Perjury , when you shall make it ; What will become of me then ?

O Madam ! ( replyed I ) Cease these Doubts , and dissipate such needless Fears : The Sun shall as soon falter in his Career ; the Stars drop from their Places , where they have of old been fix'd ; the Earth shall remove , Nature shall alter her Course , and all Impossibilities shall be perform'd ; when I prove disloyal , and false in my Love .

These Protestations did give her some Satisfaction ; and prevail'd so far with her , that she suffer'd me to enjoy the Privilege , to accompany her to her Parents House , which was within the City . When we came thither , she gave her Friends to understand the timely Assistance , I gave her ; as also , my Birth and Quality , and Authority in the City . They no sooner received this Relation from their Daughter , but they bade me Welcome , and caress'd me with the greatest Endearments . My Entertainment was extraordinary ; but the Kindnesses bestow'd on me , was not after the lofty Court-mode , but most familiarly , as if I had been a near Relation unto them ; and gave me Thanks , in the most obliging Terms , for the Kindness conferr'd on their Daughter ; which I cou'd not receive , without a Blush . Here it was , I learn'd , his Name was Philaster , an aged Knight , that had liv'd there many Years ; that his fair Daughter was his only Child , whose Name was Desdemona ; in whom , the old Knight , and his Lady , did repose all their Comfort and Joy .

In several Discourses , we pass'd away the Time , while Supper lasted ; where the chiefest Delicates , I fed on , was Desdemona's Beauty : And indeed , 't was she alone , made all things seem pleasant , where she came ; and fet a Lustre on the greatest Enormities .

Supper being ended , and the Evening far spent , I began to prepare for my Departure . After I had bade a Farewel unto the old Knight , and his Lady , with many Acknowledgments for the Civilities , I had receiv'd , I began to order my self , to take my Leave of the fairest Desdemona .

We see by Experience , that the Fire that flames highest , trembles most : So is it in Love ; He that loves much , fears most . In this manner did I approach her , with an inward Joy ; yet that Joy was disturb'd , by a timorous Fear . I accosted her in this manner : Fairest Desdemona , let not Absence beget a Neglect in my Love , but think of the Torments , I endure : And though Necessity inforces me to leave you ; yet think , how all Places will seem a Hell , when you are absent ; and that you bring a Heaven of Felicities , whenever your fair self doth appear . O Desdemona ! I must leave you : Yet , shall I tell you ; The poor Prisoner never went to Execution with more Reluctancy , than this cruel Parting seems to me ; since I must leave all my Happiness with you , and go away , accompany'd only with my Torments and Miseries ! I had proceeded further , but I saw some attentive to understand what I said .

Desdemona return'd me no Answer , but a Blush . And after I had , with an Ecstasie , seal'd a Kiss on her fair Hand , I took my Leave ; yet not before the old Knight , and his Lady , desired me , that I wou'd honour them so much , as to further oblige them , with my Visits . This Complement over , I was conducted , and accompany'd by them all to the Door ; where stood a Charoch , richly adorn'd , to convoy me to my Father's House . Here it was , I parted from them , and bade the first Farewel to my self . I was no sooner arriv'd at my Father's House , but I was welcom'd with the greatest Kindnesses that might be ; my Presence diverting the Fears of any Dangers , that might befal me . They began to enquire , how I past away the Evening so late ; but I had a Story ready , that gave them Satisfaction ; yet did I keep my Adventure secret to my self . After a while , I gave them the Good-night , and betook my self to my Rest .

But small Rest , Heaven knows , it was , I cou'd take : My Fancy form'd the Idea of fair Desdemona ; and 't was only them Thoughts , that did give a small Cessation to my Torments . If Morpheus had intic'd me to a Slumber , immediately , her fair Figure wou'd appear . Here it was , I did , with an Ecstasie of Joy , go to embrace this fair Idea of my Misfortunes ; when , behold , I clasp'd the brittle Air : And with my Sleep , wou'd the fair Phantasm vanish . Oh , how willing have I been , to be deceiv'd ! And fearing I have dream'd , how fearful have I been to wake , lest Sense shou'd rob me of so delightful a Vision , and take away the Felicity , I seem'd then to enjoy ! Oh , how often did I wish , I might expire in such pleasing Falshoods ! Yet the Gods deem'd me not so happy a Lot .

In this sort , I past away the Time , thinking the Night exceeded its usual Length ; exclaiming against Phoebus , for his sluggish Approach ; and yet , when he did appear , how often have I wish'd his Absence ! So that Night seem'd a Vexation , and Day a Torment . Some two Days pass'd , and what for want of taking Sustenance in the Day , and for want of Rest in the Night , my Spirits began to decay , and my Body became sore weaken'd ; my Colour faded away , and my youthful Vigour abated : So that , in a few Hours , I became only a Shadow of what I was , and an Emblem of what I had been . My careful Parents wonder'd at this sudden Alteration , and Change : The Physicians were sent for , but their Conjectures came far short of the Disease : Every one gave his Judgment , as Fancy and Opinion gave them Birth ; but all came short of the Symptoms of my Disease . My careful Parents never forsook my Pillow ; seeking to search out the Cause of this Distemper , that so they might provide a Remedy .

Perhaps you wonder , I did not reveal my Love to them at such a time , when there was a Possibility of having my Desires granted .

Fairest Lady ( said he , looking upon Cynthia ) you will not marvel , nor have Occasion to blame me , when you understand , that about six Weeks before , I was betroth'd , by my Parents Consent , to a fair Damosel , nam'd Artemesia , second Daughter to the Earl of Palermo . Indeed , I think , she was more noble than fair ; yet her Beauty was not so mean , but it might have satisfy'd my Nicety , had I never beheld the bewitching Charms of fair Desdemona . 't was to this fatal Marriage , I was destinated a Victim to my Parents Wills , not my Desires . I knew my Father to be a Man too passionate , and rash ; firm in his Resolves , and not to be alter'd by Persuasions , in his Proceedings . Besides , this Marriage seem'd to augment , and agree with his Ambition ; and his being ally'd to so great a Lord , no mean Honour . He was obstinate in his Humours , nor cou'd Reason make him reverse what he had decree'd ; but especially those , he imagin'd , did tend to further and advance his aspiring Ambition . These were such infallible Truths , as I well knew , by his Consent , wou'd never be revok'd . These were the unhappy Causes , that I did not reveal to them , the Affection I had for fair Desdemona .

As from one Extream , doth issue a second , more dreadful than the first ; so from this Fuel of Love , did proceed a burning Fever , more fearful and violent than the former . This was visible to the Eye of Nature ; so that the Physicians , by their Skill and Industry , remov'd the Cause , before it cou'd take any deep Effect ; and perform'd the Cure , before ever the Disease had taken Root .

As nothing continues always in one State and Condition , so my Distemper began to abate , and my weakned Body began to recover a little Strength ; yet in my Mind I receiv'd no Comfort , since my dearest Physician was absent . Phoebus had scarce ran his Career thrice in this upper World , and lodg'd himself in the Western Ocean , but I left my Bed ; and although I was extream feeble , yet I did endeavour to walk : And the first small Journey I made , was secretly , and unseen , to the Habitation of my divine Desdemona . I had no sooner set my Face towards that part of the City , but mark the wonderful Effects of Love ; although my Body was weak , yet , me-thought , in every Step I went towards her , I receiv'd new Strength ; and went that in a few Minutes , might well have requir'd a longer Time : So much did the pleasing Imagination , of seeing Desdemona , dissipate and divert all other Difficulties .

When I was arriv'd , and enter'd the House , which did contain my ador'd Nymph , my Body became , as if it had been inspir'd with a new Soul : and well it might , since it was there alone , the Felicity and Content , which was the Ecstasie and Rapture of my Soul , did reside . Which Imagination did beget a sweet Ravishment of Pleasures : So that the Want of what I had so long desir'd , had set the greater Value on what I then enjoy'd .

Such unthought of Alteration had my small Time of Sickness begotten on me , that none in the House cou'd hardly guess , or discern , what I might be ; but them Thoughts were silenc'd , when I reveal'd my self : So that they seem'd to be possess'd with Amazement , rather than with Unbelief . In a few Moments , all their Suspicions were vanish'd ; so that I was entertain'd with their accustom'd Kindnesses . In a few Moments , fair Desdemona did appear : and although she was fore-warn'd by some in the House , of this sudden Change in me , yet , in her first Approach , she cou'd not contain from Wonder . She bade me welcome , as a Deliverer , and not as a Lover ; yet did her Eyes speak Pity to my Disasters ; and them kind Looks seem'd a soveraign Balsam , to expel the worst of Miseries . What shall I say ? 't was here , my Sickness took its Birth ; and 't was here , I had the only Remedy to expel it .

After Dinner , the old Knight and his Lady , with fair Desdemona , that did attend 'em , invited me to take a Walk into a fair Garden , adjoyning to their House , beautify'd with many shady Arbors ; where Nature was holpen by Art , to make the Work more exquisite : It was adorn'd with many pleasant Walks , intricate , and turning Labyrinthwise .

But in the midst of the Garden , was a House of Pleasure situated , the fairest , for Workmanship , that ever I did behold : So that Nature grew envious , that Art shou'd excel her ; endeavouring , with fine shady Trees , and what sweet Summers Livery wears , to conceal it from the Eye of the Spectator ; when the pretty Birds , that harbour in those Boughs , seem to cross her Intents , with their melodious Notes ; inviting the Eyes of the Beholder , not to pass by , and leave so rare a Work unseen , and unregarded .

Into this Garden , the Masterpiece of Art and Nature , I accompany'd them in their Walks . We had some Discourse , on different Subjects ; which I think impertinent , and nothing relating to the Story of my Life . Thus having pass'd away some small time , Philaster and his Lady retir'd themselves into the House of Pleasure , before related , and left Desdemona only , to entertain me . This Opportunity , Fortune did now offer me , fell out above my Thoughts ; and being unwilling to lose so fair a Time , as we walk'd along in the Alleys , I began this Discourse .

Fairest Desdemona , I cannot tell , whether I shou'd say , you are more kind , than cruel ; or whether you are more fair , than I am miserable . See , my divine Lady ; behold , I die alive : And what is more cruel , than a living Death ? Cannot you pity one , that dies for your Love ? Oh , pierce my Heart ! It is the nobler way ; and let me not live in such Torments , as do exceed the worst of Deaths .

Sir ( said she ) I am not insensible to your Love , nor do I take any pleasure in your Torments : I wou'd I cou'd perform the one , as willingly as I can the other ; you shou'd not languish for a Remedy , if a Return of Love and Compassion can give you Ease . I can pity : If that be too low , I can grieve : If this will not do , think , Sir , in what Bands you are bound , not to violate my Honour . Oh! Seek not to ruin that , and command all things besides , I am able to perform .

O Madam ! ( replyed I ) Heaven send all those Punishments on my Head , I so lately did invocate , if I intend Dishonour to your Person . No , Madam ; 't is lawful Marriage , I desire : And what is more honourable ? This way you may securely give a Cessation to my Torments , and not injure your Chastity . Oh! think , if you can pity , as you give me to understand , you can ; be not cruel , to let me pine away with Sorrow , when you are the only Physician , can give a Remedy .

I had scarce finish'd these last Words , but old Philaster , with his Lady , left the place , where they had remain'd this small Time of our Discourse ; and their too sudden Approach , robb'd me of Desdemona's Answer . So that we made towards them ; and joyning our Company and Discourse with theirs , we pass'd away the Residue of that Time we stay'd afterwards in the Garden ; Fortune not offering me , that Day , another Opportunity , where I might , with Secrecy , renew our foresaid Discourse . After a while , we left our Diversion ; Philaster forsook the Garden , and we attended him in ; where we spent the Remainder of that Day , which , my Imaginations told me , did steal too swiftly away , since I forsook my dearest Happiness , and must be forc'd to part from my fairest Desdemona . Time , which in her Absence , did seem to have Leaden Feet , did now fly too swiftly away : So that the long-fear'd , unwish'd for Hour of parting approach'd , when I must take my leave , and be walking to my own Home . After Salutations past with the old Lady , I went and took my leave of my fairest Desdemona : And although my Desires were frustrated , and my Intentions prevented , of speaking unto her , by reason of her Parents being present ; yet my Eyes and Countenance silently and secretly spoke the Language of my Heart ; and , as far as I cou'd conceive , I did not find , she had any Aversion for my Love ; neither cou'd I perceive in her Countenance and Looks , or in any of her Actions , she did bewray any Dislike to my Proceedings : But I found her , not like your lofty Dames , scornful and disdainful ; but contrary , her Actions were not imperious , but compos'd wholly of Mildness , yet therewithal wholly charming ; sweeter than the blooming Rose , when the Morning Air swells its tender Bud : Innocent in her Carriage , as the harmless Dove , yet with a winning Majesty : So that she did privately undermine , as well as outwardly conquer the Hearts and Eyes of the Beholders .

With this Hope of my good Fortune , I gave Philaster the Good-night , and return'd secretly home to my Father's ; where they all wonder'd at my long Absence , yet glad to see me recover'd so well ; wondring from whence the Causes of so sudden a Sickness shou'd arise , as also , at so unordinary a Recovery ; both occasion'd by two different Times of Absence : But leaving them to surmize on Conjectures , to learn out that which , as yet , they did not know , I went to my Chamber ; where I past away the Night in a different manner , from what I had formerly done , my Hopes having now overcome my Despairs , and comply'd with all things that might jump with my Desires . In such pleasing Thoughts , the Hours past away ; yet not so swift , but I cou'd number them , and think them slow in going .

Titan , by her Absence , gave warning of her Brother's Approach , and Phoebus had scarce saluted the Eastern Parts of the World , with his desir'd Presence , but I arose , and attir'd my self with a more than ordinary Curiosity ; building many Hopes , in Expectation of what the following Day might bring forth , which now began to grow a little aged , and the Hour approach'd , wherein Visits are accustom'd to be given ; so that I took my way to Philaster's House . As my Visits became more common , I was esteemed a less Stranger , and my Entertainment was more familiar and friendly : So that after some Discourse of Use had past by Course , and the Sun , with his warm Beams , began to climb to his Meridian heighth , I requested the Favour of Philaster , that I might take the Privilege to pass some small Time away in his fair Garden . Which Request was no sooner desir'd , but it was as kindly granted ; himself intending to accompany me ; when , behold , just as we were entring the Garden , he was sent for by a Messenger , that inform'd him , that his Brother ( who was an ancient Gentleman , whose Dwelling was about two Leagues from the City ) did attend him , desiring some Conference with him , about earnest Occasions , that wou'd not admit of Delay . After he had pleaded Necessity , as his Excuse , for his untimely Parting , craving my Pardon for his Incivility in leaving me alone , promising a speedy Return , he left me .

Half an Hour had not past , since I enter'd the Garden , but I saw fair Desdemona ; who , as I since have understood , was sent by her Father , to entertain me in his Absence , his Business falling out beyond his Expectations ; and his Stayance being longer than he intended , was the Reason he sent Desdemona to accompany me . I made towards her with much Respect , and she accosted me with as kind a Reception , with such Innocency , as might seem to bring in compass the extravagant Thoughts of any but my self ; for they yielded Fuel to my unbounded Desires , and every Action of hers became as Oyl to augment it , till it began to blaze into a Flame ; which not extenuated , must needs consume in it self . After I had saluted her , we pass'd away some Time walking in the Alleys , and exchang'd some Discourse , wherein I was so happy , to gain her Consent to be my Wife , so I cou'd get her Parents Consent to seal it .

Here it was , we betroth'd our selves each to other , and register'd our Vows in Heaven , before the divine Deities . Here it was , I cou'd not bound my Joys , and consequently , my Passion ; so that I cou'd not refrain from folding her delicate and tender Body in my Arms , giving and receiving many a sweet Kiss on her Ruby Lips . In this Rapture of Ravishment we spent the Time , till Sol , with his scorching Beams , forc'd us to retire into that pretty House of Pleasure ( before-mention'd . ) This prov'd a Defence against the Heat , and a Covert to act our Loves more securely . Here we did double our Kisses and Embraces , while the pretty Birds did seem to participate in my Happiness . These were innocent Pass-times ; yet these intic'd me to the guilty Possession of greater .

Like a poor decay'd Man , who wou'd think himself happy in the Possession of a small Estate ; which when he obtains , he rests not there , but is still aspiring to whatever is above him ; and at last climbs to so great a heighth , that to continue is dangerous , and to fail is a most certain Ruin . This was a lively Similitude of my Condition , wherein I did then remain : Them Favours , she then conferr'd on me , cou'd not yield Content and Satisfaction to my Desires , but serv'd only to beget a Confidence to presume to purchase greater , and aspire to higher Felicities . So that from this familiar Conversation , I began to request the Fruition of that Love I then enjoy'd ; and following my Request with such Intreaties and Importunities , with a Promise of a never failing Fidelity , urged by such strong Perswasions , and resisted with such faint Denials , that I came to the yielding up of that Fort , which the greatest Kings might envy me the Conq●●st of , and enjoy'd a Privilege , which the mi●●tiest of Men wou'd have esteem'd a Happ●●●●s : In the Enjoyment of which , Imperial Mon●rchs wou'd have accounted it the highest Felicity : All which was wholly prostrated to my raging Passion , and lustful Desires . The Kisses , Embraces and Endearments , were almost numberless , we there exchang'd ; our Discourse much , yet treating wholly of our Loves , and fervent Affections of the Day of Marriage ; when every Day shou'd be such a Feast as this , and every Night beget a fresh Rivalry of Delights , that shou'd never decay , but continue as immortal as our Souls that gave it Birth . Thus we spent our Time , in a Paradise of Pleasures ; passing them few Minutes we stay'd there , in such Felicity , as might well be term'd , the chiefest Happiness of a Lover's Bliss .

But the sweet blooming Rose is not pluck'd without a Thorn , nor the dearest Pleasure reap'd without a Discontent : They are Honey in the Mouth , but Gall in the Belly ; sweet in the Taste , but bitter in the Digestion . Such was the Fruition and Enjoyment of my dearest Desdemona to me ; a Moment of Happiness , attended by an Age of Sorrow : So that my Pleasure serves only to make my Calamity more mournful and doleful , and the Felicity I have lost , to make me , the Loser , more miserable and wretched .

Hannibal , the brave African Conqueror , is prais'd , in that he ●●ew how to gain Victories ; but discomm●●●ed , because he cou'd not secure them : Losin● 〈◇〉 Indiscretion , what by Discretion he had ●o bravely gain'd . Such was my Misfortune : I knew how to purchase Happiness , but not to continue it . Such is the Folly of poor Mortals : One runs after Riches , and with great Care and Pains , obtains the Felicity of his Desires ; which is soon forgotten in the Possession . Another follows Honour , as the Elixir of his Hopes , which soon fades in the Enjoyment . A third hunts after Beauty , as the Elisian of his Content ; which vanishes in the Fruition . Thus we play with Happiness , till it is lost unto us ; and feed so greedily on our Pleasures , till being over-cloy'd , we lose our Hopes , and Sense of the Felicity we enjoy ; and then too late we repent of our Ignorance and Folly , and prize the worth of that which is lost unto us , above the Esteem we had , when we did enjoy it .

O fatal Emblem of my Misfortunes , and unfortunate Similitude of my Miseries ! To prize too late the Jewel of my Soul , which I have lost by Forgetfulness and Neglect ! Repentance comes too late ; or if it did not , I cou'd not expect a Pardon . O my dearest Desdemona ! which seemest lovely in the Grave ! Whose Remembrance must be sweet unto me , though thou liest forgotten in the Dust .

Here the Sense of Grief put a Stop to his Discourse , while he fix'd his Eyes carelesly on the Ground . Orsamus and Cynthia beheld each other with Amazement in their Looks , in Expectation of the Issue of his Discourse , which he usher'd in with so sad a Prologue , and so mournful an Action and Gesture .

By this time , Almerin had recollected his Thoughts ; and raising his Eyes from the Ground , where , the time of his Ecstasie , they had continu'd unmov'd , and fixing them on Cynthia : Madam ( said he ) can you pardon this abrupt Failing in my Discourse , occasion'd by a Transport of Grief , in the Remembrance of my former Felicities in the Relation I have already given you , compar'd with what I must now relate unto you ? As Hunger makes the meanest Fare sweet and delicious to the Taste , so the Sense of Sorrow produces Felicity more lovely , and makes us prize every petty Happiness at its true Worth . Grief is like the Sun at its going down , which yields our Shadows in the Evening more great and monstrous than they are , which , when Day was in its Glory , did scarce appear . Like a Prospective-glass , which afar off yields the Object at an unusual bigness , which being remov'd to a nearer distance , we can hardly discern . Such ( Madam ) will be the residue of my Discourse ; which will only serve as a Mirrour , to make my Loss seem more lonely , and the Griefs I now possess , more fearful and dreadful .

But to defer your Expectations no longer , I 'll go forward in my Discourse , and give you to understand , that after I had requited old Philaster's Hospitality and Kindness , with the Theft of his Daughter's Honour ; and against the Vows I had made , by Inticements and Deceipt , I had gotten the fairest Jewel in Desdemona's Ward-robe , we faw him and his Lady enter the Garden . With all Expedition we forsook our Delights , and descended down a private pair of Stairs , unseen of them , being shaded by the friendly Trees , which , the time of our Delights , seem'd to stand as Watch-men to defend us ; and now , as a Skreen to secure us . This Way we pass'd , lest they might suspect what indeed was true , and so prepar'd to meet 'em ; and having pass'd some secret Alleys , we met 'em , as accidentally . Here we joyn'd Company and Discourse with 'em , and pass'd away the residue of Time , till Dinner was brought in : Upon which , notice given , we left the Garden , and spent the Remainder of that Day all together , in several sorts of Diversion , till Night began to approach , and require my Absence ; so that Necessity urg'd my Departure ; and returning them many Thanks for their Civilities and Kindnesses , wherein I did stand oblig'd unto 'em , I took my Leave of Philaster and his Lady ; and having saluted Desdemona , with a Promise of a sudden Return , to require her in Marriage of her Parents , according to my Vows in the Garden , I left her , and with her all my Joys .

In my Way homeward , my Spirits began to grow dull and heavy , my Mind became sad and melancholy , I found my self fearful , yet knew no Cause I had to fear : On the sudden , three Drops of Blood destill'd from my Nose , a Hare thwarted my Way , and a Night-Raven came croaking , and with her dismal Note , hover'd over my Head . This confirm'd me in my Augury , that something ominous and fatal did attend me , yet I knew not from whence it cou'd proceed . I had forgot to look up to Heaven , and consider I stood a Criminal there ; but began to consider what might proceed from meaner and lower Causes ; not considering , that Heaven makes all things , in this Ball of Clay , the Earth , serve as Punishments to the Wicked : Sometimes so strange and intricate his divine Working is , that the Punishment is bound up with the Pleasure ; as it happen'd now with me .

For I no sooner arriv'd at my Father's House , but I found him inquisitive , above his usual manner , to know where I had past away my Time these three Days past ; my Absence having begotten a Suspicion in him , of what indeed was true ; and my sudden Sickness , seconded with as quick a Recovery , did confirm him : So that seeing me well recover'd , and almost in as good a State of Health , as when I first fell sick , he began his Discourse to me in this manner .

Son ( said he ) your sudden Health canno● give me more Joy , than the extraordinary Causes give me Suspicion , lest in your Carriage , which hath been so reserv'd and shy to me , you shou'd act any thing which shou'd fall contrary to my Intentions and Desires . You know the Time will draw shortly near , when you must marry your contracted Bride , fair Artemesia ; one which is as fortunate as fair , and as wise as fortunate : One , my Son , that will raise thee to a high Esteem of high Honours , which is the Mistress , young Gallants court . And by the Alliance of so great a Lord , we shall he made shotfree against the strongest Batteries of Fortune .

This Discourse , so contrary to my Expectations and Desires , and so fatal to my Love , assur'd me of the doleful Presages of so unhappy a Beginning : So that these Fore-runners of my Misfortunes did portend and fore-tell some cruel Alteration , and sudden Change in my present Estate of Happiness . Reason cou'd now tell me , though too late , that in all the Vicissitudes and Changes of Fortune , having once arriv'd at the chief Felicity we fix on , as our only Object , we fairly descend by those Steps , by which first we did ascend : Nay , Fortune is sometimes so cruel , as not to allow 'em that Leisure ; but envying them the Felicity they have purchas'd , throws 'em down headlong from their Happiness , and cruelly breaks the Neck of their Hope . This taught me to know ; nay more , to mistrust and fear , That from the Fruition of Desdemona's Beauty and Love , I shou'd reap but a poor Harvest ; and that my Promises wou'd exceed my Incomes ; not that I cou'd think my self unfortunate in the Enjoyment of my Desdemona's Love , but contrary , I thought my self wretched in the many Stops , Dangers , Casualties , Fears and Accidents , which began to shew themselves , as Obstructions , to hinder me from the Continuance of so sweet a Felicity . These things I travers'd in my Thoughts ; so that at last , I began to dare his utmost Anger , and resolv'd to stand the Charge of it , rather than conceal my Love ; well knowing , if it were once reveal'd , I shou'd be rid of the Fear that did always wait on the secret concealing of it .

Having fix'd on Thoughts as my last Resolves , putting my self in a Posture and Action , that might rather perswade his Pity than his Anger ; Sir ( said I ) your Suspicions are not grounded amiss , if you suspect , I love ; and if I be a Criminal in making it a Secret unto you , forgive and pardon me when I shall make you a real Confession . Yes , Sir , I do love ; and with that Ardour and Affection , with that Constancy and Fidelity , as Death cannot divert my Inclinations : And shou'd you make a Separation , or imagine an Alteration ; Know , Sir , my Vows are register'd in Heaven , with the divine Deities ; which if you once endeavour to violate , expect the Punishments may attend your Endeavours . You may command my Life , since you gave it me ; but not my Soul , it is a Gift of the Gods . Neither is my Love fix'd on so mean an Object , but it may satisfie any Mind that is not ambitious .

This Discourse , utter'd with as much Boldness as Confidence , began to raise a Storm in my Father's Countenance ; for the Form of his Visage began to over-cast with Frowns , and all his Actions became clouded over with Anger : So that , casting a frowning Look on me , enough to daunt me , had not my Love made me Proof against his Fury , and confident to sustain his utmost Charge .

Villain ( replyed he ) and Shame to my Blood ! Dare you justifie and vindicate that which is contrary to my Intentions ? Or can your Disobedience own what I have an Aversion against ? Shall my Hopes be thwarted by your extravagant Youth , and my Purposes frustrated by your ill-plac'd Love ? Curse on your wilful Obstinacy , which puts me into this unusual Passion ; and your Boldness , that durst give me this Relation . Ungovern'd young Man ! Can you think that giddy-headed Youth , subject to all Passions , and pliable to all Impressions , shou'd better know how to govern his Passions , and direct his Actions , than his aged Sire ? Can he better chuse for his Good , than one that hath so often been acquainted and concern'd with the Vicissitudes and Changes of this Nature ? No , no , young Man ; You yet want Experience , which is always the best School-master , and the Mistress of Understanding . Your Youth is unruly , and like a head-strong Horse , that will run himself on any Dangers , without he be surely curb'd and restrain'd : So you grow bold and impudent ; daring any Precipice , so you may possess your unbounded Desires . But know , I 'll curb you in from these Extravagancies , and restrain you from these wild wandring Thoughts : And if I have been too indulgent , for the future , you shall find me as severe . And so avoid my Sight , that by the Want of Duty , art become a Grief to my Eyes , and a Vexation to my Soul ; and see that , at our next Meeting , you shew not the least Aversion against your Marriage with Artemesia ; but that you bound your Love and Desires in the Compass of my Will , and that you tread no strange Path , but that you reform and recollect your self first , by taking your Rules from me ; and not resolutely to run your self headlong to Ruin , and me to Dishonour : But if you have any extravagant Love , destroy it whilst it is young in the Bud ; and learn to forget it , before you come to the Knowledge of what it is . Return no Answer , to justifie what I must condemn , but regulate your Ways and Life by my Directions ; and having so sure a Guide , you cannot err , or go astray . But if you continue still obstinate and audacious in your Proceedings , you shall find , I 'll dis-inherit you both of my Love and Estate , and make Account of you but as a Stranger , and a Rebel to my Blood .

Having said this , he left me , and departed . But , alas ! How can I describe to you the Grief that did seize on me at that time when Desdemona came to my Remembrance , and my Father's Cruelty was fresh in my Memory ! Oh , how was I torn between Love and Duty ! Now it was , that Love led me in a Maze , so difficult and intricate , that my best Endeavours cou'd not keep me from a Ruin . To go forward was dangerous , but to return backwards did shew more perillous .

Like a poor Traveller in a desart Wilderderness , pursu'd by a fearful , hungry , leanjaw'd Beast , who , in most fearful manner , always follows him , to devour him : The poor Man thinks , by his strong Travel , to avoid the evil Beast , that still follows him ; but being quite beaten out by long Travel and Fear , he stands in a Maze ; to go out of his Way is grievous , and to return back is present Death . Affrighted with his Danger , he endeavours by Craft ( as his last Remedy ) to deceive the Beast in his Pursuit . By Chance he espies a deep Pit by the Way-side , and a little below the Pits Brim grows a Twig ; which the poor Man seeing , goes and takes hold of the Twig , thinking thereby to avoid the Beast : But then casting his Eyes down to the Bottom of the Pit , he sees a number of Serpents , Dragons , and other venomous Beasts , waiting for his Fall , to devour him ; then casting his Eyes up , he sees the hungry lean-jaw'd Beast knawing asunder the Twig that he holds by ; whereby he is berest of all Hope and Help , and left to his devouring Enemies .

Such , Madam , was my desperate Condition : My sweetest Hopes began to leave me , Horrour and Despair began to possess me , and Fear rased out the Expectation of a more happy Change . This confirm'd me in the ominous Presages that did befal me , in my Return homeward from my dearest Desdemona .

How uncertain is Felicity , that is rais'd on an uncertain Foundation ! It is as soon ras'd as rais'd , as soon destroy'd as founded . Such was mine ; who not two Hours before , did imagine , the Destinies cou'd not work a Change in my Happiness , found now by Experience , the Mutability and Alteration of Earthly Felicities , in finding my self miserable , that in so small a Time before , esteem'd my self happy above the Reach of Fortune .

After I had well weigh'd and consider'd all the Difficulties on either side , that might befal me , I resolv'd at last , that my Love shou'd reign supream , and remain entire to fair Desdemona ; but yet withal , that I wou'd shew a yielding Consent to my Father's Will , in my Marriage with Artemesia ; and like to Water-men , that row one Way , and look another , yet bring the Boat to the desir'd Place ; so I did endeavour by this Policy , seemingly to accord with my Father's Desires , when my Inclinations roved a contrary Course ; and whilst openly I did comply with him , inwardly I might procure my own Content ; flattering my self , that as Fortune had made so sudden a Change in my Happiness , in some small Time she might beget as great an Alteration in my Misfortunes , and at last bring me to the Period of my Desires : Of which , though I had small Cause to hope , yet I did not wholly despair , since I did daily behold as great Mutations and Chances happen .

I did further resolve , not to acquaint Desdemona with my Father's Resolutions lest it might beget her Discontent ; which wou'd more disturb my own Quiet . My Intentions now were quite alter'd , and I began to repent my foolish Rashness , in revealing what I shou'd have kept secret . But now I did intend to conceal my Passion for the future , since I ●ad only given Manifestation of my Love , and not of the Person belov'd ; which I did expound , as one happy Presage of my more fortunate Proceedings . This Way I had fix'd on , since I had no other wherein I might walk with more Security . Nor did my Hopes altogether fail me ; for by my crafty Wiles , the next time I accosted my Father , I had set so strange a Face on my former Proceedings , shewing my self so dutiful and pliant to all his Intents and Purposes , as begat Wonder in him when he did behold it . He question'd of me , who this Object might be , to whom I did shew so great , and seem to have so firm an Affection not long since , which now I did seem to slight , and coldly to neglect ?

I understood very well the Subtileness and Craft he us'd , and how , like my self , his Actions were working one Way , and his Desires another ; but both agreeing to intrap me in my dearest Secrets . But Old Birds are not caught with Chaff ; for he cou'd not so closely work his Myne to deceive me , but I as privately made my Counter-myne to blow him up : Which I perform'd in this manner .

Sir ( replyed I ) you were too passionate in your last Discourse ; and what I propos'd only to try your Inclinations , how you wou'd have allow'd of a Change , if I cou'd have admitted of an Alteration ; this you took to be a Verity , and too severely rebuk'd me for what was only a Fiction ; not allowing me one Moment of Time , wherein I might disabuse you in your Error , and ask you Pardon for my overconfident Presumption , in raising so great a Tempest from so small a Cause . Sir , let this satisfie you , that what I did then deliver unto you , was all Falshood ; and that I have not , nor never will fix my Affections , without your Approbation and Allowance .

This Compliance to his Will , so contrary to his Expectations , began to work Wonders in his Mind , when my Artifice had perswaded him , that all my former Discourses and Protestations were meer Deceit : So that instead of continuing so fierce in his Proceedings , he became more mild ; his Choler abated , he left accusing me , and began to excuse himself . I took hold of this Opportunity , aggravating his Mistake , yet by all Ways wherein any likelihood did appear , exempting my self from Blame . And so far did I insinuate my self into his Soul , of my Innocence in the Cause that he suspected me , that my Deceit became approved Verities , and what I cou'd relate in my Defence , receiv'd as undoubted Truths : So that I think he never parted from me with a greater Shew of Love and Satisfaction , than at this time .

By this you may guess at the over-credulous Belief of Old Age , which is most subject and prone to believe each senseless Story , and Wonder at what is related , although the Sense many times comes far short of Truth , because his Years have been Spectators of Alterations and Accidents as strange ; so that he believes what he doth not see , and perhaps ne'er was done , by the Example of some things strange and rare , which in former time he hath seen . So willing are they to believe impossibilities , wherein we see small likelihood of Truth . But if such will so soon be traduc'd , and drawn to believe Falshoods , how easily will they be brought to embrace a Fiction , adorn'd in the Robes of Truth ; such an one as may jump with their Desires and Wishes ! For we all find our selves apt and ready enough to be deceiv'd , and with Eagerness hug the Deceipt , when it sweetly holds Correspondency with our Hopes ; the Lustre of which blinds us from seeing the Falshood , or else , like a jealous Husband , we fear to discover what we wou'd not know ; when the Knowledge of that reveal'd , may destroy the Happiness we enjoy , and consequently , bring the Disquiet and Displeasure that we fear .

Whether this occasion'd my Father's Enquiry to cease , I cannot tell ; but I well know , I deceiv'd him in his own Craft , and overwrought him in his own Device . Neither did I in Words alone confirm him in his Belief , but manifested the same in my Carriage and Actions ; so that a Week or ten Days pass'd in this manner , before I did offer in the least to absent my self from my Father's House . After which time , I did secretly and privately many times visit and converse with my lovely Desdemona , but I made my Visits much shorter ; which was soon perceiv'd and taken notice of by Desdemona , who urg'd a Consummation of our Marriage ; fearing , as indeed afterwards it hapned , that some unhappy Obstruction might defer it . I comforted her amidst these Fears ; with my Promise of Loyalty , and with my best Endeavours to procure my Father's Consent ; which if I shou'd fail of , I firmly engag'd to perform all the Rites of Marriage at the End of one Months time , from thence next ensuing . With this Promise she remain'd satisfy'd , and in her Satisfaction I rested highly contented . We agreed , lest my often Resort shou'd beget Jealousies of that which as yet her Parents had no Mistrust , that by a secret Way into the Garden I shou'd have Access , at certain Times , when I might securely enter : Which to perform , either we appointed a Time at our Parting , or else by a certain Token of a Handkerchief , that gave me Assurance I might securely pass .

By such secret and unmistrusted Paths , I oftentimes visited my dearest Lady ; who receiv'd me with as kind Endearments , and sweet Embracements ; where I oftentimes enjoy'd without Control , the happy Felicity and Fruition of her Love . But what Man is possess'd of a Myne of Wealth , which doth not bring with it Cares and Dangers ? As the Bee carries Honey in her Mouth , but a Sting in her Tail ; so unlawful Pleasures seem Heaven in the Performance , but Hell in the Continuance .

In these bitter Sweets , and stoll'n Pleasures , some three Months had pass'd since I first saw Desdemona , and almost one since I made her the last Promise of Wedlock . Now the Time began to draw near , to confirm by Marriage what I had already perform'd by Contract with Artemesia ; and now , alas ! my dearest Desdemona found her self conceiv'd , and quick with Child . In neglecting the first , I was certain to procure my Father's Displeasure ; but in the latter , before Gods and Men , I cou'd not quit my self of grievous Ingratitude . In the first , my Ignorance might excuse me ; but to the latter , I cou'd plead no Excuse , since my Vows to Desdemona proceeded from my very Soul , and no doubt , had pierc'd the Gates of Heaven ; when my Contract with Artemesia was perform'd only of Course , and in Satisfaction of my Father's Humour , and not for any Inclination or Love on my part . So I resolv'd to continue firm and constant to Desdemona , and procure my own Content , in hazarding my Father's Displeasure , rather than to satisfie his Ambition with my own Torment .

Had I continu'd here , I had stood firm ; but the Biass of Fortune is too feeble for a Man to stand secure on , and too much moving to continue constant ; and the Mind of Man is as various , as Fortune is fickle and unconstant . As well may a Man build a spacious Castle on the Ocean , or a strong wall'd City in the Air , as seek to ground a Foundation , or raise a Building on a weak Resolution .

This , Madam , you will see verify'd in me ; for the Time approach'd in sight , wherein I must be marry'd to Artemesia , but not the least Remembrance was given me by my Father , for a Preparation ; so that I began to bury the Thoughts of it in Forgetfulness , thinking some Difference had lately happen'd between my Father and Artemesia's Parents : So that I began to account my self secure as to that .

But a Change of Fortune soon put me out of that Mind ; for one Morning , when I did least suspect such Deceit , my Father desir'd me to array my self in my best Attire , and wait on him to the great Temple of the City . This I perform'd with great Willingness , not mistrusting that any Deceit or Treachery had lay'n hid in his Request : So that I ran headlong to my Ruin ; and before I could sound the Depth of his Plot , I found my self Ship-wreck'd on a Rock . I was no sooner ready , but I attended him to Church , only accompany'd with my Mother , who was of his Confederacy . We soon arriv'd at the Temple , yet with more Haste than good Speed ; for I was no sooner enter'd , but to my Amazement , I saw the Earl of Palermo , with his Daughter Artemesia , with all his and my Father's Friends attending him , richly attir'd , and nobly accompany'd ; and the Priest standing ready to joyn our Hands . They all came to receive and welcome me with much Respect , but my Amazement wou'd not let me receive their Kindnesses with Endearments and Behaviour , as I ought to have done ; for it was such a strange , unexpected and unacceptable Sight , that I cou'd not suddenly recover from my Astonishment ; rather thinking it to be a Dream , or a Fiction , or any thing but what indeed it was .

My Father came and rouz'd me from this Trance : Son ( said he ) wonder not at what you see ; but recollect your self , and embrace your Fortune . Surprizes in Love make them of greater value : And this Business was manag'd by me , that a Blessing that falls on you unlook'd for , might be by you more priz'd and esteem'd . Cease your Marvel then , and accost those Friends with Respect , that are ready to receive you .

His Discourse being ended , and all the Company having drawn themselves together , to hear my Reply ; You bid me dissipate my Amazement ( said I ) but my Wonder grows greater . I must confess , Artemesia is a Fortune above my Hopes , or Deserts ; yet such an one as I cannot with Safety possess , nor welcome it with Content ; lest by enjoying such a Happiness , I shou'd inforce the Heavenly Deities to make her wretched and miserable for my sake . For to put you out of Doubt , know , I am betroth'd already to one that is as vertuous as fair ; with whom I have ty'd such an inviolable Knot , that 't is past the Art of Man to unloose it , without provoking the Gods to a Revenge : There 's no Promise , but I have made it ; no Protestation , but I have perform'd it ; no Ceremony , but I have sign'd it ; nor is their any Obligation or Vow , but I have seal'd it . Our Loves are entire ; and Heaven is our Witness and Evidence , that there rests nothing but this outward Ceremony , to make us One : Heaven hath joyn'd our Hearts ; this can only joyn our Hands . In this , Reason will tell you , I have shewn no Disobedience ; since , as I lately told you , Heaven gave me a Soul , and 't is only that I have dispos'd of , with its Consent : My Body is yet free , which you gave me ; but it may as well survive without a Soul , as revoke the Vows I have lately made . My Affection is so entire , that if all things admit of Change , it cannot be subject to Alteration : And shou'd Death it self approach , I shou'd continue firm in the Grave .

I had continu'd my Discourse , but my Father hastily interrupting me , drew his Sword , and presenting it against my Breast , Die then , rebellious Villain ( said he ; ) and enjoy the Fruits of your Affection in the Dust . This Action was no sooner taken notice of by Artemesia , but she freed her self from her Father ; and casting her self before my Father's Weapon , Hold ( said she ) barbarous and unnatural Man , and pierce this Breast ; 't will shew less horrid and inhumane . This unexpected Action , with his Friends Perswasions and Intreaties , made him sheath his Sword , whilst a Salamander did seem to live in his Eyes , which shot forth Fire , like a murthering Cannon , that lightens e'er it smoaks . Wicked Wretch , ( said he ) I dis-own thee from this Hour , from being my Son , and revoke all Ties and Privileges that Love or Nature have given thee : I dis-inherit thee of all ; and do not dare , from this Minute , to assume the Confidence to appear in my Presence , as thou tender'st thy Life and Safety . Having said this in a chafing Rage , he left me , taking his Walk into the Cloysters of the Temple .

Now , Madam ( continu'd he ) suffer me to dilate , and in some sort to express , how the Scope of my Misfortunes receiv'd their main Original . Hitherto I only brought Fuel , my Father set it on fire ; and by his passionate Rashness , occasion'd the mournful Tragedy of this ensuing Story , which I fear , will force Tears from your fair Eyes . For as from one small Spark a great and furious Flame will arise , so from Excess of Passion proceeds uncommon Causes , and strange Effects : For if Nature derogate from its usual Course , no wonder then if it degenerate , and bring forth Monsters . Unhappy is that Man , where Passion reigns supream ; it is destructive to himself and others . The Mind is subject to many Passions , but this most hateful : 't is like the Fern-Seed , that Men say , buds , blossoms , ripens and shatters , all within an Hour ; for what Anger invents , Passion puts into immediate Execution . So Alexander slew his dear Friend , for whom afterwards he bitterly repented : And so a Father had almost become the Murtherer of his own Son . Any thing in the Use , becomes a second Nature ; so doth Passion , where it gains Precedency ; 't is like the Sea raging beyond its Bounds , disturb'd by the boysterous Winds . How hard and intricate was the Way I had to go , and how difficult the Choice I had to make ! both seemed deadly , and therefore either of 'em fearful . 't is a great Over-sight in Parents , by their Authority , to procure their Children's Ruin ; when to obey 'em , they 'll inforce 'em to prove perjur'd to the Deities ; and so by making 'em their Friends , make the Host of Heaven their Enemies ; and by giving 'em Content , become their own Disturbers : But sure , the Fault of disobeying Parents in things of this nature , might have been excusable ; and there might not have been so much Difficulty in the Choice , if I had priz'd Eternal Happiness above a Moments Anger . But , alas , alas ! Who can retreat , that is predestinated to Destruction ?

Age shou'd be a Pattern for Youth to walk by , Reason shou'd be its Guide ; that Reason , being refin'd by Experience , shou'd be a Helm to direct wild wandring Youth ; for Passion is peculiar to Youth , so shou'd Wisdom and Gravity be to Age . Let all Men shun Anger and Passion , as they wou'd shun a Serpent that wou'd devour 'em : It never brings Content , but always begets new Aggravations of Folly ; 't will disturb their whole Body and Frame , asleep or awake : Indeed it will . To give you a small Description of Passion , and what it represents : 't is like a dry pitchy Matter , which as soon as fir'd , grows into a Flame . Like a boysterous Tempest to the Mariner , or like an Arrow let fly from the incens'd Enemy . He which entertains Passion , makes much of his own Destruction , when his Passions become his Masters ; and what was only entertain'd as a Guest , begins to take free Possession : Then he becomes like an unskilful Conjurer , that having rais'd a Spirit , knows not how to lay it again without Danger ; so passionate Men perform that in Fury and Rashness , which they wish undone , when Reason takes place ; repenting of what they have perform'd out of Passion , and cannot remedy or amend at leisure .

But to leave off this Discourse , in which I fear I have detain'd you too long , I 'll go forward with my Story . Understand then , my Father was no sooner parted , and gone away , but poor Artemesia receiv'd a Check from her Parents and Kindred , for her too much Diligence and Care in preserving me , who did slight and neglect her ; and that it had rather pertain'd to my Friends , to have interceded , and diverted the Blow , than her self .

My Mother , with all my Relations , came and importun'd me , not to continue so obstinate , with Intreaties and Perswasions , urging the Danger I cast my self into , by bringing on my Head my Father's Displeasure and Curse . Then to compleat and finish what they had begun , they bring the Priest ; who begins me this Discourse .

Son ( said he ) the Romans did punish Disobedience in their Children with Death ; so your Father had almost committed a Tragedy on you with his own Hands . Obstinacy in a Child is like Rebellion in a Subject , which always sounds horrid and notorious , let the Occasion be never so just . I will not now debate the Justness of your Contract with the second Lady , but in my Judgment , the first with Artemesia shou'd have Precedency ; being acknowledg'd by your self , and allow'd by your Parents ; and therefore must needs be of greater Force and Authority , than the latter . In saying this , I have given you my Opinion ; but now I will give you my Counsel : I must agree with your Friends , to perswade you , that you wou'd not continue so wilful in your Determination , but yield Obedience to your Father's Will : Whatsoever obstructs it , is of no force , if it hinder a Compliance with your Duty . Consider , when a Man is inrag'd , what he is liable to perform ; as in this dreadful Example . Cease then any further Provocations , and comply with your Father's Desires ; since that way you may walk securely , when the other cannot be gone without Danger ; and doubt not but I will pacifie all this Stir , and quell all this Disturbance . I wou'd have replyed , but so many did importune me , that I had not Time to answer , or repel their Temptings ; but being vanquish'd by my Mother's Tears , and their Intreaties , I agreed to undo my self , to humour them .

I was hitherto miserable , but I was more wretched in being belov'd by Artemesia ; for if her Love and Affection had not been so great , there might have been Hope , that my Coldness might have begot an Aversion in her towards me . But like a Merchant o'er-charg'd with Debt , when he begins to fall , all things agree to ruin him ; so that he only knows then to be wretched ; and them from whom he hopes and expects for Relief , most times conspire and agree to his Ruin . And as the Persians adore the Rising Sun , and curse it again e'er the Day be half spent ; so Fortune seems to court the Man that flourishes in Prosperity , and scornfully neglects him when he falls into Adversity .

This was the last Blow , and I utterly undone : For upon Notice given of my Consent , my Father return'd , with Artemesia and the Earl of Palermo , her Father ; where in the midst of a great Throng of People , which this Disturbance had brought together , the Priest joyn'd our Hands , the usual Ceremonies were perform'd with great State ; which being once ended , I was attended by my Friends , with a very great Company , to my Father's House ; where with Revels , Musick , Masking , Dancing and Feasting , they pass'd away the Residue of that Day ; and the Night approach'd , when my Father , with the Earl of Palermo , conducted us to our Lodging ; where they left us , as they imagin'd , to make a new Banquet of Pleasures . But they were no sooner departed out of the Chamber , but taking her by the Hand , Madam ( said I ) this Body which you have so vertuously preserv'd , is but a poor Recompence , in Consideration of the Danger you under-went for my sake ; and I fear , you will soon grow weary of what lately you did seem to have an Esteem for , since I am become a Burthen and Torment to my self , and by Consequence , in the Use , may prove so to you . O Artemesia ! Thou enjoyest this wretched and miserable part of me , the Body , when my Soul is bestow'd elsewhere : Thou hast only the Shadow of what I am , when another enjoys the Substance : Thou hast only Leaves , when another gathers the Fruit . How for your sake only , cou'd I wish , Love were no Mathematick Point , but wou'd admit of Division ; that in some sort , I might quit the Obligation that I owe you ! O cruel Parents ! You are too unkind , to procure my Discontent , and give no Medicine to dissipate it .

Poor Artemesia stood dissolv'd in Tears at my Discourse ; and although the Continuance of my Disasters made my Misfortunes become an Use , so to grow senseless of my Sorrows , yet I cou'd not continue insensible of her Miseries , nor refrain participating in them Griefs , which had their Original from me ; and although I cou'd not love , yet I cou'd be pitiful : So that clasping her in my Arms , oftentimes kissing her , Come to Bed , my Love ( said I ) and let us see , if the Night can yield us as great Felicities , as the Day has begotten us Miseries .

Oh , how was I wreck'd by my Conscience that ensuing Night , which presented my Ingratitude in lively Colours ! The Day approach'd , but to no other End , but to renew my Miseries , and make my Perfidiousness seem the greater . Artemesia , with her kind and sweet Speeches , and lovely Behaviour , did endeavour to divert these melancholy Discontents : And this seem'd as another Dagger to pierce my Breast , since I cou'd make no Return for such a Myne of Love . However , I carry'd my self to the Eyes of all Beholders , contrary to my usual Behaviour ; yet to my Wife I wou'd give no Occasion to despair , lest she might find the Calamities she had fallen in too soon .

Two Days had pass'd away since my Marriage with Artemesia , and the third approach'd , wherein I had given my Faith to marry Desdemona . The Remembrance wrought so strongly on my Affections , that I intended to write and excuse my self ; lest she might think , by my Neglect , I perform'd that willingly , that I was inforc'd to do by Necessity : So that taking Pen and Ink , I wrote as followeth .

Almerin to Desdemona . My dearest Joy ;

IF Necessity might be permitted to plead my Excuse , I might hope for Pardon ; but I know my self too great a Criminal , to plead , Not guilty . I am condemn'd already , before Sentence is pronounced by your fair self ; and I find my Faults too notorious , to hope a Reprieve : Yet shou'd you consider my Cause judiciously , you wou'd pity where you wou'd not forgive . To hold you no longer in suspence , I must relate what indeed you least expect to hear ; which , when known , you will wish it had still been kept a Secret . My dearest Love , I am married ; and that Word will acquaint thee , I am wedded to my own Ruin . I will not go about to diminish or lessen my Fault , though I might plead some Excuse ; but I will rather accuse my self , and aggravate my Crime ; for of two Evils , the least is to be chosen , and I have chosen the greatest : I have wilfully sought my own Destruction , when I might have shunn'd it : And who will pity a Spend-thrift , that willingly makes himself a Bankrupt ? I ought to have been constant to thee , and fronted my Father's utmost Displeasure ; nor shou'd Anger , Loss of Estate , or that which is more precious , Life it self , have induc'd me to court my Ruin : But like an unskilful Gamester , that has lost his whole Estate at one Cast , sits down and repents of that which his Wisdom might have prevented ; so I repent of my own Folly , and lament what is irrecoverable . I have nothing now to do , but despair ; for all Happiness is vanish'd as to me , and my future Joys are fled away with my Hopes . There is not the dearest Good on Earth , I wou'd entertain or welcome for a Happiness , now I have lost the Felicity of being yours , since all other Happinesses are summ'd up in that one . My Folly has been my Torment , and my Chastisement shall be equal to my Folly . But , my best Love , seeing my Ingratitude and Perfidiousness is such , that I cannot expect Forgiveness , yet let me carry this Comfort to my Grave , That you did not hate me , and I shall rest quietly in the Dust .

Almerin .

I sent this Letter by one that did attend me , of whom I had had often Trial of his Secrecy and Fidelity . To him I reveal'd all the Particulars which had happen'd to Desdemona and my self , and of the Continuance of our Loves . It is some Comfort in our Miseries , when we have a Partner in our Sorrows , one that will participate in our Griefs , and to whom with Confidence , we may reveal our closest Secrets . Such an one was this Man , whose Name ought not to be conceal'd in this Story : Fidelio was his Name , and it well suited with his Nature . I gave him Directions to the Garden-Gate , with a Charge to remain there , till he saw Desdemona enter ; with a Description of her Person , and an Excuse in his Mouth in my behalf . Away he went , to execute what I had commanded him , whilst I , with an earnest Expectation , waited his Return . The Day began to grow aged , and Night , with her sable Mantle , began to appear ▪ when like a careful Watchman , and true Sentinel , I expected to be relieved : Like a poor Offender , uncondemned , wishes earnestly to know the worst of his Condition ; so with a Desire like his , I carefully attended my Sentence from my fairest Desdemona . Fidelio long expected , at last carefully returned : I no sooner saw him , but I endeavour'd to read my Destiny in his Looks ; but I beheld there a sad Omen to attend me . Yet with an earnest Desire , accompany'd with many timorous and suspicious Apprehensions , I thus bespoke him . Fidelio , dost thou intend to make me linger away in Expectation and Silence with that , which being reveal'd , will kill as soon as known ? What is Desdemona's Sentence ? Be it Happiness or Misery , Joy or Sorrow , Life or Death ; nothing can be bitter or harsh that she commands , but I shall be all Obedience . Like all Men , I am loth to suspect where I love ; yet it is not without Pain , I expect your Answer . I am earnest you shou'd reveal what perhaps I wou'd not know ; yet I wou'd fain know the worst , that I might be freed from the Fear of worse to come .

He return'd me no Answer , but drawing a Letter forth his Bosom , Sir ( said he ) here is that will give you a better Account of your Fortune , than my self ; peruse that : After which , I will give you a Relation of all the particular Passages have happen'd , and fallen out , in this small time of Absence .

I had no Leisure for a Reply , but kissing the Letter , I hastily open'd it , and carefully read these Lines ; which while I live , I shall retain , and keep in Memory .

Desdemona to Almerin . Perfidious Man !

IF I had priz'd my own Felicity before your Content , I had been as happy as I am now miserable . It grieves me more than my Misfortunes , to see one whom I did esteem as dear as my self , become spotted with that heinous and infamous Sin of Ingratitude , to triumph in the Ruins of a Maid , which did prize you above her Life . I shou'd not have believ'd it , but I see it confirm'd by your own Hand , that your Breast , where I repos'd my Life and Honour cou'd harbour any Deceit or Falshood . Barbarous and cruel Man ! Wou'd you make Necessity an Excuse for your Infidelity , and your Accusations of your self a Salve for my Misery ? No such Medicine will cure my Disasters , neither will such Balsam repair the Wounds of my Honour : Both were violated by your self , but you have now made your self incapable of such a Restitution , as might perfect the Cure ; the Remedy is become as dangerous as the Disease , and both are become hopeless of a Cure . I cou'd accuse you for betraying me . There may be Hopes of conquering and overcoming Difficulties , but there can be none in expecting Impossibilities . It is too late now to exclaim against you , because the Storm is already fallen ; so that it is past your Skill , and above your Art to divert it . Your being become your own Accuser , hath quitted me of that Pain ; and your Evidence you have given against your self , has sav'd me the Labour of convicting you ; but it will not quit me of complaining against you , and calling you pitiless : Cruel to your self , in the Misfortunes of this innocent Babe , the Burthen of my Womb ; and pitiless to me , the unfortunate Mother . O Almerin ! If you had studied Fidelity and Constancy , as much as you have Deceit and Falshood , I had not been thus miserable , nor you so wretched as you wou'd make me believe you are . You sue for Pardon ; it is no hard matter to have it granted from one that cannot hate you , and in spight of her self , must still love you . I wish the Gods wou'd forget the Vows and Invocations you have register'd with 'em , as willingly as I forgive you : But I fear some heavy Curse and Summons is issued out against you , for your sacrilegious Violation of their Deities ; which I pray Heaven to divert . If my Blood wou'd make Satisfaction and Atonement for your Crimes , I shou'd willingly sacrifice it for your Offences ; that as in my Life , so in Death , I might continue yours more than my Own .

Desdemona .

These Words , like Darts , wounded my very Soul ; each Line agreeing to make me more miserable and guilty , than before I cou'd imagine my self to be . Her innocent Sweetness made my Infidelity appear more horrid and notorious . Fidelio , to make me more monstrous , and to perfect the Grievousness of my Crimes , at my Request , related these few Particulars .

Sir ( said he ) according to your Order and Directions , I stay'd at the Garden-Gate some time , but it was not long before I saw Desdemona enter , and with her Presence , like another Sun , did enliven , and at one time dazle the Eyes of the Beholders : Her Attire was negligent and careless , her Countenance seemed to be clouded with a sweet melancholy Sadness , fitly suited to her Thoughts ; and though all were shadow'd and over-cast with a Veil of Grief , yet she seem'd lovely charming , since it did only serve , that we might behold her Perfections at a nearer distance , and her Vertues more apparent and plain . So we may face the Sun when he is clouded , which in a fair Day we dare not approach with our Eyes . Such was her Grief , it wou'd make one in love with Sadness ; and such her Gesture , it wou'd make one welcome Sorrow .

Ravish'd with this Apparition , I knocked at the Gate ; which I had scarce done , but like a Goddess , she appear'd , and amazedly fix'd her Eyes on my Face , perhaps presaging me to be some Harbenger of ill News ; but quickly recollecting her self , Sir ( said she ) are you not mistaken ? Have you any Business with any Person here ? This is no common Way , and it gives me some Cause of Wonder , how you came here .

Charm'd with her Speeches , I return'd this Answer : Madam , it was not a Mistake that brought me hither , nor by Chance that I appear before you ; but expresly , and on purpose . I was sent unto you by Almerin , the Governor's Son of Syracuse , with this Letter , with a Charge to deliver it into your own Hands . With the Words , I deliver'd her your Letter ; which I had no sooner done , but I perceiv'd she was possess'd with an unusual and strange Agitation , and Emotion of Spirit ; sometimes the Roses of her Cheeks were over-cast with a lovely Red , and suddenly they vanish'd , and gave way to the Lilies to possess their places . She kiss'd the Letter , and earnestly enquir'd of your Health ; to which when I had given her an Answer , she intreated me to walk into the Garden ; and so shutting the Door , she retired her self into a private Arbour ; where opening the Letter , she began to read it over , whilst I seated my self to behold her .

When on a sudden , all the former Signs of Joy vanish'd , and were dispers'd ; her Visage was over-cast with a fatal Disturbance , her Breast began to pant , and a Shower of Tears began to fall from her fair Eyes , which hung on her Cheeks like Pearly Dew on a sweet-smelling Rose : Such were her Actions , that they wou'd have induc'd the wild Satyrs and fierce Beasts to Pity : It is not often I weep , but I cou'd not refrain my self from Tears then , nor can I quit the Remembrance now , but with a mortal Sadness . She shewed nothing of Rashness in her Carriage , as in venting her Complaints or Moans ; but mildly and sweetly closing up all in her own Breast , till that Closet began to grow too little , and the Vessel too small to contain her Griefs ; so that either it must have vent , or burst .

I beheld this Alteration with a grievous Trouble of Spirit ; when in a Moment she began to be grievous pale ; her Eyes , which did shine like two Stars , began to grow dull : In fine , her Spirits being over-charg'd with Sorrow , and weary of so great a Burthen , forsook her ; so that letting your Letter fall out of her Hands , imperfectly pronouncing these Words , Ah me ! she fell into a deadly Trance , without any Motion , or Hopes of Life . I ran hastily to catch her before she fell , but I came too late ; so that falling , she had seated her self on a Bed of Violets , which seem'd to close , and hang down their Heads at this fatal Misfortune .

Then it was I curst you for your Persidiousness to so sweet a Creature , and for your Employment in this fatal Message . Heaven only knows the Extreams of Grief I then endured : I cou'd not go out of the Garden , and leave her in that forlorn Condition ; yet to stay , was perillous to my life : But in a small Consultation , my Pity overcame my Fear , and the Care of her Safety , the Thoughts of my own Security : So that running to a Fountain which was in the Garden , and taking some cold Water in my Hands , I sprinkled it on her Face ; and taking her lovely Body in my Arms , I softly began to bow her : So that opening her fair Eyes , and sending two or three Heart-breathing Sighs , as a Token of her Soul's Return to her Body , which was loth , as it seemed , to leave so fair a Habitation Tenantless . When her Senses began to execute their proper Function and Duty , casting her Eyes on me , and taking notice that I had her as yet embrac'd in my Arms ; Sir ( said she ) I perceive I have been a Trouble unto you , for which I ask your Pardon , and intreat you to assist me to yonder House ; ( shewing me a Place situate in the midst of the Garden . ) So that raising her up , I supported her by the Arm ; ( first taking up your Letter , which lay on the Ground : ) I conducted her to the House , where she wrote the Letter that I now deliver'd unto you ; and sealing it , gave it me , with these Words : Sir , deliver this to Almerin ; tell him , I wish him much Happiness and Felicity ; for my self , tell him , I shall hardly find any , but in the Grave . So descending the Stairs , I attended her to the Gate ; and so taking my Leave , I left her with Tears in her Eyes , bewailing your Ingratitude .

Thus Fidelio ended his Discourse , and continued silent , making the Epilogue of his Discourse a melancholy Representation of the Story he had related ; by his Sighs , confirming what he had said , to be nothing but Verity . I cou'd not refrain from participating with him , since if it cou'd produce so much Pity in a Stranger's Breast , that but a few Hours before had but only seen her , without my Breast had been Marble , it must melt into Companion at his Rehearsal , accompany'd with so many Actions of Remorse , and Demonstrations of Grief . I cou'd do no less than hate my self , since she continu'd still to love me ; making my Faults more odious , and my Crimes more notorious , for all my Perjury and Infidelity , betraying and abusing so much Innocence . Desdemona sends me word , she loves me still , and shall do so in Death ; she forgives me too more than I can forgive my self : Yet this was the same Desdemona , whose Goodness and Kindness I so much abus'd . Her harmless Innocence began to set a higher Price on her Vertues in my Soul , than formerly I had for her Beauties : I began now to know the Worth of the Treasure I had forgone , and found the Value to surmount all Esteem .

Now all my Thoughts and Desires became wholly engag'd , to make my Endeavours suitable to my Mind ; which made it its whole Business , in some sort , to tender an ample Satisfaction , in recompence of the Injuries I had occasion'd her ; but I found my Desires were all fruitless , and that my best Performances wou'd be of no value , whilst Artemesia remain'd as an Obstacle to obstruct my Intentions . 't was here the Agents of Hell sollicited and assisted me in this Tragical Design , so that her Death was concluded in a Moment ; nothing remain'd , but the Means how to effect it .

When a Man is once made the Scope of the Miseries of Fortune , he only knows then , what it is to be unhappy : So when a Man begins to be bad , he only knows then how to become more wicked . What at fir●t seems horrid , by Custom becomes an Use , and Use doth metamorphose it into a second Nature . Else cou'd I have so soon consented to add Murther to my Perjury , as if one Sin wou'd expiate , and make Satisfaction for another Crime ; not having patience to go by degrees , but I must run full speed to my Ruin . One Sin doth seldom go unaccompany'd alone , but is attended by a greater Evil . By Nature we are too prone , forward and eager to be wicked , much more when we make it a Habit . I shou'd have wean'd my self from it in time , before it had procur'd my utter Destruction and Confusion ; but I find too late I commiserate my own Folly , and complain of the Faults I might have prevented . So that all the Benefit that proceeds from this lamentable Story , will be a Caution and a Warning to the Ages to come , that by my Harms they may prevent their own Destiny ; and carefully taking warning by my Disasters , they may wisely shun the Rock , whereon I was shipwreck'd .

As formerly I was black with Perjury , now I began to plot how to be red with Murther , in taking away the innocent and guiltless Life of one that , not five Days before , had preserv'd mine : But Reason and Consideration were banish'd then ; no Thought remain'd , but how to accomplish and finish what I had so barbarously begun . I had thought of many Ways , how to bring it about : First , I thought to have strangled her in her Bed , but that seem'd dangerous to perform . Poyson at last I resolv'd on , which kills securely and secretly . I was loath to trust any one with a Secret of so great a Consequence , whereon my Life did depend : So that I went my self to an Apothecary in the City , of whom , for some few Crowns , I purchased the fatal Potion ; and injoyning him to Secrecy , I went to perform my fearful Resolutions .

Being come to my Father's House , I found poor Artemesia indispos'd , in her Bed , and going to see and visit her in her Chamber , I sate down by the Bed-side ; where casting her Arms about my Neck , and bestowing many a sweet Kiss on me , with Endearments so obliging , that if Hell had not conspir'd my Ruin , sure it wou'd have turn'd the Current of my barbarous Design . Much Discourse pass'd , until she did desire to take a little Rest ; so that kissing her , I left her to her Repose ; but taking notice of a Posset or Cordial , that was preparing on the Fire , the Maid being busie with her Mistress , and none else being present , like a Fiend of Hell , I hastily and unseen , empty'd the Poyson into it , and so departed away undescry'd . About half an Hour after , this invenom'd Drink was administer'd unto her ; which spreading it self by degrees into all parts of her vital Spirits , with its Force , soon made a Separation betwixt the Soul and Body , and left only her breathless Coarse on the Bed .

This sudden Rumour of her more sudden Death begat an Admiration in them to whom it was related . Accompany'd with my Father and Mother , I went to see her lifeless Trunk , not without Tears in my Eyes ; but I cannot safely say , whether it was in Deceit , the better to over-veil and put a Mask on my Villany ; or the woful Object , which was presented to my Eyes ; but for one , or either , or both together , many Signs of Sorrow I did make . Mean while Messengers were sent to my Father-in-Law , the Earl of Palermo , with the heavy Tidings of his Daughter's untimely Death : They arriv'd at the House about the Evening , but the Lamentations and Moans they made over the untimely Hearse of their dear Child were numberless . They were not without Doubts and Mistrusts about the sudden Occasion of her Death ; but having no Light whereon they might build or ground a Suspicion , it vanish'd as soon as it receiv'd Birth . After Nature had paid her Tribute in Parential Tears , her Body was carefully coffin'd up , and about two Days after , the same Company that attended me in my Bridal Nuptials in State and Triumph , this Day accompany'd the Coarse of poor Ariemesia ; and her sorrowful and disconsolate Parents , all cloath'd in Black , as best suiting and agreeing with the mournful Object , they attended . At last , we arriv'd at the Temple , where the Body was committed to the Earth , after the usual Ceremonies of the Dead were celebrated . And here I cannot be silent , although I shall aggravate my own Crimes .

When I consider and meditate on the Frailty of poor Mortals , and the Vicissitudes and Alterations they are subject unto . Here was but a seven Days space between a Marriage-Bed and a Grave , betwixt Joy and Sorrow , and a smaller time betwixt Life and Death ; but in the space of a few Hours , a Man becomes no Man . Man returns to the Dust , from whence he came , his Remembrance is bury'd with him ; and when two Generations have pass'd , he is as if he had never been . He comes forth like a pleasant Flower , and is soon pluck'd by the Hand of Death : If he continue , he soon begins to wither of himself ; and Age and Time , like a tedious Winter , soon nips away his Lustre and Glory , and leaves him cover'd with a hoary Frost . Oh , the Vanity of Humane Nature ! There is no good thing that he enjoys , but it is past , present , or to come : If past , it is nothing ; if to come , uncertain ; and if present , they are not satisfactory to our Desires . And thus we spend our little Time we continue here , in Hope and Despairs ; and having with much Labour and Misery , purchas'd a Good , we know not how to use it ; so frail are our Lives , so uncertain are our Thoughts , so vain our Designs , so beguiled are our Hopes , and so betray'd are our Opinions . Thus we spend a few Years in Doubts , Fears , Despairs , Joys , Sorrows , Felicities , Miseries , Plenty , Want , Adversity , Prosperity ; in Malice , Envy , Love , Hate , Jealousies , Wrath , Anger , Mirth , Sadness , Ease , Pain ; in Sickness and Gluttony , in Pride and Lust ; with Patience and Meekness , to overcome all these Difficulties in this miserable Life : When Death on a sudden , gives us a short Summons , and so we play this last Act on the Theatre of the World , and in a few Moments we return to the Earth , and are no more seen ; so that the very Thoughts are buried with us in Oblivion , and our Memory soon rots with our Bodies in the Dust .

It is Vertue alone will raise Pyramids to perpetuate our Memory , that when our Bodies are dissolv'd , will bud and yield forth Blossoms in the Dust ; so that when we are dead , we only then begin to live . Always to be great in this World , is not always to be good ; nor always to be mighty , is not always to be happy . If so , Bajazet might have been happy ; one of the Race of the Ottomans , Lord of the Turkish Empire , and Master of the greater Part of the World ; yet he intimates unto us , they are most wretched : For it is related , when he was in the heighth of his Grecian Conquests , Tamerlain , King of Parthia , with an Army of three hundred thousand Men , like a violent Whirl-wind , march'd against him ; he put all his Turkish Prisoners to the Sword , and rased his Cities to the Ground . Amongst many that were us'd thus , the famous City of Sebasta was one , highly priz'd by Bajazet . Which unpleasant News coming unto him , he rais'd his Siege from before Constantinople with much Discontent , and with his Army set forwards to meet Tamerlain ; when in the midst of his March , by the side of a pleasant Hill , sate a poor Shepherd , keeping of his Flocks , and making delightful Melody with his Pipe ; which Bajazet hearing , made a sudden Stop , giving attentive Ear to his Rural Musick . After a serious Contemplation , he utter'd these Words , beginning the Prologue with a deep Sigh : O happy Shepherd , that hast no Sebasta to lose ! Intimating his Grief for the Loss of so gallant a City , and the Felicity of a contented Mind . And in the Conclusion , he became an Example of this Verity ; for in that fatal Battle , he fought with Tamerlain , the greatest Part of his Army being dispers'd and slain , the rest fled , and himself taken Prisoner , his Prison being an Iron Cage ; and his Pride was abased , being made Tamerlain's Foot-stool . To put a Period to his Ignominy and Shame , and finding no other way to perform it with Conveniency , he dash'd his Brains out against the Iron Bars of the Cage , and so died a miserable Death .

Guillimer , that valiant King of the Vandals , that had twice sack'd Rome , being overcome by Belisarius , was shewn in Triumph before the Emperor ; to whom , with a grave , undaunted Countenance , he utter'd these Words : Vanity of Vanities ! and all is Vanity .

Belisarius himself , which had gain'd so many famous Battles over the Persians , Goths and Vandals , and greatly enlarg'd the Roman Empire by his Valour , through Malice of his Enemies , growing into Dis-like with his Prince , had his Eyes bor'd out ; by which Means , he was forc'd by Necessity , to beg by the High-Way Side ; Date obolum Belisario : For God's sake , give one Half-penny to poor Belisarius .

What shall I say ? ( continued Almerin ) Are not Kings mortal , as well as meaner Men ? Do they not become subject to the same Changes of Misfortune ? Does not Death always attend ' em ? Surely , yes . Else had not Philip , King of Macedon , fearing to be puffed up with his prosperity , and that he shou'd forget the Frailty of his Condition , commanded his Page , every Morning to sound this shrill Musick in his Ear : Remember , Philip , thou art a mortal Man . Which soon prov'd to be a Verity in him : For as he was solemnizing and celebrating the Nuptials and Coronation of his Son Alexander , in the midst of his Jollity , was stabb'd by one Pausianus , to whom formerly he deny'd Justice .

Alexander Magnus , Son of Philip , and Monarch of all the then known World , being saluted for a God , had Sacrifices and Adorations used unto him ; yet being at the Siege of an Indian City , was sorely wounded with an Arrow ; and feeling the Pain of his Wound , passionately utter'd these Speeches : They call me Son of Jupiter ( said he ; ) but I find I am subject to Pain , Sickness and Wounds , like other Men . These Words soon took their Effect in himself , and Death found him out , in the heighth of his Victories , glorying in his triumphant Trophies , when he thought himself invincible , as he was encompass'd with his valiant Captains , environ'd with a numberless Army , in the heighth of his Pride , in the midst of his Cups , surfeiting in the lascivious inordinate Affections of his Concubines , in the Flower and Prime of his Youth , died of this riotous Excess : Or as other Writers affirm , was poyson'd by Cassander , one of his own Captains . They all agree , he died suddenly , that all his Attendants forsook him , his Commanders fled , his Army sever'd , and that for many Days , his Body lay unbury'd , on the Earth , wanting what meaner People enjoy ( a Grave ) to interr the offensive Stench of his noysome Carkase . So small a Time there was between an Alexander and Nothing .

Oh , the Frailty and Vanity of poor Mortals , which are made the Tennis-balls of Fortune ! So that she will on purpose raise us to the highest Felicities , that our Fall may be the greater . How shou'd we walk then , to shun and avoid these Precipices , but wisely to use this World , as if we did not use it ! Like a Traveller going on Pilgrimage to the famous City of Jerusalem ; by the Way , visited many goodly Cities , and brave magnificent Buildings ; wou'd but behold 'em , and so depart , oftentimes saying these Words ; This is not Jerusalem . So must we do in the heighth of our Felicities ; only visit , but not continue ; live in the World , but not the World in us ; so enjoying it , as of a thing that 's lent , that must be restor'd , and taken away at the Owner's Pleasure : So that we must often remember this Saying ; All things are subject to Vicissitudes and Changes : These Pleasures are not permanent .

Madam ( said Almerin , proceeding forward in his Discourse , and fixing his Eyes on Cynthia ) no doubt , but you wonder to see me interlace in this my mournful Story , so many various Accidents of Chance and Fortune , of the Frailty of Life , and uncertain Certainty of Death . But these are the only Balsams that sweeten my Misfortunes , and the Antidotes that expel the Venom . For thus in comparing Time present , with the Time that is past , I find there is nothing done now , but hath been done before us : So that it is some Comfort to have so many illustrious Personages , Fellows in our Misfortunes . Like a Man that hath many dangerous Wounds ; the Greater dissipates the Pain of the Lesser , and the Torments of the one makes the Pains of the other become familiar . This , Madam , is my Design , to make you acquainted with Death himself , that the latter part of my Story may seem less horrid unto you , and in some sort , to sweeten your Resentments , if you shou'd conceive any to my Disadvantage , by the Relation of this Story .

But to keep you no longer in Suspence , I shall proceed . After Artemesia was interr'd in her Grave , and the Mourners return'd to their Houses , the Earl of Palermo , with his Lady , came home to my Father's House ; where they remain'd , bewailing the Death of their dear Child , about three Days time : After that was expir'd , they prepar'd their Journey for their own Home . With a feign'd and Hypocritical Sorrow , I offer'd my Service to wait and attend 'em : But it seems , being unwilling to be oblig'd to one that they did suspect ( as afterwards they said ) of their Daughters Death , with much Thankfulness and Civility , dismissed and bade me Farewel .

Four Days had pass'd since the Burial of Artemesia , and two since the Departure of her Parents , when to pass away the Summers Evening , and to refresh my drooping Spirits with the sweet Air , and pleasant Shades , I retir'd my self , only accompany'd with Fidelio , into the same Garden , wherein I first was surpriz'd with my fair Desdemona .

Phoebus now hastned to bathe his sweltry Steeds in the foaming Ocean , and his Sister Luna began to appear , so to expel the usurping Shades of Night , when being comforted by the refreshing Sweetness of her cold Influences , so that the Pleasures I then enjoy'd , accompany'd with the Thoughts of enjoying Desdemona , made the Time seem short in the Contemplation , and the Hours , Minutes in the Imagination : So that the unexpected Hour of Ten arriv'd . Fidelio's Intreaties , with the Lateness of the Evening , cou'd not perswade my Return as yet ; my Mind being employ'd on other Thoughts , more agreeable . After the Clock had strook Eleven , I intended to leave the Garden ; but first resolving to visit the happy Place , where I first rescu'd my dearest Desdemona . It was almost upon the Stroak of Twelve , ere I arriv'd there : The Night continu'd fair and clear , and this was the most private Retiring of any in the Garden ; where I was no sooner arriv'd , but to my Amazement , Behold , by the glimmering and feeble Light of the Moon , I saw a beautiful Woman ; her Countenance was pale and wan , dropping pearly Tears from her fair Eyes ; which she wiped off with a Handkerchief . She sate on the Ground , leaning her pretty Head on her fair Hand . She seem'd wholly a Map of Sorrow ; and gave Demonstrations , by her suited Actions , that her Gesture cou'd not express the least Torment of her Mind . My Curiosity and Pity perswaded me to leave the Place , to learn the Reason of such uncommon Sorrows . I had no sooner approach'd before her , being near enough to have spoken unto her , but as one surpriz'd unawares , she hastily takes away her Left Hand , that supported her Head ; which she had no sooner done , but behold , from her Breast issu'd a Stream of Crimson Goar . My Amazement was greater , when in her Face I beheld the Visage and Features of Desdemona , though over-shadow'd with a Veil of Sorrow . Her Countenance seem'd to contend with Grief and Pity , rather than with Wrath and Anger ; with Sorrow , rather than with Rage .

Frightned with the Horrour of this Sight , I stood metamorphos'd , like an Image of Stone ; not being able to go forwards , or retire backwards ; when this woful Object came nearer unto me , fixing her Eyes stedfastly on my Face : After a while , raising her Right Hand , laid it on her Wound , which seem'd all this while , to run in a Purple Flood , down her Breast , sprinkling the Grass where she stood with a Scarlet-Dye . My Amazement was augmented , when unfixing her Eyes from my Face , she lifted 'em up towards Heaven with so pale and moanful a Posture , as wou'd have produc'd Pity in the most senseless Breasts . This sudden Surprizal , accompany'd with my Fears , did cowardize all my Spirits ; so that I had not the Confidence nor Courage to open my Mouth , to speak to this pitiful Apparition ; which once more lifting up her Hand to her Wound , giving me a grievous parting Look , she suddenly vanish'd out of my Sight . I was in amaze after its Departure , and jealous whether I shou'd believe my Eyes , or no ; or whether this were a real Apparition , or a Fiction brought forth by Fancy , and begotten by Imagination , that had left such fresh Impressions in my Soul , and figur'd such dismal Idea's in my Mind . But these Doubts were soon expell'd and banish'd by Reason , and the proceeding Accidents soon confirmed the Effects to be no Illusions ; for before I cou'd recollect and rally together my frightned Spirits ,

Behold , from the Thicket hard by me , issued dismal Screeches , horrible and fearful Moans , accompany'd with uncommon and confus'd Voices : The Heavens on a sudden cover'd themselves with a sable Colour , and the Moon hid her Face under an Eclipse . The Noises became yet more loud and terrible , and the resounding Echo of the horrid Clamour drew nearer and nearer , and so became more fearful and dreadful . The Horizon was cloath'd with thick dark Clouds , from whence proceeded a stormy Shower of Hail and Rain ; the Wind grew tempestuous and boisterous ; fearful Flashes of Lightning proceeded , as if the Woods had been on fire ; after which , follow'd and ensued loud and fearful Claps of Thunder . The Storm increas'd , and became more horrible , when from the neighbouring Thicket rush'd out a Woman ; who approaching me , I soon knew to be the dead Artemesia . I wou'd have fled from her Sight , but I cou'd not fly my Destiny ; when coming yet nearer unto me , with a a weak , feeble and low Voice , she utter'd these Words .

Wretched Man ! Now the Reward of thy Wickedness draws near , and thy Punishment is at hand . Heaven is ready to leave thee , and the Earth is prepar'd to swallow thee . Sentence is pronounc'd against thee , and Messengers prepar'd to execute it . My innocent Death will not go unreveng'd , nor your Perjury unpunish'd . Go , miserable and wretched Man ! despair : Think of nothing but Horrours , Shrieks , Pains , Torments , Judgments , and everlasting Miseries : Let thy Conscience be a perpetual Hell , and let thy Thoughts have no Object but thy Crimes : Let Content and Felicity henceforth become Strangers unto thee , and let thy Misfortunes become ever worse and worse : Let thy Sleep be short , and disturb'd with fearful Visions and Dreams ; that when you awake , you may find it a Verity . The Remainder of your Life shall be a living Death : You shall seek for Death , but you shall not find it ; and when you desire to live , you shall cruelly be cut off , at a Time when you least expect it . This is the Commission I had to unfold to thee , from the higher Powers ; which having reveal'd , I leave thee to thy Fate .

This said , she vanish'd from my Eyes , like Lightning ; so soon she disappear'd to my Sight , but not to my Thoughts ; for the Remembrance was green in my Memory , and the Thoughts so fixed in my Soul , that I think the feign'd Phantasm wou'd hardly yield Precedency to the real . My Eyes were yet firmly bent towards that part of the Thicket I saw Artemesia take , and my Body continu'd as unmoveable as my Eyes , when the Storm began to abate . And Fidelio , which the time of this Tempest , had conceal'd and shelter'd himself in a Thicket near at hand , after his Desires and Intreaties became fruitless , in requesting me to retire with him ; when he came unto me , he found me not remov'd from the same place where he first left me Wondring at this Change , he took me by the Arm : Sir ( said he ) What occasions these ghastly Looks , and fearful timorous Apprehensions ? You seem as if you had met your Sins , or been accosted with your Grandfather's Ghost . What causes you thus to bend your Eyes on Vacancy , and fix your Thoughts on Shadows ? Where do you let your Imaginations ramble , your Spirits roam , and your Fancy run at random ? Sir , consider where you are , what time of Night it is : Recollect your self out of these Dumps , and let us repair away from this fatal Place , that has brought you this Disturbance .

His earnest Importunities brought me to my self ; and seeing him expect a Reply , Yes , Fidelio ( said I ) my Sins have met me full blown , and Ghosts more terrible and fearful than my Grand-father's . By Heaven , Fidelio ! Shadows haunt me . Saw you not my dearest Desdemona here , and deceas'd Artemesia , who just now pronounc'd the Sentence of Horrour and Damnation against me ? I am impatient of delay , satisfie me with speed , for I consume with Expectation .

Sir , ( reply'd he ) These Chimeraes be nothing but the delusions of a disturbed Brain , proceeding from the strength of Imagination , which forms to it self wonders , which the Spectators cannot behold ; such , no doubt , was yours ; for I protest and vow to you , I heard no Voice , nor did I apprehend any such Similitudes as you now question me about : Artemesia lies quiet in her Grave , and I doubt not but Desdemona is sweetly asleep in her Bed ; Rest will soon divert these Illusions , and cure this Disquiet . Come Sir , let us walk home , the Night grows aged , the late Storm is past , both call on us to be parting , lest we shou'd be prevented by a second Disaster ; your Parents expect you , and your Necessity requires that you change your self of these wet Cloths , which your absence from your own House will not permit you to perform .

His Reasons follow'd by his Intreaties , made me accord to leave the Garden , and without returning any Answer , I straight ways accompany'd him . We soon came to my Fathers , where they all sat up expecting my Return ; but they no sooner beheld me in that condition and gastly Distemper , but they stood like People charm'd , with amazement in their Looks . I spake not to them , but fearfully casting my Eyes on all Objects , piercing every vacant place with terror . I was had to my Chamber by Fidelio and some other Servants , where my wet Cloths were taken off , and I betook my self to my Bed ; but oh ! the Horrors that accompanied me the latter part of this fearful Night , were numberless ; if asleep , Desdemona presented her self to the Eyes of my Soul , though my bodily Eyes were shut , yet suddenly starting from my Trance , methought I saw that Object really , which Fancy formed in my Dreams , so that fearfully calling out to Fidelio , which attended me ; Oh Fidelio ! Dost thou not see my dearest Desdemona , the Blood streaming from her fair Breast , now standing by my Bed side ? behold , now she is going away out of the Door . Oh stay abus'd Innocence ! and tell me the reason thou dost visit me in that dismal Posture ! look Fidelio , she is gone , run and call her back again ; desire her from me to return ; by all the Affection that is between us , conjure her not to deny my Request .

Here Fidelio , to divert these thoughts , made me this Discourse . Sir , ( said he ) When Melancholy reigns predominant over a mans Spirits , it causes a disturbance in his Brain , which gives birth to thousands of phantastical and fearful Apprehensions , formed from what his Fear and Fancy most ruminates and contemplates most upon , which once conceiv'd , his Reason is so stupify'd , that it cannot pry into the Causes , so that the Cause remaining unremov'd , the Effects continue firm . Many times in such Extreams , Men imagine they meet with Ghosts ; others , that be amorous Persons , that they court their Mistresses , injoy all the delicious Reception they cou'd wish , and the most obliging Discourse and sweetest Entertainment pass between them , that they hold themselves the only happy men , yet when they go to embrace the pleasing Apparition , they clasp nothing but the brittle Air ; the Spirit is in continual motion , and many times takes a pleasure to deceive the Senses , to play with the Felicity and hope of Man , either to divert or augment them ; as for example , one imagines his dearest Friend is dead , that dulls his Happiness ; another , that is very poor , dreams he possesses a Mine of Gold , this revives his Spirits ; as before , a disconsolate Lover , fancies he enjoys the lovely Object of his Desires , this compleats his Felicity ; while another , that is rich , thinks he is undone by some Casualty , that makes him miserable ; but as the Mist doth vanish before the Sun in a Summers Morning , so do these Phantasms , when a man comes to consult with Reason ; it rather increases their Misery , and adds to their Felicity ; the one being a bitter Potion to make the Happiness tast the sweeter , and the other a deceitful Sweet , that makes their Miseries relish more bitter ; this Sir , I hope , in good time , will be manifested in you , since we that inhabit this Isle , always take such Illusions and Dreams in their Contraries , and apply them accordingly , when a better Consideration takes place ; which not to do , were absurd , as the Story that is related of a poor Fisher-man of this Island , who drying his Nets on a steep Rock , fell asleep , and in his Sleep , dream'd he was a King ; overjoy'd with so great a Felicity , he rises , and in this Ecstacy of Spirit fell a dancing ; but long he had not danc'd , ere Fortune so ordain'd it , coming near the side of the Rock , he falls down , and so ends his present Joys and future , in a moment ; it is good to take warning by others Harms , and not to let the Suggestion of a feign'd Apparition , ruine the Hopes and Expectations of a Real ; Desdemona remains intirely Yours , and you may bind her so for ever , by tying that inviolable Knot of Matrimony , which you have already fastned by so many Vows , since Artemesia being dead , there is no Obstruction can hinder you from giving her that Satisfaction , and your self the Content of being wholly hers .

Here Fidelio ended his Discourse , when I straightly embrac'd him in my Arms , saying , Oh my Friend ! I am willing to believe whatever thou hast related unto me , cou'd it contain less of Truth ; for the only Happiness wretched men receive , is , when pleasantly they deceive themselves , with the Expectation of what ardently they desire ; I shou'd wish no greater Happiness , were Desdemona still amongst the Living ; nor no greater Felicity , were I reconcil'd unto her in the Bands of Wedlock : I wou'd cease to expect and aspire to any greater Hope , if I cou'd once more embrace her in my Arms , and repose this weary and disturbed Head in her Bosom , it would prove a Corrosive to the greatest of my Disasters , and a Balsam to my most cruel Torments . To morrow , my Fidelio , I will put thee to the trouble once more , to deliver me a Letter to Desdemona , in the mean time I will endeavour , together with thee , to take a little Rest .

Night had no sooner fled away at Days approach , and the Sun had given notice of his rising to adorn the Day , but I left my weary Bed , to consider how to write something wherein I might oblige Desdemona to be less offended with my Infidelity , so that taking Pen , Ink and Paper , I writ to this effect .

Almerin to Desdemona . My Dearest Heart ,

TO put thee out of doubt of the Constancy of my Affections , although necessity compell'd me to an inforc'd Marriage , yet I knew not how to repair the Fault , nor give thee a real Manifestation of my Love , but by destroying the Cause that gave us this Disturbance , know then my Dear , that to enjoy thy Love , and to give thee an Example of the Integrity of my Heart , I have given my Wife Artemesia , a Potion that hath carried her to her long Home , and what rests there now , but that I do thee Right and Equity , according to my Vows so often protested unto thee , if you dare permit me to that Privilege and Felicity , and give new Life to one that daily dies for you . Send my Pardon sign'd from your fair Mouth , by this Messenger ; in the Expectation of which , I shall look to remain miserable or happy . If you burn this Letter , the thought of any future Danger is past , for I wou'd not commit the Secret of my Life to any one but Desdemona , since it is only she alone can dispose of the Life of

Almerin .

I had no sooner ended my Letter , and fairly seal'd it up , with an Intention to deliver it to Fidelio , but I cannot tell what horrid Fate prompted me to the contrary , to go my self in Person , alledging that my Presence wou'd procure more in Desdemona's Breast , than my Letter cou'd in my Absence ; that my Fearfulness of appearing before her , wou'd make me seem more Guilty : many more offer'd themselves to my thoughts , but we never want for Reasons to perswade what we desire and are forward to perform : In fine , these Thoughts vanquish'd my former Resolutions . I had scarce ended this Contest in my Spirit , but I heard my Father and Mother coming up to visit me , and inquire of my health ; they no sooner knock'd at my Chamber Door , but hastily taking up my Letter , I put it up in my Pocket , calling to Fidelio to open the Door , which he had no sooner perform'd , but they gave me the Good-morrow , intimating how much satisfied these were , to see me in so different a Temper and Condition , from what I was the last Night ; they sate down , where we had much Discourse , too long here to relate ; amongst the rest , they desir'd to know where I had spent so large a part of the last Night ; to all which I had an Answer provided . That day they din'd with me in my Chamber , and after many usual Kindnesses , such as Parents confer on their dear Children , were bestow'd on me , they bad me Farewel , and so left me ; they were scarce out of sight , but I began to make me ready to visit Desdemona . I went away , accompanied with Fidelio , towards her Fathers House ; but we had no sooner , with our hasty Steps , lessn'd the Way and Distance which separated us ,

But behold , I saw a Coffin cover'd with Black , adorn'd with a Garland of dainty Flowers laid on the top : the Hearse was supported and carried by four young Men , and six beautiful Maidens accompany'd 'em , each holding a part of the Hearse Cloth , wherein they did imitate and silently speak their willingness to do something obliging , it being the last Service they cou'd perform to the Body of this poor departed Virgin ; the Company were all cover'd with a Sable Black , their Pace silent and slow , bent towards the great Temple of the City . This Sight began to freeze and chill my warm Blood ; and that which gave suspicion to my Fears , was , because I saw them come out of Philaster's House ; to confirm me that I was not in an Error , I saw the Corps follow'd by the old Knight and his Lady , who bedew'd his Snow white Beard with Tears , whilst his Lady did water her aged Cheeks with the same Liquor ; both paid the Tribute exceeding the Custom men usually pay to Nature ; their Tears , Countenance , and Actions suitable , did declare them to be in the bitterness of Sorrow , and plung'd in the depth of Wo .

I had accompanied them to the Temple , had not my earnest Desire I had to be resolv'd of the worst , prompted me to the contrary , and perswaded me to return to the House to be truly satisfi'd of my Fears . We soon came to the Door , and having knock'd , were met by a Servant of the House , who did know me since I did first use to frequent the House ; and being acquainted with the Respect his Lord and Lady usually paid me when I resorted thither , requested me to come in ; where being entred , I ask'd for the Knight and his Lady , not taking notice that I had seen 'em , and also for Desdemona ; to which he gave me a pitious Look , leting drop from his Eyes many Tears . Sir , said he , you come in a time to see us bury'd in Wo , and to behold us o'recharg'd with Sorrow , for about four days ago , after my Mistriss Desdemona had pined her Body with an inward Grief , and given to Sorrow the full Reins and whole Possession of her Breast , she kept the occasion so secret , that her indulgent Parents knew not how to provide her a Remedy , or to apply a Comfort . Sorrow was printed in her Looks in so lovely a Character , and Grief had so sweet an Impression there , that it would perswade Sadness in the most mirthful and jocond Beholder . She wou'd tell so many pretty Stories of Love , and of the Unconstancy of Men , and pronounce them with so sweet , yet so mournful an Action and Accent of Voice and Gesture , that she never ended but she left her Auditors with Tears in their Eyes .

This day is five days since , when her Spirits being o'recome with Grief , and her Sences o'recharg'd with Melancholy , she fell into despair , and walking out , as if she wou'd recreate her self in the Garden , she retires her self into a House of Pleasure , there privately situated , where imitating that Roman Dame Lucretia , with a fatal Dagger , she wounds her self to the Heart .

She was soon mist by her Parents , but being seen by the Servants to walk into the Garden , she was as soon followed ; but after they had searched every private Walk and Alley in the Garden , and sought for her in every secret Thicket and shady Grove , and we cou'd receive no Tidings ; one of the Servants bethinks himself , and runs hastily up to this House , where the first Object he cast his Eyes on , was this Spectacle of Pity ; he runs down again amaz'd , making a lamentable Cry ( saying ) Oh Sirs ! Desdemona hath slain her self in the Garden-House , and yet retains the bloody Weapon in her Hand ; which was no sooner heard , but they all began to bemoan her , with a loud and grievous Noise , which was soon o'reheard by Philaster and his Lady , who wondring what might occasion such unusual and strange Out-cries , came into the Garden , and understanding by the accent of their Voices , that the cause of their Clamors was in that part of the Garden where the House of Pleasure was situated , left off his grave and sober Pace , and with swifter steps and speed than his Age wou'd permit , ran to the House , being follow'd as fast by his Lady ; but alas , they made so much hast , they came too soon to know that they had better never known , than ever seen that dismal Sight .

We are like some ignorant Souls which needs will have their future Fortune related and made plain to them ; they are most eager , and ardently desire to know the worst that may befal them , when no Perswasions will edifie them , nor Reasons divert them from their Folly , and their Impatience and importunity hath gotten their Request granted , they soon begin to repine at what they know , and fearfully apprehend that Danger present , that perhaps may never befal them ; they repent they were so careful to understand that , which known , begets nothing but Discontent ; so that only in expectation of the Miseries that may happen unto them , they daily seem to die alive , so that every hour begets a new Death .

Such was their unfortunate Speed , that came too late to behold the Object of their Miseries too soon , for in a few moments , they both came into the Room , where we all stood surrounding the Body of their unfortunate Daughter ; they soon saw the cause of our Moans , and therefore had no occasion to inquire ; and knew it to be , what indeed it was . Although Death had drest her in his pale Robes , yet cou'd he alter nothing in the sweet and lovely Charms of her Visage , so that she seem'd to smile in Death , as having purchas'd that Rest with him , she cou'd never attain to here ; Oh! the Shrieks , the Moans , the Lamentations , the Sighs , the Sobs , the Tears , the Exclamations , the Griefs , the Sorrows , the Kisses , the Caresses , and the Embraces this aged Couple bestowed on the breathless Body of this their only Child , were numberless and pitiful to behold ! they were , Sir , such , and so many , so bitter and woful , that I want words wherein I might express my self , shou'd I go about to relate them , so that I leave it wholly to your Imagination , to conceive what is above my Capacity to describe unto you .

Here , to give the more Life unto his Discourse , he let fall a shower of Briny Tears , which were no sooner clear'd away , but with a Sorrow , suitable to his Subject , he proceeded in this manner . Sir , after they had bath'd this breathless Body with a Sea of Tears , and seem'd to grieve , that the Conduits of their Eyes were dry'd up , that they cou'd bestow no more , willing to accompany her in Death , whom they lov'd so in Life , suddenly the old Lady giving ●rievous Shriek , she swounded away , clasping the liveless Coarse in her Arms : she seem'd as far from Life as the Body she embrac'd ; our Master himself , stood like one transform'd , and made up of Sorrow , the Tears hanging on his aged Face and Beard , like frozen Isicles , that in a Winters Day , on the dis-rob'd Trees take their Habitations . In the mean time , the Servants had hastned for some Soveraign Remedies , wherewithal to recover their poor departed Mistriss , which chafing her Temples , and infusing some precious Spirits down her Throat , they , with much difficulty , at last obtain'd what they desir'd , her return to Life ; yet so amaz'd , and so gastly , wanting , as yet , her Sences , that it was a woful Sight to behold her . Philaster commanded us to bear her in from the sight of the Body , whilst she continu'd ignorant of what they did , giving Order to others , to remove Desdemona from that fatal Place , into the House ; but as they began to take the Body from the Ground , Philaster espy'd in her Left Hand a Paper , which she had fix'd there so fast , as it seem'd a difficulty for the Servants to take it away , which Philaster seeing , went himself , and had no sooner touched her Hand , but it open'd of its own accord , as being unwilling any shou'd take from her in Death , what in Life she had appointed and reserv'd for him ; he had no sooner open'd the Paper , but he found these Lines following , written in ●●●demona's own Character .

Death cruel seems to timorous Men that fear , To such as in this World lay up their Rest , But sweet to wretched Souls that do despair , To such as are with great Misfortunes prest . Death takes us hence , and so expels our Pain , Our Miseries and Woes we see no more , By Death we nothing lose , he is our Gain ; For dying makes us happier than before . Mourn not , my Friends , for my untimely Death , Because , in blooming Years , I die so young ; The Loss is small I lose , in losing Breath ; I fall asleep too soon , and lie too long . Death is the Balsam to afflicted Minds ; From Falshood and Deceipt , it sets us free ; Only within the Grave , the poor Man finds A Harbour from the Rich Mans Tiranny . No where but here , a Remedy we have ; When Woe and Sorrow grow unto excess , Then we do covet Death , and court the Grave , Since Misery only there can find redress . I fear not Death , I only fear your Fears , Lest when you see me gone , you shou'd lament ; Let Reason court you to restrain your Tears , 't is bootless to spend Tears , when Life is spent . To the Elyzian Shades , I go before , And in the Walks , Expect you till you come ; Few Days will pass , and you will be no more , And the same Way I go , you then will run . Farewell my Father , I have found so kind ; Farewell my Mother , I do Prize so dear ; Farewell my wretched Life , wherein I find Nothing of value that will crave a Tear . Farewell the Author of my cruel Woes , Who in my Hour of Death I do forgive Thy greatest Crimes ; but Heaven only knows It wou'd go hard to do 't , were I to live . And welcome Death , that com'st to cure my smart , No Med'cine now can cure me but thy Dart ; Then Death I 'll court , 't is he must bring me , where I shall be free from Sorrow , Grief and Care ; Come , long'd for Death , I will not be deny'd , More welcome than the Bride-groom makes his Bride Hark how I 'll bribe you , prethee Death make hast , More welcome than the Spring , when Winter 's past ; Fresher than Air , sweeter than pearly Dew , Which swells the early Rose , and makes it blow ; Welcome as Joy , because you bring me Bliss , For in the Grave of Rest I cannot miss . Farewell deceitful World , and weary Breath ; Adieu all earthly Joys , and welcome Death .

With this mournful Song , like the Swan , she seem'd to chant it , though Death were at hand , and like the Lyon , seem'd most confident , when she was nearest Danger . These Lines might have augmented their Sorrows , if their Griefs wou'd have admitted of an addition , but their Woes being at full , cou'd receive no more . Desdemona was convey'd in , and Surgeons sent for to embalm her Body , whilst her Parents went anew to lament , and afresh began to renew their Tears , uttering grievous Exclamations against the Person , which as they understood by Desdemona , had been the Original Cause of their Sorrows , by being the Author and Occasion of the Death of their Child , vowing a severe Revenge , if ever they came to the Knowledge of the Author : thus they have spent the Day and Night in sorrow , not admitting one Minutes Rest , in permitting the least Cessation to their Griefs , till this day , accompanied with all their Friends , in a solemn manner , they perform her Obsequies , and convey her Body to the Temple , to be set in the Vault of her Ancestors . This , Sir , is the reason they are now from Home , and not here , to give you such Entertainment as befits , and is due to your Worthiness .

Having ended his Discourse , to my Amaze●ent and Grief , I desir'd he wou'd conduct me ●to the Garden , to the Place where Desdemona ●cted this last Tragick Scene and Catastrophe of her Life ; he return'd no Answer , but leading the Way , we follow'd him , till he brought us to the Place , where so unfortunately she yielded up her last Breath ; here my Amazement was above what I can express , when I saw this was the same House , and very Place , where so falsly I first deceiv'd and rob'd Desdemona of that Jewel , which had prov'd the Main and Original Cause of her Death ; now the Apparition I saw the last Night , came bleeding fresh in Memory , all my Crimes presented themselves in their own Colours ; for which , my Conscience bid me expect no other , but a fulfilling of murther'd Artemesia's Sentence ; here my Griefs were doubled in the Death of her I priz'd above my Life . I cou'd not refrain from letting fall a Flood of Tears , to the Remembrance of one I lov'd so dear ; when we left the Room , and began to take a turn or two in the Alleys , where the Memory of Desdemona begat new Griefs in my Soul , and fresh Sluces from my Eyes ; and fearing the Servant might gather some Suspicion from my too deep Concernments , I privately drew out my Handkerchief , to wipe away those rebellious Tears I cou'd not restrain ; and not being willing any longer to remain in so doleful a Place , I took my Farewell of the Servant , desiring him to tell his Master , I wou'd wait on him some other time , when his Sorrows wou'd better admit of a Visit ; so I left the House , in such an ill Composure of Body , and Disturbance of Spirit , as ever tormented a poor afflicted Soul ; at this time I had given a Period to my Life , had I not been restrain'd by Fidelio , who , by Intreaties , desir'd me to preserve my Life , yet cou'd give me no Comforts or Reasons , why I shou'd prolong it , unless it were to add to my Miseries .

When we were arriv'd Home , I betook me to my Chamber , casting my self on the Bed : And to what end , Fidelio , said I , shou'd I secure this miserable part of Life that remains ? Desdemona is dead and who wou'd woo Death , that sees her so much commend and approve of it ? Why shall I stay behind , Fidelio ? let me go and ask her Pardon , and seek her in the blessed Shades : Now Fidelio , what think'st thou ? were the Apparitions real or feign'd , I did behold , or Illusions , or Fancies , as thou wou'dst make me believe ? now Experience and Reason tells me , it was the lovely Ghost of my dear Desdemona , which came to accuse me of Disloyalty and Perjury ; Oh miserable Man ! wretched Life ! When wilt thou have an End.

Now I began to grow an Object of Heavens Justice and Punishment , I was defil'd with Murther and Perjury ; the first call'd for a speedy Revenge ; for other Sins only speak , Murther shrieks out , the Element of Water moistens the Earth ; but Blood flies upwards , and bedews the Heavens , which soon hears , and makes strict Inquiry , and severe Inquisition for Blood , and triumph in their Revenges ; their curious Search soon sound me out , to make me an Example of their Vengeance ; there is nothing that is done ne'er so privately , that can be hid from their Sight ; the darkest Night cannot blind them , nor the craftiest Mortals deceive them ; were sin committed in the dark Caverns of the Earth , there they wou'd plainly see them ; or in the bottom of the Ocean , there they wou'd behold them ; whither then can a poor Sinner fly to avoid their Justice ? if they shou'd fly to Heaven , they are there ; if to unfrequented Desarts , they are there ; if to the Vaults below , there will they likewise find 'em out .

For as I was reposing my self on my Bed , suddenly , and unexpectedly , our House was surrounded with Arm'd Men , my Chamber Doors broke open , my Body seiz'd on , and taken Prisoner ; being thus surpriz'd , I demanded the Cause , and by what Authority they did it ; to which they return'd me this sharp Answer ; their Authority they had from the King , which I must obey , and the Occasion , the Death of your late married Wife Artemesia , Daughter to the Earl of Palermo , supposed to be poyson'd by you , with a strong Suspicion which is conceiv'd of you , that you are the chief Authour and Cause of the Death of Desdemona , Daughter and only Child to an aged Knight of this City , call'd Philaster ; these are the Crimes objected against you , to which you must answer , in the mean time , without resistance , you must yield obedience to our Power and immediately go along with us . This said , they laid hands on me , and speedily hurried me out of my Chamber , to convoy me to Prison ; but we had not shortned half the way , between my Fathers House and the City Gaol , but by the Shine of the Moon , which as then gave but a Dimm and glimmering Light , we might discern a Troop of Horse , and perceive a small Company of Foot , which in a void place of the City , began to compass us about , which my Guard no sooner discried , but they began to cry out , A Rescue , A Rescue , but their Voices were soon stop'd by the Horie-men , which over-ran them , and the Foot-men , that bravely assaulted them ; so that in a moment I saw my Guard dispers'd and dispatch'd , my self free and no Prisoner , and bravely mounted on a Fresh Horse ; whil'st I was wondring and musing at the strangeness of this Rescue , I saw one make towards me , which I presently knew to be Fidelio : Sir , said he to me , cease your Amazement , and follow this Guard with speed , for every moment you stay here will be dangerous , and they will safely convey you to the Water-side , where a Vessel attends you , provided by your Father , from whom , by my timely Notice , came also this Guard , for he now repents him of his Obstinacy , which occasion'd these Evils , for which you were accused , fearing you are too much Guilty to stand in justification of your self and your Crimes , too notorious to abide a Tryal ; and therefore being unwilling to leave you to the Mercies and Severities of the Law , that himself first brought into danger , waits for you now at the Water-side .

This said , giving him many thanks for his Fidelity , I follow'd the Guard , and soon came to the Water-side , or Haven , where my Father and Mother were standing , expecting my coming ; I no sooner saw them , but I alighted , and having done my Duty , my Mother cast her Arms about my Neck , bathing my Cheeks with Tears , lamenting this so suddain and unexpected Departure ; the thought of my Absence produc'd the same effects in my Fathers Breast , for his Countenance was o'recast with a mortal Sadness .

But our Gratulations and Farewels were soon broken off , by an unlook'd for Noise ; for casting our Eyes about , we espied a Party of Men make towards us , with much Facility and Speed ; this Sight caus'd my Father to hasten my Departure , so that I parted from them abruptly , hurrying my self , with the Money and Jewels they had brought me , aboard the Vessel , and so speedily put off from Shore ; mean while , my Father , with Fidelio , rallied up their Men for defence ; this Sight more griev'd me than any former Misfortune , to see my Father and Mother , only for my Safety , expose themselves to such certain Perils and Dangers ; and to secure my Life , so carelesly to venture their own . Nature wou'd not admit I shou'd leave them so , and my Duty prompted me to their Assistance , so that commanding the Ship-men to put ashore , they wou'd not obey me , telling me , they might so endanger my Life , and all their own , and that it was contrary to the Orders my Father had given them , to return back again ; that no doubt , my Father wou'd well defend himself against a greater Force than those he had to cope withal , if he cou'd any ways give notice to the Garrison belonging to the City , which were all at his Devotion .

Their Discourse did savour of Truth and Likelihood , and therefore made me more apt to believe it ; so that yielding to their Intreaties and Perswasions , agreeing , when Necessity inforc'd me , to submit , according with that I cou'd not remedy , and hoping the best , I patiently expected the Issue .

The Wind blew fair , so that we left Syracuse far a stern , and a few hours after , we wholly lost the sight of the Island of Sicilia ; the Gale continuing still fair , we gain'd a Ken of the Isle of Malto , where we did not land , but continuing our Course almost three days , we gain'd a View of the main Continent of Africa ; and about the Evening of the third Day , we anchor'd before the mighty City of Carthage , the Rival of the Roman Empire , between whom , as yet , Fortune had left it uncertain and doubtful , which shou'd gain Precedency , and continue Masters of all the then known World , since their Forces were equal , and their Valor not much different , so that Fate had left it to be decided by the various Chance of War .

Here we landed , and provided our selves of all Necessaries , as well Offensive as Defensive , and all other things needful , which our so hasty parting from Syracuse wou'd not permit us to provide and furnish our selves withal ; we lay there one whole Day , and then going aboard , we weigh'd Anchor , and hoised Sail , and so made off to Sea ; where our Intentions were to cruse about , in expectation to meet with some Vessel that came lately from Syracuse , of whom we might inquire Tidings , of what we all did so passionately desire to know .

It was now seven days since we parted from Sicilia , and two since we left the Coast of Africa , about the time of the day when the Sun begins to decline towards the West , when a Boy that stood Sentinal on the Top-Mast Head , suddenly cried out , a Sail , a Sail ; being demanded from whence She stear'd her Course ; he return'd answer , From Sicilia . This began to augment my ardent desire I had to receive News from Syracuse , so that I gave commands to the Pilot , to stear his Course towards Her , which he had no sooner perform'd , but the Boy call'd out again , saying , Sirs , prepare for your Defence , for this Vessel bears towards us with full speed ; all things being put in a readiness for a present Assault . He had scarce ended these Words , but our Eyes did give us proof they were a Verity , for we discern'd it drawing nearer unto us , in all appearance , fitted for a present Fight .

This sight caused them to forget the concernments of others , and to think on nothing so much , as to provide for their own Safety ; yet they agree'd with one accord , chearfully to make good their Defence , and manfully to guard themselves ; we had hardly made our Preparation for a Resistance , but we saw this Vessel , with great dexterity and agility , ready to board us on the Weather side ; their Ravens in a moment were ready to grapple with our Vessel ; in the performance of which , we receiv'd a brave Assault , and they as gallant a Repulse ; our Archers scarce spent an Arrow in vain , neither did theirs slack their Duty ; the Fight continu'd sharp while we lay off the one from the other ; but when , in spight of our best Endeavours , they grappled our Vessels together , and that we came to Handy Blows , the Fight became dreadful and bloody on both sides ; we were hardly fastned the one to the other , but I heard him that seem'd to be Captain of the Vessel , utter these Word to his Souldiers . Arm your selves with Courage , noble Hearts , and let the King of Sicilia know you are Valiant ; we are not mistaken ; See , Fortune hath presented the murtherous Villain , an Object to our Eyes , and brought him a Sacrifice to our just Resentments ; now let the innocent Deaths of Artemesia and Desdemona sharpen your Swords for a just Revenge , and let their sorrowful Parents see your Fidelity and Interest you take in their Wrongs , when you present them with the Head of their mortal Enemy .

When I did hear Artemesia once nam'd , I did guess of their business , but I think the nature of all men is such , that if they be wicked , yet they cannot brook to be exclaim'd against ; and though I was guilty of all that was bad , yet I cou'd not with patience , receive the Nicknames of Villain and Murtherer ; my Life was a thing so wretched , and by me so little esteemed , that I shou'd not have given one sigh for the loss of that I did not desire to preserve ; yet the great Promise this Fellow made of my Head , made me resolve not to part from it tamely to my Enemies , at such a time when I was in a good Capacity to defend it ; this rais'd my anger to make a stout Resistance , and his Oration caus'd his Souldiers to assail us with greater Courage ; now the Fight began to be at highest , and numbers of men lay dead on the Deck , the Living always supplying their places , till our Vessels were cover'd with the Blood and Carcases of slain men ; it was fought obstinately on both sides , till the Sun began to bid a Good-night to our Horizon , leaving this upper World in darkness ; yet Fortune had left it doubtful , to which side she wou'd incline ; when we were prest by our Enemies , with so much Force and Vigour , that my Men were forc'd to retire , whilst they furiously mounted our Vessel ; here I expos'd my self to certain Dangers , very willing to part with Life , so I cou'd have lost it nobly , in resisting my Enemies ; but Death flies them that seek him , and intrudes on such as desire his Absence ; as I was desperately braving the utmost Dangers , fronting the main Body of my Enemies , I met and engag'd with their Commander , so greedily we combated one with another , and with so much desire , endeavour'd the ruine of each other , that it was no wonder Fortune made hast to determine of the end ; many cruel Blows we exchang'd , and many Wounds we received , till at last , I pursu'd my Enemy so closely , and redoubled my Blows with so much violence , that directing a Blow which fell on his Head , with my greatest force , it parted it in two , so that he fell down sprawling on the Deck ; thus he which had so confidently dispos'd of my Head , cou'd not secure his own from my Sword .

This sight began to abate the Courage of our Enemies , and to revive the Spirits of my almost vanquish'd men ; for returning upon our dispairing Enemies with a greater Force than at first , they made a mighty Slaughter ; and having dispatch'd all those in our own Vessel , with great speed we boarded our Enemies , so that the Offensive were now become the Defensive , and perform'd their parts so ill in maintaining it , that we soon became Conquerors of the other Ship , committing all the Souls to the places appointed for their Deserts , where the Spirits of all men are rewarded according to their Merits ; the dead Bodies of our Men and also of our Enemies , we cast over-board into the Sea .

The Night became extream dark , not one Star appear'd in the Firmament , as if they had disdain'd to behold so bloody a Tragedy , so that we were forc'd to strike up Lights , the better to see to clear our Vessel of the dead Carcases ; my self , with a Torch in my Hand , went to behold the Slain in the Enemies Vessel , where the Souldiers , the tempest of their Revenge being not yet still'd , without pity , cast , as well the Wounded , as the Dead out of the Vessel , when their Wounds , Miseries , Intreaties , Prayers , nor dismal Moans cou'd perswade them to mercy .

Among many that were thus us'd , one of them whom my men had taken up into their Arms , ready to cast him away into the Billows of the raging Ocean , cried out , Oh Sirs ! spare me one moment , and bring me to your Commander , to whom I shall relate such Secrets , as he is , as yet , ignorant of ; this had not preserv'd his Life , if I had not given a speedy Command to the Souldiers to hold their Hands , and running with their Lights , I came also with mine , to see if I knew him , but his Blood had so disfeater'd him , as I cou'd gather no certain knowledge that I had ever seen him before ; which the wounded man seeing , with a mournful and low Voice , growing faint , through loss of Blood , he utter'd these Words , Sir , said he , you knew me better about eight days since , when you came to visit my Master Philaster , when you seem'd so much concern'd in the Relation I made you of the woful Death of my Mistris Desdemona ; he had scarce ended these words , but through weakness , he sunk down in the Arms of the Men that supported him , I commanded he shou'd be convey'd away to a Cabbin with speed , and that my own Surgeon shou'd carefully dress his Wounds ; all which was as soon perform'd as commanded : my Gratitude to the poor man requir'd thus much . But I had other sound reasons induc'd me to preserve his Life , if possible , since it was only from him , now all his Companions were dead , I did look for a true Relation and Intelligence , how my Affairs stood affected in Syracuse , as my own Interest requir'd his Safety ; yet for Desdemona's sake , whose Remembrance I did prefer above my Life , considering he was once hers , I cou'd do no other , but esteem of him highly , and thank Fortune , who had offer'd me this Opportunity , that I might in some measure express the Kindness I did yet retain for his Mistress , and my dear Desdemona .

After we had cleansed our Enemies Vessel , we remov'd all things that were of value out of our own Ship into theirs , it being the strongest and stateliest built , and boring holes in the bottom of the forsaken Vessel , we sunk it in the Sea , which being perform'd , we hoised Sails , directing our Course towards the City of Algiers , in Barbary , so that it was about the hour of two in the Morning , when I betook my self to my Cabbin to have my Wounds dress'd I had receiv'd in the last Fight ; when the Surgeon had search'd them , he found them all slight ; and although I had many , he assur'd me none of them were Mortal .

Thus such as desperately seem regardless of their Lives , by a slight of Fortune preserve them ; what shou'd occasion it , I cannot tell if it be not that reasonable men fly such as imprudently and lavishly cast away their Lives , esteeming them mad or frantick , that so inconsiderately endanger themselves ; or else Fortune and Victory , which be always Friends to bold and resolute Men , and assist resolute Spirits in their confident Enterprizes , have agreed with Nature , who has planted a timorous Fear in the Heart of Man , when he is assaulted above his Expectations , and sees Wonders acted beyond his Capacity or thoughts , is danted , being so suddenly surpriz'd ; their bold Assailer gives them not time to recollect their thoughts ; but presses more fierce and desperately on them , that they stand gazing like men metamorphos'd , not having the Courage to defend themselves , nor scarce to run away to preserve their Lives ; such Advantage seems to wait on resolute Spirits , that their Enemies are charm'd , and when they meet with a Spirit above their own , like all men , they yield Precedency , and obey the greater , yielding Obedience to them as to their Superiors ; Victory , as it were , hovering her Wings over their Heads , to fright their Enemies , and to preserve them safe .

But I dare not ascribe my Fortune to such a Cause , I fear just Heavens have preserv'd me , from such small Dangers , for my greater Misfortunes , to make me a more ample Example of their Justice ; for methinks , sleeping or waking , I hear poor Artemesia sounding that dreadful Sentence in my Ears , ( That , When I seek Death , it shou'd fly me , and when I shou'd desire to keep it , I shou'd suddenly be cut off ) and I greatly fear the Issue , since that after Artemesia's Death , and lastly , of my dearest Desdemona , I did always esteem my Life , as of a thing not worth preserving , being a Commodity I was always willing to part with , since my Heart told me , I cou'd expect no Comfort , now all my Felicity was vanish'd away in the Original Cause , from whence it first receiv'd its Birth , and afterwards the Fewel that did preserve it .

But now , Madam , ( said he ) turning his Face towards Cynthia , I begin to find contrary Effects working in my Spirit , since I have been so fortunate to have you in my Custody , so that I begin now to prize my Life at its true Value and Worth , and did never truly desire to live again until this moment ; I pray Heaven , my prophetick Fears be not Presages and Fore-runners of the Dangers which are related shall happen unto me .

Here Almerine proceeded forwards , in relating the Misfortunes of his Life , whilst fair Cynthia cou'd not refrain from spending some Tears , out of the Treasury of her own Misfortunes , in pity , to the unfortunate Loss of lovely , yet miserable Desdemona . Madam , ( said he ) after my Wounds were dress'd , I betook my self to my Bed , but not before I had inquir'd of the Health and Condition the Prisoner was in ; the Surgeon having assur'd me of his Life , I did endeavour my self , to take a little Rest , after so much Pain and Toil .

Long wish'd for day at last appear'd , and Phoebus with his glorious Rays , cast a resplendent Lustre on the Face of the Waters , whilst Zephyrus , with his sweet and pleasant Gales , courted our Sails , making our Vessel to trip it sweetly away over the Ocean , thereby easing Neptune of his Burthen , that he might dally with his beloved Thetis ; when I arose from my weary Bed , my Wounds permitting me , and my Desires perswading and calling on me to the Chamber of the wounded Man , from whose Mouth , I did now expect to hear the Sentence and Period of my Miseries , or to receive some little Comfort to sweeten my Calamities ; after I had been assur'd by my Surgeon , that he was in a Capacity to be visited , I cannot say whether my Resolutions , or the Performance were soonest put in action , since hardly was the one conceiv'd , but the other receiv'd Birth , such speedy Execution always attends on things of this Nature , that nothing can , without repugnance , make a Demur to defer it ; I went , but indeed accompanied with such Fears , as forbidden Lovers are possessed with , when they go to pay their unwelcome Oblations to the Goddess they adore , who fear to ask , fearing to be refus'd ; being come to his Cabbin , and inquiring of his Health , such Gratulations having pass'd between us , as are common and familiar to be used to one in such Extremity , I bespake him in this manner : My Friend , you may guess it is something extraordinary , that wou'd not admit of delay , which hath made me so soon venter forth to give you this untimely Visit , which is dangerous to my self , and troublesome to you ; Fortune has oblig'd me , in the midst of all my Miseries , in making me the Preserver of one , which sometime was Desdemona's . Love to her , perswaded me to be thus tender of your Wellfare ; but I have other Business of consequence which drew me hither , and wou'd ill agree to be defer'd to a longer time . It is the Wellfare of my Father and Mother , by whose Intreaty , I left Syracuse , leaving them ingag'd at the moment of my Departure , in a fatal Skirmish with an unknown Party of men , that I wou'd hear Tidings of ; Nature perswades , and my Fears thrust me forwards , to receive some Satisfaction from your Intelligence , which I desire you wou'd discharge your self off , so to disperse these Doubts , and procure my Repose .

The wounded man raising himself up in his Bed , casting his Eyes on me , with a downcast and mournful Look , with a weak Voice , he uttered these Words . Sir , I shou'd ill requite you for the Gratuity of my Life , to give you a Relation that will add to your Torments , and it had been far better your Souldiers had cast me into the Sea , than that the remainders of this woful Life , being preserv'd , shou'd endeavour to put a Period to yours ; leave this fatal News to be discover'd by time , and let not your Curiosity undo you ; I feel my Life growing towards an end , and all that is Man about me begins to decay , let not the last Fragments of my Life , be a Medicine to procure your Disquiet , rather than the Repose you expect . Here he continued silent , expecting my Reply , so that I return'd him this Answer . Let not any Concernments of mine , defer your Relation , for Dangers and Misfortunes are become so familiar unto me , that the Strangness is no Novelty , nor the Bug-bears are not horrid enough to fright me ; I am arm'd against the worst Effects of Fortune that you can relate has befallen me ; there is nothing now can make me more miserable than I am already , by thy last Discourse , of the lamentable Loss of my dearest Desdemona .

Sir , ( replied he ) these be the Effects and Symptoms of a Noble Mind , to bear with Adversity as well as Prosperity ; that can wellcome Misfortunes as well as Felicities ; that is not Ambitious in his Happiness , nor Despairing in his Miseries , but wisely yields to what he cannot shun ; seeing I have found you in this Temper , I shall make no farther scruple to satisfie your Request ; and lest my Weakness should be a hindrance to my Discourse , I will endeavour to contract all my Relation into a pithy Abstract of the whole , yet not leaving any thing forgotten or omitted , wherein your Interest is concerned ; and to delay you no longer , Sir , you may understand , that you had scarcely pass'd the Threshold of my Masters Door , but he and his Lady came Home , accompanied only with some few of their Friends , the rest having parted from them at the Grave ; and these stay'd not long , but comforting them in the best wise they might , urging Patience as the best Remedy to cure their Miseries , they soon left them , to return to their several Places of Abode . Now being destitute of all that cou'd disturb them , they became their own Disturbers , and being alone , they had a more ample Opportunity , and clearer and a deeper Insight , to discern and make an Inspection into their Miseries , so to discover the true Value of what they had lost ; they began now to consider they had lost , lost the Light of their Eyes , the Staff of their Age , and the Glory of their House in a moment , when they did least expect it ; and that she did not die by Age , or Sickness , or any Disease incident to Mankind , but that she was torn away out of their Arms , in the Flower of her Youth and Beauty , when she promised most Felicity and Comfort to their Age .

Here they let fall a Shower of briny Tears , bedew●ng the Place where they sate , and filling the Room with the Echo of their Complaints , and Aggravations of their Loss . When that Storm of Grief was something allay'd , they went Hand in Hand into the Garden , and from thence into the House of Pleasure there situated , and the same where Desdemona perform'd the last Violence on her self ; their Intention , as far as I cou'd guess , being to spend the remainders of those Tears , they had yet left , in the same place where their dearest Daughter had expired her latest Breath ; they had newly seated themselves , and began with a greater freedom to vent their Sorrows , which sate so heavy on their Hearts , out of the Flood-gates of their Eyes ; the Place well suiting to accompany them in their Woes ; as they continu'd in this grievous excess of Misery , bitterly inveighing against him that had occasion'd it , a little Spaniel Dog , which always us'd to follow him , and in whom , before he was taken up with Sorrow , he us'd to take great Delight , had been searching and hunting up and down the Walks and young Springs and Thickets in the Garden , and at last came up into the House , and after he had , before them , wantonly plaid with a Paper , which he had brought in in his Mouth , as his usual Customs were , to carry all things he found to his Master , at last he brought this , where he stood f●isking his Tail , a● willing his Master to receive it , and make much of him for what he had brought him ; but because it wa● common with him daily to do as much , they neglected him , as a thing of no Concernment ; when th● Dog saw he had not that Welcome he us'd to receive● he leaps up with his Paws on his Master , making ● k●nd of a howling Noise , and holding up the Pape● towards him in his Mouth ; this Action made my Master something more attentive , and as he wou'd have thrust him from him , looking something nearer on the Paper , that the Dog still held in his Mouth , he discover'd it to be a Letter , fairly foulded and seal'd up , which he no sooner did perceive , but he took it out of his Mouth , and the Dog as willingly parted from it , going his way to his old Trade of busking to and fro in the Garden . After he had look'd on the Letter , and saw the Directions to Desdemona , he shew'd it to his Lady , and both of them deferring their Sorrows for a small time , in expectation of what the Contents might contain ; they open'd the Letter , wherein they found not only Likelihood and Suspicion , but certain Assurance , that you had been the only Cause , and none else beside , of all their Misfortunes ; that you had Poysoned your Married Wife Artemesia , and although not actually , yet your self was the chief in the Tragedy of Desdemona ; I need not tell you what it contain'd , since it was written by your self , and sign'd with you own Hand , being seal'd with your Signet at Arms.

At the Period of this , ( said Almerin to Cynthia , who gave earnest attention to his Discourse ) the wounded Man growing faint , defer'd his Relation for a small time , whilst I continued buried in astonishment , at what he had related . Now , to my cost , I began to see how Heaven glories in divulging the Faults and Crimes of Offenders ; and lest we shou'd ascribe and refer the revealing of them to common Causes , see they make a poor Spaniel Dog the Instrument of my Discovery ; thus the most neglected and forgotten things , they many times make Executors of their Will , lest men shou'd say such things came by Fortune , and such by Chance ; but in this Example , we may behold the immediate Hand of Heaven made manifest to our Capacity ; as for my Letter , since the time my Resolutions were alter'd , concerning the sending of it , as I have formerly related unto you ; my Father and Mother coming in accidentally to visit me the Morning of the same Day , that I saw Desdemona afterwards convey'd to the Temple , fearing then they might have surpriz'd me , in what I did endeavour to make a Secret to them , I put it hastily into my Pocket to conceal it , not once minding or thinking on the securing of that , which did so much concern the Safety of my Life . Afterwards , when I came to Desdemona Father's House , where this Man gave me the whole Particulars of her Death ; which when I had heard , leaving Fidelio and him together , I went into one of the most secret Alleys in the Garden , that I might give my Griefs unseen , the greater Current ; where I drew out my Handkerchief to wipe of the wandring Tears that issued from my Eyes , and at that fatal moment , as far as I can conceive by Conjectures , with that I drew out the Letter , so that my Repentance and Sorrow , both turn'd to my greater Rebuke and Punishment .

The Man proceeded forwards again in his Relation , ( saying ) After that they both understood by your Letter , that you were the only Author of all the Calamities that had befallen them , they left off to grieve , and began only now to think of Revenge , thinking your guilty Blood wou'd be more acceptable to the injur'd Spirit of Desdemona , than their fruitless Tears ; I cannot describe the bitter Complaints they made against you , for your Ingratitude , in abusing their Love and Kindnesses , with so shameless a Requital . Now Revenge had only Precedency , and reign'd Supream in their Thoughts ; my Master , as if his Youth had been renew'd , at the Sight of your Letter , leaving his Lady at Home , ran nimbly to the Judges of criminal Causes , then residing in the City ; where producing the Letter , they with all diligence , let him have Power and Authority to apprehend you , and secure , and bring you to your Answer ; to this end and purpose , the Corrigedor was strongly assisted with many of my Masters Friends , where they seiz'd you in your Fathers House ; and by your Fathers Order and Authority , you were again rescu'd out of their Hands , and convoy'd to the Water-side , where you escap'd away , your Escape being made good by your Father , a strong Party of men assaulted him , which were Friends to my Master , and he making good his Defence , was there slain ; scarce was he fallen , but the Garrison of the City came in , having notice from your Servant , which you left with him , with what unequal Odds he was assaulted ; immediately they encompassed them in with their Forces , destroying all of them , leaving not a man alive , so cruelly revenging them for the Death of their Commander , they so dearly affected ; your Servant being over-earnest , and too forward in his Revenge for his Masters Death , unhappily was slain on the Place ; your Mother was convey'd in a deadly Trance Home to her own House , where , for very Grief , for the Death of her Husband , and the Loss of you , she , in a few hours , expir'd her last Breath .

Day at last appear'd , yet blushing to behold the Catastrophe of so fatal a Tragedy , where the Streets lay cover'd with Blood and dismembred Men ; Fame soon carried Tidings of this Tumult and Disturbance to King Tancredus , who , sojourn'd then with the Earl of Palermo ; who , from my Master hearing the certain Cause of his Daughters Death , provoked the King to a speedy Revenge , and he soon accorded to his Desires ; so that with all expedition he return'd to Syracuse , where his Presence quieted the remainders of any further Stirs ; there was diligent inquiry made to discover you , but hearing you were gone , he sent many Vessels in pursuit of you ; amongst many that were sent forth , the Earl of Palermo and my Master sent out this we are now in , at their own Charge , Manning it with their own Servants , thinking their Interest wou'd oblige them to revenge their Injuries more fully , promising great Rewards to us all , if we cou'd secure you alive , or if dead , to produce your Head ; in the mean time our Vessel was Rigging , and making ready to put forth to Sea , your Father and Mother were both solemnly Inter'd in the great Temple of the City , the King himself accompanying their Bodies to the Grave , not without Tears , for the Loss of two Friends , he always so dearly affected , vowing a severe Castisement on you , if ever he did get you into his Hands ; soon after we put to Sea , and in two days time had the ill Fortune to meet with you ; what then happen'd , is bleeding fresh in Memory , and therefore needs no Rehearsal ; all that I know I have related unto you , which will be Caution enough , I hope , to perswade you forth of these narrow Seas , if you do prize your Life , and the Lives of these men that accompany you , since there is no Harbour on the African Shore will secure you ; for Sicilia being under the Government of the Carthaginians , the Senate will not deny King Tancredus things of greater consequence , than the delivering of you up into his Hands ; and to fly to the Romans , is both dangerous and perillous , since it is difficult , the Seas being so beset for you , that you can't pass without discovery ; I find Death taking Possession of my mortal Body , and my Soul , which is but a Tenant at will , ready to leave his Habitation ; let not the last remainders of this Life , to which you have shown so much Kindness , be an Occasion to destroy yours ; that I may in some sort die freed from the Obligation I stand indebted unto you in , I desire you to live , but I hold it better for me to die , than to see so many Miseries acted over afresh again , as I have been Spectator of ; I feel Death seizing on me , Oh! whether am I going ? to strange and unknown Shades , from whence none ever yet return'd back again to give a Description ; but what ever it be , it is a resting Place for Innocency ; then farewel restless World , I shall find that there , I cou'd never find in thee . He pronounc'd these last Words imperfectly , and giving a grievous Groan , he soon expir'd and gave up the Ghost . Such was the End of this true and faithful Servant , which though nameless , bears a great part in this Tragick Story , and at last seal'd it with his Blood .

I no sooner saw him departed away , but drawing my Sword , intending to have pierced my Heart , so to end my present Misery , and the thought of worse to come ; but being perceived by some Officers of the Ship , which were present at this Relation , suddenly they restrain'd me from being my own Murtherer , and by force , taking my Sword from me , they convey'd me to my Cabbin , as a frantick and desperate Man ; but first removing from thence all things wherein there lay any thought of Danger ; appointing my Physician , and four men beside to attend me ; and gathering together in Council , they agreed to stear their Course towards the Kingdom of Norway , which lies near the frozen Zone , the rather , because they had heard that my Grand-father was a man of great repute in those Parts ; and for that reason they did all concur , like the Heart of one man , in their Resolves and Opinions of going thither . Away we went forth of the Mediterranean Sea , and pass'd the Streights of Gibralter , or Hercules Pillars , touching at the Isle of Cadez , and taking in fresh Water and Victuals , needful for so long a Voyage , we left the African Shore a stern , and sail'd away due North ; when I came something better to my self , I cou'd not much gain-say or disapprove what they had done , since I had nothing cou'd detain , or perswade my Return to Syracuse , since all my Joys were vanish'd , in the Loss of Desdemona , and my dear Parents .

It wou'd be too tedious to give you a Relation over what Seas we pass'd , and how many Dangers we escap'd , sailing over mighty Waters , where the Waves , like Mountains , did almost lift us up to the Skies , and then again to cast us into a Valley , like the Jaws of Death , so that the Death we did fly from , did seem to meet us , and that which we wou'd have shun'd , began to overtake us ; but by Heavens Ordinance , which wou'd not permit my wretched Life shou'd so end , we escaped these fearful and dreadful Dangers , and were preserv'd free from Shipwrack , where every Wave threatned Ruine , and every Storm Destruction , so that at last we arriv'd safely at 〈◇〉 where casting forth our Anchors , and furling our Sails , we went ashore , where we soon found the great alteration of the Climate , and the bad Exchange we had made , in forsaking Sicilia , our native Country ; where Flora did keep a never-fading Spring , and Phoebus , with his Rays , a continual Summer ; where Bacchus kept his Vintage , and Ceres a perpetual Harvest ; the Trees and Ground being always adorn'd with the sweetest Garb that Summers Livery wears ; when here , for a greater Curse and Torment , we found the Earth disrob'd of all that we esteem pleasant and rare ; and instead of a lovely Green , covered over with Hills of Snow ; the Trees , instead of Fruit , bore Isicles ; and the Air , instead of a mild Temperature , was Cold and piercing , always clouded with Snow , accompanied with the fierce and blustering North Wind ; we left a Heaven to purchase a Hell ; yet the thought of safety sounded sweet in the midst of all our Disasters . Here we found a secure Retreat , which was freely granted unto us , by the then King of Norway ; but that was all we cou'd purchase , for my Grandfather was dead many years before , and hearing no news of my Father , imagining him to be dead , when , by his utmost diligence , he cou'd hear no Tidings of him , bequeath'd , and gave his Estate to his nearest Relations and Kinsmen , and they again to their Children , so that it had been possess'd by several Persons ; the King then Reigning , being very young , never knew my Grandfather , but by report or hearsay , so that the Remembrance of so great a Man , in a few years was quite forgotten , and almost the Thought extinguish'd and buried in Oblivion ; to so poor effect does Greatness serve to perpetuate our Memory , or Riches and high Titles to preserve our Names alive .

Man is no sooner born , but Death seeks out to find him , and when he first begins to live , he is onward on his way to die .

He enters the World with Cries and Groans , and continues them with a painful Pilgrimage .

His Years are few , and full of Misery , and there is nothing he injoys is permanent .

His Life is attended by a grievous Sickness , and his Prosperity is waited on by Adversity .

He follows Pleasures that vanish in the pursuit , and fancies Felicities that are lost in the Possession .

His Mirth is a Fore-runner of Misery , and his Hopes are but the Harbingers of Despair .

There is no high Hill , but it is to me some deep Valley ; nor no Felicity , but it hath its Vale of Sorrow .

The Rich Man surfeits in his Riches , while the Poor pines away for want of Bread , yet in Death there is no difference ; but who lays this to Heart ?

Here I was accounted of as a Stranger , although I had my Original from hence , and indeed I might well be term'd so , since the Country Customs , and Manners of the People , were all strange to me , and rather begat an Admiration , to see a Kingdom so very poor , than a Hope to receive any Sustentation from them ; I verily believe , if King Tancredus and the Earl of Palermo had known of my being there , they wou'd scarce have made so long and dangerous a Journey after me , but wou'd rather have accorded to have let me live in this Country , as being a greater Punishment than a sudden Death ; so that I need not have given the King of Norway the trouble to protect me in his Dominions ; the very Coldness of his Country , and the dangerous Seas that lay betwixt Sicilia and this Place , were of force enough for our Safety .

But Life alone , without a Livelihood to maintain it , is a continual Death ; and I think , in this distraction of Spirit , I shou'd have courted my own Ruine , had not my Concernments for my poor men , retarded me from it ; I cou'd not , without great Ingratitude , leave these poor men , who had so willingly made themselves Companions in my Misfortunes , and forsaken their own Country for my proper Interest ; a Prey to Casualties and Disasters of a strange Country , so to perish in an unknown Land . When I consider'd their Condition , my Bowels yearn'd , with the Imagination of their future Misery ; we stay'd there about five months , and all the Wealth I did injoy , serv'd only to defray our Charges , so that our Condition , as I imagin'd , was past hope of cure , and Necessity began so much to straitten me , that I had nothing left , wherewithal to maintain almost an hundred men , being all the Remainders of two hundred , the rest perishing in the late Fight . Now nothing remain'd but the bare and intire Ship . Want inforc'd me to offer it to Sail ; the poor men hanging down their Heads , with the sense of Sorrow , in expectation of their future Condition , which they apprehended was very near at hand ; none offer'd to object against the Proposal I had made , for nature call'd to be satisfi'd , and Hunger , more sharp than the Sword , in this cold and miserable Country , wou'd not admit of Reason to capitulate of any thing but the time present ; many Merchants residing there , offer'd to buy it , but we cou'd not suddenly agree of the Price , we were unwilling to sell all the Hopes we had now left , at a loss .

We were in this despairing Condition , when a strange Man , or rather a Monster of men accosted us ; his Stature was Tall , his Body Big , proportionable to his Heighth , his Looks very grim and fierce , his Hair dangling in Curls on his Shoulders , like wreath'd Snakes ; his Beard long and peaked , his Mouth big , his Nostrils wide , his Nose sharp , his Face wrinkled , yet his Eyes darted Fire ; his Cloathing was made of Bears Skins ; his Cap was made of a Tigers ; after a marvellous deform'd manner , he came towards me , with a grave and solid Pace , and standing still a little time , first viewing me , then casting his Eyes on my Men , after a while he thus bespake me . Sir , Were there not Graves enough in Sicilia , but you must needs bring these poor Wretches to make their Tombs in the Snow , which covers all this Country ? marvel not , that I say Sicilia , for I can relate your deepest Secrets , which occasion'd you to abandon your Country , to retire your self to this miserable Place , where Famine is ready to seize on you all ; let your Folly proceed no farther , as to make Sale of your Vessel , for with that you make Sale of your Lives ; I know you will plead Necessity as your Excuse , but that shall be suddenly remedied by me ; let your Men go aboard your Vessel , and expect the Issue , and about the Hours of Eleven and Twelve at night , fail not to meet me here exactly . This said , away he went , leaving me in amazement at his Discourse , yet hoping the best , and desirous to see the end , I requested my men to go aboard , which accordingly they did .

The appointed Hour being come , and the Time drawing near , and I accordingly attending at the Place nominated ; when after a small stayance , by the glimmering Light of the Stars , which shine very bright in these Northern Parts ; I cou'd perceive one making up towards me , and when the Distance began to grow less , between us , I soon discern'd it to be the same Man which had order'd my being there at that time , when he cast his Eyes on me , and saw me standing there ready , without speaking one word unto , me he cast a Mantle on the Ground , bidding me remove from the Place where I stood , and stand upon it ; his fearful Looks , strange Actions and Gestures , made me fear to abide the Issue , yet having not Courage enough to disobey his Commands , I went and stood upon it accordingly ; which I had no sooner done , but he also plac'd himself by me , and drawing out a Book forth his Bosom , he began to read strange Characters in an unknown Language , which I understood not ; with a Wand which he had in his hand , three times he circled the Mantle , then turning himself to the East , then to the West , then to the South , and lastly to the North ; when on a sudden , there arose a tempestuous Wind , and in a moment , the Mantle began to remove off from the Ground , and nimbly to mount with us into the Air ; in a few moments we were lifted up above the sight of Earth , flying swiftly away on the Wings of the Wind , till about the Hour that Lucifer , that glorious Star , did begin to appear , then the Mantle began to descend towards the Earth , in a strange unknown Place , and softly seated us , hard by the Mouth of a dismal Cave ; he beckoned me to follow him , which accordingly I did ; being enter'd the Cave , I did behold many spacious and sumptuous Rooms , richly hang'd with Cloth of Arras and Tapestry , the Tables furnished with all sorts of delicious Viands ; I still follow'd him into the midst of the Vault , where hung a bright and shining Carbuncle , which gave a clear Light to the rest of the Rooms ; all the living Creatures I did behold passing along , were many ill favour'd old Women , deform'd above what I can describe , or you Imagine ; ill shapen , and more strangely attir'd ; they all yielded a kind of Reverence to this old Man , as to their Chief ; we went through many Rooms , till at last we came into an inner Parlour , more dismal and fearful than the rest ; on the Walls were painted many strange and monstrous Shapes ; in the midst of the Room hung two Lamps , which gave a blew and dim Light , from which issu'd a sulphurous and stinking Stench of Brimstone , hard by the Lamps , was seated a large round Table , and on the Table lay a very great Book , and by the Table stood a Chair , far above the common Size , where he seated himself , and leaning his Head on his Right Hand about a quarter of an hot . He was very earnest in turning over the Leaves of the Book , and at last , leaving it open on the Table , he turn'd himself towards me , and bespake me thus .

Almerin of Sicilia , that art come to purchase a Habitation in this remote Part of the World ; wonder not at what you have seen , nor at what you see , but leave your Admiration intire for the time to come ; for the Days draw near at hand , when your Wealth shall exceed the Riches of Norway , when your Name shall become a Terrour to the Inhabitants of this Northern World ; their Kings and Rulers shall tremble for fear of you , and their Ears shall glow to hear your Acts related ; Merchants from remote Parts shall hold themselves happy in your Friendship ; you shall ingross to your self so many rich Commodities , that the Worth shall not be valu'd , and you will make the King of Norway Mighty , by reason of your Puissance ; great Kings shall request his Alliance for their own Safety , and you shall grow strong , from the Ruine of others . The time will come , nay , it is at the Doors , when Fame shall sound the Report of you to foreign Nations ; so that your Cruelties shall make you famous , for you shall destroy Mothers , and cruelly dash their Children against the Wall ; barbarously you will Deslower and Ravish innocent Virgins , destroying whole Villages , with their Inhabitants ; since you have delighted in Rape and Murther , you shall proceed , and what you have done , shall be nothing , in comparison of what you shall do ; yet remember that Saying of Artemesia , for it must be fulfilled , ( when you desire to live , you shall be surpriz'd and cut off . ) This Country you are now in , is Lapland , this Cave is my Residence ; I am Servant to Lucifer , Lord of this World , Prince of the Air , and Arch-duke of the River Stix , and chief King of the Infernal Shades ; by him I am imployed as a Register , to take the Names of all such Persons as will become his Servants , and having notice by my Intelligencers , of the lost Condition you and your Men were in , by Order from my Soveraign Lord , I have brought you here , where , before I can give you Remedy , you must , with your own Blood , write your Name in this Book , and enter your self a Servant to him , always to be at his Command and Disposal , when-ever he shall require it , only for him , and alone to him ; and of these Particulars you are not to fail . This said , he turn d the Book towards me : Look here ( said he ) and behold this huge Volumn , fill'd with the Names of such Servants as I have taken in the behalf of my Lord Lucifer ; it is no small Advantage , that he daigns you the Honour to be one of his . This said , he offer'd me a Pen and Pen-knife , and a small Cup , ( saying ) What you do , perform it quickly , for the Night begins to grow old , and you have many Miles to return to the Place from whence you came .

I , who then had not reason to consider of the Circumstances , thinking this Lucifer was some great God that our Fore-fathers and Priests did never know , and that he was pitiful , because he commiserated my woful Condition , and judging my self happy , in being own'd by so great a Deity , I made no scruple to perform what he commanded me ; so that taking the Pen-knife , I open'd a Vein in my Left-arm , while the old Senior held the Cup to receive the Blood , and having bled some small quantity , I stopt the Incision , and wrote according to the Presidents of others there before me , and sign'd it with my Name ; this done , he clos'd up the Book , and going into a dark Corner or Hole , he took forth a small Bag of Gold , and deliver'd it into my Hands , ( saying ) Let this suffice to Victual your Ship , and provide what Necessaries you are in want of ; you must now turn Rover , or in a more proper sence , Pirate , and by that means raise your Fortunes on the Sea ; here also I will give you a Treasure shall help you in your need , and secure you in the midst of Dangers . Saying this , he shew'd me a small Compass , denominating and shewing the four Quarters of the World . Here ( continu'd he ) is a Jewel not to be valu'd ; if you want Booty , sail towards the East , and you shall obtain your Desire ; if you are pursu'd , sail towards the West , and you shall secure your Retreat ; yet take this Caution with you , that you stear at such times , according to the several Points of this Compass , and not of the known Quarters of the World , for this varies from them Rules ; now what remains , but that we sit and eat what is prepar'd for us , and that you return again to your Vessel . This said , he left that dismal Room , and conducted me to one of the Tables I saw cover'd at my first coming in , where we seated our selves , being serv'd and attended by these ill-look'd old Women . Having taken some small Repast , the Cloth was taken away , and for his Diversion , he commanded the old Women to come before him , which was no sooner done , but pronouncing many strange Speeches , from the most secret parts of the Cave , there was heard to proceed a bewitching and delightful Noise of sweet charming Musick ; at the hearing of this , the old deform'd Women began to dance , in form , according to the Stops of the Musick , when in a moment , the sweetness chang'd , sounding more rude and harsh ; and in the turning of a Hand , these old Hags were transform'd into the Shape of Wolves , still dancing after a rustick manner ; immediately the Musick alter'd , and they became all metamorphosed into the Shape of Lyons , and by the changing of the Notes , into their own Likeness again , and so continuing dancing while the Melody ceased , and then they left off ; after which , the old grim Vizzer thus bespake me . I wou'd detain you with me longer , but the Time is short , and your Journey long , and your Men ardently expect your Return ; but before you go , take this Present from my Hand , it is of no small esteem , neither will it be of mean use unto you ; by Virtue of this , Eolus shall be your Slave , and Boreas and Zephyrus shall attend you , and Fortune , spite of her self , shall be your Friend . This said , he drew from his Bosom a small Cord , knit with about one hundred Knots : If you be becalmed , ( continu'd he ) undo one of these Knots , and you shall have a Gale according to your desire , at all times , and on all occasions ; for my own part , I cannot accompany you back to your Vessel , but one of these shall , pointing to the old Women . This said , we arose from the Table and went forth , where one of the Hags spread a Mantle on the Ground . I was order'd , as before , to stand on it , while he plac'd one of those horrid Monsters by my side , which being done , he takes his Book , as at first , and circling the Mantle with his Wand , he bad me farewel ; mean while the Mantle arose from the Ground , and ascended aloft into the Air , so that we soon lost a sight of his Cave , and parting the Air with incredible swiftness , being carried after such a rate , that in a small time we had gain'd the Kingdom of Norway , and the Mantle began to descend down where it first took me up ; I was no sooner gone off it , but immediately it vanish'd from 〈◇〉 sight , so that I had not one minutes time 〈◇〉 return thanks for those Kindnesses so freely confer'd on me .

The day began now to break in the East , which forc'd the Shades of Night to retire ; ( while I stood musing on the strange Passages ) Aurora leapt nimbly from watry Neptune . This sight caused me to make means to get aboard , which I soon purchased ; where coming , I found my men almost dead with Despair , but my return began to enliven and quicken their Hope , and from my Countenance , they began to presage of their own good Fortune ; being unwilling to keep them in suspence , I shew'd them the Gold , and acquainted them on what terms it was given ; I gave them a true Rehearsal of all the Accidents that had befallen me from the time I left them , unto that present hour ; and also the Discourse of the old Man , touching my self and them ; I left nothing unreveal'd of all that hapned , but discover'd all to a tittle ; my Discourse charm'd them so , that they all joyntly , with one applause , willingly offer'd to continue subject to my Commands , and freely to spend their Lives in my Defence ; I gave them many thanks for their Affection formerly shewed , and their Kindnesses still continued towards me , and distributing to every man a piece of Gold , I kept the residue to provide Necessaries for the Ship ; we all went ashore , merrily frolicking out the insuing day , all of them banishing their Fears , began to grow sprightly and lively , like m●●● Flowers , that in the absence of the Sun , dr●●p their Heads , and at his return , receive new Life and Vigour , flourishing freshly ; so these despairing men , from this new Hope , receiv'd fresh Courage , and they , that not an hour before , had not Valour enough to defend themselves , with the thought of what they had , and the Hope and Expectation of what they might have , became confident and resolute ; so that the greatest impossibilities became easie , and the greatest Difficulties possible to be overcome by them . The next Day , towards the Evening , we weigh'd Anchor , and loosed our Sails , which had lain a long time furled up ; letting fly our Colours , away we went , leaving the City of 〈…〉 at our Backs ; and now to make experience of my Compass , we stear'd towards the East accordingly , and being impatient to prove the Tryal of my Knots , I loosed one , and upon a sudden , there arose a stiff Gale of Wind , which forc'd our Ship forwards with such speed , that with our Canvas Wings , it rather seem'd to fly than to sail ; thus we spent the greatest part of the Night , thinking it to be long and tedious , because it did so much defer our Expectations of the insuing Day . Day , long wish'd for , at last appear'd , so that we might discern , on our Larboard-side , a very stately Ship sailing along ; at this sight we alter'd our Course , and made up to it with speed , and storm'd it with our Arrows , but found so small resistance , that we soon boarded the Ship , making prize of all , as well Ship as Lading , casting , a● well the Whole as the wounded Men overboard , and leaving some few of my own men to guide and conduct it , we follow'd the same Course we formerly stear'd by the Directions of the Compass ; in a few hours sail , we took two Ships more , both richly laden , and cast all the Souls overboard , as we did the first ; this was our Custom a while , least by preserving them , we had ruin'd our selves , by the Intelligence they might have given to the Kings of that Country , unto whom they did belong , and perswade them to a Revenge while we were yet in our Infancy of rising , and so soon have rooted us up , and frustrated our Intentions ; thus secretly we began to lay our Foundation and Hopes of becoming greater on the Ruine of others , till we grew to a Capacity to make opposition against the strongest Enemy that dur'st disturb us . Why , Madam , need I inlarge my self on particulars of this nature , or cloy your Ears with such Discourses as have been too dull and frequent in the Relation I have made you ? In short , we began to stear our Course for the Coast of Norway , when we discern'd a Ship making after us with full Sails , and fearing to loose the Booty we had gotten , I speedily began to undo one of my Knots , and to stear towards the West , according to the Observation of my Compass , when suddenly there arose a contrary Gale of Wind , so that in a moment we lost sight of the other Vessel ; and sailing , with a strong Wind , towards the Evening of the next ensuing Day , we discover'd the Coast of Norway , which we soon gain'd ; we anchored , and landed our Goods , which were very rich , where we made a sudden Sale , but yet reserving what was most precious , to make a Present of it to the King , the more to endear and oblige him to our Interest ; the Money I wou'd have shar'd equally amongst them all , but they wou'd not agree to that , so that by their Importunity , I was forc'd to receive the one half , with which I redeem'd the best part of my Grandfathers Possessions ; we put forth to Sea again , and return'd with many rich Prizes , as is almost incredible ; I redeem'd the residue of my Grandfathers Estate , and in a small time , purchased greater Lordships , yet always reserving a great Stock of Money , ready on all occasions ; all the Ships that were fit for War , I set forth to Sea again , making , of my own Men , Officers , which had , as their Servants , many of the Subjects of the King of Norway , that went with them . Thus we dispers'd our selves on the Sea , and became mighty on the Ocean ; if we miss'd of Booty by Water , we sought it on Land , and on the East side of Britain , and the Western Parts of Scotland we went ashore , plundring and sacking whole Towns , and convoying our Prey aboard , we return'd safely Home , so that my Fame began to rise in all Parts , and spread abroad in foreign Countries , so that not one tittle of the old Mans Words fell to the Ground unfulfil'd .

My Wealth growing great , and my Riches daily increasing , the King of Norway honour'd me so much , as to offer me his own Neece to Wife , willing me to continue in the City Royal with him , and to ordain a Deputy over my Affairs at Sea , that I might take a little Pleasure and Ease after so many past Miseries ; I promis'd to perform all that he desir'd , after I had been forth one Voyage more , and at my return , to submit to whatsoever he shou'd command me ; I gave him many obliging thanks for his Concerns he had for me , and so took my Leave of him , promising a speedy return . Our Ships being ready , and the Wind blowing fair , we quickly left Norway , and sailing about three days , by the Directions of my Compass , Eastwards , and meeting no Prize , we sever'd our selves to divers Quarters , so that I left my self alone , only with this Admiral Ship we are now in , and cruseing about some time to little purpose , we resolv'd to put ashore , on the East Parts of Albion ( as often times we had done before ) to forage for Cattel to Victual our Ship ; when at our first Landing , lo Fortune presented us with the sight of your Brother , who stood in opposition against a very great number in your Defence ; this sight diverted our former Intentions , so that we marched towards them , not to assist either Party , but to make our utmost advantage of both ; at the sight of us , those that assaulted your Brother , fled away , and he only keeping his Station , undaunted made his Stand good against us all , till being o'repower'd by Number , we took him Prisoner , and with him , your fair self , Fortune above measure , making me happy for the loss of my dearest Desdemona , so that there rests nothing now , but that I return to Norway , never to trust the Dangers of this Liquid Element any longer , there to offer my self , and what I injoy , at your Feet , and joyfully to build my whole Felicity in the Hopes I have conceiv'd , one day to be yours .

This , Madam ( continu'd he ) is the Period and end of my dismal Story , which I have truly related , not omitting ought might make me seem less faulty ; but rather , I have aggravated my Crimes , and added to my Offences ; for I find it impossible to relate Falshoods unto you , or to excuse my self with Untruths ; I am before a Judge ( your fair Self , Madam ) who can judiciously and wisely dilate upon and censure my Offences , which well weigh'd and consider'd , will rather inforce Pity than Resentments , that may prove fatal unto me , since none of my Crimes have proceded from my Inclinations , but from my adverse Fate , did I practice Artemesia's Death ? remember that wicked Issue , had a noble Parent Love ; was I unconstant to Artemesia ? Oh remember my Constancy to Desdemona ! think , if I cou'd have been unconstant , I might have been less wretched ; if I have oblig'd you in the Rehearsal , or disoblig'd my self , I am not able to judge , yet consider how willing I am to court all Opportunities to endear you , and that I hazard my own Interest , for the pettiest occasion to oblige you ; there is something due to that ; shou'd you hold me guilty , I will not justifie my self , or judge me innocent . I wou'd continue silent , and make no reply , but rest satisfied , in granting your Request in this Rehearsal and Relation of the History of my Life .

The Continuation of the History of Orsamus and Cynthia .

HEre Almerin ended the Story of the Adventures of his Life , leaving Orsamus and Cynthia in Admiration and Astonishment ; they saw he was pursu'd by a Divine Hand , and that it was impossible for him to fly his Fate , so that they began to look on their own Condition , fearfully apprehending the Calamities that might befal them , in being Prisoner to one , who being follow'd by Divine Vengeance , made all miserable that were concern'd in any thing that appertain'd unto him ; they well knew what they cou'd expect , or receive from the Hands of one , whose Life had been monstrous , but the latter part most fearful and horrid ; their Fears almost made them despair , but that they did remember , Heaven doth always assist the Vertuous in their greatest Calamities , and is nearest at hand with Remedy and Relief , when our Miseries become most desperate , and past Cure .

Alexander Magnus , that brave Macedonian Monarch , being by the States of all Grecia , chosen Captain General to pass into Asia , and to make War with the Persians ; before he took Ship , he enquir'd after the Estate of all his Friends , to know what Means they had to follow him ; then he distributed and gave to one Lands , to another a Village , to this man the Custom of some Haven , to another the Profit of some Borough Town , bestowing in this manner , the most part of his Demesns and Revenues ; and when Perdicus , one of his Lieutenants , ask'd him what he reserv'd for himself ; he answer'd , ( I leave Hope for Alexander ; ) so great Confidence had this Noble Warrier in his own Vertue ; nothing in the World is more common than Hope , it abides with the most Prosperous , nor doth it abandon the most Wretched ; without Hope , our Life wou'd be insupportable ; for as the Winds do not always blow vehemently , so happy Men are not ever Fortunate , nor unhappy Men always Miserable ; Hope easeth the Burthen of Mans Miseries , and it never fails him until he ceases to be ; Hope is the best Comforter in the greatest Adversities , because nothing so much dissipates the sharpness of present Calamities , as the hope of future Felicities ; there is Vicisitudes in all things , and nothing below continues in one State and Condition ; Winter does not continue ever , and the Moon is not always in her Wain ; those Fortune frowns on to day , she may smile on to morrow ; the Air is not always tempestuous , nor the Sun continues not long clouded ; Vertuous Persons may fall into Misfortunes , but they be of small durance . These Considerations did something allay and dissipate the Griefs our disconsolate Lovers endured , else it had been too heavy a Burthen ; for their Condition seem'd so desperate , only a Divine Power cou'd relieve them , since Humane Assistance fail'd them ; the Relation of Almerin's Life , instead of a Divertisement , that Cynthia expected , became an Addition to their own Miseries , and an Augmentation of their Fears ; yet in civility , she was inforc'd to render him thanks for his Narration ; after some discourse had pass'd about some Particulars of it , day left this upper World , and Night began to cloath her self in a sable Black , so puting a period to their Discourse , Orsamus and Almerin , each taking their respective Farewels of Cynthia , left her to her Rest ; Orsamus retiring to his Cabbin , and Almerin to give Commands to his Souldiers , concerning the ordering of the Ship . Some days pass'd away , while they crused about , in expectation of some more prizes , that they might not go Home unloaden for Norway . This Consideration alone , retarded their Voyage .

In the mean time , Almerin prosecuted his Suit to Cynthia with much eagerness , still keeping himself in the bounds of his Respect , until , by the return of Cynthia's Beauty , his Love blew his Lust into a Flame , which cou'd not be extinguish'd without Peril to either side ; Love is a Passion , of all other , most lovely , until Lust takes a Moiety , and becomes his Rival ; then it becomes a very Tyrant , and is subject to the greatest Villany , for were Passion bears sway there is no place admitted for Reason to plead ; no wonder then if Almerin broke the Laws wherewith he had confin'd himself , since Reason made them , and Passion is always a Rebel to Reason ; sometimes they give him fair hopes , but as often defer him with delays , but delay breeds impatience , and impatience as often begets Extreams ; this was fully verified in Almerin , although Cynthia forbore as much as possible , to treat him harshly , that she might still keep him in terms of Respect .

About nine days had pass'd away , since first they were surprised , when he came very rudely into her Cabbin , and with much Insolence , treated her in this manner : Madam , I see all my Civilities have been lost upon you , and you provoke me to destroy all the Considerations that have flow'd from that Fountain . I have henceforth decreed to seek my Satisfaction by other means , so that I allow you until to morrow to frame a Resolution , and if that fail , to o'recome your Obstinacy , I shall know how to oblige you unto it , in spight of your Aversion . He confirm'd this Menace with many other , and his Actions agreeing thereunto , told him to have spake nothing , but what he had fully determin'd before in his Mind ; saying this , he left the Ca●bin , without the least respect , and in his going out , he fortun'd to meet Orsamus , as then going to pay his usual Visit to Cynthia , and greeting him in this rough Language : Sir ( said he ) remember , from henceforth you are my Prisoner , and since Fortune is no more kind unto you , and gives you no greater Tie over your Sisters Affections , that she will not suffer you to gain your Freedom , from henceforth you shall be treated like a Slave , or like one that has bafled and deluded me with false hopes ; henceforth I shall find other ways to compass my Ends , without your Intercession ; until to morrow I have allow'd your Sister to veil her Wilfulness to my Desires , which if you can perfect , you may both yet be happy . Saying , this , he left him , not expecting a Reply ; which Fortune fell out well for Orsamus , for his Answer , no doubt , wou'd have incensed the Pirate to present Extremities , for Almerin spake to a man , whose Spirit was not capable to be frighted by Bugbears ; instead of being amazed at his Change , it began to rouse his Courage for a speedy Revenge : Base Man ( said he ) Dost think thy Villany shall always remain unpunish'd , and that there is no Period set to thy Wickedness ? Barbarous Man ( continued he ) thou dost but hasten on thy Fate , which else might have been defer'd some small time longer . This said , he entred into Cynthia's Cabbin , yet composing all that was fierce and terrible in his Looks to a lovely Sweetness , he found the Idea of all his Felicity , bathing that lovely Object in Tears ; Love and Pity wou'd have perswaded him to bear her Company in her Sorrows , she made Grief seem so lovely ; but better reason taught him to dissipate those Floods of Woes , if possible , that thus oppress'd her ; when falling at her Feet , embraceing her Knees , with a tender emotion of Pity and Compassion : Why these precious Showers , Madam ? ( said he ) wherefore these Over-flowings of Grief ? is it because this Villain has so confidently set a time to finish his Desires ? Alas my dearest Princess ! he does but hurry on his own Punishment , and set an end unto his Villany ; fear not the Issue , Madam , for if you fear , I shall faint ; from your Eyes I shall receive my Destiny ; oh ! let them not be overcast with clouds , as a certain Omen of my Overthrow ; Death it self , cou'd not beget an Effect in my Soul like your Tears . Oh cease to exercise those Cruelties on your self ! and be not so unkind to one that loves you above his Life .

All the time of this Discourse , Orsamus remain'd at her Feet , excess of Grief having almost made her insensible ; but recollecting her Spirits , taking him by the Hand , Rise Orsamus , ( said she ) and blame not my Griefs , since Fortune intends to put no Period to our Misfortunes , nor end to our Miseries ; she is become cruel without remorse , and Pitiless without Compassion ; if I think of Hope , she soon transforms it into Despair , and if I dare imagine I may be more Happy , she soon curbs me in for that Presumption ; if there is no determinate end set to my Misfortunes , why shou'd I expect any longer , and not court Death as the last Remedy ? then blame not the Tears I shed in so woful a Case , since some fall for Orsamus , and accompany those that drop away for Cynthia . Orsamus ravish'd at this free and unconstrain'd Answer of Cynthia , and manifestation of her Pity : Oh! Madam , ( said he ) how happy do you make me in the midst of my Misfo●tunes , a thousand such Lives as mine spent in your Service , were but poor Arguments to balance , or make a Recompence for the least of those precious Tears that you shed . Oh rest contented , my dearest Princess ! I am only safe in your Security , and happy in your Satisfaction : Oh fear not for me ! it is impossible I shou'd be thus fortunate and yet be unhappy .

In such mournful Discourse they past away the Day , till Night approach'd to accompany them with her dismal Shades ; this Night Orsamus continu'd with Cynthia , a woful Companion of her Sorrows , nor was it gainsaid by Almerin , since he apprehended it wou'd be a furtherance to his Designs ; much Discourse pass'd between these unfortunate Lovers that ●nsuing Night , so woful , that my Pen cannot decipher them in their true Colours , and therefore I continue silent .

Night began to cast off her Sable Mantle , and Luna gave an Exit to this upper World ; Darkness was hush'd away , and Phoebus newly darted his resplendent Rays from the East , when our disconsolate Lovers prepar'd themselves for the Disasters that might befal them the succeeding Day . Scarce had the Aurora of the Day given place to that illustrious Planet the Sun , but Almerin , with hasty Steps , made towards the Cabbin-door ; which was no sooner perceiv'd by Orsamus , but he made ready for his Entertainment ; Cynthia perswaded him from an Attempt upon his Life , but he return'd answer , Cease fair Soul , and let me alone , middle ways to such Enterprizes are dull . By this time Almerin came to the Cabbin-door , which was open'd unto him by Orsamus ; at his Entrance , he suddenly disarm'd him of his Sword , with such an impetuous Fury , that before he cou'd cry for Help , or make the least Resistance , he cast him deadly wounded at his Feet . Lie there , thou main Obstructer of my Quiet , ( said he ) take the Reward of thy Villany in the Grave . Hardly was he fallen on the Deck , but his amaz'd Spirits return'd , being ready to give a Farewel to that old Companion the Body ; which Orsamus seeing , made ready to give him another Blow , so to make a sudden End to that fatal Separation , which Almerin perceiving , cry'd out , Oh hold your Hand ! it is enough , I feel my Soul is ready to take her Flight , and my Continuance here will be but for a few moments , when I must go hence , and never return no more . O take a Truth from my Mouth ! the last Words of a dying Man , and let them be annexed to the fatal Story of my Life , for the advantage of succeeding Times .

Yesternight , about the time that the Moon , the fair Ruler of the dismal Shades , began to decline towards the West , t'illume that part of Heaven , the Bell then beating One , as I lay in my Cabbin upon my Bed , a feeble and low Voice came unto my Ear : Almerin awake , the last Period of thy Life draws near ; oh be wise ! and endeavour to avoid it . I suddenly started from my Bed at this Summons , but stiffned with amazement , for behold I saw the fair Idea of my dearest Desdemona close by me , in the same Form I have related unto you : Arise , continu'd this fair Shape , and let me make thee understand things whereof thou art yet Ignorant , for which I have burst the Cerements of my Sepulchre , and the Earth wherein I was hearsed , to give thee a timely Warning : but soft ; methinks I scent the Morning Air , I must be brief , and so leave thee . Know Almerin , the utmost Date of thy Life , allotted thee by the Fares , is at an end , since thou desirest to live , and there is no way to avoid it , but by neglecting the Cause : Oh , cease to love this fair Unknown , now in thy Custody ! thy Love to me , has made thy Life unpleasant ; the continuance of thy Love to her , will make thee miserable to all eternity ; set her ashore , on the Land from whence thou ravish'dst her , and make thy self miserable by her Absence , that beginning to loath thy Life , thou may'st keep it some few moments longer , which spend to pacifie the offended Deities , that thou may'st be happy in the Life to come ; make use of this Advertisement , from one that must needs love thee in the Grave . About this time , a Cock , I have a long time kept aboard my Vessel , began to crow , at which this fair Spirit started , as a guilty thing . But hark , ( continu'd it ) I hear a Summons , that speaks Matins to be near , so that I must depart with speed to my Confinement : Adieu , adieu , make use of my Advice ; farewel , and be happy ; and so it vanish'd from my Sight . When I recollected my amazed Spirits , I cou'd not frame a Resolution to prefer my Life before my Love , and indeed my Soul was so rack'd and disturb'd , that much t me pass'd before I cou'd resolve on anything ; but at last , constrain'd by necessity , I agreed to quit my dearest Object for ever ; but alas , alas , many Doubts cast themselves in the way , and my Mind was as yet unstable , unto which side I shou'd incline : so that leaping from my Bed , I girded on my Sword , leaving my Cabbin to make these Disasters known unto you , to crave your Advice , and see what has fallen out ; in my Death I have no more than my Deserts , yet I shou'd die satisfi'd , cou'd I secure your Safety ; but my Breath begins to fail me , so that I cannot perform this last Office to my Love . Oh this gloomy World ! in what a Shadow and deep Pit of Darkness do you leave us ; into what dismal Place , and Abiss of misery must I be convey'd ? Where must my fleeting Soul take her Habitation ? Oh you Divine Deities , that punish the Errors Mortals commit in this Life , with perpetual Torments ! is there no End or Period set , but from Eternity to Eternity ? is there no revoking of your Decrees , nor no Cessation of our Torments ? Oh no! Alas , alas , none that go to that appointed Place , ever return back again . Oh horrible ! Oh fearful ! Oh terrible ! still beginning , and never ending Eternity ; now I desire to live , because I fear to die ; yet I wou'd die , because I wou'd be freed from the Fear of worse to come . Oh happy , they that so live , that they may never be afraid to die ; to such , Death is a Bed of Rest , eternal Happiness , and their Reward is Elizium ; — but mine is — another Voyage , — my last minutes are at hand ; — I go away in a Mist I know not how ; — I can no more , — Farewel . — At this Word he gave up the Ghost , to the amazement of Orsamus , and the Terror of Cynthia .

In a moment , the Glory of the Day was overcast with black Clouds , the Winds grew boistrous , and the Seas turbulent ; the resounding Echo of the Thunder-claps were terrible to the Hearer ; Flashes of Lightning made the Ship seem on Fire , with Storms of Hail and Rain , so that there began a cruel Tempest ; the Waves grew proud , and the Ship disdain'd to be govern'd by the Pilots Skill ; so that the Men made towards Cynthia's Cabbin , to give notice to their Captain , to have his Advice ; when , behold they were amaz'd at the dismal Object presented unto their Eyes ; they saw him wallowing in his own Blood , at the Entrance of the Cabbin ; this Sight was follow'd by a loud and bitter Cry , and with the Lamentations of many different Voices ; still the Storm continued , and their Confusion increased , until at last , recollecting their Distraction , they agreed with one Consent , to make good their Revenge upon Orsamus , who they doubted not , had been the Murtherer of their Captain ; part they appointed to manage the Ship in that Storm , while the rest went to sacrifice his Blood to the Ghost of their slain Commander ; their Resolution was answerable to their Design ; for the Loss of their Captain , whom they lov'd so intirely , and in whom they built their future Fortunes , had rais'd their Choler to such an heighth , that nothing cou'd allay it but his Death ; this was made manifest in their fierce Assault , which was by Orsamus as bravely repulsed ; for he had gotten this Advantage , that defending himself at the Entrance of the Cabbin-Door , but one at a time cou'd endanger or hurt him , and that Odds seem'd not much unequal unto him ; the Combat continu'd hot on both sides , Orsamus for the Safety of his dearest Cynthia , and the Pirats for their Revenge ; three of the Pirats , Orsamus had sent to accompany their Captain , neither did he himself escape without Wounds ; things were thus stated , when the Tempest began to asswage , and one from the Fore-castle began to cry out A Sail , a Sail . This Summons perswaded them to defer their Revenge for a small time , so that of that great number that assail'd him , six only staid as a Guard to secure him , fearing , shou'd they ingage , he might issue forth , and joyn with the Enemy , to their no small disadvantage .

The Ship drew nearer , making towards them with full Sails , and before their Preparations were in a readiness for defence , they were saluted with a shower of Arrows , that seem'd to darken the Sky ; in a few moments they came to a closer Combat , and grapled with their Ship , then the Fight became bloody and cruel , Despair made the Pirats couragious , so that twice they repuls'd them , with no small Loss ; in the third Assault they were worsted , and their Enemies taking advantage of their Retreat , slew all leaving not a man alive ; those that guarded Orsamus were fled away , and escap'd his Hands , but it was only to fall by others ; some that were forwardest for Plunder and Spoil , wou'd have entred Orsamus's Cabbin , but their Lives paid the Forfeit of their Folly ; this occasion'd another bickering , and drew most part of the Conquerors together , to behold a Resistance so bravely maintain'd by one Man , where eight lay wallowing in their Blood ; yet he made good his Defence still , in the Passage he had undertaken to keep ; thus he continued triumphing in their Deaths , making himself a Barricado of their Carcases , while the Victorious Captain that had boarded the Ship was a Spectator , and pitying that so much Bravery shou'd wither in the Bud , and be destroyed by rustick Hands , he commanded his Men to leave assailing him : and drawing something nearer : Gallant Man ( said he ) your Courage has gain'd an Esteem in the Breast of your Enemy ; cease this fatal Contest , and I promise you Safety , both of Life and Liberty .

Your Offer is Noble , ( replied Orsamus ) nor cou'd it flow , but from a Breast truly generous ; it is not only against your Men I have made this Resistance , but against the whole Strength of the Ship , before your Valour subdu'd it ; the Captain lies here a Sacrifice , slain by my hand , and nothing cou'd have preserv'd my Life , had not Divine Providence directed you hither ; yet being my Preserver , I dare not deliver my self on these Terms ; not that I doubt the Performance of your Promise but a small Addition thereunto ; here is within this Cabbin , one , whose Safety if I cannot secure , I shall little value my own ; if you please to let us both share alike in your Bounty and Generosity , and promise to include us both in that noble Offer of Life and Liberty you so lately proffer'd me , I 'll submit my self to your Protection ; if not , I am ready to make good my Defence , with the Loss of that Life , I shall not esteem , without the intire Performance of these Articles . Saying this , he put himself in a Posture of Defence . Hold , ( quoth the Captain ) for Curiosities sake , I 'll fulfil all thy Request , in the King of Kents Name , my Royal Master , I plight thee my Faith , and before our great God , I vow to keep it intire . Orsamus remain'd amaz'd at his Answer , and after some Resolutions in his Spirit , ( he replied ) Ha , King of Kent said you ? come and finish what you have begun , for I 'll never live to see that in anothers Power , the Treasure in anothers Custody , that is whole and intirely due to my Merits .

Scarce had these Words took a Farewel from his Mouth , but behold an aged old man , with more hast than his many years wou'd permit him , made through the Croud towards him , and being come something nearer , that he might be heard , with an Ecstacy of Joy , he utter'd these Word , ( My Noble Lord Orsamus living , and found here ! Heavens , you have satisfied my tedious Expectations ! ) and pausing a while with admiration , he continu'd his Discourse : Sir , I am not so much lost unto your Memory , but you may remember one Willifrid . At this Orsamus recollecting himself , cried out , My dear Father , Oh come into this fatal Place , that I may have this Happiness in Death , to die in the Defence of two Persons that share my Soul betwixt them ! Oh Sir ! ( replied the old Man ) talk not of Death , we came in search of you , only for your Safety ; that I may make all this evident unto you , cease your Admiration for a time . This said , and all continuing silent , he proceeded as followeth .

Oswald , that famous King of the Northumbers , had a Brother named Oswin , the only Successor to that great Kingdom ; he was married to a Noble Lady , by whom he had Issue , Egfrid the Elder , and Orsamus one year younger ; ( so that you are not my Son , as hitherto you have esteem'd your self ) when that fatal Battel of Masserfield was fought by King Penda , the Tyrant of Mercia , against your Uncle Oswald , King of the Northumbers , in which Field he was slain , so weak were the Hopes of your Family , that I thought it great Wisdom and Thrift , to preserve one alive , in spite of the Vicisitudes of Fortune , that there might not want one of that Family to sway the Scepter of the Northumbers . It was then uncertain , whether Oswin your Father , or your elder Brother Egfride had ended their Lives at that moment ; as soon as Tidings were brought of their dismal Overthrow , I fled with you , being as then about ten years old , unto the next Port Town , where I got Shiping , and escaped away , to find a more secure Sanctuary in another Country , than in our own ; that I kept you from the Knowledge of your self , your Pardon ; it was my Love that err'd , for I did conclude it wou'd be prejudicial . While we were sailing on the Ocean , as you well remember , there arose a mighty Tempest , that I imagin'd we escap'd Death on the Land , to receive it from that liquid Element ; the Storm increased , and with it our Fears , the Skill of the Mariners was us'd in vain , so that being left to the mercy of the Sea and Wind , we were convoy'd unto unknown Parts ; the Storm continued , so that about the dawning of the second Day , we discern'd Land , and before ever we had time to recollect upon what Shore we were east , we grounded upon a Rock , so that the Ship burst into a thousand pieces ; the little time I had left , I did consider of your Safety , so that tying two Casks together , and securing you safely on , I left you to the mercy of the Sea , while I did provide for my own Security ; neither cou'd I find that you did relent so much at the sense of Danger you were expos'd unto , as at your parting from me ; after much danger of my Life , I secur'd me on a piece of Timber that came from the broken Ship , but mine was driven a contrary Course unto that which you went , so that we were soon separated a great distance , so that I never saw you since , until this moment . Sometime after your Father recover'd , and took Possession of his Brothers Kingdom , and after I had made a strickt Inquiry about them Parts , where I conceived you were landed ashore , and not finding you , I imagin'd you had paid your Life , as a Tribute unto the unmerciful Waves : so that I return'd home sorrowful into my own Country , and made this Relation unto your Father , who bitterly lamented your Loss ; but time at last put your Memory into Oblivion , when we consider'd you were not among the Living .

Some years had added themselves unto the Age of Time , when Fame proclaim'd , in our Country , the excellent Beauty of Cynthia , Daughter to the King of Kent ; so much did the Report of this fair Unknown , seize your Brother Egfrid's Affections , as he desir'd his Father to treat of an Alliance with the King of Kent , by a Marriage with his Daughter ; his Father , that after the Report of your Death , did prize him as the Apple of his Eye , unwilling to cross his Affections in a Cause so just , immediately accorded with his Desires , and chose me for that Embassage ; so that well attended , in a few days I arriv'd at Doroborina , the Regal City of Kent ; in a small time I was admitted to a Hearing , where I deliver'd the sum of my Ambassage ; hardly had I arriv'd unto the Period of my Commands , but with Tears in his Eyes , he began as followeth .

Sir , Some few years ago , when my Felicity was more upholden by Fortune than at present , when I injoy'd my dearest Cynthia ; for now she is not ; or if she be , she is not to me , in a pleasant Morning , e're Sol had cast his Rays from the East on the Mountain tops , she arose to injoy the Variety of the pleasant Spring , which Flora had cloath'd in her choiceest Garb ; the pearly Dew did yet hang on the sweet Damask Roses , and the Infant Blossoms cast forth a pleasant Savour ; the wild Queristers of the Wood made the Vallies ring with the Echo of their delightful Notes ; while her Contemplation was taken up on the musing of these Rareties , her Curiosity had brought her to a little Path , which led towards the Sea , which was not far from the Place where she then was ; straying some small way farther , and casting her Eyes on the Ocean , they encountred with an Object , that at once parted her Admiration and Pity ; she saw a Youth about her own Age , that had secur'd himself on two Casks , and with his utmost Skill , endeavour'd to gain the Shore , Remorse is never wanting in so tender a Breast , nor was it now absent from hers ; she commanded those men that attended , with all expedition , to make off , and save his Life , and bring him unto her , having more timorous apprehensions of his Safety , than at that time needed ; her Commands were exactly obey'd , so that by their Industry , in a few moments they had secur'd him ashore , and weak and feeble as he was , presented him before Cynthia ; he stood as one amaz'd , gazing on her Face a long time , at last breaking silence , he began as followeth . Oh Heavens ! Where am I cast ? to what happy Shore am I brought ? do the Deities transform themselves into the Shape of Mortals , to become my Preservers ? Whatever you be , ( continu'd he ) with a Grace Magestick , you can never make this Live you have preserv'd happy , if you divorce it from this sweet Object . This was spoken with an Action so becoming , that it was the Wonder of the Spectators . This Discourse was as innocently taken as it was spoken , and Cynthia answer'd it only with a Smile , giving Commands they shou'd shift off his whet Cloths , and attire him in New ; telling him he shou'd be hers , and wait on her . He took his Leave with a profound Reverence , and she left him to the Guard of her Servants , and return'd to the Palace . The Sun had not run many hours in his Career , before this pretty Youth was again presented unto Cynthia , array'd according to her desire ; the Fear of Death being past , and his feeble Spirits revived by her Servants Care , his Vigor returned to its former Lustre ; the changing of his Habit made him appear so graceful , that she cou'd hardly perswade her self he was the same , whom , a few hours before , she did behold in that forlorn Condition ; so much do Ornaments add to exterior Beauty . These Helps made her discover a new Mine of Masculine Beauties , which before , feem'd to have left their Habitation , so that she suffer'd him to gain ground in her Affection , and a great hold in her Esteem ; I remember I was walking in my Palace Garden , when Cynthia presented him unto me , after her Observations pay'd , which were never wanting . Look here Sir , said she , taking the Youth by the Hand , with a Smile sweetly innocent : See how fortunate I have been to day by my early rising , to be the Preserver of this pretty Lad , which , with your Consent , I wou'd have to attend on me , since it is his desire to spend his Life , I so happily preserv'd , in my Service . With this she related where , and how he came unto her Hands ; I staid some time for an Answer , contemplating his Behaviour , and sweet becoming Graces ; me-thought I saw something in that Morning of his Age already risen , of Majestick and Heroical . I question'd him of his Name , Country , and Friends ; he accosted me with a Garb , wherein was nothing of Rustick , and with a stately Modesty , he return'd me this Answer . Sir , my Name is Orsamus , my Father an aged old Man , which I fear , ( continued he , with a grievous Sigh ) perish'd in the late Storm ; my Country is far hence , in Parts unknown to me , for some Reasons , unreveal'd , my Father left it , and being Shipwrackt in the late Tempest , he secur'd my Safety upon two Casks ; many hours I continu'd on the Waves , uncertain of Life , until I was cast on this happy Shore , and rescued from the Jaws of Neptune , by this Fair Divinity , in whose Service I shou'd be too happy , were I assur'd of my dear Fathers Safety . At the Period of this Discourse , he let fall a shower of Tears , to the memory of so near a Loss ; we comforted him with the most agreeable words we cou'd frame , telling him , his Mistriss wou'd be to him instead of a Father , that if his Father were cast upon our Coast , he shou'd have notice given of his Safety ; he seem'd much satisfied with this Discourse , which Contentment he express'd in his Countenance , for that time he left me , and attended the Princess .

He was already become the Darling of the whole Court , every day added to the esteem he had already gotten , who all admir'd such uncommon Graces shou'd bud in years so green ; he had a Solidity that o'ertopt his Age , he was never hardly from Cynthia's eye , nor indeed did she desire it , so that he seem'd to bound his whole Felicity in her Service ; he waited upon her Walks and Recreations , but still kept himself about her with a profound Reverence ; his Officiousness was such , that all his Actions bespake him ; he wou'd not prize the dearest Good before the least and smallest occasion to please her ; he courted all Opportunities , Times and Places , to make it manifest ; if she wou'd retire her self into an Arbour , there wou'd he charm sweet Sleep upon her Eye-lids , with delightful Musick , in which Art he was very excellent ; and while she slept , he wou'd remain a careful Sentinal ; the Princess , young as she was , did not bury these Services in oblivion , but rated them at their true value in her Breast , rewarding all with a grand Esteem , which was receiv'd by him , as a Reward far exceeding his Merits ; he cou'd so sweeten his Discourse and Actions to so near a Sympathy , his Conversation being so charming and agreeable , that Cynthia was never satisfied when he was absent ; as his years increas'd , he bent his delight to Manly Exercises , so that many times his gallant Deportment in publick Spectacles , drew admiration from all that did behold him , and ere he had attain'd his fifteenth year , he won the Prize in all those Exercises wherein Valour or Wit were needful : so that he became rarely skil'd in every Undertaking , to which his Vertuous Inclinations carried him . Cynthia counted that day happy wherein she found him , and my greatest Nobles became enamor'd of his Carriage , calling him the fair Stranger ; his Behaviour was so free , sweet , generous , and obliging , that there was not one that envied his Happiness ; nor was it a small hold he had gotten in my Esteem .

His Affairs stood thus in Court , when my Land was suddenly invaded by Cevaline , King of the West-Saxons . I rais'd an Army to oppose him , as speedily as time wou'd permit me , and set forward to meet him ; when this young Novice , fir'd with Hopes of Action , to make tryal of his Valor , taking opportunity , when the Princess was alone , he accosted her in this manner . Madam , I am too happy in the Felicity you have raised me unto , in being your Servant , nor wou'd I prefer my Life , when I cease to be yours . But now opportunity presents , what perchance Fortune may never offer again ; your Country is invaded by Enemies , and I wou'd desire your good Leave , to accompany your Royal Father in this Expedition against those Pagans , that dare to commit so great a Sacrilege , where in the Field of Honour , I may purchase some petty Trophies , that may raise me to deserve that Esteem your Goodness has had for me . Cynthia having a while consider'd of his Request , with an unusual Kindness in her Eyes , made this Reply . Yes Orsamus , you have my free Leave to go , nor can I trust you better , than with my Father ; yet shall I tell you , it is not without regret , I give you this Licence . Yet it is no small hopes I promise my self from these early beginnings of your Bravery ; go then , and be happy , for you shall never want the Prayers of your Mistriss . Then , ( quoth he ) in a Rapture , I dare Fortune to bring the least Obstruction to my Hopes . This said , he attended her to my Chamber , where she made known his Resolution unto me ; nor cou'd I disapprove the Gallantry of his Mind , but commending his Forwardness , gave him my Consent , ordering him always to be near my Person ; thus I parted from my dearest Cynthia , leaving her Rosie Cheeks bedew'd with Pearly Tears , for fear of the Dangers I expos'd my self unto .

We marched forwards by unusual Journies , to hinder the Enemies foraging of the Country , until at last we encamp'd upon a large Plain , on the Frontiers of my Kingdom , call'd Black-Heath ; here we took the advantage of our Ground , and bad the Enemy Battle ; it was first began by the Forerunners of our Armies , but at last our main Battels ingaged , and the Fight became bloody on both sides , Victory as yet remaining doubtful , to which side she wou'd incline , at last , by a violent Charge of the Enemy , my Ranks were broken , and my main Battle disorder'd , and spite of my Guard , I was taken Prisoner ; this was no sooner understood by Orsamus , but like a young Mars , he rush'd into the midst of the Throng , dealing Blows with so much Bravery , that instead of making a Defence , his Actions were become the admiration of the Beholders , to see one so young , become so resolute and daring ; five lay groveling on the Earth , and thought of Death made others keep at further distance , thinking themselves happy in avoiding his fatal Sword , which never fell but perform'd dire Execution , that by their hasty Flight , many times his Blows only parted the brittle Air ; he follow'd this Advantage with such good success , that , spight of their Resistance , before they cou'd secure me in the Body of their Army , he had re-mounted me upon his own Horse , mounting himself upon one he had made Masterless , and by his Valor forc'd our way , and secur'd me amongst my own Troops . Upon certainty of my Safety , my men that began to leave the Field , made a brave Retreat , and renew'd the Fight with so much Fury , that Victory declar'd wholly on our side ; but it came in bloody Colors , with the Loss of twenty thousand men . Cevaline narrowly escap'd away , but his Brother was taken Prisoner by Orsamus , and so were many other of his chiefest Captains ; so that very few escaped away . When the Fight was ended , I had Orsamus to my Tent , where I saw him disarm'd , and some slight Wounds he had receiv'd dress'd by my own Surgeon ; I caressed him with all the Endearments due to an only Son , knighted him in the Head of my Army , confer'd Honours on him , I thought Youth might be ambitious off ; he receiv'd all with a becoming Obedience , and a dutiful Respect ; his Fortune did not make arrogant , but rather added to his Humility . After Rites , due to the Dead were performed , we marched Home triumphant , with our Prisoners , the Trophies of our Victory , unto this City ; our Entrance was manificent , and this young Warrier accompanied me on my Right-hand ; their Eyes were wholly fixed on him , their Praises were numberless , the Vows they made in his behalf were many , such as many times raised a fiery Blush in his youthful Cheeks ; at last we arriv'd at the Palace , where we were receiv'd by Cynthia with many Expressions of Joy ; I took her by the Hand , see here , my dear Cynthia , said I , your Servant returns home safe , the Protector of your Fathers Life , and your Countries Champion . Orsamus ( said she ) I always expected great matters from your Valor , but those Actions be excessive . Madam ( replied Orsamus ) Cou'd you look for less , from one that has the Honour to be yours ? 't is impossible you shou'd pray , and not receive the fruition of your Wishes . These Words were delivered with an Air repleat , and receiv'd by Cynthia with an Action wholly charming ; he attended us in , where the residue of that day , I spent in giving Cynthia an exact Relation of the last Fight , all which , begat Orsamus a greater esteem in her Affection . I shou'd be too tedious , shou'd I relate the Discourse then passed , or the Vicissitudes that hapned almost a year after , but only tell you , he remained beloved of all , and surely seated in Cynthia's Affections , where he treasured up his whole Felicity .

But it fortuned soon after , although unknown unto me , I became the Disturber of his Quiet , and chief occasion that he left my Court . It fell out thus ; the East-Angles King , my adjoyning Neighbour , craved Cynthia in Marriage by his Ambassador , for his Son Cordello ; my Council advised me to grant his Request , telling me , that by gaining so near an Alley , I did secure my Kingdom the more firmly from Invasion ; I condescended to their Advice , and concluded the Marriage with the said Ambassadors , telling them I wou'd celebrate their Nuptials in Doroborina ; the Ambassadors returned Home , and in a few days after Cordello arriv'd with a great Train . The day was appointed to joyn their Hands , all Necessaries provided , yet by a sad turn of Fortune , it came to no effect .

After this Contract of Marriage , Orsamus became possessed with an unusual Melancholy , he sought out Solitary Places wherein to spend his time , a mortal Sadness was charactered in all the Features of his Face , the whole Court concern'd themselves in his Misfortunes , and my self was not the least ; I oftentimes demanded of him from whence this Change did arise , but he never yielded me any account . This was soon taken notice of by Cynthia , so that being with him alone in the Garden Walks , taking opportunity from those Heart-breathing Sighs , that brake from the Closet of his Breast ; How now Orsamus ? ( said she ) why these Sighs ? wherefore is your Countenance changed , seeing you are not sick ? What , have you let your self fall into a Distemper below the Knowledge of your Mistriss ? reveal it , that , if possible , I may procure a Remedy . There spake , my Mistris ( replied Orsamus ) yes , it is only you can yield a Remedy ; you made me happy , only to be unfortunate ; Oh that I had been buried in the raging Waves , I shou'd have found a resting place in Elezium , and not have died by a second Death , more violent and cruel than the first ! Oh , Madam ! ( continued he ) Resolve me , must you be married ? Yes , ( replied Cynthia , amaz'd at his Discourse ) it is so decreed . Then farewel Hopes , ( continu'd Orsamus ) now Madam , you have provided a Remedy , Death and Despair will soon give a Period to my Life ; but because I will accord with your Desire , in revealing the Cause of these strange Effects , that your Displeasure may hasten on the Death I so much desire , Know , Madam , from that moment you preserv'd my Life , until this time , I have nourish'd a Passion for your Vertues , accompanied with such a Zeal , as will follow my Ashes to the Grave ; my Resistance and Reason became too weak to turn the Current of it , although I levied all the Power against you , that was likely to present any Fruit to Hope , even in my greener Youth , which you know is apt to take home Objects to the Heart , before it has weigh'd them ; I endeavoured to fortifie my Soul against the Force of Nature , with an Opposition , under which I was like to fall your Sacrifice . I saw my Resolutions cowardly turn their Heads in the Combat against you , Hymen's Part 3. Pag . 253. and though I called all the Knowledge that I ought to have of you and my self , to re-inforce them , Praefudia , Lib . 4. Line 10. at last I found an absolute Impossibility to hold up my Arms any longer . It was no blind Presumption that thrust me headlong upon this Attempt , for I never found any thing in my Person or Services that might authorise my Boldness ; 't is a resistless Constraint that only labours to excuse me . Seven long years are now past and fled away , since I have concealed this a Secret to my Bosom ; the Summers scorching Heat , nor the tedious Winter Nights , or Icy Frost , cou'd ere work the least Change ; it was dayly nourished by your Goodness , although innocently , until it came to its full Growth ; whilst there was the least Hope it thriv'd , nor did I ever complain , but to have Hope torn up by the Roots ; to be confin'd never to see you more , is a Cruelty that cannot be born with : I can welcome Death with less repugnance : Here he continued silent ,

While Cynthia remained astonished at his Discourse ; but at last recovering that assurance she had lost the time of his Discourse . How now Orsamus , ( replied she ) Is it thus you Pay your Respects unto me ? dare you raise your Ambition to the Daughter of a King ? or cou'd you imagine I wou'd ever own your Pretensions ? I am sorry my Esteem shou'd be thus lessened by your Folly , or that I shou'd be forc'd to desire your Absence , because I wou'd not be guilty of a thing I cannot own ; or if my Intentions or Inclinations cou'd lean that way , it is impossible my Father shou'd ever consent , whose Displeasure I wou'd not gain , to obtain the dearest Good ; to put an end to those Dangers that this may occasion for the future , I desire you from henceforth , to avoid my Presence , since there is only this means left to cure your Malady , while I restrain those innocent Familiarities have disturb'd your Quiet . Oh Madam ! ( quoth Orsamus , falling on his Knees ) Mitigate your Displeasure a little , there wanted only this to make me perfectly wretched . It is decreed , ( replied Cynthia , with a Voice somewhat elevated , and Eyes beginning to kindle with anger ; ) and it behoves not you to dispute it . Saying this , she left him , without either Voice to speak , or Strength to follow her ; unto so sad a Condition was he reduc'd : what his Complaints were after her Departure , I cannot tell , but certain I am , upon this occasion , he absented himself from Court , having first indited these Verses , and conveyed them into her Cabbinet , which was not hard for him to do , considering the Access and Liberty was always allowed unto him .. Some few hours after his Departure , they came to Cynthia's hands , and I think they spake these words .

Too cruel Cynthia , for one small amiss , To rob me of my better part of Bliss . Oh cruel Life ! that 's never freed from fear , Preserv'd by Pity , ruin'd by Despair . I Love , and therefore from your Sight I go , Who can behold you , and not love you too ? 't is all mens Fault , but my too wretched Fate Makes only me the Object of your Hate . I lose your Presence by too much Respect ; Others injoy it only by Neglect . Oh dismal Griefs , that harbour in my Brest ! My absent Joys beget me this Unrest . He that injoys a Bliss , injoys a Cross , That makes him treble wretched in the Loss . When Phoebus to our Sight doth disappear , The Night seems darker , cause it once was here . Your Doom is past , I 'll not dispute it now , But to your Sentence with submission bow . Farewel , my dearest Mistriss , stubborn Heart , Oh break , when I pronounce this word , ( Depart . ) Adieu , my chiefest good , oh let that Breath , That bids adieu , give Sentence to my Death ! I talk of going , yet , I slowly move ; So weak does Reason to a Lover prove . This Dulness only speaks the want of Wit ; I wish you happy , yet wou'd hinder it . Injoy your Wishes then , while wretched I , Seek out an unfrequented Place to die . So in my Death , your Pity I may have , To make my Ghost rest quiet in the Grave . Orsamus .

The sight of these Lines , and the Absence of Orsamus , produced great effects in the Breast of Cynthia ; Discontent seated it self upon her Brow , the Carnations of her Cheeks began to abate , and the Lilies began to possess their Places ; having demanded the reasons of these sudden Effects , she made me a Discourse of all the Particulars that had fallen out betwixt Orsamus and her self , and the occasion of his Absence , also shewing me these Verses I have rehearsed unto you . Look here Sir , ( said she ) see the Resolution of this Unfortunate , occasioned by one hasty Word , which I fear will destroy what I so happily preserved , although the audacious revealing of his Love were an Offence , it was not of that degree , to call his Life in question . Shall I tell you , ( continued she ) from whom I do not conceal my closest Secrets , nor hide my dearest Resentments ; had Orsamus Love been authoriz'd by your free Consent , I wou'd have chosen him out of the Stock of Mankind ; nor can I much offend , in loving one that has been the Preserver of your Life , and Safeguard of your Kingdom . I cou'd not much gainsay what she had said , for Orsamus's Vertues were so well grounded in my Breast , that oftentimes , I have had some thoughts my self to his Advantage , tending that way ; but as things were now stated , I durst not make my Concerns known unto Cynthia , lest they might occasion some Demur . The Marriage Day drew near at hand , and Cordello waited the Confirmation of his Nuptials , so that I cou'd not go back from my Promise , without provoking the East-Angles King to be my Enemy . This Consideration caused me to cloud my Countenance over with a Frown . Fie , Cynthia , ( replied I ) forget this man , one of so mean and low condition , were his Birth any ways correspondent to thine , I think I shou'd have accorded with thy desires , had I known it before this Contract with Cordello ; but this has proceeded so far , that the deferring of it wou'd endanger my whole Kingdom . Banish this miserable Man from thy Memory , and obey the Commands imposed on thee by a Father and a King . Cynthia made no reply , but with a low Submission , seem'd to consent with what I desir'd , and so left me , the Conduits of her Eyes being ready to overflow their Banks . After her Departure , I sent secret Spies through all parts of my Kingdom , to search for Orsamus , with Commands , if they found him , to bring him back again ; my Discontents came little short of Cynthia's , for his Departure , for I cou'd not so soon bury in Oblivion the Memory of so brave a Man , to whose Valour I was so much oblig'd ; his Absence wrought Effects upon my Soul , and his Merits had gotten such sure footing in my Breast , that had not this fatal Marriage been an Obstruction , I wou'd have offer'd that into his Arms , he so much desir'd , and I doubt not , I shou'd have found a clearer Satisfaction in his Person , than in the Possession of Royalties .

For true Nobility was never begun , but by Vertue : nor is it as the vulgar Opinion of Men rate it , but it is only the Praise and Surname of Vertue , it is a miserable Folly , to beg esteem of dead men , when we deserve none our selves ; for the true Honour and Worship , saith a Wise Man , is the Vertue of the Mind , which Honour , no Monarch can give thee , nor no Flattery or Money can purchase us : This Honour hath in it nothing feigned , nothing painted , nothing hid ; of this Honour there is no Successor , no Accuser , no Defiler ; this Honour is not varied , nor it esteemeth not the Favour or Dis-favor of Princes ; it is only Vertue makes a difference betwixt the Vulgar and brave Heroick Souls . Nature makes no difference , as these Verses briefly express .

As little Trees that in the Valley grow , Shadow'd by others of a greater height , Whose spreading Branches cover all below , Hiding those little Cyons out of sight ; Replant these Plants unto a Soil more free , Each little Shrub will grow a lofty Tree . All men one Mother have , and that is Earth , Nature to all Kind , Privileges gave ; She makes no man Superior in his Birth , Nor Death does make no difference in the Grave . But Fortunes Darlings , smaller Shrubs do sway , That Spirits have , and Souls as good as they . Wisdom ennobles not the Royal Womb , Good Deeds be Lawrel Crowns that ever flourish ; Vertues a Pyramid and lasting Tomb , Such a Memento as can never Perish . This makes brave Souls to soar above the rest , As Reason makes a Man excel a Beast . Awake my Soul , and fix thy Thoughts above ; Unto a higher Region take thy Flight ; Mount like the Morning Lark , or harmless Dove , Above the various Change of Fortunes Spight . Slight such vain Earth-worms , as repose a trust In windy Honours , or in fading Dust .

Princes shou'd be Paterns of Vertue , to them over whom they Rule , for most People take their Rulers as a Glass to examine themselves by ; so let the Prince be Vicious , the People shall not be Vertuous over whom he rules , for they think they cannot do better , than to regulate their Actions by their Princes ; this Consideration shou'd be of force enough , to induce Princes so to live , that their vertuous Actions may shine in the Eyes of their Subjects , that they shou'd nourish budding Vertue , and protect it in a Cottage as well as in a Palace , for the Diamond is of as much value , worn by a poor Man , as upon the Finger of the Rich .

I have the more inlarged my self on this Subject ( continued he ) because I apprehend my Neglect in rewarding Vertue , occasioned these Misfortunes that suddenly befel me . But to my Discourse again , from which I fear I have too long detained you : My Spies returned Home again , without bringing the least Intelligence of Orsamus's abode ; this being revealed unto Cynthia , added much unto her Grief ; as Orsamus before had done , she sought out Solitude , she refrained Company , but when Decency requir'd it , she shun'd all Divertisements that might charm her Melancholy , so that she brought her self wholly to an Estate of Pity and Compassion ; I beheld this Vicissitude with a mortal Vexation , and gladly wou'd have procured a Remedy , if with safety I cou'd have purchased it .

Time flew away with exceeding swiftness , and the Sun had but one Career to run , before the Day of Marriage approached ; and being unwilling at such a time , she shou'd be a desperate thing , wholly made up of Sorrow , I caused a stately Banquet to be prepared , in a Garden I had abutting to the Sea-side , environed by an unfrequented Wood , so situated , that Nature and Art , both endeavoured to make it a Nonparil ; it was here I recreated my self , when my business at Court wou'd permit my Absence ; it was illustrated with many spacious Houses of Pleasure , adorned with Flora's fairest Treasury , or what more fair that the Spring cou'd produce , whereunto frequented a melodious Consort of the wild Choristers of the neighbouring Woods . Variety of Objects will dissipate the deepest Sadness , but it produced no Effects in the Soul of Cynthia , for thither I came with her , attended by Cordello , who accompanied us with a great Train . Our Banquet was ended , and the Sun began to decline towards the Western World , when we all betook our selves , each to those Pleasures the mind best affected ; Cordello remained with me , and Cynthia , accompanied only with her usual Attendance , directed her Walk to that part of the Garden abutting to the Sea ; she hardly approached unto the utmost Bounds of the Garden , but she gave a Caution to her Servants , to keep at a distance ; these Commands were common with her , when she desired to retire her self from Company , so that she was exactly obey'd ; scarce , by the turning of some Alleys , had she concealed her self from their sight , but by a small Passage , that gave entrance into the Wood , she gave an Exit to the Garden , where she stray'd the better part of an Hour , before her Attendance wou'd break the bounds of those Commands she had imposed on them ; at last , the Care of her Safety had precedency before their Breach of Duty , and they followed the same Path they saw her take , but they cou'd not find what they sought ; by the Passage that they found open , they all agreed she had willingly strayed in the Woods ; they once resolv'd to follow her , but better reason disswaded them ; the Turnings were so intricate , that being once entred , it is possible they might sooner lose themselves , than recover their absent Mistriss ; these second Thoughts directed them to give me notice of her Departure ; this News seiz'd my Soul like a Thunder-clap , still things became worse and worse , each particular foreshewing an unhappy Augury to insue ; nor did my Apprehensions fail me , for that I was afraid of , soon came unto me , and the thing which I did dread came upon me like a Tempest ; upon these Tidings , in a moment we dispersed our selves into all Parts of the Wood , promised great Rewards to him that cou'd bring me the first Tidings of her Safety ; scarce a Thicket in the Wood was left untraced , and as far as we cou'd conceive , all our Labours wou'd become fruitless , when it was Cordello's hap to find her sitting alone , on the out-side of the Wood . He made towards her , and seated himself by her side ; hardly had any Discourse pass'd between them , but there issued out of the adjacent Wood , a man that bent his Steps towards the Water-side , but seeing her sit there , altered the Course of his Design ; he cast himself at her Feet , and was soon known to be the absent Orsamus ; after many Complaints that she was cruel , seasoned with so many Tears , as wou'd have produced Pity in a barbarians Heart ; his Carriage and Actions so desperate amazed Cynthia , that she had not force enough for a Reply : at last , he resolved in desperate manner , to sacrifice the last part of his Life to his Love ; he drew his Sword , the Sight and Fear of which , cast Cynthia into a deadly Trance ; he had made that Place the Tragick Scene of his Revenge on Cordello , if his Attendants had not fortunately made in and rescued him from his Hands , and all at once assaulted him ; five had their Passports for the other World , and no doubt , the Company , that continually increased , had put a Period to his Life , had not a strange turn of Fortune preserv'd him . From forth a small Creek thereunto adjoyning , issued out sixteen Pirats , at the sight of which , those that assaulted Orsamus fled away , but he made good his Defence against them all , for the Safety of Cynthia . Too late I had News of this , for I made to the Place with what Power I had , but I saw nothing but half a score men lying dead on the Ground . Amongst those that lay wallowing in their Goar , there was one that began to recover a little , and was so well followed by my Servants , that his Senses return'd unto him . I promised him his Life , on condition he wou'd give me a true Relation what they were . After a sigh or two as prologue , the wounded man began as followeth .

My Country is Norway , and the Commander of these Men , with whom I came ashore , is Almerin , the famous Rover of those Northern Parts , and his Protector is the King of Norway ; I believe the Name of Almerin is not unknown to the Inhabitants of Albion , but his Robberies keep it always green in Memory ; under his Conduct , sixteen of us came ashore , and were bravely repulsed by one single man , who made his Defence good against us all , for the preserving of a Lady that lay Senseless on the Ground ; three of my Companions besides my self , lay groveling in their Blood at his Feet , which sight incensed Almerin to a speedy Revenge , that they rushed upon him on all parts , with such Rage and Force , that it seem'd impossible he shou'd make any longer Resistance ; in fine , they seiz'd him , and convoy'd both him and the Lady aboard our Vessel , which lay in a small Creek not for distant off , from whence , no doubt , they have put off to Sea . This is all the Account I can give you ; for your Pardon of my Life , it is of no value , since my Pass is sign'd for the other World ; Kings may take Life away , but they cannot command a Soul to stay when her Date is expired ; such is mine , Oh King ! ( continued he ) you cannot give what you dare not promise your self ; I am going the way of all Mortals ; in Death there is no difference ; my Soul is ready to take her last adieu ; Oh let my Death be a Glass to shew what I was , and what you must shortly be ! Saying this , Life gave an exit indeed , and left his Body breathless on the Ground .

Scarce had I unfixed my Eyes from this Object of Mortality , and cast them towards the Ocean , but behold I saw the Ship that contained all my worldly Joys , going before the Wind with full Sails , wafting away my Soul ; how often did I wish some Remora wou'd retard her hast , or that Aeolus wou'd obstruct its Flight ? but my Prayers and Sighs were turn'd to Air , from whence they were framed , and produced no effects ; I gave command to several Vessels to follow this Pirat , but all things agreed to further his Escape . The Night became exceeding dark , and there arose a mighty Storm , so that he was convoyed to unknown Parts , far from my Country ; my Ships were dispersed by the Tempest , and most of them are return'd Home without Tidings . This Sir , is one reason I cannot accord with your Masters Desires , and the other is , were she here , I cou'd not without breach of Honour , break my Promise to Cordello ; although , shall I tell you , I hold him not fit to injoy such a Treasure , because he has not Reason to prize the Worth of what he wou'd possess ; these be the Causes that inforce me not to agree with his Request , whose Alliance I shou'd otherways court , being far above my Hopes .

Here Sir , ( continued Willifride ) the King ended his Story , which I harkned unto with astonishment ; at last , recollecting my Spirits , Sir , ( replied I ) Your Discourse gives me great Cause of Wonder and Pity , and perhaps my Concernments in your disasterous Story , will not vail or become inferior to your Resentments ; I pity poor Orsamus's Misfortunes , with as much Regret as you have Sorrow for your Daughters ; but before I proceed , tell me one thing truly , I see you prize Orsamus's Vertues at their full Value in your Thoughts , shou'd his Birth be as Illustrious , or more Sublime than his Vertues , wou'd you deny him your Daughter in Marriage , if Heaven shou'd be so benevolent to send them both to your Hands ? ' Wou'd I , ( replied the King , expecting the Period of my Discourse ) Cou'd I expect Heaven wou'd be so fortunate unto me , his Person and Merits , without addition of Honours , shou'd gain Precedency in my Breast before all men . I was much satisfied at the freeness of his Discourse , and return'd him this Answer . Know Sir , Orsamus is of Royal Blood , second Son to my Master , the mighty King of the Northumbers , by Casualty Shipwrack'd on your Coast , I gave him a Relation of what already you have heard , which augmented his Admiration and Satisfaction , confirming him in his Resolves . This Discourse was about three days after your Departure from the Kentish Coast . I comforted him in what measure I might , telling him I wou'd return to my Master , to give him this Intelligence , of those many strange Adventures , from whence , I wou'd set out with a Ship well mann'd in pursuit of the Pirat , and that if I miss'd of him , I wou'd go unto the King of Norway , and demand them of him , and if he refus'd their Delivery , to arm most of the Kingdoms of Albion in his behalf , that had been disadvantaged by his Robberies ; he seem'd much satisfied with what I had proposed , not making any Demur against any thing I had deliver'd ; for that time we brake off our Discourse , and began to fall to Action ; he bestowed many rich Presents on me , fitted out this Ship we are now in ; for my better accomodation in my Passage , dispatched this Noble Commander as his Ambassador , with full Power to confirm whatever we had , or for the future shou'd agree upon : for the recovery of you and his Daughter ; the Wind blowing fair , we put off from Shoar , and gave a Farewel to the King , bidding him not doubt of good Success . In fine , we had a nimble Passage into our own Country , where I Landed , and gave your Father an account of your Safety , and what else seem'd satisfactory to your Discovery ; your Father rejoyced much at the Tidings of your Safety , according with the King of Kent in all his Requests , for they were equally concern'd in each others Disasters .

Hardly were Commands issued out for a Preparation , but a Ship that came into our Harbour , brought news that Almerin was off at Sea , and that they narrowly escaped his Hands ; this Opportunity wou'd admit of no delays , which this brave Captain conceiving , requested the Command of the Ship we are now in , and had his desire granted ; in a moment it was strongly Mann'd with our own Men , who freely offered their Lives to redeem their Prince , with their chearful Acclamations , foretelling a prosperous Omen ; my self , though Age wou'd have excused it , accompanied this Noble Man , the thought of your Welfare extinguishing the imagination of my own Danger ; thus we made off to Sea , accompanied with one Ship more , which was severed from us in the late Storm . Four days hath not yet pass'd away , since I left our own Country , in which time , Heaven has been so kind to make me your Preserver : now what rests there behind , but that we return to your Father and Brother , who thinks himself fortunate enough in your Life , and resigns his unseen Mistriss unto you , as a Reward only due to your Merits , and from thence unto the King of Kent , to make him happy in a Daughter , as your Father in his Son ? for by your Discourse , I understand she is with you in the Cabbin .

This is the full End and Period of what I have to reveal unto you , the chief of which , you have been an Actor in your self , yet I have not been observant to abbreviate what you know , more than that , which , till this Moment , was a Secret unto you ; but I have kept such a Method , that in giving you the Relation of what you know not , I have also satisfied those your Preservers , that until this time , have been almost ignorant of the Adventures of your Life , and cleared your Breast of all Scruples and Doubts that might make a Demur against the Verity of what I have related , for which causes only , I did inlarge my self , and to satisfie you why I have made this Digression .

Here Willifride ended his Discourse , when those that environed Orsamus , casting themselves at his Feet , cried out , Long live our Prince Orsamus ! Long live our Prince Orsamus ! Orsamus cast away his Weapon , and ran and imbraced Willifride , as the chief Author of his Happiness ; the Caresses and Endearments that passed between them , were many ; the Captain congratulated his Happiness ; there was not the meanest Souldier in the Ship , but interessed themselves in this Fortunate Change . After Orsamus had spent some small time in these Transports , he left Willifride and the Captain , and again entred the Cabbin , where he found his dearest Cynthia hardly recovered from her former Fears , muzing what the Event of so desperate a Beginning might fortune to be ; he gave her a brief Relation of all that had passed , from which Cynthia received much delightful Satisfaction ; at the Conclusion of which , he cast himself at her Feet ; See Madam , ( continued he ) Gods and Men agree to make me happy , if my dearest Princess do not vote me miserable , for the Knowledge of my Self , and my Life so strangely preserved , wou'd become unpleasant , shou'd they not raise me to some esteem in your Affection .

Rise Orsamus ( said she ) and believe I rated your Vertues at their full Worth in my Esteem , and this Discovery has added nothing to the Value I always had for you ; and since my Father owns your Pretensions , without whose Seal I can make no assurance , if the perfecting of your Felicity depend on my Disposal , the Conquest of my Obstinacy will be but a small Obstruction to your Content . Oh fortunate Orsamus ! ( replied he ) Oh what a Day was here ! how wisely does Heaven provide to make me happy ; I find my Princess kind , I 've found a Life , a Father , a Brother and a Friend ! What cou'd Fortune have done more , in the perfecting of my Happiness , or making an addition to my Felicities ? Mans Joys never come to perfection , till heightned by a Surprize , the Sun shines most clear through a Cloud , and that Joy rises most glorious , that breaks through Fears , for there is nothing more endears a Good , than to contemplate the Difficulty we have to attain it . This Discourse being over , Orsamus and Cynthia left the Cabbin , whose Beauty was the Admiration of all that did behold her , and claimed Obedience , as Tribute from all Hearts ; and the respect there shewed her , was not inferior to those she received in her Fathers Court ; the Captain fell at her Feet , paying his dutious Observances to his Princess : they consulted with him and Willifride , what course they shou'd shape for the future ; at last it was resolved to stear their Way towards the Kingdom of Northumberland , and it was soon put into execution ; the Ships were cleansed of the dead Carcases ; Almerin's Body with the rest , was committed unto the Waves , and this was the miserable end of that wretched Man .

Neptune grew pliant , and Auster with a pleasant Gale did sweetly swell their Canvass Wings , that they seem'd to fly ; with such swiftness did this happy Bottom speed them away , so fortunate were they in their Voyage , as that in less time than they expected , they discovered their own Coast , where they soon landed , and bent their Journey to the Regal City , where being arrived , they made themselves known unto the King , who was almost ravished with Joy , in the sight of his long lost Son ; his Brother caressed him , his Friends welcomed him , nor cou'd there be a Parallel to his Entertainment ; the Relation of which , I abbreviate , and remain silent : words are not full enough to express their Content , for Language is too narrow to cloath great Passions . I shall only give the Reader this Caution , that there was nothing wanting to express their Joy more intire . Cynthia had such Respects paid her , as were peculiar to so rare a Creature ; such deep Impressions can Vertue and Beauty make in illustrious and high born Spirits ; because they wou'd not disturb their Happiness by a sudden Journey , they sent a Messenger express to the King of Kent , to certifie him of Daughters his Safety , and to give him advice , that in a few days time , Oswin wou'd be with him in Doroborina , accompanied with his two Sons , and his fair Daughter Cynthia , to celebrate Orsamus's Nuptials ; the Messenger was received with all Joy and Respect , and returned well rewarded ; Preparations were made on all Parts , for a Triumphant Entrance ; at the time limited , Oswin came , and was received with all the Acclamations of Joy cou'd be expressed , the Bells cast their resounding Echo on all Parts of the City , and the Bonefires seemed to contest for Splendor with the Planet that rules the Night ; the Spectators were numberless , that came to behold their lost Princess , and their Welcomes made a thundring Noise on all Parts ; never was an Entry made into that City more stately . Thus they were attended to the Palace , where Cynthia cast her self at her Fathers Feet , and was raised by the old King , with excessive Ravishment ; the Embraces and Kisses he bestowed on her , were many , nor did they pass unaccompanied without some Tears of Joy .

These Endearments being passed , he embraced the Northumbers King , who stood ready to receive him ; then Egfride , and lastly Orsamus , whom he caressed with Endearments peculiar to an only Son , still calling him his Preserver . Orsamus , ( said he ) Now the time is come to reward your Merits , with what is most dear and precious unto me , for indeed all other Recompences were inferiour to your Deserts . Orsamus wou'd have replied to this obliging Language , but they were disturbed by the Company that approached . Willifride came to kiss his Hand , with that noble Captain of the Ship , that so fortunately rescued Cynthia .

What shall I say ? the Salutations on all parts were numberless , and the Welcomes infinite while Supper lasted , which ended , and their high Flood of Joy being somewhat dissipated , they resolved about Orsamus's Marriage , whose Happiness was deferred no longer than till the next day , which soon arrived , Phoebus hastning his Race with his swiftest speed , unwilling his Absence shou'd defer their Delights , or perhaps longing to behold the Royalties of so glorious a Day .

Cynthia was attired that day in a Gown resembling the Colour of the Azure Sky , more fair than that Divinity that ravished Endymion ; her head was adorned with Jewels , which cast a Lustre on all parts where she went ; yet was that Splendor darkned by the transcendent Rays that pierced from her Eyes , than which , nothing was more penetrating ; she was the only Object of all those eyes that beheld her that Day , and happy did he count himself , that cou'd gain a sight of this surpassing Beauty , for nothing was wanting to make that amiable , which alas , was too lovely of it self .

Now the hour approached , wherein Hymen must do his Duty , in kniting this happy Knot . Orsamus with his beloved Cynthia , accompanied with the two Kings , and Prince , attended by the Nobility of both Kingdoms , followed by an infinite Number of Spectators ; after some small time had pass d away , they arrived at the great Temple of the City , where the Bishop stood ready to joyn their Hands , which Ceremony performed with great Magnificence , they returned to the Palace . It wou'd ask too long a time to describe the Entertainment they received Homewards ; many stately Pageants were erected , where the Gods and Goddesses seemed to descend , and in Heroick Poems , to describe their strange Adventures : many rich Presents were offered by the Citizens , wherein they did express the Gratefulness of their Hearts . In fine , nothing was left undone , that cou'd speak their Joy more absolute ; the residue of that Day , was spent in Masks and Plays , in all the Delights and Merriments the Heart of Man cou'd fancy .

Phoebus necessitated , gave a Farewel to this upper World , yet not before he had charged his Sister Cynthia to attend at Cynthia's Nuptials , which she duly performed ; for never was there seen a fairer Night , where the Heavenly Spangles were evident to the Eye , while Diana ran her Career in Glory , perhaps to ●vie Splendor with Cynthia , whose Happiness she began to envy . The time drew near when Morpheus with his leaden Mace , approaches , commanding to rest ; upon which Notice given , Cynthia was conducted by her Royal Attendance , to her Be● , after whom , followed Orsamus , accompanied by the two Kings , who saw him lodged by her Side ; and giving them the Goodnight , not without the Blushes of Cynthia , left them unto their Rest , or to the Possession of those Pleasures , the Stock of Mankind might envy him ; and here I wou'd rest and continue silent , but that my Genius directs me a little further , to give you notice , that so true an Affection might be compleat , Heaven was pleased to bestow on their first Year , a Son , and on the second , a Daughter , which heir'd all the Perfections and Features of her Mother ; Orsamus and Cynthia loving and living in such Felicity and true Affection , as every Day seemed their Marriage Day , and every Night , a fresh Rivalry of Delight ; Cynthia living in Orsamus , and Orsamus bounding his whole Felicity in Cynthia .

After a Storm , the Sun more bright appears ; That Joy is greatest , that is rais'd from Fears , And built on Hopes , doth chiefest Comfort bring ; A cruel Winter makes a lovely Spring . Adversity makes Men esteem of Wealth , He that hath Sickness had , doth prize his Health . The sence of Woe , adds Pleasures to the Joys ; Still to be happy , Happiness destroys . Excess of Dainties soon will glut the Tast , Felicity were Sorrow , shou'd it last . Things that are dearest bought we most do prize , And Joys kept down by Sorrows highest rise . This is the Comfort vertuous Lovers find , Their Hell is first , their Heaven is behind .

FINIS .