University of Virginia Library

The ARGUMENT.

Some Months now spent, since in the clouded Court
Of sad Pharonnida, each Princely sport
Was with Argalia's absence maskt within
Sables of Discontent, Robes that had been
Of late her chiefest Dress; no cheerful smile
Ere cleerd her brow, those walks which were ere while;
The Schools where they disputed Love, were now
Only made use of, when her grief sought how
To hide its treacherous tear,; the unfil'd Bed
Oth' Widow, whose conjugal joy is fled,
Ith' hot and vigorous youth of Fancy, to
Eternal absence, sooner may renew,
(Though she for tears, repeated praises seeks)
The blooming spring of Beauty on her Cheeks.

When bright plum'd Day on the expanded wings
Of Aire approaches, Lights fair Herald brings
No overtures of peace to her; each prayer
In pious zeal she makes, a pale despair
In their Celestial Journey clogs; but long
Her feeble Sex could not endure these strong
Assaults of Passion, ere the red and white
Vanquisht from Beauties Throne, had took their flight,
And nought but melancholy palness left
T' attend the light of her dim eyes, bereft
Of all their brightness; pining Agues in
The earthquake of each Joynt, leaving within
The Veins, more blood then dwelt in hers, which beat
The hearts slow motions with a hectick heat.

Long Passions Tyrant reigns not, ere this change
Of Mirth and Beauty, letting sorrow range
Beyond the circle of Discretion, in
Her Father that suspition which had been
Kindl'd before renewing, he removes
His Court to hers, but the kind visit proves
A Paroxisme unto that strong Disease,
Which combates in her blood, no mirth could please
Her troubl'd Soul, since bar'd society,
With all its better Angels, gone to be
Attendant on Argalia; she beholds
Those studied pleasures, which the Prince unfolds
His love and greatness in, with no delight
More smooth then that a sullen Anchorite,
Which a harsh vow hath there enforc'd to dwell,
Sees the cold wants of his unhaunted Cell.

Amongst these sports, whose time betraying view
Ravisht each pleas'd Spectator, the fair Clew,
Contracts some sable knots, of which my Pen
Is only one bound to unravel; when
War had unclasp'd that dreadful Book of hers,
Where honour'd Names in sanguine Characters,
Brave valour had transcrib'd, fair vertue fixt
Euriolus in Honours Orb, and mixt
Him with the Courts bright Stars; but he who had
Whilst unregarded poverty had clad
His vertues in obscurity, learnt how
To sail in Fortunes boisterous storms, is now
By her false smiles be-calm'd and sunk, before
Desert (bound thither) toucht Loves treacherous shore.

Ith' playful freedome of their youth, when she
Was only a fair Shepherdess, and he
An humble Swain, he truly did adore
The fair Florenza, but aspir'd no more,
Since Poverty clog'd Loves ambitious wing,
Then by his private Muse alone to sing
Her praise with, such a flame of wit, that they
Which have compar'd, say envied Laura may
Look pale with spleen, to hear those Lines exprest,
Though in her great Platonicks Raptures drest.

But now his Worth by Vertue rais'd, did dwel
High as his Hopes, and that a Parallel
To hers appearing, eithers Merits had
A Climax to preferment, and thus clad
Vertue in Honours Robes, which equal Fate,
Gave his Affection Language to relate,
What their Disparity kept dumb, nor did
Those Motions find acceptance, such as hid
Them for presumption, rather 'twas a Frost
Of Virgin Ice, then fire of pride that crost
His Masculine Desires, her Eyes unfold
So much of Passion, as by them she told
Who had most interest in her Heart, which she
From all brave Rivals his resolves shall be.

'Mongst those, Mazara, one, whose noble blood
Enrich'd the Gems of Vertue, though they stood
In Honours Altitude, was chief, nor could
A nobler Choice, were her Affections rul'd
By Worth, commend her Judgment, his fresh youth
Being Crownd with Vertues which might raise a truth,
Above Hyperboles, his Nature mild,
As was the Gaulless Dove, yet not the wild
And furious Lion, when provok'd could have
More daring Valour, an untimely Grave,
Whilst it ith' Embrio was, to every Vice,
But unto Vertue a fair Paradice;
Whose weedless Banks no pining Winter knew,
Till Death the Iufluence of warm Life withdrew.

That sympathy of meeting Vertues, which
Did both their Souls with equal worth enrich,
'Twixt him, and brave Euriolus had ty'd
A League not to be broke, could Love divide
His Blessings amongst Friends; But that of all
Our Passions brooks no Rival, fear may call,
Friends to partake of Palsies, Anger strives
To fire each neighbouring Bosome, Envie thrives
By being transplanted; but a Lovers pure
Flames, though converted to a Calenture,
Unwillingly with the least flame will part,
Although to thaw anothers frozen heart.

Few 'mongst th' observant Wits oth' Court yet knew
(Though it with twisted Eye-beams strengthend grew,
At every interview, and often dropt
Some Tears to water it) whose Love 'twas stopt,
Mazara's Sute, Euriolus to her
Whose melting pity only could confer
A Cure, unlocks the Secrets, whilst the other
More confident to win, nere strives to smoother
A Passion so legitimate, but by
All actual Complements, declares how high
He priz'd her Vertues, but this Worthies Fate,
Fixt him in Loves intemperate Zone, too late
The pining Fruit was sown, the Spring so far
Being spent, its dayes were grown Canicular;
Schortching all hopes, but what made able were
By fruitful Tears Loves April Showers, to bear
Neglects untimely Frosts, which oft have lost
In bloomy Springs, the unhappy Lovers cost.

When this accomplisht Youth, whose Tongue and Pen
With Negatives more firm and frequent, then
Curst Usurers give impoverisht Clients, oft
Had been repuls'd, truth for discovery brought
This Accident, within the royal Court
Of bright Pharonnida, a full Resort
Of valiant Knights were met, conven'd to try,
Whose Valour Fortune meant to glorifie;
Of which selected number there was one,
Who though a stranger, Vertue soon made known
To all, 'cause fear'd of most, his valour had,
Before the first triumphant day unclad
The silver-vested Hemisphear, been oft
Cloathd in the Ornaments of Honour, brought
On Fames fair wings from the opposing part
Uncresting them to crown his high desert.

But now, when this new Constellation neer
Its Zenith drew, in Honours Hemisphear,
Cald thither by deciding Lots, the brave
Euriolus appears, whom Victory gave,
In the first shock success, and plac'd his Name
In the Meridian Altitude of Fame;
Where, though the valiant stranger prove no Foe,
So fortunately valiant do ore-throw
the structure of his Fate, yet his close Stars
Now sinks a Mine, to which those open Wars
But easie dangers were; Mazara in
His Crest a Scarff, that formerly had been
Known for Florenza's, seeing jealous Love
Converted into Rage, his Passions move
Above the sphear of Reason, and what late
Was but a gentle blaze, by alterd Fate,
Fires to a Comet, whose malignant beams
Foretold sad Ills, attending Loves extreams.

Loth to betray his Passions in so great
A breach of Friendship, to a close Retreat,
Mazara summons forward Rage; yet in
The strangers Name, whose Fortune might have been
The Parent of a private Quarrel, sends
To call Euriolus, who now attends
Nought but triumphant mirth, unguarded by
Applauding Friends, in secret Fight to try,
What power did him from threatning danger guard,
When publick Fame was Victories Reward.

This fatal Scroll receiv'd, by him that thought
It real truth, since Passion might have sought
In him the same delay, a swift consent
Returns his Answer, but the Message went
So far from its directed Road, that ere
It reacht Mazara's, loose Neglect did bear
It to Carina's Ear, a Lady that
In silent tears her heart had offerd at
His Vertues Shrine, yet with such secret zeal,
Her Eyes forbid their Cupids to reveal,
That Language of her heart, she knew that in
Florenza's Sea of Merits, hers had been
Shipwrackt and lost, yet with a Soul as far
From envying her, as hating him, this War
Of factious Passions she maintains, and since
Reason now wanted Language to convince
Those head-strong Rebels, she resolves to be
Though ruin'd, ruld by their Democracy.

The Information her officious Maide,
Had from Mazara's careless Page betrayd;
Assures Carina the preceding Night,
Such Horse and Armour as the stranger Knight,
Euriolus had conquer'd in, had been
By his most cautious diligence within,
A (not far distant Wood) in whose black shade
He meant his Fury should his Foe invade:
Lodg'd by his Master, which discoverd truth,
Frighting her tears from the swift chase of Youth,
And Beauty into froward Age, to meet
Sorrow in private shades, withdraws the sweet
But sad Carina, who resolves to spend
Her sighs unnoted by her dearest Friend.

This in Florenza, who fore-saw that nought,
But Passions more then common, could have wrought
So swift a change, works high, who that she might
Dis-plume these Ravens, ere the Babes of Light,
Smile in their weeping Mothers Face, prepares
To see Carina, who with wakeful cares,
Her sad Companions by her friend surpriz'd,
No longer in their Ebbon Vail disguiz'd
Her thoughts pure candor; but with looks that did
Seem to implore Assistance, whilst they chid
Her own indulgent Nature, shews her how
Preposterous Love made her to Passions bow,
Whose fruit, since none of her first Planters came
From forward man, could be but female shame.

This (with its fatal Authour) known to free
Her Friend from shame, her self from cruelty,
Unto Mazara whose firm Love attends
Her least Commands, incenst Florenza sends,
Whose zeal transported Soul no sooner hears
That welcome sound, but though presaging fears,
Prompt him to stay, least haughty honour fall
Ruin'd by Fame, he lets her Standards fall
Before commanding Love, and goes to wait
On's honourd Mistress; but this sly deceit
Of hope, no Cordial proves, unto the sad
Carina's grief, the long experience had
Of his Affection to Florenza tells
Her doubtful Soul, those even Parallels
Could not by all her Friends perswasions be
Wrested into the least obliquity;
Which sad mistrust did Love precipitate,
On pathes whose danger frights protecting Fate.

Assur'd the Combates hour drew on, and that
Mazara's love-sick Soul was offering at
Florenza's Shrine, and by that willing stay,
Might be inforc'd some Minutes to delay
The time, in which his readier Opposite,
Expected him, she being resolv'd to write
Affection in her blood, with Loves wild hast,
Makes toward the Lists, there finds his Armour plac'd
Within the dark shade of an ancient Wood,
In whose black breast that place of horrour stood,
Where they appoint to meet, like those of Fate,
Obscure and dark by Beasts and Birds, that hate
The Light alone frequented; but love had
Dis-plum'd fears Haggars, being resolv'd she clad
Beauties fair Pearl, where smooth delights did dwell,
Ith' rough-cast Mould of that Ciclopian shell.

But that no Armes, nor bounding Steeds affright,
Where Loves fair hand hath Valours pasport wright,
Here we should pause, and pity her that now
Fancy beholds, whilst she is learning how,
To manage stubborn steel, within her sleek
And pollisht hand, through devious pathes to seek
For doubtful dangers, such whose horrid shape,
On mans best judgment, might commit a Rape.

Her swift Conductor Love, ere this had brought
Her to the place, where Passion had not sought
Long for the Object of her hate, ere she
Her valiant Brother, that was come to be
His Fames Protector sees, but so disguiz'd
In's Armes, that both, with envy unadviz'd,
By knowledge an unthought of guilt prepare,
In blood to meet; their foaming Horses were
Now freed from the commanding Rain, and in
Their full Carier; but Love in vain to win
The Field from Valour strives, her eager hast
But argues such an envy as did wast
It self in weak Attempts, which to the length
Of power extended, fals beneath the strength
Of her Victorious Foe, whose Fortune had
In Robes of Joy, what he must weep for clad.

Conquer'd Carina now dismounted lay,
Struggling for life, whose Fortress to betray
Toward Natures Tyrant Death, her blood transports
False Spirits through their purple Salliports.
Her Brother with an Anger that was grown
Into disdain, his Fury should be shewn,
On such resistless Subjects, ere he knows
How much of grief his Soul to sorrow owes,
For this unhappy Act, froms finisht course
Was now returning, not by strength to force
The harsh Commands of Tyrant Victors, but
By calm advice, a bloodless end to put,
To that ill-manag'd Quarrel: but before
He there arrives, to make his sorrows more,
When truth unvails their dark design, a Knight
With hast as speedy as the secret flight
Of wrath, when wing'd from angry Heaven, he saw
Bolted into the Lists, who soon did draw
Too neer in sober Language to dispute
Their fatal Quarrel, both, with Rage grown mute
Disdaining conference, found no place for words,
Amidst the mortal Language of their Swords;
Which, the first shock past o're, and Lances broke,
In hast took place, and at each furious stroke,
Unbay'd the Fountains of their blood, to stain
With purple guilt the Flower-enamel'd Plain.

Whilst each did thus with silent Rage imploy,
An Art directed Fury to destroy
The others strength, the bordering shadows weep,
In trickling Dews, and with sad murmures keep
Time with the hollow, and ill boding Note,
Sent from a fatal Ravens stretcht-out Throat;
Which from an old Oaks witherd top did sing
A baleful Dirg; but these sad Omens bring
No terror to their busie thoughts, which were
Too much imployd in Action, to take care
For any danger more remote, then what
With the next stroke might fall; perceiving that
Their Horses faint, they both dismount, and do
On equal terms the Fight on foot renew,
Till a Cessation from the want of breath,
Not Valour was enforc'd: the Vail which death
Contracted from those steams, his wreaking blood
Breathd forth its Spirits in already stood,
Over Mazara's Eyes, which clouded sees
Not that approach of Night; his trembling Knees
Stagger beneath their fainting Load, which in
To th' Grave had dropt, had not their fury bin
When its last heat was with Lifes flame neer spent
From further Rage, restraind by accident.

Some of the lost Carina's frighted Friends,
Fearing those Ills which desperate Love attends,
Spending that Morning in the fruitless Quest,
Of her had been, and now (their hopes distrest
With vain inquiries) to communicate,
Their Grief returning were, which secret Fate,
To interpose, through dark Meanders brought,
Neglect to find what care in vain had sought.

Whilst yet no more then brave humanity,
Prompts them to part a Quarrel that might be
Defil'd with blood, which if not shead in Wars,
With Murther stains, what it doth guild with Scars:
They toward them hast, even in that critical
And dangerous Minute, when Mazara's fall,
With Vict'ries Laurels to adorn his Crest,
His valiant Friend had rob'd of future rest,
Had not this blest relief of Innocence,
The one from death, the other from expence
Of tears restraind, before Revenge had found
So much of Guilt as might his Conscience wound.

His high wrought Rage stopt by too many hands,
To vent its heat, Euriolus now stands,
Shook with the Feaver of his anger, till
Those Friends which saw Mazara grown so ill
With wounds, to gasp for breath, by giving way
For aire, they to the Victors view betray
His best of Friends, at which afflicting sight,
Cursing the cause of that unhappy fight;
His Sword as guilty thrown aside, he hasts
To his Relief, in which kind act none wasts
Their friendly help, Life, as but stoln from pain,
Behind the Vail of death appears again
On Natures Frontiers, whose returning flame,
Though scarce of strength to warm, lookt red with shame,
When he so many wel-known Friends beheld,
Sad Witnesses, how much his passion sweld
Above the Banks, where Reason should have stayd,
When to that meeting it his Friend betrayd.

Their Vails of steel remov'd, each now beholds,
What shame and wonder in firm Contracts folds.
Amaz'd stands brave Euriolus to see,
None but his Friend, his honourd Friend should be
The Parent of that Quarel, shame confounds
Mazara more, and from internal wounds
(Though like the red Seas Springs his other bled)
Perhaps less danger, but more torment bred.
Both now by his unforc'd confession knew
Whose equal'd honourd Beauty 'twas that drew
Them to this fatal Combate, whose event
Him neer the Grave on Loves vain Errant sent.

Friendship renewd in strickt Embraces, they
Are now arriv'd, where weak Carina lay,
So faint with Loves Phlebotomy, that she,
Maskt in forgetful slumbers could not see
Approaching shame, which when discoverd sticks
Lifes fair Carnations on her death-like Cheeks.

Hasting to see, what over-forward Rage,
That unknown strangers weakness did engage,
In that unhappy Quarrel they beheld,
At the first glance an Object that expeld,
Into the shades of Sorrows Wilderness,
All temperate thoughts, his Sisters sad distress
Wrought by his Arme, whose strength betrayd her neer
The Grave, did to Euriolus appear,
Dreadful, as if some treacherous friend had shown
Those flames in which his scortcht Companions grone.

Nor did Mazara, though but prompted by
Pity (that tender Child of sympathy)
With less relenting sorrow live to see,
Loves bloody Trophies, though unknown to be
By his victorious Beauty reard; to save
From the cold grasp of an untimely Grave,
So ripe a Virgin, whilst her Brother stands
Unnerv'd with grief, amongst the helpful hands
Of other Friends are his imployd, till by
Their useful aide; fled Life returns to try,
Once more the Actions of the world, before
It shot the Gulf of Death; but on the shore
Of active Nature, was no sooner set,
But that (together with the Light) she met
Her far more welcome Lover, whom whilst she
Beholds with trembling, Heaven resolv'd to free
A suffering Captive, turns his pity to
So much of Passion, as ere long Love grew
On the same Stem, whose Flowers to propagate;
She in these words uncurtains mystick Fate.

Forbear your aide brave Sir, and let me dy,
Ere live the Author of a Prodigy,
That future times shall curse: yet pardon me,
Dear Brother, Heaven will nere impute to thee,
The guilt of blood, twas my unhappy Love
Which rais'd this Storm, which if my prayers may prove
In death successful, let me crave of you,
Dear Sir, to whom I long have born a true
But indiscreet affection, that from hence
For poor Carina's sake, for this expence
Of tears and blood, you would preserve those dear
Respects of Friendship, that did once appear
Confirmd betwixt you, and, although my Fate,
Unto the worst of Ills precipitate
My Fame and Life, oh let my name not be
Offensive to your Ear, this, this for me,
Is all you shall perform; which spoke, she'd let
Her hovering Soul forth, to have paid the Debt
Of Nature to the Grave, had not shee bin
By some assisting Friends, whilst dropping in,
Stayd at the last step, and brought back to meet
The Bridal Pair, no single winding Sheet.

This doubtful Combate ended, they are to
The Court conveyd, where Fame upon this new
Text Commenting, in various Characters
Transcribes her sence; some this bold Act of hers
Term un-becoming Passion, others brave
Heroick love; but what most comfort gave,
To cur'd Carina, was, that this lost blood,
Had prov'd Loves Balm, and in a purple flood,
Washt from her heart Grief's sable stains, for now
Merit had taught her dear Mazara how,
To prize her verteous Love, and for its sake
Its Cabinet her hearts best Temple make.

Thus Passions troubl'd Sea had settl'd in
A smooth and gentle calm, had there not been
Unhappily, to blast their sweet content,
Not long before an Act for th' banishment,
Of all such Courtiers made, as should without
A Licence from the Councel, fight about
What ever private Quarrel, but not this
Mazara, or his new choice frights; their bliss
Stood on more firm foundations then the Courts
Uncertain Favours were, whose glorious sports
Although he left, it was not to retire
To sullen cares, what Honour could require,
A state which cal'd him her unquestiond Lord,
Without depending favours did afford.

But whilst we leave this noble Lover by
This Mandate freed, from what before did tye
Unto a troublesome Attendance; we
From brave Euriolus are forc'd to be
With sorrow parted, since the generall love,
His Vertue had obtaind, wants strength to move
The ponderous doom; ere his impoverisht heart,
Grown poor in streams, could from Lifes springs impart
Warm blood enough for his pale Cheeks to drink
A Health to Beauty, he's enforc'd to think
Of that sad theam of parting, on whose sense,
His griev'd Soul dictates sighs, yet could dispense
Even with its harshest rigour, were there but
Any acception in it, that might put
Out parting with Florenza, that though he
Were shrunk into his former poverty,
(Calling the rugged frowns of Fate) would bear
A Brow unclouded with Ambitions care.

But he must go, not all the Rhetorick
Of tempting Love could plead against the quick
Approach of time, whose speedy motion now,
Only some slippery Minutes did allow
Their parting tears, in whose exalted flood,
Had Reason not with future hopes withstood
The rising stream, Loves Summer Fruits had been
(Ore-whelmd with grief) for ever buried in
A delluge of Despair; but that, whilst she,
With such sad looks, as wintring Scithians see
The Sun hasts toward the Artick Pole, beholds
His slow departure, glimmering hope unfolds
Twylight, which now foretels their frozen fear,
Day may return to Loves cold Hemisphear.

The ARGUMENT.

If angry Aid, the Enemy to Love,
Tels thy grave pride, thy Judgment is above,
What with contempt (although it injure truth)
Thy spleen miscals the vanity of youth.
If harsh imployment; gross society,
That feast of Brutes, make thee an Enemy
To love, the Souls Commercive Language, then
Remove thy Eye, whilst my unenvied Pen,
That long to Passion hath a Servant been
Confines the fair Pharonnida's within,
These paper limits; frozen still she lies
Beneath opposing Passions, her bright Eyes;
Those Stars whose best of influence scarce had power
To thaw what grief congeald into a shower
Of heart dis-burthening tears, their influence spend
In sorrows polar Circles, and could lend
No light to beauties World; ith' vigorous reign
Of this pale Tyrant, whilst she did remain
Unlighten'd with a beam of comfort, in
A Bower being sate, that formerly had been
Her seat, when she heard the unhappy news
Of parting with Argalia; whilst she views
She blames the guiltless shadows, who to ask
Pardon in trembling murmures did unmask
Their naked Limbs, and scatterd at her Feet
The fragrant Vail, in's death-bed sate the sweet
But pining Rose, each Grass its heavy head,
Laden with tears did hang, whilst her Eyes shead
A pattern to instruct them: hence, whilst she
Looks thorough on a way conceiv'd to be
The same her Lord marcht with his Army, when
He left Girenza, with a hast more then
A common Traveler, she sees one post
Towards her Court, whose Visage had not lost
Its room within her Memory, he's known
Argalia's Page, and now each minute grown,
A burthen to her thoughts, that did defer
A neerer interview, the Messenger
Arrives, and to her eager view presents
His Masters Letters, whose inclos'd Contents,
Are now the Object, her expecting Soul
Courts with desire, nor doth she long controle
Their forward hast; A Diamond being by
The Messenger returnd, whose worth might vie
Price with an Indian Fleet, when it sails slow
With's glittering burthen; though each word ore-flow
With joy, whilst her inquisitive discourse,
Was on this pleasing theam, time did enforce
The Pages swift departure, who with all
Affected Epithites, that Love can call
To gild Invention when it would expresse,
Things more sublime then mortal happinesse,
Is gone to carry his expecting Lord,
What pleasure could, when rarified afford.
Whilst this sweet joy was only cloathd in fresh
Blossomes of hope like Souls, ere mixt with flesh
She only by desire subsisted, but
Now to her Chamber come, and having shut
The treacherous door, from the conjugal seal,
The white Lipt paper freed, doth soon reveal
Loves welcome Embassies; she reads, and by
Each Line transported to an Extasie,
In Fancies wild Meanders lost the way,
She rashly enterd, faint desire would stay
At every word in amorous sighs to breath
A Love-sick groan, but she is yet beneath
The Mount of joy, and must not rest untill
Her swift-pac'd eye had climb the flowry Hill,
Which now past lightly o're, with an intent
Of a review to its best Ornament,
His Name, she comes, which whilst bathd in the Balm
Of fragrant kisses, from joyes gentle calm
She thus is startl'd, a redoubled groan,
That sign of neighbouring sorrow, though unknown
From whence affrights her Soul; but she too soon,
Too sadly knows the Cause; the height of Noon,
Rag'd in reflected heat, when walking in
Those outer Rooms, her Father long had been
In expectation of her sight; but not
Finding her there, a golden slumber got
The start of's Meditations, to comply
VVith whose calm councel, he did softly ly
Down on a stately Couch, whose glittering pride,
A Curtain from the publick view did hide;
VVhere having pluckt from off the wing of time,
Some of her softest Down, the Dews that clime,
In sleep to stop each Ventrickle, begin
To steal a soft Retreat, hovering within
His stretcht-out Limbs, sleeps vapours lye, his hands
Rub from his Eyes those leaden boults that stand
Over their heavy Leads, which scarce was done,
VVhen first surpriz'd Pharonnida begun
To read her Letter, and by that sad chance,
Betray her Love; Passion strove to advance
Her Father from his Lodging, when he first
Heard the discovery, but though anger thirst
For swift Revenge, yet policy perswades
Him to hear further, ere his sight invades
Her troop of Pleasures, whose thin Squadrons broke,
By what she'd heard, before she could revoke
Her vanquisht spirits, that were fled to seek
Protection in her heart, robbing her Cheek
Of all the blood to waft in; whilst she stands
A burthen to her trembling Legs, her hands
Wringing each others Ivory Joynts; her bright
Eyes scattering their distracted beams, the flight
Oth' Curtain from her Fathers angry touch,
Discovers whence that groan which caus'd so much,
Her wonder came; Grief, and amazement strives
A while with Love, which soon victorious drives,
Those pale Guests from her Cheeks, unto whose aide,
Her noble heart (secure from being betrayd
By its own strength) did send a quick supply
Of its warm blood, her Conscience knows not why
To fear, 'cause knows no guilt, nor could have been
By Love so verteous, ere drawn neer a sin.
But as the Evening blushes for the rude
Winds oth' ensuing day, so fortitude,
Upon the lovely Roses that did grow,
Within her Face a deeper Dye bestow,
Then fear could ere have done, and did presage
Th' ensuing storms exagitated rage.

Silent with Passion, which his Eyes inflam'd
The Prince a while beholds her, ere he blam'd
The frailty of Affection, but at length
Through the thick throng of thoughts, armd with a strength
Which crusht the soft smiles of paternal Love,
He thus begins; And must, oh must that prove
My greatest curse on which my hopes ordaind
To raise my happiness? have I refraind
The pleasures of a Nuptial Bed, to joy
Alone in thee, not trembled to destroy
My Name, so that advancing thine I might
Live to behold my Scepter take its flight,
To a more spatious Empire, have I spent
My youth, till grown in debt to Age she'th seen
Diseases to arrest me, that impaire
My strength and hopes ere to enjoy an Heir,
Which might preserve my Name, that only now
Must in our dusty Annals live, whilst thou
Transfer'st the glory of our house, on one
Which, had not I warmd into life, had gone
A Wretch, forgotten of the World, to th' earth,
From whence he sprung. But tear this monstrous birth
Of Fancy from thy Soul, quick as thou'dst fly
Descending wrath, if visible, or I
Shall blast thee with my anger, till thy Name
Rot in my Memory, not as the same,
That once thou wert behold thee, but as some
Dire Prodigy, which to foreshew should come
All ills, which through the progress of my life
Did chance, were sent; I lost a Queen, and Wife,
Thy verteous Mother, who for her goodnesse might
Have here supply'd, before she took her flight
To Heaven, my better Angels place, have since
Stood storms of strong Affliction, still a Prince
Over my Passions until now; but this
Hath prov'd me Coward: Oh thou dost amisse
To grieve me thus fond Girl. With that he shook
His reverend Head, beholds her with a look,
Compos'd of Grief and Anger, which she sees,
With melting sorrow, but resolv'd Love frees
Her from more yeilding pity; to begin
The Prologue to obedience, which within
Her breast still dwelt (though swayd by Love) she fals
Prostrate at's feet, to his remembrance cals
Her dying Mothers Will, by whose pale dust,
She now conjures him not to be unjust
Unto that promise, with which her pure Soul
Fled satisfi'd from Earth as to controule
Her freedome of Affection, rather she
Desires her Interest in his Crown might be
Deni'd her, then the choice of one to sway
It in her right, she urges how it may
Be by his Vertue far more glorifi'd,
Whom she had chose, then if by Marriage ti'd
To any neighbouring Prince, who only there
Would rule by Proxie, whilst his greater care
Secur'd his own Inheritance; she then
Cals to remembrance who reliv'd him, when
Distrest within Alcithiu's Walls, the Love
His Subjects bore Argalia, which might prove
Her choice their happiness, with all how great
A likelyhood it was, but the retreat
Of Royalty, to a more safe disguise,
Had shewd him to their States deluded Eyes,
So mean a thing: Loves boundless Rhetorick,
About to dictate more, he with a quick
And furious hast forsakes the Room, his Rage
Thus boyling o're; And must my wretched Age
Be thus by thee tormented: but take heed
Correct thy Passions, or their Cause must bleed,
Until he quench the flame; at which harsh word
He leaves the room, nor could her strength afford
Her power to rise, which whilst she strives to do,
Her Memory adding more Weights unto
The burthen of her thoughts, her soul opprest,
Sinks in a pale Swoon, catching at the rest
It must not yet enjoy, swift help lends light,
Though faint and glimering, to behold what Night
Of grief ore-shadow'd her: You that have been
Upon the Wrack of Passion, tortur'd in
The Engines of forbidden Love, that have
Shed fruitless Tears, spent hopeless Sighs, to crave
A rigid Parents fair Aspect, conceive
What wild destruction seiz'd her; I must leave
Her Passions Volume only to be read,
Within the breasts of such whose hearts have bled,
At the like dangerous wounds; whilst she sits here
Amaz'd with grief, know that no smiles appear,
To smooth her Fathers angry brow, yet to
None he unfolds his thoughts, but bent to do
What ere his Rage should dictate, to appease
This high-wrought storm, which turnd into disease
Each motion of the Brain, he only takes
Scorn and Revenge, to whose ill counsel shakes
The quiet of the Soul, to be his Guides
Through those Night-peect Walks, whose shadow hides
The languisht beams of Love, awhile their strong
Ingredients boyl in's blood, before they throng
The scatterd thoughts into a quintessence
Of poysonous Resolutions, first from thence
There sprung this black Disaster to attend
Argalia's Fortune, he doth forthwith send
A secret Messenger to th' Warlike Prince
Of Siracuse, to let him know that since
He sent those Forces to assist him in
His War, their General, that till late had bin
The darling of his Love, by Arguments
Too strong was prov'd a Traytor, whose intents
Aymd at his Crown and Life; to aggravate
His spleen the more, he writes him word their Fate,
On the same ominous Pinions flew, if that
He prov'd succesful, having warmd him at
This flame of Passion, he concludes with; (Sir)
You guesse my meaning, I would have no stir,
About dispatching of him, for he's grown
Strong in affection, and may call his own
The hearts of half my Kingdome; let this give
Your Justice power; he's too much lov'd to live.

The startl'd Siracusian having read
These bloody Lines, which had not only bred
A new, but nourisht growing envy in
His mighty Soul, a stranger to all sin,
So full of guilt, as to dissemble, till
The new made Generals just deserts did fill
Fames still augmented Volume, and was grown
More legible, then what he cal'd his own.
What in a rivall Prince had been a high
And noble Emulation, kindled by
A smaller Star blasts Vertue, he beholds
His lightning Valour, which each hour unfolds,
Examples for Posterity, destroy
What (though he trembl'd at) creates no joy
Within his sullen Soul, a secret hate,
By Envy fed, strives to unhinge his Fate,
From off their lofty Pyramids, and throw
What Merit rais'd, unto a place more low
Then their first step to Glory, yet, whilst nought
But Honour was engag'd, disdain nere sought
For life-excluding Corasives; but Love
Bearing a part, two Suns might sooner move
In the same sphear, then that hot Guest indure
A rival Flame, Desert could not secure
Worth thus besieg'd, yet this accurst intent,
Dares not unvail it self, the Army sent,
By him from fair Gerenza, ere the Sun
Perform'd his Summers progress, had begun
To Garrison their weary Fort within,
Such Towns as their own Valour first did win,
From the retir'd Ætolians, ere this task
Was fully ended, curtaind in the Mask
Of Merits lawfull claim reward there came
A large Commission, which Zoranza's Name
Had made authentick, that the Goverment
Of Ardenna a Town, whose strength had spent
The baffl'd Foe, whose Fields of blood should be
Conferd on him, by the Vicinity
Of th' place, freed from a tedious Journey, in
The City he arrives, and what had bin
Sent from his Prince, presents those Mandates that
Informd the Governour, who frighted at
The strange Commands, lets a pale guilt ore-take
His swift Resolves, till glorious hopes did shake
Those Mourning Robes of Conscience off, and in
The purple Garments of a thriving sin,
Shadows his trembling Soul, least she appear,
Shook with a cold fit of religious fear.

The discomposure of his look, which did
Appear the birth of Discontent, forbid
Suspition of a blacker sin; that night,
As being the last of 's charge, he did invite
Argalia to remain his Guest: the next
Promising to be his, yet seeming vext,
To leave the place, though only to conceal
His dark design that did it self reveal
To none but some selected Soldiers; by
Whose help he meant to murther him. To vie
Its benefits with th' Dayes, Night had bestowd
Refreshing slumbers upon all that owd
It to the last dayes Labour, when without
Fear of approaching danger, hem'd about
With guards of honest Valour, all his Train
Save such as meer necessity detain,
Lodg'd in the City, fearless Argalia in
The Castle lies, where having tempted bin
By Midnight Revels, full crownd Cups, to be
Betrayd from Reason to Ebriety:
But nought prevaling, he at length is led,
Like an intended Sacrifice, to th' Bed,
Ordaind to be his last, untill the Earth
Within her Womb afford him one; the birth
Oth' Morn grew neer her slow approach, ere all
Those Engines, by whose strength they meant his fall
Could be prepar'd; the Governour that held
The Helm of this black mischief, had expel'd
The poysonous Guilt of staining his own Sword
With blood, providing Villains that abhord
No sins Contagion, though Revenge did wait
On every guilty step: that Evenings Bait
Their liquid Mirth had layd, although it took
No use of Reason from his Soul, had shook
Its labouring Faculties into a far
More sudden slumber, which compos'd the War
Of wandring Fancy in a Harmony
Of the Concordant Humours, untill by
The sudden noise of those ordaind to be
His Murtherers, he wakes; amaz'd to see
His Chamber so possest, he catches hold
On one of them, but finds his strength controld,
By the assistance of the other, in
The Embrio of this treachery, ere their sin
Was past to execution, he conjures
Them to forbear so black a Deed, assures
Them of Rewards, greater then hope could call
A debt from him that basely sought his fall.
But deadly silence had bar'd up the Gates
Of every Voyce, those curst Assassinates
Prepard for action were, but Heaven prevents
That aged sin of murthering Innocents,
With Miracles of Mercy. There was found
Not long before an ancient Story crownd,
With a Prophetick Honour, that containd
This sacred truth; (When Ardenna is staind
With Treachery in Friendships Vail disguiz'd,
Her sable Tower shall be by Foes surpiz'd.)

This known, but misconceiv'd, to cozen Fate,
They did unwounded bear without the Gate;
The now resistless Lion that did ly,
Like that brave Prince oth' Forest, fetterd by
A crew of trembling Hunters; to the brow
Of an high Promontory, that did bow
Its black Clifts o're the clamorous Waves, they had
Conveyd the noble Youth; the place a sad
And dismal horrour wore, the grim aspects
Of louring Rocks, the grey-ey'd Sea reflects,
In ugly glaring beams, the Night-Raven beats
His rusty Wings, and from their squallid seats,
The baleful Scriek-Owls fly to bear their parts,
In the sad murmure of the Night; those hearts
Custome had steeld with Crimes, perhaps had bin
Here frighted to repentance, had not sin
Assisted by the hands of Avarice, drawn
The Bridge of Reason, and obscur'd the dawn
Of Infant goodness, to redeem the time
Astonishment had lost, towards their Crime
They now themselves precipitate the hand,
Ordaind to ruine that fair Structure, and
Unravel his Lifes even thred, prepares
To strike the fatal blow; but he that dares
Obstruct commanded Villany forbid
The further progress of their guilt, and chid
That pale sin in rough Language of, a strange
Confused sound, striking their Ears did change
The ominous Dirges of the Night into
A various noise of humane Voyces, who
Durst in that secret place approach, 'twas now
Too late to think on, the Rocks spatious brow,
Was clouded ore with men, whose glittering Armes
Threatend destruction, ere their swift alarms
Could summon sleeps infeebled aid; whilst they
Forsake their Prisoner, who becomes a Prey
To the Invaders, seeking safety in
Their flight, they fall before him, that had been
Ordaind to speedier ruine, entring at
The open Salliport, they give by that
Rash Act directions to the Foe, that mixt
Promiscuously with them, and now had fixt
Their Standards on the Gates. The Castle in
Feaverish alarms sweating, did begin
To ease her fiery stomach, by the breath
O'th full-mouth'd Cannon, Ministers of death
In this hot labour busily distills
Extracted spirits, noyse and tumult fills
The frighted City, whose fir'd turrets lent
A dismal light. But the Assaylants spent
Their bloud in vain, the Souldiers that had been
At the first trembling fit distracted in
Confusions giddy maze, had rallied now
Their scattered spirits, and were seeking how
To purge dishonours stains in the bright fire
Of rage contracted valour. To retire
Unto their Ships in safety, now is all
Th' Invaders hope for, but so many fall
In that attempt, it leave no triumphs due
To Fortunes temple. By this winding clew
Of various fate, Argalia only findes
That stroke of death deceived, no hand unbindes
His corded arms, but that which meant to lay
Bondage as hard, so corrasives doe stay
A Gangrene fed by springs of poysonous blood,
When reaching at the heart, as these withstood
The catarracts of death. With tyrants more
Indomitable, then the sea that bore
Their black Fleet, leave our Hero to untie
This knotty riddle of his fate, whilst by
The ignis fatuus of a fancie led
With slow pac'd feet, through other paths we tread.

The tumults of the City silenc'd in
A peacefull calme, what the effects had bin
Of those loud clamours, whilst all seek to know
Argalia's losse makes giddy wonder grow
Into suspition, that this Act might be
Some stratagem oth' Guvernour, to free
Himself from a Successor, but those sly
Darts of mistrust were rendred hurtless by
His Princes Mandates, whose invenom'd hate,
That spurious birth had made legitimate.
Yet swift Revenge affronts his Treason in
Its full carier, his Master having bin
By him informd of a surprizal, where
All sounds but death affrighted, could not bear
The burthen of his Fears, and yet not sink
Deeper in sin, ere the poor wretch could think
On ought but undeserv'd Rewards, he by
A brace of Mutes being strangl'd, from the high
But empty Cloudes of Expectation drops,
To let the World know what vain shadow props
Those blood-erected Pyramids that stand
On secret Murthers black and rotten Sand.

When thus the Syracusian had secur'd
His future Fame, Passion that still endur'd
A strong distemperature, slept not untill
The story of their crosse Design did fill
Palermo's Princes Ear, Argalia's losse,
Was now the Ball that babling Fame did tosse
Thorough the Court, upon whose airy Wing,
Reaching the Island, it too soon did bring
The heavy News, disguiz'd in Robes more sad
Then truth to her, whose stock of Vertues had
Been venter'd on that Sea of Merit, in
Such forms of Griefe, as Princes that have been
Hurld from the splendent Glories of a Throne,
Into a Dungeon, her great Soul did grone
Beneath the Weights of grief; the doleful Tale,
Had thunder-strook all joy, her Spir'ts exhale
Their vigour forth in sighs, and faintly let
That glorious Fabrick unto which they'r set
Supporters fall to th' Earth; yet sorrow stayes
Not in this frigid Zone, rude grief betrays
Her Passions to her Fathers jealous Ear
Who fearing least Argalia's Stars might clear
Their smoaky Orbs, and once more take a flight
From deaths cold house by a translated Light,
To separate from sorrow, and again,
In Fortunes house Lord of th' Ascendant Raign:
He doubts that Islands safety, and from thence
Removes her with what speedy diligence,
Fear could provoke suspition to; her Train
Shook with that suddain change, desire in vain
The Islands pleasure, ere they know how much
Their Fates must differ; as it oft in such
Unlookt for changes happens, each man vents
His own Opinion, some did discontents,
Of the young Princess, others that the season
Of th' year was cause; but though none know his reason,
All must obey his Will. The pleasant Isle
Whose Walks, fair Gardens, Prospects did beguile
Time of so many happy hours, must now
A solitary Wildernesse, whose brow,
Winter had bound in folds of Ice, be left
To wail their absence, whilst each Tree bereft
Of Leaves, did like to Virgin Mourners stand,
Cloathd in white Vails of glittering Icelets, and
Shook with the breath of those sharp windes that brought
The hoarie Fish. The pensive birds had sought
Out Springs that were unbar'd with ice, and there
Grew hoarse with cold. The crusted earth did wear
A rugged armour. Every bank unclad
With flowers, conceal'd the juicie roots that had
Adorned their Summers dresse. The Meadowes green
And fragrant Mantle, withering lay between
The grizlie mountains naked armes. All growes
Into a swift decay, as if it owes
That tribute unto her departure, by
Whose presence 'twas adorned. Seated did lie
Within the circuit of Ghirenza's wall,
(Though stretch'd t' imbrace) a Castle which they call
The Princes tower, a place whose strength had stood
Unshook with danger, when that violent flood
Of warre rag'd in the Land, hither were brought
Such (if of Noble bloud) whose greatnesse sought
From treacherous plots extension, yet although
To those a prison, here he did bestow
His best of treasure, briefly, it had been
Unto the Spartan Kings a Magazeen
Since first they rul'd that Kingdome, and when ere
A war drew near them, their industrious care
Made it their place of residence; the hill
'Twas built upon, with's rockie feet did fill
A spatious Istmos, at its depth a Lake
Supply'd by'th neighbouring sea, let in to make
The Fort the more impregnable, with slow
But a deep current running, did bestow
A dreadfull prospect on the bended brow
O'th hill, which cover'd with no earth did bow
Its torn clifts o're the heavy stream. The way
That led to it, was o're a bridge, which they
That guard it did each night draw up, from whence
A steep ascent, whose natural defence
Assisted by all helps of art, had made
The fatal place so dangerous to invade,
Each step a death presented. Here when he
Had plac'd his daughter, whose securitie
Rocks, walls, nor rivers warranted, without
A trusty guard of Souldiers, hem'd about
The walls, lesse hard then they. Those Gentlemen
That on her happier Court attended, when
Argalia did command them, as too milde
Were now discharg'd, their office on a wilde
Band of those Mountain Souldiers, who had in
His last great war most fam'd for valour bin,
Being confer'd, and these left they should be
Forc'd by commands into civilitie,
Bestow'd upon the fierce Brumorchus, one
Whose knotty disposition nature spun
With all her coursest threds, composing it
For strength, not beauty, yet a Lodging fit
For such a rough, unpolish'd guest as that
Black soul, whose dictates it ought trembled at,
In feaverish glooms, whose subterranean fire
Inflamed that ill-formed Chaos with desire
Its vigour to imploy in nought of kin
To goodnesse, till 'twas better temper'd in
The Princes Court, where though he could not cast
His former rudenesse off, yet having past
The filing of the Courtiers tongues, at length
It thus far wrought him, he converts that strength
To's Princes service, which till then had lay
In Passions Fetters, learning to obey,
The gentle strokes of Government; though bred
In salvage wildness, nurst with blood, and fed
With hourly Rapine, since he had forsook,
Those Desart haunts, a firm obedience took,
Hold on's robustious Nature, not to be
By that effeminate wanton (flattery)
Strok'd to an yeilding mildnesse, which being known,
To the mistrustful Prince, whose Passions grown
So far above the reach of Reason, that
Her strength could not support them, bending at
Their own unweildy temper, sunk into
Acts, that his milder thoughts would blush to do;
Makes him from all his nobler Captains choose
Forth this indomitable beast; to use,
So harsh a Discipline unto the sole
Heir to his Crown, a Lady that did rowl
More Vertues on the Spindle of her Life,
Then Fate dayes length of Thred, had rais'd a strife,
So high in his vext Subjects blood, that all
Murmure in secret, but there's none durst call
His Princes Acts in question, to behold
Her Prison through their tears, and then unfold
Their Friends a Vail of sorrow, is the most
Their Charity durst do: But that which crost
Distrest Pharonnida above the grief
Of her restraint, or ought but the belief
Of her Argalia's death, is now to be
Bar'd when she wants it, most society
With sorrowful Florenza, whilst she stayd
The Partner of her secrets, now betrayd
By false Amphibia to her Father, and
Banisht the Court, retiring to withstand
The storms of greatnesse, to her Fathers own
Poor quiet home, which as if nere she'd known,
The beauties of a Palace, did content
Her eaven thoughts at leasure to lament,
In pensive tears, her wretched Mistresse Fate,
Whose joyes eclips'd, converts her Robes of State
To mourning Sables; what delights the place,
Was capable of having to deface
The Characters of grief, her Father strives
To make them hers, but no such choice Flower thrives
In the cold Region of her Breast, she makes
Her Prison such as theirs, whose guilt forsakes
All hopes of Mercy; the slow-footed day,
Hardly from Night distinguisht, steals away
Few beams from her tear-clouded Eyes, and those
A melancholy Pensivenesse bestows,
On saddest Objects: The ore-shadowed Room
Wherein she sate, seemd but a large siz'd Tomb,
Where Beauty buried lay, its furniture
Of doleful black hung in it, to inure,
Her Eyes to Objects like her Thoughts, in which
Night dress of sorrow, till a Smile enrich
Impoverisht Beauty, I must leave her to
Her sighs (those sad Companions) and renew
His fatal Story, for whose Love alone,
She dares exchange the Glories of a Throne.

The ARGUMENT.

Through the dark pathes of dusty Annals, we,
Led by his Valours light, return to see,
Argalia's story, who, hath since that Night,
Wherein he took that strange distracted flight,
From treacherous Ardenna perform'd a course
So full of threatning dangers, that the force
Of his protecting Angel, trembled to
Support his fate, which crackt the slander clew
Of destiny almost to death,; His stars
Doubting their influence, when such horrid wars
The Gods proclaym'd, withdrew their languish'd beams
Beneath Heavens spangled arch. In pitchie streams
The heavy clouds unlade their wombs, untill
The angrie windes fearing the floud should fill
The aire (their Region where they rul'd) did break
Their Marble Lodgings; Natures self grew weak
With these distemperatures, and seem'd to draw
Tow'rd dissolution, her neglected Law
Each Element forgot, th' imprisond flame
When the Clouds stock of moysture could not tame
Its violence, in Sulphry flashes break
Through th' glaring aire. The swolne clouds speak
In the loud voice of thunder; the sea raves
And foams with anger, hurls his troubled waves
High as the Moons dull Orb, whose waning light
Withdrew, to adde more terror to the night.

When the black curtain of this storm, that took
The use of Art away, had made them look
For nought but swift destruction, being so vain
For th' Marriners to row, that the proud main
Scornd to be lasht with Oars; to ease distresse
The night forsook them, but a day no lesse
Dreadfull succeeds it, by whose doubtfull light
The wretched Captives soon discover night
Near them a Turkish Navie; to whose aid
The Renegadoes (having first displaid
Their silver Crescents) joyn; Nor did they meet
That help untimely, a brave Rhodian Fleet
Set forth from those (the Christian Bulwarks) to
Obstruct the Turks Invasions, was in view.

To meet the threatning danger, which 'twas then
Too late to wave, that miracle of men
The brave Argalia, chain'd unto an oar
Is with a thousand noble Captives more
Forc'd to assist damn'd infidels; and now
The well-arm'd Fleets drew near, their swift keels plow
The Oceans angry front. First they salute
Each other with their Cannon, those grown mute
Come to more desperate fight, unfriendly bands
Unite their Vessels, the fierce Souldier stands
Firm on his Hatches, whilst another bords
His active enemies, whose Ship affords
No room for such unwelcome guests, but sends
Their scattered limbs into thin air; Each bends
His strength to's Foes destruction; plunging in
Which bloudy sweat, the Rhodians hopes had bin
Lost with their Fleet, had not kinde Fortune smil'd
Thus on their fear; whilest action had beguil'd
Each soul of passive cares, Argalia sees
A way t'unlock his rusty Chain, and frees
Himself and fellowes from their bank, which done,
Those that continued at their Oars, did run

The Vessel from the rest, and ere unto
Their sight betray'd, the trembling Pirates slew.
Then closing with their unsuspitious Foes
I'th vigour of the fight, they discompose
Their well rang'd Fleet, and such confusion strook
Into the van, to see their Rear thus shook
With an unlook'd for Hirrocane, that in
A fearfull haste the numerous Turks begin
To stretch their fins and flee, but all their speed
Was spent in vain, Argalia's hand had freed
So many Captives, that their Gallies must
Unto the windes uncertain favour trust
Or else becalm'd, but feebly crawl before
Their eager foes, who both with Sail and Ore
Chac'd them to ruine. Glorious Victory,
Thus to the Christian party being by
A stranger purchac'd, with such high applause
As those that rescue a declining cause
From the approach of ruine, welcom'd, he
Is now receiv'd into th' societie
Of the brave Christian order. But they not
Long joy'd in victory, ere the Turk to blot
The stayns of being conquer'd out had made
A mighty Army ready to invade
The valiant Rhodians, where Argalia shewes
So brave a spirit, their whole Army owes
His valour for example. The Turks had ought
Made desperate onslaughts on the Isle, but brought
Nought back but wounds and infamy, but now
Wearyed with toyle, they are resolv'd to bow
Their stubborn resolutions with the strength
Of not to be resisted want, the length
Oth' Chroncal disease extended had
To some few moneths, since to oppresse the sad
But constant Islanders, the Army lay
Circling their Confines. Whilest this tedious stay
From battail rusts the Soldiers valour in
His tainted Cabben, there had often bin
With all variety of Fortune fought
Brave single Combats, whose successe had brought
Honours unwither'd Lawrels on the brow
Of either party; but the ballance now
Forc'd by the hand of a brave Turk, inclin'd
Wholly to them, thrice had his valour shin'd
In victories refulgent rayes; thrice heard
The shouts of Conquest thrice on's Lance appear'd
The heads of noble Rhodians, which had strook
A general sorrow 'mongst the Knights, all look
Who next the Lists should enter, each desires
The task were his, but honour now requires
A spirit more then vulgar, or she dies
The next attempt, their valours sacrifice,
To prop whose ruines, chosen by the free
Consent of all Argalia comes to be
Their happy champion. Truce proclaym'd untill
The combat ends, th'expecting people fill
The spatious battlements, the Turks forsake
Their Tents, of whom the City Ladies rake
A dreadfull view, till a more noble sight
Diverts their looks, each part behold their Knight
With various wishes, whilest in bloud and sweat
They toyl for Victory, the Conflicts heat
Rag'd in their veins, which honour more inflam'd
Then burning Calentures could doe, both blam'd
The feeble influence of their Stars that gave
No speedier conquest, each neglects to save
Himself, to seek advantage to offend
His eager Foe. The dreadfull combats end
Nought but their losse of bloud proclaims their spirits,
In that Reflux of heat and life inherit
Valours unconqeer'd throne; but now so long
The Turks proud Champion had indur'd the strong
Assaults of the stout Christian, till his strength
Cool'd on the ground with's bloud, he fell at length
Beneath his conquering Sword. The barbarous crew
O'th Villains that did at a distance view
Their Champions fall, all bands of truce forgot,
Running to succour him, begin a hot
And desperate combate with those Knights that stand
To aid Argalia, by whose conquering hand
Whole squadrons of them fall, but here he spent
His mighty Spirit in vain, their Cannons rent
His scattered Troops, who for protection flie
To'th City Gates, but closely followed by
Their Foes did there for sad oblations fall
To dying liberty; their batter'd wall
Groan'd with the wondrous weight of Lead, and in
Its ruines hides her battlements, within
The bloudy streets the Turkish Crescents are
Displayd, whilst all the miseries of warre
Rag'd in Their Pallaces. The common sort
Of people make the barbarous Souldier sport.
In dieing, whilst those that survive them crave
Their fate in vain, here cruelty did save
And mercy only kill, since death set free
Those happier Souls from dire captivity.
At length the unrestrained Souldier tires
Although not satisfies his foul desires
With Rapes and Murder, when amongst those pore
Distressed Captives that from thence they bore,
Argalia lies in Chains, ordain'd to die
A sacrifice unto the cruelty
Of the fierce Bashaw, whose lovd favourite in
The Combate laye he slew, yet had not bin
In that so much unhappy, had not he
That honour'd then his Sword with victorie
Half-brother to Janusa been, a bright
But cruel Lady, whose refin'd delight
Her slave (though husband) Ammurat durst not
Ruffle with discontent; wherefore to cool that hot
Contention of her bloud, which he foresaw
That heavy newes would from her anger draw
To quench with the brave Christians death, he sent
Him living to her, that her anger spent
In flaming torments, might not settle in
The dregs of discontent. Staying to win
Some Rhodian Castles, all the Prisoners were
Sent with a guard into Sardinia, there
To meet their wretched thraldome, from the rest
Argalia sever'd, soon hopes to be blest
With speedy death, though waited on by all
The hell-instructed torments that could fall
Within inventions reach; But hee's not yet
Arriv'd to's period, his unmovd stars sit
Thus in their Orbs secured. It was the use
O'th Turkish pride, which triumphs in th' abuse
Of suffering Christians, once before they take
The ornaments of nature off, to make
Their prisoners publike to the view that all
Might mock their miseries, this sight did call
Janusa to her Palace window, where
Whilst she beholds them, love resolv'd to bear
Her ruine on her treacherous eye-beams, till
Her heart infected grew, their Orbs did fill
(As the most pleasing object) with the sight
Of him whose Sword opend a way for th' flight
Of her lov'd Brothers soul; At the first view
Passion had strook her dumb, but when it grew
Into desire, she speedily did send
To have his name, which known, hate did defend
Her heart, besieg'd with love, she sighs, and strait
Commands him to a dungeon, but loves bait
Cannot be so cast up, though to deface
His Image in her soule she strives: the place
For's execution, she commands to be
Gainst the next day prepared, but rest and she
Grow enemies about it, if she steal
A slumber from her thoughts, that doth reveal
Her passions in a dream, sometimes she thought
She saw her Brothers pale grim Ghost, that brought
His grizlie wounds to shew her, smeerd in bloud
Standing before her fight, and by that floud
Those red streams wept imploring vengeance, then
(Inraged) she cries, Oh let him die, but when
Her sleep imprison'd fancie, wandring in
The shades of darkned Reason, did begin
To draw Argalia's image on her soul,
Loves Soveraign power did suddenly controul
The strength of those abortive Embrio's, sprung
From smotherd anger. The glad birds had sung
A Lullaby to night, the Lark was fled
On drooping wings, up from his dewy bed
To fan them in the Rising Sun-beams, ere
Whose early raigne, Janusa that could bear
No longer lockt within her breast so great
An army of rebellious passions, beat
From Reasons conquerd Fortresse, did unfold
Her thoughts to Manto, a stout Wench, whose bold
Wit, joynd with zeal to serve her, had endeard
Her to her best Affections; having cleard
All doubts with hopeful promises her made,
By whose close wildes this plot must be convayd,
To secret action, of her councel makes
Two Evnuch Panders, by whose help she takes
Argalia from his Keepers charge, as to
Suffer more torments then the rest should do,
And lodg'd him in that Castle, to affright
And soften his great soul with fear, the light
Which lent its beams unto the dismal place,
In which he lay, without presents the face
Of horrour smeard in blood, a Scaffold built,
To be the Stage of Murther, blusht with guilt
Of Christian blood, by several torments let
From the imprisoning Veins; this Object set
To startle his Resolves, if good, and make
His future joyes more welcome, could not shake
The Heaven-built Pillers of his Soul, that stood
Steady, though in the slippery pathes of blood.
The gloomy Night now sate enthron'd in dead
And silent shadows, Midnight Curtains spread
The Earth in black, for what the falling day,
Had blusht in fire, whilst the brave Prisoner lay
Circl'd in darknesse, yet in those shades spends
The hours with Angels, whose assistance lends
Strength to the wings of Faith, which mounted on
The Rock of hope, was hovering to be gone
Tow'rds her eternal Fountain, from whose source,
Celestial Love enjoynd her lower course.

Whilst in this holy Extasie, his knees
Descent, did mount his heart to him that sees
His thoughts disvellop'd, whilst dull shades opprest
The drousie Hemisphear, whilst all did rest,
Save those whose actions blusht at day-light, or
Such wretched Souls whose sullen cares abhor
Truce, with refreshing slumbers, he beholds
A glimering light, whose neer approach unfolds
The Leaves of darknesse; whilst his wonder grows
Big with Amazement, the dim Tapour shews
What hand conveyd it thither, he might see
False Manto enterd, who prepard to be
A Bawd unto her lustful Mistresse came,
Not with perswasive Rhetorick t' inflame
A heart congeald with deaths approach, but thaw
Him from the frozen Rocks of rigid Law,
With brighter Constellations, that did move
In sphears, where every Star was fir'd with love.

The Siren yet to shew that she had left
Some modesty unrifl'd by the theft,
Of mercenary basenesse, sadly wept,
Her Errands Prologue, but guilt was not kept
Within the Curtain long, she only sate,
A Mourner for the sicknesse of his Fate,
Until esteemd for pitiful, and then
Prescribes this Remedy, Most blest of men,
Compose thy wonder, and let only joy
Dwel in thy Soul, my coming's to destroy,
Not nurse thy trembling Fears; be but so wise
To follow thy swift Fate, and thou mayst rise
Above the reach of danger, in thy Armes
Circle that power, whose radient brightnesse charms
Fierce Ammurat's anger, when his Crescents shine
In a full Orb of Forces, what was thine
Ere made a Prisoner, though the doubtful state
Of the best Christian Monarch, will abate
Its splendor, when (that Daughter of the Night)
Thy feeble Star shines in a Heaven of Light.

If Life, or Liberty then bare a shape
Worthy thy Courting, swear not to escape
By the attempts of strength, and I will free
The Iron bonds of thy Captivity.

A solemn Oath by that great power he serv'd,
Took and believ'd, his hopes no longer sterv'd
In expectation, from that swarthy seat
Of sad Despair, his narrow Jayl repleat,
With lazy Damps, she leads him to a Room,
In whose Delights Joyes Summer seemd to bloom;
There left him to the brisk Society
Of costly Bathes, and corsick Wines, whose high
And sprightly temper, from cool Sherbets found
A calm ally: here his harsh thoughts unwound
Themselves in pleasure, as not fearing Fate
So much, but that he dares to recreate
His Spirits (by unweildy Action tir'd)
With all that Lust into no Crime had fir'd.

By Mutes (those silent Ministers of sin)
His sullied Garments were remov'd, and in
Their place such various Habits layd, as pride
Would cloath her Favourites with, she means to hide
From those Deformities, which Accident
On Natures Issue, striving to prevent
Forms eaven progresse casts, when she would twine
That active Male with matter feminine.

Unruffl'd here by the rash Wearer rests
Fair Persian Mantles, rich Sclavonian Vests.
The gawdy Thuscan, or transmuted shape
Of the phantastick French, the British Ape,
The grave and constant Spaniard, all might here
Find Garments, such as Princes would appear,
To grace their honourd Nuptials in, or tell
Strangers how much their Treasure doth excell.

Though on this swift variety of Fate,
He looks with wonder, yet his brave Soul sate,
Too safe within her guards of Reason, to
Be shook with Passion; that there's some hing new
And strange approaching, after such a storm
This gentle Calm assures him, but the form
Of pleasure softens not, that which the other,
And worse extream, not with fears damps could smother.

He flies not with the rugged Separatist,
Pleasures smooth Walks, nor doth enjoying twist
Those threds of Gold to Fetters, he dares tast
All mirth, but what Religions stock would wast.
His Limbs (from Wounds but late recoverd) now
Refresht with liquid Odours did allow
Their suppl'd Nerves no softer rest, but in
Such Robes as wore their Ornament within,
Vaild o're their beauty; Linnen smooth, and soft,
As Phœnix Down, and whiter then what's brought
From furthest China be puts on, and then
What habit Custome made familiar, when
Cloathd in his own, makes choyce of for to be
Most honourd of that rich variety.

In an Italian Garb, to th' Dubblet clad,
Manto, Lusts swift and watchfull Spy that had
With an officious care attended on
That motion, entring, hasts him to be gone,
Tow'rd more sublim'd delights, which though a just
And holy doubt proclaim the road of Lust,
Knowing his better Angel did attend
Upon each step, he ventures to descend
The dreadful Precipiece so far, untill
The burning Vale was seen, then mounts the Hill
Of Heaven-bred Fortitude, from whence disdain,
Floods of contempt on those dark fires did rain.

His guilty Conduct now had brought him neer
Jhonusa's Room, the glaring Lights appear,
Through the Windows chrystal Wals, the strong
Perfumes of balmy Incense mixt among
The wandring Attomes of the Aire did fly,
Sights nimble Scouts, yet were made captive by
A flower sence, as if but to reveal
What breathd within, those Fugitives did steal,
Thorough their unseen Salliports, which now
Were uselesse grown, the open doors allow,
A free accesse into the Room, where come,
Such reall Forms he saw, as would strike dumb
Their Alcharons Tales of Paradice; the fair
And sparkling Jems ith' gilded Roof impair
Their Tapours fires, yet both themselves confesse,
Weak to those flames Jhonusa's eyes possesse.

With such a joy, as bodies that do long
For Souls shall meet them in the Doomsdayes throng,
She that rul'd Princes, though not Passions, sate
Waiting her Lover, on a Throne whose state
Epitomiz'd the Empires Wealth, her Robe
With costly pride had rob'd the checquerd Globe,
Of its most fair and orient Jewels, to
Inhance its value; captive Princes, who
Had lost their Crowns, might here those Jems have seen,
That did adorn them, yet she trusts not in
These Auxiliary strengths, her confidence
In her own Beauty rests, which no defence
Of Chastity ere yet withstood, and now
She scorns to fear it, when her power did bow
Unto a Slave condemnd, that nere could look
To see the sight, but whilst some torment took
The use of Eyes away, whilst he draws neer,
(By her command) no lesse it did appear,
Her wonder to behold his dauntlesse Spirit,
Then his, what Vertue to applaud as Merit.

Plac'd in a Seat neer her bright Throne, to stir
His settl'd thoughts, she thus begins; From her
Your Sword hath so much injur'd, as to shed
Blood so neer kin to mine, that it was fed
By the same milky Fountains, and within
One Womb warmd into life, is such a sin,
I could not pardon, did not Love commit
A Rape upon my Mercy, all the wit
Of man in vain Inventions, had been lost,
Ere thou redeemd, which now although it cost,
The price of all my Honours, I will do,
Be but so full of gratitude, as to
Repay my care with love: Why dost thou thus
Sit dumb to my discourse, it lies in us,
To raise, or ruine thee, and make my way
Thorough their bloods, that our Imbraces stay.

This on the spur of Passion spoke, she strains
His hand in hers, where feeling the big Veins,
Beat with intemperate heat, conceiving it
The strokes of Lust, to aggravate the Fit,
Into a Paroxisme of Guilt, she shews
(More then with modesty) how much she ows
To Natures Treasure, for that ill spent stock
Of Beauty she enjoyd, her Eyes unlock
Two Cabinets of sparkling Diamonds, which
The even foils of Ebbon brows enrich,
With a more Orient brightness; on her Cheek,
The Roses (conquering the pale Lilly) seek
To counterfeit a Blush, but vanquisht shame
Submits to Love, in whose insulting flame,
The modest Virgin a sad Martyr dies,
And at Fames wounds, bled Passions Sacrifice.

Natures embost work, her soft swelling breasts
(Those Bals of living Ivory) unprest,
Even with the Weight of Tiffany displayes,
Whitenesse that sham'd the Swans, the blood that straies
In Azure Channels over them did shew
By their sweld streams, how high the Tyde did flow,
Wherein her Passions saild; the milky way
Loves fragrant Valley that betwixt them lay,
Was moist with balmy Dew, extracted by
The busie Spirits that did hovering fly
Thorough her boyling blood, whose raging flame,
Had scortcht to death the April Flowers of shame.

To charm those sullen Spirits that within,
The dark Cells of his Conscience might have bin,
Yet by Religion hid, that Gift divine,
The Souls Composure, Musick did refine,
The lazy Aire, whose pollisht Harmony,
Whilst dancing in redoubled Ecchoes, by
A wanton Song was answerd, whose each part,
Invites the Hearing to betray the Heart.

Having with all these choice Flowers strewd the way
That leads to Lust, to shun the slow delay
Of his approach, her sickly Passions hast
To die in action; Come (she cries) we wast
The pretious Minutes, now thou knowst for what
Thou'rt sent for hither, which if active at,
Thou only liv'st in my esteem; and then
(O Impudence, which from the worst of men
Might force a Blush) she swiftly hasts to tread
Within Lusts Tropicks, her polluted Bed.

And here black sinner, thou, whose bloods disease,
Of kin to Hels, wants numbers to appease
Its flaming Callenture, blusht to behold
A Virgin Vertue, spotless leaves unfold
In youthful Volume, whilst thy ripe years spent,
In lust, hath lost thy Ages Ornament.

In this, as hot and fierce a Charge of Vice,
As (since he lost the field in Paradice)
Man ever felt; the brave Argalia sits,
With Vertue coold in Passions feaverish Fits:
Yet at Lifes Garrisons his Pulses beat,
In hot Alarums, till to a soft Retreat
Cal'd by that fair Commandresse spight of all
Beauties prevailing Rhetorick, though he fall,
Ruin'd beneath her anger, he by this
Unwelcome Language, her expected bliss,
Converts to rage; And must my freedome then
At such a rate be purchast, rather when
My life expires in Torments, let my Name
Forgotten die, then live in black-mouth'd Fame;
A servant to thy Lust, go tempt thy own
Dam'd Infidels to sin, that nere had known
The way to Vertue, not this cobweb Vail
Of beauty which thou wearst, but as a Jayl,
To a Soul, pale with guilt, can cover o're
Thy Minds deformities; a tainted Whore
Conscience proclaim thee will, when thou shalt sit,
Shook with this spotted Feavers trembling Fit.

(Rent from these gilded Pleasures) send me to
A Dungeon dark as Hell, where shadows do
Reign in eternal silence; Let these rich
And costly Robes (the gawdy Trappings) which
Thou meanst to cloath my sin in, be exchang'd
For sordid Rags; when thy fierce spleen hath rang'd
Through all invented torments, choose the worst
To punish my denial, less accurst,
I so shall perish, then if by consent
I'de taught thy guilty thoughts how to augment
Their sins in action, and by giving ease
To thy bloods Feaver, took its loathd disease.

To have the spring-tyde of her pleasures, sweld
By Lusts salt waters, thus by force expeld
Back to Confusions troubl'd Sea, had made
Such troops of Passion ready to invade,
An ill defended Conscience, that her look
Like a cast Felons, out of hopes of th' book;
Was sad with silent guilt; the Room she leaves
To her Contemner, who not long receives
The benefit of rest, she that had been
The Prologue unto this obstructed sin,
With six arm'd Slaves was enterd, thence to force
Him to his dismal Jayl, but the Divorce
Of life, from those which first approacht, joynd to
The others flight had put her to renew
That scatterd strength, had not that sacred tye
(His solemn Oath) from Laureld Victory,
Snatcht the fair wreath, and though brave Valour strives
To reach at Freedome through a thousand Lives:
At her Command more tamely made him yield,
Then conquerd Virgins in the Bridal Field.

The ARGUMENT.

Our noble Captive to fair Vertues Throne,
In safety past, though through Lusts burning Zone
Finds in his Dungeons lazy damps, a rest
More sweet, though with the heavy waights opprest,
Of Iron bondage, then if they had bin
Loves amorous wreaths (Jonusa's Armes) within
Whose Ivory Circles he had slept; but shee,
(Her grief compos'd of all malignity)
Lusts flames unquencht converts to, whilst they burn,
Black thoughts within her breast, that beauteous Urn
Of Lusts corruption: sometimes anger flies
Above the sphear of Reason, and there dyes,
With tears extinguisht; she breaths Curses in
Her Souls pale Agony; such as had bin
More deadly then infectious damps if not
Strangl'd ith' Embrio, dead before their hot
Poyson could work upon her fancie more
Then spleenfull thoughts which were recal'd before
Ripen'd for execution. Now she steeps
Her down in tears, a floud of sorrow weeps
Of power (if penitent) to expiate
Youths vigorous sins, but all her mourning sate
Beneath a darker Vayle then that which shades
Repentant grief, since sinne but wisht invades
The soul with that which leads to horror, when
Grief for sins past bring into light agen
One through a sea of trouble leads the way
To a safe Harbour, th'other casts away
Poor ship-wrackt Mortals, when by deaths swift stroak
Lifes feeble hold is from hopes anchor broke.

So far the fair Jonusa in this sad
Region of grief had gone, till sorrow had
That Feaver turn'd, upon whose flaming wings
At first lust only sate, to one which brings
Deaths symptomes near her heart, which had so long
Beneath the burthen groand, untill the strong
Disease had wrought up all the blood, within
Her cheeks into consuming flames; the skin
Had lost its soft repose of flesh, and lay
On nought but bones, whose sharpnesse did betray
Their macerated nerves; The Rose had lost
His Ensigns in her cheeks, and though it cost
Payns near to death, the Lillie had alone
Set his pale Banners up, no brightnesse shone
Within her eyes dim Orbs, whose fading light
Being quench'd in death, had set in endlesse night
Had not the wise endeavours of her Mayd
(The carefull Manto) griefs pale Scouts betrayd
By slie deceipt. Knowing if she should want
Health, untill cur'd by that exotick plant
The Captives love, what lust at first did burn
With inflammations might a Gangrene turn,
Although she cures not, yet gives present ease
By laying Opiates to the harsh disease.

A Letter, which, did for uncivil blame
His first denyal, in the strangers name
Disguiz'd she gives her, which, with eyes that did
O're-flow with joy, read ore, had soon forbid
Griefs sullen progresse, whose next stage had been
O're Lifes short road, the Grave, deaths quiet Inne
From whose dark terror by this gleam of light
Like trembling children by a Lamps weak light
Freed from nights dreadfull shadowes, she'd imbrac'd
Sleep (natures darknesse) had not joy defac'd
Those sooty characters, and on the wings
Of ayrie hope (that wanton bird which sings
As soon as fledg'd) advanc'd her to survey
The dawning beauties of a long'd for day.

But ere this pyramid of pleasure to
Its height arrives, with's presence to undoe
The golden structure, dreadfull Ammurat
From's floting mansion, safely landed at
The Cities Port, impatient Love had brought
In an untimely visit, ere swift thought
Fetterd with guilt, could from his eager eye
By an excuse to sanctuary flie,
He enters, and she faints, in which pale trance
His pity findes her, but to no such chance
Imputes the cause, rather conceives it joy
Whose rushing torrent, made her heart imploy
His nimble servants, all her Spirits, to
Prevent a deluge, which might else undoe
Loves new made Common-wealth; But whilst his care
Hastens to help, her fortune did declare
Her sorrows dark enigma, from her bed
The Letter drops, which when lifes Army fled
Their frontier Garrisons neglected had
Been left within't, this seen, declares a sad
Truth to'th amazed Bassa, though 'twere mixt
With subtill falshood, whilst he stands betwixt
High rage, and grief distracted, doubtfull yet
In what new dresse to wear revenge, the fit
Forsakes Jhonusa, who not knowing, she
Detected stood, of Lusts conspiracie
Gainst honours Royal Charter, from a low
Voyce strayns a welcome, which did seem to flow
From fickle discontent, such as the weak
Lungs breath the thoughts in whilst their fibers break.

To counterfeited slumbers, leaving her,
He's gone, with silent anger to confer
And though rage lives in fire, the fury lies
Unseen through the false opticks of his eyes;
With such a farwell as kinde husbands leave
Their pregnant Wives, preparing to receive
A Mothers first of blessings he forsakes
The room, and into strict inquiry takes
The wretched Manto, who ere she could call
Excuse to aid, surpriz'd, discovers all
Her sins black art, from whose dark Theorems, he
This method drawes, that night design'd to be
Lightn'd with Lusts hot triumphs, he pretends
Commanded absence, yet the false stroke bends
But towards that guard, ere by a swift reverse
Brought back, his souls slie Scouts had gain'd commerce
With all those enemies to honour by
Whose aid Jhonusa ruins chastity;

Plac'd by false Manto in a Closet, which,
Silent, and sad, had only to inrich
Its roof with light, some few neglected beams
Sent from Jhonusa's room, which serve as streams
To wast intelligence; Here he beheld
Whilest she, who with his absence had expelld
All thoughtfull cares was with her joy swell'd high
As Captives are when cal'd to liberty,
Her Linnen (like a Princely Brides that meets
In the soft folds of her first nuptial sheets
Perfum'd and costly, her fair bed was more
Adorn'd then Shrines, whose Saints rich Kings adore,
Incense in smoaky curles, climbs to the fair
Roof, whilst choice musick rarifies the aire,
Each element in more perfection here
Then in their first creation did appear
Yet liv'd in harmony, the wing'd fire lent
Perfumes to'th aire, that to moist Cordials pent
In Christal Vials, strength, and those impart
Their vigour to that ball of earth, the hart,
The nice eye here epitomiz'd might see
Rich Persia's wealth, and old Rome's luxury

But now (like Natures new made Favorite
Who untill all created for delight
Was fram'd, did nere see Paradice) comes in
Deceiv'd Argalia, thinking he had been
Cald thither to behold a Penitent
Arming for death, not heavens choice blessings spent
On th' vanities of Life, but mirth soon gives
That thought its mortal wound, and shewes she lives
Beyond that dark sphear, where her joyes did move
As if her eyes alone gave Lawes to Love,
Where beauties Constellations all did shine
As if no crosse aspect could ere untwine
Their claspt Conjunctions, which did seem to guide
Old Natures steps, till from their Zeniths pride,
By vertue (the Souls motion) which the World
In order keeps, into confusion hurld.

For here gay vanity, though cloathd in all
Her gawdy Pageants, lets her Trophies fall
Before bright Vertues Throne, with such a high
Heroick scorn, as aged Saints that die
Heavens Favourites, leave the trivial world, he slights
That gilded Pomp, no splendent beam invites,
His serious eye, to meet their Objects in
An amorous glance, reserv'd as he had been,
Before his grave Confessor, he beholds
Beauties bright Magick, whilst its Art unfolds
Great Loves mysterious Riddles, and commands
Captive Jhonusa to infringe the Bands
Of Matrimonial modesty; when all
Temptation fails, she leaves her Throne to fall,
(The scorn of Greatnesse) at his Feet; but Prayer
(Like flattery) expires in uselesse aire,
Too weak to batter that firm confidence,
Their torments thunder could not shake: from hence
Despair (Loves Tyrant) had enforc'd her to
More wild Atempts, had not her Ammurat, who
Unseen, beheld all this, prevented by
His sight, the death of bleeding modesty.

Made swift with rage, the ruffl'd Curtain flies
His angry touch, he enters, fixt his eyes,
(From whence some drops of rage distil) on her
Whose heart had lent her Face its Character,
Whilst he stood red with flaming anger, she
Looks pale with fear, Passions disparity
In such extreams, as Natures Laws require,
'Twixt Earths cold Center, and th' aires circling fire.
Dwelt in their troubl'd breasts, his wild eyes stood
Like Comets, when attracting storms of blood
Shook with portentuous sadnesse, whilst hers sate
Like the dull earth, when trembling at the Fate
Of those ensuing ills, heavy and fixt
Within their Orbs. Passions thus strangely mixt,
No various Feaver ere created in,
The phrenzi'd Brain, when sleeps sweet calm had bin
From her soft Throne depos'd: this Lightning past,
Thunder succeeds, as burning Mountains cast
Out horrid noise, after their flame and smoak,
So having paus'd, his dreadful Voyce thus broke
The dismal silence; Thou prodigious Whore,
The curse of my Nativity, that more
Afflicts me, then eternal wrath can do
Spirits condemnd, some Fiends instruct me to
Heighten revenge to thy desert, but so
I should do more then Mortals may, and throw
Thy spotted Soul to flames, yet I will give
Its passe-port hence, for think not to out-live
This hour, this fatal hour, ordaind to see,
More then an Age before of Tragedy;

She that fell from a Firmament of pride
To Fortunes lowest Region, and there di'd
A sad example to ensuing times,
That Honours Altitude supports not Crimes.
When in their stretcht Extentions reaching to
Justice, which can through reverst Opticks view
Giants, though Pigmy sins do oft appear,
Like the dim Moon, more great, because more neer,
Sins, that till fear their guilt did aggravate,
Wore Vertues Frontispiece, since now too late
To hope for life, in their own monstrous form,
Encounter Reasons Guards, till the big storm
Of various passions all were settled in
Dregs of despair, when fearing tears should winne
The victory of anger, Ammurat drawes
His Simmeter, which had in blood writ Lawes
For conquerd Provinces, and with a swift
And cruel rage, ere penitence could lift
Her burthen'd soul in a repentant thought
Tow'rds heaven, sheathes the cold steel in her soft
And snowy breast, with a loud groan she falls
Upon the bloudy floore, half breathlesse calls
For his untimely pity, but perceiving
The fleeting spirits with her bloud were leaving
Her heart unguarded, she imployes that breath
Which yet remain'd, not to bewayle her death,
But beg his life that caus'd it, on her knees
Strugling to rise, but now calmed Ammurat frees
Her from disturbing death, in's last great work,
And thus declares some vertue in a Turk;

I have brave Christian by perusing thee
In this great act of honour, learnt to be
Too late thy slow-pac'd follower, this ting (with that
Gives him his Signet) shall when question'd at
The Castle guards, thy safety be, and now
I see her bloods low water doth allow
Me only time to lanch my souls black Bark
Into deaths rubick Sea, for to the dark
And silent Region, though we here were by
Passion divorc'd, Fortune shall not deny
Our souls to sail together: From thy eyes
Remove deaths load, and see what sacrifice
My Love is offering, with that word a stroak
Pierces his breast, whose speedy pains invoak
Deaths Opiates to appease them, he sinks down
By's dying Wife, who ere the cold floud drown
Life in the deluge of her wounds, once more
Betrayes her eyes to'th light, and though they bore
The weight of death upon their Leads, did keep
Them so long open, till the icie sleep
Began to seize on him, and then she cries
Oh see just heaven, see, see my Ammurat dies
To wander with me in the unknown shade
Of Immortality, but I have made
The wounds that murther'd both, his hand that gave
Mine, did but gently let me bloud to save
An everlasting Feaver. Pardon me
My dear, my dying Lord, Eternity
Shall see my soul washt white in tears, but Oh
I now feel times dear want, they will not flowe
Fast as my stream of bloud. Christian farewell,
When ere thou do'st our tragick story tell,
Do not extenuate my crimes, but let
Them in their own black characters be set
Near Ammurats bright vertues, that read by
Th' unpractic'd Lover, which posterity
(Whilst wanton windes play with our dust) shall raise
On beauties throne, the good may justice prayse
By his example, and the bad by mine
From Vices Throne be scar'd to Vertues Shrine.

And here the speed deaths messengers did make
To hurry forth their souls, did faintly shake
Her words into imperfect accents, this
She cries is our last enterview, a kisse
Then joyns their bloudlesse Lips; Each close the eyes
O'th other, whilst the parting spirit flies
Mounted on both their breaths, the latest gasp
They ere must draw. Whilst with stiffe arms they clasp
Each others neck, Argalia through a cloud
Of liquid sorrow did behold the proud
Triumphs of death in their untimely fate,
He sees great Ammurat for a Robe of State,
Groveling in blood, the fair Jhonusa lie,
Purpl'd in death; like pollisht Ivory,
Dipt in Vermillion; the bright Chrystals that
Her Soul in conquering flames lookt thorough at.
Both quencht and coold in death; but time did lend
His tears scarce passage, till a drop could end
Its Journey o're his Checks, before a Page
Whose cruelty had far out-grown his Age;
Enters in hast, and with an anger that
(Though indiscreet) at wrongs seemd kindl'd at,
In wounds, did on the Bassas body vent
A spleen that deaths discharge could not content.

This seen, Argalia (to whom all must be
Offence that injures fair humanity)
Stops the vain Torrent, and a neerer way,
To just revenge directs the angry Boy,
Who by unfolded truth, now lets him know,
His Rage to that uncivil height did grow,
Not from a childish spleen, but wrongs that he
A Christian, sufferd in Captivity.

Assur'd by this confession, that he might
Be useful more, then in a secret flight,
Argalia bids him, in his Bassas Name,
A Mandate, write for some of worthiest Fame,
'Mongst all the Christian Citizens, and those
To send the Guard for, ere the Morning rose,
On the black ruines of the Night; this done,
Before that time the Victory had won
Of opportunity (their Warders slain)
Each Christian Captive from his rusty Chain,
His bold hand frees, and by their happy aide,
The Gates being first secur'd, with ease dismayd;
The drousie Garrison, from whom they found
But weak resistance, some soft fleep had bound
To Beds of ease, intemperate Riot kept
Others more vainly waking; here one slept
Between a Mistresse Armes, and there another
(Stole to a private Cattamit) did smoother
Delight in whispers, in which loose Garb found,
Ere time rowls up what slow neglect unwound,
Even in securities soft Lap surpriz'd,
They met grim death in Pleasures shape disguiz'd,

All now being slain but feeble Eunuchs, and
Poor trembling Maids, the new, but valiant Band
Of late freed Captives Crown the Wals, from whence
They saw the Soldiers wicked dilligence,
In finding those which the false Mandate had
Design'd for Ruine general, as sad
The Cities sorrows were, a desolate
And silent horror, unregarded sate,
Ith' empty streets, which action had not fil'd,
Yet with employment; but when day did gild
The Ebbony of Night, to hear the rude
Murmure that did, from the mixt multitude,
Open'd together with their Doors, assures
Argalia, that their fear, which yet secures,
That handfull of insulting Tyrants, might
(With anger being charg'd home) be put to flight,
With a reserve of hope, whilst every breast
Was sweld with stiffl'd Spirits, whilst opprest
With silent grief, helplesse Spectators, they
Saw those they once for Vertue did obey,
(Their reverend Senators, whose silver'd heads,
Age now made fit for ease) forc'd from their Beds,
By feaverish powers rude fits, whose hear, not all
The Jewleps of their Tears, though some drops fall
From Beauties lovely blossoms, cools their Rage,
Neglected Youth slights like unreverent Age.

But when the conquering Captives, by the brave
Argalia rescued, from the Castle gave
Bright Vict'ries Signal, when they saw each Lance,
The bleeding head of a grim Turk advance
Anger (like unobstructed Love) breaks forth
In flaming hast, yet here the Want of worth
And Valour 'mongst the City heard, had drove
Them all to deaths dark Fields, if whilst they strove
With that stout band of Jannizaries, they
Had not been by Argalia taught the way
To Victory, who in a sally meets
Retreating fear, when creeping from the streets,
To th' vain protection of their doors, and now
His conquering Sword having taught all to bow
Beneath its burnisht splendor, since the high
Applause oth' loudest acclamations fly
Beneath his worth, a general Vote elects,
Him for their Prince, but his brave Soul affects
Not so sublime a burthen, knowing they
Bred under a Democrisie, obey
Contracted power, but harshly he returns
All to their Senate, who of late like Urns
Nought but the uselesse Ashes did contain,
Of their own Laws, which were by Conquest slain.

But his refusal, where acceptance, not
Envy could say, Ambition had begot,
But new Plants Vertue; who from thence did take
The deeper Root, and 'mongst the throng did make
That choice so Epedemical, that he
For Valour feard, lov'd for Humility;
The peoples prayer (those humble shrubs) that ow
For safety to powr's Cedars) joyn to grow,
Shadowd beneath his Merit, and create
Him Prince oth' Senate, who (their doubtful state
Requiring strong Allies) A Fleet prepard,
To seek those Princes, who their danger shard;
Which ready with a prosperous Gale of wind,
He (though imployd by Honour) sails to find
Out Loves rich Indiaes, and with's white winged Fleet,
Hastens Palermos neerest Port to meet.

The Argument.

Whilst with bent Oars Argalia's Squadrons move,
Like the light wings of (Times Physitian) Love,
Who steerd his course, and now had safely drawn
Him through th' Ionian Waves, when by the dawn
Of a still Morning, whose pale sickly light
(Yet bounded in the Ebbony of Night)
Shewd like a dull Quicksilver foil spread o're
The Worlds great Glasse, whose even Surface bore
Within their view two Galleons, whom they saw
(Like timerous Hares) base Hunters give no Law;
Chac'd by a nimble, numerous fleer. Drawn near,
Christians the chac'd, the Chacers Turks appear,
Which like a shole of smaller Fishes made
So bold by number, that they durst invade
The big bulkt Whale, on every side assails
The slow-pac'd fleet, who, since not strength prevayls
Against such ods, their fiery spirits spent
In thunder, which, had from their broad sides sent
The last great groan, for powers decease, and they
Not their Foes terror, but good fortune lay.

Whilest crampt in this convulsion of their fear
Which (honour gilding) made despair appear
The childe of fortitude, they all prepare
Bravely to die, Argalia's squadrons bare
Up with the winde, and ere the Turks proud Fleet
(Deceiv'd by their own Crescents) fear to meet
A danger (like a Hirrocane) falls in
Destruction which was suffer'd whilest unseen.
So wealthy Merchants, whose returning cost
A storm on the pacifick Sea hath lost,
Fall from the arms of hope. Sudden, and swift
As inundations, whose impetuous drift
Swallows a sleeping City up, had they
Lost the firm hold of Victory, and lay
Sad Captives in their own lost Ship, for flight
Saves few, where all in hopes of conquest fight

Fair Vict'ry made more bright by accident
(Even when despair hopes wasted stock had spent)
Those that were rescu'd, from their soft prayers raise
To pay heavens tribute in their louder prayse
Which (oft neglected) debt discharg'd, they gave
(Allay'd with thanks) to him, whose hand did save
A miracle in their delivery, all
Desev'd applause, that can when mounted, fall
Ith' Circle of Humanity; to kisse
Those hands wich pluckt him from the black Abbysse
Of Death, their brave Commander goes, where he,
(Discoverd by Majestick curtesie;
Such real forms of worth, that (he was grown
Rich in esteem, before more fully known.

But long Truth stands not vail'd in a disguize
Of Ignorance, ere they are taught to prize
His Friendship at a higher rate, by seeing
Their active Valour had been blest in freeing
The Cyprian Prince, for such he was, and then,
Bound for Morea: this made publick, when
Acquaintance had taught Love more boldnesse, he
All that discretion would permit to be
Lodg'd in the Closet of a friendly Breast,
Tels to Argalia, who (though in his best
Of hopes, a Rival knowing him, was in
Love too secure to harbour envious sin.

Their prosperous Fleet, ere times short steps had trod
In hours, a full dayes Journey safely rod
At Anchor in Ghirenza's Bay, from whence
When known, their Cannons in a loud expence,
Proclaim their welcome; the Acquaintance that
The Cyprians Father, ere his youth stayd at
Its Summer Solstice, with Cleander had,
Revives ith' Suns embraces, which the glad
Citie in th' triumphs ecchoes, ere 'twas known,
That his Resolves were such, as Love was grown,
The wishes of the peoples throng, who thought
That that unpollisht Prince Zoranza brought
Unequal strength of Merit, ere to win
The Fort Pharonnida lodg'd Vertue in.

When first they enterd the admiring Court,
Fame (wise mens care, but the Fools busie sport)
Making the Ear the Eyes wise Harbinger,
By Learning first their Vertues, did confer
More honour on their persons, they beheld
Ith' Cyprian Prince heroick worth, yet sweld
With no ambitious tumour, calm and free,
As wholesome aire, when its Ubiquity
Breaths healthful blasts, where his smooth thoughts to all
Most sweetly affable, but few could call
His Love familiar, his Youth had not
Yet learnt rough War, although from Precept got
Its useful Rudiments, and by Valour shews
Future Command may pay what Action ows
To speculation; by the Grave, sad man,
Whose counsel could Conspiracies unspan,
When ready to give fire, he is beheld,
As one whose Vertues far his years exceld;
And might, when at maturity afford
Length to the Scepter, from's victorious Sword.

From this young Prince (Heavens hopeful Blossom) they
Pleas'd but not satisfi'd, their Souls convey
On those wing'd Messengers, their Eyes unto
Manly Argalia, finding there a new
And various form of worth on's Brow did fit,
Reserv'd discretion, reconcil'd to Wit.
Serious and grave his carriage, yet a Face,
Where Loves fair Shrine did Wisdoms Temple grace
His scars (those broad Seals) which protecting fate,
His future safety sign'd in, on him sate
Not to deform, but until Age remain
Like Maids of Honour plac'd in Beauties Train.
True worth dwelt in the other; but in this
Brave Heroes breast had her Metropolis.
The Cyprians safety, and Sardinia's brave
Redemption were the pass-ports which Fame gave
Unto his travelling prayse, which fled in haste
Through th' ears short stages, in each breast had plac't
A Love of's worth, which wise men softly prayse
Whilst the loud throng to acclamations raise.

Not long these true-born Sons of honour in
Palermo's Court remaine, ere what had been
The cause which had the youthfull Cyprian drew
Froms Fathers Court, white fame presents unto
Busie Inquirers; Which design from all
Those swift (but weak recruits) good wishes call
Except from some it most concern'd, mongst which
Cleander staggers unresolv'd, the rich
And powerfull Kingdome, which affinity
With Cyprus promis'd, was a prize to be
Valued before Epirus wealth, who though
Of late victorious, yet could never grow
Up to that glorious height. This thought the most
Of all the ere obstructed love, had crost
Zoranza's hopes, had not his wishes been
(Though covetously vast) confin'd within
The others merits, amongst which the chief
Opposes first it self, and the relief
Whispers in's soul, that had been thence brought by
Him, when his state wept bloud for liberty.

This in the Scale of Justice seem'd as large
As Loves dimensions, till a second charge
Of thoughts proclaim the Cyprians power to doe
The same if in necessity sought to,
Which blames becoming gratitude, as in
Relation to servility, a sinne
In the great souls of Princes, who can be
If they remain in debt for curtesie
But Captives in the throne, too oft the cause
Why meritorious Subjects meet the Lawes
Harsh Rigour for Reward, when their Deserts
Many and great, o're fill their Princes hearts.

Before Cleanders Gravity had layd
This tempest of his Passions, Fame betrayd
Their Cause to the Epicote Prince, who hears
The Cyprians welcome, which his various fears
But briefly comment on, before without
More slow delays then what were spent about
The swiftest preparations, he intends
To visit fair Pharonnida, and ends
His Journey, ere a thought unwing'd with Love,
Could lead him forth of's Court, which hast did prove
His Passions stronger then the strength of age
Appeard to promise what it might presage,
To see at once two royal strangers in
Their glorious Court, which both imployd had bin
About one amorous Errand, strangely did
Affect the Citizens, whose fears forbid
The publick Stage, in private whispers tels
What danger lay betwixt those parallels.

Yet in the opposition of those Stars,
That shine in Passions sphear, Loves civil Wars
Had no field Army, all his power did rest
Within the private Garrisons oth' breast,
Which though besieg'd, by sly suspition made
No verball Sallies, but prepare t'invade
Beauties bright Province; yet, each only had
A single Visit given unto the sad
Sweet Object of their hopes, and thence receiv'd
A Welcome, such as neither had bereav'd
The others hopes, both rather finding cause
Of cold despair,; Cleander pleads the Laws
Of Nature, and free choice, to wave his own
Engagements to Zoranza, which had blown
Loves sickly flame with the tempestuous breath
Of anger forth, had not those thoughts to death,
Ith' Bud been doom'd: whilst thus his Passions slept
In Loves soft Armes, the noble Cyprian kept
A distance 'twixt his hopes and wishes by
The stayd Epicots interest, both rely
On their own Merits, and Loves doubtful sate,
Makes subject to the Monarchy of Fate.

But whilst this busie Combate of the heart
On equal tearms is fought, time bent to part
The royal Champions, through the obscure Ports
Of dark disguize into Loves field resorts,
A third brave Combatant, whose Merit had
(Though not ith' Armour of great Titles clad)
By parly wonne that Maiden Fort, which they
Although they scal'd, on golden Mountains, lay
Before in vain; Argalia though within
Ghirenza's Court, had yet a stranger bin,
More then in Fame and big Report, to her
Whose best of thoughts wore his Souls Character;
And yet (although a Virgins bashful grace
Conceald her own, for to behold that Face
So much in debt to th' peoples Prayses) to
Her window oft the royal Maid had drew,
Where whilst his eyes did waft their Beams in vain,
To pierce those stubborn Walls that did contain
Rich Loves unvalued-Treasure, she beholds
His brave Deportment, which, since strange, unfolds
New Volumes of unprinted joy, which she
(Sorrow affording so much liberty)
Oft with delight looks o're, beholding in't
Argalia's Vertues in a different print.

But his wise Fate, even when his prayer grew weak
In Faith, did through hopes cold Antartick break,
In a long Summers day, his noble friend
The Princely Cyprian did so largely spend
His stock of eloquence in's praise when he
Last saw divine Pharonnida, that she
Although from no remoter cause then springs
From Vertues publike love, tells him he brings
Has next best welcome with his Friend, which proud
To be observant in, when time allow'd
A visit he performs. Now to the Court,
Beauties dull Cloyster, which no throng'd resort
Of Clients fill they'r come, the surly Guard
Those wakefull Dragons, did without reward
Let in that danger in disguise, which had
Met death i'th entrance, if in that unclad.

The way that cleft the scowling Rock, being by
A thousand steps ascended, they i'th high
Clifts finde the Royal Eaglet, trying that
Bright eye of her fair soul, discretion at
The fiery beams of anger, which were shot
From her Majestick Father. Being got
Once more to breath his Soul upon that hand
Where Loves first Vows, seal'd with his Lips did stand
(Knowledge inflaming passions Feaver) like
Unpractic'd Saints, which miracles do strike
Into a Reverend zeal, he trembling takes
That holy Relique, which a cold fear shakes
In that warm touch. Her eyes fair splendor shone
Like bright Stars, in heavens trepidation
Shook with the general motion, though betwixt
The Sphears of Love and Wonder they stood fixt
In their own Orbs, and their united beams
Center'd on him, yet (like dead friends which dreams
Imperfectly present) his Lovely form,
As Marriners, when Land is through a storm
With doubtfull joy descry'd, she sees, but yet
Knowledge had met with no prospective fit
To guide her through the dark disguize, unto
The Rode of truth, his Valour was in new
Habiliments of honour cloath'd, and scars
Made her Love's heaven adornd with unknown Stars.

But whilest her Recollecting spirits were
All busied, his Idea to compare
With what she saw, a sudden glance o'th eye
Disvellopes truth, that Jewel which was by
His first Protector left is seen, by which
Hope (near impoverisht with despair) growes rich
In Faith (heavens tenure). But the rushing tide
O're-flowes so much, that Loves fresh Rivers glide
Over weak natures banks, she faints, and in
A silent joy (contracted what had bin
By Love dilated) from which giddy trance
To rescue her Argalia doth advance
To charge those troops of passions, which o're her
Had prov'd victorious, nor did fate deferre
Their Conquest long ere she displayes again
Beauties fair Banner in Loves Ivory plain.

Th' imprison'd spirits freed, the bloud in haste,
(Fearing her Love had Wisdoms throne defac'd
To beauties Frontiers flies. So mornings weep
And blush together when they over-sleep
Themselves in nights black bed. Though fears dull charms
Whilst in the circle of Argalia's arms
Like Dreams fantastick Visions vanish in
Her waking joyes, yet knowing they had been
Betray'd into a strangers view, they both
Stood mute with passion, till the Cyprian, loth
To adde more weights unto affliction, by
Imping Loves wings with noble courtesie
Fans off the Southern clouds of fear, and thus
Calms the loud storm; Doubt not because to us,
(Fair Princess) Loves mysterious Riddles are
By accident resolv'd, the factious war
Shall be renewd, such base intelligence,
Traytors and Spies give, when the dark offence,
Starts at discovery; if my service may
Be useful (Know) I sooner dare betray
My sins to th' world, then your intentions to
A smooth Seducer: This rare interview
May be my wonder; but shall never prove
My guilt, though all the stratagems of Love
Lay open to my heart, which though unskild
In his Polemmicks, yet with truth is fil'd.

Since now too late to seek protection by
A faint denial, the wisht privacy
Their Room afforded, gives them leave to lead
His apprehension, where conceit did read
The story of Loves civil Wars, whose Rage
Since treaty could not calm, makes him engage
His stock of power in their defence, and end
His Passions progresse to let Love attend
On Friendships royal Train, what not the force
Of Earths united Beauties could divorce;
Nor Wealths, nor Honours strong Attractions draw
To other Objects, by that holy Law
Informd, as hateful Sacriledge doth fly,
The bold intrusion on Loves Hierarchy.

VVith joy assur'd of such a powerful Friend
The hopeful Lovers sadder cares suspend,
To lay the plat-form of their safety by
A fair escape, but fear doth oft unty
The golden webs of Fancy, when they come
To name the means, Invention then struck dumb,
Startles into distraction; no smooth stroke
Of soft palmd flattery could ere provoke
Sleep in her watchful Dragons, nor no shower
Of ponderous Gold pierce through her sable Tower.

The harsh Commander of her surly Guard,
VVakeful as foaming Cerberus, and hard
As Parian Quars, a heart that could not melt
In Loves Alimbeck, the Slave never felt
His Darts, but when Lust gave the wound, and then
(Seard with enjoying) the blood stops agen,
And leaves behind the Feaver, which Disease
Now in him rag'd, Amphibia that could please
None but a sympathizing Nature, in
His blood had both Disease and Med'cine bin
VVith Lusts Inchantments, thick loose glances, first
Breeding a Callenture, whose sickly thirst
Consenting, sin allays again; but long
This Monster thrives not in the dark, ere strong
By custome grown, with Impudence he dares
Affront unvaild Report, and boldly bears
Himself above those head-strong Torrents, by
VVhose streams harsh Censure grew to callumny,
VVhich carelesse pride did unobstruct the way,
Through which to liberty Loves progresse lay.

A short delay, which lets not Fancy rest
In idle thought, their Actions did disgest
Into a Method; the succeeding Night
To that great day by whose triumphant light,
Their Annuall Feasts her Birth did celebrate,
The time design'd, which done, to stroke rough Fate
Into a calm, Argalia first finds out
Despis'd Florenza, then imployd about
Course Huswifery in the dull Country, where
Shee soon became a Partner of his care;
Prepares for safety with a diligence,
Whose privacy payes lavish Times expence.

Now from Nights swarthy Region rose that day,
'Gainst which Invention taught her Babes the way
To level at delight, though she flew high
As Monarchs breasts, Beauty and Valour vie
Each other in a conquering Pride, within
A spatious field, that ought before had bin
The Theater of Martial sports, each Knight,
VVhom the desire of honour did invite
By her swift Herald, Fame, were met, and all
VVhom the respects of either part did call
To th' Epicotes, or young Cyprians part
Repair unto their Tents, which rich in Art,
Adornd both sides oth' stately Lifts, and lent
Their Beauties to be Prospects Ornament.

Neer to the Scaffold every seat was fil'd,
VVith bright Court beauties, Ladies that did gild
Youth (Natures Throne of pollisht Ivory) in
Pride, there but greatness, though low Fortunes sin.

Rang'd next to these the City Madams, that
Came both to wonder, and be wonderd at,
Fine (as on their first Lady-dayes) did sit
Comparing Fashions, to commend their wit;
Besides the Silk-worms spoyls (their husbands gain)
Jewels they wore (like Eyes in Beauties Wane)
Grown dim with Age, so dim, that they did look
As if they'd been from plunderd Delphos took,
Although that sprung from Faction, yet each Face,
Was all set form, hardly affording place
For a stoln smile, save when some ticklish Lord
Strikes sail, which they could wish should come abroad,

Below, neer to the over-heated throng
Sweet Country beauties, such as nere did wrong
Nature with nicer Art were seated, where
Though big, rude pride cast them in Honours Rear,
Yet in Loves Province they appeard to have
Command from their acknowledgd beauty gave,
Humble their Looks, yet Vertue there kept state,
And made even Envy wish to immitate
Their Fashions, not phantastick, yet their dresse
Made Gallantry in Love with comliness.

Whilst here the learnd Astronomers of Love,
Observ'd how Eyes (those wandring Stars) did move,
And thence with heedful Art did calculate
Approaching changes in that doubtful state;
The Princesse (like the Planet of the day)
Comes with a luster forth that did betray
The others beams into contempt, and made
The Morning Stars of meaner beauties fade,
Sadly confessing by their Languisht light,
They shone but when her absence made it Night:
Stately her look, yet not too high to be
Seen in the Valleys of Humility;
Clear as Heavens Brow was here, her smiles to all,
Like the Suns comforts, Epidemical:
Yet by the boldest Gazer, with no lesse
Reverence ador'd, then Persians in distresse;
Do that bright power, who though familiar by,
An aiery Medium, still is thron'd on high.

Least the ungovernd Multitude which raise
Their eyes to her, should in their lavish praise,
From zeal, to superstition grow, they'r now
Drawn off, the enterd Combatants allow
Their Eyes no further leisure, but beginning
Their Martial sports, with various fate were winning
Bright Vict'ries Laurels. But I here must let
Honour in their own stories Live, the debt
I ow to promise, but extends unto
The fortune of our royal Lovers, who
(Though both concernd in this) have actions far
More full of Fate approaching, that bright Star,
Which gave Argalia Victory here, scarce shews
Its spangl'd Records unto which he ows,
Far more sublime protection, yet it lends
Vigour to that bright Planet which attends
His future fortune, and discovers all
His Astracismes in rising Cosmicall;

Followd with Acclamations, such as made
The troops of envy tremble to invade
His conquering Fame, he leaves the Field, and by
Cleander with Rewards of Victory
First honourd in the publick view, is brought
From thence to meet delitious mirth in soft
Retir'd Delights, which in a spatious flood,
From Princes breasts to tenifie the blood
Of the blunt Soldier hasts, whose dull souls sweld
With aiery pleasures had from thought expeld
All sullen Cares, and leveld paths, unto
Designs which did to their neglect ensue.

The black-browd Night to Court the drousie World,
Had put her starry Mantle on, and hurld
Into the Sea (their spatious breasted Mother)
Her dark Attendants, silent sleep did smoother
Exalted Clamours, and in private meets
The busie Whisperer sporting 'twixt his sheets,
Vaild in which shady calm, Argalia by
The noble Cyprian only, in his high
Attempt assisted, now prepares to free
The great Preserver of his liberty.

Come to the Bridge, that to secure the sleep
Oth carelesse Guard, which slender watch did keep,
Finding it drawn, the depth, and ugly look
Oth' heavy stream, had from the Cyprian took
All hopes of passage, till that doubt did end
In greater fear (the danger of his Friend)
Who with a Courage high, as if in that
He'd centerd all the world did tremble at,
In his precedent Victories, had cast
Himself to th' mercy of the stream, and past
In safety o're, though Nets enough were spread
On her dark Face to make his Deaths cold bed.

Giving his Spirits leave to fortifie
His heart with breath, he then ascends the high
Opposing Clifts, which in an ugly pride,
Threatend beneath her ruin'd Scales to hide
That rising flame of honour; being come
To th' other side a Centry, but struck dumb
With sleeps prevailing Retorick he finds,
Upon whose Keys he seizes, and then binds
His sluggish Limbs ere full awake, convays
Him to a place, whence no loud cry betrayes
The sounds of danger to his Fellows, that
Reveld in louder mirth, unstartl'd at
The Rivers depth, the wondring Cyprian now
Crost the united Bridge, and being taught how
By immitation to slight danger, goes
With his brave Friend toward their careless Foes.

Not far they were advanc'd, before they hear
Approaching steps, a Soldier was drawn neer,
Which to relieve, the other came, but shar'd
In his misfortune, ere he had prepard
To make resistance, which attempt succeeds,
So equal to their wishes, that there needs
No more to strengthen Faith; by the command
Oth' Wils best Leader (Reason) both did stand
A while to view their danger, through a way
Narrow and dark their dreadful passage lay;
The rugged Rock upon each side so steep,
That should they've miss't, no trembling hold could keep
Them from the grasp of death; to add to this,
More forms of horrour from the dark Abysse,
Which under-min'd the Rocks rough sides they hear,
A hollow murmure; the black Towers appear,
Flanckt with destruction, every part did hold
Peculiar terrour, but the whole unfold,
Through the black Glasse of Night, a Face like that,
Which Chaos wore, ere time was wakend at
The first great Fiat, or could ought appear,
More dark and dreadful, know 'twas emblem'd here.

Safe past through the first steps of danger, they
Now to the main Guard come, whom they betray
By a soft knock, of all conceived 't had bin
The Voyce their Centry cal'd for entrance in,
Their Errand undisputed, Postern Gates
Are open thrown, at which the royal Mates
Both rushing in, strangely amaze them, but
Now being enterd, 'twas too late to shut
The danger forth, nor could Confusion lend
Their trembling Nerves a strength fit to defend
By opposition, in base flight lay all
Their hopes of life, which some attempting fall
On the dark road of death, but few escape,
To shew their fellows dangers dredful shape.

Whilst here like powerful winds that dissipate
Infectious damps in unobstructed state,
Their Valour Reign'd, to tell them that the way
Which led unto the Princesse freedome lay,
Yet through more slippery pathes of blood, with hast
Wild as their Rage; Burmorchus Brother's plac't,
That Guards Commanders enter, loose neglect,
Which drew them thence, since cause of that effect,
They now redeem with speed; Riot had not
Un-nerv'd their Limbs, although their blood grew hot,
With large intemperate Draughts, the Feaver yet
Ith' Spirits only dwelt, till this rude fit
On the stretcht heart layes hold in flames, which had
Scortcht Valours Wings, if not in Judgment clad.

Here (though their numbers equal were, yet in
A larger Volume danger had not bin
Often before presented to the view
Of the brave Champions, as if she had drew
With doubtful Art Lines in the Scheam of Fate,
For them and their proud Foes, pale Vertue sate
Trembling for fear her power should not defend
Her Followers 'gainst that strength which did attend
Those big-bon'd Villains strokes, beneath whose force
The Cyprian Prince had felt a sad divorce
Of Natures Wedlock, if when sinking in
The Icy sleep, deaths wide Gorge had not been
Stopt by a stroke from fierce Argalia sent,
To aide him when in his defence he'd spent
His stock of strength, freed by which happy blow,
From Janus Guard, since now his Friend lay low;
Neer Deaths dark Vally, he contracts his power,
To quench the others Lamp of Life, a shower
Of wounds lets fall on's Enemy, which now
Clog'd his Souls upper Garments, and allow
His Eyes dim Opticks, no more use of light,
Then what directs him in a staggering flight.

Yet in the darknesse of approaching death,
In Mischiefs Sables, that small stock of breath
That yet remains to Clothe, he suddenly
Gives fire unto a Cannon that was by
Wise care ordaind to give intelligence,
When big with danger, fear could not dispence
With times delayes; the Princess that within
Her Closet, had that fatal Evening bin
Retir'd and sad, whilst strong wing'd prayer acquaints
Her flaming zeal with Heavens whole Quire of Saints,
Thus startl'd by the treacherous thunder all
Her yet unnumberd stock of Beads lets fall
'Mongst those that prayer had ranckt, and did implore
In one great shriek deliverance, to her door
Hasts to behold the danger of those Friends
On whose success (Loves fortresse) hope depends.

Where being come, her eyes first progresse met
Her prayers Reward, even whilst his Sword was wet
With blood (the balm of Victory) but long
The Extasies of Fancy, though more strong
Then sacred Raptures last not, all was now
Too full of noise and tumult, to allow
A Room for Passions flow, disputes within
The Schools of Action, loud Alarums in
The Castle, Court, and City rag'd, all were
Huddl'd into confusion, some prepare
To fly, what others with an Ignorance,
As great (though bolder) to oppose advance.

Here had our Heaven-protected Lovers lost,
What such large summs of prayers and tears had cost,
Had not the torrent of the peoples throng,
When rushing towards the Castle, by a strong
Voyce, danger, been diverted to prevent
A hungry flame, which in the Cyprians Tent
Began, had spread its aire-dilated wings
Over the City, whose feard danger brings
On them a worse distemperature, then all
Their last Nights Surfets, whilst proud Turrets fall
In their own Ashes, the discordant Bells,
Ordaind to call for aide, but ring their Knels,
That in a drunken fury, half awake
First their warm Beds, and then their Lives forsake,
For to destruction here big pride had sweld,
Had not Nights errors been by day expeld.

With swift Cals frighted, but more terrifi'd
At their sad Cause, Fear being his doubtful Guide;
The stout Epicote to Cleanders Court,
Repairs, and there amongst a thick resort
Of Subjects, finds the Prince distracted by
Those Epidemick Clamours that did fly
From every part oth' City, to appease
Whose fury whilst he goes, the sharp disease,
In flames feeds on her ruin'd beauty, and
Mounts on insulting wings, which to withstand,
Th' amaz'd Inhabitants did stop its flight,
With the whole weight of Rivers, till that light
Which an Usurper on the sooty Throne
Of darknesse sate, vanisht, or only shone
From their dim Torches Rayes, the Prince thus stayd,
In's hasty Journey, till the flames allayd,
Lent safety to the City, by it gave
The royal Fugitives the time to save
Themselves by flight, from those ensuing ills,
Whose clamorous Scouts (rude sounds) the stird aire fills.

Descended to the Gardens Postern Gate,
A place where silence yet unruffl'd sate.
A Night obscure, and an unhaunted way,
Conspiring their Pursuers to betray,
To dark mistakes, with silent Joy which had
All Fears pale symptomes in Loves purple clad;
Close as that bold Attempter, whose brave theft
Was sacred fire (the walks behind them left)
Argalia hasts unto the Castle Moat,
With his rich prize, there a neglected Boat
Half hid amongst the Willow Beds, finds out,
In which Pharonnida, that nought could doubt,
Whilst her successful Lover steerd, past o're
To meet the safety of a larger Shore.