University of Virginia Library

CANTO THE FIFTH.

The Argument.

With prosperous Sails mov'd from Sardinia's Shore,
Argalia safe doth now from danger set
The Cyprian Prince, who though so large in score,
With noble friendship soon repays the Debt.
In Sparta's Court they'r now arriv'd, where he
That Life he sav'd, venters to serve him in
An Act so great, it sets the Princess free,
Who for his sake had long a Prisoner bin.
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;

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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,

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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;

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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)

258

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.
The end of the third Book.