 | Pharonnida |  |
102
The Fift Book.
CANTO I.
The Argument.
I
Tier'd with afflictions in a safe retreatFrom th' active world, Pharonnida is now
Making a sacred monastry her seat,
Where near approaching the confirming vow,
II
A rude assault, makes her a Prisoner toAlmanzors power, to expiate whose sin
The subtil Traytor swiftly leads her to
The Court, where she had long a stranger bin.
Here harsh imployments, the unsavory weeds
Of barren wants had over-run the seeds
Of fancy with domestick cares, and in
Those winter storms shipwrack'd what ere had bin
My youths imperfect off-spring, had not I
For love of this neglected poverty,
That meager fiend whose rustic tallons stick
Contempt on all that are inforc'd to seek
Like me, a poor subsistance 'mongst the low
Shrubs of imployment, whilst blest wits that grow
Good fortunes favorits, like proud Ceders stand
Scorning the stroke of every feeble hand,
Whose vain attempts, though they should martyr sense,
Would be repulst with big-bulk'd confidence:
Yet blush not gentle Muse, thou oft hast had
Followers, by fortunes hand as meanly clad,
And such as when time had worn envy forth
Succeeding ages honor'd for their worth.
Of barren wants had over-run the seeds
Of fancy with domestick cares, and in
Those winter storms shipwrack'd what ere had bin
My youths imperfect off-spring, had not I
For love of this neglected poverty,
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Contempt on all that are inforc'd to seek
Like me, a poor subsistance 'mongst the low
Shrubs of imployment, whilst blest wits that grow
Good fortunes favorits, like proud Ceders stand
Scorning the stroke of every feeble hand,
Whose vain attempts, though they should martyr sense,
Would be repulst with big-bulk'd confidence:
Yet blush not gentle Muse, thou oft hast had
Followers, by fortunes hand as meanly clad,
And such as when time had worn envy forth
Succeeding ages honor'd for their worth.
Then though not by these rare examples fier'd
To vain presumption, with a soul untir'd
As his, whose fancies short Ephemeraes know
No life, but what doth from his liquor flow,
Whose wit grown wanton with canaries wealth
Makes the chast Muse a pandress to a health,
Our royal Lovers story I'll pursue
Through times dark paths, which now have led me to
Behold Argalia, by assisting art
Advanc'd to health, preparing to depart
From his obscure abode, to prosecute
Designs, which when, success strikes terror mute
With pleasing joy, shall him the mirror prove
Of forward valor, glost with filial love.
To vain presumption, with a soul untir'd
As his, whose fancies short Ephemeraes know
No life, but what doth from his liquor flow,
Whose wit grown wanton with canaries wealth
Makes the chast Muse a pandress to a health,
Our royal Lovers story I'll pursue
Through times dark paths, which now have led me to
Behold Argalia, by assisting art
Advanc'd to health, preparing to depart
From his obscure abode, to prosecute
Designs, which when, success strikes terror mute
With pleasing joy, shall him the mirror prove
Of forward valor, glost with filial love.
But let us here with prosperous blessings leave
A while the noble Hero, and receive
From times accounts the often varying story
Of her whose love conducted him to glory,
Distrest Pharonnida, whose sufferings grown
Too great for all that vertue ere had known
From humane precepts, flies for refuge to
Heavens narrowest paths, where the directing clew
Of Law, to which the Earth for order owes,
Lost in zeals light, a useless trouble growes.
A while the noble Hero, and receive
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Of her whose love conducted him to glory,
Distrest Pharonnida, whose sufferings grown
Too great for all that vertue ere had known
From humane precepts, flies for refuge to
Heavens narrowest paths, where the directing clew
Of Law, to which the Earth for order owes,
Lost in zeals light, a useless trouble growes.
Return'd were all the messengers, which she
Had at the first salutes of Libertie
To seek Argalia sent: But since none brought
Her passions ease, sick hope no longer sought
Those flattering Emp'ricks; but at Loves bright fires
Kindling her zeal, with sober pace retires
From all expected honors, to bestow
What time her youth did yet to nature ow,
A solemn Recluse, by a sacred vow
Lockt up from action, whilst she practis'd how
By speculation safely to attain
What busier Mortals doubtfully do gain.
Had at the first salutes of Libertie
To seek Argalia sent: But since none brought
Her passions ease, sick hope no longer sought
Those flattering Emp'ricks; but at Loves bright fires
Kindling her zeal, with sober pace retires
From all expected honors, to bestow
What time her youth did yet to nature ow,
A solemn Recluse, by a sacred vow
Lockt up from action, whilst she practis'd how
By speculation safely to attain
What busier Mortals doubtfully do gain.
Within the compass of the valley, where
Ismanders palace stood, the pious care
Of elder times had plac'd, a Monastrie,
Whose fair possessors from life's tumults free,
In a calm voyage towards heaven (their home) there spent
The quiet hours, so sweetly innocent,
As if that place, that happy place, had bin
Of all the earth alone exempt from sin;
Some sacred power ordaining (when 'twas given)
It for the next preparing school to heaven;
From whence those Vestals should, when life expires,
Be for supplies advanc'd to heavenly quires.
Ismanders palace stood, the pious care
Of elder times had plac'd, a Monastrie,
Whose fair possessors from life's tumults free,
In a calm voyage towards heaven (their home) there spent
The quiet hours, so sweetly innocent,
As if that place, that happy place, had bin
Of all the earth alone exempt from sin;
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It for the next preparing school to heaven;
From whence those Vestals should, when life expires,
Be for supplies advanc'd to heavenly quires.
Lost to the world in sorrows lab'rinths, here
Pharonnida, now out of hope to cleer
This tempest of her fate, resolves to cast
Her faiths firm anchor: But before she past
The dangerous straits of a restrictive vow,
She to such friends as judgment taught her how
To prize, imparts it; 'mongst which few, the fair
Silvandra, whom lost love had taught despair,
With sad Florenza, both resolve to take
The same strict habit, and with her forsake
The treacherous world. But to disturb this clear
Stream of devotion, soon there did appear
Disswading friends, Ismander loth to lose
So lov'd a guest, whilst she's of power to choose,
Together with the vertuous Amida,
Spend their most powerful arguments to draw
Her from those cold thoughts, that her vertue might
Whilst unconceal'd, lend weaker mortals light.
Pharonnida, now out of hope to cleer
This tempest of her fate, resolves to cast
Her faiths firm anchor: But before she past
The dangerous straits of a restrictive vow,
She to such friends as judgment taught her how
To prize, imparts it; 'mongst which few, the fair
Silvandra, whom lost love had taught despair,
With sad Florenza, both resolve to take
The same strict habit, and with her forsake
The treacherous world. But to disturb this clear
Stream of devotion, soon there did appear
Disswading friends, Ismander loth to lose
So lov'd a guest, whilst she's of power to choose,
Together with the vertuous Amida,
Spend their most powerful arguments to draw
Her from those cold thoughts, that her vertue might
Whilst unconceal'd, lend weaker mortals light.
Long had this friendly conflict lasted, ere
Her conquer'd friends, whom a religious care
Frighted from robbing heaven of Saints, withdrew
To mourn her loss; yet ere they left her to
Her cloyster'd Cell, Ismander, to comply
With aged custom, calls such friends whom nigh
Abode had made familiar, to attend
His Royal guest; some hasty days they spend
In solemn feasting, where each friend although
Cloath'd as when they at triumphs met, did shew
A silent sadness, such as wretched Brides,
When the neglected nuptial robe but hides
The cares of an obstructed love, before
Harsh parents wear. The mirthless feast past ore,
The noble Virgins in procession by
The mourning train, unto the Monast'ry
Slowly conducted are, each led by two
Full-breasted Maids, whom Hymen to renew
The worlds decaying stock, his joys to prove
By contracts summon'd to conjugal love.
Her conquer'd friends, whom a religious care
Frighted from robbing heaven of Saints, withdrew
To mourn her loss; yet ere they left her to
Her cloyster'd Cell, Ismander, to comply
With aged custom, calls such friends whom nigh
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His Royal guest; some hasty days they spend
In solemn feasting, where each friend although
Cloath'd as when they at triumphs met, did shew
A silent sadness, such as wretched Brides,
When the neglected nuptial robe but hides
The cares of an obstructed love, before
Harsh parents wear. The mirthless feast past ore,
The noble Virgins in procession by
The mourning train, unto the Monast'ry
Slowly conducted are, each led by two
Full-breasted Maids, whom Hymen to renew
The worlds decaying stock, his joys to prove
By contracts summon'd to conjugal love.
These as they past, like Paranymphs which led
Young Beauties to espouse a Maidenhead
With harmony, whose each-concording part
Tickl'd the ear, whilst it did strike the heart
With mournful numbers, rifling every brest
Of their deep thoughts, thus the sad sense exprest.
Young Beauties to espouse a Maidenhead
With harmony, whose each-concording part
Tickl'd the ear, whilst it did strike the heart
With mournful numbers, rifling every brest
Of their deep thoughts, thus the sad sense exprest.
To secret walks, to silent shades,
To places where no voice invades
The air, but what's created by
Their own retir'd society,
Slowly these blooming Nymphs we bring
To wither out their fragrant spring,
For whose sweet odors Lovers pine,
Where beauty doth but vainly shine:
To places where no voice invades
The air, but what's created by
Their own retir'd society,
Slowly these blooming Nymphs we bring
To wither out their fragrant spring,
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Where beauty doth but vainly shine:
Cho.
Where Natures wealth, and Arts assisting cost
Both in the beams of distant hope are lost.
Both in the beams of distant hope are lost.
To Cloysters where cold damps destroy
The busie thoughts of Bridal joy;
To Vows whose harsh events must be
Uncoupl'd cold Virginitie;
To pensive prayers, where heaven appears
Through the pale cloud of private tears,
These captive Virgins we must leave,
Till freedom they from death receive:
The busie thoughts of Bridal joy;
To Vows whose harsh events must be
Uncoupl'd cold Virginitie;
To pensive prayers, where heaven appears
Through the pale cloud of private tears,
These captive Virgins we must leave,
Till freedom they from death receive:
Cho.
Only in this remote conclusion blest,
This vale of tears leads to eternal rest.
This vale of tears leads to eternal rest.
Then since that such a choice as theirs,
Which stiles them the undoubted heirs
To heaven, 'twere sinful to repent:
Here may they live till beauty spent
In a religious life, prepare
Them with their fellow-Saints to share
Celestial joys, for whose desire
They freely from the world retire:
Which stiles them the undoubted heirs
To heaven, 'twere sinful to repent:
Here may they live till beauty spent
In a religious life, prepare
Them with their fellow-Saints to share
Celestial joys, for whose desire
They freely from the world retire:
Cho.
Go then, and rest in blessed peace, whilst we
Deplore the loss of such societie.
Deplore the loss of such societie.
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Through all the slow delays of Love arriv'd
To the unguarded gate, friendship that thriv'd
Not in Perswasions rhetorick, withdraws
Her forces to assist that juster cause,
Prayers for their future good; with which whilst they
Are taking leave, th'unfolded gates give way
For the blest Votries entrance, whom to meet,
A hundred pair of Maids, more chastely sweet
Then flowers which grow untoucht in desarts, were
Led by their Abbess; to whose pious care
These being join'd, with such a sad reverse
Of eyes oreflowing, as the sable herse
Close mourners leave, when they must see no more
Their coffin'd dead, their friends are from the dore
With eager looks, woes last since now denied
A further view, departs unsatisfied.
To the unguarded gate, friendship that thriv'd
Not in Perswasions rhetorick, withdraws
Her forces to assist that juster cause,
Prayers for their future good; with which whilst they
Are taking leave, th'unfolded gates give way
For the blest Votries entrance, whom to meet,
A hundred pair of Maids, more chastely sweet
Then flowers which grow untoucht in desarts, were
Led by their Abbess; to whose pious care
These being join'd, with such a sad reverse
Of eyes oreflowing, as the sable herse
Close mourners leave, when they must see no more
Their coffin'd dead, their friends are from the dore
With eager looks, woes last since now denied
A further view, departs unsatisfied.
This last of duties which the dearest friend
Ought to perform, brought to successful end;
For here no custom with a dowries price
At entrance paid, nurst slothful avarice:
They're softly led through a fair garden, where
Each walk was by the founders pious care,
For various fancies, wanton imagrie,
To catch the heart, and not to court the eye,
Adorn'd with sacred histories. From hence
To th' center of this fair circumference
The fabrick come, the roving eye confin'd
Within the buildings, to enlarge the mind
In contemplation, saw where happy Art
Had on the figur'd walls the second part
Of Sacred story, drawn in lines that had
The worlds Redeemer from his first being clad
In robes of flesh, presented to the view
Through all his passion, till it brought him to
The Cross, that highest seal of love, where he
A sinless offering died, from sin to free
The captiv'd world, which knew no other price
But that to pay the debts of Paradice.
Ought to perform, brought to successful end;
For here no custom with a dowries price
At entrance paid, nurst slothful avarice:
They're softly led through a fair garden, where
Each walk was by the founders pious care,
For various fancies, wanton imagrie,
To catch the heart, and not to court the eye,
Adorn'd with sacred histories. From hence
To th' center of this fair circumference
The fabrick come, the roving eye confin'd
Within the buildings, to enlarge the mind
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Had on the figur'd walls the second part
Of Sacred story, drawn in lines that had
The worlds Redeemer from his first being clad
In robes of flesh, presented to the view
Through all his passion, till it brought him to
The Cross, that highest seal of love, where he
A sinless offering died, from sin to free
The captiv'd world, which knew no other price
But that to pay the debts of Paradice.
Past through this place, where bleeding passion strove
Their melting pity to refine to love,
They're now the Temple enter'd, where to skreen
Their thoughts yet nearer heaven, whom they had seen
Ith' entrance scourg'd, contemn'd & crucifide,
They there beheld, though veils of glory hide
Some part of the amazing Majestie
In his Ascension, as when rais'd to be
For them that hear his death freed from the hate
Of angry heaven, the powerful Advocate.
Their melting pity to refine to love,
They're now the Temple enter'd, where to skreen
Their thoughts yet nearer heaven, whom they had seen
Ith' entrance scourg'd, contemn'd & crucifide,
They there beheld, though veils of glory hide
Some part of the amazing Majestie
In his Ascension, as when rais'd to be
For them that hear his death freed from the hate
Of angry heaven, the powerful Advocate.
Besides these bold attempts of Art that stood
To fright the wicked, or to prompt the good;
Something more great, more sacred, then could by
Art be exprest, without the help oth' eye
Reacht at the center of the soul, from whence
To heaven, our rais'd desires circumference,
Striking the lines of Contemplation, she
Wrapt from the earth, is in an extasie
Holy, and high, through faith's clear optick shown
Those joys which to departed saints are known.
To fright the wicked, or to prompt the good;
Something more great, more sacred, then could by
Art be exprest, without the help oth' eye
Reacht at the center of the soul, from whence
To heaven, our rais'd desires circumference,
Striking the lines of Contemplation, she
Wrapt from the earth, is in an extasie
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Those joys which to departed saints are known.
Before those pray'rs which zeal had tedious made
With their last troops did conquer'd heav'n invade,
The day was on the glitt'ring wings of light,
Fled to the western world, and swarthy night
In her black Empire thron'd; from silver shrines
The kindl'd lamps through all the temple shines
With dapl'd rayes, that did to th' eye present
The beauties of the larger firmament.
In which still calm, when all their rites were now
So near perform'd, that the confirming vow
Alone remain'd, a sudden noise of rude
And clamorous sound, did through the ear intrude
On their affrighted fancies, in so high
A voice, that all their sacred harmony
In this confusion lost, appear'd so small,
As if that whisper'd which was made to call.
With their last troops did conquer'd heav'n invade,
The day was on the glitt'ring wings of light,
Fled to the western world, and swarthy night
In her black Empire thron'd; from silver shrines
The kindl'd lamps through all the temple shines
With dapl'd rayes, that did to th' eye present
The beauties of the larger firmament.
In which still calm, when all their rites were now
So near perform'd, that the confirming vow
Alone remain'd, a sudden noise of rude
And clamorous sound, did through the ear intrude
On their affrighted fancies, in so high
A voice, that all their sacred harmony
In this confusion lost, appear'd so small,
As if that whisper'd which was made to call.
Although the awfull majesty that here
Religion held, the weak effects of fear
With faith expel'd, yet when that nearer to
Their slender gates the murmuring tumult drew;
The Abbess sends not to secure, but see
Who durst attempt what heaven from all kept free
By strictest law, save those unhallow'd hands
That follow curses whilst they flie commands,
But they being entred ere the timerous Scout
Could notice give, fear, which first sprung from doubt
Being into wilde confusion grown, from all
Set forms affrights them, whilst at once they call
For heavens protecting mercy, to behold
That place where peacefull Saints us'd to unfold
Heavens Oracles, possest with villains that
Did ne'r know ought but want to tremble at,
Which look'd like those that with proud Angels fell,
And to storm heaven were sent in arms from hell,
Converts that Scean where nothing did appear
But calm devotion, to distracting fear;
Amaz'd with horror, each sad votress stands
Whilst sacred relicks drop from trembling hands;
Here one whose heart with fears convulsions faint,
Flies to the shrine of her protecting saint;
By her another stands, whose spirits spent
In Passion, looks pale as her monument:
One shrieks, another prayes, a third had crost
Her self so much, ill Angels might have lost
The way to hurt her, if not taught to do't,
Cause she to th' sign too much did attribute.
Religion held, the weak effects of fear
With faith expel'd, yet when that nearer to
Their slender gates the murmuring tumult drew;
The Abbess sends not to secure, but see
Who durst attempt what heaven from all kept free
By strictest law, save those unhallow'd hands
That follow curses whilst they flie commands,
But they being entred ere the timerous Scout
Could notice give, fear, which first sprung from doubt
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Set forms affrights them, whilst at once they call
For heavens protecting mercy, to behold
That place where peacefull Saints us'd to unfold
Heavens Oracles, possest with villains that
Did ne'r know ought but want to tremble at,
Which look'd like those that with proud Angels fell,
And to storm heaven were sent in arms from hell,
Converts that Scean where nothing did appear
But calm devotion, to distracting fear;
Amaz'd with horror, each sad votress stands
Whilst sacred relicks drop from trembling hands;
Here one whose heart with fears convulsions faint,
Flies to the shrine of her protecting saint;
By her another stands, whose spirits spent
In Passion, looks pale as her monument:
One shrieks, another prayes, a third had crost
Her self so much, ill Angels might have lost
The way to hurt her, if not taught to do't,
Cause she to th' sign too much did attribute.
The royal Stranger by her fear persu'd
To th' altar fled, had with mixt passion view'd
This dreadfull troop, whilst from the temple gate
They past the seat where trembling virgins sate
Free from uncivil wrongs, as if that they
That entred had been men prepar'd to pray,
Not come to ravish, from which sight her fear
Picks flowers of hope, but such, as they drawn near
From fancies soft lap, in a Hirocane
Of passion drop'd her pray'rs and tears in vaine
As words in winds, or showers in Seas, when they
Prepare for ruin the obstructed way
To pitty, which her stock of pray'rs had cost,
In the dark shade of sudden horror lost.
To th' altar fled, had with mixt passion view'd
This dreadfull troop, whilst from the temple gate
They past the seat where trembling virgins sate
Free from uncivil wrongs, as if that they
That entred had been men prepar'd to pray,
Not come to ravish, from which sight her fear
Picks flowers of hope, but such, as they drawn near
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Of passion drop'd her pray'rs and tears in vaine
As words in winds, or showers in Seas, when they
Prepare for ruin the obstructed way
To pitty, which her stock of pray'rs had cost,
In the dark shade of sudden horror lost.
Seis'd on by two o' th' sacrilegious train
Whose black disguise had made the eye in vain
Seek to inform the soul, she and the poor
Florenza, whilst their helpless friends deplore
With silent tears so sad a loss, are drew
From the clasp'd Altar in th' offended view
Of their protecting saints, from whose shrines in
A dismal omen dropt what ere had bin
With hopes of merit plac'd. Black sulphry damps
With swift convulsions quench'd the sacred lamps,
The fabrick shakes, and as if griev'd they stood
To circle guilt, the walls sweat tears of blood.
Shrieks, such as if those fainted souls that there
Trod heaven's strait paths, in their just quarrel were
Rose from their silent dormitories to
Deter their foes, through all the temple flew.
Whose black disguise had made the eye in vain
Seek to inform the soul, she and the poor
Florenza, whilst their helpless friends deplore
With silent tears so sad a loss, are drew
From the clasp'd Altar in th' offended view
Of their protecting saints, from whose shrines in
A dismal omen dropt what ere had bin
With hopes of merit plac'd. Black sulphry damps
With swift convulsions quench'd the sacred lamps,
The fabrick shakes, and as if griev'd they stood
To circle guilt, the walls sweat tears of blood.
Shrieks, such as if those fainted souls that there
Trod heaven's strait paths, in their just quarrel were
Rose from their silent dormitories to
Deter their foes, through all the temple flew.
But here in vain destroying angels shook
The sword of vengeance, whilst his bold crimes struck
'Gainst heaven in high contempt; with impious haste,
Snatch'd from the altar, whilst their friends did waste
Unheard Orizons for their safety, they
Unto the Fabrick's utmost gate convey
Their beauteous prizes, where with silence stood
Their dreadful guard, which like a neighb'ring wood
When vapors tip the naked boughs in light,
With unsheath'd swords through the black mists of night
A sparkling terror strook, with such a speed
As scarce gave time to fear what would succeed.
To such preceding vilanies, within
Her Coach imprison'd, the sad Princess, in
A march for swiftness such as busie war
Hastes to meet death in, but for silence far
More still then funerals, is by that black troop
With such exchange as falling stars do stoop
To nights black region, from the Monastrie
Hurri'd in haste, by whom, or whither, she
Yet knows no more then souls departing, when
Or where, to meet in robes of flesh agen.
The sword of vengeance, whilst his bold crimes struck
'Gainst heaven in high contempt; with impious haste,
Snatch'd from the altar, whilst their friends did waste
Unheard Orizons for their safety, they
Unto the Fabrick's utmost gate convey
113
Their dreadful guard, which like a neighb'ring wood
When vapors tip the naked boughs in light,
With unsheath'd swords through the black mists of night
A sparkling terror strook, with such a speed
As scarce gave time to fear what would succeed.
To such preceding vilanies, within
Her Coach imprison'd, the sad Princess, in
A march for swiftness such as busie war
Hastes to meet death in, but for silence far
More still then funerals, is by that black troop
With such exchange as falling stars do stoop
To nights black region, from the Monastrie
Hurri'd in haste, by whom, or whither, she
Yet knows no more then souls departing, when
Or where, to meet in robes of flesh agen.
The day salutes her, and uncurtain'd light
Welcoms her through the confines of the night,
But lends no comfort, every object that
It shewed her, being such, as if frighted at
The Prince of day, griev'd h'ad no longer slept,
To shun, shrunk back beneath a cloud, and wept.
When the unfolded curtains gave her eyes
Leave to look forth, a troop, whose close disguise
Were stubborn arms, she only saw, and they
So silent, nought but motion did betray
The faculties of life, by whom being led
In such a sad march as their honor'd dead
Close mourners follow, she some flow-pac'd days
'Mongst strangers passing through stranger ways,
(At both amaz'd) at length, unfathom'd by
Her deepest thought within the reach oth' eye
Her known Ghirenza views; but with a look
From whence cold passion all the blood had took,
And in her face (that frozen sea of fear)
Left nought but storms of wonder to appear.
Welcoms her through the confines of the night,
But lends no comfort, every object that
It shewed her, being such, as if frighted at
The Prince of day, griev'd h'ad no longer slept,
To shun, shrunk back beneath a cloud, and wept.
When the unfolded curtains gave her eyes
Leave to look forth, a troop, whose close disguise
Were stubborn arms, she only saw, and they
So silent, nought but motion did betray
The faculties of life, by whom being led
In such a sad march as their honor'd dead
114
'Mongst strangers passing through stranger ways,
(At both amaz'd) at length, unfathom'd by
Her deepest thought within the reach oth' eye
Her known Ghirenza views; but with a look
From whence cold passion all the blood had took,
And in her face (that frozen sea of fear)
Left nought but storms of wonder to appear.
Conven'd within the spacious Judgment-hall
Of Reason, she, ere this had summon'd all
Her weaker passions to th' impartial Bar
Of Moral Vertue, where they sentenc'd are
Only to an untroubled silence; in
Which serious act whilst she had busied bin,
She is, unnoted, ere the fall of day
Brought by her convoy to a Lodge that lay
Off from the rode, a place, when seen, she knew
Ere his rebellion, had belong'd unto
Her worst of foes, Almanzor, which begins
At first a doubt, whose growing force soon wins
The field of faith, and tells her timorous thought
Her fathers troops would ne'r have thither brought
Her, if design'd to suffer, since that he
Knew those more fit for close captivitie.
Of Reason, she, ere this had summon'd all
Her weaker passions to th' impartial Bar
Of Moral Vertue, where they sentenc'd are
Only to an untroubled silence; in
Which serious act whilst she had busied bin,
She is, unnoted, ere the fall of day
Brought by her convoy to a Lodge that lay
Off from the rode, a place, when seen, she knew
Ere his rebellion, had belong'd unto
Her worst of foes, Almanzor, which begins
At first a doubt, whose growing force soon wins
The field of faith, and tells her timorous thought
Her fathers troops would ne'r have thither brought
Her, if design'd to suffer, since that he
Knew those more fit for close captivitie.
But long her reason lies not fetter'd in
These cross Dilemma's; the slow night had been
With tedious hours past ore, whilst she by none
But Mutes, no less unheard, then their unknown
Is only waited on, by whom, when day
To action call'd (she veil'd) is led the way
To the attending Convoy, who had now
Varied the Scene, Almanzor studying how
To court compassion in his Prince, dares not
At the first view, ere merit had begot
A calm remission of rebellious sin,
Affront an anger which had justice bin
In his confusion; his arms he now behind,
As that which might too soon have call'd to mind
His former crimes, he leaves, and for them took
To gain the aspect of a pitying look,
A Hermites homely weed, his willing train
By that fair gloss their liberties to gain,
Rode arm'd; but so, what for offence they bore,
Was in submission to lay down before
The throne of injur'd power, to cure whose fear
Their armed heads on halter'd necks appear.
These cross Dilemma's; the slow night had been
With tedious hours past ore, whilst she by none
But Mutes, no less unheard, then their unknown
115
To action call'd (she veil'd) is led the way
To the attending Convoy, who had now
Varied the Scene, Almanzor studying how
To court compassion in his Prince, dares not
At the first view, ere merit had begot
A calm remission of rebellious sin,
Affront an anger which had justice bin
In his confusion; his arms he now behind,
As that which might too soon have call'd to mind
His former crimes, he leaves, and for them took
To gain the aspect of a pitying look,
A Hermites homely weed, his willing train
By that fair gloss their liberties to gain,
Rode arm'd; but so, what for offence they bore,
Was in submission to lay down before
The throne of injur'd power, to cure whose fear
Their armed heads on halter'd necks appear.
Near to the rear of these, the Princess in
A mourning Litter, close as she had bin
In a night-march unto her tomb, is through
The Cities wandring tumults led unto
The royal palace, at whose gates all stay
Save bold Almanzor, whom the Guards obey
For his appearing sanctity so much,
That he unquestion'd enters, and thought such
As his grave habit promis'd, soon obtain'd
The Princes sight, where with a gesture fain'd
To all the shapes of true devotion, he
By a successfull fiction comes to be
Esteem'd the true converter of those wilde
Bandits, which being by their own crimes exil'd
In spight of law had liv'd to punish those
Which did the rules of punishment compose.
A mourning Litter, close as she had bin
In a night-march unto her tomb, is through
The Cities wandring tumults led unto
The royal palace, at whose gates all stay
Save bold Almanzor, whom the Guards obey
For his appearing sanctity so much,
That he unquestion'd enters, and thought such
As his grave habit promis'd, soon obtain'd
The Princes sight, where with a gesture fain'd
116
By a successfull fiction comes to be
Esteem'd the true converter of those wilde
Bandits, which being by their own crimes exil'd
In spight of law had liv'd to punish those
Which did the rules of punishment compose.
These being pardon'd, as he'd took from thence
Encouragement, veil'd under the pretence
Of a religious pity, he begins
In language, whose emolient smoothness wins
An easie conquest on belief, to frame
A sad Petition, which although in name
It had disguis'd Pharonnida, did finde
So much of pity as the Prince inclin'd
To lend his aid for the relief of her
Whose vertue found so fair a character
In his description, it might make unblest
That power which left so much of worth distrest.
Encouragement, veil'd under the pretence
Of a religious pity, he begins
In language, whose emolient smoothness wins
An easie conquest on belief, to frame
A sad Petition, which although in name
It had disguis'd Pharonnida, did finde
So much of pity as the Prince inclin'd
To lend his aid for the relief of her
Whose vertue found so fair a character
In his description, it might make unblest
That power which left so much of worth distrest.
Though too much tir'd with private cares to shew
In publick throngs how much his love did owe
To suffering vertue, yet since told that she
Was too much mask'd in clouds of grief to be
The object of the censuring Court, he to
The Litter goes, whose sable veil withdrew
With wonder, that did scarce belief admit
Shadow'd in grief, he sees his daughter sit,
His long lost daughter, whom unsought, to be
Thus strangely found, to such an extasie
Of joy exalts him, that his spirits by
Those swift pulsations had been all let fly
With thanks towards heav'n, had not the royal Maid
With showers of penitential tears allaid
Those hotter passions, and revok'd him to
Support her griefs, whose burthen had out-grew
The powers of life, but that there did appear
Kinde natures love, to cure weak natures fear.
In publick throngs how much his love did owe
To suffering vertue, yet since told that she
Was too much mask'd in clouds of grief to be
The object of the censuring Court, he to
The Litter goes, whose sable veil withdrew
With wonder, that did scarce belief admit
Shadow'd in grief, he sees his daughter sit,
His long lost daughter, whom unsought, to be
Thus strangely found, to such an extasie
117
Those swift pulsations had been all let fly
With thanks towards heav'n, had not the royal Maid
With showers of penitential tears allaid
Those hotter passions, and revok'd him to
Support her griefs, whose burthen had out-grew
The powers of life, but that there did appear
Kinde natures love, to cure weak natures fear.
In this encounter of their passions, both
With sorrow silent stood, words being loath
T'intrude upon their busie thoughts, till they
In moist compassion melted had away
His angers fever, and her frozen fears
In Natures balm, soft loves extracted tears:
Like a sad Patient whose forgotten strength
Decay'd by cronick ills, hath made the length
Of life his burthen, when near death, meets there
Unhop'd for health; so from continual care,
The souls slow hectick, elevated by
This cordial joy, the slothfull Lethargy
Of age, or sorrow findes an easier cure
Then the unsafe extream, a Calenture.
With sorrow silent stood, words being loath
T'intrude upon their busie thoughts, till they
In moist compassion melted had away
His angers fever, and her frozen fears
In Natures balm, soft loves extracted tears:
Like a sad Patient whose forgotten strength
Decay'd by cronick ills, hath made the length
Of life his burthen, when near death, meets there
Unhop'd for health; so from continual care,
The souls slow hectick, elevated by
This cordial joy, the slothfull Lethargy
Of age, or sorrow findes an easier cure
Then the unsafe extream, a Calenture.
Nor are these comforts long constrain'd to rest
Within the confines of his own swell'd brest,
Ere its dismantl'd rayes did in a flight
Swift as the motions of unbodied light
Disperse its Epidemick vertues through
The joyfull Court, which now arriv'd unto
Its former splendor, heavens expected praise
Doth on the wings of candid mercy raise:
Which spreading in a joyful Jubile
To all offenders, tells Almanzor he
Might safely now unmask; which done, ere yet
Discover'd, at the well-pleas'd Princess feet
Humbl'd with guilt he kneels; who at the sight
As much amaz'd as so sublime a flight
Of joy admitted, stands attentive to
What did in these submissive words ensue.
Within the confines of his own swell'd brest,
Ere its dismantl'd rayes did in a flight
Swift as the motions of unbodied light
Disperse its Epidemick vertues through
The joyfull Court, which now arriv'd unto
118
Doth on the wings of candid mercy raise:
Which spreading in a joyful Jubile
To all offenders, tells Almanzor he
Might safely now unmask; which done, ere yet
Discover'd, at the well-pleas'd Princess feet
Humbl'd with guilt he kneels; who at the sight
As much amaz'd as so sublime a flight
Of joy admitted, stands attentive to
What did in these submissive words ensue.
Behold, great Sir, (for now I dare be seen)
An object for your mercy that had been
Too dreadful for discovery, had not this
Preceding joy told me, no Crime could miss
The rode of mercy, though like mine, a sin
The suffering Nation is invellop'd in.
Sunk in the ocean of my guilt, I h'd gone
A desperate Rebel, waited on by none
But Outlaws to a grave obscure, had not
Relenting heaven thus taught me how to blot
Out some of sins black characters, ere I
Beheld the beams of injur'd Majestie.
An object for your mercy that had been
Too dreadful for discovery, had not this
Preceding joy told me, no Crime could miss
The rode of mercy, though like mine, a sin
The suffering Nation is invellop'd in.
Sunk in the ocean of my guilt, I h'd gone
A desperate Rebel, waited on by none
But Outlaws to a grave obscure, had not
Relenting heaven thus taught me how to blot
Out some of sins black characters, ere I
Beheld the beams of injur'd Majestie.
This in his passions relaxation spoke,
Perswades the Princes justice to revoke
Its former rigor. By the helpful hand
Of mercy rais'd, Almanzor soon did stand
Not only pardon'd, but secur'd by all
His former honors from a future fall,
Making that fortune which did now appear
Their pities object, through the glass of fear
With envy look'd on, but in vain, he stood
Confirm'd in Loves Meridian altitude
The length of life from Honors western shade,
Except in new Rebellion retrograde:
Which plotting leave him, till the winding clew
Of fancy shall conduct your knowledge to
Those uncouth vaults; and mounting the next story,
See Vertue climbing to the throne of glory.
Perswades the Princes justice to revoke
Its former rigor. By the helpful hand
Of mercy rais'd, Almanzor soon did stand
Not only pardon'd, but secur'd by all
His former honors from a future fall,
119
Their pities object, through the glass of fear
With envy look'd on, but in vain, he stood
Confirm'd in Loves Meridian altitude
The length of life from Honors western shade,
Except in new Rebellion retrograde:
Which plotting leave him, till the winding clew
Of fancy shall conduct your knowledge to
Those uncouth vaults; and mounting the next story,
See Vertue climbing to the throne of glory.
The End of the First Canto.
120
CANTO II.
The Argument.
I
Leaving Pharonnida to entertainThe various passions of her Father, we
Must now return to see Argalia gain
That power by which he sets his Father free
II
From the command of haughty Rebels, whoBy justice sent to a deserved death,
Argalia takes the Crown, his merits due,
And the old Prince in peace resigns his breath.
Return'd to see what all the dark records
Of the old Spartan History affords
Ith' progress of Argalia's fate, I found
The chain'd Historian here so strictly bound
To follow truth, although at dangers cost,
No silent night, nor smoky battail lost
The doubtfull rode, which often did appear
Through floods of faction fill'd with storms of fear
Obscure and dark, to the belief of that
Less guilty age; though then to tremble at
Romes bold ambition, and those prodigies
Of earth, their Tyrants, to inform their eies,
Left mourning monuments of ill, but none
Like what they now attempt, a sin unknown
To old Aspirers, which should have been sent
Some Ages forward for a president
To these, with whom compar'd, their crimes had bin,
Though past to act, but weak essayes of sin.
Of the old Spartan History affords
Ith' progress of Argalia's fate, I found
The chain'd Historian here so strictly bound
To follow truth, although at dangers cost,
No silent night, nor smoky battail lost
121
Through floods of faction fill'd with storms of fear
Obscure and dark, to the belief of that
Less guilty age; though then to tremble at
Romes bold ambition, and those prodigies
Of earth, their Tyrants, to inform their eies,
Left mourning monuments of ill, but none
Like what they now attempt, a sin unknown
To old Aspirers, which should have been sent
Some Ages forward for a president
To these, with whom compar'd, their crimes had bin,
Though past to act, but weak essayes of sin.
With such a speed as the supplies of air
Fearing a vacuum, hasten to repair
The ruptures of the earth, at our last view
We left reviv'd Argalia posting to
Ætolia's distant confines, where arriv'd,
He found their Army, whose attempts had thriv'd
Since he Epirus had forsook, so far
Advanc'd, that now the varied scene of war
Transferr'd to faithless Ardena, was there
Fixt in a siege, whose slow approaches were
The doubts of both; the city pines for fear
Remote supplies might fail, which drawn so near
The circling Army knows, that either they
Must flie from conquest near obtain'd, or stay
To meet a danger, which by judgement scan'd,
Their strength appears unable to withstand.
Fearing a vacuum, hasten to repair
The ruptures of the earth, at our last view
We left reviv'd Argalia posting to
Ætolia's distant confines, where arriv'd,
He found their Army, whose attempts had thriv'd
Since he Epirus had forsook, so far
Advanc'd, that now the varied scene of war
Transferr'd to faithless Ardena, was there
Fixt in a siege, whose slow approaches were
The doubts of both; the city pines for fear
Remote supplies might fail, which drawn so near
The circling Army knows, that either they
Must flie from conquest near obtain'd, or stay
To meet a danger, which by judgement scan'd,
Their strength appears unable to withstand.
122
Whilst thus their pensive leaders busied are
In cross dilemma's, as by publick war
He meant to meet revenge in private, to
Their camp Argalia comes, a camp which knew
Him by the fair-wrought characters of fame
So well, that now he needs no more then name
Himself to merit welcom, all mistrust
Being clear'd by them which left as too unjust
To be obey'd, the false Epirots side,
When by his loss made subject to the pride
Of stranger Chiefs; these for their vertue prais'd
For number fear'd, to such a height had rais'd
Applauding truths of him, that Zarrobrin
Conjoyn'd to one he trembl'd at, whilst seen
In opposition, slights what did of late
Appear a dreadfull precipice of fate.
In cross dilemma's, as by publick war
He meant to meet revenge in private, to
Their camp Argalia comes, a camp which knew
Him by the fair-wrought characters of fame
So well, that now he needs no more then name
Himself to merit welcom, all mistrust
Being clear'd by them which left as too unjust
To be obey'd, the false Epirots side,
When by his loss made subject to the pride
Of stranger Chiefs; these for their vertue prais'd
For number fear'd, to such a height had rais'd
Applauding truths of him, that Zarrobrin
Conjoyn'd to one he trembl'd at, whilst seen
In opposition, slights what did of late
Appear a dreadfull precipice of fate.
Lest poor imployments might make favor shew
Like faint mistrust, he doth at first bestow
On the brave stranger the supream command
Of some choise horse, selected to withstand
The fierce Epirot's march, whose Army ere
The slow Ætolians could their strength prepare
Fit to resist, if not by him withstood,
With ease had gain'd a dangerous neighborhood.
But he, whose angers thunderbolts could stay
Though hurl'd from clouds of rage, if the allay
Of judgement interpos'd, here finding nought
More safe then haste, ere his secure foes thought
Of opposition, strongly had possest
A strait in which small troops had oft distrest
Large bodied Armies, until brought so low,
Those they contemn'd did liberty bestow.
Like faint mistrust, he doth at first bestow
On the brave stranger the supream command
Of some choise horse, selected to withstand
The fierce Epirot's march, whose Army ere
The slow Ætolians could their strength prepare
Fit to resist, if not by him withstood,
With ease had gain'd a dangerous neighborhood.
But he, whose angers thunderbolts could stay
Though hurl'd from clouds of rage, if the allay
Of judgement interpos'd, here finding nought
More safe then haste, ere his secure foes thought
123
A strait in which small troops had oft distrest
Large bodied Armies, until brought so low,
Those they contemn'd did liberty bestow.
Whilst stop'd by this unlook'd for remora
The baffl'd Army oft had strove to draw
Argalia from his safe retreats, but found
His art of more advantage then his ground;
In the dead Age of unsuccesful night
A forward party which had learn'd to fight.
From honors dictates, not commands, being by
Youths hasty guide, rash valor, brought so nigh,
Argalia's troops, that in a storm which cost
Some lives, they many noble Captives lost:
Amongst which number, as if thither sent
By such a fate as shew'd Heavens close intent
Pointed at good, Euriolus appears
First a sad captive; but those common fears
Soon, whilst in conflict with his passions, rest
On the wish'd object of his long inquest
Admir'd Argalia, to whose joy he brings
As much of honor, as elected Kings
Meet in those votes, which so auspicious prove,
They light to honor with the rayes of love.
The baffl'd Army oft had strove to draw
Argalia from his safe retreats, but found
His art of more advantage then his ground;
In the dead Age of unsuccesful night
A forward party which had learn'd to fight.
From honors dictates, not commands, being by
Youths hasty guide, rash valor, brought so nigh,
Argalia's troops, that in a storm which cost
Some lives, they many noble Captives lost:
Amongst which number, as if thither sent
By such a fate as shew'd Heavens close intent
Pointed at good, Euriolus appears
First a sad captive; but those common fears
Soon, whilst in conflict with his passions, rest
On the wish'd object of his long inquest
Admir'd Argalia, to whose joy he brings
As much of honor, as elected Kings
Meet in those votes, which so auspicious prove,
They light to honor with the rayes of love.
Having from him in full relation heard
Pharonnida yet liv'd, whom long he fear'd
Beyond redemption lost, they thence proceed
To councels, whose mature results might breed
Their heedless foes confusion, which since they
That now were captives, bore the greatest sway
In the opposing Army proves a task
So free from danger, death did scarce unmask
The face of horror in a charge, before
Argalia's name eccho'd in praises ore
The rallied troops, summons from thence so large
A party, that the valor of a charge
In those that stood were madness, which to shun,
Base Cowards taught brave Fighters how to run.
Pharonnida yet liv'd, whom long he fear'd
Beyond redemption lost, they thence proceed
To councels, whose mature results might breed
124
That now were captives, bore the greatest sway
In the opposing Army proves a task
So free from danger, death did scarce unmask
The face of horror in a charge, before
Argalia's name eccho'd in praises ore
The rallied troops, summons from thence so large
A party, that the valor of a charge
In those that stood were madness, which to shun,
Base Cowards taught brave Fighters how to run.
This easie conquest gain'd; ere Zarrobrin
Was with his slower Army drawn within
The noise o' th' battel, to such vast extent
Of fame, high vertues spreading ornament,
Had rais'd Argalia's merits, that the pride
Of his Commander wisely laid aside
For such advantage, to let honor stand
On her own basis, the supream command
Of all the strangers in his Camp to him
He freely gives, a power which soon would dim
His, if ere by some harsh distemper plac'd
In opposition; but his thoughts imbrac'd
In all suspitions darkest cells, no fiend
So pale as fear, fixt on the sudden end
Of high designs, he looks on this success
As the strait rode to future happiness
Was with his slower Army drawn within
The noise o' th' battel, to such vast extent
Of fame, high vertues spreading ornament,
Had rais'd Argalia's merits, that the pride
Of his Commander wisely laid aside
For such advantage, to let honor stand
On her own basis, the supream command
Of all the strangers in his Camp to him
He freely gives, a power which soon would dim
His, if ere by some harsh distemper plac'd
In opposition; but his thoughts imbrac'd
In all suspitions darkest cells, no fiend
So pale as fear, fixt on the sudden end
Of high designs, he looks on this success
As the strait rode to future happiness
With such a speed as prosperous victors go
To see, and conquer, when the vanquish'd foe
Retreats from honor, the Ætolian had
Follow'd success, till that fair hand unclad
The sunk Epirot of his strength, and now
Secur'd from forrein ills was studying how
To cure domestick dangers; which since he
The weak foundation of his Tyrannie
Had fixt in sand but onely cemented
With loyal blood, such just contempt had bred
I' th' Ages deep discerning judgements, that
Th' unsettl'd herd, ere scarcely lightned at
Those sober flames, like ill mixt vapors break
In blustring murmurs forth, which though too weak
To force his fortune on the rocks of hate,
With terror shook the structure of his fate.
To see, and conquer, when the vanquish'd foe
125
Follow'd success, till that fair hand unclad
The sunk Epirot of his strength, and now
Secur'd from forrein ills was studying how
To cure domestick dangers; which since he
The weak foundation of his Tyrannie
Had fixt in sand but onely cemented
With loyal blood, such just contempt had bred
I' th' Ages deep discerning judgements, that
Th' unsettl'd herd, ere scarcely lightned at
Those sober flames, like ill mixt vapors break
In blustring murmurs forth, which though too weak
To force his fortune on the rocks of hate,
With terror shook the structure of his fate.
Like wise Physitians, which when call'd to cure
Infectious ills, with Antidotes make sure
Themselves from danger; since hypocrisie
Could steal no entrance to affection, he
Leads part of's Army for his guard, that they
Where mines did fail, by storm might force a way.
But since he doubts constrain'd domesticks, though
Abroad obedient, might, when come to know
From burthen'd friends their cause of grief, forsake
Unjust commands, his wiser care did take
Argalia and his stranger troops, as those
(Which unconcern'd) he freely might dispose
To winde up all the engines of his brain,
So guilt were gilded with the hopes of gain.
Infectious ills, with Antidotes make sure
Themselves from danger; since hypocrisie
Could steal no entrance to affection, he
Leads part of's Army for his guard, that they
Where mines did fail, by storm might force a way.
But since he doubts constrain'd domesticks, though
Abroad obedient, might, when come to know
From burthen'd friends their cause of grief, forsake
Unjust commands, his wiser care did take
Argalia and his stranger troops, as those
(Which unconcern'd) he freely might dispose
To winde up all the engines of his brain,
So guilt were gilded with the hopes of gain.
126
By hasty marches being arriv'd with these
Within Ætolia, where his frowns appease
Those bubbles, that (their Neptune absent) would
Have swell'd to waves, ere his hot spirits cool'd
Were with relaxing rest, he visits him
The weak reflex of whose light crown looks dim
To th' burnish'd splendor of his blade that set
Him onely there to be the cabinet
Of that usurped diadem, which he
Whose subtile arts in clouded brows could see
The hearts intended storms, beheld without
His unstrain'd reach, until the peoples doubt,
Which yet liv'd in the dawn of hope, he saw
Oreshadow'd with the forms of injur'd Law.
Within Ætolia, where his frowns appease
Those bubbles, that (their Neptune absent) would
Have swell'd to waves, ere his hot spirits cool'd
Were with relaxing rest, he visits him
The weak reflex of whose light crown looks dim
To th' burnish'd splendor of his blade that set
Him onely there to be the cabinet
Of that usurped diadem, which he
Whose subtile arts in clouded brows could see
The hearts intended storms, beheld without
His unstrain'd reach, until the peoples doubt,
Which yet liv'd in the dawn of hope, he saw
Oreshadow'd with the forms of injur'd Law.
Though time (that fatal enemy to truth)
Had not alone rob'd the fresh thoughts of youth
O' th' knowledge of their long lost Prince, but been
Even unto those that had ador'd him in
His throne, oblivions handmaid, yet left by
Some power occult that in captivity
Forsakes not injur'd Monarchs, there remain'd
In most some passions, which first entertain'd
At pities cost, at length by reason try'd
Grew so much lov'd, that onely power deny'd
Them to support his sinking cause, which seen
By Zorabrin, whose tyranny had been
At first their fear, and now their hate, he brings
His Army, an Elixar, which to Kings
Transforms Plebeians, by the strength of that
To binde those hands, that else had strugl'd at
Their heads offence, which wanting power to cure,
They now with griefs convulsions must endure.
Had not alone rob'd the fresh thoughts of youth
O' th' knowledge of their long lost Prince, but been
Even unto those that had ador'd him in
His throne, oblivions handmaid, yet left by
Some power occult that in captivity
Forsakes not injur'd Monarchs, there remain'd
In most some passions, which first entertain'd
At pities cost, at length by reason try'd
Grew so much lov'd, that onely power deny'd
Them to support his sinking cause, which seen
By Zorabrin, whose tyranny had been
At first their fear, and now their hate, he brings
His Army, an Elixar, which to Kings
127
To binde those hands, that else had strugl'd at
Their heads offence, which wanting power to cure,
They now with griefs convulsions must endure.
A Court conven'd of such whose killing trade
The rigid Law so flexible had made,
That their keen Votes had forc'd the bloodiest field
To the deep tincture of the Scaffold yeild;
Forth of his uncouth prison summon'd by
The rude commands of wrong'd Authority,
An object which succeeding Ages when
But spoke of weep, because they blush'd not then,
The Prince appears a guarded captive in
That City where his morning Star had bin
Beheld in honors Zenith; slowly by
Inferior slaves, which nere on Majesty
Whilst uneclips'd durst look, being led to prove
Who blush'd with anger, or look'd pale with love.
The rigid Law so flexible had made,
That their keen Votes had forc'd the bloodiest field
To the deep tincture of the Scaffold yeild;
Forth of his uncouth prison summon'd by
The rude commands of wrong'd Authority,
An object which succeeding Ages when
But spoke of weep, because they blush'd not then,
The Prince appears a guarded captive in
That City where his morning Star had bin
Beheld in honors Zenith; slowly by
Inferior slaves, which nere on Majesty
Whilst uneclips'd durst look, being led to prove
Who blush'd with anger, or look'd pale with love.
By these being to a mock tribunal brought,
Where damn'd rebellion for disguise had sought
The veil of justice, but so thinly spread,
Each stroke their envy levell'd at his head
Betray'd black treasons hand, couch'd in that Vote
Which struck with Law to cut Religions throte.
From a poor Pleader, whose cheap conscience had
Been sold for bribes, long ere the purple clad
So base a thing, their calm-soul'd Soveraign hears
Death's fatal doom, which when pronounc'd, appears
His candor, and their guilt, the one exprest
By a reception, which declar'd his brest
Unstir'd with passion; th' other strugling in
Their troubled looks, which shew'd this monstrous sin
That this damn'd plot did to rebellion bear,
Even frighted those that treasons midwives were.
Where damn'd rebellion for disguise had sought
The veil of justice, but so thinly spread,
Each stroke their envy levell'd at his head
Betray'd black treasons hand, couch'd in that Vote
Which struck with Law to cut Religions throte.
From a poor Pleader, whose cheap conscience had
Been sold for bribes, long ere the purple clad
So base a thing, their calm-soul'd Soveraign hears
Death's fatal doom, which when pronounc'd, appears
128
By a reception, which declar'd his brest
Unstir'd with passion; th' other strugling in
Their troubled looks, which shew'd this monstrous sin
That this damn'd plot did to rebellion bear,
Even frighted those that treasons midwives were.
Hence (all their black designs encourag'd by
The levell'd paths of prosperous vilany)
High mounted mischief, stretch'd upon the wing
Of powerfull ill, persues the helpless King
To the last stage of life, a scaffold, whence
With tears (cheap off-springs to his innocence)
Such of his pitying friends as durst disclose
Their passions, view him, whilst insulting foes
(Exalted on the pyramids of pride)
By long-wing'd power, with base contempt deride
Their sorrow, and his sufferings whom their hate
Had followed near the period of his fate;
Which being now so near arriv'd, that all
With various passion did expect the fall
Of the last fatal stroke, kinde heaven to save
A life so near the confines of the grave,
Transcends dull hope by so sublime a flight,
That dazl'd faith, (amaz'd with too much light,
Whilst extasies of wonder did destroy
Unripe belief) near lost the rode of joy.
The levell'd paths of prosperous vilany)
High mounted mischief, stretch'd upon the wing
Of powerfull ill, persues the helpless King
To the last stage of life, a scaffold, whence
With tears (cheap off-springs to his innocence)
Such of his pitying friends as durst disclose
Their passions, view him, whilst insulting foes
(Exalted on the pyramids of pride)
By long-wing'd power, with base contempt deride
Their sorrow, and his sufferings whom their hate
Had followed near the period of his fate;
Which being now so near arriv'd, that all
With various passion did expect the fall
Of the last fatal stroke, kinde heaven to save
A life so near the confines of the grave,
Transcends dull hope by so sublime a flight,
That dazl'd faith, (amaz'd with too much light,
Whilst extasies of wonder did destroy
Unripe belief) near lost the rode of joy.
Even with the juncture of that minute when
The ax was falling, from those throngs of men
Sway'd by's command, Argalia with a speed
That startl'd action, mounts the stage, and freed
The trembling Prince from deaths pale fear; which done
To shew on what just grounds he had begun
So brave, so bold an action, he seises all
That knowledge or suspition dares to call
The Tyrants friends, the guilty Tyrant, who
Whilst he doth from his distant palace view
This dreadful change, with a disdain as high
As are his crimes, being apprehended by
Argalia's nimble guards, is forc'd to be
Their sad Conductor to a destinie
So full of horror, that it hardly lies
In's foes to save him for a sacrifice
From their wild rage who know no justice but
What doth, by death, a stop to fury put.
The ax was falling, from those throngs of men
129
That startl'd action, mounts the stage, and freed
The trembling Prince from deaths pale fear; which done
To shew on what just grounds he had begun
So brave, so bold an action, he seises all
That knowledge or suspition dares to call
The Tyrants friends, the guilty Tyrant, who
Whilst he doth from his distant palace view
This dreadful change, with a disdain as high
As are his crimes, being apprehended by
Argalia's nimble guards, is forc'd to be
Their sad Conductor to a destinie
So full of horror, that it hardly lies
In's foes to save him for a sacrifice
From their wild rage who know no justice but
What doth, by death, a stop to fury put.
From noisless pray'rs and bloodless looks, being by
The bold Attempters of his liberty
Rais'd to behold his rescue; heedless fear
Hatcht by mistake, from those that border'd near
Had with such swiftness its infection spread,
That the more distant knowing not what bred
The busie tumult, in so wild a haste
As vanquish'd troops which at the heels are chac'd
Flie the persuing sword, they madly run
To meet those dangers which they strove to shun:
In which confusion none o'th' throng had bin
Left to behold how justice triumph'd in
Revenges throne, had not a swift command
By power enabl'd, hasten'd to withstand
That troubl'd torrent which the truth outgrew
Until their fears original they knew.
The bold Attempters of his liberty
Rais'd to behold his rescue; heedless fear
Hatcht by mistake, from those that border'd near
Had with such swiftness its infection spread,
That the more distant knowing not what bred
The busie tumult, in so wild a haste
As vanquish'd troops which at the heels are chac'd
Flie the persuing sword, they madly run
To meet those dangers which they strove to shun:
In which confusion none o'th' throng had bin
Left to behold how justice triumph'd in
130
By power enabl'd, hasten'd to withstand
That troubl'd torrent which the truth outgrew
Until their fears original they knew.
The onset past, Argalia, having first
Secur'd the Tyrant, for whose blood the thirst
Of the vext people rag'd, he mounted on
That scaffold whence his father should have gone
A royal martyr to the grave, did there
By a commanded silence first prepare
The clamorous throng to hear the hidden cause
Which made him slight their new-created laws.
Then, in that mart of satisfaction which
With knowledge doth the doubtful herd enrich,
The publick view, he freely shews how far
Through fortunes desarts the auspicious star
Of heavens unfathom'd providence had led
Him from the axe to save that sacred head,
Whose reverend snow his full discovery had
In the first dress of youthful vigor clad,
Could constant nature sympathize with that
Reviving joy his spirits panted at.
Secur'd the Tyrant, for whose blood the thirst
Of the vext people rag'd, he mounted on
That scaffold whence his father should have gone
A royal martyr to the grave, did there
By a commanded silence first prepare
The clamorous throng to hear the hidden cause
Which made him slight their new-created laws.
Then, in that mart of satisfaction which
With knowledge doth the doubtful herd enrich,
The publick view, he freely shews how far
Through fortunes desarts the auspicious star
Of heavens unfathom'd providence had led
Him from the axe to save that sacred head,
Whose reverend snow his full discovery had
In the first dress of youthful vigor clad,
Could constant nature sympathize with that
Reviving joy his spirits panted at.
His sons relation, seconded by all
That suffering sharer in his pitied fall,
Mantinea's Bishop, knew, join'd to the sight
Of that known jewel, whose unwasted light
Had serv'd alone to guide them, satisfies
The inquisition even of critick eyes
With such a fulness of content, that they
(Each from his Prince being lighten'd with a ray
Of sprightly mirth) endeavour'd to destroy
Their former grief in hope of future joy:
Which to attain to, those whose counsels had
The land in blood, and them in mourning clad,
Call'd forth by order to confession, there
Are scarce given time the foulness to declare
Of their past crimes, before the peoples hate
(That headstrong monster) strove t' anticipate
The sword of vengeance, and in wild rage save
The labor of an ignominious grave
To every parcel of those rent limbs, that
When but beheld, they lately trembl'd at:
“Such being the fate of falling Tyrants, when
“Conquering, the fear, conquer'd, the scorn of men
That suffering sharer in his pitied fall,
Mantinea's Bishop, knew, join'd to the sight
Of that known jewel, whose unwasted light
Had serv'd alone to guide them, satisfies
The inquisition even of critick eyes
131
(Each from his Prince being lighten'd with a ray
Of sprightly mirth) endeavour'd to destroy
Their former grief in hope of future joy:
Which to attain to, those whose counsels had
The land in blood, and them in mourning clad,
Call'd forth by order to confession, there
Are scarce given time the foulness to declare
Of their past crimes, before the peoples hate
(That headstrong monster) strove t' anticipate
The sword of vengeance, and in wild rage save
The labor of an ignominious grave
To every parcel of those rent limbs, that
When but beheld, they lately trembl'd at:
“Such being the fate of falling Tyrants, when
“Conquering, the fear, conquer'd, the scorn of men
But here lest inconsiderate rage should send
Their souls to darkness, ere confession end
Their tragick story, hated Zarrobrin
With that unhappy boy whose Crown had been
Worne but to make him capable to die
A sacrifice to injur'd libertie,
Rescued by order from the rout, is to
A publick trial brought, where in the view
Of all the injur'd multitude, the old
Audacious traitor did to th' light unfold
His acts of darkness, which discover'd him
They gaz'd on, whilst unquestion'd power did dim
Discerning wits but a dull Meteor, one
By hot ambition mounted to a throne,
By an attractive policy, which when
Its influence fail'd, back to that lazy Fen,
His fortunes Center, hurling him again,
The onely Star in Honor's Orb would raign.
Their souls to darkness, ere confession end
Their tragick story, hated Zarrobrin
With that unhappy boy whose Crown had been
Worne but to make him capable to die
A sacrifice to injur'd libertie,
Rescued by order from the rout, is to
A publick trial brought, where in the view
Of all the injur'd multitude, the old
Audacious traitor did to th' light unfold
His acts of darkness, which discover'd him
They gaz'd on, whilst unquestion'd power did dim
132
By hot ambition mounted to a throne,
By an attractive policy, which when
Its influence fail'd, back to that lazy Fen,
His fortunes Center, hurling him again,
The onely Star in Honor's Orb would raign.
This slie Imposture seconded by that
Rebellious guilt his actions offer'd at
In all its bold attempts, had kindl'd in
The late supporters of unprosperous sin
So high a rage, that in wild fury they
Their anger wanting what it should obey,
A sober judgement, stands not to dispute
With the slow Law, but with their strength confute
All tending to delay; like torrents broke
Through the imprisoning banks, to get one stroke
At heads so hated all rush in, untill
Their sever'd limbs want quantity to fill
A room i' th' eyes receiving beams; this done,
With blood and anger warm'd, they wildly run
To search out such whom consanguinitie
Had rendred so unhappy, as to be
Allied to them, all which with rage that stil'd
Beasts mercifull, and angry soldiers mild,
They to destruction chase, whilst guiltless walls
In which they dwelt in funeral blazes falls,
Where burns inviting treasure, as they saw
In the golds splendor an Anathema
So full of horror, as it seem'd to be
A plague beyond unpitied Povertie.
Rebellious guilt his actions offer'd at
In all its bold attempts, had kindl'd in
The late supporters of unprosperous sin
So high a rage, that in wild fury they
Their anger wanting what it should obey,
A sober judgement, stands not to dispute
With the slow Law, but with their strength confute
All tending to delay; like torrents broke
Through the imprisoning banks, to get one stroke
At heads so hated all rush in, untill
Their sever'd limbs want quantity to fill
A room i' th' eyes receiving beams; this done,
With blood and anger warm'd, they wildly run
To search out such whom consanguinitie
Had rendred so unhappy, as to be
Allied to them, all which with rage that stil'd
Beasts mercifull, and angry soldiers mild,
They to destruction chase, whilst guiltless walls
In which they dwelt in funeral blazes falls,
Where burns inviting treasure, as they saw
In the golds splendor an Anathema
133
A plague beyond unpitied Povertie.
Impetuous Rage, like whirle windes unoppos'd
Hush'd to a calm, as hate had but unclos'd
The anger-blinded eyes of Love, the bold
Flame like a fire, forc'd from repulsive cold,
Breaks through the harsh extream of hate, to shew
How much their loyal duty did out-grow
Those fruits of forc'd obedience, which before
They slowly to intruding Tyrants bore;
In which procession of their joy, that he
Might meet their hopes with a solemnitie
Large as their love, or his delight; the Prince
Taught by informing age how to convince
Ambitions hasty Arguments, calls forth
His long lost son, whose late discover'd worth
Was grown the Ages wonder, to support
The ponderous Crown, whilst he did tread the short
And sickly step of age, untroubl'd by
The burthen of afflicting Majesty.
Hush'd to a calm, as hate had but unclos'd
The anger-blinded eyes of Love, the bold
Flame like a fire, forc'd from repulsive cold,
Breaks through the harsh extream of hate, to shew
How much their loyal duty did out-grow
Those fruits of forc'd obedience, which before
They slowly to intruding Tyrants bore;
In which procession of their joy, that he
Might meet their hopes with a solemnitie
Large as their love, or his delight; the Prince
Taught by informing age how to convince
Ambitions hasty Arguments, calls forth
His long lost son, whose late discover'd worth
Was grown the Ages wonder, to support
The ponderous Crown, whilst he did tread the short
And sickly step of age, untroubl'd by
The burthen of afflicting Majesty.
His Coronation past in such a tide
Of full content, as to be glorifide,
Blest souls in the worlds conflagration shall
From tombs their reunited bodies call,
The feeble Prince leaving the joyful throng
Of his applauding Subjects, seeks among
Religious shades (those cool retreats) to finde
That best composer of a stormy minde,
A still devotion, on whose downy bed
Not long he'ad lay before that entrance led
Him to the Court of heaven, though through the gate
Of welcom death, a cross, which though from fate,
Not accident, he being instructed by
Age, and Religion, to prepare to die
On Natures summons, yet so deep a strain
Spreads ore those robes that joy had dy'd in grain,
That his heroick son to meet alone
So fierce a foe, leaving the widow'd throne
Retreats to silent tears, whose plenteous spring
By the example of their mourning King,
From those small clouds there first beheld to rise,
Begets a storm in every Subjects eies.
Of full content, as to be glorifide,
Blest souls in the worlds conflagration shall
From tombs their reunited bodies call,
The feeble Prince leaving the joyful throng
Of his applauding Subjects, seeks among
Religious shades (those cool retreats) to finde
That best composer of a stormy minde,
134
Not long he'ad lay before that entrance led
Him to the Court of heaven, though through the gate
Of welcom death, a cross, which though from fate,
Not accident, he being instructed by
Age, and Religion, to prepare to die
On Natures summons, yet so deep a strain
Spreads ore those robes that joy had dy'd in grain,
That his heroick son to meet alone
So fierce a foe, leaving the widow'd throne
Retreats to silent tears, whose plenteous spring
By the example of their mourning King,
From those small clouds there first beheld to rise,
Begets a storm in every Subjects eies.
Betraying time, the worlds unquestion'd thief,
Intending ore obliterated grief
Some new transcription, to perform it brings
A ravish'd quill from Loves expanded wings,
Presenting to Argalia's willing view
What ere blinde chance roll'd on the various clew
Of his fair Mistris, Fate, unfolded by
Euriolus, who was when victory
First gave him freedom, by Argalia sent
With speed that might anticipate intent,
The unconfin'd Pharonnida to free
From her religious strict captivitie.
Intending ore obliterated grief
Some new transcription, to perform it brings
A ravish'd quill from Loves expanded wings,
Presenting to Argalia's willing view
What ere blinde chance roll'd on the various clew
Of his fair Mistris, Fate, unfolded by
Euriolus, who was when victory
First gave him freedom, by Argalia sent
With speed that might anticipate intent,
The unconfin'd Pharonnida to free
From her religious strict captivitie.
But being arriv'd where contrary to all
His thoughts, he heard how first she came to fall
Into Almanzors hand, by whom convey'd
Thence to her Fathers Court, his judgement stay'd
Not to consult with slow advice, but hastes
On the persuit of her; whom found, he wastes
Few dayes before fair opportunitie
Was so auspicious to his prayers, that he
Not onely proves a happy Messenger
Where first imploy'd, but in exchange for her
Returns the story of what had been done
Since first this tempest of their fate begun.
His thoughts, he heard how first she came to fall
135
Thence to her Fathers Court, his judgement stay'd
Not to consult with slow advice, but hastes
On the persuit of her; whom found, he wastes
Few dayes before fair opportunitie
Was so auspicious to his prayers, that he
Not onely proves a happy Messenger
Where first imploy'd, but in exchange for her
Returns the story of what had been done
Since first this tempest of their fate begun.
How she forsook the Monastry, and in
What agonies of passion thence had bin
Forc'd to her fathers Court, where all her fears
Dissolve in pity, he related hears
With calm attention; but when come to that,
Whose first conceptions he had trembl'd at,
The Siracusians fresh assaults unto
That Virgin-fort, whose strength although he knew
Too great for storm, yet since assisted by
Her Fathers power, the wraths of victory
Rent by command from his deserts might crown
Anothers brows, to pull those Laurels down
Ere rais'd in triumph, he prepares to move
By royal steps unto the throne of love.
What agonies of passion thence had bin
Forc'd to her fathers Court, where all her fears
Dissolve in pity, he related hears
With calm attention; but when come to that,
Whose first conceptions he had trembl'd at,
The Siracusians fresh assaults unto
That Virgin-fort, whose strength although he knew
Too great for storm, yet since assisted by
Her Fathers power, the wraths of victory
Rent by command from his deserts might crown
Anothers brows, to pull those Laurels down
Ere rais'd in triumph, he prepares to move
By royal steps unto the throne of love.
The End of the Second Canto.
136
CANTO III.
The Argument.
I
From the Ætolians late victorious KingAmbassadors in Sparta's Court arrive;
Where slighted, back they this sad Message bring
That force must onely make his just claim thrive.
II
Which to confirm, th' Epirots power invadesHis Land, in hopes for full reward to have
Pharonnida; but close Almanzor shades
His glorious hopes in an untimely grave.
An unripe rumor, such as Causes near
Declining catch at, when betraying fear
Plunges at hope, had through Ghirenza spread
The story of Argalia's fate, but shed
From such loose clouds of scatter'd fame, as by
Observant wits were onely thought to fly
I' th' airy region of report, where they
Are forc'd each winde of fancy to obey.
Whose various blasts, when brought unto the test
Of judgment, rather the desires exprest,
Then knowledge of its Authors: here 'mongst those
Of various censure, slie Almanzor chose
To be of the believing part, since that
Might soonest crush all hopes that levell'd at
Affection to Pharonnida, whom he
Strove to preserve in calm neutralitie.
Declining catch at, when betraying fear
Plunges at hope, had through Ghirenza spread
The story of Argalia's fate, but shed
From such loose clouds of scatter'd fame, as by
Observant wits were onely thought to fly
137
Are forc'd each winde of fancy to obey.
Whose various blasts, when brought unto the test
Of judgment, rather the desires exprest,
Then knowledge of its Authors: here 'mongst those
Of various censure, slie Almanzor chose
To be of the believing part, since that
Might soonest crush all hopes that levell'd at
Affection to Pharonnida, whom he
Strove to preserve in calm neutralitie.
But here he fails to countermine his plot,
This seeming fable soon appears begot
By solid truth, a truth which scorns to lie
Begging at th' gates of probabilitie;
Which to avoid, she from Argalia brings
Ambassadors (those mouths of absent Kings)
To plead her right, at whose unlook'd for view
Almanzor, whose falacious schemes were drew
Onely for false Phænomena's, is now
Forc'd to erect new figures, and allow
Each star his influence; but declar'd in vain,
Since Pride did lord of the Ascendant reign;
Pride, which conjoyn'd to policy had made
All other motions seem but retrograde.
This seeming fable soon appears begot
By solid truth, a truth which scorns to lie
Begging at th' gates of probabilitie;
Which to avoid, she from Argalia brings
Ambassadors (those mouths of absent Kings)
To plead her right, at whose unlook'd for view
Almanzor, whose falacious schemes were drew
Onely for false Phænomena's, is now
Forc'd to erect new figures, and allow
Each star his influence; but declar'd in vain,
Since Pride did lord of the Ascendant reign;
Pride, which conjoyn'd to policy had made
All other motions seem but retrograde.
His black Arts thus deceiv'd, since nought could make
The dull Spectators ignorance mistake
This constellation for a Comet, he
Attempts with fear of its malignitie
To fright each busie gazer, and since all
The circles of opinion were to fall
Like spacious Azminths in that Zenith, to
Settle the Prince, through whom the people view
All great conjunctions, where the different signe
Should force those aspects, which might 'mongst that trine
Of love else hold a concord, to dispence
On him its most destructive influence.
The dull Spectators ignorance mistake
This constellation for a Comet, he
Attempts with fear of its malignitie
136
The circles of opinion were to fall
Like spacious Azminths in that Zenith, to
Settle the Prince, through whom the people view
All great conjunctions, where the different signe
Should force those aspects, which might 'mongst that trine
Of love else hold a concord, to dispence
On him its most destructive influence.
The Court being thus prepar'd, he boldly now
Dares the delay'd Ambassadors allow
A long expected audience, which in brief
Makes known their masters fate in the relief
Of's injur'd father; thence proceeds to shew
How much of praise his thankfull friends did owe
To heaven for's own restor'd estate, which he
Desires to joyn in calm confederacie
With them, his honor'd neighbors; hence they past
To what concern'd Pharonnida, their last
And most important Message: which when heard
In such a Language as the Rivals fear'd,
A Language, which, to prove his interest
In her unquestion'd, come but to request
The freedom of a fathers grant, a high
But stifled rage began to mutiny
In all their breasts, such, as if not with-held
By th' Law of Nations, had her father swell'd
To open acts of violence; which seen
By some o' th' Lords, they calm his passion in
A cool retreat, such as might seem to be,
Though harsh contempt, wrapt in civilitie.
Dares the delay'd Ambassadors allow
A long expected audience, which in brief
Makes known their masters fate in the relief
Of's injur'd father; thence proceeds to shew
How much of praise his thankfull friends did owe
To heaven for's own restor'd estate, which he
Desires to joyn in calm confederacie
With them, his honor'd neighbors; hence they past
To what concern'd Pharonnida, their last
And most important Message: which when heard
In such a Language as the Rivals fear'd,
A Language, which, to prove his interest
In her unquestion'd, come but to request
The freedom of a fathers grant, a high
But stifled rage began to mutiny
In all their breasts, such, as if not with-held
By th' Law of Nations, had her father swell'd
To open acts of violence; which seen
By some o' th' Lords, they calm his passion in
137
Though harsh contempt, wrapt in civilitie.
Fir'd with disdain, th' Ambassadors in such
A speed which shew'd affronts that did but touch
Their Masters honor wounded theirs, forsook
Ghirenza, whilst Euriolus betook
Himself to some more safe disguise that might
Protect him, till the subject of delight,
The course his royal master meant to stear
In gaining her, his Story makes appear
Unto distrest Pharonnida, who in
That confidence secure, as she had been
From all succeeding ills protected by
A guard of Angels, in a harmony
Of peacefull thoughts, such as in dangers keep
Safe innocence, rocks all her cares asleep.
A speed which shew'd affronts that did but touch
Their Masters honor wounded theirs, forsook
Ghirenza, whilst Euriolus betook
Himself to some more safe disguise that might
Protect him, till the subject of delight,
The course his royal master meant to stear
In gaining her, his Story makes appear
Unto distrest Pharonnida, who in
That confidence secure, as she had been
From all succeeding ills protected by
A guard of Angels, in a harmony
Of peacefull thoughts, such as in dangers keep
Safe innocence, rocks all her cares asleep.
But here she rests not long before the fall
Of second storms proves this short interval
But lightning, which in tempests shews unto
Shores, which the shipwrack'd must no more then view:
Anger, ambition, hate, and jealous fear
Had all conspir'd Loves ruine, which drew near
From hasty counsels rash results, which in
His passions storm had by her Father bin
Like rocks, which wretched Mariners mistake
For Harbors, fled to, when he did forsake
That safer channel of advice that might
From free conventions, like the welcom light
Of Pharos guided his designs, till they
At Anchor in the rode of Honor lay.
Of second storms proves this short interval
But lightning, which in tempests shews unto
Shores, which the shipwrack'd must no more then view:
Anger, ambition, hate, and jealous fear
Had all conspir'd Loves ruine, which drew near
From hasty counsels rash results, which in
His passions storm had by her Father bin
Like rocks, which wretched Mariners mistake
For Harbors, fled to, when he did forsake
That safer channel of advice that might
From free conventions, like the welcom light
140
At Anchor in the rode of Honor lay.
As if his fears by nothing could have bin
Secur'd, but what prov'd him ungratefull in
Argalia's ruine, all discourses are
Distastefull grown, but what to sudden war
Incites his rage: which humor, though it needs
No greater fire then what his envy feeds,
Besides those Court-Tarantula's whose breath
Stings easie Princes, till they dance to death
At the delightfull sound of flattery, there
Were deeper wits, such whom a subtile care,
Not servile fear taught how to aggravate
His angers flame, till their own eager hate
Though burning with a mortal fury, might
Pass unobserv'd, since near a greater light.
Secur'd, but what prov'd him ungratefull in
Argalia's ruine, all discourses are
Distastefull grown, but what to sudden war
Incites his rage: which humor, though it needs
No greater fire then what his envy feeds,
Besides those Court-Tarantula's whose breath
Stings easie Princes, till they dance to death
At the delightfull sound of flattery, there
Were deeper wits, such whom a subtile care,
Not servile fear taught how to aggravate
His angers flame, till their own eager hate
Though burning with a mortal fury, might
Pass unobserv'd, since near a greater light.
Amongst those few whose love did not depend
So much on fortune, but the name of friend
Was still preserv'd, the faithfull Cyprian Prince
Durst onely strive by reason to convince
Their wilder passions; but each Argument
With which affection strugl'd to prevent
A swift destruction, onely seem'd to prove
His friendship more effectual then his love.
From which mistake, such as did strive to please
The angry Princes passionate disease
With what might feed the sickly humors, draw
A consequence that proves Pharonnida
A blessing which was to his merits due
Who most oppos'd the bold aspirer to
That throne of Beauty, which before possest,
Whole Armies must dispute their interest.
So much on fortune, but the name of friend
Was still preserv'd, the faithfull Cyprian Prince
Durst onely strive by reason to convince
Their wilder passions; but each Argument
With which affection strugl'd to prevent
A swift destruction, onely seem'd to prove
His friendship more effectual then his love.
From which mistake, such as did strive to please
The angry Princes passionate disease
With what might feed the sickly humors, draw
A consequence that proves Pharonnida
141
Who most oppos'd the bold aspirer to
That throne of Beauty, which before possest,
Whole Armies must dispute their interest.
The slighted Cyprian, since their fear could trust
None but confederates, from their Councils thrust
Those swift conclusions, which before to stay
Their violence, had Reason's cool allay
Hurry'd to action, strict commands are sent
From fierce Zoranza through each Regiment,
Which stoop'd their Ensignes to his power, that by
Such marches as they'd follow victory,
They reach Ætolia ere its new-crown'd King
Warn'd by report, had liberty to bring
Opposing strengths, (a task too hard to be
Perform'd with ease in powers minoritie.)
None but confederates, from their Councils thrust
Those swift conclusions, which before to stay
Their violence, had Reason's cool allay
Hurry'd to action, strict commands are sent
From fierce Zoranza through each Regiment,
Which stoop'd their Ensignes to his power, that by
Such marches as they'd follow victory,
They reach Ætolia ere its new-crown'd King
Warn'd by report, had liberty to bring
Opposing strengths, (a task too hard to be
Perform'd with ease in powers minoritie.)
Nor fails this Council; for their Army draws
No sooner near, but such as in the cause
Of unsuccessful Rebels late had been
Expos'd to danger, seek for refuge in
A fresh revolt; and since their ulcerous guilt
Was so malignant, that even mercy spilt
Its balm in vain, their injur'd Prince forsake,
To strengthen his proud Enemies, who make
Those Poisons up in Cordials, and compound
Them with their Army, which being thus grown sound
Whereas it lately fainted, durst provoke
Unto the trial of another stroke
His late victorious forces; which, though yet
Faint with the blood lost in the last great fit
Of Honors fever, when the Crisis prov'd
The cures prognostick, had with ease remov'd
The proud invaders, had Morea bin
As heretofore a hurtful Neuter in
That war; which now, since double strengths oppose
Brave fortitude, like base oppression shews.
No sooner near, but such as in the cause
Of unsuccessful Rebels late had been
Expos'd to danger, seek for refuge in
A fresh revolt; and since their ulcerous guilt
Was so malignant, that even mercy spilt
Its balm in vain, their injur'd Prince forsake,
To strengthen his proud Enemies, who make
Those Poisons up in Cordials, and compound
Them with their Army, which being thus grown sound
Whereas it lately fainted, durst provoke
Unto the trial of another stroke
140
Faint with the blood lost in the last great fit
Of Honors fever, when the Crisis prov'd
The cures prognostick, had with ease remov'd
The proud invaders, had Morea bin
As heretofore a hurtful Neuter in
That war; which now, since double strengths oppose
Brave fortitude, like base oppression shews.
So long both parties with varietie
Of fortune fought, that fearing whose might be
The sad success, that old Cleander, in
Such speed as if his Crown engag'd had bin,
Raises an Army, whose command, since he
Base flattery takes for brave fidelitie,
Waving those Peers to whose known faith he owes
The most of trust, in hoodwink'd hope, bestowes
On false Almanzor, who by power advanc'd
Near to those hopes at which Ambition glanc'd
But like weak eyes upon the dazeling sun,
From that last fatal stage his plots begun
Mischiefs dark course, which ere concluded shall
Crush the Epirot in Morea's fall.
Of fortune fought, that fearing whose might be
The sad success, that old Cleander, in
Such speed as if his Crown engag'd had bin,
Raises an Army, whose command, since he
Base flattery takes for brave fidelitie,
Waving those Peers to whose known faith he owes
The most of trust, in hoodwink'd hope, bestowes
On false Almanzor, who by power advanc'd
Near to those hopes at which Ambition glanc'd
But like weak eyes upon the dazeling sun,
From that last fatal stage his plots begun
Mischiefs dark course, which ere concluded shall
Crush the Epirot in Morea's fall.
In this the hot distemper of their state,
Amindor, whom the Destinies of late
To double-die his Honors purple-thred,
Robb'd of a father, most disquieted
Their secret councels, since they knew the love
He bore Argalia, propt with power, might prove
A sad obstruction to their plots, if he
Urg'd by distastes, shook their confederacie
Off to assist his friend; which to oppose,
With flattery fleeting as the gourd that rose
But to discover his just wrath that made
The plant to cover, when it could not shade,
They all attempt, though he engage not in
Their party, yet his easie youth to win
By honors moths, by times betrayers, soft
And smooth delights, those serpents, which too oft
Strangle Herculean vertues: But they here
In Ages April find a wit appear
Of such full growth, that by his judgment they
Are undermin'd, who studied to betray.
Amindor, whom the Destinies of late
To double-die his Honors purple-thred,
Robb'd of a father, most disquieted
Their secret councels, since they knew the love
He bore Argalia, propt with power, might prove
141
Urg'd by distastes, shook their confederacie
Off to assist his friend; which to oppose,
With flattery fleeting as the gourd that rose
But to discover his just wrath that made
The plant to cover, when it could not shade,
They all attempt, though he engage not in
Their party, yet his easie youth to win
By honors moths, by times betrayers, soft
And smooth delights, those serpents, which too oft
Strangle Herculean vertues: But they here
In Ages April find a wit appear
Of such full growth, that by his judgment they
Are undermin'd, who studied to betray.
Being thus secur'd from forein fears, they now
Imploy that rage, whose speed could scarce allow
Advice from Councel, to extirpate those
New planted Laurels vict'rie did compose
To crown Argalia. But before they go
To ravish Conquest from so cheap a Foe
Whose valor by orewhelming power was barr'd
From lying safe at a defensive guard,
Till old Cleander, that their league might be
Assur'd by bonds whose firm stabilitie
Death only could divorce, intends, though she,
With such aversion as their destinie
Wretches condemn'd would shun, attempt to fly
The storm of fate; yet countermanded by
His power, the fair Pharonnida, although
He not to love, but duty seem'd to owe
For such a blessing, should Zoranza's be
Confirm'd by Hymen's high solemnitie.
Imploy that rage, whose speed could scarce allow
Advice from Councel, to extirpate those
New planted Laurels vict'rie did compose
To crown Argalia. But before they go
To ravish Conquest from so cheap a Foe
Whose valor by orewhelming power was barr'd
From lying safe at a defensive guard,
Till old Cleander, that their league might be
Assur'd by bonds whose firm stabilitie
Death only could divorce, intends, though she,
With such aversion as their destinie
Wretches condemn'd would shun, attempt to fly
The storm of fate; yet countermanded by
144
He not to love, but duty seem'd to owe
For such a blessing, should Zoranza's be
Confirm'd by Hymen's high solemnitie.
This resolution, whose self ends must blame
Her fathers love, once registred by fame,
Submits to censure; whilst Pharonnida
Laments her fate, some prompted by the law
Of love and nature are to entertain
So much of freedom, as they prove in vain
Her advocates: Others, whose cautious fear
Dares only pity, in that dress appear
Silent and sad; only Almanzor in
This State-distemper, by that subtile sin
Dissimulation, so disguises all
His black intentions, that whilst truth did call
Him Treasons agent, its reflected light,
Appearance, spoke him Vertues proselyte;
So much a Convert, as if all those hot
Crimes of his youth ambition had begot,
Discreeter age had either cool'd, or by
Repentance chang'd to zeal and loyalty.
Her fathers love, once registred by fame,
Submits to censure; whilst Pharonnida
Laments her fate, some prompted by the law
Of love and nature are to entertain
So much of freedom, as they prove in vain
Her advocates: Others, whose cautious fear
Dares only pity, in that dress appear
Silent and sad; only Almanzor in
This State-distemper, by that subtile sin
Dissimulation, so disguises all
His black intentions, that whilst truth did call
Him Treasons agent, its reflected light,
Appearance, spoke him Vertues proselyte;
So much a Convert, as if all those hot
Crimes of his youth ambition had begot,
Discreeter age had either cool'd, or by
Repentance chang'd to zeal and loyalty.
Whilst thus i'th' Court the most judicious eyes
Deluded were by factions false disguise,
By rumors heavy as the damps of death
When they flie laden with the dying breath
Of new-departed souls, this fatal news
Assaults the Princess, which whilst reason views
With sad resentments, to support her in
This storm of fate, Amindor, who had bin
In all her griefs her best adviser, now
Enters to tell her fainting sorrows how
They'd yet a refuge left, from whom she might
Reap hopes of safety: The first welcom sight
Of such a friend, whose former actions had
Inhanc'd his worth, encountring with her sad
And serious thoughts, so rarifies that cloud
Of grief, that ere dissolving tears allow'd
A vocal utterance, as intended words
Something contain'd too doleful for records:
Both sigh'd, both wept; at length the Princess broke
Silence, and thus her dismal passions spoke.
Deluded were by factions false disguise,
By rumors heavy as the damps of death
When they flie laden with the dying breath
Of new-departed souls, this fatal news
Assaults the Princess, which whilst reason views
143
This storm of fate, Amindor, who had bin
In all her griefs her best adviser, now
Enters to tell her fainting sorrows how
They'd yet a refuge left, from whom she might
Reap hopes of safety: The first welcom sight
Of such a friend, whose former actions had
Inhanc'd his worth, encountring with her sad
And serious thoughts, so rarifies that cloud
Of grief, that ere dissolving tears allow'd
A vocal utterance, as intended words
Something contain'd too doleful for records:
Both sigh'd, both wept; at length the Princess broke
Silence, and thus her dismal passions spoke.
Dare you, my Lord, approach so near unto
A factious grief, in this black storm to view
Distrest Pharonnida? have either I
Or my Argalia's slighted memorie
Yet in Morea a remaining friend,
Whose vertue dares by its own strength contend
Against this torrent of Court-factions? Now,
Now, Royal Sir, that doom which will allow
My soul no more refreshing slumbers, by
My father's past, my father (Sir) whom I
Must disobey with all the curses due
To black rebellion, or else prove untrue
Those vows, those oft repeated vows, which in
Our Loves full growth hath to Argalia bin
Seal'd in the sight of heaven. About to speak
Her passions fuller, sorrow here did break
The sad theme off, and to proclaim her fears,
(Except th'oreflowing language of her tears)
No Herald left. In which sad silent fit
The valiant Cyprian, who at first did sit
His passions prisoner, from that bondage free,
To her disease prescribes this remedie.
A factious grief, in this black storm to view
Distrest Pharonnida? have either I
Or my Argalia's slighted memorie
Yet in Morea a remaining friend,
Whose vertue dares by its own strength contend
Against this torrent of Court-factions? Now,
Now, Royal Sir, that doom which will allow
My soul no more refreshing slumbers, by
My father's past, my father (Sir) whom I
Must disobey with all the curses due
To black rebellion, or else prove untrue
Those vows, those oft repeated vows, which in
Our Loves full growth hath to Argalia bin
144
Her passions fuller, sorrow here did break
The sad theme off, and to proclaim her fears,
(Except th'oreflowing language of her tears)
No Herald left. In which sad silent fit
The valiant Cyprian, who at first did sit
His passions prisoner, from that bondage free,
To her disease prescribes this remedie.
—Cease Madam—
Cease to eclipse illustrious beauty by
Untimely tears; your griefs deformity
Frights not Amindor from his friendship, when
I first beheld that Miracle of men
Ador'd Argalia, pluck from victorie
His Naval laurels, Honor told me I
Was then so much his Vertues captive, that
Not all the dangers mortals tremble at
Can make me shun assisting of him in
Retaining you, though my attempts have bin
Imploy'd in vain, in publick councel, to
Procure your peace, there's something left to do
By which our private plots may undermine
Their publike power, and unperceiv'd decline
That danger which, without this secret friend,
It lies not in our fortune to defend.
Cease to eclipse illustrious beauty by
Untimely tears; your griefs deformity
Frights not Amindor from his friendship, when
I first beheld that Miracle of men
Ador'd Argalia, pluck from victorie
His Naval laurels, Honor told me I
Was then so much his Vertues captive, that
Not all the dangers mortals tremble at
Can make me shun assisting of him in
Retaining you, though my attempts have bin
Imploy'd in vain, in publick councel, to
Procure your peace, there's something left to do
By which our private plots may undermine
Their publike power, and unperceiv'd decline
That danger which, without this secret friend,
It lies not in our fortune to defend.
From griefs cold swoon to living comforts by
This cordial rais'd, Pharonnida's reply
Owns this pathetick language: If there be
In all the dark paths of my destinie
Yet left a rode to safety, name it, Sir,
What I'll atempt, no danger shall deter,
So brave Amindor be my conduct through
The dismal rode; but my wild hopes outgrow
What ere my reason dictates. No, my Lord,
Flie that sad fate whose progress can afford
Nought but disasters, and live happy in
Orlinda's love; should I attempt to win
You from so fair a vertue, 'twere a wrong
Too full of guilt to let me live among
The number of your friends, 'mongst whom let me
In all your future thoughts remember'd be
As the most wretched to whom rigid fate
All hopes weak cordials hath appli'd too late.
This cordial rais'd, Pharonnida's reply
Owns this pathetick language: If there be
In all the dark paths of my destinie
145
What I'll atempt, no danger shall deter,
So brave Amindor be my conduct through
The dismal rode; but my wild hopes outgrow
What ere my reason dictates. No, my Lord,
Flie that sad fate whose progress can afford
Nought but disasters, and live happy in
Orlinda's love; should I attempt to win
You from so fair a vertue, 'twere a wrong
Too full of guilt to let me live among
The number of your friends, 'mongst whom let me
In all your future thoughts remember'd be
As the most wretched to whom rigid fate
All hopes weak cordials hath appli'd too late.
Here ceas'd the sorrowing Lady, to suspend
Whose following tears, her charitable friend
Prescribes this comfort: Though my zeal hath bin,
When serving you, so unsuccessful in
My first attempts, it gives just cause to doubt
My future actions; yet to lead you out
Of this dark labyrinth where your sorrow stands
Maskt with amazements, not the countermands
Of my affection to Orlinda, though
Confirm'd by vows, shall stop; let grief bestow
But so much time (unclouded by your fear)
To look Hopes volumes ore, there will appear
Some lines of comfort yet, which that we may
Not in a heedless horror cast away,
Prepare for speedy action, to prevent
Ensuing ills no time is left unspent
But only this approaching night, by which
To slie from danger you must stoop t'enrich
A course disguise, whose humble shadow may
Enquiring eyes to dark mistakes betray.
Whose following tears, her charitable friend
Prescribes this comfort: Though my zeal hath bin,
When serving you, so unsuccessful in
My first attempts, it gives just cause to doubt
My future actions; yet to lead you out
Of this dark labyrinth where your sorrow stands
Maskt with amazements, not the countermands
Of my affection to Orlinda, though
Confirm'd by vows, shall stop; let grief bestow
But so much time (unclouded by your fear)
To look Hopes volumes ore, there will appear
Some lines of comfort yet, which that we may
Not in a heedless horror cast away,
146
Ensuing ills no time is left unspent
But only this approaching night, by which
To slie from danger you must stoop t'enrich
A course disguise, whose humble shadow may
Enquiring eyes to dark mistakes betray.
Our first retreat, which is design'd to be
No further then the neighboring Monastrie
Where I of late did lie conceal'd, I have
Thus made secure: There stands an antient cave,
Close hid in unfrequented shadows, near
Your gardens postern gate; which when the fear
Of bordering foes deni'd a free access
To the old Abby, they from the distress
Of threatning Scouts were safe deliver'd by
A vault that through it leads; which though so nigh
Unto the city, careless time, since not
Forc'd to frequent, hath wholly left forgot
By busie mortals. In this silent Cell
Where nought but Lights eternal strangers dwell
In the Meridian depth of night, whilst all
Are rob'd in rest, you none encounter shall
(Except my self) but him, who may with us
This secret share, esteem'd Euriolus;
With whom, and your indear'd Florenza, we
Within the unsuspected Monastrie
Protected by some secret friends may stay
Till fruitless searches waste their hopes away,
Whose watchful spleen by care conducted might
Stop our intentions of a further flight.
No further then the neighboring Monastrie
Where I of late did lie conceal'd, I have
Thus made secure: There stands an antient cave,
Close hid in unfrequented shadows, near
Your gardens postern gate; which when the fear
Of bordering foes deni'd a free access
To the old Abby, they from the distress
Of threatning Scouts were safe deliver'd by
A vault that through it leads; which though so nigh
Unto the city, careless time, since not
Forc'd to frequent, hath wholly left forgot
By busie mortals. In this silent Cell
Where nought but Lights eternal strangers dwell
In the Meridian depth of night, whilst all
Are rob'd in rest, you none encounter shall
(Except my self) but him, who may with us
This secret share, esteem'd Euriolus;
With whom, and your indear'd Florenza, we
Within the unsuspected Monastrie
Protected by some secret friends may stay
Till fruitless searches waste their hopes away,
147
Stop our intentions of a further flight.
Rais'd from the cold bed of despair, from this
Mature advice to hopes of future bliss,
The heavenly fair Pharonnida had now
Withdrawn the vail of grief, and could allow
Some smiles to wait upon those thanks which she
Return'd her friend; who, that no time might be
Lost by neglect from needful action, in
A calm of comforts, such as had not bin
Her late associates, leaves the Princess to
Persue those plots, which fortune bent t'undo,
Whilst hope on expectations wings did hover,
Did thus by fatal accident discover.
Mature advice to hopes of future bliss,
The heavenly fair Pharonnida had now
Withdrawn the vail of grief, and could allow
Some smiles to wait upon those thanks which she
Return'd her friend; who, that no time might be
Lost by neglect from needful action, in
A calm of comforts, such as had not bin
Her late associates, leaves the Princess to
Persue those plots, which fortune bent t'undo,
Whilst hope on expectations wings did hover,
Did thus by fatal accident discover.
That knot in her fair thread of destiny,
That lurking snake, the Purgatory by
Which heaven refin'd her, curst Amphibia, had,
Whilst mutual language all their thoughts unclad,
Close as an unsuspected plague that in
Darkness assaults, an unknown sharer bin
Of this important issue; which with hate
Her genius met, soon strives to propagate
A brood of Fiends: Almanzor, whose dark plots
Like images of damn'd Magicians rots
Themselves to ruine others, like in this
Last act of ill by too much haste to miss
The rode that led through slipp'ry paths of sin,
From prides stupendious precipice falls in
A gulf of horror, in whose dismal shade
A private room his dark retreat is made.
That lurking snake, the Purgatory by
Which heaven refin'd her, curst Amphibia, had,
Whilst mutual language all their thoughts unclad,
Close as an unsuspected plague that in
Darkness assaults, an unknown sharer bin
Of this important issue; which with hate
Her genius met, soon strives to propagate
A brood of Fiends: Almanzor, whose dark plots
Like images of damn'd Magicians rots
Themselves to ruine others, like in this
Last act of ill by too much haste to miss
The rode that led through slipp'ry paths of sin,
From prides stupendious precipice falls in
148
A private room his dark retreat is made.
Here whilst his heart is boil'd in gall, his brain
Orewhelm'd in clouds, whose darkness entertain
No beam of reason, whilst ambition mixt
Examples of the bloodiest murthers fixt
Upon the brazen front of time, all which
Lends no unfathom'd policie t'enrich
His near impoverish'd brain, he hears one knock,
Whose sudden noise soon scattering all the flock
Of busie thoughts, him in a hasty rage
Hurries to th' dore, where come, his eyes engage
His tongue to welcom one whose curst advice
His tortur'd thoughts turn'd to a Paradice
Of pleasing hopes, on whose foundation he
Prepares to build a future Monarchie.
Orewhelm'd in clouds, whose darkness entertain
No beam of reason, whilst ambition mixt
Examples of the bloodiest murthers fixt
Upon the brazen front of time, all which
Lends no unfathom'd policie t'enrich
His near impoverish'd brain, he hears one knock,
Whose sudden noise soon scattering all the flock
Of busie thoughts, him in a hasty rage
Hurries to th' dore, where come, his eyes engage
His tongue to welcom one whose curst advice
His tortur'd thoughts turn'd to a Paradice
Of pleasing hopes, on whose foundation he
Prepares to build a future Monarchie.
A slow-consuming grief, whose Chronick stealth
Had slily robb'd Palermo's Prince of health,
In spight of all the guards of Art had long
Worn out his strength, and now had grown too strong
For age to bear, each baffl'd Artist in
A sad despair forsaking what had bin
Try'd but t'upbraid their ignorance, except
An aged Frier whose judgment long had slept
From watchful practice, but i'th' Court of Arts
Been so imploy'd, that the mysterious parts
Of clouded Theoricks, which he courted by
High contemplation, to his minds clear eye
Lay all undrest of that disguise which in
Mans fall t'afflict posterity, they'd been
By angry heaven wrapt in; so that he knew
What astral vertues Vegetables drew
From a celestial influence, and by what
Absconded magick Nature fitted that
To working humors, which they either move
By 'xpulsive hate, or by attractive love.
Had slily robb'd Palermo's Prince of health,
In spight of all the guards of Art had long
Worn out his strength, and now had grown too strong
For age to bear, each baffl'd Artist in
A sad despair forsaking what had bin
Try'd but t'upbraid their ignorance, except
An aged Frier whose judgment long had slept
From watchful practice, but i'th' Court of Arts
Been so imploy'd, that the mysterious parts
Of clouded Theoricks, which he courted by
High contemplation, to his minds clear eye
149
Mans fall t'afflict posterity, they'd been
By angry heaven wrapt in; so that he knew
What astral vertues Vegetables drew
From a celestial influence, and by what
Absconded magick Nature fitted that
To working humors, which they either move
By 'xpulsive hate, or by attractive love.
This Arts true master, when his hope was grown
Faint with delays, to the sick Prince made known,
A swift command calls from his still repose
The reverend Sire, who come, doth soon disclose
That long conceal'd malignity which had
The feeble Prince in sickly paleness clad:
Nor stays his Art at weak prognosticks, but
Proceeds to practice whatsoere may put
His Prince in ease, Cordials abstracted by
A then near undiscover'd chymistry,
Such as in single drops did all comprise
Nature ere taught Art to epitomise;
Such, as if arm'd with a Promethean fire,
Might force a bloodless carkass to respire;
Such as curb'd fate, and in their hot assault
Whilst storming life, made deaths pale army halt.
Faint with delays, to the sick Prince made known,
A swift command calls from his still repose
The reverend Sire, who come, doth soon disclose
That long conceal'd malignity which had
The feeble Prince in sickly paleness clad:
Nor stays his Art at weak prognosticks, but
Proceeds to practice whatsoere may put
His Prince in ease, Cordials abstracted by
A then near undiscover'd chymistry,
Such as in single drops did all comprise
Nature ere taught Art to epitomise;
Such, as if arm'd with a Promethean fire,
Might force a bloodless carkass to respire;
Such as curb'd fate, and in their hot assault
Whilst storming life, made deaths pale army halt.
This rare Elixar by the Prince had bin,
With such success as those that languish in
Consuming ills, could wish themselves, so long
Us'd, that those fits which else had grown too strong
For nature to contend withall, were now
Grown more remiss; when Fate, that can allow
No lasting comforts, to declare her power
Ore Art it self, arrests that Conqueror
Of others ills, with a disease that led
Him a close prisoner to an uncouth bed;
Which like to prove natures slow chariot to
Th'expecting grave, loth to the publike view
To prostitute a secret, yet bound by
The obligation of his loyalty
T'assist his Prince, he to Pharonnida
That soveraign secret, which could only awe
Her fathers threatning pain, declares, which she
Hath since compos'd; when ere's extremitie
Suffer'd those pains, whose progress to prevent,
Sh'ad by Amphibia now the Cordial sent;
The slie Amphibia, who did soon obay
What lent her hate a freedom to betray.
With such success as those that languish in
Consuming ills, could wish themselves, so long
Us'd, that those fits which else had grown too strong
150
Grown more remiss; when Fate, that can allow
No lasting comforts, to declare her power
Ore Art it self, arrests that Conqueror
Of others ills, with a disease that led
Him a close prisoner to an uncouth bed;
Which like to prove natures slow chariot to
Th'expecting grave, loth to the publike view
To prostitute a secret, yet bound by
The obligation of his loyalty
T'assist his Prince, he to Pharonnida
That soveraign secret, which could only awe
Her fathers threatning pain, declares, which she
Hath since compos'd; when ere's extremitie
Suffer'd those pains, whose progress to prevent,
Sh'ad by Amphibia now the Cordial sent;
The slie Amphibia, who did soon obay
What lent her hate a freedom to betray.
His first salutes being past, with such a speed
As did declare the guilt of such a deed,
Might doubt discovery, she unfolds that strange
Amazing truth, which from the giddy range
Of wild invention soon contracts each thought
Into resolves, such as no object sought
But the destruction of what ere might stop
Ambitions progress; toward the slippery top
Of which now climbing on Conceits stretcht wings,
He silent stands, whilst teeming fancy brings
That Monster forth, for whose conception he
Long since deflour'd his virgin-loyaltie.
As did declare the guilt of such a deed,
Might doubt discovery, she unfolds that strange
Amazing truth, which from the giddy range
Of wild invention soon contracts each thought
Into resolves, such as no object sought
But the destruction of what ere might stop
Ambitions progress; toward the slippery top
Of which now climbing on Conceits stretcht wings,
He silent stands, whilst teeming fancy brings
151
Long since deflour'd his virgin-loyaltie.
Few minutes, by that auxiliary aid
Which her discovery lent, his thoughts convaid
Through all the rodes of doubt: which safely past,
Strictly imbracing her who in this last
And greatest act of vilany must have
A farther share, he thus begins: Oh save,
Save, thou that art my better genius now,
What thou alone hast rais'd; my hopes must bow
Beneath impossibilities, if not
By thee assisted; Fortune hath begot
The means already; let this Cordial be
With poison mixt, Fate knows no enemie
Dares grapple with me; Do not start, there's here
No room for danger, if we banish feare.
Which her discovery lent, his thoughts convaid
Through all the rodes of doubt: which safely past,
Strictly imbracing her who in this last
And greatest act of vilany must have
A farther share, he thus begins: Oh save,
Save, thou that art my better genius now,
What thou alone hast rais'd; my hopes must bow
Beneath impossibilities, if not
By thee assisted; Fortune hath begot
The means already; let this Cordial be
With poison mixt, Fate knows no enemie
Dares grapple with me; Do not start, there's here
No room for danger, if we banish feare.
His thoughts thus far discover'd, finding in
Her various looks, that apprehended sin,
The souls Mercurial pill, did penetrate
Her callous conscience, in whose cell this sate
With knawing horror; whilst all other lives
Whom her fraud spilt, prov'd hurtless corrosives,
From the cold ague of repentance, he
Thus rouses her: Can my Amphibia be
By fear (that fatal remora to all
That's great, or good) thus startl'd? is the fall
Of an old Tyrant grown a subject for
This soft remorse? let thy brave soul abhor
Such sickly passions, when our fortune stands
Fixt on their ruine, the unwilling hands
Of those that now withstand our glorious flight
Will help inthrone us, whilst unquestion'd right,
(Which is for power the worlds mistaken word)
Is made our own by th' Legislative sword.
Her various looks, that apprehended sin,
The souls Mercurial pill, did penetrate
Her callous conscience, in whose cell this sate
With knawing horror; whilst all other lives
Whom her fraud spilt, prov'd hurtless corrosives,
From the cold ague of repentance, he
Thus rouses her: Can my Amphibia be
By fear (that fatal remora to all
That's great, or good) thus startl'd? is the fall
Of an old Tyrant grown a subject for
This soft remorse? let thy brave soul abhor
152
Fixt on their ruine, the unwilling hands
Of those that now withstand our glorious flight
Will help inthrone us, whilst unquestion'd right,
(Which is for power the worlds mistaken word)
Is made our own by th' Legislative sword.
Rais'd from her fears cold trepidations by
These hot ingredients, in an extasie
Of flatuous hopes, she casts herself into
This gulf of sin; and being prepar'd to do
An act, which not the present times could see
With sense enough, whilst in th'extremitie
Of wonder lost, through all his guards strict care
Death to the unsuspecting Prince doth beare.
These hot ingredients, in an extasie
Of flatuous hopes, she casts herself into
This gulf of sin; and being prepar'd to do
An act, which not the present times could see
With sense enough, whilst in th'extremitie
Of wonder lost, through all his guards strict care
Death to the unsuspecting Prince doth beare.
Freed from this doubt, Almanzor to avoid
That storm of rage, which when their Prince destroid
The Court should know, might rise from fear, pretends
Haste to the Army; but being gone, suspends
That speedy voyage, and being attended by
A wretch whose guilt assur'd his privacy,
Through paths untrod hastes to the Cave wherein
Those habits which had by Amindor bin
(Whilst he his beauteous charge did thence convay)
Prepar'd to cloud illustrious beauty, lay:
Of which, in such whose size did shew they were
For th' largest sex, they both being clad, with care
Secret as swift, haste to augment the flood
Of swelling sins with yet more royal blood.
That storm of rage, which when their Prince destroid
The Court should know, might rise from fear, pretends
Haste to the Army; but being gone, suspends
That speedy voyage, and being attended by
A wretch whose guilt assur'd his privacy,
Through paths untrod hastes to the Cave wherein
Those habits which had by Amindor bin
(Whilst he his beauteous charge did thence convay)
Prepar'd to cloud illustrious beauty, lay:
Of which, in such whose size did shew they were
For th' largest sex, they both being clad, with care
Secret as swift, haste to augment the flood
Of swelling sins with yet more royal blood.
153
Th' Epirots constant Prince, by custom had
Made known a walk; which when the day unclad
Of glittering tissue, in her evenings lawn
Sate coolly drest, to court the sober dawn,
He often us'd, near this Almanzor (by
Hell made successful in his vilany)
Arriv'd some minutes ere the other, lies
Conceal'd, till darkness, and a close disguise,
(Those safe protectors) from his unseen seat
Call him to action, where, with thoughts repleat
With too much joy t'admit suspition, he
Finds the Messenian, whom no fear to be
Assaulted there had arm'd, his spacious train
Shrunk into one that serv'd to entertain
Time with discourse: Upon which heedless paire
The arm'd Almanzor rushing unaware,
Ere strength had time their valor to obay
In storms of wounds their senses lose the way
T'external objects; in which giddy trance
The other Lord, whose spirits readvance
To life, they fear not, lies secure, whilst by
Redoubl'd wounds his Princes spirits fly
From the most strong retreats of life, which now
Batter'd by death, no safety could allow.
Made known a walk; which when the day unclad
Of glittering tissue, in her evenings lawn
Sate coolly drest, to court the sober dawn,
He often us'd, near this Almanzor (by
Hell made successful in his vilany)
Arriv'd some minutes ere the other, lies
Conceal'd, till darkness, and a close disguise,
(Those safe protectors) from his unseen seat
Call him to action, where, with thoughts repleat
With too much joy t'admit suspition, he
Finds the Messenian, whom no fear to be
Assaulted there had arm'd, his spacious train
Shrunk into one that serv'd to entertain
Time with discourse: Upon which heedless paire
The arm'd Almanzor rushing unaware,
Ere strength had time their valor to obay
In storms of wounds their senses lose the way
T'external objects; in which giddy trance
The other Lord, whose spirits readvance
To life, they fear not, lies secure, whilst by
Redoubl'd wounds his Princes spirits fly
From the most strong retreats of life, which now
Batter'd by death, no safety could allow.
Revenges thirst being in this royal flood
Quench'd for a while, that from the guiltless blood
His Honor might not yet a stain receive
First hasting to the cave, he there doth leave
Those injur'd habits, which by him were meant
For the betrayers of the innocent.
Quench'd for a while, that from the guiltless blood
His Honor might not yet a stain receive
First hasting to the cave, he there doth leave
154
For the betrayers of the innocent.
This done, that he even from suspition might
Secure his guilt, before the wasted night
Looks pale at the approach of day, he flies
To th' distant Army, there securely lies,
Till all those black productions of his brain
Now ripening to perfection should attain
Maturity, and in the Court appear
In their most horrid dress, knowing the fear
Of the distracted City soon would call
Him, and his Army, to prevent the fall
Of such distracting dangers as might be
Attendants on th'eclipse of Majestie.
Secure his guilt, before the wasted night
Looks pale at the approach of day, he flies
To th' distant Army, there securely lies,
Till all those black productions of his brain
Now ripening to perfection should attain
Maturity, and in the Court appear
In their most horrid dress, knowing the fear
Of the distracted City soon would call
Him, and his Army, to prevent the fall
Of such distracting dangers as might be
Attendants on th'eclipse of Majestie.
The End of the Third Canto.
155
CANTO IV.
The Argument.
I
Now, as if that great Engineer of ill,Accurst Almanzor, had accomplisht all
Those black designs, which are ordaia'd to fill
The Spartan Annals, by his Princes fall:
II
With secret spight, yet such as seem'd to beFrom an advis'd Protector of the State,
Pharonnida's ill fate assisting, he
Toward her destruction prosecutes his hate.
That dismal Night which in the dark records
Of story, yet so much of fate affords
In the Morean Annals, had to Day
Resign'd its reign, whose Eastern beams display
Their morning-beauties, by whose welcom light
The early Courtier, tir'd with tedious night,
Rises to meet expected triumphs, in
Their Princes nuptials, which so long had bin
The joyful business of their thoughts, that now
Sallying to action, they're instructed how
To court observance from the studied pain
Of best inventions, by attractive gain
Join'd to the itch of ostentative art,
Were thither drawn from each adjacent part.
Of story, yet so much of fate affords
In the Morean Annals, had to Day
Resign'd its reign, whose Eastern beams display
Their morning-beauties, by whose welcom light
The early Courtier, tir'd with tedious night,
156
Their Princes nuptials, which so long had bin
The joyful business of their thoughts, that now
Sallying to action, they're instructed how
To court observance from the studied pain
Of best inventions, by attractive gain
Join'd to the itch of ostentative art,
Were thither drawn from each adjacent part.
In this swell'd torrent of expected mirth
Which all conclude must make this morning birth
To future Ages celebrated by
An annual triumph, the disparity
Of passion (sorrow) first breaks forth among
The slain Epirot's followers, who so long
Had mist their master, that they now begin
To doubt his safety, every place had bin
By strict enquiry search'd, to which they knew
Either affection or imployment drew
His frequent visits; but with an effect
So vain, their care serv'd only to detect
Their love, not him its object, who might have
Lain till corruption sought it self a grave,
Had not an early Forrester, so near
The place approach'd, that maugre all that fear
Alleag'd to stop a full discovery, he
Beheld so much as taught him how to free
His friends from further fruitless searches, in
Discovering what beneath their fears had bin.
Which all conclude must make this morning birth
To future Ages celebrated by
An annual triumph, the disparity
Of passion (sorrow) first breaks forth among
The slain Epirot's followers, who so long
Had mist their master, that they now begin
To doubt his safety, every place had bin
By strict enquiry search'd, to which they knew
Either affection or imployment drew
His frequent visits; but with an effect
So vain, their care serv'd only to detect
Their love, not him its object, who might have
Lain till corruption sought it self a grave,
Had not an early Forrester, so near
The place approach'd, that maugre all that fear
Alleag'd to stop a full discovery, he
Beheld so much as taught him how to free
His friends from further fruitless searches, in
Discovering what beneath their fears had bin.
157
In sorrow, such as left no power to vent
Its symptoms, but a deep astonishment
Th'amaz'd Messenians, whom a sad belief
Depriv'd of hope, did entertain their grief,
Whose swift infection to communicate
Their murther'd Prince, as if pale death kept state
Clad in the crimson robes of blood, is to
The City brought, where whilst the publick view
In busie murmurs spread her sable wings,
Pale terror to the Court, griefs center, brings
The dreadful truth, which some officious Lord
Whom favor did the priviledge afford
Of easie entrance, through the guards of fear,
In haste conveys t'assault the Princes ear.
Its symptoms, but a deep astonishment
Th'amaz'd Messenians, whom a sad belief
Depriv'd of hope, did entertain their grief,
Whose swift infection to communicate
Their murther'd Prince, as if pale death kept state
Clad in the crimson robes of blood, is to
The City brought, where whilst the publick view
In busie murmurs spread her sable wings,
Pale terror to the Court, griefs center, brings
The dreadful truth, which some officious Lord
Whom favor did the priviledge afford
Of easie entrance, through the guards of fear,
In haste conveys t'assault the Princes ear.
With such a silence as did seem to shew
Unwelcom news is in its entrance slow,
Enter'd the room, he's with soft pace unto
The bed approach'd, whose curtains when withdrew
Discover'd horror in the dismal dress
Of death appears; freed from the slow distress
Of Age (that coward tyrant) which ne'r shews
His strength till man wants vigor to oppose
Through deaths dark gates fled to the gloomy shade,
Whose fear, or hope, not knowledge doth invade
Our fancies yet, he mans material part
There only sees; which form, whose heavenly art
Tunes motion into'th faculties of life,
Had now forsook the elemental strife
Which had so long at concord aim'd, was now
Silenc'd in death, on his majestick brow
No awefull frown did sit, the bloods retreat,
From life and action left his cheeks the seat
Of deaths cold guest, which summon'd by his fate
There in a pale and ghastly horror sate.
Unwelcom news is in its entrance slow,
Enter'd the room, he's with soft pace unto
The bed approach'd, whose curtains when withdrew
Discover'd horror in the dismal dress
Of death appears; freed from the slow distress
Of Age (that coward tyrant) which ne'r shews
His strength till man wants vigor to oppose
Through deaths dark gates fled to the gloomy shade,
Whose fear, or hope, not knowledge doth invade
Our fancies yet, he mans material part
There only sees; which form, whose heavenly art
Tunes motion into'th faculties of life,
Had now forsook the elemental strife
158
Silenc'd in death, on his majestick brow
No awefull frown did sit, the bloods retreat,
From life and action left his cheeks the seat
Of deaths cold guest, which summon'd by his fate
There in a pale and ghastly horror sate.
Whilst the astonish'd Courtier did behold
This with such trembling, as when graves unfold,
Their Doom-dayes curtains, sinfull bodies shall
Rise from their urns, eternally to fall;
His stay, caus'd from restrictive fear, had drew
In more Spectators, to whose wandring view
This ghastly object when oppos'd had strook
So swift a terror, that their fears forsook
The safe retreats of Reason, seeing life
Had now concluded all the busie strife
Of natures conflicts by delivering those
Time-shaken Forts unto more powerfull foes,
Outcries in vain attempts for pitty to
Scale heaven, whose ear, when from their prayers withdrew
The Court (now of her royal head bereft)
In a still calm of hopeless sorrow left.
This with such trembling, as when graves unfold,
Their Doom-dayes curtains, sinfull bodies shall
Rise from their urns, eternally to fall;
His stay, caus'd from restrictive fear, had drew
In more Spectators, to whose wandring view
This ghastly object when oppos'd had strook
So swift a terror, that their fears forsook
The safe retreats of Reason, seeing life
Had now concluded all the busie strife
Of natures conflicts by delivering those
Time-shaken Forts unto more powerfull foes,
Outcries in vain attempts for pitty to
Scale heaven, whose ear, when from their prayers withdrew
The Court (now of her royal head bereft)
In a still calm of hopeless sorrow left.
Infectious grief, disdaining now to be
Confin'd within the brief Stenographie
Of first Discoverers, spreads it self among
The City herd, whose rude unsteddy throng
Rais'd grief (which in the mourning Court did dwell
In such a silence as an Anch'rites Cell
Ne'r knew a heavier solitude) into
Exalted outcries whose loud call had drew
From their neglected arts so many, that
What first was choler, now being kindl'd at
Their rage, like humors grown adust had bin
The open breach to let rebellion in;
Had not the wiser Nobles, which did know
That vulgar passions will to tumult grow
When back'd with power, by a new modell'd form
Of counsel soon allay'd this rising storm.
Confin'd within the brief Stenographie
Of first Discoverers, spreads it self among
The City herd, whose rude unsteddy throng
Rais'd grief (which in the mourning Court did dwell
In such a silence as an Anch'rites Cell
159
Exalted outcries whose loud call had drew
From their neglected arts so many, that
What first was choler, now being kindl'd at
Their rage, like humors grown adust had bin
The open breach to let rebellion in;
Had not the wiser Nobles, which did know
That vulgar passions will to tumult grow
When back'd with power, by a new modell'd form
Of counsel soon allay'd this rising storm.
Their tears (those fruitless sacrifices to
Unactive grief, wip'd off whilst they did view
The States distemp'red body, to supply
The wants of that departed Majesty,
Which when their Prince from Lifes horizon fell
Fled from their view, before report should tell
This fatal story to the Princess, they
A Councel call, by whose advice she may
Whilst floating in this Sea of sorrow be
Sav'd from those unseen rocks, where treacherie
Rebellions subtile Engineer might sit
To wrack the weakness of a female wit;
Which, though in her such that it might have bin
The whole worlds Pilate, could, since clouded in
Such a tempestuous Sea of passions, see
No Star that might her safe director be.
Unactive grief, wip'd off whilst they did view
The States distemp'red body, to supply
The wants of that departed Majesty,
Which when their Prince from Lifes horizon fell
Fled from their view, before report should tell
This fatal story to the Princess, they
A Councel call, by whose advice she may
Whilst floating in this Sea of sorrow be
Sav'd from those unseen rocks, where treacherie
Rebellions subtile Engineer might sit
To wrack the weakness of a female wit;
Which, though in her such that it might have bin
The whole worlds Pilate, could, since clouded in
Such a tempestuous Sea of passions, see
No Star that might her safe director be.
A Messenger whose sad observant wit
By age allay'd seem'd a conveyer fit
For such important business, with the news
Hasts towards the Princess, whom whilst fear persues
On wings of pity, being arriv'd within
The Palace, he, as that alone had bin
The onely seat where rigid sorrow took
Her fixt abode, beholds each servants look
Obscur'd with grief, through whos dark shades whilst he
Searches the cause, the strange variety
Explains it self, as families that have
Led their protecting Ruler to the grave,
whose loss they in a heedless sorrow mourn
So long, till care doth to distraction turn:
Her servants sate each wildly looking on
The other, till even sense it self was gone
In mourning wonder, whose wilde flight to stay
Its cause, they to the pitying Lord display
In such a tone, as whilst it did detect
The Princess absence, shew'd their own neglect.
By age allay'd seem'd a conveyer fit
160
Hasts towards the Princess, whom whilst fear persues
On wings of pity, being arriv'd within
The Palace, he, as that alone had bin
The onely seat where rigid sorrow took
Her fixt abode, beholds each servants look
Obscur'd with grief, through whos dark shades whilst he
Searches the cause, the strange variety
Explains it self, as families that have
Led their protecting Ruler to the grave,
whose loss they in a heedless sorrow mourn
So long, till care doth to distraction turn:
Her servants sate each wildly looking on
The other, till even sense it self was gone
In mourning wonder, whose wilde flight to stay
Its cause, they to the pitying Lord display
In such a tone, as whilst it did detect
The Princess absence, shew'd their own neglect.
When this he'ad heard, with such a sympathie
Of sorrow as erected grief to be
The mourning Monarch of his thoughts, to those
Return'd that sent him, he that transcript shews
Of this obscure original, the flight
O' th' absent Princess, whilst the veil of night
Obscur'd her passage, tells: but question'd how,
With whom, or whether knowledge did allow
No satisfaction, all inquiry gain'd
From her amaz'd attendants but explain'd
Their grief, whose troubled rivolet flow'd in
To that vast Ocean where before they'd bin
By sorrow shipwrack'd in the general flood
Mixt, wants a language to be understood
In a peculiar character, and so
Conjoyn'd makes up one universal wo.
Of sorrow as erected grief to be
The mourning Monarch of his thoughts, to those
Return'd that sent him, he that transcript shews
Of this obscure original, the flight
O' th' absent Princess, whilst the veil of night
Obscur'd her passage, tells: but question'd how,
With whom, or whether knowledge did allow
No satisfaction, all inquiry gain'd
From her amaz'd attendants but explain'd
161
To that vast Ocean where before they'd bin
By sorrow shipwrack'd in the general flood
Mixt, wants a language to be understood
In a peculiar character, and so
Conjoyn'd makes up one universal wo.
Onely, as if love knew alone the art
That taught his followers how to mourn apart,
Sad, sweet Orlinda, whose calm innocence
Had fostred passion at her healths expence,
Whilst wet with grief's oreflowing springs, she to
Her brothers ghost did pay soft natures due
In sorrow of such sad complection, that
Others might lose their own to wonder at;
Yet when (as in the margint plac'd) she hears
Amindor lost, with new supplies of tears
Grief sallying forth, as if to be betray'd
Love now did fear, he draws the bashfull Maid
From those that did the mourning consort keep
Where she unseen for loves decease doth weep,
Frail womans faith, and mans neglect doth blame,
And softly then sighs out Amindors name;
Her lost Amindor, whose suppos'd disdain
Destroy'd those spirits grief could ne'r have slain.
That taught his followers how to mourn apart,
Sad, sweet Orlinda, whose calm innocence
Had fostred passion at her healths expence,
Whilst wet with grief's oreflowing springs, she to
Her brothers ghost did pay soft natures due
In sorrow of such sad complection, that
Others might lose their own to wonder at;
Yet when (as in the margint plac'd) she hears
Amindor lost, with new supplies of tears
Grief sallying forth, as if to be betray'd
Love now did fear, he draws the bashfull Maid
From those that did the mourning consort keep
Where she unseen for loves decease doth weep,
Frail womans faith, and mans neglect doth blame,
And softly then sighs out Amindors name;
Her lost Amindor, whose suppos'd disdain
Destroy'd those spirits grief could ne'r have slain.
And now before that powers decay ingage
To many hands in a vindictive rage
The wise supporters of the State to stay
Increasing factions (which can ne'r obey
Lest fear commands) unto Almanzor send
A mandate which injoyns him to attend
Their Councels in this interregnum, till
Their joynt consent had found out one to fill
The empty throne: which summons prompted by
A care which they interpret loyalty,
Though truely call'd ambition, he obey'd
With such a speed as Love would fly to aid
A ravish'd Lady, having to impede
His march no more then what his care could lead
Even with a singes speed, yet that a strength
Enough to make his will confine the length
Of their desires, who soon in Council sit
But to bewail th' abortion of their wit.
To many hands in a vindictive rage
The wise supporters of the State to stay
Increasing factions (which can ne'r obey
162
A mandate which injoyns him to attend
Their Councels in this interregnum, till
Their joynt consent had found out one to fill
The empty throne: which summons prompted by
A care which they interpret loyalty,
Though truely call'd ambition, he obey'd
With such a speed as Love would fly to aid
A ravish'd Lady, having to impede
His march no more then what his care could lead
Even with a singes speed, yet that a strength
Enough to make his will confine the length
Of their desires, who soon in Council sit
But to bewail th' abortion of their wit.
The frighted City having entred in
A mourning march, as if his thoughts had bin
A stranger to the sad events of this
So dismal night, he by relation is
Inform'd of each particular, which he
Seeming to hear in griefs extremity,
From silent sorrow which appear'd to wait
On still attention, his prepar'd deceit
Disguis'd in rage appears, a rage which in
Its active flight to finde what hearts had bin
Defil'd with thoughts of such foul crimes, did seem
So full of zeal, its actions did redeem
The lost report of loyalty in those
His former crimes made his most constant foes.
A mourning march, as if his thoughts had bin
A stranger to the sad events of this
So dismal night, he by relation is
Inform'd of each particular, which he
Seeming to hear in griefs extremity,
From silent sorrow which appear'd to wait
On still attention, his prepar'd deceit
Disguis'd in rage appears, a rage which in
Its active flight to finde what hearts had bin
Defil'd with thoughts of such foul crimes, did seem
So full of zeal, its actions did redeem
The lost report of loyalty in those
His former crimes made his most constant foes.
163
By guarded gates, and watchfull parties that
Surround the walls, till th' people frighted at
Their fury, shrink from publick throngs, they now
Assur'd of safety, whilst enquiring how
Hell hatch'd these monsters, whose original
Whilst searching, they by the consent of all
His best Physitians, whose experienc'd skill
From outward signs, knew what internal ill
Death struck the Prince, inform'd the cause could be
From nought but such a subtil enemy
As poyson, which when every accident
They had examin'd, all conclude was sent
Mixt with that cordial whose conceal'd receit
Unknown to art, their envy term'd the bait
To tempt the easie Princes faith into
That net which death allur'd by treason, drew.
Surround the walls, till th' people frighted at
Their fury, shrink from publick throngs, they now
Assur'd of safety, whilst enquiring how
Hell hatch'd these monsters, whose original
Whilst searching, they by the consent of all
His best Physitians, whose experienc'd skill
From outward signs, knew what internal ill
Death struck the Prince, inform'd the cause could be
From nought but such a subtil enemy
As poyson, which when every accident
They had examin'd, all conclude was sent
Mixt with that cordial whose conceal'd receit
Unknown to art, their envy term'd the bait
To tempt the easie Princes faith into
That net which death allur'd by treason, drew.
With power from this imbrac'd suspition sprung
Almanzor, who not envies spotted tongue
Durst call prophane, though rudely forcing those
Weak gates, which need no greater strength t'oppose
Unclean intruders, then the reverence they,
Inforc'd by zeal, did with Religion pay
Unto that places sanctity, which he
Contemning, ere the wrong'd societie
Expecting such injurious visits, in
Rude fury entring, those whose power had bin
Imploy'd by noble pity to attend
The suffring Princess, in such haste did send
Them to her close and dark abodes, that now
Their doubts confirm'st, they're only studying how
To shun that danger which informing fear
Falsly perswades, towards them alone drew near.
Which dark suspition, ere unclouded, by
Seising on him whose innocence durst fly
To no retreat, the Royal fugitives
Back to the vault where first they enter'd, drives.
Almanzor, who not envies spotted tongue
Durst call prophane, though rudely forcing those
Weak gates, which need no greater strength t'oppose
Unclean intruders, then the reverence they,
Inforc'd by zeal, did with Religion pay
Unto that places sanctity, which he
Contemning, ere the wrong'd societie
Expecting such injurious visits, in
Rude fury entring, those whose power had bin
Imploy'd by noble pity to attend
The suffring Princess, in such haste did send
164
Their doubts confirm'st, they're only studying how
To shun that danger which informing fear
Falsly perswades, towards them alone drew near.
Which dark suspition, ere unclouded, by
Seising on him whose innocence durst fly
To no retreat, the Royal fugitives
Back to the vault where first they enter'd, drives.
Now at the great'st antipathie to Day
The silent earth opprest with Midnight lay
Vested in clouds, black as they had been sent
To be the whole worlds mourning monument;
When through the Caves damp womb, conducted by
A doubtful light that scarce inform'd the eye
To find out those unhaunted paths, they in
A faint assurance, with soft pace begin
To sally forth, where unsuspected, they
Are seis'd by guards that in close ambush lay:
Which ere amazement could give action leave
To seek for safety, did their hopes deceive
By close restraint, aw'd by whose power, they're to
Almanzor brought, who from that object drew
Such joy as fills usurpers when they see
Wrong'd Princes strugling with captivitie.
The silent earth opprest with Midnight lay
Vested in clouds, black as they had been sent
To be the whole worlds mourning monument;
When through the Caves damp womb, conducted by
A doubtful light that scarce inform'd the eye
To find out those unhaunted paths, they in
A faint assurance, with soft pace begin
To sally forth, where unsuspected, they
Are seis'd by guards that in close ambush lay:
Which ere amazement could give action leave
To seek for safety, did their hopes deceive
By close restraint, aw'd by whose power, they're to
Almanzor brought, who from that object drew
Such joy as fills usurpers when they see
Wrong'd Princes strugling with captivitie.
From hence in such disdainful silence led
As taught their fear, from just suspition bred,
To tremble at some unknown ill, about
That sober time when Lights small lamps go out
At the approach of Days bright glories, brought
Back to the Court, they there not long had sought
Their sorrows sad original, before
A Court conven'd of such whose power had bore
Whilst (Gods own choice) a Monastry, had lent
Their dictates law, the weight of government,
They hither call'd by summons that did sound
Like bold rebellion, in sad omen found
More then they fear'd; A mourning train of Lords
Plac'd round a black tribunal, that affords
To the spectators penetrated eye
A dismal horror cloath'd in majestie.
As taught their fear, from just suspition bred,
To tremble at some unknown ill, about
That sober time when Lights small lamps go out
165
Back to the Court, they there not long had sought
Their sorrows sad original, before
A Court conven'd of such whose power had bore
Whilst (Gods own choice) a Monastry, had lent
Their dictates law, the weight of government,
They hither call'd by summons that did sound
Like bold rebellion, in sad omen found
More then they fear'd; A mourning train of Lords
Plac'd round a black tribunal, that affords
To the spectators penetrated eye
A dismal horror cloath'd in majestie.
Like hierogliphicks pointing to that fate
Which must ensue, all yet in silence sate
A dreadful silence, such as unto weak
Beholders seem'd to threaten when they speak,
Death and destruction dictates, when they saw
Their Princess enter'd, as if rigid Law
To loyal duty let the scepter fall
In an obedient reverence rais'd, they all
Lowly salute her, but that complement
To bribe their pity, fear in vain had spent;
When all resuming now their seats, command
The Royal captives, whose just cause did stand
On no defence but unknown truth to be
Summon'd to th' bar, where that they first might see
What rigor on the royal blood was shewn,
From no unjust conspiracie had grown,
A sable curtain from their herses drawn
Betrays her eyes then in the sickly dawn
Of grief grown dim, unto that horrid place
Where they met death drawn in her fathers face,
By whom now turn'd into well-model'd clay,
Fitted for's tomb the slain Epirot lay.
Which must ensue, all yet in silence sate
A dreadful silence, such as unto weak
Beholders seem'd to threaten when they speak,
Death and destruction dictates, when they saw
Their Princess enter'd, as if rigid Law
To loyal duty let the scepter fall
In an obedient reverence rais'd, they all
Lowly salute her, but that complement
To bribe their pity, fear in vain had spent;
When all resuming now their seats, command
The Royal captives, whose just cause did stand
On no defence but unknown truth to be
Summon'd to th' bar, where that they first might see
What rigor on the royal blood was shewn,
From no unjust conspiracie had grown,
166
Betrays her eyes then in the sickly dawn
Of grief grown dim, unto that horrid place
Where they met death drawn in her fathers face,
By whom now turn'd into well-model'd clay,
Fitted for's tomb the slain Epirot lay.
At this, as if some over-venturous look
For temperate rays, destructive fire had took
In at her souls receiving portals, all
Lifes functions ceas'd, sorrow at once lets fall
The burthen of so many griefs, which in
A death-like slumber had forgotten bin
Till humane thoughts obliterated by
The wishe conversions of eternity
Opprest no more, had not injurious haste
Before this conflict could those spirits waste
Which had, to shun passions external strife,
Fled to the primum mobile of life,
Recall'd with them her sorrows to attend
Their nimblest motions, which too fast did spend
Her strength, to suffer weakness to obay
The Courts intentions of a longer stay.
For temperate rays, destructive fire had took
In at her souls receiving portals, all
Lifes functions ceas'd, sorrow at once lets fall
The burthen of so many griefs, which in
A death-like slumber had forgotten bin
Till humane thoughts obliterated by
The wishe conversions of eternity
Opprest no more, had not injurious haste
Before this conflict could those spirits waste
Which had, to shun passions external strife,
Fled to the primum mobile of life,
Recall'd with them her sorrows to attend
Their nimblest motions, which too fast did spend
Her strength, to suffer weakness to obay
The Courts intentions of a longer stay.
From ruffl'd passions which her soul opprest,
By the soft hand of recollecting rest
Strok'd to a calm, which setl'd reason in
Her troubled throne; by those that first had bin
Her guards, the Princess (that fair pattern, whence
Men drew the height of humane excellence)
Is now return'd, to let her proud foes see
That the bright rays of magnanimitie
Though envy like th'ungrateful moon do strive
To hide that sun, except what's relative
Ne'r knows eclipse, the darkness taking birth
From what's below, whilst that remov'd from earth,
Her clear unclouded conscience ever stays
Amongst bright vertues universal rays.
By the soft hand of recollecting rest
Strok'd to a calm, which setl'd reason in
Her troubled throne; by those that first had bin
Her guards, the Princess (that fair pattern, whence
Men drew the height of humane excellence)
167
That the bright rays of magnanimitie
Though envy like th'ungrateful moon do strive
To hide that sun, except what's relative
Ne'r knows eclipse, the darkness taking birth
From what's below, whilst that remov'd from earth,
Her clear unclouded conscience ever stays
Amongst bright vertues universal rays.
The mourning Court (those ministers of fate)
In expectation of their prisoners sate,
They now appear in those disguises which
They first were took, being habits, though not rich
Enough to gild their rare perfections, yet
Such as did seem by sorrow made to fit
Their present sufferings; both the men cloth'd in
Monastick robes, black as their threds had bin
Spun from Peruvian wooll; the women clad
Like mournful Votaries, shew'd so sweetly sad,
As if their vertues which injurious fate
Did yet conceal, striving t' anticipate
The flights of time, had to th' external sence
Shew'd these as emblems of their innocence.
In expectation of their prisoners sate,
They now appear in those disguises which
They first were took, being habits, though not rich
Enough to gild their rare perfections, yet
Such as did seem by sorrow made to fit
Their present sufferings; both the men cloth'd in
Monastick robes, black as their threds had bin
Spun from Peruvian wooll; the women clad
Like mournful Votaries, shew'd so sweetly sad,
As if their vertues which injurious fate
Did yet conceal, striving t' anticipate
The flights of time, had to th' external sence
Shew'd these as emblems of their innocence.
But love, nor pity, though they both did here
Within their Judges sternest looks appeare,
Durst plead for favor; their indictments read
So guilty sound, that those whose hearts even bled,
Disdain'd their eyes should weep, since justice did
In such foul crimes mercy as sin forbid.
Yet more to clear what circumstance had made
Level with reason, from th' approaching shade
Of death redeem'd, that Lord whose wounds had bin
But slumbers to recover safety in
When the Messenian murdred was, did now
Declare as far as reason could allow
The eyes to judge, those habits which they then
Did wear the same wch cloath'd the murth'rers when
His Prince was slain; which open proof appears
So full of guilt it stops her friends kinde fears
Ere rais'd to hope, and in appearance shews
A guilt, which all but pitty overgrows.
Within their Judges sternest looks appeare,
Durst plead for favor; their indictments read
So guilty sound, that those whose hearts even bled,
Disdain'd their eyes should weep, since justice did
In such foul crimes mercy as sin forbid.
168
Level with reason, from th' approaching shade
Of death redeem'd, that Lord whose wounds had bin
But slumbers to recover safety in
When the Messenian murdred was, did now
Declare as far as reason could allow
The eyes to judge, those habits which they then
Did wear the same wch cloath'd the murth'rers when
His Prince was slain; which open proof appears
So full of guilt it stops her friends kinde fears
Ere rais'd to hope, and in appearance shews
A guilt, which all but pitty overgrows.
The vext Epirots who for comfort saw
Revenge appearing in the form of Law
Retir'd, to feed their spleen with hope until
Th' extent of Justice should their vengeance fill;
When now by accusations that denide
Access to pity, for a Paracide
The Princess question'd, whose too-weak defence
Being but the unseen guards of innocence,
Submits to censure; yet to shew that all
Those scatter'd pearls, which from her eyes did fall
Dropt not t' attempt their charity, but shew
That no injurious storm could overslow
Her world of Reason, which exalted stood
Above the surface of the spacious flood,
Her tears for grief, not guilt, being shed, whilst in
The robes of magnaminity, not sin
Grown impudent, her brave resolv'd soul sate
Unshaken in this Hyrocane of fate.
Revenge appearing in the form of Law
Retir'd, to feed their spleen with hope until
Th' extent of Justice should their vengeance fill;
When now by accusations that denide
Access to pity, for a Paracide
The Princess question'd, whose too-weak defence
Being but the unseen guards of innocence,
Submits to censure; yet to shew that all
Those scatter'd pearls, which from her eyes did fall
Dropt not t' attempt their charity, but shew
That no injurious storm could overslow
Her world of Reason, which exalted stood
Above the surface of the spacious flood,
Her tears for grief, not guilt, being shed, whilst in
The robes of magnaminity, not sin
169
Unshaken in this Hyrocane of fate.
To meet her calm (which like religion drest
Doth all become, but female vertues best)
The rough Amindor, whose discolour'd face
Anger did more then native beauty grace,
Since justly rais'd, disdaining thus to be
By a Plebian base captivity
Forc'd to submit his innocence unto
Their doubtfull test, had from his anger drew
A ruine swifter then their hate intends,
Had not his rage, whilst it toward danger bends,
Been taught by her example to exclude
Vain passions with a Princely fortitude,
Whose usefull aid (like those good works which we
For comforts call in deaths necessity)
Brought all their better Angels to defend
Them from those terrors which did death attend.
Doth all become, but female vertues best)
The rough Amindor, whose discolour'd face
Anger did more then native beauty grace,
Since justly rais'd, disdaining thus to be
By a Plebian base captivity
Forc'd to submit his innocence unto
Their doubtfull test, had from his anger drew
A ruine swifter then their hate intends,
Had not his rage, whilst it toward danger bends,
Been taught by her example to exclude
Vain passions with a Princely fortitude,
Whose usefull aid (like those good works which we
For comforts call in deaths necessity)
Brought all their better Angels to defend
Them from those terrors which did death attend.
In busie whispers, which discover'd by
Their doubtfull looks the thoughts variety,
Long in sad silence sate the Court, until
Those noiseless streams of fancy which did fill
Each several brest united by consent
Want onely now a tongue so impudent
As durst condemn their Soveraign, which being in
Theumantius found, a Lord whose youth had been
By favor nurs'd, till power's wild beast grown rude
Repays his Fost'rer with ingratitude.
This bold, bad man, Loves most unhappy choice,
From flatteries Treble now exalts his voice
Without the mean of an excuse, into
The Laws loud Base; and what those fear'd to doe
That had been favour'd less, that black decree
Pronounc'd, which discords all the harmonie
Of subject fear, and soveraign love, by what
Succeeding ages justly trembl'd at
Whilst innocent, but have of late been grown
So bad to shew such monsters of their own.
Their doubtfull looks the thoughts variety,
Long in sad silence sate the Court, until
Those noiseless streams of fancy which did fill
Each several brest united by consent
Want onely now a tongue so impudent
As durst condemn their Soveraign, which being in
Theumantius found, a Lord whose youth had been
By favor nurs'd, till power's wild beast grown rude
Repays his Fost'rer with ingratitude.
170
From flatteries Treble now exalts his voice
Without the mean of an excuse, into
The Laws loud Base; and what those fear'd to doe
That had been favour'd less, that black decree
Pronounc'd, which discords all the harmonie
Of subject fear, and soveraign love, by what
Succeeding ages justly trembl'd at
Whilst innocent, but have of late been grown
So bad to shew such monsters of their own.
This sentence past, which knew no more allay
Of mercy, then what lets their judgments stay
From following life to deaths obscure retreat,
Till twenty nights had made their days compleat,
The Court breaks up; yet ere from publick view
To close restraint the Royal captives drew,
Grant them this favor from their rigid laws,
That if there durst, to vindicate their cause,
In that contracted span of time appear
Any whose forward valor durst indear
The peoples love and prayers, so much to be
Their Champion, that his victory should free
Them from that dooms strict rigor; to oppose
Which brave Attempter, they Almanzor chose
(Since high command that honor did afford
To him alone) to weild the answering sword.
Of mercy, then what lets their judgments stay
From following life to deaths obscure retreat,
Till twenty nights had made their days compleat,
The Court breaks up; yet ere from publick view
To close restraint the Royal captives drew,
Grant them this favor from their rigid laws,
That if there durst, to vindicate their cause,
In that contracted span of time appear
Any whose forward valor durst indear
The peoples love and prayers, so much to be
Their Champion, that his victory should free
Them from that dooms strict rigor; to oppose
Which brave Attempter, they Almanzor chose
(Since high command that honor did afford
To him alone) to weild the answering sword.
Now near departing, whilst the Cyprian in
A brave disdain, which for submissive sin
Looks on an answer, as his haste would show
An anger that did scorn to stoop so low
To strike with threats, stands silent, whilst that she
Whose temper heaven had made too calm to be
By rage transported, with a soul unmov'd
By stormy passions, thus their sin reprov'd.
A brave disdain, which for submissive sin
171
An anger that did scorn to stoop so low
To strike with threats, stands silent, whilst that she
Whose temper heaven had made too calm to be
By rage transported, with a soul unmov'd
By stormy passions, thus their sin reprov'd.
Should I (my Lords) here with a female haste
Discharge my passions, 'twere (perhaps) to waste
My prayers, or threats, whilst one you would not fear,
Nor th'other pity: But when heaven shall clear
This curtain'd truth, wrapt in whose cloudy night,
Unjustly you, from my unquestion'd right
By birth, obedience, into faction stray,
Then (though too late) untimely sorrow may
Strive by repentance to expunge these stains
Cast on your honor. These exhausted vains,
Fixt eyes, pale cheeks, deaths dismal trophies, in
This royal face I now could not have seen
With a less sorrow then had serv'd to call
Me to attend him, had not the rude fall
Of your unjustice, like those dangerous cures
Perform'd by tutning into Calentures
Dull Lethargies, upon my heart laid hold
In such a flame of passion, as the cold
Approach of death wants power to quench until
You add that crime to this preceding ill.
Discharge my passions, 'twere (perhaps) to waste
My prayers, or threats, whilst one you would not fear,
Nor th'other pity: But when heaven shall clear
This curtain'd truth, wrapt in whose cloudy night,
Unjustly you, from my unquestion'd right
By birth, obedience, into faction stray,
Then (though too late) untimely sorrow may
Strive by repentance to expunge these stains
Cast on your honor. These exhausted vains,
Fixt eyes, pale cheeks, deaths dismal trophies, in
This royal face I now could not have seen
With a less sorrow then had serv'd to call
Me to attend him, had not the rude fall
Of your unjustice, like those dangerous cures
Perform'd by tutning into Calentures
Dull Lethargies, upon my heart laid hold
In such a flame of passion, as the cold
Approach of death wants power to quench until
You add that crime to this preceding ill.
Yet (though no fear can prompt my scorn to crave
A subjects mercy for my self) to save
This Noble Stranger, whose just acts being crost
By misconstruction, have their titles lost,
I shall become your suppliant, lest there be
A sin contracted by his serving me;
And onely in such noble wayes as might
Unveil themselves to th' suns Meridian light;
Sure he unjustly suffers, which may cause
You want more swords to vindicate your Laws
Then his you late elected to make good
Your votes, ere scarce cleans'd of that loyal blood
He in rebellion shed; but I am now
Too near my fatal period to allow
Disturbing passion any place within
My peacefull soul: what ere his crimes have been
In publick war, or private treason, may
Kinde Heaven, when with th' injustice of this day
Those shall be strictly question'd, to prevent
Their doom, conceal them in the large extent
Of mercies wings, which there may prove so kinde
To you, though here I can no justice finde.
A subjects mercy for my self) to save
172
By misconstruction, have their titles lost,
I shall become your suppliant, lest there be
A sin contracted by his serving me;
And onely in such noble wayes as might
Unveil themselves to th' suns Meridian light;
Sure he unjustly suffers, which may cause
You want more swords to vindicate your Laws
Then his you late elected to make good
Your votes, ere scarce cleans'd of that loyal blood
He in rebellion shed; but I am now
Too near my fatal period to allow
Disturbing passion any place within
My peacefull soul: what ere his crimes have been
In publick war, or private treason, may
Kinde Heaven, when with th' injustice of this day
Those shall be strictly question'd, to prevent
Their doom, conceal them in the large extent
Of mercies wings, which there may prove so kinde
To you, though here I can no justice finde.
This spoken in a garb that did detect
A sorrow which was ripened to neglect,
She silent stands, whilst through the thick resort
Of throng'd Spectators, toward the rising Court
Orlinda comes, with such a haste as shew'd
That service she by Love's allegiance ow'd;
Love, which had sorrows sable wings out-fled
To mourn the living, not lament the dead;
Come where her fears (now near lost) object she
Within the shadow of the Grave might see
By sentence shut, neglecting death that lay
In ambush there her reason to betray
To hate, when by the false informing Law,
Her Friend she as her brother's murtherer saw
In actions such as Scythian Tyrants feel
Some softness from, she that ne'r us'd to kneel
Too ought but heaven, a lowly suppliant falls
Before the Court, from whose stern brests she calls
So much of sorrow as perhaps had strook
Them all with horror, if a sudden look
Obliquely on her murther'd brother cast,
Had not ere Love assaulted with her last
And powerfull'st pray'rs, whilst hot with action in
A cool retreat of spirits, silenc'd bin.
A sorrow which was ripened to neglect,
She silent stands, whilst through the thick resort
Of throng'd Spectators, toward the rising Court
Orlinda comes, with such a haste as shew'd
That service she by Love's allegiance ow'd;
Love, which had sorrows sable wings out-fled
To mourn the living, not lament the dead;
173
Within the shadow of the Grave might see
By sentence shut, neglecting death that lay
In ambush there her reason to betray
To hate, when by the false informing Law,
Her Friend she as her brother's murtherer saw
In actions such as Scythian Tyrants feel
Some softness from, she that ne'r us'd to kneel
Too ought but heaven, a lowly suppliant falls
Before the Court, from whose stern brests she calls
So much of sorrow as perhaps had strook
Them all with horror, if a sudden look
Obliquely on her murther'd brother cast,
Had not ere Love assaulted with her last
And powerfull'st pray'rs, whilst hot with action in
A cool retreat of spirits, silenc'd bin.
She fainting faln, as an addition to
Their former grief, is from the throng withdrew
Into the free untainted air, where by
Assisting Friends which gently did apply
Their needfull aid, heat, which was then grown slack
In Natures work, antipathy calls back
To beauties frontiers, where like bashfull light
It in a blush meets the Spectators sight
But such a one, as ere full blown is by
Her Friends disasters forc'd again to fly
Beneath those clouds of grief, whose swelling pride
Spread by report, did now not onely hide
The Court or City, but to bear a part
Of that sad load, summons each Subjects heart.
Their former grief, is from the throng withdrew
Into the free untainted air, where by
Assisting Friends which gently did apply
Their needfull aid, heat, which was then grown slack
In Natures work, antipathy calls back
To beauties frontiers, where like bashfull light
It in a blush meets the Spectators sight
But such a one, as ere full blown is by
Her Friends disasters forc'd again to fly
Beneath those clouds of grief, whose swelling pride
Spread by report, did now not onely hide
174
Of that sad load, summons each Subjects heart.
Whilst now the Prisoners, ere the peoples love
To anger turn, the active Guards remove
To still the clamorous multitude, who sway'd
By various passions, did whilst each obey'd
Opinions dictates, but in darkness rove
At shadow'd truth, whence now they boldly strove
To pluck the vail from Declarations that
Contain'd those falshoods, which whilst wondring at,
They wept to force upon their faith, are sent
Through th' Lands each Town, & Armies Regiment;
By which Almanzor, who attempted in
This plot to joyn security with sin,
Doubting if ere this story reach his ear,
Argalia might their combatant appear,
Besides those stains which common fame did take
For sins just debts, sliely attempts to shake
The heaven-erected fabrick of his love
By closer engines, such as seem'd to move
On noble pity, which with grief ingrost
That faith which envy in disdain had lost.
To anger turn, the active Guards remove
To still the clamorous multitude, who sway'd
By various passions, did whilst each obey'd
Opinions dictates, but in darkness rove
At shadow'd truth, whence now they boldly strove
To pluck the vail from Declarations that
Contain'd those falshoods, which whilst wondring at,
They wept to force upon their faith, are sent
Through th' Lands each Town, & Armies Regiment;
By which Almanzor, who attempted in
This plot to joyn security with sin,
Doubting if ere this story reach his ear,
Argalia might their combatant appear,
Besides those stains which common fame did take
For sins just debts, sliely attempts to shake
The heaven-erected fabrick of his love
By closer engines, such as seem'd to move
On noble pity, which with grief ingrost
That faith which envy in disdain had lost.
Black rumor, on the wings of rais'd report
Flying in haste, had soon attain'd the Court
Of the amaz'd Ætolian Prince, who hears
The dreadfull story with such doubtfull fears
As shook his noble soul, but not into
An easie faith, each circumstance was true,
He knew Almanzor's vilany to be
Of that extent so foul a progenie,
As all those horrid murthers might from thence
Take easie birth: but when the innocence
Of's vertuous Princess, and his honor'd Friend
The noble Cyprian Prince, come to contend
With oft confirm'd report, that strikes a deep
And solemn grief, yet such as must not keep
A firm possession in his soul, until
A further inquisition either kill
His yet unfainting hopes, or raise them to
Joy by confirming those reports untrue.
Flying in haste, had soon attain'd the Court
Of the amaz'd Ætolian Prince, who hears
The dreadfull story with such doubtfull fears
As shook his noble soul, but not into
An easie faith, each circumstance was true,
175
Of that extent so foul a progenie,
As all those horrid murthers might from thence
Take easie birth: but when the innocence
Of's vertuous Princess, and his honor'd Friend
The noble Cyprian Prince, come to contend
With oft confirm'd report, that strikes a deep
And solemn grief, yet such as must not keep
A firm possession in his soul, until
A further inquisition either kill
His yet unfainting hopes, or raise them to
Joy by confirming those reports untrue.
The End of the Fourth Canto.
176
CANTO V.
The Argument.
I
Through royal blood to level that dark wayWhich Rebels pass unto the injur'd throne,
Pharonnida is now condemn'd to pay
A debt for crimes that none durst call her own.
II
When near the last step, brave Argalia, whoIn close disguise truths secrets had betraid,
When most did doubt 'twas now too late to sue
To heaven for pity, brings a timely aid.
If on those vanisht Heroes that are fled
Through the unknown dark Chasma's of the dead,
To rest in regions so remote from hence
Twixt them and life there's no intelligence,
When ere thou look'st through times dim optiques, then
Brave emulation of those braver men,
Rouses (that ray of heav'n) thy soul to be
A sharer in their fames eternity;
Thou'st then a genius fit to entertain
A Muses flight, which may be rais'd again
To sing thy actions, when there's left no more
Of thee, but what by life, whilst passing ore
Natures short stage, had either scatter'd bin
By careless youth, or firmly planted in
Maturer age, whose wasted talent spent,
(Those were his Friends, this is his monument)
Is all, except some Muse thy life records,
That to thy worth, th' unthankful world affords.
Through the unknown dark Chasma's of the dead,
To rest in regions so remote from hence
Twixt them and life there's no intelligence,
When ere thou look'st through times dim optiques, then
Brave emulation of those braver men,
177
A sharer in their fames eternity;
Thou'st then a genius fit to entertain
A Muses flight, which may be rais'd again
To sing thy actions, when there's left no more
Of thee, but what by life, whilst passing ore
Natures short stage, had either scatter'd bin
By careless youth, or firmly planted in
Maturer age, whose wasted talent spent,
(Those were his Friends, this is his monument)
Is all, except some Muse thy life records,
That to thy worth, th' unthankful world affords.
But if thy uninspired soul do beare
A lower sail, which flagging with the care
Of humid pleasures, ne'r is swell'd into
Sublimer thoughts, then such as onely view
Earth for its object, which ne'r yet did lend
Her favorites more then what they here do spend
T' improve her barren wants, may none rehearse
Thy name (beneath the dignity of verse)
But trivial flatterers, such as strive to gain
Thy favor from Ephemera's of the brain
Unsalted jests, pleas'd at whose painted fire
I leave fond thee in vapor to expire,
Whilst from thy living shadow I return
To crown the dust in brave Argalia's urn.
A lower sail, which flagging with the care
Of humid pleasures, ne'r is swell'd into
Sublimer thoughts, then such as onely view
Earth for its object, which ne'r yet did lend
Her favorites more then what they here do spend
T' improve her barren wants, may none rehearse
Thy name (beneath the dignity of verse)
But trivial flatterers, such as strive to gain
Thy favor from Ephemera's of the brain
Unsalted jests, pleas'd at whose painted fire
I leave fond thee in vapor to expire,
Whilst from thy living shadow I return
To crown the dust in brave Argalia's urn.
From common fame (that wild impostor) he
Had often heard what Love deny'd should be
For truth admitted, his Pharonnida
Accus'd for sins which envy strove to draw
Objects for heavens severest wrath, and now
Ere his considerate judgment would allow
Report for real, secret Messengers
To Corinth sends, who ill inform'd, transfers
His further trouble, in confirming what
Whilst others wept for, he transported at
So sad a change in her whose vertue had
Inflam'd his thoughts, by passion near unclad
His soul of all his robes of flesh, which now
So loosely hung, as if she practic'd how
To strip her self, should unexpected death
To heavens hard course, call forth the nimble breath.
Had often heard what Love deny'd should be
178
Accus'd for sins which envy strove to draw
Objects for heavens severest wrath, and now
Ere his considerate judgment would allow
Report for real, secret Messengers
To Corinth sends, who ill inform'd, transfers
His further trouble, in confirming what
Whilst others wept for, he transported at
So sad a change in her whose vertue had
Inflam'd his thoughts, by passion near unclad
His soul of all his robes of flesh, which now
So loosely hung, as if she practic'd how
To strip her self, should unexpected death
To heavens hard course, call forth the nimble breath.
Could earth here conquer, or had it within
The power of whatsoever is mortal bin
T' have wrought disorders of amazement where
The noble soul such true consent did beare
With the harmonious Angels, he in all
His acts like them appears, or (ere his fall)
Perhaps like man, that he could onely be
Distinguish'd from some hollow'd hierarchie,
By being cloath'd in the specifick vail
Of flesh and blood, this grief might then prevail
Over his perfect temper; but he bears
These weights, as if unfelt, on his soul wears
The sable robes of sorrow, whilst his cheek
Is drest in scarlet smiles; no frown his sleek
And eaven front contract, like to a slow
And quiet stream his obscur'd thoughts did flow
With greater depths then could be fathom'd by
The beamy lines of a judicious eye.
The power of whatsoever is mortal bin
T' have wrought disorders of amazement where
The noble soul such true consent did beare
With the harmonious Angels, he in all
His acts like them appears, or (ere his fall)
Perhaps like man, that he could onely be
Distinguish'd from some hollow'd hierarchie,
By being cloath'd in the specifick vail
Of flesh and blood, this grief might then prevail
Over his perfect temper; but he bears
These weights, as if unfelt, on his soul wears
The sable robes of sorrow, whilst his cheek
Is drest in scarlet smiles; no frown his sleek
179
And quiet stream his obscur'd thoughts did flow
With greater depths then could be fathom'd by
The beamy lines of a judicious eye.
Whilst those good Angels which fond men call wit,
Reform'd by age, did all in Council sit,
To steer those thoughts by which he did attend
Pharonnida's escape, they to this end
At length reduc'd his Councils, that he must
To succor her leave groveling in the dust
His Kingdom, which being by domestick strife
Late wounded, was but newly rubb'd to life:
Yet since that there to her redemption lay
In all the progress of his thoughts no way
Less full of danger, such of's Lords as he
Honor'd for age, and prais'd for loyalty,
Call'd to a secret Council, he discovers
His fixt resolves, which they, though now no Lovers,
With such consenting souls did hear, that though
They knew his danger might ev'n fear outgrow,
They to oppose that scourge of cowards brings
His vows, his sacred vows, those scepter'd Kings
Which justly rule the conscience, that aw'd by
Usurping fear submits to Tyranny.
Reform'd by age, did all in Council sit,
To steer those thoughts by which he did attend
Pharonnida's escape, they to this end
At length reduc'd his Councils, that he must
To succor her leave groveling in the dust
His Kingdom, which being by domestick strife
Late wounded, was but newly rubb'd to life:
Yet since that there to her redemption lay
In all the progress of his thoughts no way
Less full of danger, such of's Lords as he
Honor'd for age, and prais'd for loyalty,
Call'd to a secret Council, he discovers
His fixt resolves, which they, though now no Lovers,
With such consenting souls did hear, that though
They knew his danger might ev'n fear outgrow,
They to oppose that scourge of cowards brings
His vows, his sacred vows, those scepter'd Kings
Which justly rule the conscience, that aw'd by
Usurping fear submits to Tyranny.
Their first proposals, whence their judgment sought
To hide his absence, to conclusion brought,
They thence proceed to level him a way
Through that thick swarm of Enemies that lay
Circling the walls, where reason stayes a while
In various censure, ere 't could reconcile
Their diff'ring judgments, but at length in this
(As that which in this dangers dark abiss
Seems to lend fear most of the helpfull light
Of hope) concludes, that when succeeding night
With strength of age was grown so gravely staid,
That dark designs fear'd not to be betraid
By th' wanton twilight, he in close disguise,
Whilst some of's troops diverted by surprise
His watchful foes, might pass their guards, which don,
Their care might be, with's further march begun.
To hide his absence, to conclusion brought,
They thence proceed to level him a way
Through that thick swarm of Enemies that lay
180
In various censure, ere 't could reconcile
Their diff'ring judgments, but at length in this
(As that which in this dangers dark abiss
Seems to lend fear most of the helpfull light
Of hope) concludes, that when succeeding night
With strength of age was grown so gravely staid,
That dark designs fear'd not to be betraid
By th' wanton twilight, he in close disguise,
Whilst some of's troops diverted by surprise
His watchful foes, might pass their guards, which don,
Their care might be, with's further march begun.
In dismal darkness, that black throne of fear,
Nights silent Empress, aw'd the Hemisphear;
When now Argalia's ready troops, with slow
And noiseless marches issued through their low
Close Salliports, are swiftly rallied by
Such as had long taught valor how to dy
For honors rescue; Captains that had bin
From youth's first bud, till age was reverenc'd in
Her honor'd scars, such strict disciples to
Wars hardest precepts, that their fame out-grew
Their power, which that had so authentick made
Where fear was scorn'd, they were for love obay'd.
Nights silent Empress, aw'd the Hemisphear;
When now Argalia's ready troops, with slow
And noiseless marches issued through their low
Close Salliports, are swiftly rallied by
Such as had long taught valor how to dy
For honors rescue; Captains that had bin
From youth's first bud, till age was reverenc'd in
Her honor'd scars, such strict disciples to
Wars hardest precepts, that their fame out-grew
Their power, which that had so authentick made
Where fear was scorn'd, they were for love obay'd.
By these brave Hero's, which had often led
Armies to sleep in honors purple bed,
The Prince assisted, was with secret haste,
By wayes where fear no Centinel had plac'd,
Drawn near the Leagure, which th' alarum took
From a storm'd Fort, had with such speed forsook
Their huts, that haste which was intended to
Preserve, being now to wild confusion grew,
Helps to destroy: In undistinguish'd sounds,
Which not inform, but frighted sense confounds
With wild amazement, the unnoted words
Even of command are lost; no ear affords
Room for advice, nor the most serious eye,
A place for order; Ensignes vainly flye
Since unperceiv'd through the dark air, which in
A storm ne'r knew more tumult then had bin
Since first their fear on this alarum fled
From Reason, through the troubled Leaguer spread.
Armies to sleep in honors purple bed,
The Prince assisted, was with secret haste,
By wayes where fear no Centinel had plac'd,
191
From a storm'd Fort, had with such speed forsook
Their huts, that haste which was intended to
Preserve, being now to wild confusion grew,
Helps to destroy: In undistinguish'd sounds,
Which not inform, but frighted sense confounds
With wild amazement, the unnoted words
Even of command are lost; no ear affords
Room for advice, nor the most serious eye,
A place for order; Ensignes vainly flye
Since unperceiv'd through the dark air, which in
A storm ne'r knew more tumult then had bin
Since first their fear on this alarum fled
From Reason, through the troubled Leaguer spread.
In this loud horror, whilst they need no lamp
To guide them more then their own flaming Camp,
His frighted foes (fled from their quarter) lend
The Prince some hope this sudden charge might end
Their slow-pac'd siege; yet since approaching day
Perswading haste, denies his longer stay,
The power to those Commanders left, which he
For valor knew might force from victory
Unwilling laurels, though their judgement such,
Those hallowed wreaths they ne'r durst rashly touch'
He leaves (when first his sword, which none did spare
Within its reach, had of his being there
Left bloody marks) the conquer'd foes, to finde
Out sterner foes in his afflicted minde,
Which since usurping doubt with peaceful love
For empire strove, taught passion how to move
In spheres so differing from his reasons right
Ascension, that his cares protracted night
From this oblique position caus'd, had made
His sorrow tedious, as those nights which shade
Cold Artick regions, when the absent sun
Doth underneath th' Antartick tropick run.
To guide them more then their own flaming Camp,
His frighted foes (fled from their quarter) lend
The Prince some hope this sudden charge might end
Their slow-pac'd siege; yet since approaching day
Perswading haste, denies his longer stay,
The power to those Commanders left, which he
For valor knew might force from victory
Unwilling laurels, though their judgement such,
Those hallowed wreaths they ne'r durst rashly touch'
He leaves (when first his sword, which none did spare
Within its reach, had of his being there
Left bloody marks) the conquer'd foes, to finde
Out sterner foes in his afflicted minde,
192
For empire strove, taught passion how to move
In spheres so differing from his reasons right
Ascension, that his cares protracted night
From this oblique position caus'd, had made
His sorrow tedious, as those nights which shade
Cold Artick regions, when the absent sun
Doth underneath th' Antartick tropick run.
This passage forc'd through his obstructive foes,
That now the treacherous day might not disclose
Him whilst unguarded, to their view that might
In larger troops persue a baser flight
Through deep dark paths, which ne'r to th' sun had shown
Their uncouth shades, being to all unknown
Save neighb'ring rurals, he conducted by
A faithful guide, directs his liberty
Towards stately Corinth, near whose confines ere
Six morning dews had cool'd the hemisphere,
Arriv'd in safety, that kind heaven might bless
His future actions with desir'd success
To seek to them, he first sought those, that in
The wane of's blood had lifes supporters bin,
Those holy Hermites to whose art he ow'd
For life, next heaven which first that gift bestow'd.
That now the treacherous day might not disclose
Him whilst unguarded, to their view that might
In larger troops persue a baser flight
Through deep dark paths, which ne'r to th' sun had shown
Their uncouth shades, being to all unknown
Save neighb'ring rurals, he conducted by
A faithful guide, directs his liberty
Towards stately Corinth, near whose confines ere
Six morning dews had cool'd the hemisphere,
Arriv'd in safety, that kind heaven might bless
His future actions with desir'd success
To seek to them, he first sought those, that in
The wane of's blood had lifes supporters bin,
Those holy Hermites to whose art he ow'd
For life, next heaven which first that gift bestow'd.
Come to their quiet Cell, where all receive
Him with a wonder that did hardly leave
A room for welcom, till their fear had in
A full relation of his fortune bin
Chang'd for as much of sanguine mirth as they
Could know, that had Religions cool allay
To check delight, he being retir'd with him
Whose first discoveries in his fortunes dim
Imperfect light directed him to know
His royal off-spring, lets his language flow
With so much freedom as discovers what,
Whilst he by active war was aiming at
His Kingdoms safety, call'd him thence to save
Sweet vertue from an ignominious grave.
Him with a wonder that did hardly leave
A room for welcom, till their fear had in
A full relation of his fortune bin
193
Could know, that had Religions cool allay
To check delight, he being retir'd with him
Whose first discoveries in his fortunes dim
Imperfect light directed him to know
His royal off-spring, lets his language flow
With so much freedom as discovers what,
Whilst he by active war was aiming at
His Kingdoms safety, call'd him thence to save
Sweet vertue from an ignominious grave.
The fatal story heard by him, whose love
Fixt by religion, passion could not move,
Although he pitied all th'afflicted, to
More softness then what had its off-spring drew
From heav'ns strict precepts which are then mispent
When easie man mistakes the innocent:
Since what permits hypocrisie to win
Remorse, by mercy doth but cherish sin.
Which to avoid, ere his consent approve
Of the design, neglecting all which Love
Prompted by pity could alleage to draw
Him to the combat, though he in it saw
Nought to defend but innocence, since in
That shape deluded, charity hath bin
Too oft deceiv'd, that his victorious sword
Might not but where fair justice could afford
Vict'rie be drawn, he, like a Pharos plac'd
'Mongst rocks of doubt, thus rectifies his haste.
Fixt by religion, passion could not move,
Although he pitied all th'afflicted, to
More softness then what had its off-spring drew
From heav'ns strict precepts which are then mispent
When easie man mistakes the innocent:
Since what permits hypocrisie to win
Remorse, by mercy doth but cherish sin.
Which to avoid, ere his consent approve
Of the design, neglecting all which Love
Prompted by pity could alleage to draw
Him to the combat, though he in it saw
Nought to defend but innocence, since in
That shape deluded, charity hath bin
Too oft deceiv'd, that his victorious sword
Might not but where fair justice could afford
Vict'rie be drawn, he, like a Pharos plac'd
'Mongst rocks of doubt, thus rectifies his haste.
194
Take heed, brave Prince, that in this doubtful way
'Twixt love and honor thy bright vertues stray
Not from Religions latitude, into
More dangerous stations, Reasons slender clew
Is here too short to guide thee, and may in
Its conduct but obliquely lead to sin.
Be cautious then, and rashly venture not
On unknown depths, where valor seems begot
By vain presumption: Mortal beauty, that
Imperfect type of heaven, though wonder'd at,
Yet may not be so much ador'd to make
Our passions heavens directing road mistake.
'Twixt love and honor thy bright vertues stray
Not from Religions latitude, into
More dangerous stations, Reasons slender clew
Is here too short to guide thee, and may in
Its conduct but obliquely lead to sin.
Be cautious then, and rashly venture not
On unknown depths, where valor seems begot
By vain presumption: Mortal beauty, that
Imperfect type of heaven, though wonder'd at,
Yet may not be so much ador'd to make
Our passions heavens directing road mistake.
Though thy affections were legitimate
As mans first choice, since in that happy state
Of innocence frail woman then found out
A way to fall, still let thy reason doubt
The same deceit, since that affected she
Which thou ador'st, yet wears mortalitie;
A garment which since man first wore, hath bin
But once cast off without some spots of sin.
Yet know, my councel strives not to prevent
Thy swords assisting of the innocent;
As much of mercy on neglect being spilt,
As there's got vengeance from presumptuous guilt
Only before thy valor dares to tread
This rubick path, whose slipp'ry steps have led
So oft to ruine, let Religion be
Thy prompter unto so much policie,
As may secure thy conscience; which to do,
Claim my assistance as thy vertues due.
As mans first choice, since in that happy state
Of innocence frail woman then found out
A way to fall, still let thy reason doubt
The same deceit, since that affected she
Which thou ador'st, yet wears mortalitie;
A garment which since man first wore, hath bin
But once cast off without some spots of sin.
Yet know, my councel strives not to prevent
Thy swords assisting of the innocent;
As much of mercy on neglect being spilt,
As there's got vengeance from presumptuous guilt
Only before thy valor dares to tread
This rubick path, whose slipp'ry steps have led
So oft to ruine, let Religion be
Thy prompter unto so much policie,
195
Claim my assistance as thy vertues due.
The grateful Prince with lowly looks had paid
His thankful offerings, when, that promis'd aid
Might not fall short of expectation, he
Whose words (like vows that hold affinitie
With heav'n) breath'd nought but constant truth, did thus
Proceed towards action; whilst (lov'd Prince) with us
Of this poor Covent, you, by wounds restrain'd
From action liv'd, you know that what's contain'd
In our calm doctrine, gives us leave to be
So intimate with each societie,
No secret, though maskt in the clouds of sin,
Flies those discoveries which informs us in
Their last confessions; by which means you may
Know whether justice calls your sword to pay
These bloody offerings as a victim to
Th'appeasing of an inward vertue due.
His thankful offerings, when, that promis'd aid
Might not fall short of expectation, he
Whose words (like vows that hold affinitie
With heav'n) breath'd nought but constant truth, did thus
Proceed towards action; whilst (lov'd Prince) with us
Of this poor Covent, you, by wounds restrain'd
From action liv'd, you know that what's contain'd
In our calm doctrine, gives us leave to be
So intimate with each societie,
No secret, though maskt in the clouds of sin,
Flies those discoveries which informs us in
Their last confessions; by which means you may
Know whether justice calls your sword to pay
These bloody offerings as a victim to
Th'appeasing of an inward vertue due.
By this advice instructed to convince
What love suggests, the apprehensive Prince,
Since this includes nothing but what's too just
To disobey, although he all mistrust
Of her like sin avoids, consents to be
Rul'd by his Council, whose assistance he
So oft successful found; which, that delay
(That slow-pac'd sin) might not obstruct the way
With times too oft neglected loss, he now
So fast toward action hastes, they could allow
The night scarce time to steal a dark retreat,
Ere having left that melancholy seat,
Devotions dark retiring place, he goes
To see how much her frowns did discompose
That Cities dress, of whom he'd ne'r a sight
Before, but when 'twas polish'd with delight.
What love suggests, the apprehensive Prince,
Since this includes nothing but what's too just
To disobey, although he all mistrust
Of her like sin avoids, consents to be
Rul'd by his Council, whose assistance he
So oft successful found; which, that delay
(That slow-pac'd sin) might not obstruct the way
With times too oft neglected loss, he now
So fast toward action hastes, they could allow
196
Ere having left that melancholy seat,
Devotions dark retiring place, he goes
To see how much her frowns did discompose
That Cities dress, of whom he'd ne'r a sight
Before, but when 'twas polish'd with delight.
His Arms (bright Honors burnisht robes) into
Such weeds as shew'd him to the publick view
A course Monastick, chang'd, attended by
His aged friend, soon as the mornings eye
Adorn'd the East, the prosp'rous Prince begun
His pious journey, which, before the sun
Blusht in the West, found a successful end
In clouded Corinth, where arriv'd, they spend
The hours of the succeeding night to find
How, in that factious troubl'd sea, inclin'd
The City stood, whose shallow sons dare vent
By nothing but their tongues, that discontent
Their hands might cure, were not those useful parts
Restrain'd from action by unmanly hearts,
Which being at once with grief and fear opprest,
Durst do no more but pity the distrest;
Which gentle passion, since so general, lends
Some light of hope to her enquiring friends.
Such weeds as shew'd him to the publick view
A course Monastick, chang'd, attended by
His aged friend, soon as the mornings eye
Adorn'd the East, the prosp'rous Prince begun
His pious journey, which, before the sun
Blusht in the West, found a successful end
In clouded Corinth, where arriv'd, they spend
The hours of the succeeding night to find
How, in that factious troubl'd sea, inclin'd
The City stood, whose shallow sons dare vent
By nothing but their tongues, that discontent
Their hands might cure, were not those useful parts
Restrain'd from action by unmanly hearts,
Which being at once with grief and fear opprest,
Durst do no more but pity the distrest;
Which gentle passion, since so general, lends
Some light of hope to her enquiring friends.
To usher in that dismal day, whose light
Design'd to lead into eternal night
As much of beauty as did ere give place
To death, the morning shews her gloomy face
Wrapt up in clouds, whose heavy vapors had
Hung heaven in black, when, to perform the sad
And serious office of Confessors to
Those royal sufferers, whom harsh fates persue
To deaths dark confines, through their guard of foes
Argalia and his grave assistant goes;
Where he whose love to neither did surmount
His zeal, to take the Cyprians last account
Himself addrest, whilst his kind passions lead
Argalia from Pharonnida, to read
Her lifes last story, made authentick by
The near approach of her eternity.
Design'd to lead into eternal night
As much of beauty as did ere give place
To death, the morning shews her gloomy face
197
Hung heaven in black, when, to perform the sad
And serious office of Confessors to
Those royal sufferers, whom harsh fates persue
To deaths dark confines, through their guard of foes
Argalia and his grave assistant goes;
Where he whose love to neither did surmount
His zeal, to take the Cyprians last account
Himself addrest, whilst his kind passions lead
Argalia from Pharonnida, to read
Her lifes last story, made authentick by
The near approach of her eternity.
Enter'd the room, which to his startl'd fight
Appear'd like sorrow sepulcher'd in night,
So dismal sad, so silent, that the cold
Retreat of death, the grave, did ne'r unfold
A heavier object, by a sickly light
Which was even then to th' artificial night
That fill'd the room resigning'ts reign, he saw
Griefs fairest draught, divine Pharonnida,
Amidst her tears, faln like a full-blown flower,
Whose polisht leaves oreburthen'd with a shower,
Drops from their beauties in the pride of day
To deck the earth, so sadly pining lay
The pensive Princess, whom an extasie
Of passion led to practise how to die
In such abstracted contemplations, that
Angels forsook their thrones to wonder at.
Appear'd like sorrow sepulcher'd in night,
So dismal sad, so silent, that the cold
Retreat of death, the grave, did ne'r unfold
A heavier object, by a sickly light
Which was even then to th' artificial night
That fill'd the room resigning'ts reign, he saw
Griefs fairest draught, divine Pharonnida,
Amidst her tears, faln like a full-blown flower,
Whose polisht leaves oreburthen'd with a shower,
Drops from their beauties in the pride of day
To deck the earth, so sadly pining lay
The pensive Princess, whom an extasie
Of passion led to practise how to die
In such abstracted contemplations, that
Angels forsook their thrones to wonder at.
198
Wet with those tears, in whose Elixar she
Was bathing of the Lilies nurserie,
Her bloodless cheeks; her trembling hand sustain'd
A book, which what heavens mercy hath ordain'd
For a support to humane frailty in
Storms of affliction, lay; which, as she'd bin
Now so well in repentant lectures read,
That faith was on the wings of knowledge fled
To meditation, her unactive grief
Lets softly fall, whilst Time, wise natures thief,
That all might look like sorrows swarthy night,
Is stealing forth of the neglected Light;
Whose sullen flame, as it would sympathize
With those quencht beams that once adorn'd her eys
After a feeble blaze that spoke its strife
But vain, in silence weeps away its life.
Was bathing of the Lilies nurserie,
Her bloodless cheeks; her trembling hand sustain'd
A book, which what heavens mercy hath ordain'd
For a support to humane frailty in
Storms of affliction, lay; which, as she'd bin
Now so well in repentant lectures read,
That faith was on the wings of knowledge fled
To meditation, her unactive grief
Lets softly fall, whilst Time, wise natures thief,
That all might look like sorrows swarthy night,
Is stealing forth of the neglected Light;
Whose sullen flame, as it would sympathize
With those quencht beams that once adorn'd her eys
After a feeble blaze that spoke its strife
But vain, in silence weeps away its life.
Come to behold this beauteous monument
Of mourning passion, his great spirits spent
On love and wonder, the astonish'd Prince
Here silent stands, valor could not convince
His wild amazement: To behold her lie
By rigid laws restrain'd from libertie,
To whom his soul was captive, troubles all
His reasons guards: But when, how she must fall
From beauteous youth, and vertuous life, to be
One of the graves obscure societie,
Must fall no Martyr, whose lamented death
Grows pities object, but depart with breath
'Mongst ignominious clouds of guilt, that must
Stick an eternal odium on her dust;
That thought transports him from his temper to
Passions, in which he had forgot to do
His Priestly office, and, in rage as high
As ever yet inflam'd humanitie,
Sent him to actions, whose attempt had bin
The rode his valor must have perish'd in,
Had not her sorrows agony forsook
The Princess, by whose first unsteady look
He, being as far as his disguise gave leave,
Discover'd, is invited to receive
Those last confessions, in whose freedom she
Seeks by absolving comforts how to free
Her soul of all which a religious fear
Like spots on her white conscience made appear.
Of mourning passion, his great spirits spent
On love and wonder, the astonish'd Prince
Here silent stands, valor could not convince
His wild amazement: To behold her lie
By rigid laws restrain'd from libertie,
To whom his soul was captive, troubles all
His reasons guards: But when, how she must fall
From beauteous youth, and vertuous life, to be
One of the graves obscure societie,
Must fall no Martyr, whose lamented death
Grows pities object, but depart with breath
199
Stick an eternal odium on her dust;
That thought transports him from his temper to
Passions, in which he had forgot to do
His Priestly office, and, in rage as high
As ever yet inflam'd humanitie,
Sent him to actions, whose attempt had bin
The rode his valor must have perish'd in,
Had not her sorrows agony forsook
The Princess, by whose first unsteady look
He, being as far as his disguise gave leave,
Discover'd, is invited to receive
Those last confessions, in whose freedom she
Seeks by absolving comforts how to free
Her soul of all which a religious fear
Like spots on her white conscience made appear.
Having from her unburthen'd soul learnt how
To ease his own, the Priestly Prince had now
As far as bold humanitie durst dive
Into remission, heavens prerogative,
Pronounc'd that pardon for whose seal there stood
The sin-polluted worlds redeeming blood:
By which blest voice rais'd from what did appear
Like sorrow, till her faith had banish'd fear,
The Princess in such gentle calms of joy
As souls that wear their bodies but to cloy
Celestial Hights can feel, to entertain
Her fatal doom with a resolv'd disdain
Of death prepares, whilst he whom heaven to her
Had made their mercies happy Messenger,
Forsaking her, repairs to him that had
With the same hand the Cyprians thoughts unclad:
By whom inform'd, how that in their defence
His sword protected nought but innocence,
Arm'd with those blessings which so just a cause
Proclaim'd his due, he secretly withdraws
To change those emblems of Religious peace,
Monastick robes, for such as might increase
Their joy and wonder, whose contracted fear
Despair'd to see a Combatant appear,
Although they knew his sword defended then
The best of causes 'gainst the worst of men.
To ease his own, the Priestly Prince had now
As far as bold humanitie durst dive
Into remission, heavens prerogative,
Pronounc'd that pardon for whose seal there stood
The sin-polluted worlds redeeming blood:
By which blest voice rais'd from what did appear
Like sorrow, till her faith had banish'd fear,
The Princess in such gentle calms of joy
As souls that wear their bodies but to cloy
Celestial Hights can feel, to entertain
Her fatal doom with a resolv'd disdain
200
Had made their mercies happy Messenger,
Forsaking her, repairs to him that had
With the same hand the Cyprians thoughts unclad:
By whom inform'd, how that in their defence
His sword protected nought but innocence,
Arm'd with those blessings which so just a cause
Proclaim'd his due, he secretly withdraws
To change those emblems of Religious peace,
Monastick robes, for such as might increase
Their joy and wonder, whose contracted fear
Despair'd to see a Combatant appear,
Although they knew his sword defended then
The best of causes 'gainst the worst of men.
Whilst he prepares with near as much of speed
As incorporeal substances that need
But will for motion, to defend her in
Th' assaults of death, that hour which long had bin
The dreadfull expectation of those friends
That pitied her, arriv'd, in sorrow ends
Fears cold disease; those Ministers of fate,
The props to all that's illegitimate,
The Army, to suppress the weak essayes
Of love or pity, guarded had the wayes
By which illegal power conducted her
From that dark room, griefs curtain'd Theater,
To be beheld upon the publick stage,
The glory, yet the scandal of the age;
Which two extreams met on the scaffold in
A Princess suffering, and a peoples sin:
Which now, join'd to the dreadful pomp that cals
His Subjects to attend the funerals
Of her lov'd father, whose lifes vertues won
Tears for his death, thus solemnly begun.
As incorporeal substances that need
But will for motion, to defend her in
Th' assaults of death, that hour which long had bin
The dreadfull expectation of those friends
That pitied her, arriv'd, in sorrow ends
Fears cold disease; those Ministers of fate,
The props to all that's illegitimate,
The Army, to suppress the weak essayes
Of love or pity, guarded had the wayes
By which illegal power conducted her
From that dark room, griefs curtain'd Theater,
To be beheld upon the publick stage,
The glory, yet the scandal of the age;
201
A Princess suffering, and a peoples sin:
Which now, join'd to the dreadful pomp that cals
His Subjects to attend the funerals
Of her lov'd father, whose lifes vertues won
Tears for his death, thus solemnly begun.
Remov'd no further from the City then
An hours short walk, though undertaken when
Sol rag'd in Cancer might with ease convay
Scorcht travellers, a dismal temple lay
In a dark vally, where more antient times
Had perpetrated those religious crimes
Of humane offerings to those Idols that
Their hands made, for their hearts to tremble at.
Yet this, since now made venerable by
Those reverend reliques of antiquity,
The Spartan Princes monuments, by those
Of later times, though alter'd faith, is chose
For their retreat, when lifes extinguisht glory
Sought rest beneath a silent dormitory.
Nor stood this fabrick all alone; long since
A Palace by some melancholy Prince
Which hated light, or lov'd the darkness, built
To please his humor, or conceal his guilt,
So near it stood, to distant eyes which sent
Thither their beams, it seem'd one monument,
Whose sable roof 'mongst Cypress shadows fills
The deep dark basis of those barren hills
With such a mournfull Majesty as strook
A terror into each beholders look,
Awfull as if some Diety had made
That gloomy vale to be the sacred shade
Where he chose in enigma's to relate
The dark decrees of mans uncertain fate.
An hours short walk, though undertaken when
Sol rag'd in Cancer might with ease convay
Scorcht travellers, a dismal temple lay
In a dark vally, where more antient times
Had perpetrated those religious crimes
Of humane offerings to those Idols that
Their hands made, for their hearts to tremble at.
Yet this, since now made venerable by
Those reverend reliques of antiquity,
The Spartan Princes monuments, by those
Of later times, though alter'd faith, is chose
For their retreat, when lifes extinguisht glory
Sought rest beneath a silent dormitory.
Nor stood this fabrick all alone; long since
A Palace by some melancholy Prince
Which hated light, or lov'd the darkness, built
To please his humor, or conceal his guilt,
So near it stood, to distant eyes which sent
Thither their beams, it seem'd one monument,
Whose sable roof 'mongst Cypress shadows fills
The deep dark basis of those barren hills
102
A terror into each beholders look,
Awfull as if some Diety had made
That gloomy vale to be the sacred shade
Where he chose in enigma's to relate
The dark decrees of mans uncertain fate.
Betwixt this temple and the City stood
In squadrons thick as shews an ancient wood
To distant sight, the Army, plac'd to be
In this sad march their guilts securitie
Whose glittering swords shon, as if drawn to light
Dayes beauties to the palace of the night;
Toward which, the prisoners, yet detain'd within
The City, in this dreadfull pomp begin
Their mournful march, led by that doleful call
By which loud war proclaims a funeral:
Those that had been the common guards unto
The murther'd Princes, to the peoples view
Are first presented, on an ebon spear
Each bore a scuchion, where there did appear
The arms which once adorn'd those Princes shields
Sadly display'd within their sable fields.
In squadrons thick as shews an ancient wood
To distant sight, the Army, plac'd to be
In this sad march their guilts securitie
Whose glittering swords shon, as if drawn to light
Dayes beauties to the palace of the night;
Toward which, the prisoners, yet detain'd within
The City, in this dreadfull pomp begin
Their mournful march, led by that doleful call
By which loud war proclaims a funeral:
Those that had been the common guards unto
The murther'd Princes, to the peoples view
Are first presented, on an ebon spear
Each bore a scuchion, where there did appear
The arms which once adorn'd those Princes shields
Sadly display'd within their sable fields.
Next these, some troops whose prosperous valor in
Their Courts had steps unto preferment bin,
Come slowly on, but slowlier follow'd are
By elder Captains, such whom busie war
Whose victories had their youth in honor di'd,
As useless now for Council laid aside:
I' th' rear of these the Officers of State,
Grave as they'd been of Council unto Fate,
I' th' purple robes of royal Mourners clad,
With heavy pace conducted in a sad
And dismal object, two black Chariots drawn
Like hideous night when it assaults the dawn
In dreadfull shadows, where to fright the day
With sadder objects, on black herses lay
Th' Effigies of the murther'd Princes, in
Whose form those spots of treason that had bin
Fates Agents, to unravel Natures law,
In bloody marks the mourning people saw,
At which sad sight from silent sorrow they
Advanc'd had let external grief betray
Their love, and loss, if not diverted by
Succeeding objects, which assault the eye
With what, though living, yet more terror bred
Then what they found for the lamented dead.
Their Courts had steps unto preferment bin,
Come slowly on, but slowlier follow'd are
By elder Captains, such whom busie war
Whose victories had their youth in honor di'd,
As useless now for Council laid aside:
103
Grave as they'd been of Council unto Fate,
I' th' purple robes of royal Mourners clad,
With heavy pace conducted in a sad
And dismal object, two black Chariots drawn
Like hideous night when it assaults the dawn
In dreadfull shadows, where to fright the day
With sadder objects, on black herses lay
Th' Effigies of the murther'd Princes, in
Whose form those spots of treason that had bin
Fates Agents, to unravel Natures law,
In bloody marks the mourning people saw,
At which sad sight from silent sorrow they
Advanc'd had let external grief betray
Their love, and loss, if not diverted by
Succeeding objects, which assault the eye
With what, though living, yet more terror bred
Then what they found for the lamented dead.
In such a garb as sorrow strives to hide
The hot efluviums of a sullen pride,
Almanzor next, with slow portentous pace
Follows the herses, his discover'd face
So subtilly di'd in sorrow as it had
Strove to out-mourn the sable arms which clad
His falser breast, whose studi'd treason knew
No such disguise, as first to meet the view
O' th' censuring people in a dress that shews
Him by their States maturer Council chose
'Gainst who'ere durst maintain the pris'ners cause
By's valor for to vindicate their laws.
The hot efluviums of a sullen pride,
Almanzor next, with slow portentous pace
Follows the herses, his discover'd face
So subtilly di'd in sorrow as it had
Strove to out-mourn the sable arms which clad
His falser breast, whose studi'd treason knew
No such disguise, as first to meet the view
O' th' censuring people in a dress that shews
Him by their States maturer Council chose
204
By's valor for to vindicate their laws.
But now, to lose these rivolets of tears
In the vast Ocean of their grief, appears
Their last, and most lamented object in
The royal Captives, whose sad fate had bin
Not so disguis'd in attributes of guilt,
But that the love their former vertue built
In every breast, broke through their fear to show
How much their duty did to sorrow ow.
In that black train they had beheld before,
Though full of sadness, wearied life past ore
The stage of nature, is their darkest text
To comment on, which since good men perplext
With life's cares are, finds less regret then now
To living sufferers justly they allow:
Friends though less near (since death is but that rest
They vainly seek that are in life distrest)
Being pitied more then those whose worst of Fate
We have beheld destruction terminate.
In the vast Ocean of their grief, appears
Their last, and most lamented object in
The royal Captives, whose sad fate had bin
Not so disguis'd in attributes of guilt,
But that the love their former vertue built
In every breast, broke through their fear to show
How much their duty did to sorrow ow.
In that black train they had beheld before,
Though full of sadness, wearied life past ore
The stage of nature, is their darkest text
To comment on, which since good men perplext
With life's cares are, finds less regret then now
To living sufferers justly they allow:
Friends though less near (since death is but that rest
They vainly seek that are in life distrest)
Being pitied more then those whose worst of Fate
We have beheld destruction terminate.
That nought might in this scene of sorrow be
Wanting to perfect griefs solemnitie
The Kingdoms Marshal, who supported in
His hand a sword, which glitring through a thin
Wreath'd Cipers, through the sad Spectators eye
Strook such a terror as if shadow'd by
Death's sooty vail; conducting after goes
Th' undaunted Cyprian, with a look that showes
A soul whose valor was of power to light
Such high resolves as by their splendor might
Make death look lovely; on his upper hand
Her sexes glory, she whose vertues scann'd
Her actions by heavens strictest rules, the sweet
Pharonnida, unmov'd prepares to meet
The ministers of death, her train being by
Florenza, who must in that Tragedy
Act her last part, sustain'd. The garment which
The beauteous Princess did that day inrich
Was black, but cut on white, ore which the fair
Neglected treasure of her flowing hair
Hung loosely down; upon her head she wore
A wreath of Lillies, almost shadow'd ore
With purple Hyacinths, on which the stains
Of murther yet in bloody marks remains;
Over all this a melancholy cloud
Of thick curl'd Cipers from the head did shroud
Her to the feet, through which those spots of white
Appear'd like stars, those comforts of the night,
When stole through scattred clouds, in her right hand
She held a watch whose next stage should have spand
The minutes of her life; her left did hold
A branch of mirtle, which as grown too old
To live, began to wither, for defence
O' th' falling leaves, as death and innocence
Had both conspir'd to save 't; the bow was round
In mistick wreaths of black and silver wound.
Wanting to perfect griefs solemnitie
The Kingdoms Marshal, who supported in
His hand a sword, which glitring through a thin
Wreath'd Cipers, through the sad Spectators eye
Strook such a terror as if shadow'd by
Death's sooty vail; conducting after goes
Th' undaunted Cyprian, with a look that showes
205
Such high resolves as by their splendor might
Make death look lovely; on his upper hand
Her sexes glory, she whose vertues scann'd
Her actions by heavens strictest rules, the sweet
Pharonnida, unmov'd prepares to meet
The ministers of death, her train being by
Florenza, who must in that Tragedy
Act her last part, sustain'd. The garment which
The beauteous Princess did that day inrich
Was black, but cut on white, ore which the fair
Neglected treasure of her flowing hair
Hung loosely down; upon her head she wore
A wreath of Lillies, almost shadow'd ore
With purple Hyacinths, on which the stains
Of murther yet in bloody marks remains;
Over all this a melancholy cloud
Of thick curl'd Cipers from the head did shroud
Her to the feet, through which those spots of white
Appear'd like stars, those comforts of the night,
When stole through scattred clouds, in her right hand
She held a watch whose next stage should have spand
The minutes of her life; her left did hold
A branch of mirtle, which as grown too old
To live, began to wither, for defence
O' th' falling leaves, as death and innocence
Had both conspir'd to save 't; the bow was round
In mistick wreaths of black and silver wound.
106
Near to the royal Prisoners, many Peers
Of either Kingdom, men of th' gravest years
And loyal'st hearts, did with a dolefull pace
Bring up the rear, each melancholy place
Through which they past, being with those pensive flowers
That wait on funerals strew'd. The lofty towers
Of checquer'd marble had their stately brows
In sables bound, their pinacles with boughs
Of dismal Yew adorn'd, as if their knell
Should next be rung, a solemn passing bell
In every Church was toull'd, whose dolefull sound
Mixt with the drum & trumpets dead march, dround
The peoples cries, whose grief can ne'r be shown
In 'ts native dress, till loud and clamorous grown.
Of either Kingdom, men of th' gravest years
And loyal'st hearts, did with a dolefull pace
Bring up the rear, each melancholy place
Through which they past, being with those pensive flowers
That wait on funerals strew'd. The lofty towers
Of checquer'd marble had their stately brows
In sables bound, their pinacles with boughs
Of dismal Yew adorn'd, as if their knell
Should next be rung, a solemn passing bell
In every Church was toull'd, whose dolefull sound
Mixt with the drum & trumpets dead march, dround
The peoples cries, whose grief can ne'r be shown
In 'ts native dress, till loud and clamorous grown.
In this black pomp the mourning train had left
The sable City, which being now bereft
Of all her sad and solemn guests, did bear
The emblem of an empty sepulchre,
So full of silence, all her throng being gone
With heavy pace to be attendants on
Those funeral rights, which ere perform'd must have
More vertue for attendants to the grave
Then ere they could again expect to see,
Whose hopes of life lay in minoritie.
The sable City, which being now bereft
Of all her sad and solemn guests, did bear
The emblem of an empty sepulchre,
So full of silence, all her throng being gone
With heavy pace to be attendants on
Those funeral rights, which ere perform'd must have
More vertue for attendants to the grave
Then ere they could again expect to see,
Whose hopes of life lay in minoritie.
Come to the desert vale, which yet had kept
A solitary loveliness that slept
There in untroubl'd rest, a levell'd green
Chose for the Lists, which nature lodg'd between
Two barren hills, upon whose bare front grew
(Though thinly scatter'd) here a balefull Yew,
And there a dismal Cypress, plac'd as they
Had onely chose that station to display
The peoples passions, who with eyes fixt in
Full orbs of tears, ere this had sorrowing seen
The pitied prisoners, to those Scaffolds brought
Where those lamented lives whose treason sought
To ruine must be sacrific'd to please,
Ambitious man, not angry heaven appease,
This curles their bloods, which soon inflam'd had grown
Had not the varied scene of sorrow shown
The murther'd Princes, who product, as they
Had been reserv'd as opiats to allay
Their angers flame, are both expos'd unto
The satisfaction of the publick view,
Mounted on herses, which on either side
O' th' Temple gate with deaths most dismal pride
On ebon pillars stood, as rais'd to show
What justce did to their destruction ow.
A solitary loveliness that slept
There in untroubl'd rest, a levell'd green
Chose for the Lists, which nature lodg'd between
107
(Though thinly scatter'd) here a balefull Yew,
And there a dismal Cypress, plac'd as they
Had onely chose that station to display
The peoples passions, who with eyes fixt in
Full orbs of tears, ere this had sorrowing seen
The pitied prisoners, to those Scaffolds brought
Where those lamented lives whose treason sought
To ruine must be sacrific'd to please,
Ambitious man, not angry heaven appease,
This curles their bloods, which soon inflam'd had grown
Had not the varied scene of sorrow shown
The murther'd Princes, who product, as they
Had been reserv'd as opiats to allay
Their angers flame, are both expos'd unto
The satisfaction of the publick view,
Mounted on herses, which on either side
O' th' Temple gate with deaths most dismal pride
On ebon pillars stood, as rais'd to show
What justce did to their destruction ow.
Plac'd near to these, their sorrows sad Records,
Almanzors tent, to shew that it affords
For red revenge a close reception, stood
Like a black rock from whence in clouds of blood
The sanguine streamers through the thickned sky
Did waving with unconstant motion fly,
In view of which, though at the other end
If any durst appear that could defend
Their cause, whom heaven alone knew innocent,
There to receive him stood an empty Tent,
Whose outside, as if fanci'd to deter
His entrance, there appear'd a Sepulcher
Over whose gate her false Accusers had
Transcrib'd those crimes which so unjustly clad
In purples sins those spotless souls; which seen
In their bright vertues candid robes had been
The hated wonders of those foes, whose ends
Now finde success i' th' pity of their friends.
Almanzors tent, to shew that it affords
For red revenge a close reception, stood
Like a black rock from whence in clouds of blood
The sanguine streamers through the thickned sky
Did waving with unconstant motion fly,
In view of which, though at the other end
If any durst appear that could defend
208
There to receive him stood an empty Tent,
Whose outside, as if fanci'd to deter
His entrance, there appear'd a Sepulcher
Over whose gate her false Accusers had
Transcrib'd those crimes which so unjustly clad
In purples sins those spotless souls; which seen
In their bright vertues candid robes had been
The hated wonders of those foes, whose ends
Now finde success i' th' pity of their friends.
Near this black tent, on mourning scaffolds, where
Death did t' encounter innocence prepare
His heaviest darts, such as were headed by
That more then mortal plague, foul infamy,
The prisoners mounted; at the other gate
Almanzor, like the messenger of Fate
Fraught with revenge appears, his dreadfull form
More full of terror then a midnight storm
To straitned Fleets, appearing to the view
O' th' multitude, who whilst their prayers persue
The prisoners safety on the flagging wings
Of sickly hope, his sure destruction brings,
Since from their knowledge more remote to cure,
Unto their hates impatient calenture.
Death did t' encounter innocence prepare
His heaviest darts, such as were headed by
That more then mortal plague, foul infamy,
The prisoners mounted; at the other gate
Almanzor, like the messenger of Fate
Fraught with revenge appears, his dreadfull form
More full of terror then a midnight storm
To straitned Fleets, appearing to the view
O' th' multitude, who whilst their prayers persue
The prisoners safety on the flagging wings
Of sickly hope, his sure destruction brings,
Since from their knowledge more remote to cure,
Unto their hates impatient calenture.
Thrice had the trumpet sadly sounded bin
And thrice a Herald's voice had summon'd in
Some bold defendant; but both yet so vain,
As if just Heaven neglected to maintain
That righteous cause, which sadly seen of all,
The sorrowfull, but helpless people fall
Since hopes of life was shrunk into despair,
To be assistant by their private prayer
At deaths distracting conflict; in a brief
Effectual speech, which answer'd to the chief
Heads of's indictment, in those powerfull words
Conceiv'd his last, the Cyprian Prince affords
Their sorrow yet a larger Theam; which done,
Being first to die, having with prayer begun
That doubfull road, he now a short leave takes
Of all his mourning Friends, then calmly shakes
Off each terrestial thought, and heightned by
The speculations of eternity,
Above those damps which natures hand did weave
Of humane fear, submitting to receive
The fatal stroke, that Center to a crown,
But orb of wit, his sacred head layes down.
And thrice a Herald's voice had summon'd in
Some bold defendant; but both yet so vain,
As if just Heaven neglected to maintain
209
The sorrowfull, but helpless people fall
Since hopes of life was shrunk into despair,
To be assistant by their private prayer
At deaths distracting conflict; in a brief
Effectual speech, which answer'd to the chief
Heads of's indictment, in those powerfull words
Conceiv'd his last, the Cyprian Prince affords
Their sorrow yet a larger Theam; which done,
Being first to die, having with prayer begun
That doubfull road, he now a short leave takes
Of all his mourning Friends, then calmly shakes
Off each terrestial thought, and heightned by
The speculations of eternity,
Above those damps which natures hand did weave
Of humane fear, submitting to receive
The fatal stroke, that Center to a crown,
But orb of wit, his sacred head layes down.
Fled to the dark cell of their utmost fears
With eyes whose lids were cemented in tears,
Each still Spectators thoughts did now repair
To the last refuge of a silent prayer:
In which close parl, from that deep Lethargy
They are to joy and wonder waken'd by
A trumpets voice, which from the other gate
Sounds a defiance; 'twas not yet so late
In hopes dim twilight, but they once more may
In expectation of a glorious day
Dare look abroad: which done, unto their view
A Cyprian Herald being design'd unto
That office, they leading a stranger Knight
Into the Lists behold, whose welcom sight
Was entertain'd with acclamations, that
Rais'd thunder for his foes to tremble at.
With eyes whose lids were cemented in tears,
Each still Spectators thoughts did now repair
To the last refuge of a silent prayer:
In which close parl, from that deep Lethargy
They are to joy and wonder waken'd by
A trumpets voice, which from the other gate
Sounds a defiance; 'twas not yet so late
In hopes dim twilight, but they once more may
In expectation of a glorious day
110
A Cyprian Herald being design'd unto
That office, they leading a stranger Knight
Into the Lists behold, whose welcom sight
Was entertain'd with acclamations, that
Rais'd thunder for his foes to tremble at.
This valiant Hero, whose brave gesture gave
Life to that hope which told them heaven would save
Such suffering vertue, now drawn near unto
The tent, is taking a disdainful view
Of that accurst inscription, whilst all eyes
Center'd on him, see through his steel-disguise
A goodlier shape, though not so vastly great
As that curst lump nature had made the seat
Of's enemies black soul: The armor which
He wore, they knew not whether for more rich,
Or rare to prize; the ground of it, as he
For those had mourn'd, which now from infamie
His sword sought to redeem, was black, but all
Enamell'd ore with silver-hearts, let fall
From flaming clouds, which hovering above
Them, look'd like incense fir'd by heavenly love.
'Mongst these in every vacant place was found
A deaths-head scatter'd, some of which were crown'd
With laurel, others on their bare fronts wore
A regal diadem; in's shield he bore
In a Field argent on the dexter side
A new-made Grave, to which a Lamb deni'd
Succor on earth, to shun the swift persuit
Of a fierce wolf, was fled; but ere one foot
Was enter'd there, from a red cloud that charg'd
The field in chief, a thunderbolt inlarg'd
By heav'ns just wrath, from's sulphrie seat was sent
So swiftly, that what sav'd the innocent,
The guilty slew, which now in's blood doth lie
A President for powerful tyrannie.
Life to that hope which told them heaven would save
Such suffering vertue, now drawn near unto
The tent, is taking a disdainful view
Of that accurst inscription, whilst all eyes
Center'd on him, see through his steel-disguise
A goodlier shape, though not so vastly great
As that curst lump nature had made the seat
Of's enemies black soul: The armor which
He wore, they knew not whether for more rich,
Or rare to prize; the ground of it, as he
For those had mourn'd, which now from infamie
His sword sought to redeem, was black, but all
Enamell'd ore with silver-hearts, let fall
From flaming clouds, which hovering above
Them, look'd like incense fir'd by heavenly love.
'Mongst these in every vacant place was found
A deaths-head scatter'd, some of which were crown'd
With laurel, others on their bare fronts wore
A regal diadem; in's shield he bore
In a Field argent on the dexter side
A new-made Grave, to which a Lamb deni'd
111
Of a fierce wolf, was fled; but ere one foot
Was enter'd there, from a red cloud that charg'd
The field in chief, a thunderbolt inlarg'd
By heav'ns just wrath, from's sulphrie seat was sent
So swiftly, that what sav'd the innocent,
The guilty slew, which now in's blood doth lie
A President for powerful tyrannie.
Those short surveys o'th' people hardly took,
Ere having now th'unuseful tent forsook,
The brave Defendant with a loud salute
Had past the scaffold in the bold persuit
Of glorious vict'rie, whom his angry foe
Whose valors flame ne'r an allay did know
So cold as fear, in that wild flame which rage
Oppos'd had kindl'd, hastens to engage
Him with so high a storm of fury, that
Each falling stroke, others did tremble at
What they sustain'd. Strength, valor, judgment, all
Which ere made Conquerors stand, or conquer'd fall,
Here seem'd to meet: As it t'outrun desire,
Each nimble stroke quick as ethereal fire,
When wing'd by motion fell, yet with a heft
So full of danger, most behind them left
Their bloody marks, which in this fatal strife
Seem'd like the open'd salliports of life.
Ere having now th'unuseful tent forsook,
The brave Defendant with a loud salute
Had past the scaffold in the bold persuit
Of glorious vict'rie, whom his angry foe
Whose valors flame ne'r an allay did know
So cold as fear, in that wild flame which rage
Oppos'd had kindl'd, hastens to engage
Him with so high a storm of fury, that
Each falling stroke, others did tremble at
What they sustain'd. Strength, valor, judgment, all
Which ere made Conquerors stand, or conquer'd fall,
Here seem'd to meet: As it t'outrun desire,
Each nimble stroke quick as ethereal fire,
When wing'd by motion fell, yet with a heft
So full of danger, most behind them left
Their bloody marks, which in this fatal strife
Seem'd like the open'd salliports of life.
Sadly expecting whom by fate would be
This day chose favorite unto destinie,
The people in such silent extasies,
As if their souls only inform'd their eyes,
Sate to behold the combat; when to give
Their faith assurance justice yet did live
Unchain'd by faction, from a fatal blow
Strook near his heart, Almanzor faln so low
From hopes of vict'rie they beheld, that in
His ruine, what before their fear had bin
Grew now their comfort, when that speedy death
Might not transport his soul ere his last breath
Confest his guilt; the noble Champion stays
His just rais'd rage, whilst his own tongue displays
His thoughts black curtains, by discovering all
Those crimes beneath whose burthen he did fall,
Heavy as curses which from heaven are sent
For th' peoples plague, or Princes punishment:
In which short close of life, to ease the grief
Of late repentance, that successful Thief
Whose happiest hour his latest prov'd, being took
For president, he in a calm forsook
That world, which, whilst his plots did strive to build
Ambition high, he had with tempests fill'd.
This day chose favorite unto destinie,
212
As if their souls only inform'd their eyes,
Sate to behold the combat; when to give
Their faith assurance justice yet did live
Unchain'd by faction, from a fatal blow
Strook near his heart, Almanzor faln so low
From hopes of vict'rie they beheld, that in
His ruine, what before their fear had bin
Grew now their comfort, when that speedy death
Might not transport his soul ere his last breath
Confest his guilt; the noble Champion stays
His just rais'd rage, whilst his own tongue displays
His thoughts black curtains, by discovering all
Those crimes beneath whose burthen he did fall,
Heavy as curses which from heaven are sent
For th' peoples plague, or Princes punishment:
In which short close of life, to ease the grief
Of late repentance, that successful Thief
Whose happiest hour his latest prov'd, being took
For president, he in a calm forsook
That world, which, whilst his plots did strive to build
Ambition high, he had with tempests fill'd.
The multitude, whose universal voice
Had taught even such, though distant, to rejoice,
As age or sickness had detain'd within
The City-walls, forc'd those that yet had bin
Her foes (converted by the general votes
For joy) to change their envies ill set notes
To calm compliance, in whose concord they
With as much speed as duty did convey
Her best of subjects, to congratulate
Her freedom hastes, who in this smile of fate,
Whilst all her friends strove to forget those fears
Whose form they lately trembl'd at, appears
Shadow'd in grief, on whose joy could reflect
No beam of comfort, the suppos'd neglect
Of her Argalia, whose victorious sword
Did in her fears extremity afford
Some hopes of comfort, which t'opinion lost
More sorrow then th'assaults of death had cost;
Had not, whilst she did in dark passion stray,
His full discovery glorifi'd the day.
Had taught even such, though distant, to rejoice,
As age or sickness had detain'd within
The City-walls, forc'd those that yet had bin
Her foes (converted by the general votes
For joy) to change their envies ill set notes
213
With as much speed as duty did convey
Her best of subjects, to congratulate
Her freedom hastes, who in this smile of fate,
Whilst all her friends strove to forget those fears
Whose form they lately trembl'd at, appears
Shadow'd in grief, on whose joy could reflect
No beam of comfort, the suppos'd neglect
Of her Argalia, whose victorious sword
Did in her fears extremity afford
Some hopes of comfort, which t'opinion lost
More sorrow then th'assaults of death had cost;
Had not, whilst she did in dark passion stray,
His full discovery glorifi'd the day.
Amidst the peoples acclamations, she
Though from a scaffold now convey'd to be
Rais'd to a Crown, all that vain pomp beholds
With eyes orecast in grief, till he unfolds
Her further comfort, by discovering what
Whilst each spectator was admiring at,
Becomes to her so much of joy, that in
This calm, that courage which before had bin
Unshook in tempests now begins to move,
And what scorn'd hate, submits to powerful Love;
From whose fixt centre, with as swift a flight
And kind a welcom, as the nimble light
Salutes the morning, pleasure now imparts
Her powerful beams, until those neighboring hearts
That liv'd by hopes thin diet, drew from hence
Substantial lines to joys circumference.
Though from a scaffold now convey'd to be
Rais'd to a Crown, all that vain pomp beholds
With eyes orecast in grief, till he unfolds
Her further comfort, by discovering what
Whilst each spectator was admiring at,
Becomes to her so much of joy, that in
This calm, that courage which before had bin
Unshook in tempests now begins to move,
And what scorn'd hate, submits to powerful Love;
From whose fixt centre, with as swift a flight
And kind a welcom, as the nimble light
Salutes the morning, pleasure now imparts
Her powerful beams, until those neighboring hearts
214
Substantial lines to joys circumference.
Her innocence unvail'd by his success,
And both by that black foil of wickedness,
Almanzor's guilt, more glorious made, is now
The only volume wonder could allow
Those that before her worst of foes had bin,
Sadly to read repentant lectures in:
Which seen by her observant Peers, that all
Succeeding discords in that Tyrants fall
Might find a tomb, him, being their Princess choice,
The Spartan Armies universal voice
Salute their Chief, which President affords
A pattern to the wise Epirot Lords,
Who had a law age made authentick, which
Prohibited their diadem t'enrich
A female brow, on him, whose title stood
Nearest of all collateral streams of blood;
They wisely fix a choice, which proves to be
Their glory, and their States securitie.
And both by that black foil of wickedness,
Almanzor's guilt, more glorious made, is now
The only volume wonder could allow
Those that before her worst of foes had bin,
Sadly to read repentant lectures in:
Which seen by her observant Peers, that all
Succeeding discords in that Tyrants fall
Might find a tomb, him, being their Princess choice,
The Spartan Armies universal voice
Salute their Chief, which President affords
A pattern to the wise Epirot Lords,
Who had a law age made authentick, which
Prohibited their diadem t'enrich
A female brow, on him, whose title stood
Nearest of all collateral streams of blood;
They wisely fix a choice, which proves to be
Their glory, and their States securitie.
And now rais'd from that lowly posture in
Which fear had left them, the vast rout begin
Their motion toward fair Ghieranza, where
The varied scene did such proportion bear
With joy's exalted harmonie, which in
Their rescu'd Princess dwelt, all that had bin
Their sorrows dismal characters they now
Obliterate, and her late clouded brow
Crown with delights. The solemn bells whose sad
Toll, when they left your mourning City, had
Frighted the trembling hearer, now are all
Rung out for joy, as if so loud a call
Only becom'd a love which could not be
Exprest until the full solemnitie
Of their approaching nuptials did unite
Their hearts or crowns, not with more full delight
Then what did near as great a blessing prove
(Discording subjects) in your bonds of love.
Which fear had left them, the vast rout begin
Their motion toward fair Ghieranza, where
The varied scene did such proportion bear
With joy's exalted harmonie, which in
Their rescu'd Princess dwelt, all that had bin
Their sorrows dismal characters they now
Obliterate, and her late clouded brow
215
Toll, when they left your mourning City, had
Frighted the trembling hearer, now are all
Rung out for joy, as if so loud a call
Only becom'd a love which could not be
Exprest until the full solemnitie
Of their approaching nuptials did unite
Their hearts or crowns, not with more full delight
Then what did near as great a blessing prove
(Discording subjects) in your bonds of love.
Thus after all the wild varietie
Through Fates dark labyrinths, now arriv'd to be
Crown'd with as much content as ere was known
By any that death did enforce to own
The frailties of mortality, we leave
Our celebrated Lovers to receive
Those blessings which heaven on such Kings showers down,
Whose vertues add a lustre to the Crown.
Through Fates dark labyrinths, now arriv'd to be
Crown'd with as much content as ere was known
By any that death did enforce to own
The frailties of mortality, we leave
Our celebrated Lovers to receive
Those blessings which heaven on such Kings showers down,
Whose vertues add a lustre to the Crown.
| Pharonnida | |