 | Pharonnida |  |
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
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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
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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.
| Pharonnida | |