 | Pharonnida |  |
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,
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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.
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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,
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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
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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
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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 | |