The Blazing World and Other Writings (Penguin Classics)

by Cavendish, Margaret

  The King, when he had heard him speak, thus answered the Prince as their accustomed manner was in verse:

  Your Faith I’ll trust and Courages will try,

  Then let us see how bravely you dare die.

  The Prince poetically answered again, as he perceived it an usual custom to speak:

  Our Lives, said he, we’ll give before we yield,

  We’ll win your battles, or the in the field.

  For the King at that time was newly entered into a war with the Queen of Amity; the chief cause was for denying him marriage, he being a bachelor, and she a maid; and their kingdoms joining both together, but he nearer by his affection, being much in love with her, but she was averse and deaf to his suit, besides her people were loath, for fear it should be made a subordinate kingdom, wherefore he sought to get her by force[.] And the King liking the Prince’s demeanour, demanded who he was, from whence he came; the Prince told him truly who he was, from whence he came, how he was taken by the pirates, and how long he had lived with them; but not the cause of his journey, but by his discourse and behaviour, he insinuated himself so far into the King’s favour, and got such affections in his court living therein, as he became very powerful, insomuch as he was chosen the chief commander to lead out the army, believing him (as he was) nobly born, and observing him to be honourably bred; and they a people given to ease, and delighting in effeminate pleasures, shunned the wars, sending out only the most vulgar people who were rather slaves than subjects[.] All this meeting together produced the choosing of the Prince, who ordered and directed their setting out so well and prudently, as gave them great hopes of a good success[.]

  In the meanwhile the Queen was not ignorant of their intentions, nor slack in her preparations, sending forth an army to meet them; but the Queen herself had a war in her mind, as great as that in the field, where love as the general led her thoughts, but fear and doubt off times made great disorder, and especially at that time; for Travellia, on whom she doted, was then sick, in which sickness she took more care to recover him, than to guard herself and kingdom; but the army she sent out, was led by one of her chief noblemen, who marched on until he had view of the other army, and being both met, they set their armies in battle array.

  When they were ready to fight, the Prince thus spake in the most general language.

  Noble friends, you being all strangers to me, makes me ignorant both of your natures and customs, and I being a stranger to you, may cause a mistrust, both of my fidelity and conduct, as for my experience I am not altogether ignorant of the discipline of war, having been a commander in my own country, neither need you doubt of my zeal, and loyalty to your King’s services, by reason I owe my life to him, for it was in his power to have taken it away, neither can I have more honour bestowed on me from any nation than from this, were I never so ambitious, or basely covetous, to bribe out my fidelity; wherefore, if I lose, as I am persuaded I shall win the day, yet it will not be out of my neglect, falsehood or want of skill, but either it must be through fortune’s displeasure, or by your distracted fears, which fear I cannot believe will possess any spirit here, being so full of alacrity, cheerfulness and readiness to meet the enemy, and may the thoughts of honour maintain that heat and fire, not only until it hath consumed this army, but all that shall oppose you[.]

  After he had spoke thus to them they began the onset, long was the dispute, but at last by the Prince’s courage, which animated the rest by his example; and by his wise conduct and diligent care in rectifying the disordered ranks, and supplying their broken files by fresh men, he got the day, and put the enemy to a rout, killing many, and taking store of prisoners[.] The Prince when he saw that fortune was his friend at that time, though at other times she had frowned, yet now he thought to make his advantage whilst she was in a good humour; wherefore he called to the soldiers to follow their pursuit; but they were so busy in the dividing of the spoils, as they were deaf to all commands, or entreaties, giving their enemies leave to rally their scattered forces, and so to march away, and by that means they got so far before them, as they had time to get up their spirits, and strengthen their towns by fortification, to man their forts, and to entrench themselves, which if they had followed their victory, they might have taken a great part of the country, for all places, as towns, forts, and the like, seldom stand out, but yield to a victorious army; yet it must be whilst the terror and fright of their losses hath wholly possessed their minds, leaving no place for hope[.] But when the Prince thought they had lost the opportunity through the covetousness of the soldiers, he sent a messenger to the King of the victory, and with the reasons why he could not follow the same, but if his Majesty would give permission he would march on, and try out his fortune[.] In the meantime, the Queen hearing of the loss of her army was much perplexed, then musing with herself what way she were best to take, she straight went to Travellia who was indifferently well recovered, to him she related the sad news, then asking his counsel what she were best [to] do.

  He told her his opinion was, for her to call a council of the gravest and noblest of her subjects, and those whose age had brought experience: for if worldly wisdom dwells anywhere, it is in aged brains, which have been ploughed by various accidents; and sowed with the seed of observation, which time hath ripened to a perfection[;] these are most likely, said he, to produce a plentiful and good crop of advice; but young brains, said he, want both, manuring and maturity, which makes their counsels green, and unwholesome, whereupon they called a council, where after they had disputed long, at last they all agreed in one consent, that the best was for her to go herself in person, to animate her soldiers, and to give a new life to their dejected spirits; whereat she was much troubled, by reason Travellia was not so well as to travel with her, and to leave him, seemed worse to her than death; but after her council was broken up, she returned to him, and told him what her council had decreed.

  And this, said she angrily to him, was by your advice? For, had I not called a council, but had sent a general of my own choice, it would not have been put to a vote, for me in person to have gone; but had you had that love for me, as I have for you, I should have had better advice; and with that [she] wept[.] Heaven knows, said she, the greatest blow fortune can give me, is to go and leave you behind me; he seeing her weep thus spake.

  Beauty of your sex, and Nature’s rarest piece; why should you cast your love so low upon a slave so poor as I, when kings their kingdoms hazard for your sake? and if your people knew, or did suspect your love to me, they would rebel and turn unto your enemy: besides, conquerors are feared and followed, where losing is a way to be despised, and trod into the earth with scorns. Alas, I am a creature mean and poor, not worthy such a queen as you, and ’twere not wise to hazard all for me. Wherefore go on great Queen, and may you shine as glorious in your victories, as the brightest stars in Heaven, may Pallas by your guide, and Mars the god of war fight your battles out; may Cupid give you ease, and Venus give delight; may Hymen give such nuptials as best befits your dignity; may fortune always smile, peace in your kingdom dwell[.]

  And in each heart such loyal love may grow:

  No disobedience may this kingdom know;

  Age crown your life; and Honour close your days:

  Fame’s trumpet loud to blow about your praise.

  She weeping said.

  No sound will pierce my ear, or please my mind,

  Like to those words you utter when they’re kind.

  But at last by his persuasions, more than by her council’s advice, she consented to go, upon that condition he would take upon him the government of her kingdom until such time as she returned again, but, said she, if I die, be you heir to my crown, and ruler of my people; and may the gods keep you from all opposers[.] The people knowing her commands, and pleasure by her proclamation, fell a-murmuring, not only in that she left a stranger, but a poor slave, who was taken prisoner and sold, and a person who was of no higher birth, than a shipmaster’s son, that he should govern the k
ingdom, and rule the people; whereupon they began to design his death, which was thought best to be put in execution when she was gone.

  But he behaved himself with such an affable demeanour, accompanied with such smooth, civil and pleasing words, expressing the sweetness of his nature by his actions of clemency, distributing justice with such even weights, ordering everything with that prudence, governing with that wisdom, as begot such love in every heart, that their mouths ran over with praises, ringing out the sound with the clappers of their tongues into every ear, and by their obedience showed their duty and zeal to all his commands, or rather to his persuasions; so gently did he govern.

  Thus whilst he ruled in peace at home, the armies met abroad; and being set ready to fight, the trumpets sounded to charge, and everyone prepared to encounter his enemy; striving for the honour of reputation, which is got by the ruin of one side; so equally hath Nature distributed her gifts, that everyone would have a just proportion, did not Fortune disorder and misplace her works by her several accidents.

  But the terror of the former blows was not quite extinguished in the Queen’s army, nor the insulting spirits of the other army laid, but rather a new courage added to their old victory, did help them now to win that day; and with such victorious fortune, that they took the Queen a prisoner, with the destruction of the whole army.

  The Prince thinking the kingdom won in having the Queen’s person, made him divide his army into two parts; the one half he sent to take possession of the towns, castles, and forts; the other part he led himself to conduct the Queen, being much pleased that he had such a gift to present to the King, which present he knew his royal master would prize above the world, which made him choose to return; for had the spoils been less, he had sent them with some messengers; but being so rich, he durst trust none to guard it but himself.

  The King hearing of their coming, made all the preparations of state that could be, sending the Prince a triumphant chariot, and his own robes to wear; which chariot coming as they were ready to enter the city, the Prince sets the Queen thereon, and walks on foot by the chariot side, as being mistress to the King his master. And the King being attended by all his nobles of the kingdom, met the Queen, and with great respect led her to his palace; where when she came, the King kissed her hand, and smiling, said[:]

  The gods had brought her thither; for certainly, said he, the gods by their fates have decreed and destined you to be my queen; in which gifts the gods have made me like themselves, to enjoy all felicity.

  She with a face clothed in a sad countenance, answered, Fortune was his goddess; and if he were like her, he might prove inconstant, and then, said she, you may change from love to dislike, if so, I may chance to have liberty, either by death, or to be sent into my own kingdom again.

  If you will accept of me, said he, you shall not only have your own kingdom, but mine, wherein you shall be adored and worshipped as the only she in the world.

  Answered she, I had rather have what I adore, than to be adored myself.

  Then was she conducted to a strong and safe, but pleasant place, to be kept in, where the King visited her often, treated her civilly, courted her earnestly, loving her with an extraordinary passion.

  The Prince in the meantime was in high favour with the King, who asked and took his counsel in everything; and sending for him one day, where when he came, he hung about his neck, as was his custom so to do, saying to him[:]

  O my friend, for that was his usual name he gave him, my cruel prisoner, said he, you brought me, despises my affection, slights my addresses, condemns my suit, scorns my proffers, hates my person; what shall I do to gain her love?

  Alas, said the Prince, I have had so ill success in love, that what I doted on most did hate me worst; which is the cause I have left my country, friends, and estate, lost the peace of mind, the joy of mirth, the sweets of pleasures, the comfort of life, hating myself because she doth not like nor love me; jealous I am of light, darkness, heat, cold, because they come so near as to touch her; I wish her dead, because none should enjoy her but myself; yet I cannot live without her, and loath I am to the and leave her here behind: thus hang I on a tortured life, and bear my Hell about me.

  Whilst they were thus lamenting their hard fortunes in love, a messenger brought news that their forces were beaten that were sent into Amity.

  How can that be, said the Prince? most of the nobles being here, and none but peasants left behind, who have no skill in wars, only to fight like beasts, to marshall forces they know not how.

  But the alarms came so thick, one after another, to tell they had not only beat their forces, but were entered into their kingdom.

  With that, the King in haste dispatched the Prince with a fresh supply added to those forces he brought the Queen with, so marched out to meet the enemy; for Travellia, hearing the Queen was taken prisoner, was high enraged, which choler21 begot a masculine and courageous spirit in her; for though she could not have those affections in her for the Queen as a man, yet she admired her heroic virtues, and loved her as a kind and gracious princess to her, which obligations made her impatient of revenge: then calling all the chief of the kingdom together, thus spake unto them.

  Honourable, and most noble,

  You have heard the sad news of the Queen’s being taken prisoner, which cannot choose but strike four hearts through your ears, and make them burn in flames of high revenge; and may those flames be never quenched until you fetch her back, and set her in her throne again; she went to keep you safe, and nothing can be more ungrateful than to let her live amongst her enemies. Nor can you here be free, whilst she is made a slave, your wives and children will be bought and sold, and you be forced to do their servile work; what goods you now possess, your enemies will enjoy: then let your hands and strength redeem your country’s loss, or sacrifice your lives in services thereunto.

  After she had spoke, they proclaimed her with one voice, general, raising new forces, making vows they would never forsake their Queen, but die, or be conquerors.

  Then fitting themselves in order thereunto, as their general and chief governor, caused a solemn fast and procession, sacrificing to the gods for good success.

  After that, she took a view of her arms and ammunition, selecting out the ablest and youngest men to fight, making the better sort commanders, that envy might not breed disobedience; the aged she chose for her counsellors, her old father being made one; the most mechanics went with the bag and baggage, as smiths, farriers, pioneers, cannoneers, sumpter men, waggoners, cooks, women, and the like. Neither did he omit to take good chirurgeons, doctors, apothecaries, and dragsters, to help the sick or wounded. And at the army’s going out she caused a proclamation to be read, that all the women and children, and infirm persons which were left behind, not being fit to go, should pray incessantly to the gods for victory, and safe return; for, said he, women, and children, and the infirm, are the best advocates even to the gods themselves, being the most thriftless creatures they have made, wherefore the most apt to move compassion.

  Thus settling the kingdom in a devout and orderly posture, marched on, re-taking their towns, forts, and castles lost, beating the enemy out of every place; insomuch as they did not only clear their own kingdom of their enemies, but entered into theirs; and being gone some days’ journey, their scouts brought them word there was an army coming to meet them; where after a short time, the armies were in view of each other; whereupon she drew up her forces; the right and left wings she gave to be commanded by two of the valiantest and [most] experienced commanders, the rear unto another, the van she led herself, the reserve she gave her old father in charge to bring in, as he saw occasion, praying him he would not stand with it so far off, but that he might come soon enough to their aid, nor yet to stand so near as to be annoyed with their present fight. Father, said he, I give you this part to command, because I dare trust your faith, as well as your judgement, courage, and skill.

  Then she commanded every captain of a company, shou
ld place himself in the midst of their second ranks, for if the chief commander, said she, in a company be killed, the spirits of the common soldiers soon die, and their nerves grow slack with fear, and all their strength will fail: unless it be to run away.

  The lieutenants she ordered them to place themselves in their last ranks, to keep the soldiers from flying; for said she, shame will cause obedience to submit to authority; wherefore his eyes will be as a fort, and his breast as a bulwark to keep them in, then she gave order that every squadron should be but five ranks deep, and fifty on a breast, which number, said she, is enough to knit into a proportionable body, more makes it unwieldy, and is like a man overgrown with fat, whose bulk makes him inactive, either to assault or to defend himself, and ranks often deep, said she, are not only unuseful and troublesome, but so many men are lost to employment; for the hindermost ranks come seldom, or never to the charge: then in every troop of horse she placed some foot, both pikes and muskets22, to gall and hurt their enemy’s horse when they meet to encounter: for if once the horse falls, the man is down[.] After that she commanded her army to march in such a slow pace, as not to break or loosen their ranks, but commanded them to join so close, as if there were no vacuum in their troops, and so to move as one entire body or piece[.] Lastly, she commanded all the cuirassiers23 should stand in the forefront to bear the shock, or break the ranks; thus setting the battalia24 in order, form and figure, as the ground and places would permit to their best advantage.

  The Prince ordered his battalia, as he was used to do, making it thick and less contracting it, as believing it to be the stronger: but to give a judgement, this way of setting a batallia is best, if it were only to stand still, for a defence, but not to assault; for in action those thick bodies, the half serves only as ciphers without a figure; but never helps to multiply the numeration of blows. But the armies being both ready to join, the young general thus spake to [her] soldiers;