just cause. But, though Egistus was out of his reach, yet he was glad that Bellaria was not with him but still was within his power, and, therefore, he immediately commands her to be carried to prison until his farther pleasure was known. Bellaria, knowing nothing of all this, was under the greatest surprise imaginable, to hear that she was charged with conspiring with Egustas against her husband and of their having committed lewdness together. But, as she was a stranger to guilt, so was she to fear, and therefore, went willingly along with the guard to prison, complaining, not-withstanding, of the hardness of her fortune, that her innocence could be no defence to her.
But Pandosta, who had abandoned himself to the utmost rage, caused a proclamation to be made and published through the realm, that the queen and Egistus, by the help of Franion, who had fled with him, had not only committed adultery, but had also conspired to take away the king’s life. Though those who were, acquainted with the exemplary virtue of the queen would give no credit to the proclamation, yet, the sudden and secret departure of Egistus and Franion, gave some umbrage thereto among the common people who only judge by outward appearances Bellaria, being informed of the proclamation, and knowing her innocency, sent to the king to request that she might be brought to trial, that she might there justify her innocence, or suffer for her crimes if she was found guilty! but her husband, overcome with rage and jealousy, refused to grant either. But this was not the queen’s only unhappiness, for being with child, she expected in a short time to lie in. The king having notice given him of that circumstance by the keeper of the prison, it rather encreased his suspicion, insomuch that he swore ina great
