conducted him to the palace and ſeated him next the throne; interrogating many ⟨things⟩ but he anſwered none. While the Emperor's thoughts were taken up in wondering at his ſon's ſilence, the Empreſs came in, adorned with coſtly robes, and underſtanding which was her ſon-in-law, received him with becoming kindneſs, and taking him aſide by the Emperor's conſent ſhe undertook to make him ſpeak.
Though with intent his virtue to betray,
That to his life ſhe might make eaſy way.
СНАР. ІІ.
The Empreſs' wicked ſcheme.
THE Empreſs, fired with the beauty of the young Prince, ſought many means to entice him to a rich alcove, telling him that ſhe would die and leave her royalty, if he denied her love. This he refuſed, ⟨tho'⟩ in ſilence; whereupon ſhe brought him pen, ink, and paper, deſiring him to write a reply, which he did to this effect: "Madam the laws of my Creator forbid ſo great a wickedneſs, as to defile my father's bed: fatal, Madam, would be the conſequence, both from avenging heaven, and my father's wrath, therefore on my knees, I implore you would proceed no farther;" hereupon he
