Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/354

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268 Anne Bradjlreet s Works.

And there with forrows, fears & cares furrounded

Had now his army fourth and laft compounded.

Which forty thoufand made, but his intent

Was thefe"" in Ba^ria foon to augment:

But hearing Alexander was fo near,

Thought now this once to try his fortunes here,

And rather chofe an honourable death,

Then ftill with infamy to draw his breath :

But Beffus falfe, who was his chief Commander

Perfwades him not to fight with Alexander.

With fage advice he fets " before his eyes

The Httle hope of profit like to rife;

If when he'd multitudes the day he loft.

Then with fo few, how likely to be croft.

This counfel for his fafety he pretended,

But to deliver him to's foe intended.

Next day this treafon to Darms known

Tranfported fore with grief and paffion,

Grinding his teeth, and plucking oft' his hair.

Sate overwhelm'd with forrow and difpair:

Then bids his fervant Artabafus true.

Look to himfelf, and leave him to that crew,

Who was of hopes and comforts quite bereft.

And by his guard and Servitors all left.

Straight BeJJ'2is conies, & with his trait'rous hands

Layes hold on's Lord, and binding him with bands

Throws him into a Cart, covered with hides, [141]

Who wanting means t' refift thefe wrongs abides,

a ftraight. b thefe. c layes.

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