nion, for so was the cup-bearer named, being unwilling to be an actor in such a bloody tragedy, did what he could to persuade the king from such a fatal resolution, alledging several weighty reasons for that end; but he might as well have spoken to the wind, for there was no altering of Pandosta from his purpose. Telling Franion plainly, that seeing he had already made him acquainted with his mind, he had but one of these two things to chase, that is to say, either to do what he commanded him, or be made a sacrifice himself for his disobedience, Franion promised (or at least seemed so to do) to dispatch Egistus out of the world, as soon as a fitting opportunity offered itself.
Tho' Franion, to prevent the fury of the king against his own life, had promised to take away that of Egistus, yet, he was not fully resolved on the matter, but that taking of advice on his pillow, he more sedately considered of it, and found that this was only the effect of the king's unreasonable jealousy, without any good grounds for it, being very well satisfied, that if Egistus, which he did not believe, could be guilty of so foul a thought, yet, Bellaria, whom he knew to be an extraordinary woman for goodness and virtue, would never consent to it; and, therefore, instead of poisoning Egistus, he resolved to make him, acquainted with the danger he was in, which he did accordingly. Egistus at first was hardly persuaded to believe that Pandosta could be guilty of so barbarous a treatment, to a friend, that so dearly loved him, and that came on purpose to visit him in love. But, considering what a cruel passion jealousy is, where it is once entertained, and how unreasonable also, and Franion, solemnly protesting the truth of what he told him, Egistus began to be persuaded of the truth thereof, and to consider also, that in loveand
