Page:History of the seven wise mistresses of Rome.pdf/6

6

P. II.

THE Empress thinking the affairs of government too heavy for a woman, chose from among her counsellors one Radamantus a wise and crafty politician to assist her therein, in whom she reposed great confidence, and readily consented to every thing he conceived. This confidence made him imperious insolent, and ambitious; and as the Empress was old & infirm, he thought the only way to secure the throne to himself after her decease was to contrive the death of her daughter, by accusing her of adultery; which by the Roman law was punished with death without mercy.

One day Radamantus from his window saw the princess in an arbour in the palace garden, and thought it a fit opportunity, to put his design into practice; to going down to her, she was surprised at his sudden approach, but upon recovering herself a little, Radamantus thus began; Most lovely lady,