to come we may be so enriched with merits that in respect of them we may be worthy of those wards proposed by Gods sonne after he had taken vpon him humane nature vnto whom togeather with the Father and the Holy Ghost be giuen all honour and glory world without end Amen THE THIRD BOOKE OF THE LIFE OF B. ALOYSIUS Gonzaga CHAP. I. Of the Letters written by diuers after his death AFTER B. Aloysius had passed to a better life many Letters were sent to his mother that most Honourable Lady which declared how great an opinion of Sanctity he left in the minds of men after his death Before others Fa. Claudius Aquauina the Generall did assure her that from hence-forward she might haue recourse to him as to a deere faythfull patron in heauen for so much as it was confidently thought that that happy diuinely fortunate soule did euen then enioy eternall felicity neither would he euer cease to help and comfort him togeather with the rest of his companions in Religion Father Rectour of the Roman Colledge certified her that Aloysius was passed to a more blessed life not only in his soule but euen in his countenance and whole body so quiet and composed that he had excited a desire in all to imitate his death which was correspondent to his life most holily lead and endowed with all kind of vertues And that therfore she and the rest of the same family shold not so much grieue for his losse as reioyce that one of their kindred was transferred to the number of the Saints The selfe same testimony haue many most Illustrious men giuen by their letters And especially Hieronymus Roboreus that most Illustrious Cardinall wrote to the same Noble Lady in this manner The last thursday in the night was our good Father Aloysius transported to a more happy life and such a harty affection of him and opinion of his egregious sanctimony hath he left vnto others that those Fathers his companions being confident that he shineth gloriously in heauen haue attended his death with no lesse admiration then teares This verily ought to be a great comfort vnto you and hope that he will negotiate with Almighty God for the concord and wellfare of his brothers and the prosperoâ—s fortune of all those of his family Againe I beseech you leaue off to grieue for so much as your sonne resideth now in the Court of Heauen who as I hope will assist vs with his recommendation To the same effect were the letters of Cardinall Scipio Gonzaga which he sent to the Bishop of Mantua his brother and to Aloysius his mother In these he declareth that Aloysius had now entred into a more blessed life and that his end was of so holsome example that he is rather to be honoured with ioyes then bewailed with teares Moreouer how great the opinion of this same Cardinall was of the sanctity of Aloysius Pope Clement the 8. gaue a most remarkable testimony For he vpon the 5. of August the yeare 1604. of his owne accord entring into discourse with the Marques of Castition the Emperours Embassadour of his prayses testified that Scipio Gonzaga had often had speach with him of the singular sanctity of this young man and that withall he had confessed that with euen looking vpon him only his mind had bene transfixed with a holsome griefe and that in respect of a certaine celestiall innocency that he beheld in him he was so much stirred vp vnto piety that he was not able to with-hould himselfe from teares Furthermore his Holinesse wheÌ„ he recounted these things and heard other likewise of his sanctity of life and miracles euen as it were weeping spake with a sensible vehemency these words Blessed is he whom I now verily belieue to enioy immortall glory with God Often haue I wondred when it came into my mind how possibly you could escape so great dangers as you haue done but surely this is he that hath preserued you and brought peace to his family You haue a friend in HeaueÌ„ in whose faythfull tuition you may confide and who will defend you from all harme And conformable to this likewise was the iudgment of that most renowned and most holy Lady Elâ—onora Arch-duchesse of Austria and Duchesse of Mantua as it appeareth by her letter which at that time she sent to Aloysius his mother which after this manner we read in the printed book of her life WheÌ„ I coÌ„sider with my selfe most Illustrious Lady how bitter griefe you must of necessity conceaue for the lâ—ssâ— of your sonne and when I measure it by my owne who although I was not his mother neuerthelesse loued him alwayes with a motherly affection I cannot but take compassion of you And verity not of you only but in like manner of our whole family the groanes of which speaking morally by any force of ours without diuine helpe we cannot appease But if with more sound iudgment wee consider that this most happy soule hauing rent her way through the blind veyle of her body is soared vp to eternall splendour to that fuiâ— period of glory vnto which whilst she liued in this wretched vale of miseries she did with so full course hasten where being more neerly accommodated she may with easier accesse recommend our prayers to our benigne Lord verily let vs render prayses and thanks vnto our good God that hauing deliuered him out of this rerrestriall mâ—d he hath bestowed him in that his glorious Citty of Hierusalem and reflecting vpon our owne commodity let vs mitigate our griefe for so much as of a mortall we see him become a heauenly man c. To this her letter the Author of her life adeth these words which follow The aboue named Aloysius Gonzaga was the eldest sonne of Ferdinand Marques of Castilion who from his very cradle liued an Angelicall life heer on earth Rendring vp his title and dominion of Marques to his younger brother and betaking himselfe to the Society of IESVS ended his life about the 24. yeare of his age Well may that be verified in him which the wise man wrote Consummatus in breui explenit tempora multa placita enim erat Deo anima illius propter hoc proper aâ—it illum educere de medio iniquitatum Sap. 4. Being soone ripe he was equiualent to those that are affoarded a loÌ„ger time for his soule was acceptable vnto God For this respect did he hasten to deliuer him from the middest of iniquity Eleonor a hauing had notice giuen her of this young mans death both spake many things tending to his prayse and often had this speach in her mouth A Saint-like young man he liued and like a Saint he dyed There are also those that recount that she moreouer added this that this man should be the first who of the family of the Gonzaga's should be canonized for a Saint Let vs end this chapter with the letters of Thomas Mancinus a Noble gentleman who for so much as he
which by him were done after his happy departure out of this world It may seeme vnto some not to stand with the decorum of a History for â—e to descend to the relation of certaine small matters as of set-purpose I do in my second booke But for so much as my intention was to help by these my endeauours mens piety and religion and that I did not vndertake to recount the life and manners of any magnanimous Emperour or excellent Statist but those of a Religious man which may seeme worthy of imitation the prayse wherof is either obscured or increased with the least mutation of any addition induced by the example of many who haue obserued the same in relating the acts of Saints and especially by the aduise of some graue and learned men I will of purpose prosecute those thinges which although vnto many they may seeme small yet therin will appeare a certayne excellency and perfection of his sanctity This aduertisment I thought good to giue least any one might impute it to rashnesse If there shall be found any errour in my relatioÌ„ I would haue it attributed vnto my selfe If any thing rightly performed that it should be ascribed to God whom I humbly beseech that he would vouchsafe vs his grace to imitate the admirable actes of this Blessed young man and to obtaine that felicity which we belieue he doth now enioy in heauen And thou most holy and most B. Aloysius who in those fortunate mansions of heauen reapest the rewards of thy labours and in that bright mirrour of the Diuinity in which thou beholdest that of our affaires which it is his pleasure thou shouldest seest my imperfection vouchsafe me thy pardon for so much as with my poore stile I haue vilified thy almost diuine vertues calling to mind that thy propense charity wherwith whilst thou liuedst thou didst imbrace me pray for me to our Lord that I may in such religious sort order my life heere that relying vpon thy help and patr 〈…〉 it may befall me at the last when it shall so seeme good vnto Almighty God to enioy togeather with thee that euerlasting Blisse and Beatitude Amen MOST REMARKABLE testimonies coÌ„cerning B. Aloysius and this History giuen by foure Reuerend and Religious Fathers who had read the same and compared it with the publike Instruments at Brescia The Testimony of the VICAR OF THE INQVIsition of the Order of S. Dominicke I Fr. Siluester Vgolotus Reader of Diuinity of the order of the Friars Preachers Vicar Generall of the holy Office of the Inquiâ—â—â—ion in the Citty and Diocesse of Brescia do testify and vnder my oath affirme that I haue read the life of that B. Prince Lord Aloysius Gonzaga Marques of Castilion and of the Religious Society of IESVS written by the most Reuerend Father Virgilius Ceparius a Deuine and Preacher of the same Society which I haue coÌ„pared with the publike instruments out of which it was drawne and I find that whatsoeuer is recounted of the vertue and sanctity of thâ—s B. young man is all taken from testimonies confirmed by oath and from instruments made by the Paâ—riarchall Archieâ—iscopall and â—piscopall authority of many Citties Moreouer I do verily belieue that not only that which is related in this history but euen much more is very true For when I knew this B. Prince being as yet but of tender age and that I conuersed with him I found by good experience that from his very childhood he was accounted a Saint commended by all as one of an Angelicall life and conuersation of which thing I my selfe could 〈◊〉 many examples And now in this history there is not only any thing repugnant either to sayth or good 〈…〉 ners but it is euen written prudently and with a â—eligious spirit and aboundeth with examples of sanctity Verily I am most confident that it will bring very much spirituall profit not only to religious men out euen to those that are secular as namely to Princes and Lords vnto all which this B. Father hath bâ—ne both a Guide and Example In testimony wherof I haue written and subsâ—ribed these letters Giuen at Brescia in our Couent of S. Dominicke I THE ABOVE NAMED Fr. Siluester whatsoeuer I haue aboue testified affirme it vpon my oath THE READER OF THE BEnedictine Monkes of Cassino I D. Paul Cattaneus Monke of the order of S. Benedict of the congregation of â—assino or of S. Iustinâ— at â—â—dua Reader of Philosophy Cases of Conscience in the Monastery of the SS Faustinus and Iouita at Brescia being sworne do testify that I hauâ— read the life of that Blessed Prince ALOYSIVS GONZAGA Marques of Castilion and afterward Religious of the Society of IESVS written by that most Reuerend F. VIRGILIVS CEPARIVS a Deuine Preacher of the same order and that I haue compared it with all those authenticall instruments and Registers from whence it was drawne and that I haue found whatsoeuer thinges are said therin to be approued by sworne witnesses and those worthy of credit And that it is so far from conteâ—ning any thing contrary to good manners that it is replenished with holy examples and most worthy to be published for the generall profit of the faythfull For out of that very motion of mind and fruit which I my selfe tooke therin I do easily perswade my selfe that it will take no lesse effect with whomesoeuer shall read it And also I my selfe who knewe him many yeares in the world before he gaue himselfe to religion am able to testify that he was by the common consent of all esteemed a holy yong man that he was commended and that many of his admirable actes were ordinarily in the mouthes of men as of one remarkable for Sanctity And when he departed to enter into Religion all the people that were subiect to his dominion strucken with the losse of so great a Prince gaue themselues ouer to lamentations In testimony of which thinges I haue written and subscribed these letters with my owne hand Giuen in the Monastery of S. Faustinus I THE FORSAID D. Paul confirme all these thinges vnder my oath THE PROVINCIAL OF the Capuchins THE life of the B. Prince L Aloysius Gonzaga Marques of Castilion adorned with all vertues and merits religious of the holy Society of IESVS which heerafter is set downe by that very Reuerend F. Virgilius Ceparius Doctour of Diuinity and preacher of the same Society and with great diligence collected out of the testimonies authorities of sworne witnesses as my selfe haue found in particular comparing these with the same and vnder my oath affirme it is altogeather worthy to be published for the glory of God who sheweth himselfe so admirable in his Saints for the example of Christian Princes for the edifiyng of religious and fayth full people This Prince worthy of all glory was borne as I may say holily and whilst he liued was adorned from God with such and so great giftes and benefits that truly I am
of an opinion that three singular thinges may be recouÌ„ted of him The first that as once was said of Saint Bonauenture by his Maister Alexander Halensis Adam seemed not to haue sinned in him so remote from all suspition of sinne did he retaine his state of innocency The other that in his manners he rather seemed to be like an Aâ—â—ell then a man so much did the spirit in him ouercome the flesh the mind the sense The third that after a singular kind of manner that same saying of the Wiseman agreeth vnto him Consummatus in breui expleuit tempora multa Being consummate in short space he fulfilled much time For in a short space of time that he liued in this mortall life he attained vnto that which in many yeares for the most part many Saints scarcely arriued vnto and mounted vnto that degree of perfectioÌ„ which many others haue in vaine attempted to obtaine For if that common prouerbe be true that Communis vox populi vox Dei the common voyce of the people is the voyce of God for so much as this B. Prince is thought in the opinion of all and celebrated by the voyce of all as a Saint by the Princes by the Prelates of the Church by his Confessours Maisters Tutours Parents the people of his Dominion it must of necessity follow that he was a great Saint and that he may very worthily as in heauen so also vpon earth be canonized for a Saint Whome I wish an intercessour and aduocate for me to the Diuine Maiesty Giuen at Brescia in our House of the SS Peter and Marcellinus I Fr. Iohn Francis of Brescia Prouincial of the Friars Capuchins in the Prouince of Brescia Preacher Reader of Diuinity haue written and suscribed with my owne hand all these things and with my oath do ratify the same FATHER RECTOVR the Society of IESVS I IOHN Baptista Peruschus of Rome Rectour of the Colledge of the Society of IESVS at Brescia after the Reuerend Fa. Virgilius Ceparius of our Society came to this our Colledge of Brescia to the intent that he might commit to writing the life of our blessed Brother Aloysius Gonzaga of the same Society haue compared the same life written by him with those registred Tables and Monuments out of which with great labour and industry it was taken and being sworne professe that whatsoeuer is said therin is found in Authorities and Testimonies confirmed by oath I do also testify that the selfe same Father to the intent that he might procure those Instruments and frame an authenticall history trauailed to all these townes of Lombardy And so much the more willingly do I subscribe to these things for that I was familiatly acquainted with B. Aloysius both before he forsooke the world and also when he was ioyned vnto vs in religion at Millan and Rome and many signes of his sanctity which the same Father recounteth in this booke I my selfe knew And I am well assured that in the opinion of all them that knew him and liued with him he was reputed a Saint And after his death the fame of his sanctity daily increased in many townes of Lombardy wherin I haue liued now many yeares it so far forth spread it selfe that it cannot be imagined how it should do more In testimony wherof I haue giuen this vnder my owne hand writing Ioannes Baptista Peruschus who do confirme vnder my oath al the things aboue related CLAVDIVS AQVAVIVA Generall of the Society of IESVS WE haue granted leaue that this Booke of the life of B. Aloysius Gonzaga of our Society composid by F. Virgilius Ceparius Deuine of the same Society and by our selues and many other our Deuines read and approued be committed to print if it may so seeme good to the most Reuerend Father the Maister of the Sacred Pallace For we hope that it will bring no small spirituall fruite to men both religious and secular who shall read it And for this respect we do more willingly graunt it for so much as it appeareth vnto vs vpon certaine notice and our owne proper knowledge that this holy and Blessed young man was most accomplished in all kind of vertue of much edification in his example For he did not only so alwayes liue in the world that he gaue documents of vertue vnto all but also after he was by vs adioyned to the Society he was euermore a perfect Idea of Sanctity and so commonly reputed of all who were acquainted with him those few yeares that he liued amongst vs. At which time we discouered that Almighty God was very much delighted with that pure soule that he enriched her with many excellent naturall gifts out of which there shined forth most holy workes and Angeticall manners So he liued and so continually perseuered till departing out of this life he passed to Heauen whither relying vpon firme grounds we do verily belieue that this holy soule for the enioying of eternall glory and imploring the grace of God for vs did immediately fly Of all which thinges we most willingly giue testimony to the intent that we may testify the truth to the glory of our Lord from whom all sanctity floweth vnto whom be euerlasting prayse and honour At Rome this 14. of Iuly 1605. Claudius Aquauiua THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE LIFE OF B. ALORSIVS Gonzaga CHAP. I. Of his Linage BLESSED Aloysius Gonzaga whose actes conuersation we haue heere determined to put in writing was the eldest sonne of Ferdinand a Prince of the Empire Marques of Castilion in Lombardy and of Martha Tana Santenia of Chery in Turino being both of them most illustrious and most excellent personages This Marques Ferdinand the Father of our Aloysius being sprung froÌ„ the same stock with VVilliam duke of Mantua was from him but three degrees remoued bare rule in that foresayd coast descending to him by inheritance from his ancestors which is scituated betweene Verona Mantua Brescia not far from the lake Benaco And his wyfe Martha being descended from the principall familyes amongst those of Turino had for her Father Baltazar Tanus extracted from the Lord Santenes and for her Mother one Anne from the auncient bloud of the Lords Roborci being a neere kinswomaÌ„ of Hierome Roboreus the Cardinall and that most reuerend Arch-bishop of Turino The marriage betweene these parents of B. Aloysius was celebrated in Spayne in a manner after this sort There liued in the Court of Philip the second the Catholike King this Marques Ferdinand in the same place Martha preuailed much in grace and authority amongst the principall women with Isabel Valots the Queene daughter to Henry the second the French King wife to the said Philip Vpon this occasion the Marques discouering those her excellent ornaments singular endowments of mind became desirous to gaine her for his wife Which when with mature deliberation he had determined he so brought to passe that both the King and Queene should be certified of
when 〈◊〉 was entered into Religion he had at that time no certaine resolution of one side or other but only followed his owne customâ— of pious life Whilst these thinges passe it is much bruâ—â— abroad that the plage increaseth throghout all Italy For feare therof it seemed good vnto the Marques to remoue himselfe togeather with his whole family to Monte-Ferrato Whilst he resideth there he began to be afflicted with grieuous torments of the goute Wherfore by the aduise of the Phisitians he determineth to go the Bathes of Luca and to carry with him Rodulphus another of his sonnes for the cure of a certaine infirmity which he had and in like manner his sonne Aloysius with an intent that at his returne he might take Florence in his way and there leaue them both in the Court of Francis Medices the great Duke of Tuscany ether to the intent that he might continue that friendship which he had begun with him in the Court of the Catholicke King or for that they might be the better accommodated for learning the Tuscane tongue Therfore in the beginning of the Sommer the yeare 1577. he weÌ„t directly towards the bathes when he departed from his wife very much complaining that her children of so tender yeares shold be so far separated from her From theÌ„ce after that he had made sufficient vse of the waters he went towards Florence whither when he neere approched and vnderstood that the gates therof were diligeÌ„tly guarded with watch-men for feare of the plague he betooke himselfe to Fiesoli the place where his familiar frieÌ„d Iames Turcius kept his residence In the meane while he commaunded notice to be giuen to the Great Duke that he came with intention to salute him Hauing receaued an answere he entereth the citty and is intertained by the Duke with remonstrance of singular affection This Duke when the Marques presented vnto him his soÌ„nes was so much delighted with that present that he would haue them lodged in no other place but in his owne pallace But for that he was desirous to haue his children instructed not only in Courtlike deportement but likewise in the liberall studies not long after by the Dukes good leaue be bringing them home bestoweth them in a towne called Angelo Afterward before his departure he appointeth as Gouernour ouer them and all that family Francis Turcius who now gouerneth the house of Iohn Medices a principall man who was one of many yeares experience and of great fidelity and prudence whilst he serued him both in Spayne and Italy He ordained for Chamberlaine Clement Ghisonius now Gouernour ouer the Marques his house who this day is Lord of Castilion There was adioyned vnto these besides the rest of the family worthy of their renowne Iulius Brixianus of Cremona being a priest of singular deuotioÌ„ who might informe them both in the Latin tongue and in honest manners Aloysius was now complete nine yeares of age when he was left by his Father at Florence where he spent two yeares in learning the Latin and Tuscan language Vpon festiuall dayes he resorted to the Court and that he might be obedient to the Gouernour of his child-hood he did sometimes dispose himselfe to some recreation But he was so far from being giuen to disports that as Leonora Medices the Duches of Mantua recounted he being inuited for recreations sake to the gardens by her and her sister Mary who at this day is the Queene of France being then both of them in a manner children was woÌ„t to deny that he was delighted in passe-times that he had rather busy himselfe in erecting litle Altars and in such like exercises of piety CHAP. VI. He voweth to God his virginity in his childhood and flyeth the company of women HE had not long remained at Florence when he made excellent progresse in the practise of heauenly thinges in so much as afterward he was wont to call Florence the mother of his piety And especially he conceaued in his mind so much obseruance towards our Lady the most B. Virgin-Mother that as often as he entred into speach of her and reuolued in his mind the most holy mysteries of her life he seemed euen to melt with celestiall ioy He was very much incited herunto both by the singular reuerence which the commoÌ„ people of Florence do exhibite to the Image of this B. Virgin which in that Citty is worshipped by the name of Annuntiata and in like manner by the reading of that litle booke which Gasper Loartes a Priest of the Society of IESVS wrote of the mysteries of the Rosary In the reading of this booke when he perceaued himselfe to be inflamed with a desire to do somthing that might be gratefull and acceptable to the Queene of Heauen it came into his mind that nothing could be perfourmed more pleasing or better accommodated vnto her then if out of a desire to imitate her chastity as far forth as lyeth in humane power he should by vow oblige and consecrate his virginity vnto her Therfore when vpon a certaine time he prayed before that Image which I spake off before to the intent that he might likewise turne it to the honour of B. Virgin he voweth vnto God that he will for euer preserue his virginity entyre and inuiolable which vow he did alwaies after so religiously and exactly performe that euen therby it is manifest how much it was ratifyed with God and with how especiall loue the Virgin-mother toke him into her charge and tuition For they vpon whome he relyed as ghostly fathers namely Cardinall Bellarmine in that testimony which he confirmed by oath and much more at large Hieronymus Platus in those papers written in latin do affirme that both the body of Aloysius whilst he liued was free from all sense and motion of lust and his mind of all obscene cogitations and representations which might in the least maÌ„ner impuge this his vow and purpose Which thing being beyond the compasse of all humane strength and industry it sufficiently appeareth to haue beene giuen by God as a certaine peculiar guift at the request of his most Deare Mother which of how high a nature it is he may estimate who shall call to mind that S. Paul whether he spake of himselfe or some other did thrice beseech our Lord that he would take from him the stinge of the flesh That S. Hierome in the wildernes seeking to rebate the same did often strike his naked breast with stones That S. Benedict casting away his garments wallowed himseife all in the briars and in like manner that S. Francis tumbled himself naked in the winter-snow That S. Bernard plunging himselfe vp to the neck in an yey poole extingnished this impetuous ardour That certayne few Saints which almighty God pleased to endow with this singular guift haue obtained a rescue from this tyranny And if there haue bene any they haue arriued vnto it by daily praiers and teares Such did S. Gregory that Great in
towards the Society of IESVS and of his zeale of soules HE was wont afterward to recount that this selfe-same litle Booke of which I made mention togeather with the Indian Epistles did very much win his mind to the Society of IESVS The Booke truly for that he sayd he did very much approue and relish the order of things therin much more the spirit by the impulsion whereof it was written And the Epistles for that by them he vnderstood how much God cooperated with the fathers of the Society of IESVS in reducing nations to Christ in those climats Therfore he stirred vp his mind to the imitating of these excellent enterprises for the sauing of soules which cost God so deare though it should be with the expense of his owne life Neither did he cease euen in that his so tender age to indeauour to helpe thē according to his power For that cause also he went euery festiuall day to the schooles of Christian Doctrine and laboured with infinite feruour himself also to instruct children in the rudiments of our Religion and to giue them precepts of fayth and innocent manners The which he did with so singular modesty and loue of humility that he auoided not the familiarity of any boy though he were vnder his owne charge and least of all those that were poore and did most earnestly excite the mindes of all the behoulders to the loue and worship of God Furthermore if he vnderstood of any discord amongst the seruants of the Court he endeauoured to make them friends In like manner if he heard any eyther cursing or speaking against God or his Saints he reprehended the. Those which he knew in the towne to be of depraued manners he did with great clemency exhort seriously solicit that they would correct and reforme themselues He could in no sort endure that Almighty God should be offended He obserued it as a solemne custome that he would intertaine no other discourse but of diuine matters that with so great grauity of wordes and sentences that when about that tyme he went with his mother to Dertona to salute the Duches of Loraine a very noble Lady who togeather with her daughter the Duches of Brunswike tooke her iourney thither he did with speaking astonish all that Princes pages Therefore they iointly affirmed that whosoeuer had heard his voyce discoursing so excellently and so wisely of God and had not also scene his face that he would haue seemed vnto him a man ripe in age and wisedome not a child CHAP. XI By the exhortation of Cardinall Borromeus he beginneth to frequent the sacred mysteries THESE things were done in the yeare of our Saluation 1580. wherin Charles Borromeus Cardinall and Archbishop of Milane a man of excellent Sanctity was by Pope Gregory the thirteenth created Apostolicke Visitour ouer all those Dioceses which were in his prouince and came to Castilion whilst he visited the Dominiō of Brescia with only seauen men which he had chosen out of all his retinue least he might become troublesome to the Ecclesiasticall men which he came to visit Then wheras he performed many other thinges excellently and altogether with an Apostolike spirit he in like manner in the yeare aforesaid the 11. of the Calends of August which is S. Mary Magdaleus day being vested in his Pontificall robes in the Church of the Saints Nazarius Celsus which is the chiefe of that towne made a very fruitfull sermon to the people and although the Princes sending diuers messengers vnto him did very much importune him that he would be pleased to take his intertainement with them in the castle notwithstanding he could neuer be persuaded to rest in any place otherwise then with the Archpriest whose house was neare adioining to that holy Church When B. Aloysius being now but of the age of 12. yeares and foure moneths resorted thither vnto him for the tendering of his duty it is incredible how much ioy he conceaued by the only behoulding of this child being euen like one of the Blessed celestiall Angells gratious in the sight of God he spent so much time with him in long discourses of Diuine matters priuately in his closet that it moued great admiration to all them that waited before the doores Questionlesse it was an infinite contentment to this good Cardinall to behould this tender plant in the middest of the thornes of diuers secular Courts without the industry of any mortall husbandman by the only inspiration of heauenly breath flourishing with so comely vigour and brought vp to such an height of Christian vertue The holy child in like māner very much reioyced that he had gotten a mā vnto whome he might confidently declare himselfe and of whome he might request an explication of those thinges which seemed obscure in the pursuite of true vertue For wheras he had heard much of the sanctity of this Cardinall which was very much spoken of he did earnestly ingrosse as it were deliuered by the oracle of God all his words and precepts which he deliuered of the keeping and following of a setled forme of huing B. Charles asked of him whether he had euer receaued the blessed Eucharist or no which whe hedenied the Cardinall who had now perceaued the integrity of his mind his maturity of wisedome together with his vnderstanding of heauenly matters drawne from God did very seriously exhort him not only to receaue it but also to frequēt it Furthermore in a short discours he set down vnto him an easy forme both rightly to prepare himselfe and piously to receaue this fountaine of all diuine bounty Besides this he did seriously exhort him that he should often and diligently peruse the Roman Catechisme set forth by decree of the Tridentine Councell at the commaund of Pius V. the Pope which booke in respect of the elegancy of the Latin tongue this Cardinall did so much esteeme of that reiecting Cicero other profane Latin authors he thought it only fit to be explicated to youths in the Schooles to the intent that therby they might both reape piety and a copious Latin tongue Neither did he doubt to put this in practise in the Seminary at Millane But when by vse it selfe he found that it fell not out according to his desire he did by commaūd as it were reuiue the old authours againe To conclude when he had giuen his benediction to Aloysius and had shewed other testimonies of his great good will towards him he gaue him leaue to depart This Blessed child omitted not to commit to memory the admonitions of so holy a Cardinall Therfore he began afterward with great contentment to peruse that Catechisme both for that it was replenished with excellent learning for all māner of sanctity and Christian instructions also because he was inuited to the reading therof by the counsell of so excellēt a man whome according as he well deserued he did with all dutifull respect honour And likewise he was very importunate by
after he had often humbly petitioned Almighty God after he had refreshed himselfe often with the Blessed Eucharist that it would please him to vouchsafe him his light for the discussing of deliberations of that consequēce supposing this resolution to be inspired into him by God bidding farewell to the world with all secular affaires he determined to be take himselfe to some Religious family where he would by vow obserue besides Virginity which before he had deuoted to Almighty God also Obedience and Euangelicall pouerty But for so much as hauing not as yet passed the thirteenth yeare of his age it was not expedient for him to put his thoughts in execution he neither assigned vnto himselfe any family nor disclosed vnto any one that which he had in his mind But notwithstanding those Fathers hauing discouering somewhat of his intentions became hopefull that he would at last adioyne himselfe to their company In the meane while he least his manners might disagree from the purpose of his mind began more strictly and vigilantly to order the whole course of his life and amongst secular and Court-delicacies to expresse in all vertue the conuersation of Religious men to retire himselfe longer to his chamber not to haue any fire in the winter season kindled or brought into the same where hitherto he was wont to haue some in respect of the tendernesse of his handes which were accustomed to swell and breake with cold in like manner abroad neuer to come neere the fire and if for company of others it was requisite to do otherwise to take that place wherin he might be sensible of no warmenesse to take with signification of a gratefull mind those remedies which were brought him by those of the house to allay the swelling of his hādes but setting them a side to make no vse of them to do all thinges out of a loue to suffer aduersity for Gods sake Moreouer he auoyded all concourse of people much more did he abhorre Comedies late suppers and delicious bankets to which he was oftē inuited but neuer cold be persuaded by his Father sometimes euen stomaking that his so vnusuall desire of solitude Therfore others resorting thither he only remained at home and there spent his time sometimes in holy meditations sometimes in communication of learning or piety with one or other graue and learned man And other sometimes he went to the Capuchin Fathers and to the Barnabites and wheras he could no more be carried away with the pompes pleasures of the world he inioyed their holy discourses Vpon a certaine time his Father tooke him in his cōpany to Millane that he might behould the transportation of all the horses of that prouince wherat it was requisite that he for the discharg of a certaine office which he mannaged should togeather with many other principall men be present Wheras therfore for so much as this was a thing rare and thought very well worthy the seeing there resorted a great concourse of people vnto it Aloysius who least he should incense his Father commaunding this precisely out of his authority could do no otherwise but goe yet made vse of this new art to wit he neuer suffered himselfe to be set in those principall seates from whence the whole pompe might cōmodiously haue byn seen and which is more as far forth as he might he endeauoured either still to sit with his eyes shut or turned some other way To conclude I may very truly affirme that he passed ouer his childhood without euer playing the child For he was neuer found in that age to haue done any thing that might sauour of leuity He neuer handled any dishonest or vnprofitable bookes He was much delighted to read the actes of Saints set downe by Surius and Lippomanus Of profane writers he for the most part read those who write of manners as Seneca Plutarke and Valerius Maximus He made vse of examples taken out of them at such time as he exhorted others to frame the course of their life out of the preceptes of Christ or Philosophy For he sometimes vttered speaches either openly with diuers others or priuately with some one alone so replenished with most wise sentences so elegant so feruent that all being astonished would say that his doctrin did far surpasse the capacity of his age and that it was therfore deriued frō God That in like manner was the cause why his kindred whereas they were not ignorant of his conditions and beheld not without displeasure so much rigour of diet and apparrell and contempt of all thinges which the world commendeth notwithstāding hauing in reuerence his prudence and singular vertue and neuer being so bold as to aske why he did so let him go forward with his course CHAP. XIV Being returned to Castilion with his Father he leadeth his life in great austerity being very much addicted to Prayer AFTER the Marques hauing performed his gouernment of Monte-Ferrato went backe with his whole family to Castilion Aloysius was so far from any relaxation of that zeale of prayer sharp affliction of himselfe that he did so much more straiten it A great maruell it is therfore that he either was not oppressed with some grieuous disease which might vtterly haue ouerthrowne his health now lōg since much impaired or that his parentes in whose sight he did these things had not out of their authority forbidden him For to that spare hard diet which as I said before he vsed at Mantua and neuer after left off he added many other entire fasts as namely he obserued three set-fasts at the least euery weeke That is to say vpon Saturday in honour of the most blessed Virgin-Mother vpon Friday in memory of the passion of Christ our Sauiour vpon which day being only contented with bred and water in the morning with nothing else but three morsells of bred dipped in water and at euening for his hungry resection he liued vpon one only cutting of bread a litle tosted soaked in water To conclude vpon wednesday sometimes he abstained from all thinges except bread and water sometimes he obserued the receaued custome of fasting in the Church There were added vnto these other extraordinary fasts which of his owne accord he imposed vpon himselfe as often as either the time moued him therunto or that he perceaued himselfe drawne by the loue of God and ardour of piety Furthermore he was so moderate in eating that some of his Fathers family maruelling how he was able to maintaine his life determined at vnawares to him to waygh how much meate he tooke at one meale after that by ballance-waight they had examined his bread togeather with his meat they affirmed by oath that his vsuall dinner or supper did not fully amount to one Ounce waight Which waight is so far from supplying the ordinary necessity of nature that we must necessarily confesse that which we haue heard of other Saints that his life was sustained by some diuine assistance without
yeares discharged that office These did he exceedingly reuerence and honour of them he neuer spake otherwise then with great respect He neuer dissented from them in opinion or iudgment He neuer taxed them for their method of teaching or dictating neuer for their short or long discourse of questions or any other thing of that kind he neuer shewed any forward inclination towards new or vnusuall opinions He built only vpon the writings of S. Thomas of Aquine whos◠sanctity of life he did not only with singular piety imitate but also loued deerely his order of teaching and perspicuity and his doctrine exempted from all danger of errour Aloysius was of an excellent and penetrating wit ioyned with a singular grauity of iudgment the which both we perceaued his Maisters themselues cōmended of which one of them doubted not to affirme that he neuer was carefull to premeditate what he should answere to them that asked or disputed against him when there occurred any intricate question but only to Aloysius Gonzaga He accompanied this wit of his with industrious study as much as might be permitted him either in respect of his health the weakenesse of his forces or the will of his Superiours He neuer set to his study before vpon his knees he had made some adoration of Almighty God He bestowed not his study in turning ouer and considering the bookes of diuers authours nor in any one Commentary else but those only that were his Maisters If there came into his mind any reason contrary to that which was taught him which of himselfe he was not able to refute hauing noted the same he did afterward at the breaking-vp of the schooles when all others had propounded their questions aske his Maisters opinion concerning his difficulties But sometimes when he had gathered many thinges which seemed to haue some doubt in them he tooke some time which he hoped might be least troublesome to his Maisters and went to their studies to require their answers Whilst he asked their Counsell he vsed no other language but Latin neither would he stand otherwise then with his hat in his hand till by commaund they made him put it on So soone as his Maister had souled his doubts straight-way he betooke him to his study in his chamber He neuer medled with any booke but by the permission and persuasion of his Maisters In which thing how much he stood vpon their word you may euen perceaue by this that followeth F. Augustine Iustinian his Maister when he had explicated vnto him in his study a certaine difficulty about predestination which he asked him hauing explaned vnto him the seauenth Tome of S. Augustine and pointing-out with his finger euen almost to the end of his booke De bono persenerantiae he commaunded him to reade what that holy man had written there of the same argument He read-through all that page which was pointed out vnto him neither would he so much as turne-ouer the leafe to read those ten other lines which vpon the other side ended the booke questionlesse for so much as he was not cōmaunded to go any further And yet those lines which were on the other side Iustinianus himselfe had not obserued Both at home and in the schoole as often as by the Bedell he was warned to those kind of exercises he either argued against or answered others and for the same if any of the rest should be lesse accommodated he professed that to supply their place he wold be at his disposall He disputed sharpely but modestly he would neuer in his speach exasperate any one no◠stomake them nor raise any clamour nor interrupt him that answered but giue him space to declare what his mind opinion was The doubt obscurity of the questio being take away he did ingenuously assent and make an end of the controuersy Before the bell did ring to Schooles in like manner before he returned home againe both before and after noone he daily frequented the sacred Church to adore the most holy Eucharist In his going and returning from the schooles he was of so modest and composed a behauiour that he inflamed with the loue of piety euen strangers who being studious of learning stood to behould him in the Court next to the schooles And especially a certaine Abbot that was a stranger hauing in that Academy performed his course of Diuinity being allured with the loue of his Modesty frequented the schoole for no other cause then to behould him neyther did he euer in the Schooles take his eyes of him And this ought not much to be admired at for the Prouinciall of the Society which is amongst the Venetians did affirme there before the Tribunall of the Patriarch that that saying seemed fitly to agree to B Aloysius which S. Ambrose wrot vpon that place of the Psalme Qui timent te videbunt me laetabuntur pretiosum est inquit videre virum iustum plerisque enim iusti aspectus admonitio correctionis est perfectioribus verò letitia They that feare thee shall see me and be comforted It is a pretious thing sayth he to see a iust man for vnto most men the beholding of a iust man is an admonitiō of correction and to the more perfect it is a ioy Doubtlesse such like effects as these did the aspect of this happy yoūg mā produce in the minds of his behoulders Therfore to him also sorted those words that follow Iusti sanat aspectus ipsi oculorum radij virtutem quandam videntur infundere ijs The aspect of a iust mā healeth and the very beames of his eyes do seeme to infuse a certayne vertue into them who faythfully desire to behould him All which this our Aloysius made good in his very coūtenance most decēt habit of body being very apt to moue the minds of mē with a sense of piety holsome griefe Add herunto that the only behoulding of him did not only admonish strangers and Religious young men his companions but euen most graue priests of their duty Therfore in his presence they seemed to take vnto them a certayne grauity Neyther would they in his cōpany rashly vtter any licencious word or do any action tending to leuity Whilst he went to the schoole or from thence went home whilst he remained there or was present at disputations he was neuer discouered to vtter so much as one word to any one were he domesticall or stranger So obseruant was he of the rule of silence When his Superiours saw him vexed with perpetuall sicknesse and weakenesse of body they forbad him to write his dictates in the schoole but to that end to make vse of a Scribe Neither truly could he who as yet had attained no dexterity therin keepe touch with the swiftnesse of his wrighting to the voyce of the Maisters that dictated He truly obayed but supposing that it wold be an vnseemely thing that mony should be in the hands of them that for infirmity sake should imploy
writings and especially of those which perhaps he should haue present vse for he said he did it for this cause for so much as he perceaued himselfe to be carried away with some particular affection towards those things as the ofspring of his owne wit and for that he stood not affected to any other mortall thing he wold also depriue himselfe of those things that from hence forward he might haue his mind sequestred from all Further more he had attained vnto a certrine exact subtility in trying out the offices of a perfect life which were requisite to be not only committed to memory by all Religious people but also put in execution For there stealeth vpon all men for the most part a certaine naturall sweetnesse of a reioycing and selfe-cherishing mind as often as they perceaue themselues to be especially graced and beloued of excellent men and chiefly of them in whose power they are for that they by this euident testimony signe declare that they are well pleased with their demeanour therfore oftentimes some do not only reioyce therin themselues but also make mention therof in the company of their familiar friendes Aloysius was far of another mind For so far forth had he extinguished all loue of himselfe and was so far from desiring that any mans mind should particularly adhere to him that he would not endure himselfe so much as with any peculiar loue or obseruance to be affected by the Superiours themselues If any one made a shew to loue hâ—â— more then any of the rest he would be so far from answering them with loue that he conceaued griefe for the same Therfore those that gouerned him to the intent that they might doe a thing acceptable to him they seemed no more to esteeme of him then of any other Wheras in all companies he was wont to be very affable likewise at this time no man was more courteous no man could possibly be of a more sweet condition with so immense and common a kind of charity did he imbrace all Therfore very earnestly they had recourse to him in recreation time to heare him discourse of God of celestiall felicity and of the perfection of vertue Verily my selfe speake both by experience and haue bene tould by others that many departed from his company more inflamed then from their prayers If he could get any one vnto whome he knew that he might confidently inlarge his mind in priuate he declared vnto them such diuine affections of his hart that as men stroken with admiration he caused them both to sigh and conceaue a veneration of so vnusuall a coniunction with God Whithersoeuer he went he neuer laid aside the presence of God contemplating all his actions He was so inflamed with he loue of God that when either there was mention made of him by the Reader at the table or by any other discourse straightway his mind flowed with celestiall ioy and he would giue an open signe therof by the inflammation of his countenance the interruption of his speach This fell out both at other times and also once at the table when he hearing certaine things read of Diuine loue on the suddaine he sensibly perceaued from his inward brest as it were a flame to burst forth by the violence wherof he was constrained to forbeare eating Vpon this occasion we that sate round about him at the table tooke notice of it And for so much as we were ignorant of the cause feared least he was grieuously sicke we fixed our eyes attentiuely vpon him asked him whether he were well or no. He who at that time truly was not able to vtter so much as one word and found himselfe to be taken with the manner being so much the more out of countenance cast downe his eyes burst forth into teares blushed swelled so in the brest that we feared least some of his veines might haue broken were all moued with commiseration of him At last in the later ending of dinner by little and little he recouered himselfe againe There were some who when they knew these thinges to the intent that they might see him blush vpon set purpose would in the company of their companions introduce speaches of the charity of God towards mankind Others contrariwise least he should incurre some hurt or troble in his body endeauoured to breake of these kinds of discourses Walking in the schooles and cloisters he had his mind so far abstracted from his senses that vpon set purpose oftentimes passing by him to salute him I haue take occasion to bring him to himselfe There he said his beades to the Blessed Virgin-Mother he frequently vsed interchaÌ„gable offices of piety one while kneeling another while standing vpright and yet neuerthelesse he auoyded that note of affectation in all his doings which others often doing these thinges would easily haue incurred This yeare he designed vnto himselfe one houre euery day for the reading of sacred thinges He seemed much to be delighted in reading the Soliloquies of S. Augustine the life of S. Catherine of Genâ—a the sermons of S. Bernard vpon the Canticles and especially that his Epistle intituled Ad fratres de monte Dei which are found among the workes of S. Bernard He had so often read that ouer that he seemed almost to haue learned it without booke In his reading he selected and noted certaine hidden sentences of piety which after his death we found written in his owne hand In the moneth of Nouember the yeare 1590. hauing begun his fourth yeare in the studie of Diuinity the Rectour compelled him to haue his chamber a part from the rest of his companions Then he brought to passe that he might lodge in a certaine small corner of the house that was old darke low narrow with one window only through the roofe therof which being iust ouer the stayres was able to contayne no more then a poore bed a wooden chayre a foote stole which did sâ—rue him to leane on both at his prayers study therfore for so much as it was rather like a strict prison theÌ„ a chaÌ„ber it was neuer woÌ„t to be allotted vnto any student When F. Rectour sometimes visited him in that place he found him triumphing and reâ—oycing in that little cottage as if it had bene in some ample Pallace And we were wont to say vnto him in iest that as S. Alexius was willing to lodge vnder a payâ—e slayres so he also like a poore man aboue To conclude so complete was he in all the parts of Sanctity that many both his Superiours chamberfellows and fellow students affirmed vpon oath that by no one of them was he euer found so much as culpable of one veniall sinne He that heard his confessions said that he neuer dismissed him but he conceaued some new light by hearing his confession Another Fa. in like manner being sworne affirmed that he who had layne two yeares more or lesse in the same chamber with Aloysius wheras
The griefe which they of Castilion conceaued for the departure of Aloysius pag. 151. Chap. XXXII He renoâ—â—ceth the Marquesate and all his other Fortunes pag. 154. Chap. XXXIII Haâ—ing obtained to be senâ— to Rome he goâ—th by Loreto 〈◊〉 his piouâ— exerâ—ises in that iourney pag. 159. Chap. XXXIV At Rome hauing visited the Churches of greatest faâ—â—e hauing saâ—utâ—â— the Pope and Cardinals he is adioyned to the Society of IESVS pag. 16â— THE SECOND BOOKE CHap. I. How excellently he performed the Nouiship of his Religious lyfâ— pa. 171. Chap. II. He is exâ—rcâ—seeâ— by G 〈…〉 a certaine pensiuenesse anâ— in like manner by the Diueâ—â— pag. 17â— Chap. III. His constancy of mind in the death of his Father the Marques pag. 178. Chap. IV. Of his mortification in the time of his Nouiship the custody of his senses pa. 184. Chap. V. He refraineth from the desire of honour he explicateth holsome preceptes to the poore he earnestly desireth to be reprehended publikely pag 191. Chap. VI. The Maister of the Nouices maketh triall of his vertue For many rarâ— vertues he is reputed holy by his fellowes pag. 194. Chap. VII Of the things done by him at Rome in the house of the Professed Fathers whilst â—e continued there his preparation to the Eucharist and his sensible pieâ—y towards the same pag. 196. Chap. VIII The letters of Fâ— Hieronymuâ— Platus wherby is described Aloysius his vocation to Religion and his vertues pag. 201. Chap. IX The rest of his actes in the house of the professed Fathers the custody of his eyes and of his obedience pag. 208. Chap. X. How he spent the rest of the time of his Nouiship The purity of his mind and moderation of his Affections pag. 216. Chap. XI Of his singular hability in Prayer and familiarity with God pag. 219. Chap. XII Of the notable Sanctity of thâ—â— Maister vnder whome he made his Nouiship and whome he did seriously imitate pag. 233. Chap. XIII Aloysius goeth with the same Father to Naples and giueth excellent documents of vertue whilst he remaineth there pag. 240. Chap. XIV Of his course of life when he applied himselfe to the study of learning in the Roman Coledge He publikely defendeth certaine positions in the whole course of Philosophy He applieth himselfe to the study of Diuinity pag. 248. Chap. XV. He maketh his vowes of Religion He receaueth the lesser Orders pag. 260. Chap. XVI Of his humility and his exercises for the obtayning therof pag. 261. Chap. XVII Of his Obedience and obseruance of the Rules pag. 27â— Chap. XVIII Of his Pouerty Chastity Speach and Conuersation pag. 285. Chap. XIX Of his Mortification and the Afflictions of his body pag. 287. Chap. XX. What he thought of the Spirituall Exercises of Bl. F. Ignatius how he exercised himselfe in them pag. 294. Chap. XXI His loue towards God his zeale towarâ—s his neighbour his desire of spirituall discourses pag. 296. Chap. XXII He is sent into his Countrey for the appeasing of certaine grieuous discords which were betweene the Duke of Mantua and the Marques his brother How he behaued himselfe in this his iourney pag. 306. Chap. XXIII What he did at Mantua what at Castilion how dexterously he carried himselfe in the businesse that he negotiated pag. 314. Chap. XXIV He persuadeth his brother the Marques to disclose his secret marriage to the intent that he might auoyd euill example At Castilion with a Sermon he exciteth the people to piety pag. 328. Chap. XXV Of the excellent examples of vertue which he shewed forth of himselfe that short time which he liued at Millan pag. 335. Chap. XXVI The letters of F. Bernardinus Medices of the vertues of Aloysius obserued at Millan Also Fa. Achilles Galiardi his testimony of his manner of praying without distraction of mind pag. 345. Chap. XXVII Aloysius is foretould of his death by God He is recalled by Fa. Generall from Millan to Rome In his iourney at Siena he maketh a sermon to them of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin pag. 349. Chap. XXVIII Of the accomplished Sanctity of B. Aloysius pag. 354 Chap. XXIX With great Charity he serueth the sick in the Hospitall Thereby he iâ— infected with a deadly disease pag. 6â— Chap. XXX Aloysius his sicknesse groweth vnto a Feuer Hectick by which he consumeth by degrees His excellent sayings and doings aâ— that time pag. 370. Chap. XXXI He sendeth vnto his mother two letters in the time of his sicknesse by the which he comforteth her and intreateth her prayers pag. 379. Chap. XXXII Of the preparation which Blessed Aloysius made for his death in a rapt he partaketh celestiall ioyes and foretelleth thâ— day of his death pag. 384. Chap. XXXIII Being fortified with his sacred Viaticum and in like manner with a plenary Indulgence from the Pope he resteth quietly in our Lord. pag. 393. Chap. XXXIV Of the obsequies buriall and such things which happened to the body of B. Aloysius pag. 40â— THE THIRD BOOKE CHap. I. Of the Letters written by diâ—â—â—â— after his death pag. 411. Chap. II. The notable testimony whiâ—h Robert Bellarmine that most renownâ—◠〈…〉 dinall gaue of B. Aloysius pag. 〈◊〉 Chap. III. Many miracles of B. Aloysius He recouereth his mother from the point of death He procureth a happy deliuery to a noble woman much indangered in child-birth He deliuereth a certaine manfrom danger of loosing his sight pag. 422. Chap. IV. A Gentleman of Rome hauing made a vow to B. Aloysius is cured of the stone In like manner a Gentleman of Luca is deliuered from a malignant feuer by hanging his reliques at his necke pag. 429. Chap. V. A Religious Virgin at Florence by the Reliques of B. Aloysius is cured of a very troublesome Canker pag. 432. Chap. VI. He deliuereth two of the Society one of them from a malignant feuer the other from the Stone The later benefit happened also to one of Turino pag. 438. Chap. VII Vpon an Child twice forsaken of the Phisitians twice he bestoweth heaâ—th He bringeth backe to his senses a man raging-mad in a malignant feuer pag. 444. Chap. VIII A woman of Brescia is deliuered from a feuer and from a bloudy fluxe another in like manner from a feuer a great laxe A certaine man is preserued in falling from a great precipice pag. 448. Chap. IX The very touching of his reliques ariueth away from the Earle of Montemelino a feuer and from the Duke of Mantua another grieuous disease The like fauour was done to the Marshall of Polonia praying before his picture pag. 451. Chap. X. Baccius a Doctour of Rome is recouered of diuers diseases pag. 455. Chap. XI A Gentleman of Florence iâ— deliuered from an euill spirit by the only touching of his reliques A certaine yong woman praying before the picture of B. Aloysius is recouered of lamenesse pag. 458. Chap. XII Many miracles wrought in the Marquesate of Castilion by the merits of B. Aloysius wherupon many votiue Tablets were hung at his Picture pag. 462. Chap. XIII Diuers others fauours and graces conferred by B. Aloysius his intercession vpon persons in sundry places pag. 473. Chap. XIV Certaine fauours of B. Aloysius done for the good of soules by driuing away Tentations pag. 475. A MEDITATION OF THE HOLY Angels and of those especially who are deputed to the Custody of men Written by B. Aloysius Gonzaga pag. 480. FINIS