the perswasions of a woman contrary to the directions of him and the other Phisitians he took his knife in one hand and the peice of the Onion in the other saying with sighs and tears Ah poor and unfortunate Father you now see the great evil which you have caused this day it is just twelve moneths that by my own fault I lost my only Son and that I might know my misfortune the Heavens have this day made me see it who will not blame my sottishness knowing that I have caused the death of my only Son by following the directions of a foolish and distracted woman Now I know it but too late that Nature shewed her self as bountiful in preserving my Son as she was liberal in bestowing him upon me behold the sign behold the Christal dissolved by vertue of the white Onion which my poor Child so often desired to have but in vain whereat Nature being angry hath made me understand and know to take such vengeance of me as I deserve and to serve for a perpetual example to all men not to give credit to this sotteriâ—s malignities of their wives my Son being dead who otherwise by the course of Nature might have lived long shall I live I who have caused his death It shall not be so I cannot endure my self such a mischief shall not go unpunished and on a sudâ—in when he had spoken thus he thrust the kniâ—e which he held into his wives bâ—eaâ— aâ—d â—hen did as much to himself and that with such quickness that those who were present and who melted in tears thus to hear the poor Father complain did not mind him and much less had the means to hinder what he did This was the end of poor Polectetus who to his great prejudâ—ce found the danger of being governed by the counsel of a woman for if the counsel of a woman be bad when shâ— thinks to do well as it was with the poor Flaminia what is it then when she is moved with rage and fury The means which the Empress uses upâ—n this account I shâ—ll let pass because Sir your Majâ—sty is best acquainted therewith but I dare say and affirm that if you suffer your self to be over ruled by her and cause your Son to dye without well considering of the matter I doubt nor but it will happen to you as it did to Polictetus and it may be worse and yet I do not conclude that Prince Erastus ought not to suffer death if what he is accused of be found to be true and that the Philosophers escape death who instead of instructing him in vertuous courses and good learning have rendred him so unnatural and given to sensuallity Yet however I once again urge that in this point you do not depend upon the sole words of a woman nor to those who on this occasion are transported with passion as you your self are for the wrong you think you have received which if it should be true there should be no torment nor pain how great soever which should not be thought liâ—â—lâ— in comparison to such an excess But all those who know and are acquainted with the vertues and greâ—t continence of young Prince Erastus are of another mind And therefore not only to content your mind as belongs to so great a Prince as you are I pray Exhort and Counsel you to leave this affair to the Senate And in case Prince Erastus be found guilty of the fact that he dye miserably by the hand of justice and with him the seven Philosophers who have instructed him so wickedly and on the contrary if he be found Innocent that his Innocence he not oppressed And do not think Sir that I say this to prolong this cause and by this means escape death for I onely desire three days time for the Philosophers in which time if they do not cleerly make appear the Innocence of your Son and if he himself do not Justifie himself wi hin that time that he be put to death and with him the seven Philosophers beginning with me Lencus who have writ this present Letter not having at the beginning put the name of him who sent it lest considering the great hatred you bear to us you should refuse to read it seeing it directed by one of us therefore wonder not Sir at what I send you word that your son shall Justifie himself for the cause of his not speaking hitherto comes not by any natural default which he hath neither is it occasion'd by the accident for wch we are deteyned but it is caused by a certain great Mistery secret which you shall understand from him within two days if you have the patience to let him live so long Praying the Gods that your life be long and happy This is the Story or example which Lencus the Philosopher did write and send in a Letter to the Emperour and as I find it in the Originals Italian and French but others say it was an other Story which I thus relate to you A woman having buried her husband is resolved to dye in his Vault and will therefore stay with his body A Soldier who is appointed to Watch a Rogues body that was hanged on a Gibbet comes to the Vault to the woman perswades her to drink and eat and enjoyes her in the mean time the Rogues body is stolen from the Gibbet The Souldier is distracted being to dye for his neglect he therefore attempts to kill himself but the woman hinders him helps to hang her husbands body where the Rogues was A Gentleman of Rome who was blessed with a large estate had for his sole heir or Daughter of an incomparable beauty and Ingenious Soul and having been carefull to give her vertuous education she by that Addition had so honourable a fame that all the young men of quality in those parts became her Suitors but it being impossible for her to be the lawful prize for them all she at length was so importunatly courted by one that she was espoused to him He who was thus happy in her love enjoment was a Gentleman in whom nothing was wanting that could be reqâ—ired to make him accomplisht and amiable especially in her eye who loved him with equal ardours and thought of no felicity but in his mutual affections and Society so that all men his envous Rivals only excepted expected from so fare an Union would proceed all mortal happiness in perfection But observe the unconstancy of humane felicity these two Lovers had not long enjoyed each other when fate seldome long favourable to Lovers steps in and divides them by the Eternal divorce of death translating the husband into an other life and leaving the Widdow almost liveless for so had her grief made her and nothing kept her from using violence on her self that she might enjoy him in the Elizium shader but the desire of seeing him laid into his Tomb with such Funerall Pomp and solemne obsequies as were
mind told her that she must give no credit to Dreams being things without substance that vanish away whereupon she put on a mercy countenance and entertained the Emperour as she was wont until it was bed time which occasioned more pain to this poor Princess the Emperour for his part went to sleep but the Empress could not close her eyes for thinking of her affection to Erastus being of opinion that her affairs having had so prosperous a beginning she should lose noe time or occasion to bring it to that end so much desired by her and ruminating all the night on what means she should use to perfect her desires sometimes she doubted that the Slave was insufficient for an enterprise of so high a consequence otherwise she could not find any way possible to speak with Erastus because he was at Rome and alwayes accompanied with grave Phylosophers whose doctrine she very well knew was contrary to her appetite In conclusion she resolved to speak to him by Letters and Presents and so soon as the day began to appear that night in the opinion of the Empress being longer than usual she arose and being retired alone into her Cabinet she writ this Letter which followeth THE Empress Aphrodicia to her Friend Erastas health I doubt not but these presents will astonish you that I without respecting your grandeur have bin so bold to write to you without considering that I present to your fair eyes a thing so ill dictated as these presents and to cause your mouth so accustomed to all good learning to read this Letter destitute of all eloquence however I have not forborn putting Pen to paper being assured that your sublime spirit will measure my writeing according to the affection from whence it proceedeth and that you will have a greater esteem for it than if all the Oratory had been employed to assist me with Eloquence upon this occasion for according to the Poet Love hides many faults and to tell you truly how it is this God hath so fettered me that to obey him I have been forced thus to write to you praying you to receive and entertain it with a pleasant countenance believing that it is not simply paper but my self who with all my affection am transformed into it and I wish I were personally present with you assuring my self thâ—t I should enjoy the fruit of my desires which I hope are long by word of mouth to discover to you for it is impossible that your knowing spirit should not be acquainted with the secrets of my heart which is more yours then my own for you are Lord of it so as you will please to love that which with all her heart loves you However if your temper corresponds to your name for Erastus signifies amiable I hold my self assured that my recommendation shall be received which nevertheless I present to you with all possible affection and because I wondred at your absence at my Wedding with the Emperour I therefore pray you to take occasion to come and see me that you may let the World know that you are not dissatisfied with my alliance in doing whereof which I entreat of you you shall hear openly by word of mouth the rest of my secret which only tends to your profit honour and greatness In the mean time to testify the perfect love which I bear to you I send to you the most pretious things which I have being certain jewels which you shall find to be singular not only for their beauty and richness but also in regard they are peices of antiquity which my late Father gave particularly to me being the preciest things he was Master of and therefore I send them to you as better deserving to enjoy things so rare desiring you to accept of them with my heart And as you have the report to surpass iâ— every thing all other men that you not only permiâ— your self to be overcome by the force of a simple woman but let her know that your love is more ardent then hers if it were possible I wish you good health This Letter being written and sealed the Empress wrapped it up in fine cloath of Gold with many Jewels Pearls Diamonds Safers and many other pretious stones of inestimable value and enclosed all in a Cabinet of fine Gâ—ld which she delivered to her faithful slave charging him to carry it to Erastus advising him to find him alone and accompany the present with speeches proper to the intent of his message and the slave might perform this voyage with the more bravery she presented him with a horse and a good some of money The Slave thus dispatched in short time arrived at the Pallace where Prince Erastus studyed where by good Fortune he found him alone in his studdy and as to the matter of the present delivered his mesage as the Empress had commanded him without proceeding further but only to barâ— râ—commendations from his Mistress forbearing to deliver the rest of the message until he should understand how the Prince would accept of the pâ—eâ—ent being of the opinion that it would be impâ—ssâ—ble for a Prince of his age to sl ght such pretious Jewels as he had brought but Erastus having considered the richness of the present began to consider what might be the cause of the great liberallity of the Empress in regard that all women are naturally covetous But having found the Letter and read the contents of it he presently had some suspition although he could not absolutely believe love to be the cause but however in great anger he tore the Letter into prices and soundâ—y ratâ—ed the slave forbidding hâ—m upon his life never to come into his presence and that he should carry back the Jewels to his Mistress and use his endeavour to diswade her from her disordinate humours The slave being much troubled returned back to Rome and in his way thither he considered that if he should acquaint his Mistress of the truth of this affair his profit would be at an end and therefore being come into the presence of the Empress he spake thus Madam I do assure you that I have full and according to your intention executed the charge which you were pleased to give me and that the Prince Erastus is wholly at your dispose True it is that not thinking himself worthy of the great present which you sent him told me that your love was sufficient without depriving you of so great rarieties therefore he hath returned them only keeping the Letter which he read over and kissed more than a thousand times in my presence and he would willingly have returned an answer but that he doubted his Masters would return presently and surprâ—ze him wherefore he in short told mâ— that he would suddenly come to Rome where by word of mouth he would give you full satisfâ—ction beseeching you in the mean time to continue your good opinion of him The Empress was highly contented with the slaves discourse however she
the whole Nobility for they had all great fancy to hear him speak expecting what he should say would be so much to the purpose that every word would be a sentence the Emperour then being moved with anger and incredible sorrow with a troubled and angry countetenance demanded of the seven wise Philosophers if this was the wisdom and great perfection which they had caused him to believe his Son was endowed with saying that he was compleat in all things and what doctrine they had taught him not to answer his Father being an Emperour what Philosophy is this quoth the good Emperour in what Aristotle or Plato have you found the doctrine for instead of being wise and well instructed as you informed me every one sees that he is ignorant a Sot and without understanding but I assure you by the words of a Prince that ye shall be punished according to your deserts The Philosophers seeming to be as much surpriz'd as the rest to see Erastus thus mute said to the Emperour know Sir that we have not informed you Majesty any thing touching your Son that is not true so that here is not any Philosopher modern nor antient to whom he may not be compared Being as well or better taught than any man whatsoever of this age to tell you wherefore he is at this present mute we know not but we can well assure your Majestie that it is not done without great cause which nevertheless is unknown to us for being Master of so much knowledge he well enough knows when he ought to speake and whâ—n â—o hâ—ld his peace But let the Philosophers sâ—y wâ—â—â—â—hâ—y would the Emperour could not be appeâ—sâ—â— but being transpâ—râ—ed with anger hâ— repâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 Erastus câ—uld have no reason to be 〈◊〉 in his pâ—eteâ—ce And thus being both angry 〈…〉 Sâ—n in this condition he left him 〈…〉 â—ed wiâ—h the Nobility that accompanied 〈◊〉 Thâ— Eâ—â—â— ss hearing the noise of horses went 〈◊〉 meet the Emperour being attended by all her â—â—â—yeâ—â—nd the Roman Princesses and having underâ—oâ—â—â— from him the small satisfaction he had took in seeing his Son and she beholding Prince Erastus To whom she was eâ—slaved without having seen him considering with her eyes that his beauty was beyond compare greater â—hen report had given of him she became wholy enâ—moured of him therefore with a merry cheerfull countenance she went to him and having very amorously embraced him she began to reason with him of many matters but the young Prince made her no answer whereupon the Empress was astonished yet however the fire that consumed her did not at all diminish but on the the contrary encreased in such manner that not being able to resist the violence of love which coâ—strained her she tooke occasion upon the Princis silence to encrease the flame of her disordâ—nate appetite and thereupon went towards the Emperour to whom she declared that every one very well knew that the silence of his Son was not because he was naturally mute as might appâ—are by what the Gentleman related who came frâ—m Erasâ—us â—uâ— the day before who affirmed that he had heard him dispute so ingeniously with his Masters tâ—at he rather judged him to be Master than the Scholler and therefore they might conclude that this silence was caused by some accident which she would undertake to discover and remedy having the young Erastus in her power in a place where they might be alone The Emperour believing what the Empress said was out of a good will to his Son not in the least suspecting her loyalty and being very desirous to discover the cause of his Sons silence and to give a remedy thereto He presently câ—maâ—ded that Prince Erastus should be led to the Chamber of the Empress and that they should be left alone the Empress seeing all thâ—ngs to fall out according to her expectations was very joyfull And promised the Emperour that she would use such meanes that his Son should speake â—n the other side the young Prince foreseeing the great attempts that should be made upon him was fearfull left he should be enforced to breake his resolution Nevertheless being resolved to vanquish the malignity of the stars by a strong and firm constancy he went cheerfully to the Empresses Chamber where in short time we may see by experience that hatred prevails more than love in the hearts of Ladyes CHAP. VII The Empress Aphrodicia being shut up alone with Prince Erastus endeavoured all she could to induce him to her appetite but seeing her self refused and disdained she made an outcry that he would hâ—ve foâ—ced her by which meanes the Prince was mâ—de Prisoner and condemned to Death THis cruell Tygress seeing her prey taken in the toylâ—◠〈◊〉 thouâ—â— losiâ—g one moment of time 〈◊〉 to her Chamber where being come she lookâ—d her self 〈◊〉 and having taken the young Prince by the hand she caused him to sit down by her and câ—lliâ—g her arme about his neck she embraced and kâ—ssâ—d him in a different fashion then what a mother uâ—es to her Son in fine after many kisses and embraces she asked the cause of his silence which held the Emperour and all the Roman people in so great trouble who in honour of him had caused his entry to be so magnificent She told him that every body had cause to thinke it strange that having lived a long time without seeing the Countrey his Father nor friends being came thither he did so apparently slâ—ghâ— them being a thing unhandsome in any person of understanding and much more in him who had bin accounted so discreet In this time the young Prince fixed his eyes on the ground without one word of answer knowing that to be his critical minute of holding his peace Whereupon the Empress being astonished she agen threw her self about his neck giving him an infin te of kisses but the more amorously she behaved her self the less regard he took of her The Empress seeing this spake to him in these terms What disdain is this or what other accident can have happened to you to cause you to be mute why do you not speak to me what do you fear remove all fear and tell me the cause of this silence and let me alone for I will carry it so both to the Emperour and all the world that every one shall be satisfied without imputing anything to you and if you have resolved to be silent to all others wherefore do you deny to speak to me to me who am so ravished with your love that I can enjoy no rest but when I think on you and now I see you and have meanes to speak to you I should be to happy if this unlucky silence did not at this time hinder me If you are beautyfull be not therefore cruell and if you are wise as report gâ—ves out of you wherefore do you grieve your father all the world if you have any discretion know who loves you if you are young I for
was somewhat dissatisfied for that her presents had been returnâ—d without any litteral answer but being blinded by her passion she absolutely beleived the slave and therefore rested contented her self and highly contented him by great riches which she gave him earnestly expecting the arrival of Erastus but thinking his stay to be very long and passionately desiring his company she devised to hasten him by the Emperours command and therefore she sollicited him to condiscend that Erastus might come to Rome CHAP. IV. The Empress Aphrodiciâ— perswades the Emperour to cause Erastus to come to Rome where by his command great preparation was made for his entertainment SOON after this the Emperour and Emperess being in â—ed together she began to speak of the Prince Erastus highly commending the means which the Emperour had used to provide Masters for him that were so excellent as the seven Phylosophers to render him perfect in all things and worthy of the the gâ—eat Roman Empire which Nature had provided for him being as she said very joyful of the greaâ— gâ—â—d and profit which the Prince had attained by his study and of the advantage which all the World would receive by meanâ— of his perfections but that she had been somewhat troubled why the Prince was not present at the solemnity of her nuptials Whereunto the Emperour replyed that the youthfulness of the Prince was the cause lest in an age which was inclined to pleasure the pomp and delicacies which he might see at the solemnitly more than at another time might distract divert him from the study of Philosophy in which he not being sufficiently grounded all the pleasures which he might take should turn more to his disadvantage than true content if he should place his affection on the pleasures that would be presented to him at Rome and it was to be feared that instead of the goâ—d affection he had to his study he should be debauched as it would be difficult to reduce him to that agen wherein he well profited that there was great hopes he would in time be so great a proficient in all vertues as to arrive at the highest perfection All this discourse of the Emperour only served as fire and flame to consume the poor Empress who already sufficiently enflamed with the love of the Prince Erastus Whereupon taking the opportunity of this discourse of the Emperours to obtain her desires she thus replyed to him wherefore â—ir do you permit these great vertues to be hidden and to what end is it that your Son for I love him as well as you hath so well profited to râ—main alwayes in an obscure place where his vertue is unknown wherefore do you not cause him to come to Rome where there is so many wayes to employ his perfections for in the fâ—â—st place he will see how affairs are mananaged he will make himself known as the Senate and People and by that means will encrease the esteem that every one hâ—th for you not only for the good usage which they have under your government but also for the great foresight wâ—h they shall see in you for having providâ—d for them a Prince well instructed to keep them in peace after your discease The good Emperour hearing his Son thus commended and being in a manner ravished with joy of a fatherly love thus answered the Empress I assure you Madam I have often had it in my thoughts to do what you advise me to and do now purpose very suddenly to cause my Son Erastus to come to Rome The Empress hearing this and seeing her affairs in so good order ceased not till she had brought them to perfection so that the Emperour promised the next day to send to the Phylosophers to know if Prince Erastus might come to him without prejudice to his Studdy lettiâ—g them know that if what was reported of the Prince were true he might come without any danger The nâ—xt day then for th s purpose he dispatched a Gentle-man one of the most considerable persons of his Court who being arrived at the Palace of Prince Erastus delivered to the Phylosophers what he had in charge from the Emperour enjoyning them to accompany the Prince Erastus to Rome so as they were assured he was Master of those perfections as was so much desired and reported of him The Phylosophers understanding this they conducted the Embassadours who was a wise Gentleman to the Pâ—ince Erastus and having in his presence examined him upon several points of Phylosophy to whom the Prince made very pertinent answers and moreover disputing with him the most subtilty that they could in all manner of Science the Phylosophers thereupon said to the Gentleman whom the Emperour had senâ— that he might boldly assure his Mâ—jesty that Prince Erastus hâ—s Sâ—n was one of the wisest youâ—g men that could be found in all the World and that they purposed in order to his Fathers commands to wait on him the next day The Gentleman being very joyful of this news and of what he had seen being arrived at the Court gave the Emperour an account of his Embassie who could not contain himself for great joy to hear that the Vertue of his Son was no less than report had given out but above all the Empress Aphrodicia understanding that the comming of her dearly beloved Erastus was so nere she knew not how to moderate her present joy Upon this account the Emperour caused the Senate and all the M gistrates and Officers of Rome to assemble commanding them to be ready the next day to meet his son Erastus This being nâ—ised amongst the people every one began to make preparations and to provide for the greatest feast that had for a long 〈◊〉 bâ—n in Rome the horsemen were ready to accompany the triumphant Chariots which went to meet the Prince with all sorts of instruments for such a n entertainment so that there was no corner of all Rome but what was filled with joy this young Prince being desired of every one but more especialy of the Ladâ—es above all by the Empress to whom the night seemed to last a thousand years by reason of the great desire she had to have a sight of him of whom she was so much enamoured withal having never seen him CHAP. V. Erastus foresaw by the course of the Stars that in his voyage to Rome he should dye a shamful death having no other remedy but to remain seven dayes without speaking The Philosophers his Masters obliged themselves respectively one by one to preserve him from all harm during those seven dayes THAT very evening whereon these preparations were made at Rome for the entertainment of Prince Erastus he being walking in a Garden had a mind to see the cause and influence of the Stars the good or ill fortune that should happen to him in his Voyage to Rome and beholding the Heavâ—ns and â—he Aspects of the Planets he was perfect in the Science of Astrology and who pâ—rfectly know the course of the
up and destroyed What Pine was this said the Emperour and what happned about it to which the Empress answered A while agoe there was a Gentleman of Italy who had a very fair Garden wherein he took so much pleasure that he therein planted all sorts of Herbs and Trees and among others he had a very fair Pine so fair and so strait as any could be in the World so that this Gentle-man esteemed this Pine more than all the Trees in the Garden and thereupon he there made an arbour taking great pleasure to remain â—nder the shaddow of it for the most part of the day whether he had a mind to read or otherwise to pass the time It hapned as one often sees among other Trees that from the root of this Pine sprung a sucker which the Gentle-man seeing being very much pleased at it he commanded his Gardner to look carefully after it hoping by this means to get an other Pine as fair as the former and this young sucker finding the fresh Earth that was put about it grew very well at the beginning but being grown up so high that the branches of the first Pine kept the Sun from it it did not grow so well as at the first but became bent and crooked The Gentle-man being troubled at it asked the Gardner the cause who answered that the bowes of the great one gave so great a shaddow that the young one not having the Sun and air to make it grow strait up according to its Nature it therefore was crooked and did not thrive whereupon the Gentle-man commanded to lop the old one and take away the branches which hindered the Sun from the young one so the old one was lop'd all away on one side It hapned that this Gentle-man had a voyage to make for some moneths but before he went he recommended his young Pine to the Gardner above all things in this the Gardner did not fail so that the Sun coming to the young one it grew again as it had formerly done but however it still continued crooked on the contrary the great one began to wither on the side it had been lopped The Gentleman at his return seeing the great Pine half dead and knowing that these two Pines hindred one another and that there was little hopes of the great Pine in regard it was so decayed caused it to be cut up and thus was this Tree that had formerly been so well beloved destroyed for the young Pines sake which although it grew to be a great one yet it still kept itâ— ill and crooked shape which it had from the beginning and thus will it happen to you for having placed your Son if he may be called yours which I cannot believe to the government of these seven Philosophers you see in what case he is they have already lopt you on one side by the shame which they have caused you and which is worst being resolved to maintain and justifie it you will in short time see a rebellion in Rome and if you should pardon him for this out-rage in hopeâ— of his amendment assure your self that ere long he will a â—empt against your life as he hath already done against your honour to arrive to the Governmâ—nt so soon as he can and be assured that these Philosophers will put their helpinâ— hand to it in hopes that they shall have the management of the affairâ— of the Empire and so for want of forecast you will see your self ruined by your young sucker I shall prevent it replyed the Emperour for I promise you that justice shall take place and at once to revenge your honour and my own and thereupon he commanded that without delay the sentâ—nce of Erastus should be executed on his Person CHAP. X. The Philosâ—pher Dimurgus caused execution to be stayed for an another day by a discourse which he made to the Emperour of the great Hipocrates who out of anger did stay without cause a Nephew of his that was an execellent Physitian DAY brake was hardly come when those to whom the execution of Prince Erastus was committed dâ—d provide for all things necessary thereunto without loss of further time according to the precise command of the Emperour in the mean time the Philosopher Dimurgus who had undertook to defend the Prince for the second day lest he should be surprized had bethought himself of all that he had to say to the Emperour and so being ready in the morning he came to the Chamber where by Fortune he found him coming out sooner than ordinary by reason of the great trouble he was in both in body and mind for the causes aforescited and although the Emperour appeared to be angry yet he being satisfied in the innocence of Prince Erastus after he had made his usual reverence he took the boldness to say Sir having receâ—ved this favour of your Majesty to be long since admitted into the service of your house I ever knew you both of a rare spirit and very well advised whereby you have alwayes prudently governed the affairs of your Empire so that I have alwayes admired the great vertues which did respectively shine in you and a particular zeal which you alwayes had to do justice so that I never knew you guilty of one unjust action But considering you by I know not what extraordinary disaster to be about to exceed the bounds of reason and to be diverted from your good and antient custom I therefore made bold not out of hopes of reward or praise to come before you not to counsel you but to advertise your Majesty of a certain error into which as a man and not as so great an Emperour as you have alwayes been are now fallen you know Sir what you have purposed to do with my Lord the Prince your Son by reason of a wicked perswatition which has been imprinted in your mind But I humbly pray you and that for the reputation of your honour to suspend a while this your purpose and to take my counsel which being good as in truth you will know it you will prefer it before all that hath been said to the contrary and be not angry Sir at my advice for as the Proverb sayes and you very well know it He does deserve to be ruined that will not take advice The Emperour having heard this preamble and considered of what had been spoken by the Philosopher was contented to stay the execution of his Son however intimateing to him that if by good reason he did not make appear that he was in an error and that his defence of the Prince Erastus was just that both the Advocate and Criminal should be hang'd one after another to which the Philosopher consenting he began to say Hipocrates the Prince of Physitians had a Nephew with whom he took so great pains to instruct him in the Art of Physick that in fine this Nephew was in his Skil Experience and Practice equal to his Uncle it hapned that
all dispatches and affairs to these seven Sages who acted all things as they were minded and gave the King what account they best thought for their purpose but above all thing they took care not to displease him so that in time they were in such high esteem and they were taken rather to be Lords of all England then Counsellours true it is that in the beginning they took so good order in the execution of justice that all things were done in good order but afterwards when they had tasted of the great gifts and presents that was usually made them they then were so desirous to heap up riches that they minded nothing else without respecting their honour or the zeal they should have to justice and among other inventions to raise mony they found out one than would raise them a world of riches at that time it was a custome in England for the Natives to give such credit to dreames that the believed the greatest part of their affairs and chiefly those of importance were divinely revealed to them in visions and dreams which they little or much understood according to to the goodness and sanctity of the persons who thus should dream so that when any one had dreamed of any thing that she could not understand they had recourse to the Sages whereof in England there was great plenty and for their advise carried great presents as if Gold and Silver would cause the true interpretation of dreams these seven Deputies or Governours of the Kingdome understanding of this that they might shew themselves the more knowing and more excellent in all things than any body else and more particularly in the interpretations of dreâ—ms under preâ—ence of takeiâ—g away the abuse which was done upon that account and that the people might not be decâ—ived in the interpretation of dreâ—ms tâ—ey published an Eâ—ict by which it was prohibited all persons to go to any to have interpretation of dreams but to them â—lves In persuance of which Eâ—â—ct a world of people came to them every dâ—y with great presents so that in short time these Lords were â—icheâ— in mony then the King himself who minding nothing but to take his pleasure fell into a vâ—â—y strange accident for having hiâ— Nâ—ts to be piâ—ched in a very pleasant Forrest to please the â—â—dies with a coâ—â—â— at hunting he was no sooner gone out of the gaâ—es of London to gâ— to this hunting but that his eye-sight was so troublâ—d that he could not see wherefore taking advâ—ce of his Physicians who looking on the Kâ—â—gs eyes found they were fair and without blemish and understanding that he had no pain in his head that he was not wounded that might occasion this blindness they knew not what to think of it but only advised the King to return to his Pallace and go rest himself and that in the mean time they would consult among themselves of this accident to remedy it as well as possibly they could according to this advise the King turned his bridle to return back but he was no sooner entered the City-gate but he recovered his sign without using any remedy whereupon being not only joyful but wondring with a merry heart he turned his bridle to go follow the company but he was no sooner out of the City but he was agen taken with his former blindness so that he was forced to turn back towards the Court and yet so soon as he was entred within the City-gates he recovered his former sight yet in regard the time was somewhat spent he put off the hunting untill aâ— other time The next day going to pass away some time at a garden that was without the City he was no sooner passed London Gates but he became blind as he had done the day before and no sooner was he returned in the City but he saw as cleerly as he had formerly done upon this account the Physitians were amazed they had many consultations but without any effect for in general it was thus the Kings sight was good so long as he was within the Citâ— but so soon as he was out of it he became blind and alâ—hough he went out at several Gates and had tryed them all yet he still continued blind so long as he was out of the City and when he returned he could see well enough In this condition this poor Prince remained for sometime and câ—â—â—d not finde any remedâ— which was a great â—ffliction to him to see himself confin'd to the City of London whereupon one day he called the seven Counsellors to whom he had committed the Government of the Kingdome remembring that they had given out that they could give a reason for all things and therefore he expresly enjoyned them that they should make known to him the cause of his blindness that he might finde a remedy without being thus confined within the walls of the City of London but these great Sages who knew as little of the causes as the King were so amazed that they could not speak answer a word to purpose yet however dissembling their ignorance they told the King that the case required to take some time of advice to consult well on the matter and to studdy on it that they might give him such an answer as might be to his content to this the King replyed I give you all this day to advise upon it and charge you that tomorrow morning you give me an answer but the Sages finding this time to be too precise and too short told him that the case was of thâ—t importance that it required a moneth of delay how a moneth said the King is this the great readiness which you boast to have by your â—kil presently to resolve all doubts and questionâ—â—gâ— and consult together and in fifâ—een dayes resolve me of what I desire and finde a remedy or I promise you I will make an example of you to all such as for the future shall he so bold as to abuse their Princes These poor unadvised Sages hearing this were much troubled yet since they had a terme of fifteen dayes they pluckt up their spirits hoping in that time to supply their ignorance by the knowledg of some other so that they assured the King that within the time prefixed they would give him the satisfaction he desired and having took leave of the King they each of them severâ—ly sent away messengers in Post to all parts to finde out some knowing person to whom they might apply themselves in this affair and their Messengers had good success they heaâ—d of the vertue and miraculous spirit of the child Merlin and of the sayings he used which surpassed all humain understanding This child was but young and was born miraculously so that it was believed that his Mother had conceived being a Virgin being with child by a Spirit or a Magician who it was reported had given her a great belly without touching her by means of a familiar Spirit but let it be so
unjustices in the world thinking of nothing but how to Tyranize â—v r the poor people and heap to themselves great treasure by the destruction of your Subj cts whâ—se complaint and cry having reached up unto heaven God by his just Juâ—gment hath sent you this blindness which you have when you are out of the City of London that as you have voluntarily deprived your self of the eyes of your understanding so that you will not see nor take notice of any thing but your particular pleasure instead of having your eyes employed for the good and quiet of your people you should be also deprived of your Corporal sight so that you may not see any thing out of your City of London Thus have I told you the Cause of your evil so that now without saying any more it is easie for you to remedy it but that you may be without any excuse I will prescribe to you the course you are to take know then that God would have you Chastise your self for your fore-passed negligence and by the same meanes that those who have exercised so much Tyrany over your people be punished for their crimes are beyond all comparison greater then yours True it is that you have very much failed but it was through Ignorance having put into the hands of others the adminstration and charge which God had comitted to your self indeed you might think them to be wise men and fit for such a government but they have maliciously â—ffâ—nded for they very well knew that their actions wherein they Tyranizâ—d over this Kingdom were contrary to God and nevertheless their insatiablness and avarice have continued therefore you ought to amend your self and that they suffer death and I assure you if you act this justice upon them your evil will leave you and if you will not I advertise you that the Judgments of God will increase upon you so as to darken your heart and I â—ell you there is no wâ—y to extinguish these seven fire balls but by the heads of these seven and that you may haâ—â— a proof of what I say make a tryal of the greatest for aâ— you have seen the more you endeavour to extinguish it with water or other liquor so much the more violently 〈◊〉 burneth as you have already made tryal caâ—se the head of the principal that is the oldest and most inveterate of these Sâ—gâ—s to be cut off and you will presently see that this great fire ball will be extinguished The King having very attentivly heard the discourse of Merlin some times blushed and then agen became pale and â—e found himself touched to the life and yet however acknowledged his fault for having continued so long without taking care of the affairâ— of his Kingdom he began to sigh and groan entreating the good Merlin that he would pray to God for him that his Majesty would forgive him his faults you need not doubt of that answered Merlin for in performing what I have told you your offences shall be pardoned without the intercession of any and on the contrâ—ry if you do not perform it a greater vengeance of God is prepared for you since now you câ—nnot pretend the cause of Ignorance The King did think it very strange to put those to death whom he had raised to such greatness and of whom he had severall times had experience on many occasions to be very wise but considering and viewing with his eyes the matter of the Cauldron and having a remorse of conscience for the great fault which he had commited which put him in fear of a more sharp vâ—ngance according to the threatenings of Merlin he therefore resolved to make a trial of the principall of the seven Philosophers and thereupon causing him to be called pretending to conferr with him about what Merlin had told him he ordered his head to be presently and privatly cut off which being done the great fire ball in the middle that did cast out more fire than the rest was of it self extinguished This being seen by the King without any more delay he did the same by the rest causing them to come one by one and as one head was cut â—ff so one fire ball went out so that the last was no sooner beheaded but all the fire was extinguished there was no appearance neither of balls nor Cauldron which was not materâ—call as Merlin said but it was of fire although it seemed to be of mettle as other Cauldrons are and the earth where it had been before was as cool and fresh as in other places This being done Merlin ordered the Kings Chamber to be put to rights and caused the bed to be placed where it had formerly been and because it was then late he told the King that he should rest contented and take his ease for that night and that the next day they would go out of the City of London where he should perceive his deliverance and healing which should be then seen and known of all the world The next morning the King arose early as joyfull as might be and sent to all the Prâ—nces and Barrons and Gentlemen of his Court that they should be ready to accompany him for he would that morning go pass the time out of the City of London Every one merâ—aâ—led at â—he news because the Kâ—ng had so long continued without going out of â—he City for the trouble to find himself blind being out of the City for the matter of the Caâ—ldron was not yet divulged or known and although it had been it would have been accoâ—nted as a fable and especially by thoâ—e who believe no more than what they see The King then being mo need on the fairest horse â—n hiâ— stable did set râ—wards having Merlin by his side whâ— was in homely habâ—â— for notwithstanding all his knowledge he would have no other Clothes but went in poor â—ayment according to the Condition of his birth not regarding Clothes nor riches The King did all the way discourse with Merlin which his Princes wondered at to see him thus taken up with a poor lad without speaking one word to all the Nobility that follâ—wed him and being come to the City Gate Mâ—rlin going before said to the King Sir as I have served you as a Phisitian so I will shew you che way to rejoyce and the great occasion you have for it in having recâ—vered your sight to the great content of your people And yet if you will speak the truth although you had some hopes of your cure yet you were not so certain as now at this time you make experience of it And going forwards out of the Gâ—te he tuâ—ned about to the King who was also issued 〈◊〉 and looked about towards all parts believing himself entred into a new life to see himself restored to that which he had so long lost withoâ—t knowing how and which he had so often endeavoured to recâ—ver but in vain Whereupon Merlin said to him Sir do you
Castle The Senate being assembled he declared that as he could do no less than punish by the way of justice the detestable fellony which his own Son had câ—mmitted against him and the treason of those who having the charge to instruct him as well in good manners as in learning instead of rendâ—ing him eloquent and of good speech they had brought him dumb and distracted and instead of instructâ—ng him in good manners they had instructed him in the wickedness that was in question and yet these Philosophers had presumed to justifie him in an act so wicked and so apparent however he would not proceed of himself but had caused this counsel to be assembled to make them acquainted with the sentence which he had given on this occasion so that he did believe there was no reason to revoke it nor no occasion for further proof the matter of fact being so cleer and manifest unto all yet nevertheless to let all the world know that he would not nor did not intend to stop the mouths of any Criminals from justifying themselves alâ—hough in this case he could not see any way of justification he was content to wash his hands of this business to remit the whole cause to the consideration of the Senate with this proviso nevertheless that Erastus and the Philosophers should only have two dayes time to say and alledge before the Senate all that they could think off or speak for their justification and defence and that if in the same two dayes it did not appear to the Senate by evident proofs and manifest arguments that Erastus was innocent of that whereof he was accused to have acted against his honour that then without delay He and his Masters should be all publickly executed by the hand of justice the morning of the third day following and having finished his discourse he commanded that his Son the Philosophers should be brought before the Senate fettered and with a strong guard Prince Erastus hearing the door of his Dungeon opened supposed they came to fetch him to execution but when he perceived that they led him before the Senate he took heart and more especially when he saw his Masters there in whose wisdome he had so much assurance that he hoped to escape that day which being â—â—ce pass d he feared nothing Now it â—as that he was in most care and fear to to keep silence aswel in consideration of the many questions that were asked him as also in regard of the opâ—nion that had possâ—ssed many of the Senators that he wâ—s guâ—lty of the fact wherewith he was charged not using any manner of justification in a matter that concerned his life and therefore the most part of the Senators seeing him thus dumbe held him guilty of the fact but on the other side the Philosophers did so readily defend the cause of Erastus and their own and alledged so many examples to the Senate that they were divided in their Opinions and all that day was spent without taking any resolution to the great satisfaction and content of Prince Erastus and by order of the Senate the Prisoners were sent back to Prison and kept assunder with express intimation that if on the next day they made not better proof of their innocence than hitherto they had done they should proceed against them in real execution of that sentence which the Emperour had pronounced against them CHAP. XXI The Empress Aphrodicia found means to induce the Emperour to command that execution should be done immediately upon Erastus and the seven Philosophers by a discourse which she made of one Philemon that being adopted by a french Gentleman named Archelaus contrived how to kill his Mother in law conceiveing a hatred against her And being desirous to be Lord and Master of all by the assistance of seven of his Complices he caused his father in law to be secretly murthered The Empress hearing this nâ—wes was so troubled that if her Damsels had not taken greâ—t care of her she had fallen down in a swound but thâ—y seeing her faint away laid her on the bed wâ—ere having remain'd some time in a trance and being again come to her self she retired into her Cabinet where after after she had groaned and cryed she tore her cloathes and beating her self cursed her foolish mad love which had induced her to enterprize so rash an action and in conclusion seeing that tears and and complaints availed little in her designs and considering that if the Philosophers and Prince Erastus had so long time of respite the truth of the matter might come to light she therefore purposed upon new matter to take new counsel wherefore recollâ—cting her spirits the best that she could she sent for her Father and Mother and all her Relations who were many and all gâ—â—at Lords she bring descended from the most illustrious and principal Family in Rome they being all come tâ— her did every one perswade her to condiscend to the Emperours pleasure and attend till the terme of two dayes ordered for the Prisoners to justify themselves should be expired telling her that they could no more cleer themselves the sâ—cond time than they had done the first and that the more â—he cause was examinâ—d so much more would ner vertue and continâ—nce be manifested and that would fuâ— her 〈◊〉 â—he world against the wicked Erastus and agâ—inst thoâ—e who had undertaken to defend his wickedness But the Empress would not hearken tâ— this counsel but answered her Relations in gen râ—l that if they had any respâ—ct for her honor they would not thus slâ—ght her and thereupâ—n she sent to the Emperour to desire him to come to her chamber for she had matter of great importance to relate tâ— him in â—he pâ—â—sence of her Father and Mother and â—â—hers her Relations The Emperoor understâ—nding hereof went to the chamber of the Empâ—es whâ— immâ—diately â—egan to complain of the litâ— esteâ—m the Emperour had for her in that she had suffered the greatest outrage in the world from Erastus which he himself and others had seen having been publickly surprizâ—d in his flight and having promised to inflict such puâ—ishment as the enormity of the case required instead thereof he had admitted of justifications and against all reason had called her honor and fidelity in question remitted the matter to the judgement of the Senate where without publick blaming and calumniating of her it would be impâ—ssible to defend the care of Prince Erastuâ— yet for her own part she did not much care beinâ— assâ—red in her conscience that nothing could be proved against her But she was most concerned in the honor of the family from whence she was descended that injury would be done thereto in having a bad opinion of a woman descended there-from and that any dishonest actions should be mentioned of her as there needs must be in that case her honor being remitted to an ordinary Process as the Emperour had determined and being resolved