them and feared of his enemies Thus affairs growing every day better and better it happened that in the Citty of Alexandria which was his naturall Country the great warrs unfruitful seasons and other bad influences had caused such a Scarcity of Victuals that the g eateâ—t part of the inhabitants dyed with famine so that the inhabitants of Alexandria were necessitated to travel into several Countries to get Corn for the poor and therefore they made choice of the most expert and the most knowing men that they could find amongst them who willingly accepted of the Imployment because they were well provided with every thing that from other parts they might relieve their Citizens passing their time at the charge of others Among the rest they made Choice of Europus the naturall Father of Entichus and who had thrown him into the Sea who having taken Povt in the Isle of Candy where the Stars had so long before prepared a Crown for him he desired leave to buy up in that Island a great quantity of Corn King Entichus being acquainted herewith caused enquitey to be made who they were that were in the Ship and from whence they came and being informed of the truth and knowing the necessity of his Country and the name of the Commander and of the Ship he did suspect that it was his Father and therefore he purposed before he departed to make himself known to him and to put him in mind of the great fault which he had committed Whereupon having sent for him to come to his Pallace pretending to discourse with him about other affairs he caused him to stay and Dine with him which invitation he knowing not how to refuse accepeted of wâ—th such honour and reverence as hath been accustomed to be used by those who speak with Kings Princes and other great Lords Being at the Table after that the King had sufficiently informed himself of the estate of the City of Alexandria in generall he questioned with his Father of his particular affairs of his name and how many Children he had Whereupon the Merchant having told his name answered sighing that he had no Children and that he never had but one who perished in the Sea by a miserable misfortune It may be said the King your Son is not dead for there is one here present who hath escaped from such a like misfortune as you speak of and as he saith he is the Son of a Merchant of the City of Alexandria and thereforâ— advised him to look about him upon all the Company there present for it may happen that he may know his Son before his Son did know him The Merchant observing what the King had said began to take notice of all those that were in the Hall and on the other side every one looked upon him believing that they should understand somewhat that was as yet unknown and after he had well looked upon and taken notice of every one he said to the K ng that he could not find that his Son was there present whereupon the King said if you had well considered the Spectacle which you had of the two white Birds and the interpretation that was made to you you would of your self have known that which I shall now tell you for it was I my felf whose way to greatness you would hinder instead of advanceing it as you ought The good man hearing him speak of two white Birds suddenly changed his Collour being confounded within himself with shame But when he heard this spoken to his face and in the presence of so many great Lords the occasion that had moved him to such an excess he gâ—ew pale and red both at once and knowing no other way to make amends for his faults he arose from the Table and cast himself at his Sons feet asking him pâ—rdon But the King who was no less generous then great and puissant took hold of him and raised him praying him that forgetting what was passed he would make use of that power which God had given him and that he would rest contented that he had made him know by effects that it is impossible to interrupt or hinder that which the pleasure of God hath once ordained and so having sent by others a sufficient quantity of Corn for his Country he caused his Father to remain with him taking order to bring the rest of his family to Candy to participate of that good fortune which had befallen him contrary to all humane thoughts and which he had well and wisely persued By this Example said Erastus and many others as admirable as this which I could relate we may assuredly conclude that whatsoever hath been once ordained and established above doth usually come to pass so that nothing here below can obstruct or hinder it being assured of this I and my Masters did expose our selves to very great hazard and danger in our coming to Rome and the only remedy that we had was for me to be silent for the space of seven days in doing whereof the heavens promised me a good issue and deliverance provided that some would defend my cause for that Term the which my seven Masters like prudent and valliant Champions have done I therefore resolved to follow the right remedy which had been prescribed me for the conservation of my life and honour the which otherwise I should have dishonourably lost as the heavens had let me know soon after my arrivall at Rome the shame whereof would have been much more grievious to me than the death wherewith I was threatned Behold then what hath induced me and indeed enforced me to be Dumb these seven days which I suppose hath been as much to your astonishment as my trouble to see my self constrained by a fatall silence to confirme the opinion that every one might have that I would commit an action so wicked and wretched as that which hath been falsly charged on me by the Empress who being a woman and naturally enclined to be fickle and angry and having been lately in love with me it is no wonder if she hath converted that love which she first shewed me into a mortal hatred endeavouring to make me dye who am her Son in Law as it hath frequently befallen others who without any reason have prosecuted their Sons in law either through hatred or anger As for hatred we may finde examples enough in antient Histories as that which Jur conceived against Phrisso and Helle and of the Modern Histories there are enough and of hatred we may read how the cruel Phedra treated the innocent Hipolitus whose companion I had certainly bin both in cause and miserable death if the evident danger wherein I was had not been manifested to me by Heaven and the means to escape it the which I have hitherto done by the good assistance of my Masters here present to whom I am indebted not only for the good instructions I have received of them but also for my life as for the crime
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
or not the child was no sooner born but he began to let the world know that he had more than humain knowledg so that in his very Cradle he speak the most admirable things in the world whether it was in resolving questions or foretelling thingâ— to come or describeing things past as authentically as if he had seen them and he â—pake nothing but he gave a good reason for it that it was not p ssible to imagine that any thing could be contradictory to his reasons these Sages then purposed to go finde the young Merlin to take his advice how they clear themselves from the Labrinâ—h wherein they were involved and they travellâ—d so long that at last they câ—me to the place where he resided who before had fore-told their coming to his Mother and several others advising his Mother to be ready for the arrival of the seven who were called Sâ—ges should occasion him to go to Court where he should continue a long time to his Mâ—thers great advantage and to the gâ—eat diâ—advanâ—age of those that came for him Thâ—se Philâ—sophers then were no sooner arrived at Merlins lodging but they had great experience of hâ—s divine knâ—wledg which put them in good hopes nay gave tâ—em sâ—me assuâ—ance that they mighâ— know from the châ—ld Merlin the certainâ—y of what they eâ—qâ—ireâ— afâ—er for jusâ— as they came to his house it hâ—pnâ—d that near to thâ— plâ—ce where Merlin was thâ—râ— pâ—ssâ—d by a mâ—â— who went in gâ—eat hâ—â—â— whom Merlin called by his name the Trâ—vell r â—â—â—ear ng â—imself called turned back and seeing â—â—aâ— thâ—re was no b dy that be knew hâ— turnâ—d â—bâ—ut to pr â—câ—â—â—on iâ— hâ—â— wâ—y but Merlin callâ—d hâ—m by his name 〈◊〉 câ—ying out Galgo â—â—r 〈◊〉 was his nâ—mâ— look back for he whom yâ—u go to seâ—k it London is now here where you shâ—ll undâ—rstand mâ—re tâ—â—n yâ—u expect Galgo hearing himself â—amed and uâ—derstanding the reâ—son why 〈◊〉 went to London which he had told no body of wâ— aâ—â—z d â—ut 〈◊〉 more after he had heard what 〈…〉 Merlin â—â—id to ther tâ— him for Merlin 〈◊〉 â—oâ—k◠〈◊〉 nâ—t yoâ— g◠〈◊〉 London to carry half an 〈…〉 to the Kâ—ngs Sâ—ges to know the inâ—erprâ—â—â—tion a laâ—â— drâ—am â—t youâ—s yâ—u have savâ—d yâ—â—r labâ—urâ—râ— they are all â—even here and yet yoâ— shâ—ll â—now nâ— more of thâ—m concerning your dâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 you have already from me yâ—u may underâ—â—â—â—nd the â—ruth withouâ— paâ—â—ing â—rom youâ—g â—d for I will have nothing from you but I will instr ct you in the way to be rich In the first place I would not have you tell me you dream for I know it better then your self it is true that this last night two houers before the sun rising being lâ—id in your bed you supposed that being siâ—ting in yâ—ur Cellar you become so very dry so that all the drink â—n your house could not quench your thirst whereupon a fountain did arise in the Middle of your Cellâ—r having the fairest water and the cleerest that ever eye beheld to which you suddenly ran and having tasted of the water you found it to be the bâ—st watâ—r in the world so that your thirst was qâ—enched and you caused all your family to drink who like you received the greatest content they ever had Now to know the meaning of this dream you are going to find the Kings Sages without acquainting any body with this adventure Galgo hearing particular recitall of that which he had seen in his dream and knowing that he had noâ— spoken a word thereof to any person he was surprized that he believed this to be a dream as well as that which he had dreamed of the fountain and although he was thus astâ—nâ—shed yet he affirmed that every thing had â—â—ssed pâ—rticularly in such manner as the infant Merlin had recâ—â—ed and that for no other cause he was taking a jâ—urnâ—y to London Now you shâ—ll understand the â—â—st â—aâ—d Merlin for this is the principall â—f y ur cause The alteration which you saw and which in truth prâ—ssâ—s you is the great desire you have to gâ—t wâ—a â—h that you be rid of your poverty mâ—â—â—tain yoâ— famiâ—y better for the future the fâ—â—ntain which â—â—st sâ—â—ve you to quench this thirst is in your hâ—usâ— as your dream hath demonstrated and therefore â—â—tâ—â—n wi h all dilligence and dig where you thought the fountaine was for I assure you there you shall find so great a quantity of Silver that you shall have sufficient for your self and family but have a care that you be not robbed hereafter The Philosophers hearing what Merlin had said knew not what to think and doubted of the truth of what he had spoken or whether this was not a design or plot laid to cause the world to believe that Merlin was a diviner but he also understanding their thoughts thus spake I would not have you give credit to my speeches further then your own eyes shall be witness and therefore go along with this good man and see him find this treasure and then return to me that I may go with you to the King whose grief is not unknown to me without your relation of it for I know from whence it proceeds and what remedy is convenient for his Cure and I assure you that we shall come to London the fourteenth day which is the last but one of the fifteenth which is limited to you to answer the King so that you shall be at London time enough the Philosophers wondred greatly to see that Merlin knew already for what cause they were come and the term the King had appointed and would willingly have discoursed of their business but Merlin would not hear them but desired them to go see the good mans treasure and that they sh â—ld have a care that they did not touch a peny of it that afterwards they should come to him who would then be ready to go with them to the King The Philosophers hearing this without alighting from their horses they followed the good man Galgo whose house was but a few miles from that place so that they came thither the next morning Alighting from their horses they went into the house with him when he presently began to dig in the middle of the Cellar where he had in his dream seen the fountain to rise But he had not digged very deep but he met with a great quantity of Meddals of Silver after that he found several vessels of Silver the fairest in all the world under which he yet found so great a quantity of Ingoâ—s of Silver that you could hardly meet with so much treasure in one place together And now the Philosophers believed this to be no counterfeit matter for the King himself could not have stored so much Silver together without great thrift and along time and being thus astonished they returned to Merlins quarters to whom they related all that they had seen confessing that by experience they
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
be more Criminall then all men both against Nature and the breeding that I have had being naturally issued from your Royal Loynes being educated and instructed with such knowledg and integrity as hithâ—rto hath been â—â—own and will for the future be acknowledged to bâ— in these my seven Masters who are here p â—â—ent who for good cause you made choice of to â—â—mit the Government of my tender Age to whom aâ—â— to the goodness of Nature and by their dilig â—â—â— and industry I am sure I am so well profited aâ—â— have given such an opinion of me in Rome for alwayes with my Age I have so pursued the steps of vertue that I can speak it without being taxed of arrogance that being come to the Age of discretion it is a thing almost incredible to believe that I should so much forget my self as to fall into a crime which should defame your blood and the reputation of our house which by this means should be contaminated with so villanous a crime as this whereof I am accused I wonder how it can enter into the thoughts of any that I should have so small respect to the honor of our house which wholly concerns me being your Son and only successor considering my Age and my study of Philosophy to which I have wholly applyed my self ever since the hour of my Nativity I must needs be a competent Judge of good and evil that which is profitable and hurtful honest or dishonest and therefore I have wondered hen I thought with my self how it should be possible to believe and that so easily that I should commit an act so villanous how you should be possessed with a thought to condemn me to death so suddainly for the speeches of a single woman without any proof of the fact true I am more to blame than you who have given sentence against me because I have not spoken one word that might serve for my Justification neither at the beginning when I was accused nor during these days wherein my Masters here present have saved my life so that this my silence hath had the power to induce those who consider things no further than their eyes demonstrate to them to believe that I had commited this Villainous act wherewith I was charged and that being surprized in the very manner and knowing the Crime to be so hanious that there was no expectation of pardon I was thereupon so confounded that I was bereaved of my speech But my silence was occasioned by a higher cause wherewith if you had been so well acquainted as were these my Masters you would have known that it was impossible for me to do otherwise without falling into an extream evill which I could not avoid it having been already allotted to me and my only remedy consisted in being silent for these seven days I very well knowing that my life was in great danger if it were not prolonged for that time as well by the learned discourse of my Masters as by the necessary silence which I have used For these vertuous persons as well as I did foresee on that day we received your commands to come to Rome the great danger I should be in of a shamefull death in coming hither for they are endowed with so great knowledge that there are very few disasters which they do not foresee and provide a remedy if there be any it is very true that we could not possibly find out the means which should cause this disaster although we were very well assured of the great danger I should be in for seven days to avoid which there was no other remedy but for that time for me to keep an absolute silence This we concluded to do rather than disobey your commands in not coming to Rome doubting also lest I should fall into some other inconvenience which should procure pour displeasure and render me infamous to all posterity and therefore hazarding all that might befal me I resolved to continue seven dayes without speaking assuring my self that my just cause would not fail me being confident of the great vertue of these my seven Masters who like vigilant and vertuous Advocates have alwayes oppoposed themselves against the fury of those who endeavoured the ruin of my life and honor And thereupon he gave a particular account of what they had seen in the Heavens and the Aspects of the Stars that evening before they took their journey to Rome and the resolution which he and his Masters had thereupon taken in pursuance whereof he had suffered very much considering the great inconvenience caused by his silence which gave occasion to all people to believe that in regard he made no defence he was guilty of the great felony whereof he was accused yet however his heart had not failed him being assured that what was once established and confirmed by the Caelestial influences that is if he continued silent he should avoid that disaster so that in conclusion he did not doubt but by this means all things would be well notwithstanding the impetuosity of the words and storms which had so over-whelmed him wherein the will of the Gods appeared to be different from that of men for all mortal things are easily changed whereas the will of God being immortal remaines eternally immutable so that what hath bin once determined above follows by necessity although it be by ordinary means notwihstanding all oppositions and contradictions whatsoever And that it is thus said the young Prince I will prove it to you by the example of a very vertuous young man and to whom Fortune was so contrary that he who should have advanced him endeavoured his death and yet however he arrived to be a King from being a mean personage as the influences of the Stars had predicted and that which was intended to hinder his greatness was the means whereby he arrived to royal dignity And I now make it my humble request to you all here present to excuse the length of my discourse in regard I have been silent so long and now being at liberty to speak I think it not to be inconvenient nor unreasonable that I give my self this satisfaction that I use my utmost endeavours to please my Auditors the matter in question being of so great imporâ—â—ance to me Long time since in the Levant Countries and particularly in the most illustrious and famous City of Alexandria there lived a Merchant named Europus who contrary to the custome and fortune of many others having a long time traffiqued with Merchandise without any losâ— had so increased his richeâ— and arrived to so much wealth that he had no mind to have any more and contrary to the humor of most men was content with what he had This Merchant being thus wealthy left of his tradeing takeing no other thoughts but of advancing an only Son which he had who was called Hermogenes to attain to which he sent him to study that he might fashion him to those things that
Aphrodisia had sent him endeavouring to cause him to view them severally but the young Prince not having the patience to hear the Slave less to look on the presents with an angry Countenance thus spake to him if these presents come from the Emperour my Father which I cannot believe I am constrained to say that he is not of such Prudence and Vertue as he hath been esteemed for for does he not well know that these Curiosities and Delicaâ—â—es are direct contrary to the study wherein he hath employed me and which I shall not forsake these Bawbles belong to Women and not to Men of his degree and quality I hope his new wise hâ—â—â— nâ—â— altered the temper he was of as I read of soâ—â— Women who have over-ruled wise and valiâ—◠〈◊〉 as for my part I shall not receive these presenâ— by no means therefore carry them back and say to the Emperour my Father that he must â—end me other presents if he would have me accept of them and say as much to the Empress whom on my behalf you may thank for the good will which she bears to me and that I may not be ungrateful to her that I can do no less but freely tell her that it would more redound to her profit and honour to govern her â—ouse well then to loose so much precious time in these vain idle works from whence she can reap no honour but blame The Slave being ravished with the great continence of Prince Erastus and much more with his wise discourse knew not what to say and less what to do for to carry back the presents he durst not fearing he should highly offend the Empress his Mistress and how to cause the Prince Erastus to accept of them he knew not but on the contrary he found he had no opportunity to discover the principal point for which he was sent so that not being able to speak one word he remained as in a maze But the seven Phylosophers came to him in good time who having understood as well of the Prince Erastus as of the Slave all that had passed between them having first commended the Constancy and Magnaminity of their Schollar for refusing things so delectable to the eye as being repugnant to their Phylosophical severity yet nevertheless perswaded him to accept the presents which the slave said were sent as well from the Emperour as the Empress that he might not anger or displease either and this he at last though unwillngly assented to The Slave being thus dispatched entered into new considerations what he should do with the Empress for to let her know the business in the very manner as it had passed he feared would put her out of her wits and that he should be accounted an ignorant fellow and knew not how to perform the charge that had been given him and of which at the beginning he had given so good hopes and never the less seeing himself frustrate of all means to accomplish his desires he foresaw that instead of great rewards which he hoped for if the matters should take effect there was danger that the Empress might doe him some mischeif and having a great while considered what he had best to do he in the end resolved to keep his Mistress in good hopes to get what he could from her and keep himself in her favour And now being come to her presence he with a smileing countenance made his obeysance and told her quite contrary to what had passed between him and the Prince Erastus assuring her that the Prince had received her present with very great affection and and for a greater expression of love had very amorously kissed every particular peice that had been presented had expresly charged him to give the Empress a thousand thanks and on his behalf to entreat her not to displace him from her heart until his return to Rome which he would hasten as much as possible and by all means to accomplish The poor Princess giving credit to the Slave and believing the loue of Erastus to be greater towards her than the Slave had reported having a good opinion of her beauty did so enflame the fire which was already Kindled in her heart that out of the abundance of love without regarding her degree and quality she gave great presents to the Slave to let him know how great an esteem she had for him in regard of the pains he had taken in his late negotiation making him great and magnificent promises if he should manage her affairs so as she might attain to her desired wishes and although the Slave had lost all hopes of performing any thing by reason of the great continance which he saw in the Prince Erastus yet nevertheless that he might gain somewhat on the Empress he nourished hâ—r hopes with a certain issue of her design in such a mnnner that this poor and too credulous Princess seeing the sweetness of her desires too long dâ—lâ—yed retired into her Cabinet not permitting any body to accompany her wâ—eâ—â— casting her self upon her Bed with scaldding sight câ—lling on her beloved Erastus and beâ—â— overcome with these thoughts she fell into a 〈◊〉 sleep wherein she believed that her beloved Erâ—stus was come purposely to find her whereupon â—hâ— fiâ—â—eâ—ly cryed out Aâ— my Life you are very wellcome wherein all my love and all my good depeâ—ds Aâ— which cry all her Ladies and Damsels came running asking of the Empress what wâ—s the matter who being awakened and knowing what had hapned answered that having laid her self on the Bed to sleep a little she had seen in a Vision a furious Serpent who leapt upon her to devour her and she not having any way to defend her self had cryed out the Ladies and Damsels and other her Attendants replyed that no grâ—at heed was to be given to Dreams and and to remove this Fancy from her they began to sing and play on instruments in which exercise they employed themselves till it was time to go to Supper CHAP. III. The Empress Aphrodisia writ a Love Letter to Prince Erastus which he having read tore in peices with anger threatning the Slave to chastise him if ever he again attempted to appear before him about any such affair The Slave keeps the Empress in hopes telling her the contrary to what had passed SUpper time being come and the Empress being seated at the Table with the Emperour she was more melancholly then ordinary and took no pleasure in the pastime that was presented to her but sighed so vehemently that the Emperour took notice of it and being troubled asked her the cause of her sighing to which she answered that the remembrance of a horrible dream which had hapned about break of day was the cause of her present sadness and indeed she said true for it was Erastus whom she had seen in this Vision although she had told it to be a horrible Serpent the Emperour then being willing to put this Fancy out of her
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
Stars and the significations oâ— the Aspects of the Planets knew by one Star his going to Rome would in few dayâ—s be the cause of 〈…〉 and ignominious death whereupon not out of the consideration of death to which he knew all men were subject but for the shame which he should suffer he began to complain and lament so highly that all the Philosophers being amazed at it as at a thing which they had never seen in him ran to see what was the mater with this young Prince to whom he sighingly thus said do you not see the disposition of the Stars and with what they threaten me as for death I value it not although I am in the prime flower of my age being assured thâ—t in few years I must leave this world according to the course of Nature but I am troubled at the shameful manâ—â—r of my death that I am to suffer and of the infâ—my and ignominy that I must endure which iâ— thâ—â— which troubles me more then ordinary I pray câ—nsider this malign Star a little and with wâ—â—â—â—serable end it threatens me in this my vâ—yâ—gâ— to Rome The Philosophers being troâ—bled aâ— wâ—aâ— their young Master had told them began to consider the order of the Stars as they were at that instanâ—â— and to judge according to their aspects and confuâ—â—ed about the malevolent Star which their wise Master had shewed to them and having eâ—ectâ—d 〈◊〉 Scheme and calculated the revolutions of the Hâ—â—vens they found that what their Schollar had 〈◊〉 was certainly true and the effects of an ecclâ—â—â—â—â— which had lately hapned did demonstrate then by the concurrence of certain malignant Planâ—tâ— which appeared to the present sight that Prince Erastus went to expose himself to a death the most ignominious that could be imagined whereupon looking upon one another as lost and undone men not having the power to open their mouthes and speak one word they were so fully possessed with grief because there was no way toâ—â—rd the voyage of theâ— young Master by reason things were so far gone that the next day he was to make his entry intâ— Rome that in pursuance of this voyage they fore-saw an infamous death not only to their schollar but also to themselves being thus at a loss and not knowing what to say and less what to do the wise Erastus having well examined the revolutions of the Heavens and the Aspects of the Stars thus began to say to them what do you think my Masters there is but one only remedy in this which depends upon the influence of this Star which you see is in opposition to that which threatneâ—h me by which I comprehend that if I can remain these seven next ensuing dayes without speaking to any person whatsoever the malignity of this influence will pass over and I may avoid the infamy wherewith I am threatned by these Sâ—ars as for my remaining without speaking I shall take eare in it but all the difficulty remaines to find the means to resist during these seven dayes to the violence that shall be used against me and the cruel threatnings that a Person of very great power during these seven dayes shall practice against me the Phylosopher having heard this and truly knowing that their young Master had understood the truth thereof better than they they told him that if he had the heart and resolved to keep silent for seven dayes which they thought impossible in regard of the great violencies and ignominious usage that he must suffer wherein it was impossible for any man to pass by in silence that they would undertake to preserve him from death for those seven dayes for there was none of them who by a divine excellence wherewith they were respectively endowed that could not superceed not onâ—y for one day but for a longer time the execution of the most criminal and wicked man in the woâ—ld and therefore they undertook to defend with much ease the innocency of their Master so that each of them took the charge to preserve him from death and defend him by turns each of them one day in such manner that the pleadings of those seven should not be finished uâ—til the malignity of the influence of the stars should he passed over and there upon they all promised aâ—d swore to the Prince Erastus who thus replyâ—d â—f you think to perform what you have proâ—â—sed let us boldly goe to Rome for the maligne inflâ—â—nc◠〈◊〉 the Stars will have their effects as well in any â—â—hâ—r place as at Rome where upon they all promiâ—â—◠〈◊〉 defend him respectively every one his day 〈…〉 the other side the young Prince Erastus havâ—â—◠〈◊〉 off all fear promised to keep silence fâ—r thâ—se 〈◊〉 dayes the day being then come they bâ—gan their journey towards Rome with a firm resolution to vanquish the malignity and conjuration of the Heavens by the means aforesaid CHAP. VI. Erastur being arrived at Rome put the Emperour his Father and all the People of Rome in great trouble by reason of his silence The Empress Aphrodicia caused him to go into her Chamber undertaking to cause him to speak THE Emperour having given good order to all things requisite for the entry of his Son accompanied with many Princes and Barons that went to meet him to set down here the great Nobility that were assembled at this entry the rich Habits which were worn on this occasion and the Arches and triumphant Chariots it would be superfluous for you may be assured that all was done that a Roman Emperour could do to honour the entry of a person so worthy of respect as his only Son and that nothing was wanting on the other side in the appearance of the people who was as well pleased as the Emperour every one to his power endeavouring to doe honour to him who was to be their Prince after the death of the Emperour and therefore you might see people from all parts in their richest and best equipage who all accompanied the Emperour to receive the Prince Erastus the Empress for her part earnestly expected him who remained in the Pallace accompanyed with a great number of Princesses Ladies and Damsels and you may be sure that she omitted nothing that might enrich her natural beauty that she might have the stronger hold on the heart of Erastus who then began to enter the City of Rome whither he being come he was met at the Gate by the Emperour who kindly embraced his Son asked with a pleasant countenance of his good health and what he thought of the Senate the Nobility who were come to meet him The good old man hoping that his Son would make a pertinent answer according to the great wisdom that was reported of him but Erastus remembring what the Heavens threatned him and of the silence he was to keep to avoid the malignity of the caelestial influenceâ— anâ—wered not one word which occasioned great trouble not only to the Emperour but also to the Senate and
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
yet she might hear what was done at the Tilting having only shut the Dog into the Chamber where her Masters Son lay This Gentlemans house being old and out of repair there were many breeches in it even in the very room where the Child and Dog were and that one of these holes there at this time entered a great and horrible Serpent which the dog seeing and that he made towards the Cradle for the natural love which these Creatures bear to their Masters even to hazard their lives in their defence he slew upon the Serpent to keep him from hurting the Child But the one was not more furious in assaulting then the other was in defending and the Dog and Serpent strugling together nere the Cradle where the Child lay they over turned it so that the Child fell to the ground but without any harm for the clothes that were upon were by the tumbling now underneath and the Cradle standing on the four pomells the Child lay as safe and as well as it had done before it was overturned the Dog being enraged as well at the wounds he had received of the Serpent as at the wrong which he saw was done to his young Master threw himself with great fury upon the Serpent who knew well enough how to defend himself however in the end the dog remained victorious and tore the Serpent in the cruelest manner he could imagin so that he was all smeered with his blood Hereupon the Nurse coming into the Chamber to see how the Child did she had no sooner put her foot within the door but seeing the Cradle topsie turvy and the Dog all bloody with out looking any further and being very certaine that he who had saved the Childs life had killed him she began to tear her Cloathes and with outragious cryes went to entry this sad news to the Childs Mother who understanding of the death of her Child fell into such a passion as any one would for do the loss of such a Child and if the Nurse expressed her sorrow in tearing her cloaths it is to be supposed that the poor Mother did not forbear doing the same to her flesh not only she her self but all the women of the house who had accompanyed their Mistress encreased the lamentation and made an incredible noyse with their great cryes and lamentations not any of them having the wit to go into the Chamber and see how it had hapned but there they continued their out-cryes until the Gentle-man returned from the Tourney to whom they all with tears related not that which they had seen but that which they had imagined by the Nurses discourse The poor Father hearing these sad tidings more full of rage than tears for anger and sadness which are great passions had stopped his tears went directly into the Chamber where meeting the Dog and seeing him all bloody gave absolute credit to what the woman had told him and having his sword drawn in his hand â—e smote the Dog with such fury that off went his head and after he had spurned him with anger he began to curse his fortune and lament his Son using great threatnings towards his Wife and the other women of his house for the little care they had taken of his Child and being in despair he went towards the Cradle which he took up to see if there were yet any parts of his Child whole but he found him well and without any hurt whereupon all the Family were highly contented as you may judge and yet they were all astonished in that they had seen the Dog so bloody but as they sought about the Chamber they saw the great Serpent which the Dog had tore to peices whereupon they conjectured that the blood that was about the Dog came by reason of the combate which he had with the Serpent in defence of the Child which the Gentleman seeing and being enraged that he had in anger kill'd his good Dog he would have slain his Wife and all the other Women of the house who had been the cause of the Dogs death Ah poor Dog said he that thy friend-ship and loyalty have been so unfortunate to thee to cause thy death instead of a recompence which thou didst deserve for so well defending my little Child In fine this poor Gentleman could not be appeased for the loss which he had caused of so faithful an annimal as his Dog was so that every one that hard it had pitty and grief for the Childs loss was now converted into grief for the loss of the Dog all which sorrow hapned to this Gentle-man for having given too much credit to his Wife for if he had been wise he would first have examined the matter and accordingly have judged it without entring into such fury as to act a thing which caused perpetual sorrow to him without any remedy I shall conclude that this will be your case if you give credit to the words of a simple woman to put your Son to a Shameful death whose cause being heard deserves rather praise than punishment and perpetual infamy and therefore as your Majesties most humble servant I advise you that laying aside all anger before you proceed further you cause this action of your son to be consulted on by wise experienc'd men such as wil be faithful to you that you will revoke this sentence which your anger hath caused you to pronounce The Emperour took such notice of the Philosophers saying that he commanded stay of the execution of the sentence until he should take further order therein and thus was Prince Erastus defended the first day CHAP. IX The Emperor Dioclesian by an example being induced which the Empress Aphrodicia related of a fair Pine-tree which being old is lopped and then cut down to nourish a young one which was ugly and crooked commanded that Prince Erastus should be executed THE Emperour retireing when it was late according to custom found the Empress alone in her Chamber very disconsolate which much troubled him for he dearly loved her and endeavourâ—d by all means to comfort her but the more he essayed to please her so much the more she sobed so that the Emperour prayed her to be of good cheer and that she should be satisfied to which she replyed truly I have little cause to be contented for the shall care you take to revenge so great an outrage which hath not been committed against me only but against your self for upon this account you are as much injured as I am It is true I resent it more than you laying our honour more to heart than you who however ought to shew it more exemplarily as yesterday you made me believe you did but I know not who hath so suddenly caused you to revoke your sentence and I doubt to my great trouble if you do not take more heed to your affairs that it will happen to you as it did to a very fair Pine-tree which instead of being renewed was cut
the Son of the King of Hungary fell sick and his destemper encreasing more and more upon him all the Physitians of that Kingdom gave him over for dead the King being troubled to lose his Son was advertised that if his Son might escape by Physick Hipocrates only could cure him for this skilful Physitian was renowned through all the World by means of his great knowledg and having conferred with the Queen about the matter who was also very sad for the sickness of the Prince her Son and very desirous of his recovery advised with all diligence to send Ambassadours to Hipocrates with great presents to indâ—re him besides far greater promises which the said Ambassadours were charged to make him to come and cure the young Prince of Hungary who without his help would unavoidably perish The Ambassadors being come to Hipocrates and having declared their charge and delivered their presents which the Kâ— g had sent which he kindly received he thus answered that he was as much troubled as the King their Master for the desire he had to do him humble service in regard that he could not go and therefore he entreated that his Majes y would excuse him by reason of his inability in respect of his great age he being now decriped and diseased in his body but however he would fully satisfie the desire of their Master by an only Nephew which he would send who being very â—kâ—lâ—ul being alwayes brâ—d up with him and prâ—ctised under him in such manner that he knew him â—â—ffiâ—iâ—nt for this cure and that thereâ—ore that the Kâ—â—g should not disesteâ—m him for hiâ— youthfulness for he should find him very able in hiâ— uâ—dâ—â—taking The Ambassador seeing Hipocrates not to be in a cond tion to travell and having a very good opinion of his Nephew took him wâ—th them and pâ— ceeded so on the r journey that they arived at the â—â—â—â—rt where thâ—y were well received oâ— the King and Queen and that they might not loose time the K â—g condâ—cted the Physition to his Sâ—n But whâ—n he had seen him and heard him speâ—k knew by his â—â— s gâ—ony and other signs that he was not the Kâ—â—gâ— Sâ—n and therefore before he would do any thâ—ng in â—rder to the cure being desirâ— uâ— to be resolved of the doubt he had conceived he desired to speak with the Queen alone whereupon being privately with her in her Chamber he thus began Madam if you please to tell me the truth of what I shall ask you I will in short time restore your Son to his former hâ—alth otherwise I can give you no assâ—rance of it The Queâ—n promised him with an Oath so desirous sâ—e was to see heâ— Son well not to conceâ—l any tâ—ing thâ—t he should d sire of her Then the Physitian said I dâ—sire only to know if the Father of the sick Child be here to this the Queen â—nswered do you think that any but the King is his Father to this the Physitian replyed since you are not pleased to tell me the truâ—h Iâ— will be gon and your Son will dye The Queen hearing this resolved so as she might save her Sons life to tell tâ—e Physitiâ—n that which she could not upâ—n any account lâ—t any Person in the world know and having taken on Oath of the Physitian to be secret in what she should tell hâ—m she blushing for shame thus began I would excuse my self but you are not ignorant of the sad condition that married Women are in who are Childless for in truth that is their only riches and content for the Husbands who can hâ—ve no Children of their Wives do hate them a◠〈◊〉 it were her fault and for this cause the poor Women are disdained slighted and ill used and their Husbands seek out other Women that they may have a Bastard to succeed them after their death This being my case having lived long with the King without any Child and being therefore accounted barren and slighted by every one I purposed to know whether the defect was in me or my Husband whereupon I having â—eâ—n the Miller come into the Couâ—t to bring in Câ—rn to the Granery and believing that to be a good oppertunity to execute my design because the King was gone a hunting and all my Women dispersed some in one place and some in an other I caussed him to enter into my Cabinet pretending to speak with him alone where he had to do with me and that several times after so that I perceived my self to be with Child and that I might the better wier the matter I caused the King to lye frequently with me so that at the time oâ— my Child-birth it was supposed to be the Kings Child and so it is still and after this I was better respâ—cted of the King and honoured by all wherefore I pray you to save him which I got by such art to my great peril The Physitian smileing to himself answered Madam take no further care I will restore your Son safe and sound and thereupon after many remedies which he gave to the sick person causing him to be nourished with gross meats according to his natural constitution he became well The Physitian then seeing his Patient in good case and out of danger and that it was time to return he took leave of the King and Queen who presented him with Gold and Silver and gave him good and honourable Company to attend him to his Uncle to whom he relâ—ted every partâ—cular that had hapned by which relation Hipocrates knew the great profit which his Nephew had made in so little time for which cause instead of takeing pleasure in regard he had so taught him he conceived a mortal hatred against him and doubting that the skil of his Nephew would deminish his renown in regard he was to succeed him and to possess a great many books which Hipocrates had composed according to the great experience of his time which would encrease the fame of his Nephew and diminish his own if his receits should come into his possession he therefore purposed privately to kill him and thereupon having caused him to come into his garden where he had all sorts of herbs he demanded if he knew their several vertues to which his Nephew answered yes he desired him to pluck up one of them which he named and as the young man stooped to the ground not doubting any thing the envious old man struck him between the head and shoulders with a hatchet which he had hidden under his gown and slew him at the first blow and to conceale his cruelty he buried him in the same place where he had killed him It hapned as God is just and leaves nothing unpunished that soon after Hipocrates fell sick of the bloody flux so violent that no medicine could stop it But Hipocrates to make tryal of his skil caused a great Vessel to be filled with water whereinto he having cast a certain powder he drew out several
faucets wherewith the vessel was stoped in several places to see if the water would come out but the vertue of the powder had so restrained the fludity of the water that it continued in the vessel without one drop coming out as if it had been frozen at which all the company were astonished yet nevertheless Hipocrates found no good in the flux of his belly very well knowing that to stop it at once on a suddain he should put his life in great danger and therefore leting it take its course he hoped that nature would be assisting yet he had great sorrow for the loss of his Nephew very well knowing that if he had been with him he needed not fear any thing and then he repented of hi fault but to late he sighed and groaned alwayes calling out upon his Nephew but seeing that all was in vain he took it so to heart that he ended his miserable life By this Sir you may judge of the rest of my discourse which is this that none oâ—ght hastily to doe any thing in anger of which they should afterwards make it irrepaiâ—able with vain repentance you have purposed to put the Prince your Son to death not for any crime that he hath committed of which you can be assâ—red but at the report of another but I say once agen to you that you ought to think once and twice what you do and against whom being â—ssâ—red that if you do not suffer your self to be transported with anger y u will in conclusiâ—n find your Son the Prince inâ—ocent of the fact for which he hath been accused and of which you at present think him culpable The Emperour taking good notice of what the Philosopher had said as well by reason of his speeches as for the natural lâ—ve which he bore to his Son ordered for that day a stay of the execution of the sentence of Erastus CHAP. XI The Empress Aphrodicia induceth the Emperour to the final execution of Prince Erastus by a discouâ—se which she made of a Wild Boar which was 〈◊〉 by a Herds man who pretended to flatter him THE Empress Aphrodicia certainly believing 〈◊〉 the next morning her Son in law would 〈◊〉 executed according to the Emperours command and supposing that this loss would be some trouble to her husband wherefore to take away the displeasure he should receive by the death of his Son if n t wholly yet in some Part she provided a magnifcent Feast to entertain the Emperour and to poâ—s away his melancholly for it was usual for the Emperour and Empress to feast one another when they had a mind to pass the time away so that sometimes the Emperour would feast the Ladies the Empress at an other time treating the Emperour when she had a mind to pass over s me melâ—nchâ—lly dinner time being c me the Emperour went into the Qâ—eens hall where the table was covered aâ—d being sate down and the Empress by him enâ—ring into discourse with her he told her that fâ—r the good cause he had been advised to slay the exeâ—â—tion of Erastus for that day which the Empress understanding all the good cheer was altered and with her usuall disdain and angry countenance she said to the Emperour I see Sir you well shew the little esteem which you have for your honour and if the faith you have promised me and alwayes broken But I hope that Judgment and justice will shew you the great fault you want against them both and I doubt it will happen to you as it did to a wild Boar who was destroyed by flattery which is a very good example and which I would relate to you if I did not think it loss of time whereupon the Emperour said my dear I have directly promised and sworn to stop for this day the execution of Erastus and I may not in point of honour break my word and Oath But I assure you that if some more important cause do not happen I shall to morrow morning let you know that revenge which I know to be reasonable is as pleasing to me as to your self and therefore I desire you to let me know the story of the wild boar whereof you have spoken for on one side you will much please me and on the other side you will it may be make me more resolved then I was Then the Empress began her discourse said There was some time since in a great and spacious forrest a large Wild boar who had no other feeding then the wild fruits which grew naturally without the help of mans art and yet however were very good as well by reason of the fertility of the ground as for the good temperature of the Climate where they grew among other trees there was a great wild pear-tree whose fruit did very much please this wild boar and therefore he came ordinarily thither and shaking the tree with his shoulders to make the fruit fall having filled his belly he would be gone to his Den. It happened that a Herds-man that kept a herd of cattle at the entrance of the forrest lost one of the best of them and believing that it was strayed into the forrest as indeed it was considering the difficulty in finding it be was troubled but hoped to light upon it he went to search in the forrest but it was lost labour having spent some dayes in the forrest seeing that it was to no purpose he intended to return but in his way he came to this great pear-tree which I have spoken of and seeing very fair peares and being somewhat an hungry he began to beat them down with his staff he had no sooner tasted of them but finding them better than he expected he thâ—ught it would not be a miss to carry some to his Master that he might somewhat appease the anger which he had against him for the loss of the Bullock that he might carry them without damage he thought it best to gather them with his hand and thereupon he climbed up the pear-tree but he was no sooner got up when the great Boar which I speak of came to the foot of the pear-tree and began to shake it as he was used The poor Herds-man seeing this furious Animall was afraid and that he might be rid of him he threw many pears to him hoping that when his belly was full he would be gone again as he was used to do but it fell out otherwise for the wild-boar seeing more victuals than he was used to have and that with less paines he eat so many pears that he was ready to burst and not being able to go back he lay down under the tree The poor Herds-man seeing this was more fearful then before for on one side he was in great fear of the wild-boar and on the other side he fore-saw the danger he should be in of other wild beasts if he should stay all night in the forrest being thus reduced between these two in evitable extremities he
yeâ— the 〈◊〉 of which put me upon the dâ—sire of this revâ—â—◠〈…〉 thought it would have 〈…〉 â—â—â—dly said her Master for I know 〈…〉 the cause goes and by thiâ— me◠〈…〉 you will please me very much â—f 〈…〉 â—â—ur self instead of a reward I will inflict upâ—◠〈◊〉 a punishment so strange that I will make thee tell the truth by force The poor and unhappy Chamber-maid began to relate the love between her and the â—ervant how she was surprized by her Mistress beaten after a most grievous manner and how she purposed a reuenge should it cost her her life in short she omitted nothing that was past saying moreover that it was not the life of her Mrs. she desired but to have her as loâ—dly basted as she had been basted by her â—he Gentleman heaâ—ing this being all â—age and fury he â—an aâ— her and having râ—pâ— open her breast with that Dâ—ggâ—r he kill'd Henry with be toâ—e out her hâ—â—â— and stampt upon it pouring out all the curâ—es reprâ—aches and execrations he could think of over her wretched carcals cursing himself too for believing the treachery of her miscreant and now â—â—viâ—g sufficientâ— deplored and wept over the corps of his chaste wife and faithful servant Henry he askt of one and the other a thousand pardons saying since it is inpossible to remedy so great a crime as I have here committed so great in killing you both so wrongfully that it must not pass unpunisht and therefore I will appease it I can by sacrifising my self to your offended innocency begging that you will not deny me your Company in death since there was so much love and amity between us in life till treachery made this final seperation There is one thing left which affâ—ds me some comefort and contentment that before I dye I have had my just revenge although a thousand deâ—ths of such like Traytors is no fit reparation for the life I have deprived having said this he put a halter about his neck and having tyed it to a beam strait over the body of his câ—â—ste wife he wrote against the wall with his daggeâ— these verses under written which yet to this day are to be seen in the house of that miserable Gentleman By a rash act which had its rise from treason Incens'd by a maid servant without reason I wrongfully have stain my dearest wife And a male servant have depriv'd of life At length I knew the truth but 't was too late To stay the hand of my too rigid fate And then I stab'd the heart that was the cause In making me offend great Natures lâ—ws For which I hang my sâ—lf against this wall Cleanders boundless rashnâ—sâ— was his fall Having finisht this writeing he threw the dagger under him and pushing the stool on which he stood to tye the rope about the beam with which he intended to hang himself he there hung miserably ending his dayes for being over câ—edulous and puâ—ting too much confidence in his own eyes And now to return to the matter of fact which is the question I conclude Sir that you ought to take great heed in this matter and weigh it with serious consideration without levity believeing in the words of her who desires the death of Erastus without any reason thereunto inducing Consider then within your self that this affair may be otherwise that as it was represented to your eyes For there is no greater argument nor more proper instance for entring into jealousie then this Gentleman of Padua of whom we spake before who without questioning the matter took it for certain but knew in the conclusion but too late and to his utter ruin that a matter of such great importance should not rely on the believing of an other nay nor himself This oration of the Philosopher put all the Auditors into admiration for he spake so much to the purpose and with such vivacity that all the standers by could not refrain from bathing their cheeks in a Sâ—a of teares which wrought so effâ—ctually that every one Judged nothing waâ— more requisitâ— then staying the execution of the sentence oâ— Erastus untill the fact was more narrowly searcht into that in the end he might receive a righteous Judgment Whereupon the Emperour was constrained to condescend as well for that excelâ—â—t diâ—course the Philosopher hâ—â— delivered as for the supplications the Senate â—stâ—r'd up to his Majesty according to this conclusion Erastus was sent brâ—â— to his Dungeon and so had his life prolonged by the meaâ—s of hiâ— good Master Enoscopus This History or Example of Cleander is according to the originall in the Italian and French but in regard there is another History in another Book to this purpose I shall thus relate it THere dwelt in a certain City a Kinghâ— well striken in years who notwithstanding married a wife whose youth and beauty boâ—h conjoyned to make her the subject of every mans admiration these two things so endeared his affections towards her that their was noâ—hing to her by him more pâ—izable in the whole universe now least at any time he might be robb'd of this inesteemable Jewell after with his own hands he had lockt hiâ— doors he secured the keys under his beds-head By the way you are to understand that by the Lowâ— of the City at a certain hour of the night a Bell was usually rung after the sound of which if either man or woman was found gadding in the streets they were instantly seiz'd and having been detain'd in prison 〈◊〉 might the next morning they stood in the Pillory aâ— an object of shame and laughter to all the beholders This antient Knight by reason of his age was impotent feeble and altogether unable to give that satisfaction as youth required as well for procreation as delight and therefore his young wife found out away to supply his defects by taking the keys every night from under his head when fast asleep opening the doors went to her paramour who having lustfully enjoyed her sill returned and lay'd the keys in the same place from whence she took then It so happened but not expected that one night fafter she was gone to prosecute her accustomed delights that her husband awaked and m ssing his wife felt for the keys but finding them not he went down to the door which he found open therefore he bolted it and returned to his Chamber and suspecting his wifes levity he lookt out of the window to observe the passages which might happen in the street When it was very late or rather early his wife came from her lustfull â—allion but found the door bolted against her however she took the boldness to knock Hereupon the good old Knight looking out of the window and seeing it was his disloyal wife spake to her in this manner O thou wicked unchast woman have I now found you out how often may I not from hence conclude thou hast committed adultry defiled thy marriage bed for
flee but the Officers came timely enough to seize on her and secure her and her wicked Chamber-maid she seeing her self taken and bound and knowing in whose custody she was freely confessed the fact saying she very well knew the cause why she was taken and particularly related how she had used her deceased Husband that she might be rid of him and how she had kill'd him with her own hands whereupon she was led to the Governour where she reiterated and confirmed her disposition further adding that she repented she had endured so much and that she had delayed his death so long and that if it were to do again she would do it The Governour hearing this being much troubled to see so fair a young woman so obstinate in her wickedness which she did not endeavour to excuse but rather to justifie he therefore condemned her to be burnt alive at the common place of Execution in Modena and that her Chambermaid who had not only kept her counsel but bin her assistant and companion should also suffer with and accompany her in death and this sentence was the next day executed this wretched woman not shewing the least repentance for so wicked a crime And this may be the very case of the Queen of Germany for I am very confident that no cause hath induced her thus miserably to calumniate the King her Husband but only an earnest desire to have him dispatched out of her sight True it is this woman is more cunning endeavours to have more assurance then she of Modena for she would be assured of the protection and safeguard of the Empire that she may with more safety execute her wicked design wherefore my opinion is that she ought not to be protected in so wicked an action but that in short an answer should be returned her that the Roman Empire is puissant enough not only to defend it self from those who shall dare to assault it but also for to punish those that shal attempt any unjust action whereby this perverse Princess may know that we well enough understand the reason of her writing this Letter and that therefore she should forbear acting of those things that deserve punishment lest she serve as an example to others who shall attempt the like And it is my earnest wish that there were none like her at Rome and then I should not have occasion to continue my discourse and then Sir you and wâ— that are your servants should not be put to the trouble we this day are at on the â—ccasion of Prince Erastus for certainly if the câ—use were searched to the bottom it would be found to be quite different than his mother in 〈◊〉 hâ—th iâ—sly imputed it to cause him to do so that she may with the more ease contrive the same against you and bâ— out of fear and danger of yâ—ur Sâ—ns heâ— g revâ—â—â—â—d on her this Sir or some such curse is the only râ—â—son whâ—ch at present is to me unknown but I can affiâ—â— as you will in conclusion sâ—â—d that Erastus â—â—â—nocâ—nt not only of this fact but of â—ll other vâ—i â—â—â—actions if the hasty execution of a rash sentence givâ—n against him dâ—â—h not hinder the knowledg of the truth to prâ—cure which I shall follow the Nature of the Gentleman of Modena's Dâ—g and the example of my Companionâ— who have noâ— ceased not do not yet cease to crye that order may be observed and if you are not pleased to open your ears to the advertisements which we give you have a care that our clamours be thought hereafter to be to as little purpose as the Howlings of the good dog were to his Master to discover the truth of the fact when there was no remedy Open your eyes and your eares Sir while it is yet time without precipitating on an action that may cause a too late vain repentance if you believe that Erastus is guilty of the crime wherewith he is accused we are of a contrary opinion yet none of us are upon certainties therefore if you put him to death you will be accounted throughout all the world to be a wicked unjust cruel Prince wherefore let me prevaile with you to do that which you have so often intended to remit the cause to the trial of the Senate to proceed according to right reason justice if it proves to be so as the Empress hath falsly alledged that Erastus be â—o dâ—â—â—â—ed thâ—n you may execute him and us also who 〈◊〉 been his â—â—â—tors without incurring any infamy And on the contrary if his Innocence doth appear as I believe it will you will not be deprived of a Son and the Empire of a Successor The Oration of good â— Igathus was pronounced with such earnestness thâ—â— all the Senate stood up entreating the Emperor to 〈◊〉 the advice of the Philosopher and 〈…〉 counsel could be given in a case so difficult 〈…〉 also by reason of the learned speeches which the Philosopher Agathus had made the Emperor was constrained to put a stop to the execution of the sentence of Erastus for that day but he was troubled to hear the Empress so openly blamed before the Senate And as for the Queen of Germany it was concluded to give her such an answer as the Philosopher had directed who gained very great honour in this Counsel for that he had discovered the intention of this Queen of Germany wch could be no other but what he had describ'd in regard there was no other advise if any rebellion in Germany whereupon the Counsel arose and every one retired to their houses expecting to hear the cause of Prince Erastus which had been left to the tryal of the Senate and it was the wishes and desires of all that the cause should prove as the Philosophers had averred and not according to the accusation and imputation of the Empress whose Tyranny was hated by many on the contrary every one admired the good carriage which they had only once seen in Prince Erastus who was esteemed and loved by all the world This History or example of the Philosopher Agathus is according to the original in the Italian and French but there being an other story to this purpose I shall thus relate it Our Gentleman understanding the resolution of the Mistress was as I told you married to the Maid by which action he thought to vex the Lady which slighted him and marry her who loved him and that he might make the Lady and all the World believe they were mistaken in him and that his Estate was as good as ever he lanched out all that he could to make a sumptuous wedding so that by such time as hâ—s and his Brides cloathes were paid for and the other expences defrayed not only his own Estate was consumed but all his new wives ready money which she had pickt up in her service was spent and besides one Citty house and some moveables all else was sold and the
money wasted all the Treasure he could boast of was his wives beauty which was indeed admirable and so attractive that it brought her many servants and adorers but she who was vitious enough in other matters as you shall understand ere long was virtuous in preserving her chastity for him alone who who had paid so dear for it and refused the embraces of all her Lovers for her husband They who courted her finding that amorous language and handsome treats would not work upon her and partly understanding her husbands condition to be necessitous resolved to take an other course and presented her with rings plate and some trifling jewels which she accepted of and than gave them the hearing but yet stood out as to the main and wouâ—d not admit of any neer approaches resolving since they had begun with presents that they should proceed in the same manner and that if they had injoyment it should be a costly one as indeed in the end it proved to be Many of these suiters she had all which she held in hand so long as they brought grift to her Mill but the principal were three Roman Knights who having large revenues not only spent largely but presented her very roundly that they might have a lick at her honey pâ—â— Her husband was no such Novice in these affairs but that he understood what was meant by this courtship but being confident of his wivâ—s chastity who indeed acquainted him with all her proceedings and permitted him to share in her profits he therefore was contented and advised with her how to manage her affairs to the best advantage so that the 3 Knights becoming impâ—rtunaâ—â—â—â—uiters and besides the presents offâ—ring her fair in moneys she at length made a bargain with them she managed each of them severally not one knowing the design of the other though they were all very well known to each other yet this was a secret they discovered not 〈◊〉 any she having engaged them so to doe for preservation of her honour The some she agreed upon was 200 Crowns of each of them they were to pay and fare all alike and to be entertained all at one and the same time and place The appointed time being come and one of the Knights having entred her house and delivered the mony ready told her husband was ready to receive him but in a fatal manner with a naked sword running him through so often that he sunk down dead on the ground the first being thus diâ—patched it was not long after before the second came who fared no better than the first and the third also was forced to bear his friends company in death Thus did these three Knights fall inglorlously and instead of pleasure they intended they purchased a suddain death and these two murderers were proud of their prize and conquest believing that they had done well in preserving their honor and supposing that if the world were acquainted with the whole matter they might well enough justifie the fact yet however they were willing and desirous to conceal it and to that purpose they contrived a way how to be rid of the dead bodies The murdress had a Brother who was Commander of the watch of the whole Citty and with some attendants such as he thought fit to choose from among the rest he went the Rounds and visited the several watches he being in his Circuit was called in by his Sister who gave him and his crew a sufficiant quantity of strong liquor and keeping them in kâ—n house so long that it was too late to proâ—aâ—â— in his walk she desired him to send away hiâ— Attendants and that she had a private hâ—â— private business to impart to him He consented to what his loveing Sister desired and they being gone she tells him that she hath somewhat to impart that he must be very secret in and withal assist her in or else she was undone he not questioning the matter what makes her an absolute general promise to do all things she would desire she having thus assured him she tells him a Knight of the Emperours Court came that day into her house and intended an abuse to her but was hindred by her husband who by chance arrived and being Cholerick and the other desperate they so far engaged together that her husband having the Juster cause overcame and slew his enemy whose body remained there in the house unburied and that without his assistance they knew not how to convey it away Well Sister replyed he I will rid you of that trouble help me to a Sack and I will put the body into it and carry it on my back and throw it into the River Tiber whose streams will quickly convey it into the Sea so that you shall hear no more of it His Sister did as he required and desired him by all means to return thither again so soon as he had done what he promised He accordingly did as he had said and soon returned bidding her take no more care for by that time the body was carried far enough by the violence of the stream she hearing him say so fetched him a cup of the best liquor her house afforded but pretending some business in the next Room to that where they were drinking she went thither but hastily and as it were in amaze returned crying out Oh Lord Brother I am undone for the Knight which you so lately carryed to the River is returned and lyes here How said he it is impossible but going thither he there found the body of a dead Knight whom he supposed was as she told him the former returned Well said he give him me again and I will try what can be done and now make sure work for I will throw him in again Sack and all and a great stone tyed to it having aid thus he takes the body puts it into his Sucâ— layes it on his shoulders and carries it where he had said and returned saying now Sister assure your self I have secured all well enough for I saw the body sink to the very boâ—â—om therefore fill the other dish of liquor and let us be merry She did as he desired and they drank on but not long before she made the same excuse as formerly and came running and frighted crying out that the Knights body was again returned Her Brother hearing her speeches and seeing a dead body which indeed was of the third Knight though she said it was the first was much amâ—zâ—d concluding that this Knight was borne under some Planet whose influence was such that the water should not prejuduce him wherefore he resolved to take another course and try what the fire would do therefore he puts it into a Sack and carryes it to a place without the Citty where there was much Wood this he put together in such manner about the dead body that it might be consumed He having placed all things in order and set fire to the Wood retired a little out of the way
other Arch there was a Columne which did shine very bright and none knew of what materials it was composed some supposed it to be of one unknown stone others were of opinion that it was composed of divers mettals but what ever it was made of the brightness was so great that it shâ—ned cleerly under all the Arch thiâ— Columne waâ— supported by four other stutues of brass made in the figures of animals the one was of an Eagle the other of a Lion the third of a Griffin and the fouth of a Horse And although this Columne was thus bright shineing as any looking glass yet a man could not see himself therein neither could one see any thing that was adjoyning as is usual to do in any other Looking-glasses or other things that are polished yet it had this admirable property â— that when aâ—y thing was enterprized against the City of Rhodes or when any Prince did raise forces to assault the Rhodians all might be seen in the Columne so plainly that you might behold those that made these enterprizes and by the same means see from what Parts the Enemies came for the Rhodians could not in any manner be surprized for no sooâ—er was any thing intended and contrived against the Citty but the Columne presâ—ntly discovered it and therefore the Rhodians were by means of this Columne alwayes provided for their Enemies 't is impâ—ssible to tell whâ— was the Invenâ—or and Architâ—ct of these two Coâ—umnes it being altogâ—ther uncertain yet it is supposed that some gâ—eâ—t Magitiâ—n for at all times that Citty hath bred men of knâ—wledg and well experienced in all Arts made them both and the Rhodians were as prâ—ud of these two Columens as of any thing that was in then whole Country and yet so great 〈◊〉 them certainty of all thingâ— in the world where nothing is pâ—rpeâ—uall thâ—t bâ—th these marvalous thing◠〈◊〉 â—e deâ—tâ—â—yâ—d 〈◊〉 â—han was convenienâ— for the gâ—â—â— of the 〈…〉 Th s Univâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 all the world wa◠〈…〉 of all Nâ—tions among othâ—â—â— theâ—â— was one who after long stuâ—y of the cauâ—â—â—â— thâ— unâ—â—â—tiâ—guâ—shable fire thaâ— withouâ— woâ—d or other materials burned continuâ—â—â—y and having searchâ—d dilligently but not fi diâ—g the natural cause turning his face he perceived the â—â—râ—ing â—hich was in the Bow of the Brazen Archeâ—◠〈◊〉 which I have spoken and thinking with 〈◊〉 hâ—w it should be possible that an innanimate and senseless thing should give a greater blow than he that should strik that wherefore he purposed to make tryal and having taken a halbert he struck it as hard as he could against the breast of the Archer but he had no sooner given the blow when the Archer discharged his Arrow directly into the inextinguishable fire which presently vanished so that the place became as cold as if there had never been any fire there at which the yoâ—ng Schollar was amazed and doubting what would become of him if it were known that through his folly the unextinguishable fire was put out hâ— ran away as fast as he could having deprived the Citty of Rhodes of one of the greatest commodities and indeed the disturbance occasioned by the loss of this fire was very great for all the Inhabitants but principally the poor ones were very much interested and troubled at the loss and it was not long after that they lost the other marvail This hapned in the raign of Philarchus King of Rhodes who had a difference with Nichomachus King of Cyprus for certain ships which the King of Rhodes had taken from the Cypriots refusing to restore them although the King Nichomachus had often prayed and sollicited the King Philarchus both by Letters and Ambassadours wherefore the King of Cyprus being angry resolved to be revenged for the abuse the Rhodians had done him but he could not raise any forces and surprise the Rhodians by reason of the admirable vertue of the Columne which discovered all to King Philarchus so that by this means he had time to prepare for his Enemies this enmity being between these two Princes the one noâ— bâ—ing willing to be at the charge of a War doubting hâ— should lose his labour and the other not valuing his Enemies knowing that they could not surprize him three of these under pretence of dispiseing riches and the greatness of the world but had no other end but to make themselves both great and rich such as these Philosophers are in whom you put so much confidence seeing the great gain they might get by the difference between these two Princes after they had a long time consulted the matter among themselves they went to King Nichomachus to whom making themselves known to be wise men as they were esteemed they told him that if he would give them conveniences they would undertake to ruin and destroy the miraculous Columne of Rhodes so that nothing should after that be seen in it which being done he might easily attain his ends of Philarchus by taking him unprovided the King of Cyprus who desired nothing more earnestly than to have the means to be revenged for the wrong which Philarchus had done him assured these Philosophers that he would not spare for any thing to accomplish this design though it cost him his Crown further promising to give them all that they should ask if they would pâ—rform what they had said nay he promised to make them partakers with him in his Kingdome if they would live in Cyprus praying and entreating them to perform it with all speed You shall see it in short time answered the Philosophers but to attain your desires you must provide us three Antient Vessels which must be filled with Gold wherewith we shall in such manner blind Philarchus and those who have the keeping of this miraculous Columne that they shall as well be deprived of that as they were of the unextinguishable fire which they had in their Citty The King of Cyprus who was very rich seeing their demands were so small said to the Philosophers if Gold will finish the enchantment of the Columne of Rhodes we will easily attain our ends as your selves shall see and thereupon he shewed them his great treasure telling them they might take as much as they pleased and that they should fill certain Antient Vessels which he had furnished them withall The Philosophers having made choice of three Vessels one made of Earth and the other of Brass and the third of Silver they filled them with Gold as much as a man could carry and having taken their leaves of the King they departed for Rhodes in a Friggat which they had provided were being landed they each of them took one of these vessels under their Arms going strait to the Citty of Rhodes and being neer it they buried one of their Vessels in a place which they took special notice of then going into the Citty they did the same with the other two burying them neer to the principal Church of the Citty so ordering the Earth
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
resistance and which mastereth the greatest and wisest men in the world as may be proved by a world of examples which I shall omit and return to the Matron and her beloved Souldier who by this time had satisfied hers and his own desires and now after his pleasure in the Vault was desirous to know how his business at the Gibbet stood which although he found standing in the place he left it yet the body was removed this was a sight as unpleasing as that of his Mistress had been pleasant and he now becomes more despairing than she had been and he strives more to destroy himself than he had hefore to preserve her Being distracted with horror at the Gibbet he returns in a horrible posture to the Vault and there without speaking he falls to acting one while he casteth up his eyes that flame with fury beats his breast tears his hair stampeth upon the ground and useth all the gestures of a man transported to perfect madness which suddain and violent passion another while he stands unmoved and silent fixing his exeâ— upon the earth as if â—e were consulting the infernal spirits what to do with himself he exclaims against heaven despises fate to make him more miserable reproaches Fortune for her giddiness Curses his Malevolent Stars renounceth Providence sometimes he condemns his own negligence and then he reflects upon the innocent woman a the unhappy occasion of his wretchedness and thinkiâ—g he had met with the true cause of his mischeif he interpretates all the plagues in Nature upon the heads of the whole Sex and vomits out these blasphemies against them Ah Women women saith he why did Nature make you unless repenting the perfection she had given to man she found out you to lessen it For Man who otherwise would be more than half Divine only by being obnoxious to the corrupt temptations of Woman is made less than half Human What misery ever befel him in which Woman had not a hand What crime did He ever commit to which she did not incite him What Tragedy hath at any time been acted in the theatre of the world in which a woman had not her part what war what desolâ—tion what ruin hath not found its beginning in that mischeivous sâ—x How many mighty Nations flourishing K ngdomes prosperous Common-wealths populous Cities and noble Families have owed their destruction to either the Malice or Pride or Lust of Woman What are you Women but the poyson of Mans Innocence and Peace which Nature hath guilded-over with a splended out-side that we might swallow it down with the less suspition all your beauties all your châ—rms are but like the Apples of Sodom which have fair and inviting rinds and yet within are nothing but stinking dâ—â—â— you are the true Sirens that enchant us with the melody of your voice and then hold us captives in the chains of beastial slavery You are the true Hiena's that assure us with the fairness of your skins and when folly hath brought us within your reach you leap upon us and devour us You are the traiters to Wisdom the impediments to industry the obstacles to honour the softners of courage the perturbers of Tranquillity the cleg to vertue and goads that drive us all to vice impiety and ruin You are the Fool 's Paradise the wisemans plague and the grand Error of Nature What What shall I say I want words to express your pravity as I did my reason when I set my foot into this unlucky this fatal place Having thus belched out this virulent invective against poor innocent women who deserved much better language at his hands his wild imagination which catcheth at any thing wheels about and he thus vomits the remainder of his choler upon himself What damned spirit was it that conducted me into this Charnel-house made me quit my duty where was the care vigilancy of my good Angel when he left me to be seduced into this dismal vault would I had fallen into a den of Lions Tygres when I lighted upon this woman here then had dyed innocent without dishonour whereas now I have contracted a guilt whose punishment is an infamous death and that inevitable unless I prevent the stroke of justice and become my own Executioner Which being the only refuge my disaster hath left me why am I thus slow in addressing my self unto it why do I waste that time in weak and fruitless complaints which I ought to imploy in delivering my self from the extremity of misfortunes that is yet to come dye I must by sentence of the magistrate why then should I defer to fall by my own hand to vindicate ones self from extream and otherwise inevitable Calamity by Sui-cide is not certainly a crime but an act of Heroique Fortitude I am resolved therefore my sword shall prevent the ignominy of the Gallows and by forcing open the Gates of death I will stop up the way to publick shame Here he puts a period to his desperate Harangue and hasting to put one to his life also he suddainly draws his sword and beginning to set the hilt of it upon the ground that he may cast himself upon the point he is most seasonably prevented by the pious Matron Who being all this while ignorant of the cause of his fury hath been wholly possessed with amazement at the extravagant effects of it so that she minded not a word of all those bitâ—er reproaches he had cast forth against her whole Sex but quickly roused out of the stupifying fit of wonder wherewith she had been invaded by seeing him draw his sword she throws herself into his armes partly by grasping his hands pâ—â—tly by the charms of her kisses tears and entreaâ—ies she so far becalm's his rage as that he seems not unwilling to pâ—â—rouge at least the execution of that self-assasination he intended until he had convinced her of the necessity of it He tells her therefore in short that the body of a certain notorious villain which he had been appointed to guard was taken from the Gâ—bbet and conveyed away that the penalty of the like death ' denounced by the Governour against him and his fellows who had transferred the whole charge upon his care and vigilancy was certain and inevitable unless he hilled himself by way of prevention that if she could have any sentiments of kindness for so unfortunate a wretch as this sad accident had made him there was now no way left for her to express them but by permitting him qâ—ietly to pervert the infamy of a publick execution by a private with-drawing himself into the other world and that it was some content to him in this his Agony that he should leave his body to be dissolved into the same dust with that of her former Lover of whose singular worth fame hath defused so honourable a report And having thus hastily delivered to her the cause of his desperate resolution he begins again to free his hands of the
incumbrance of hers that he may speedily effect it But good and tender hearted Creature her affection was too great to suffer her to yeild to any thing conducing to his death and the more he strives to dis-engage her breast from his the closer she clings to him vowing withal thaâ— if he wounded himself it should bâ— by forcing the sword first through her body to which she added that she would not live to be so miserable as to loose so dear a person so soon and in the same place where she had been so happy to finde him unexpectedly that very gratitude forbâ—de her to consent to the taing away his life who had lately and miraculously preserved hers and as she had some reason to believe infused a new life into her that it would be less affliction to her to die before him than to survive and behold at once the dead bodies of two persons each of which she had loved infinitely above her owne life and that the death he so much dreaded from the Hangman was not so unavoidable as his fears had made him imagine but there were other wayes of evasion besides self murder and would he but follow her advice she doubted not to put him upon such a course as should procure both his owne security and her content The Soldier more effectually wâ—ought upon by this last clause than by all else she had said and remembring the old saying that Women are alwayes more subtle and ingenious at Evasions in suddain Exigences than Men he easily promise h as who would not in his case to listen to her Câ—unsel and pursue it also if it appeared reasonable Well then saith this Good woman since the body of the best and greatest of Mortals is but a lump of clay after the departure of the Soul which gave it life sense and motion that all Relations are extinguished in death all Piety is determined in the gravâ— that it is but Charity to use the Reliques of the Dead in case of necessity to preserve the Living why should not I dispense with the formality of post hume-respects to the putrifying Corps of my deceased Huâ—band and make use of it for the preservation of my living friend with whose life my own is insepâ—rably bound up and whose danger therefore is equally mine come therefore my Dear and let us take my Husbands body out of his Coffin and place it upon the Gibbet in the room of the Malefactors which you say hath been stolen away Death you know doth so change and disfigure the Countenance as to disguise it from the knowledg of even the most familiar acquaintance Who then can distinguish his naked body from the other besides we will besmear his face with blood and dirt and rather than fail in any part of resemblance break his arms and legs and make the same wounds in him the Executioner did in the Rogue 's so that his nearest Relations shall not be able to find a difference much less shall strangers who come to gaz-upon such horrid spectacles out of a â—avage Curtâ—sity and commonly stand a loof off The Souldier quickly approves the woman's project how to excuse him and having no time for now day was approaching to insist upon acknowledgment either of her great love or of the felicity of her wit he joyns his strength with hers and removes the Husband's Corps out of the vault to the Gibbet whereon he placeth it in the same posture he had left the villains omitting no part of those resemblances she had suggested as requisite to delude the spectators Which cone He and his incomparable Mistriss secretly retire to consuâ—t further not only of their present safety but also how they might continue that mutual hapineâ—s which Fortune had so unexpectly begun betwixt them And thus did they put an end to this nights Adventures which had been admirable to them both and we may from hence learn the instability of all sublunary things but more particularly the Mutability and Levity of women so that there is no great heed to be taken of them especially when they are in their passions as I may conclude the Empress is now possest of which rageth so extreemly that nothing but the death of your Son the Prince Erastus will quallisy whether her passion be Love or Hate I know not but believe in the conclusion you will finde that it is both and that Hate at present is the product of former Love but let it be which or how it will I am sure it is not commendable in her to let it proceed so far as to take away the life and honor of a Prince so vertuous as is Prince Erastus and who I hope if you please to spare from executing at present will very suddainly make it appear to you and all the world that he is not in the least guilty of the crimes whereof he hath been accused I have already told you that some others say this was the story or example which Lencus the Philosopher did write in a Letter and send to the Emperour but some agen say that it was the former of the Physitian of Millain they are both to one purpose and efect to shew the weakness instabillity and passions of women and may be and are well applyed to the Emperour in this occasion about his Son Erastus for the satisfaction of the Reader that nothing may be wanting to make this book as compleat as possibly as I can I have given the Reader an account of them both he may give credit to which he pleaseth and therefore I shall thus proceed After the Philosopher Lencus had sealed and subscribed this Letter he delivered it to one of the Soldiers that was set to gard him charging him above all things to deliver it that morning early to the Emperour and to tell him that it was an advertisement of very great importance This the Soldier promised faithfully to do and thereupon he went directly to the Castle to execute his charge the Emperour seeing the day break and that the Sun did already gild the tops of the mountains that he might be distant from a spectacle so miserable as that of the death of his Son and of seven Persons esteemed and reputed to be the wisest of that Age he therefore purposed to ride out into the fields to divert his melancholly as well as he could and as he was about to mount on horseback the Soldier which the Philosopher had sent making his reverence delivered the Letter to him He instantly opening it read it but not without great alteration which was taken notice of by those that were about him seeing that he often changed colour from thence beleiving that it was something concerning the Prince Erastus The Emperour having then read this Letter remained for some time very pensive without speaking one word yet withal concluding that he could do no less than to communicate this advertisement to the counsel he returned in some pâ—ssion to the
advertisements which by her b uâ—ty she had given him yet nevertheless he acted quite contrary not omitting to do any thing that his wicked inclinations led him to and alâ—hough he endeavoured to act his lew'd tricks at privately as he could that his Mother in law might not discover him yet now it was not so as it had formerly been with his Father for he was acquainted with all his actions because the Subjects went more freely to make their complaints to Eufrosena than to Archelaus seeing the ready and quick dispatches which she gave to all affairs and now they did not fear that she should be transported with natural affection at the discovery of the disâ—rdinate life of Philemon as it may be Archelaus himself would have been who being neer of Kin to Philemon had taken so great a love for him that he had adopted him when a young child and had alwayes bred and entertained him as his own Son The wise Eufrosena seeing the advertisements which she had given to Philemon had not at all pâ—â—fited him she began to be more free with him threatning that in case he did not change his manners to acquaint her husband therewith that he might take course with him yet withal mildly telling him the great blame he would have when his lewd life should be discovered Whereupon Philemon promised that for the future he would so behave himself that she should hear no Complaints of him anâ—â—â—tâ—e was every day worse and worse so that the veâ—â—uous Eafrosena was constrained to acquaint her huâ—bâ—â—â— thâ—â—ewith earnestly entreating him to advise hiâ— Sâ—n to leave those wicked courses and to bring him back to his former vâ—rtuouâ— manner of living Archelaus hearing this newâ— of his Son thought 〈◊〉 very â—â—range to hear of â—uch dishonest â—ctâ—â—â—s so câ—ntrary to the good opinion which he had of his Câ—ntinâ—â—câ— and vertue wherefore â—e câ—id him â—veâ—ely and threatned him highly stâ—â—â—â—ly câ—mmâ—nding him from thence forwards not tâ— câ—mmit any exâ—â—â—s or violence Intimating to hâ—â— that for the first â—ault he should be guilty of he woâ—ld so Chastise him that his former câ—lmes and thâ—se which he should commit should not escape unpunished and that he should â—erve as an example to others who seeing that he had not spared his adopted Son should forbear offending for fear of punishment Young Philemon counterfeiting a Repentance and that he was very sorrowful that he had committed crimes to the displeasure of his Father begged his pardon promising to live so strictly from thence forwardâ— that he should never hear any just complaint against him Yet it was not long after this that he had a mind to a fair young Damsel daughter to a Gentleman of the most considerable quality of his fathers Subjects and not knowing how by fair means to get possâ—ssion of her â—e one day made a forceible entry into the house of this Gentlemâ—n and carryed away the Damsel This rude action coming to the knowledge of Archelaus he Commanded that Philemon should be suddenly seizâ—d on and being strictly guarded should be carried Prisoner to a strong Castle giving express commands to the Captain of the Castle that upon pain of his high displeasure he should put Philemon in the stronge Prison of the Castle that he might at all times render a good account of him Philemon being thus put into Prison conceived mortal hatred against his Mother-in-law believing all the anger of Archelaus did proceed from her and by her Instigation and from thencefâ—rth purposed to imploy all his power and wicked Spirit to ruine the good and innocent Lady And that he might accomplish his design he endeavoured all that in him lay to get the friendship of the Captain of the Castle which he easily performed the Captâ—in being a good fellow one who desired to please all and particularly Philemon whom he one day hoped to see Lord of all the Lands of Archelaus And therefore he often visited Philemon eating and drinking with him endeavouring to divert him by Playing singing and other recreation so that his liberty only excepted he knew nothing that would please Philemon but he suffered him to enjoy it This Captain had one only Daughter competently fair and marâ—iagable which he lovâ—d above all things Philemon having seen her resolved to make use of this means to accomplish what he most desired He seeing his keeper to be so much his friend that he might without any danger discover any secret to him he one day took him apart and having made a long preamble of the many traverses which his Mother-in-law had practised to his prejudice and that without cause so that she had by these means brought him tâ— a Prison him who was by right the true and Lawful Lord of the Countrey there to cause him to Languish in a condition worse than death had it not been for his kinâ—ness to him for which he reckoned himself vâ—ry much obligâ—d so that he should never forget it and being willing to begin to acknowledge the gâ—eat â—â—iendship and service which he had received of him and gave him assurance of what he mâ—ght hereafter expect when by the death of his Father he should be Master of his 〈◊〉 he therefore purposed to take his only daugh â— to wife â—on this condition that the said Câ—ptain would Aid and assist him in what he purposed to do And then he began to discourse of the probable cooâ—â—â— he would take to be revenged on hâ— Innocenâ— â—ufrosena and told him particularly how the design should be mannaged The affection which the Captain had to see his daughter so highly preferred and the Ambition to be Father-in-law to his Lord and Prince and by consequence Governour of the Countrey caused him to open his eares so that although he knew this to be an unjust undertaking yet however he resolved to be an Actor and therefore they having plighted their trothes to each other the marriâ—ge of his daughter and Philemon was secretly câ—â—â—â—nated The Captain of the Castle resolving to keep promise choosed out seven Sâ—ldiers Reformadoes in whom he could confide and after he had câ—njured them and received an oath from them for their fidelity and secresie he discovered his and Philemons enterprise to facillitate which he shewed them the proper means giving them great presents and greater promises to serve as false witnesses to testifiâ— and affirm that which should be requited of them This being done he dispatched one of these Reformadoeâ— to Archelaus to entreat him to come to the Galile about a business of very great Consequence and wherein consisted the quiet of his estate which wâ—s of so great importance that he durst not write least the Letter should miscarry and muâ—h less could be trust a third person to acquaint him by wâ—rd of mâ—uth While the Soldier was on hiâ— way â—o delivâ—r his Message the Traytor Philemon purâ—â—sing to act his wickedness cunningly laid his foundâ—tion on a Letter which he found whâ—ch the Sâ—ge
were gentile and honorable and Fortune was so favourable to him in this enterprise that in short time he saw his son very well instructed in Learning and Armes and in all other vertuous actions becoming a Gentle-man yet however seeing that he was morose and melancholly by reason he had no company in the house to converse with at home neither had he travelled abroad for there is no better way to know the World than to travel in it which gives a greater reputation to men and is more profitable than to live alwayes at home in their Nests wherefore that he might please him he resolved to travel into several places and having made provision of moneys necessary for such an undertaking and chosen out those that should accompany or attend him he provided and furnished a Ship wherein he and all his company embarqued and having taken order about his Domestick affairs with the first good wind they set sail and having sailed several dayes and meeting with a storm they made towards an Island where they landed in this Island he had a mind to remain some dayes as being a pleasant place well manured and the Inhabitants very civil and courteous but being desirous to pursue his Voyage he embarkqued when he and his son had no sooner left the shore but they saw two Birds as white as Swans who hovered about their Vessel and in the end perched on the Antient of the main Mâ—st where they had not long rested but they descended as if they would have setled on the head of the young Hermogenes but soon returned from whence they came where they began to warble sing so sweetly harmoniously that one would have imagined them to have bin Musitianâ— that endeavoured to shew their utmost skill and cunning so that all the Ships company who were pleased with their harmony durst not stir for fear of disturbing them Europus who had formerly learned several words of the auguries of Birds and their significations bethought himself what this might mean being ignorant whither it foretold good or evil and seeing his son very pensive and yet nevertheless very pleasant in countenance he said to him is it possible that what I have formerly heard hath been true that there are brute Beasts who by extraordinary gestures will foretel things to come and that there are men so wise as to understand them there is nothing more certain replyed young Hermogenes for often times by these and such like means some men have fore-told several accidents to come a long time before they have hapned and that their hearts might be enlightned and be upon the greater certainty they offered sacrifices proper thereunto making use of many things that I shall not at present mention If this be true said the Father I would gladly know the meaning of the singing of these two Birds if you are very desirous said young Hermogenes for the Obligation which I have to obey you I will give you that satisfaction let what will befal me and therefore you are to take notice that all which you have seen and all the warbling of the Birds was made only in respect of me and of my future greatness for these Birds have signifyed no other thing but as they perched themselves so much higher than you are so much hereafter shall I surpass you in greatness in sign whereof they have begun to sing praises to me The Merchant Europus hearing this was surprized tither with Choller or Envy or rather with both together and in a great fury said I will take order that this angury shall not take effect and saying so he took his son by the shoulders and threw him over-board into the Sea saying to those in the Ship that although he desired his Sons advancement yet however he intended not to make him greater than himself and that he had rather choose to dye without an Heir than to give the least respect in the world to his Son and therefore he commanded instantly to hoyst up the sailes and steer their course for Alexandria certainly believing that his Son was devoured by the waveâ— but it hapned quite otherwise for he thinking to abase his Son and to hinder the greatness that was prepared for him he shortned his way thereunto young Hermogenes than endeavouring to gain the shore by swiming so well as he could a strong wind so assisted him that in less than an hour he found himself ashore on the same Island from whence they set out from whence his cruel father had cast him into the Sea being much weary spent yet the Islanders releived him so well having compassion for the cruelty that had been shewed to him that he in short time recovered and having continued two dayes in that Island he saw a very large Merchants Ship wâ—â— endeavoured to take harbor there to refresh themselves and take in fresh water and considering with himself that to continue longer in that Island his condition would not be better he made his case known to the Master of the Ship who was a rich Merchant of Candy named Sterifo who having discoursed with young Hermogines and understanding from him particularly how every thing had hapned he asked him what course he intended to take to this the young man answered that he was content to what he shâ—uld please to command him if he would be pleased to accept of his service whereupon Sterifo being very willing accepted of him and from that time Hermogenes disposed himself to serve him truly and faithfully which he performed so well that Sterifo being childless and being out of hopes of having any Children purposed to adopt the young Hermogenes â—eeing his good and honest carriage which was every way such as Sterifo desired in a Son if he had had any Being arrived at his house and having acquainted his wife with his design he found her very willing and free to it and fâ—on after they both declared him for their proper Child and because of the bounty of Fortune which had been manifested towards him they changed his Namâ— and called him Entichus that is to say Bonadventure or good Adventure which being done you may understand that if at the beginning a young man so well bred had carried himself respectively towards Stirefo and his Wife when he was adopted he then made it his Study to do much better and with all fidelity diligence and readiness to apply himself to their service It was about this time that the King of Candy who was named Critorneus that is to say a Judge of Birds whether that were his proper name or only imposed on him by a certain accident was then in great trouble and not knowing which way or how to deliver himself out of it he counted himself to be unhappy and unfortunate and being ignorant of the cause of this trouble he Judged that some great misfortune would befall him and the Candiots his Subjects had a bad opinion of him supposing that this had
the charge and keeping of her sent several Damsels to see how it was with the Empress who opening the Chamber door very softly and seeing her lye on the bed thought that she had slept not immagining that it was her last long sleep as indeed it was and therefore that they might not awak her they returned to those that had â—ent them telling them that the Empress was fast asleep whereupon those Senators that had the charge of her were amazed wondring that one in her condition could sleep so soundly The Sun being risen they went to the Senate which on that occasion was so early assembled where being come they advised how they should proceed in this affaire and they concluded that all manner of advantage allowed to Criminals should be permitted to the Empress that she might Justifie her self that she should have leave to choose one or more Advocates to plead her cause either in her presence or in her absence as she should think fit This being determined by the Senate those who had the Empress in Custody were sent to fetch her that she her self might see the fair means they would use in her cause notwithstanding the great rigour and precipitateness which she had used against Prince Erastus The Gentlemen being arrived at the lodging where the Empress was deteyned sent the same Damsels that had been there in the morning to see what she did who finding that she had not stirred carried back word to the Gentlemen that she was not yet awake Whereupon the Gentlemen wondring resolved to awake her and thereupon entring into the Chamber with the Damsels they opened the Windows and seeing that for all that she stirred not one of the Damsels called softly Madam Madam To which she not answering all who were in the Chamber seeing her so pale did believe that some accident had happened which was very likely in regard of her great trouble yet nevertheless seeing that for ought they could do by throwing water on her face she came not to her self they therefore sent for the Emperours Physitians who being come and having felt her pulse concluded that she was dead The Senate was advertised hereof but none could Imagine that any trouble of mind though never so sudden could have the power to kill for that griefs though never so great have not the porwer to oppress suffocate the vitall spirits as an excess of joy And therefore searching very dilligently over all the body of the Empress to see if they could find how she came by her death they found nothing but a scratch which the bodkin had made on her finger which gave little light to the Physitians they Judging it to be impossible that so little a scratch should cause her death in regard they could not find that it was envenomed In fine one of the Physitians observing a little blood to be under the Empresses left brest he put his finger there and feeling something hard he pressed his finger so that he felt the bodkin which being pluck'd out did plainly shew how it had happened Which being reported to the Emperour he was at first much moved Yet however being unwilling to hinder the course of justice he referred to the Senate to do what they thought fit to the body of the Empress considering the great Felony which she endeavoured to commit to the Emperour and the Treason which she had contrived against the life of the Innocent Erastus But the young Prince who above all things abhorred cruelty and vengance seeing his innocence fully and entirely justified to all the world which was the only thing he desired would in no wise permit that any shame should be done to the body of the Empress this he easily obtained both of the Emperour and Senate to the content of all so that her Funerall was câ—lebrated as belonged to an Empress as may be seen by the sumptuous Tomb that was made for her which remaineth to this day where the Emperor caused an Epitaph to be ingraved which in few lines contains the whole matter which is more amply specified in the Histories and Chronicles of the Romans The Emperor Dioclesian whether out of grief or otherwise did not long out live his wife having first elected his Son for his Copartner and successor who being come to the Empire changed his name governing his estates for a time with much prudence according to the great wisdom wherewith he was endowed and yet notwitstanding all his judgement he could not keep himself from giving too much credit to the speeches of his malignant wife although the Plots and contrivances which women had contrived against him should have fore-warned him but it is very difficult to avoid that which the Heavens have determined and since both the one and the other History have seemed to me worthy of memory I have committed them to writing for the profit of posterity This iâ— the conclusion of the History of the Prince Erastus and his seven wise Masters as I have translated it from the Originals Italian and french but in an old English book it is very different as well in several places as I have already recited as also in the conclusion being the manner of the Empresses death which is thus related The eighth day being come wherein the Prince resolved to be no longer silent but speak in his own defence and acqâ—ainting his Keepers with his intention he was carried before the Emperor and Senate after due reverence to his Father and excuses he gives his reasons for his silence and for a proof of his innocence of what the Empress had charged him with he chargeth her with incontinence and adultery and the Empress and her Damsels being sent for at the Princes request one of the supposed Damsels being stripped naked before the Court proves to be a man so disguised with whom the Empress was used to accompany and often lye this being a certain proof of the Empresses guilt The Emperor commanded that both she and the Ribauld her companion should be immeadiately burnt but the Son desired him to forbear judgement till she were reproved for her fact The Empâ—ror then committed the full judgement to his Son who particularly related how things had passed between him and the Empress she seeing her wickedness discovered fell at the Emperors Feet and crying for mercy but he wholly refused her relating the haniousness of the crimes which she was not able to deny wherefore the Son demanding justice of the Judges and Justices they pronounced this Sentence against her that she should be bound to a horses tail and drawn through all the streets of the City to the place of Execution and there burnt And that the Ribauld should be quartered and his flesh cast to the Hounds and Birds of the Aire to devoure him and this was executed upon them This is the Conclusion of the Empress as it is related in that former Book now the Reader having read what both conclude are left at liberty to
to our selves without doing any good or availing any thing to the benefit of the dead as to recalling them to life agen and hazarding and endangering our own contrary to the laws of Nature whereby every one is obleidged to endeavour their preservation as much as in them lyes and if she had designed any thing against her own life as he doubted she had she ought instantly to retract it for as murder was the greatest crime humain nature could be guilty of so much the more criminal were they that should be murderers of themselves and that it was so detestable a crime that it was dangerous to presume that heaven would be so merciful as to satisfie it and that it was most certain the Ghost of her Husband could receive no satisfaction thereby but be rather displeased since if he loved her when living he could not allow of any violence she should offer to her self but rather abâ—or the society of so great a Criminal The woman hearing that her visitant had done replyed that indeed his discourses Were true but she had such a subject of sorrow as was not 〈◊〉 be parralled her loss had been so great thâ—â—â—lthough her grief were so too yet she rather deservâ—d pitty and excuse than to be reprehended or condemned and this short speech was accompanyed nâ—t only with a deludge of tears but another fit of fainting the man of War and Phisick for at this time he had acted the the Phisitian seeing his Patient so far frâ—m being cured that he feared a relapse had immediate recourse to his only Medicine the Antidote of the bottle and holding up her head with one hâ—nd with thâ— other he drencheth her with a consideâ— a â—e dose oâ— the remaining licquor which was â—o sooner in her stomach but she finding the warmth and vigour of it was at it were reannimated the fountains of her tears stopped her forehead smoothed and her face reducâ—d to her Native sweetness and this last draught did not only effect thus strangely on her body but her minde also seemed to be perfectly restored to its antient mildness and tranquillity for as if a new soul had been infused into her she became the most affable complaisant and cheerful Creature in the world and indeed there was not only a change of humor but also a perfect metamorphosis of her Person that she seems not to be the same woman for instead of a sorrowful widdow which she lately was she now appears to be a most pleased and contented Bride Her forehead seems to be smoothed d lated to a graceful largeness and spread with a sanguine dye Her eyes though little more than half open yet sparkling with lustre and their amiable whites turned upward and yet by stealth casting glances on her Visitant such as dying persons and lovers in the extasie of delight are observed to usâ— Her lips wâ—re swelled with a delicious vermillion â—â—ncture her cheeks overflowed with pleasing blushes her head a little dâ—clining as when modesty and desiâ—e have a secret conflâ—ct and she is wholly possâ—ssed with an impatient though gentle dispute and her spirits being highly agitated within so there was an effusion of them upon the outward parts a temperate and balmy sweat extilling from the Pores of her snow white skin so that there was reaâ—on to suspect that this Matron although still in the Chaâ—nel house and sitting upon the coffin of her dearest all whom she so lately lamented with so much violencâ— she I say we may suspect to be in Love and that she now burns as extreamly in the flames of amorous desires of the Soldâ—er as she was lately frozen in the Ice of sorrow for her husband her looks and gestures betray her and all the ayres of high content and pleasure appear in her face and that she may taste of those joyes â—he so much desires she throws her self into the Soldiers arms she embâ—acâ—th him she k sses him wiâ—h that violence as if she were unsatiâ—fied with thâ— bare touches of his lipâ— aâ—d l nged to leave the impression of hers upon them when she had feasted her lips with touching 〈◊〉 feasted her eyes with beholding their belâ—ved objâ—ct in a word there is nothing of liberty dalliance caresses indearments which this sportful woman dâ—th not use to make herself grateful and charming to her new Gallant and to kindle fresh desires in him so that we may conclude one of the Daughters of the beautiful Venus is now sporting with one of her beloved Mars's his Sones and that in the height of Solace neither was the Soldier wanting for being sensible of the Magick of her wanton enticements he is soon armed for an encounter which being to be done in the dark let us seasonably avert our eyes and leave these Votaries quietly to finish their Cytherian Rites they are going about especially since their Zeale is so Fervent as not to scruple the Nicietie of making the dead Hâ—sbands Coffin the Altar whereon to kindle and exhale the Incense they have brought Thus you see here was a great and suddain change in our Matron who is no longer Mourner or Widdow I shall not trouble you with a large discourse of what should be the cause of this suddain and prodigious Metamorphosis some attribute it to the Mutability and Levity of womens nature in general considering the softness and tenderness of their constitution is such as renders them like wax capable of any impressions but we have daily examples of the constancy in affection of some women who will loose their lives in defense of their honor so that I will not attribute this Mutability and Levity of women to be general to all women nor that this was the only cause of our Matrons Metamorphosis for some impute it to the force of the wine the Soldier gave her but I suppose this can at the most be reckoned to be but an Accessary and not the principal Agent for the quantity she drank though it was sufficient to renew her spirits cherish her vitals warmeth and quicken the motion of her blood yet was it too little to intoxicate her brain and enflame her to the heighth of desires so inconsistent and contrary to the fridgid temper and low condition it found her in and as to the quallity though good wine be the milk of Venus yet doth it sâ—ld me work effectâ—ally that way but where it meets with boyes prâ—disposed to admit and concurre with its sprightly and heightning influence wherefore it cannot consist with reason to aggravate the facility of this woman and transferre it wholly upon the innocent means of her refreshment and recovery so that the Mutability and Levity of women in general and the effâ—cts of wine not being the cause I know not what else to attribute it unto or charge it upon aâ— Love in general which we know is the Author of many wonderful Advetnures and is a kinde of Magick against which Nature hath given us no power of