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
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
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
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
knew more to be in hime then they thought any man could be endowed withal praying him according to his promisâ— to go to the Court with them before the time should be elapsed Question not that said he for I shall be there to soon for your benefit they understood not what he meant by this answer but he who understood how all things would happen gave them this slight knowledge of it And now Merlin and his Mother began their Journey in Company of these seven Philosophers and by the way discoursing with them of many things he gave them such reasons for every thing he said that they were ravished with his discourse and so long they travelled that in the evening of the fourteenth day they arived at London according to what Merlin had foretold The next morning these Philosophers went to make their râ—verence to the King telling him that they were câ—me within the perfixed time to make â—lâ—er to 〈◊〉 not only that which he haâ— asked of them â—â—m all other maâ—ters as well past present to comâ— What said the Kiâ—g have you tasted some divinity since I saw you that you can foreâ—ell things to câ—me it will be enough for you to resolve the 〈◊〉 I have demanded without bragging of so much for I purpose not to endure you abuses no longer Sir it is no abuse said the Ph losophers for we shall tell you nothing but the truth as by experience you shall find but to acquainâ— you with the truth of the matter this is not done by â—ur own knowledge 〈◊〉 by a divine and miraclâ—ous Child of whom we having â—â—ord we sought him out for your service and we hâ—vâ— alreadly found such proof of his divine spirits â—a iâ—â—od â—oâ— been possible for any man to have pâ—râ—vâ—â—d us to it if we had not seen it with our eyes And thereupon they related to the King how all had happened about Galgo and the promise he had made them to acquaâ—â—â— the King with the cause of his blindness and the means for his recovery whereupon the King was so well pleased as you may veâ—y well imagin that it seemed impâ—ssible to express the jâ—y which he had in his heart and therefoâ—e he presently commanded that the Child Merlin should be brought into his presence But when he saw that he was so young he suspected that these Philosophers did only put an abuse upon him which Merlin very well knowing said to the King Sir before I shall tell you the cause of your blindness when you are out of the City of London and the meanes to deliver you I will shew you to your own sight what hath been the cause oâ—â—t aâ—d what keâ—pâ— you in this Câ—ndition so that you seeing by experience that I know the cause of your evil which hath been hid and unknown to your self and all others of your Kingdom you will be the more reaâ—y to give credit to what I shall further say 〈◊〉 you Hereupon having caused the bed whereon the King usually slept to be removed he said thus Sir cause sombody to dig under it for there you shall find a great Cauldron that without fire burnes continually and which is maintained by seven great balls of fire whereof there is one in the Middle which is larger than the others who are all of an equal bigness and ere all placed about this great 〈◊〉 Now Sir you may please to understand that so long as the fire of these balls shall endure you shall always find your self blind when you are out of the City of London and yet it is impâ—ssible to extinguish it by nature nor by any other liquor whatsoever for the more water shall be cast upon this fire to much the more violently will it burn and further great care must be taken not to remove this burnâ—ng Câ—ldron from the place where it is for iâ— will not only burn those that shall attempt to remove it but you will also suffer more mischief if it should be removed for you would become absolutly blinde without armedy as wel within the City as without up n these words of Merlin the King commanded to dig in the place where his bed was but they had not digged very deep but they who first began were forced to leave off by reason of the great smoak that issued out It is enough said Merlin for the force of the fire will discover the rest and so it came to pass for it was not long before the earth flew up like sparks of fire and then first was seen the great ball of fire which was it the middle and soon after the rest discovered themselves one after an other so that in less then an hours time there was plainly seen the bâ—ring Cauldron and the seven fire balls which did cast up their fire a great height At this sight the King was amazed and so were all the Princes of the Court who were very desirous to understand the mistery of this miraclous fire and more especially the King who earnestly asked of Merlin from whence this fire could proceed Sir answered he this is a great secret of God who will not have iâ— revealed but tâ— those whom iâ— Concerns and therefore if you would know the truth let every one depart for to your self only will I declare this mistery Hereupon every one by the Kings Command left the room and none remained there but the King and Merlin who thus began his discourse Sir your Majesty ought out to think that she things â—f this world happen by chance as some Ignorant persons have said but you are certainly to believe that nothing happens but by the providence of God who having distributed his charges to every one according to his good will and pleasure he willeth and expecteth that man should perform his endeavour in the vocation to which he hath called him and therefore having committed to you the administration and government of this Kingdom his pleasure was that taking care of the affairs thereof and performing the duty of a good Prince you should procure the good and repose of the affaires of your people as for some time you did But after that you did so much give your self to pleasures that leaving the charge to others of those affairs which according to Gods will should pass through your hands you were kept from the true knowledg thereof so that the good justice that had been in this Kingdom hath been altered and your good subjects are opressed and on the conâ—r ty they who should be examplarily punished not only escape by means of their money but also are proved with estates and offices justice is to those that will give most and finally all things go contrary to what they ought All this evil proceeds from no other caâ—e but that you being unwilling to be troubled with state affairs have left the mannagment of all to these seven who under pretence of the name of Sages committ the greatest extorâ—ions and
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
introduce a custom so inhumane and cruel as this If the authority of the Senate doth not at all move you or if you doubt that Prince Erastus shall escape while you proceed orderly are not your Prisons strong enough and well guarded with Soldiers is there any â—enatoâ—s Prince or Barron to whom you have been pleased 〈◊〉 spâ—â—k of this affair who hath not endeavored to divert you from tâ— is hasly execution and none hastens you therein but the venemous rage of a woman by whose counsel a Roman Emperono can get nothing but blame let the Counsel be never so good and therefore what infancy will you procure to your self to use contrary to all reason so great cruelty at the only perswasions of a woman Know Sir that women are made to serve men and not to counsel them and he who is ablutely governed by their counsel shall in the end to bis damage repent thereof for although a woman is desireous to give good counsel yet the imbecillity of the sex causes their counsel alwayes to happen to the worst as not long since it happened to a Physitian which story be pleased to read It is not long since that at Millain there was a Physitian named Polictetus in very great esteem of all as well by reason of his wealth as for the opinion which every one had of his knowledge so that he was esteemed the principal and most famous Physitian of Millain and indeed he deserved this title having performed many almost incredible Cures This Physitian had for wife a Damsel of Millain named Flaminia who was one of the principal families of that City by whom he had one only Son and no other Children But although nature had been niggardly in giving him but one yet in recompence she was very liberal having formed this Child so fair and of so gentle a spirit that it was pleasant to behold him for being but seaven years of age he gave hopes not onely to his Father and Mother but also to all that behâ—ld him that in time he would be a great personage and of reputation for which cruse his Father lâ—ved him more then his own life and caused him to beinstructed and exercised in all exercises as well of the body as the mind proper and convenient for that age finding him very well disposed to Sciences well formed in his body strong in his members as having never been sick It happened when he was nine years old he fell into a distemper which in the beginning seemed to be small which his father seeing would take the advice of other Physitians although he himself was esteemed the first for feâ—r his affection in his own case should deceive him Having therefore brought two of the most experienced Physitians of Millain to his house he recomended his Son to them however he himself took notice of what they ordered This disease of the Child which at the first was small and slight did daily increase so that instead of diminishing by means of the remedies which were given yet he every day grew worse and worse and thus it continued for a moneths time all which time the Physitians did all that was possible according to Art for the health of the Child without perceiving any amendment but or the contrary he was the worse for every thing they give him The poor father was almost desperate and so were the Physitians who now resolved to gâ—ve him no more Medecines but only to comfort and fortify nature by restoratives that he might live as long as he could being out of hopes of restoring him to his former health the Child finding himself as sick as his heart could hold desired them to give him a white Onion to eat to this the Physitians would not consent in regard an Onion is contrary to a feavour and yet all the while the disease encreased so much the more did the Child cry out for an Onion saying if they would not give him a white Onion he should dye The Physitians seeing there was no other remedy for him agreed that he should have an Onion more to content him then any thing else saying that that could not do him much prejudice considering the violence of his distemper and having sent for a white Onion to give him the Childs Mother another came into the the Chamber who seeing them about to give him an Onion fell into the greatest passion in the world saying that this was to kill her Child and that she could not endure it to be a Murdress of her own blood and she made such a noise to her husband and the other Phisicians that the Onion was not given to the Child whereupon the Child took it so to heart that he did not languish long before he dyed still even to death crying out after his Onion The Father and Mother were as much grieved aâ— can be imagined having no other Child but his wherein was all their comfort and being out of hopes of having any more afâ—er the death of the Child the Phsitians were desirous to opâ—n the body at this the Father was was well contented being desirous to know the cause of that distemper which no Phisick had pâ—wer to cure he being then opened there was found on the bâ—â—tom of his stomach neer to his heart a peice 〈◊〉 Ice hard as Christal at which they were all astonished to see water thus congealed in a humain body and they all agreed that there was no câ—â—â—â—g of him but by things proper to desolve the 〈◊〉 â—ol and that the Child dyed for want of such Remedies the poor Father who alwayes had his Son before his eyes in respect of the great love he had for him that he might have some mark and token caused this Christal to be enchased in the haft of a knife which he usually carryed about him upon all occasions and when he drew it he alwayes kissed the Christal in memory of his Son and thus it passed for a whole year but on that very day twelve moneth that his son dyed whether by chance or that Nature was willing to shew the greatness of its secrets this Phisitian being at the Table had a mind to eat a white Onion one being brought him hercut it in to peices with his knife and having tasted a slice or too he asked for drink and let his knife fall on part of the Onion that was on the Table but he had no sooner drank wheâ— going to take his knife he found it without a haft for the Christal that waâ— fixed thereon was dissolved and diligently searching the cause he knew that the vertue of the Onion had desolved the Christal into water wherefore being a wise man he conjectured that his Son by a secret instinct of Nature was so importunate before he dyed to have a white Onion as being the sole remedy and only expedient for his disease so that understanding that he had caused the death of his only Son by denying him an Onion only at
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
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 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
Children he was â—â—ll â—â—r ken in years before he thought of marriage Iâ— so â—â—ll out one day that having good merry Company in his house after the table was uncovered from one discourse to another as it is usual for Gentlemen to talk after dinner they happened to fall upon this proposition of the natural affection that men have to have Children wherâ—by man â—enewâ— his blood and in a manner lives after his deaâ—h in his poâ—terity upon this discourse some of this Gentlemans friends pâ—rswaded him to marry whâ—râ—by he might have Children to inherit so many fair Caâ—â—leâ— and other riches which he was possessed of This Gentleman did not much regard it but seeing himself importuned sometimes by one and then again by others after he had sustained many assaults of his friends he in conclusion resolved to please them as he had always done His friends knowing his mind took much pains to find him out a wife fit for his quality and by whom he might have Children and they used such dilligence that in short time they betroathed him to a very fair young Damsell who was daughter to one of the greatest Lords of all Tuskany The wedding was solemnized as you may suppose suitable to the quality of their estates and al hough there was great difference in the ages of this Knight and his young Bride yet however he was so Gallant that his gallantry was enough to content a Damsell better than one that was younger so that for a while he and his wife lived very contentedly But after some time this Damsell having understood from other good wives how their husbands treated them in the night she began to wish for a young husband without regarding the gallantry of her own rather wishing for a good strong back than a gallantâ—y accompanied with a feeble breath and seeing that she could not have her desires and that notwithstanding all her endeavours her husband as he grew more in â—eâ—rs so he was less able to please her After she had fasted one year and knew that there was nothing in the house to satisfie her appetite she resolved to purchase her victuals in an other place but understanding that she was to make use of a third hand and that in an affair of so great importance there might be danger to discover it to a third person she propsed to make use of her own mother whom she thought had most reason to love her best therfore she went to her where being arrived after many other discourses she fell to the matter in hand that which most aâ—gred her letting her know as well as she could the necessity wherein she was and the purpose she had taken to provide otherwise for her self that she might not dye in that necessity praying and conjuring her for the natural love which she had always born to her that having pitty and compassion on her she would make provision against that evil which would be her death if she had no remedy and also to her honour governing her self after such manner in this affâ—ir that she might find her self re-restored and so as no person should know any thing The Poor mother thinking of what her daughter had said to her for a long time was amazed not bring able to beliâ—ve her own ears much less to believe what she had heard but in conclusion seeing by her daughters obstinacy how the matter was and that what she had said was true she first of all tried to direct her from her wicked purpose shewing her what offence she would commit puting her honor before her eyes alledging to her many other examples to this purpose but all was to no purpose for as to the offence the young woman answered that the Law could not give her a greater punishment then death and that continuing in the condition she was then in she knew her death was sudden As for the shame and infamy of the world said she I come to take your advice in that particular that my honour being saved you may provide me with what you know may be necessary upon this account and for examples she had enough that served for her purpose so that all that her mother couâ—â— say to change her mind from this wicked purpose was but to beat the aire whereupon the mother was so troubled that she thought she should be distracted The young woman seeing this began to colt's and flatter her saying Dear Mother have compassion of my youth You have been young and therefore know well enough what are the desires of the flesh which as I have always heard say and now I know by experience are greater and more vehement in women than in men and although the fire is not so great in men as in women yet however as often as they have a mind and they know where they give themselves the satisfaction they desire But if we miserable women are sruprized but once besides the shame we indure they make no matter of killing us So that for this cause we other women ought to put the change upon them to revenge our selves of the shame that men upon this account do to us To this the Mother made several replyes but all was in vain for so much the more that the Mother endeavoured to turn her from her purpose so much the more ardent and passionate she appeared to be Let what would happen to extinguâ—sh the fire which consumed her she did cleerly conâ—â—sâ— that it would be more for her honour to contain than to abandon her self but she could not imagin how she could live long so and that therefore the fault should not be imputed to her but â—o nature who did so constrain her further entreating her Mother to consider of some way to give her content and to save her honour protesting unto her that if she did refuse to assist her she would hazard her life and honour praying her once for all to put all other oppinions out of 〈◊〉 mind The poor Mother seeing her daughters obstinacy knew not what to say further seeing on the one side her daughter blinded with love and so resolved in her purpose that it was not pâ—ssible to alter her mind and on the other side she well knew the great wrong she should doe to her honour in satisfying the appetite of her daughter And although she well knew â—hat she lost time however she thus made further trial of her daughter saying Ah! how stronge a thing is it that I see you purpose to violate the bounds of marriage and count so great ill to your husband who as you know loves you as well or better then any man can love a woman and therefore I would not have you give such way to your appetite which I confess is great but not so but that you may overcome it if you will I have been young and as fair as you and have experienced love affairs and his fires but however I have resisted all with a constancy and firm
made in the Chamber he sent for a Barber who he had providâ—d ready for the purpose He being entred the Chamber he caused his wife to rise and come to the â—ire and giving him her right arme he caused him to rub it and chafe it to fill the veins the better and then commanded he Bâ—â—ber to perform his Office he did as he was commanded and opened one of the young womans veins who could not guess what would be the end of this adventure But seeing her blood she began to be afraid but she could not help her self for the Gentleman caused her to be held so fast that she could not stir and he let her continue bleeding thus till such time as she could bleed no more without endangering her life and then he caused the vein of her right arme to be closed and bound up but he did the same to her left arme in such manner that the poor young woman was half dead and having left all sense was carryed to her bed where having been some time as in a sound and being somewhat come to her self she sent one of her servants to her Mother earnestly praying her to come to her presently the servant having delivered the message the Mother made all possible haste to come to her but she understood of the Messenger by the way how all things had passed how her Daugher had thrown down the Table and all the victuals that was upon it but she who very well knew all the Mistery presently guessed how every thing had hapned and for what cause being arrived at her Son in laws Castle she went directly to her Daughters Chamber saying to her with a pleasant and merry countenance look you Daughter I am ready to accomplish all that I have promised you would you have me bring your Friend hither to day to this the Daughter replyed with a feeble voice and so low that she could hardly be heard Ah Mother I am dead all my fire is extinguished it is no time now to speak of love but only to think of giving me some Cordial restorative From this Sir you may comprehend what I will inferre and conclude by this example you are now old and full of years and yet have taken a young wife and althâ—ugh she wants for nothing but in that point that young Ladies most desire wherein I suppose you can do but little to her satisfaction and content and for the cause it is that the Empress your wife is troubled with conceits fancyes in her head so that whether it be for revenge or any other end she endeavours to torment and displease you so long as this mischeif extended but towards a Plant or upon a Dog it might be endured as the good Knight did of whom I have spoken but the cruelty is â—oo great to deprive you of on only Son which you have who is one of the most accomplishâ—d young men that is this day in all the world wherefore I am verily perswaded that he is falsly accused so that your Majesty will consider of this affair as you ought without using precipitation to draw out the truth of the fact you will find your Son innocent and those who endeavour to ruine him aâ—d take a way his life culpable of the out-rage of which they have falsly accused him The Emperour continued some time in silent meditation hearing the discourse of the Philosopher Thernus buâ— he resolved that the execution of the sentence of Erastus should be stoped for that day and withal â—xpâ—â—sly declared that he would gravely and deliberately examine the fact of his Son CHAP. XIII The Empress Aphrodicia perswades the Emperour to cause Prince Erastus to be executed by a discourse which she made to him of a King of England who having by the Councel of Merlin caused seven of his principal Counsellors heads to be cut off who under the name and titles of Sages or Doctors tyrannized over England and by that means the King recovered his sight THE Empress had so great an affection to hear the news of the death of her Son in Law according to the promise which the Emperour had made her that every hour seemed to be a hundred yeâ—r but she understood the contrary to her expectations for a Gentleman of her Chamber acquainted her how that the Emperour being induced by the discourse of the Philosopher Thernus had commanded stay of the execution for that day whereupon she was so enragâ—d that she thought she should loose her senses and retireing into her Chamber and sighing and crying she would not see any person all that day in the evening the Emperour having understood that the Empress was gone to bed that she was very ill he went to see her endeavouring to comfort her the best he could knowing that all her ilness â—roceeded from melancholly particularly praying her to be of good chear alledging several reasons to her why she should not take it ill that he had stayed the execution of his Son Erastus and that he did not intend to stop the course of justice but to let all the world know that he had proceeded judiciously in that affair To this the Empress going to anser fetched a deep sigh saying it is not possible Sir but these delayes must be to my great prejudice since my honour is so interressed and the little regard you have for it although you your self are principally concern'd however God be my witness that the greatest sorrow that I have is for your sake who now seem to me to be reduced to the some condition as a certain King of England was who by the just judgement of God became blind but I wish that like him you will give ear to the Counsel of the Sage Merlin by which means he nâ—t only recovered his corporal sight but also had the eyes of his understanding cleered what and whâ— was this King said the Emperour and how was this matter I pray be not angry but tell me fâ—r it may be I shall thereupon take such advice thâ—t yâ—u will be as glad that you have told it me as I shall be joyâ—ul that I have heard it God grant it replyed the Empress so that by this means the eyes of your understanding may be opened and alâ—hough I expect no more from this discourse than from your former promises yet however that nothing may be wanting on my part I shall not forbear to endeavour to let you understand your duty and thereupon she thus began her discourse Sometime since there was a King of England who desireing that the affairs of his Kingdom should be well managed and being unwilling to take pains himself that he might enjoy the more pleasure he therefore committed the management thereof to seven great Personages who belonged to his Court and who having the repute of the Sages pretended to have knowledg in all things whereupon in short time it was brought to this pass that the King only minding his pleasure left
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
in heating and battering her about the mouth with the Silt of his Dâ—gger whereby she had not the least permission to utter one sillable and being more then half dead he railed at her in the most reproachfull manner imaginable and being unwilling to stain his hands with the blood of her he loved once so dearly he wisht she would dye of her own accord Having now pourâ—d out the poison into a glass which he had brought with him he took it in one hand and his Dagger in the other saying choose which of these two thou wilt have either this poison which will suddenly dispatch thee or shall I penetrate thy heart with this Dagger in recompence of those villanies thou hast perpetrated and acted agâ—inst me Dâ—spatch in the choice of one or the other oâ— I will dispatch thee instantly The poor Gentlewoman seeing her Husband firmly bene upon her destruction without doing him any wrong took the Glass of poyson and lifting her eyes to heaven said I call heaven and earth and all the creatures therein contain'd to testify my innocency and if there be a Providence above who ever casts a watchfull eye on things below I humbly supplicate that after my death my honour may not remain contâ—miâ—aâ—â—d or spotted either in respect to heaven oâ—â—â—â—â—h and that one time or other my innocencie may be so pâ—â—picuâ—us that the death which I am now aâ—â—â— to râ—ce â—e form my own hand may 〈◊〉 us plâ—â—sing to hâ—avenâ—â— it is 〈◊〉 way troublesome former â—â—de gâ—â—â—lly lifâ—â—inâ—â—g â—rvous for me to loâ—k as Gâ—â—â—nd be my witness but all my trouble is for th◠〈…〉 yâ—u have câ—st upon me but I hope in God who is a jâ—st jâ—dge that my inocencie will thine out the dishonour confusion of thâ—se are the cause of this my present woe I speak not this to you knowing that you are troubled in my behalf for I know 't is your mis-prision hath â—rove you to thiâ— sad enterprize the which when once clearly known I doubt not will make you willing to repair your present fault with the hazzard of your life to extenuate which I had rather dye by my own hand drinking this poyson than to charge you with this infamy of having shed the innocent blood of her who so ardently lov'd and loyally serv'd you having alwayes kept the tye of wedlock inviolable Thus saying and without fear she took the poyson and putting it to her mouth she withdrew not the glass till she â—â—ed swallowed all â—aving so done she addrest her self to her Huâ—band saying since by my death appâ—oaches which I feel stealing on my eyes your wrath and fury ought to be appeased seeing you have taken as large a revenge as the greatest fault in the world may require although I am innocent I beseech you do me this last favour as to tell me the occasion which put you into this passion to the ruine of her whom in times past you lov'd as your life to wch her husband thus replyed how is it posible thou thou canst be so impudent as to make me believe that I am deceived in a thing I saw with both mine eyes and toucht with both both these hands which caused this revenge but since before you dye you desire to see what thus inraged me here to see I am content to do you that kindness and so pulling her out of bed drag'd her to the place where lay the body of poor Henry the innocent throwing her down upon it saying solace thy self now in thy disloyalty with this Traytor and as you club'd together to the ruin of your honour and my reputation so now agree to dye miserably together in one place as a due punishment for your evill deeds and to serve as an Example to others who dare commit the like The poor Gentlewomen who had yet some little strength remaining for the poison had not yet seized her heart raising her self as well as she could cry out saying Oh God! the sin of my husband is greater and more enormous than I thought it was for I thought he aimed at my life alone but I see we are both Murtherers and have slain wrongfully the Innocent I pray thee O God be pleased to enlghten him and let him know our fidelity to the end our honour may endure unwrong'd blamless and immaculate turning thy eyes with justice on that wicked Chamber-maid making appear the treachery she hath here committed and hereupon she fell dead being unable to pronounce her last words for had she had more strength she had discovered all remembring her self what Henry said at the Chamber door whom the Chamber-maid had sent thither under the pretence of her Mistress calling for him and now she seeing them dead concluded thâ—â— the danger of the treachery was blown over but death stopt her in her full career The Gentleman seeing the great resolution and constancy in which his wife departed this life was in a miserable taking although he had too confidently believed his eyes by whom he thought to have found his wife faulty yet notwithstanding by the last words proceeding from his wifes mouth falling dead he began to suspect some treachery in this act on the Chamber-maids side and resolv'd to know whether it was so or no although too late Having then call'd the Chamber-maid who mistrusting some danger for the evil she had done came trembling but he began to ask her with a smileing countenance but within most desperately heavy by what means and in what manner she to finde out the loves of Henry and his wife came or whether it was long since that she discovered this amorous intreague and where was it that she first surpriz'd them in the fact asking many such like questions to which the Chamber-maid answered in tearms so intricate and contrary speaking sometimes things the Gentleman knew were impossible that he concluded to take this following course with her looking very pleasantly on the Chamber-maid he said to her thou now hast of thy Mistris that which thou desired'st for she evil treated thee but she will now be never more offensive to thy eyes for which cause I am now obliged to thee that thou hast given me the means to be rid of that offensive thing which enraged me so often under pretence of zeal to my honour for which I will assure thee I shall not dye in thy debt but since you have done me one kindness pray do me another and that is to tell me freely the truth of this business and how it stands in every particular for I know very well it is otherwise than I was made to beleive to have the colour and occasion to do what I have already done The Chamber-maid assuming courage from the words of her Master verily believing she had pleased him to the life assured her self any thing and therefore said to her Master if you will promise to pardon and not turn me out of doors I will tell you one thing you never
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
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
wherewith Aphrodicia hath endeavoured to chaâ—ge me which is that I attempted to force her and confirmed the truth of this outrage by my flight it had been very easie for me to manifest my innocence and her incontinence if I had permission to speak but knowing very well by the course of the Stars that my speech would not have delivered me from danger but rather have plunged â—s into a bottomless pit of misfortune I have been constrained to endure these dayes past all the Calumnies that have been charged upon me that I might now discharge my self and makâ— my Innocence appear to all the World I being unwilling to advance before my time lest I should at once loose both life and honor And now before I proceed any further may it please you Sir to grant me this favour to cause the Empress to appear before you and the Senate that the truth of what I shall speak may be cleered and that you may not think I have contrived what I have spoken as she hath falsly contrived the Imputation wherewith she hath charged me miserably to ruine both my life and renown yet however I do not desire the same manner of proceeding against her as hath been used against me that is to begin with execution before the matter of fact in deliberatly debated but I desire that the truth may be known by the confronting of the Parties and that what term she pleases may be given for her justification entreating you Sir to believe that what I shall propose to the Empress when she is present to be for the discharge of my innocence and the cleering of the truth and not to imagine that I shall speak or propose any thing whatsoever for revenge for it will never enter inâ—o the heart of any man of honor to revenge himself upon a woman This Oration of Prince Erastus was spoken with so much confidence that not only the Emperor but also all the Senators and generally all those who had heard him speak were astonished thereupon without any contradicton it was concluded ordered that the Empress should be immediately sent for who understood by her spies with what courage the Prince Erastus had spoken before the Senate and doubting what would become of her she purposed to have fled and by that means to escape the danger but it was too late for she had no sooner taken this resolution but those whom the Emperor had sent came and surprized her at whose arrival she lost courage and was so out of countenance that understanding the charge which they had from the Emperor she could not give one word of answer being pale and trembling not knowing what to do or say whereupon those who were sent for her did easily conjecture that the case of Erastus was otherwise than she had represented it seeing that she was so confounded at her being carried before him In this distracted condition they conducted her from the Pallace into the Hall of the Senate at whose arrival all the Senators arose making reverence to her who took no notice of them whereas formerly she was used to be so complaisant that she returned all salutations not only to the Senators but also to the meanest person in Rome this fiâ—â—ceness was observed by all being sate down by the Emperors side in a different posture from what she was used to Prince Erastus pursuing his discourse did particularly declare from the beginning to the end all that had passed between him and her beginning with the letters and rich presents which she had sent him before his comming to Rome which might be attributed to a loving and Motherly affection if she had not proceeded further but no sooner was he come thither when she made cleerly evident the dishonest intentions that she designed by those presents endeavouring at the beginning by smooth and amorous speeches and after that by disordinate and luxurious gestures to induce him to violate the holy and sacred marriage of his father and in conclusion endeavouring to have her pleasure with him by force whereupon he had rather chosen to fly from her than to stain his hands in her motherly blood in revenging the great outrage she intended against his Father according to the enormity of the case considering the violence she used to him but she seeing that the case was otherwise than she expected measuring the continence and chastity of others according to her own disordinate appetite through rage and anger to see her self so slighted as it is usual for women in her condition to do or else doubting that he would discover this villany to the Emperor his Father who might punish her as she justly deserved took her advantage seeing him take his flight out of her Chamber to cry out a Rape and say that he would have forced her confirming her report by his suddain flight assuting her self that this would be sufficient to move the Emperor and every body else the truth being so apparant to kill him immediately being surprized in such an action without giving him leasure to justifie himself and by this means failing in the satisfaction of her disordinate appetite she might have the content to be revenged To which design of hers at the beginning Fortune had been as favourable to her as contrary to him in winding him into this Labrinth at such a time as the Heavens would not permit him to speak whereby all men might beleive that he was guilty of the crime whereof he had been accused true it is that according to the instability and ordinary inconstance of Fortune she had turned her wheel giving opportunity to his Masters to stay the execution of the sentence against him until he had the liberty of speaking to manifest the matter as it had passed And here did Prince Erastus apply every thing to his purpose which might be material to the conservation of his life and honor sometimes he would address himself to the Empress rehearsing to her the very speeches she had used to him in her Chamber with her luxurious and disorinate gestures whereby she endeavoured to induce him to let loose the Reynes of his continence oftentimes asking her wherefore and for what cause she would thus â—aint an Imperial family with so villanous an action to this the miserable woman knew not what to answer seeing her folly and treason so apparant in the presence of the Emperor and so many persons of honor which were there present but her eyes were continually fixed on the ground often changing her color shrinking up her shoulders and sighing continually which things served as an absolute index to prove the speeches of Pâ— Erastus to be true who was so eloquent and lively in his defence that he not only drew to his side the Senate and others who loved and reverenced him but also the friends and relations of the Empress who the evening before being seduced by the fraudulent speeches of Aphrodicia had procured that without any delay Prince Erastus
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