make plaine mention yet by all coniectures possible the breadth thereof was more But God who iustly chastised this prowde presumptuous enterprise though not with payne deserued gaue in that presente instante so many diuerse tongues so straunge and so unknowen that these who all before spake one and the same Language spake then thréescoare and twelue so farre and differente from the firste that fewe amonge them had féelinge or meanings of the others minde By meanes whereof sutch enmitie and presente discorde grewe that not onely this worke then rested there vnperfecte but euery man with those that vnderstoode his speache retyred to possesse somme place aparte or Countrie to them selues For whiche cause it euer afterward was called the Tower of Babell whiche is to say of confusion Isidorus affirmeth that it was highe fiue thousand one hundred thrée scoare and foure pases all of Bricke layde with claye or â—lime in stéede of Morter of whiche in that Countrie great plentie was eche where founde In the said selfe place wheras this Tower was builte as hath Iosephus Isidorus S. Augustine and Orosus was builte also that moste auncient and most famous Cittie of whiche so woorthy so great maters are yet reported called Babylon situate or seated on the Riuer of Euphrates of which the CouÌ„tries or Territories adiacent tooke their firste or principal denominatioÌ„ as Chaldea Mesopotamia The Scriptures also recorde that the beginninge of the raigne of Nemrod was also in Babylon wherfore it is reason that wée be of the said minde with the aboue remembred Authours that Nemrod also built this famous Cittie of Babylon which afterwarde was walled became Riche and Honorable by the carefull payne and industrie of Semiramis Nynus But to retourne to our pourpose of Tongues or Languages it might here be a question disputable what Tongue it was that was that firste so common and generall whiche onely and alone was knowen before the diuision and confusion of the others S. Augustine discoursinge in many vpon this matter concludeth that it was the Hebrew the very same that the Iewes speake yet at this daie whiche as farre as it maye be gathered by any meane possible out of the Scriptures and as S. Augustine also déemeth was conserued in Heber of whom descended Abraham and the Hebrewes for that neither he nor any of his kinred would healpe at all any thinge in erectinge this Tower. By meanes wherof him selfe and his family whiche woulde not condescende to this sinfull and prowde attempte felte not thereof the due deserued paine Wherefore wée maye presume that in Heber and his family the auncient and firste Tongue remained perfect and entire without any corruption or confusion of the same in that Linage onely pure and nowhere els in the Worlde whence it came to passe that of Heber it had his denomination Hebrewe Sundry Hebrewes his Successours affirme that this Language was that same that was firste spoken by Adam as also of all the others of that Auncient and firste Age conserued in Heber and those that followed him Abraham Iacob In this same also wrote Moyses his Lawes This then is the opinion of S. Augustine Isidorus to whome wée should geue more assured credite then to those that affirme the Chaldean Tongue the first which notwithstaÌ„ding may be of parte excused for that these twoo Languages haue a marueilous vicinitie their Characters almoste vniforme and lyke as also well agreynge in other thinges many Notwithstandinge in this matter some curious haue doubted if twoo children or a greater number fostred in place secrete voyde of all company where they neuer mighte heare the voyce of any other what woordes they woulde frame or Language in the ende Somme haue thought that they firste would speake Hebrewe others somme the Chaldean Tongue But Herodotus saithe that on a time experience in this case was made by meane of a contention or emulation then growen betwixte the Aegyptians and Frigians eche nation pretendinge by antiquitie of their Language preeminency aboue the other For determination of which differente in fine they concluded that twoo Children should be nourished in manner aboue rehearsed in sutch sorte that they shoulde neuer heare any woorde spoken at all and that Language that these children firste began to profite in should be reputed the firste and most Auncient and they that spake that by consequent of moste antiquitie He addeth againe afterward that a certaine Kinge of Aegypte caused to be fostered twoo children in a deserte to which no man euer spake in any sorte in the worlde whiche when they were full foure yéeres olde he caused them without more to be brought into his presence where they eftsoones vttered this onely woorde Ber whiche dothe in the Frigian tongue signifie Breade for whiche cause the Frigians were of all men reputed as moste Ancient This writeth Herodotus whom many herein approue alleage for authoritie Notwithstandinge were it as he reporteth it a truth yet might it be that these Children by happe some where shoulde learne it as by somme Beaste Birde or Shéepe in the Fielde whiche might frame the same or some sutche like voyce they doinge their paine to frame the same after them But as for my parte I reste of this minde that twoo Children in this sorte fostered would speake none other but the firste Language Hebrewe although I also durst in manner semblable to affirme that to them selues they would shape somme newe and straunge Tongue geuinge to all thinges their names vnknowen vnheard as wée sée that Children of them selues naturally geue names lesse knowen to thinges of them desired so that of parte assuredly it appeareth that nature would learne them a Language all newe before they should be perfect in any their Fathers In this case experience may sufficiently schoole vs if any very curious desire to knowe the effect hereof In the meane time eche man may here reste of what opinion it beste liketh him nothing aboue saide withstandinge the contrary ¶ Of the Diuision of the Ages of the Worlde with a briefe discourse of diuerse Notable matters chaunced also in them as also in fine of the beginninge of Realmes and Kingdomes Chap. 11. ALthough moste menne haue somme pleasure and likinge to talke and discourse of the Ages of the Worlde to remember perchaunce thinges donne in this also not to passe what hathe chaunced in that yet are there a greate many that lesse knowe the true diuision of these times ne what yéeres eche Age demaundeth to his accomplishmente The Age therefore or Life of the worlde euen from the firste vntill this daye presente is diuided by the moste parte of approued Authours into sixe onely partes or Ages although diuers recken and accoumpte on seuen accordinge to the onely computation of the Hebrewes But I herein haue determined to folowe Eusebius and the common opinion of al Historiographers arestinge them on the aboue remembred number of sire In diuision of whiche there is
and féeble Christians of our time maie sée what they suffered in the Primitiue Churche for that they neuer leaft to acknowledg theire Lorde and Sauiour Christe This wretche trayned many at the tayles of Horses throughe the streates whom after he had in moste despitefull manner broken and brused ordeined that they immediately shoulde be broughte backe againe to prison where he lodged them not able to moue on prickinge sheardes and sharpe péeces of earthen pottes broken to the ende that lyinge on so restlesse a couche theire paine mighte be double to the other aboue remembred Sommetimes by Ingins and policies he caused to be bowed downe the armes and braunches of greate and highe trées to whiche he would binde the legges of the Condemned and then suddainely letting againe the braunches to slippe tent them most lamentably in pieces and quarters In the Citie of Alexandria he caused to be cutte of the eares the noses the lippes the handes and the toes of infinite innocent and harmelesse Subiectes onely leauinge to them their eâ—es the longer to liue and dwell in that payne He made to be sharpened many splinters of woode whiche as farre as was possible he caused to be thruste in betwixte the nayles and the fleashe Into boylinge Tinne or Leade other somme he did aliue to be throwen wéemen faste bounde to Scaffoldes or Fourmes he commaunded to be scortcht with hotte yrons on the backe So that by these meanes spilling still innocent bloud without any féelinge what he thereby did sente vnto Heauen greate numbers of Soules holy pleasinge and acceptable to God whiche oft times vseth the mercilesse Tyrante for an instrumente whereby he glorifieth the iuste and chosen These strange Cruelties and news diuised tormentes are written in approued and faithful Authours of whiche the greatest parte wée haue taken out of the Scriptures the reste are readde in Iosephus in his Antiquities and Warre Iudaicall in Suetonius Tranquillus Plutarchus T. Liuius Iustinus Valerius Maximus Eusebius P. Orosus Iulius Capitolinus with others of no lesse credite and authoritie ¶ How for the most parte cruell Kinges and Blouddy tyrannes are the Ministers of God and howe notwithstandinge they continually ende in state moste wretched and extreame miserie Chap. 15. WHho so hath or liueth subiecte vnder any of these accursed Monsters muste for his consolation or comforte consider that for the most parte though they be terrible and cruell yet be they notwithstanding the Ministers of god The Scriptures in many places as wée finde still termeth them by no woorse title then the seruantes of God for that by them it hath pleased him to chastice the wicked perfectinge and confirminge to him selfe sutche as loue and feare him The Hebrewes were longe time gouerned by Iudges and Priestes amonge whom when Samuel waxed féeble and olde the malice of the people and contempte of God eche where growyng Kinges then from God at theire requeste were geuen them whiche chastisement for greater then that mighte neuer any haue chaunced them they receiued as hauinge before bothe deserued and desired it Samuel therefore was geuen them for Kinge who in the beginninge was méeke and mercifull but shortly after became tyrannous and cruell spoilinge them of whatsoeuer they had without respecte in theire possession as also of theire desired fréedome and libertie Who although he were voyde of no kinde of vice yet in Holy write is he called the anointed of God by meane whereof the people were amazed and trembled But leaue wée here him as also al others whiche bothe knewe the Lawe and liued vnder it and turne wée our penne to write of Idolaters whiche also are called the Ministers of God in the Scriptures for this saithe our Sauiour by the mouthe of Esaie I will that my Capitaines enter at the gates of Babylon I haue commaunded my Holy ones and haue called togeather my menne valiant and disposed in my wrothe to the intente they glorifie themselues togeather in my Glory The Prophete spake these woordes of the twoo Kinges Cyrus and Darius Behold then how he calleth the Medes the Persians sanctified which notwithstanding neither were either iuste or sanctified but onely executours of Gods iuste will for the punishment of Babylon And in an other place by the Prophete Ezechiel I will bringe forthe my Seruant Nabuchodonosor and because he hath well serued me nighe vnto Tyre Aegypte will I also geue him in possession Yet was he not the Seruant of God for as mutche as he neither serued him knew him or any waie beleued in him onely he executed his Iustice on the rebellious and in this respect was called his Seruante The accursed Totila Kinge of the Gothes was named the Scourge of God and reputed for the same The greate Tamburlayne that raygned not so many yéeres hence a Capitayne no lesse blouddy then valiant which also subdued so many Countries and Prouinces beinge demaunded why he so more then tyrannously vsed his Captiues whereunto he answeared forewrapped in coller Supposest thou me to be any other then the yre of God whence wée haue in fine to conclude that all sutche cruell and incarnate Deuils are instruments wherewith God chastiseth sinne as also with the same approueth and trieth the iuste and yet they notwithstandinge are not hence helde for iuste ne shall they escape the heauy iudgement of god For necessarie is it that example of ill happen but woe be vnto him by whom it happeneth Further in this life God assuredly at sometime dothe punish them besides that in an other worlde Hell damnation is certainely alloâ—ted them Neither at any time hath it almoste benne séene as wée haue remembered in the forepassed Chapiter but that sutche Mercilesse and Transubstantiate Monsters haue died of somme violent and ignominious deathe Phalaris was miserably consumed in the same Bull in which he had tormented many an innocent roringe the same Notes whiche he to heare of others had to fore so great likinge Plutarche recordeth that Silla was filthely deuoured of Lyse that he neuer coulde finde any playster for that payne And Pline farther saithe that he died in sutche sorte tormented that with extreame and miserable anguishe he gnewe teare and with his téeth horribly dismembred his owne lothsome body and deformed carrion Marius also his Capitall enimie a perfecte paterne of bestiall feritie fell in the ende into sutche extreame miserie that flyinge and séekinge a place to hide him in was gladde to laye his Heade in the handes of Poncius Teselinus to the intent that he shoulde strike it of The Emperoure Tiberius was stifled betwixte twoo pillowes or bolsters and so ended in the handes of his owne Seruantes How be it Suetonius saith that he was impoysoned Caligula that infernall furie after he had receiued thirtie great woundes by Chereus as well and Cornelius Sabinus as also by the others of that coniuration made chaunge of life to the contentation of many Cruell Nero before he died was depriued of his Honour and Empyre iudged and pronounced an
vnknowen crueltie and ingratitude of his countrie as to their perpetuall ignominie at full recordeth it Cratinus a Poete comicall and Gorgias Leontinus In maner semblable was banished Aristides the soonne of Lisimachus who for his excellencie and vertuous life was of all men for good cause surnamed the iuste notwstandyng the people both feared suspected hym continually Aboute the time then that thei should proceade in these affaires behold his straūge happe worthy of consideration there approacheth vnto hym one of the citisens whiche as he colde not write so neither knewe he at all Aristides but by fame for hys vertues onely requestyng hym to write vpon his tile or stone the name of Aristides whom he saied he woulde helpe at that tyme to banishe Wherat Aristides as altogether amased for he neuer suspected any suche matter called hym and saied frende come hether hath Aristides doen thee any displeasure Noe saied he but it greueth me to heare hym surnamed Aristides the iuste Plutarche in this sorte recordeth this matter but Paulus Emilius affirmeth that he framed hym this aunswere I knowe not Aristides but I suppose it will little profite hym that with suche diligence and in so short tyme he hath attained to that fame and honour to bee called as you heare of all men Arististes the iuste How be it Aristides at all gaue hym no aunswere but wrote as his will was his owne name in his stone By whiche meanes afterwarde vnkindly exiled neither waxte he angrie or greeued with his countrie but contrariwise moste quietly departynge in presence of the multitude and before theim all saied I praie the immortall Gods that the Athenians neuer fall into any such kinde of miserie that they shoulde haue néede of or desire Aristides againe And in déede so came it to passe that within fewe daies afterwarde they repented theym of their folly acknowledging with greate grief their faulte and errour for before these ten yeres of his exile were expired yea in the sixte yere by common consent and suffrage of the people he was called home againe to his perpetuall honour but to their ignominie the inexcusable shame after which his retourne he did sundry valiaunt and worthie exploytes beyng in person presente in that daungerous conflict on the Sea adioyning to the Isle Salamina where Xerxes was vanquished as also presente at the ouerthrowe of Mardonius So that as I firste saied thys lotte ' of exile for the most parte stil fell on the most worthie and most renoumed personages Notwithstanding though hence grewe infinite discommodities yet had it neuer the lesse a certaine shewe or countenaunce of honour or maiestie especially that it helde menne from vsurpation an tyrannie dréedyng the displeasure and authoritie of the people Plutarche writeth that the seignorie of Athens on a tyme florishyng as well in wealth as in martiall affaires and chiualry there were two great estates in honour like excelling all others Nicias th one and Alcibiades the othe which both in all thinges were verie curious and daintie like ambitious and desirous of glory pursuing eche the other with enuious emulation the time now of this Ostracismus verie fast approaching of whiche we haue aboue remembred both fearyng the imminent incōuenience peril did what in theim was to assure theimselues from the hard sentence of exile In this tyme ther also was in Athens one that had to name Hiperbolus of base condition proude notwitstanding verie seditious whiche not ignoraunt of the emulation betwixt Nicias and Alcibiades practised by all meanes to increase the same sowyng betwixte theym seedes of impacable discorde and dissention hoping by this policie to gain some reputation as also presupposing that these twoo this remainyng as he well trusted enimies the one of theim shoulde be banished by the Ostracismus followyng by meane whereof he imagined to gaine his place and honour and so consequently to be accompted one of the chéefest of the whole citie But thei both verie shortly well skilled of his practise disdainyng that he of so meane estate shoulde by this meanes become their equall secretly asswaged their yre and malice plightyng present frendshippe and amitie eche to other better likyng to cease from their rancour and malice then to abide the hassard of this present shame and infamie This doen eche of theym attempted nowe busilie together to exile by the Ostracismus the malicious infortunate and vnhappie wretche Hiperbolus Wherin they so carefullie and so wisely traueiled that they in déede accomplished that thei so then affected folding hym in that snare that he prouided had for others At which thing the whole multitude brake out into a laughter beholdyng a wretche of so vile condition in exile to be sente forth whither so many and so valiaunte a prince had past before hym But in the ende this mirth so chaunged into rancour that this custome therewith ceaste also for euer Of sundrie excellent personages whiche by the ingratitude of their Countrie haue vnkindly been banished Chap. 9. ALL histories are euerie where full of the sundrie and manifolde ingratitudes practised by the moste aunciente and most famous Cities euen against those that most honourablie haue serued and defended theim in their necessities We therefore shall remember here not many examples for that to the studious in good histories it should be lesse necessarie and superfluous The greate father of the Romaine eloquence and moste soueraigne oratour or since or before hym which from the perilous coniuration of Cateline deliuered that proude and pompous citie Rome was notwithstanding at the sute of his enimie Claudius in recompence of his desertes vnkindely banished Which his exile in Rome was so muche bewailed that twentie thousande in one daie wore mourning apparell for hym by meane wherof he was restored to his pristinate libertie called home with greate ioye to his inspekable honour Demosthenes the sole prince of all gréeke eloquence patrone and protectour of his countrie Athens was also by the Athenians in his olde age banished and yet had they had some countenance of occasion sufficiente shoulde it not haue been to haue exiled of theimselues suche a one as was he He lamented excessiuelie and be weapte his departure so that he wente thence in greate sorowe and melancolie who méetyng as he paste certaine Atheniens his heauie enemies beganne to haue some feare and to doubt theim merueilously whiche not onely did hym no kinde of outrage but contrariwise did solace and aide hym in what soeuer was to him or fittyng or necessarie Whiche thing some tyme considered well of hym as also that he was reproued for bewalynge his departure saied againe to those that did hym these curtisies Howe would you that I shoulde not beweepe this my partyng seyng my selfe banished from my natiue soyle and countrie where also mine enimies are suche and so honeste that I must thinke my self most happie and fortunate of al men if in some other place I may finde frendes as assured comfortable Metellus
theim the name of Pillours triumphant builte of Marble workyng in theim in moste curious manner possible euery their battailes and victories to their perpetuall renoume and honour a shewe of whiche is yet this daie to be seen in Rome Whiche thinges thei firste did followyng the Trophees of the Grekes whiche also were doen in suche sorte as followeth In the very same place where any Capitaine obtained the victory against his ennimy he did to be set vp there a greate and houge tree cuttyng from the same all his armes or boughes fastnyng to the stocke the armure of the vanquished to his perpetuall honour and renoume and this called thei a Trophe of that Greke word Tropi whiche may signifie conuertion flight or retraite for that in that place the ennimy was put to flight and this with these Trophes the Romaines first acquainted theimselues for as Salust writeth Pompe on a time hauyng vaÌ„quished the Spaniardes plaste his trophes on the toppes of the mouÌ„taines Pirenei whiche vsage by tracte of tyme grewe after into suche estimation that thei made them of stone wronght artificially How bee it this thyng semeth to bee of more antiquitie and that other nations also before the Grekes vsed it for it is redde in the fiftenth Chapiter of the firste booke of the Kynges that Saul hauing vanquished Agag King of the Amalachites came after to mounte Carmell where he erected an arche triumphall in the onely remembrance and memorie of his victories To conclude the honour of a triumphe was suche and so estimed that no one other was so much desired in Rome so that their Capitaines refused no paine no perill or daunger howe greate or what soeuer so that in fine thei might attaine to that inestimable honour Besides these Capitaines that thus triumphed became merueilous riche by the spoiles of the conquered to theim also were geuen great presentes by their freÌ„des which I onely to this purpose in this place would remember that princes might hence learne how to recompense and reward their capitaines and other soldiars what so euer accordyng to their desertes for commonly in these daies the daintie coward and nise Carpette man is more largely considered of then those that imploie both their gooddes and their liues in the seruice of the Prince and defence of their countrie ¶ What names the Romaine capitaines gained by their victories Chapt. 18. THe capitaines of Rome were yet besides their triumphes in an other lort honoured to wete by names and surnames giuen them of the people and prouinces whiche thei had conquered and subdued whiche assuredly was no small recompeÌ„ce for their worthy demerits Somtimes thei also gat additioÌ„s to their names for their onely prowes or courage in armes wheÌ„ce sundrie families in Rome grewe moste famous and honorable First we maie speake of the thre Metelli of which the one as hath Saluste besides him others for hauyng vanquished the kyng Iugurthe and conquered his countrie and all the territories of Numidia was called Numidicus The other Quintus Metellus for his victorie obtained againste the kyng of Macedonie was surnamed Macedonicus and the laste Creticus for that he subdued the Isle of Crete Before these were Marcius Coriolanus and Sergius Fidenatus of which the first gatte that name for that he subdued to the Romaines the citie Corialis the seconde for that he brought Tributorie Fidena in Italie And finally an other Metellus was there named Balearicus for that he subdued to the Romaine Empire the Isles Baleares whiche other wise haue this daie to name Maiorque and Minorque with the others adioynyng to theim Lucius Numius was surnamed Acaicus for that he conquered Acaia and Corinthe Brutus also for that he subdued the Gaules receiued in recompence the name of Gaulois The twoo Scipioes brothers were also honoured with the names of twoo sundrie nations by them vanquished and subdued the one Africanus the other Asiaticus for that he bothe conquered Antioche and Asia and was the firste that euer brought any Romaine ensiegne into Asia After this the other Scipio sonne to Paulus Aemelius of whose triumph aboue some thyng is saied and nephewe by adoption vnto the greate Scipio was also as th' other surnamed Africanus for that he bothe assailed and woÌ„ne the riche and famous citie of Carthage He also receiued for like guerdon the name of Numantinus or NumaÌ„ticus whiche was to hym no lesse honour then the other for hauyng sackte Numantia in Spaine It is also readde that Emperours themselues ioied in the names of tounes and places by them conquered vysyng thesame euer more in their letters Patentes and other instrumentes as did Seuerus and after hym his successours as for the conqueste of Arabia Parthia Armenia Germania and others the one named himself Arabicus an other Parthicus an other againe Armenicus Germanicus and Asiaticus eche honouryng hymself with his victories obtained For other causes also that Romaines at times gained like names of honor as Marcus Manlius who for that he defended the Capitoll from the violente force of the Frenche men gained the name of Capitolinus The familie of the Toroquates receiued firste that name for that oâ—â— of them toke by force from the necke of his enemie a chaine or coller in Latin torques Q. Fabius the greate who for his delaies and daliaunce vsed with Hannibal deliueryng by the same meanes also his countrie was surnamed afterwardes Cunctator For this cause he also was called the Targette of Rome whiche turned hym to great aduantage and honor Marcus Marcellus which liued also at thesame time for his valiaunte prowes and courage and continuance in stelâ—e still againste his enemie was in fine called the knife or sworde of Hanniball That excellente capitaine Silas though he were cruel was not withstaÌ„dyng for his happie victories surnamed Fortunate Pompe for his so many so honourable and so reâ—…ed victories was through the worlde called Pompe the greate then whiche name I knowe not what might bee more roiall or magnificent And thus were those names giuen to those vertuous capitaines in suche sorte that their generalles and conductours of armies were also termed by the names of Emperours whiche this daie of all others is the supreme and higheste dignitie so that thei were either Pretors Consuls or Proconsuls and that also had subdued his enemie in some famous battaille had also destroied and wasted his whole countrie slaine and murthered greate heapes of his subiectes and finally by the losse of twoo thousande of his owne to haue slaine tenne thousande of the contrary at the leaste for other wise he gained not the name of an emperour This happie name gate Iulius Caesar the father of Iulius Caesar for his victorie whiche he obtained againste the Samnites and Lucans in the daies and tyme of Silas Pompe was also called Emperour for his fortunate victorie in Africa against Domician Cicero assigned Proconsul in that warre againste the Parthians was by his soldiours for his happie successe continually called Emperour Iulius Caesar
founde emonge many sutche greate confusion and difference in reckeninge that hardly a man maie herein assure him of a truth They that deale herein are diuided into twoo partes of whiche the one foloweth the computation of the thréescoare and twelue Interpreters whiche translated the Olde Testamente from the Hebrewe into the Greeke The other the Hebrewes and common texte of the Bible whose opinions I will for contentation of all partes hereafter remember The firste Age therefore or parte of the Worlde accordinge to the common and general accoumpt of al was euen from the Creation of the same to the Inundation or Drowninge of it againe Whiche was the Infancie or tenderest Age as somme tearme it of the Worlde Whiche Age was longe and of greate continuauce Duringe whiche time it is to be supposed that greate and marueilous matters chanced vnto men although wee thereof finde no recorde or Historie sauinge that the Scriptures haue that after God had created Adam and Eue as also before him all other Creatures ouer whom he gaue him generall Dominion and Rule as well ouer the beastes on the Lande as fishes in the Sea. Adam then begatte twoo Sonnes Cain and Abel whiche afterwarde also begat diuers others by whome the worlde beganne then to be well peopled Moyses writeth that Cain builte him in the Easte parte of the worlde a Cittie whiche after his Sonnes name be called Honoch In that time Lameth hauinge buried his wife hardened him selfe to choose againe the seconde beinge the firste Bigamus that euer was in this worlde on one of the whiche he begat Tubal who firste founde the meane to Singe by Arte the Violles eke and also the Organs Cain founde the skill to woorke yron and ingraue thereon In this Age the Worlde had also Gyantes of whiche sundrye good writers thus mutche reporte that they were of excessiue stature and force marueilous roughe to intreate and enimies to Mankinde Finally by the insupportable burthen of Sinne the general Floudde washed the face of the whole Earthe By means whereof all mankinde Noē onely reserued and suche as were with him in the Arke was drowned And this firste Age of the Worlde according to the accoumpt of the Hebrewes Filon Beda S. Hierome and the common Texte of the Bible continued a thousand sixe hundred fiftie and sixe yéeres But as the thréescoare and twelue Interpreters Eusebius and other Historiographers with them saye it had twoo thousande twoo hundred fourty and twoo yéeres S. Augustine twoo thousande twoo hundred seuentie and twoo And Alphonsus Kinge of Spayne twoo thousande eightehundred eightie and twoo The Seconde Age began in Noē immediately after his comminge out of the Arke whiche continued vntill the birthe of Abraham and had accordinge to the opinion of these Interpreters Eusebius Isidorus and moste parte of all Chronicles nine hundred fourtie and twoo yéeres But the Hebrewes recken many lesse as onely twoo hundred nintie twoo With whom Filon and Iosephus accorde S Augustine to that Age attributeth a thousande seuentie and twoo yéeres Little certaintie finde wée of any thinge donne or chaunced in this time for no particulare Historie at all remaineth In generall concerninge the beginninge of Realmes and Kingedomes somewhat is founde as also touching the firste Inhabitantes of Countries and Prouinces Noë issuinge out of his Arke planted to him selfe with busie paine a vineyarde where what chaunced vnto him eche man wel knoweth He and his children begat many others so that the worlde began well againe to be peopled Cam the second sonne of Noë begat to him Cus of whome are descended the Aethiopians He also had Mesrain of whom are descended in sorte semblable the Aegyptians And laste of all Canaan from whom issued the Cananites His other Sonne Iapheth ingendred Gomer and Magog of which other Nations descended too longe here to remember In this time was the Tower of Babel builte by meane of which also then chaunced the confusion of tongues Whence as Iosephus recordeth in the second Booke of his Antiquities Men sundred to inhabite Countries and Iles by them selues sutch and such togeather as were skilled of a language Duringe whiche Age Tubal Sonne of Iapheth came to inhabite Spayne framinge there to him selfe a Realme or Kingedome Other somme saie that he indifferently was called either Subal or Tubal the Sonne of Falech and Nephewe to Heber In this time the Raigne of the Scithians beganne in the Northe whiche euermore pretended Antiquitie aboue other Countries as well noteth Trogus Pompeius and Iustin By meane whereof greate enmitie still grewe betwixte them and the Aegyptians The Arte Magike and Incantations began then by Cam surnamed otherwise Zoroastes Aboute the ende of this Age somethinge before the byrth of Abraham according to the accompte of Eusebius and Beda the most famous and puissant raigne of the Assyrians began hauing for their first Prince or King Belus which diuers supposed to be the God Iupiter some the seconde Ninus which during whose time was borne Abraham conquered and subdued sundry townes and prouinces Besides this an other kinde of raigne was there in Aegipte called Dinastia where the firste that was of supreme and highest authoritie had to name Vexor or otherwise Vezor as hath Eusebius who about the ende of this seconde Age instituted the Raigne or Kingdome of the Sicionians in Peloponesus nowe called Morea where Agis is supposed to haue bene the firste king In this time began now Idolatrie Gentilitie This much confusely haue wee gathered of this Age in the ende of which also the moste worthie most renoumed Citie of Niniue was buylded of marueilous and incredible bignesse which as we finde in holy write was in compasse no lesse than three dayes iourneyes Incontinent after this began the thirde Age euen in the byrth of Abraham vntill the Prophete Dauid which without all contradiction or gaynesaying of any continued nine hundred fortie and two yeares vnto which onely Isidorus addeth two which Age we may cal the Adolescencie of the world for that in that time all things were maruelously augmented and increased In the beginning of this Age Semiramis the wife of Ninus not onely attempted but ended also and perfected sundry renoumed and valiaunt exploites hauing taken on her mans apparel and faining her self to be the yong Prince Ninus after which sorte she liued and raygned long time conquering with the sworde many Landes and Countryes she reedified walled the famous Citie of Babylon About this time happened the Peregrination of Abraham by the open and expresse commaundement of god Then also obtayned he his happy victorie agaynst the foure Kinges redéeming Loth whom they caried away prysoner Nowe also began the first Raigne of the Amazones The Pharaoes Kings of Egypte now also began to florish Sodome and Gomorra were destroyed in these dayes In the time of Isaac began the Empyre of the Argiues in Thessalie while his sonnes liued Iacob and Esau the Kinges of Costa began also
notwithstandyng for his vertue and honestie was assigned by the Romaines their soueraigne and Emperour and afterward to giue example to others of lowe condition he caused the Shoppe to bée doen about with Marble curiously cutte where his father before hym wrought to gette his liuyng Neither asspired this Elius issued of base parentage vnto the Empire onely for Diocletian that so muche adorned Rome with his magnificall and triumphaunte victories was the soonne of none other then a common Scribe or Notarie some faie that his father was a booke binder and hymself a bonde man borne Valentinian was also crouned Emperour but was the soonne notwithstandyng of a Roper The Emperour Probus had to father a gardiner The renoumed Aurelius whom euery age honoureth issued out of so obseure a familie that the historiegriphers lesse agrée emong theim selues of his spryng and beginnyng Maximinus also was the soonne of a Smithe or as others some will a Carter Marcus Iulius Lucinus as also Bonosus by their prudente policie gouerned the saied Empire of whiche the firste was an housband mannes soonne of Dacia the other the soonne of a poore and stipendarie schoole maister Of this sorte was there many other Emperours in Rome whom all for breuities sake I leaue to remember as Mauricius Iustinus predecessour to Iustinian Galeâ—…s also in the beginnyng a Shepherde From this haute and supreme dignitie let vs descende to the â—…a of Rome vnto which asspired men of like condition with the others As Pope Ihon the twoo and twenteth whiche was the soonne of a Shoomaker a Frenche man borne â–ª notwithstandyng for his learnyng and wisedome elected bishoppe which increased their rentes and patrimonie busily Pope Nicholas the fifte hauyng the name tofore of Thâ—mas was the soonne of a poore Pâ—… Pâ—pâ— â–ª Sâ—… â—…he fowerth first called Frances by professioÌ„ a frier had to father a poore sea man or mariner I could in this place remeÌ„ber many others whoÌ„ al of purpose I leaue to name for that suche offices are lesse due to nobilitie of blood but rather to the learned vertues what so euer Whereof Christ himself hath left vs good exaÌ„ple for the first that euer satte in that chaire whom also Christ himself there placed was that good and true pastour S. Peter which before laboured the seas for his liuyng a Fisher whom from thence Christ elected to bée a fisher of men Hence descendyng againe vnto kynges and Princes the Romaines to them chose Tarquinius Priscus for their kyng the soonne of a straunger and marchaunte of Corinthe and that which more was banished out of his countrie who neuer the lesse augmented the confines of his king dome the number as well of Senatours as also theim of the order of knighthoode he appoincted newe estates bothe for their seruice and ceremonies to the goddes so that the people nothyng at all repented theim to haue chosen them a straunger for their kyng and soueraigne Seruius Tullius liued also longe tyme kyng of Rome he obtained greate victories and triumphed thrée tymes reputed notwithstandyng to bée the soonne of a poore bonde woman whence he continually held the name of Seruius The kynges of Lumbardie if thei were not so aunciente as the others of Rome yet were thei in respecte no lesse famous then thei The thirde of whiche hauyng to name Lamusius was the sonne of a beggerly and common strumpette whiche also beyng deliuered at the same tyme of twoo other childreÌ„ as a moste wretched and beastly woman threwe them into a depe and stinkyng ditche in whiche also was some kinde of water by happe kyng Agelmonde passyng that waie found this childe almoste drouned in the water and mouyng hym soughtly with the ende of his launce whiche he at that tyme had presente there in hande to the ende he more perfectely might féele what it was but this childe euen then newely borne féelyng it self touched taketh hold of the launce with one of his handes not lettyng it to slippe or slide froÌ„ him againe whiche thing the prince consideryng all amased at the straunge force of this yonge little creature caused it to bée taken thence and carefully to bée fostered and for that the place where he founde it was called Lama he did hym thence to bée named Lamusius whiche afterwardes was suche a one and so fauoured of Fortune that in the ende he was crouned kyng of the Lumbardes who liued there in honour and his succession after hym euen vntill the tyme of the vnfortunate kyng Albouine when all came to ruine subuersion and destruction An other matter like straunge to this happened in Bohemia where as one Primislas the soonne of a Plough manne was then chosen kyng when he moste busily was labouryng the soile in the fielde For at that tyme the Bohemians not knowyng whom thei might chuse for their kyng did to passe out a horse vnbridled into the fieldes lettyng hym to go whether it best liked him hauing all determined with moste assured purpose to make him their king before whoÌ„ this horse arrested so came it theÌ„ to passe that the horse first staied hym before this Primislas busied then in turnyng the gleabe a simple Carter so beyng forthwith confirmed as is before their soueraigne he ordered hym self and his kyngdome very wisely He ordained many good and profitable lawes he coÌ„passed the citie of Prage with walles besides many other thynges merityng perpetuall laude and commendation The greate Tamburlaine also whose famous exploites are of parte aboue remeÌ„bred was at the first a Shepherde as we before rehearsed The valiaunte and vertuous capitaine father of Frances Sforca whose succession and posteritie euen vntill this our tyme haue béen Dukes continually of Millaine was borne in a badde village called Cotignoll the sonne of a poore and nedie worke man but he naturally inclined to Martiall affaires of a valiaunt harte very couragious left that his fathers simple vocation folowyng a troope of soldiars whiche past through the couÌ„trie and in th' ende by continuaunce and skilfull practise proued a moste famous and renoumed capitain C. Marius a Consull Romaine issued of simple parentage borne in the village Arpinum was neuer the lesse suche and so politike a capitaine that all the worlde yet speaketh this daie of his valiauncie he seuen tymes was chosen Consull in Rome duryng whiche tyme he obtained suche and so greate victories that he also twise to his perpetuall honour and commendation triumphed M. T. Cicero the father and prince of Latine eloquencie well skilled also in euery the Sciences was Consull in Rome and Proconsul in Asia and yet was he also borne in a simple cotage in Arpinum by birthe and parentage a very meane and abiecte Romaine Ventidius also the soonne of a moste simple and abiecte personage was some tymes by profession a Muletour but leauyng that vocation followed the warres of Caesar by whose fauor he obtained through his prowes and vertue that he shortly was appoincted capitaine of a bande and
manne goeth vpright as also why fasting then when hee hath eaten he euermore is founde more weightie and poisante and why in conclusion hee poyseth more deade then liuyng with others sutche not impleasant accidents Chap. 7. fol. 15. pag. 2. Of the excellencie of the heade aboue all other members of the bodie and that it is not good to haue a little heade or straite breaste as also whence it is that we accompte it courtesie to take of the Cappe or Hatte in saluting an other Chap. 8. fol. 17. pag. 2. That mannes death is to be accompted fortunate or lesse fortunate accordyng to the estate that hymself shall die in with certaine example seruing to that purpose Chap. 9. fol. 19. pag. 2. What speach was vsed in the beginning of the world and how first began the diuersitie of languages chap. 10. fol. 21. pag. 1. Of the diuision of ages of the worlde with a briefe discourse of diuers Notable matters chaūced also in them as also in fine of the beginnyng of Realmes and Kyngdomes Chap. 11. fol. 23. pag. 1. Of the straunge life of Diogenes surnamed Cinicus as also of his Sentences Propositions and Answeres Chap. 12. fol. 28. pag. 2. Of the excellencie and commendation of trauaile as also of the domages that growe of Idlenes Chap. 13. fol. 32. pag. 1. How detestable a matter Crueltie is with some examples seruing to that purpose Chap. 14. fol. 37. pag. 2. How for the most parte cruell kinges and blouddy tyrantes are the Ministers of God and how notwithstandyng they continually ende in state most wretched and extreame miserie Chap. 15. fol. 42. pag. 2. Of a straunge case which at two diuerse times chaunced after one and the same sorte vnto twoo Romaine Knightes of honorable Familie Chap. 16. fol. 44. pag. 1. Of the distinction of the age of man accordyng to the opinion of most Astrologians Chap. 17. fol. 45. pag. 1. Of certaine yeres in mans life whiche the learned in tymes paste iudged aboue the others to bee merueilous daungerous as also for what cause thei estéemed it to bee so Chap. 18. fol. 49. pag. 1. THE TABLE O◠the seconde parte WWhat daunger it is to murmer against princes as also what commendation thei gaine by clemencie Chap. 1. fol. 50. pag. 2. Of what countrie Pilate was and how he died as also of a riuer so called and of the propertie of the same and finally of a certaine caue or denne in Dalmacia Chap. 2. fol. 52. pag. 1 In what degrees and at what age a man and woman should marrie Chap. 3. fol. 54. pag. 1. Of the cordiall and hartie loue that should be in marriage with diuers examples seruyng to that purpose Chap. 4. fol. 59. pag. 1. Of the straunge customes obserued by oure elders in mariage Chap. 5. fol. 61. pag. 2 Of the excellencie of paintyng Chap. 6. fol. 64. pag. 2. Of that excellent Painter Apelles as also of Protogines another in his tyme Chap. 7. fol. 66. pag. 2. Of a straunge maner of exile vsed in Athens by meanes of whiche the moste honorable and worthiest personages were oftentimes banished without any offence or faulte at all commited Chap. 8. fol. 69 pag. 2. Of sundrie excellent personages whiche by the ingra titude of ther Countrie haue vnkindly been banished Chap. 9. fol. 72. pag. 2. Of a strauge aduenture betide a certaine prisoner and how after his weary imprisonment hée was in the ende made free and deliuered Chap. 10. fol. 75. pag. 1. That the bloodde of a Bulle causeth theim to die that drinke therof at any tyme as also who first brought the Bull to the yoke Chap. 11. fol. 76. pag. 2. Now necessary water is in all the vses of mans life of the excellencie of this element and how to finde or trie the best water from the other Chap. 12. fol. 78. pag. 1. By what policie wee may drawe freshe water out of the Sea and why colde water in fallyng maketh greater noise then it would doe if it wer warme finally why a shippe on the salte water beareth greter weight then on the freashe Chap. 13. fol. 81. pag. 2. Of the renoumed and greate Tamburlaine of the kingdomes and countries that he subdued and finally of hys practise and maner in warre Chap. 14. fol. 82. pag. 2. Of many Lakes and fountaines the waters of which haue many straunge properties Chap. 15. fol. 87. pag. 2. Of diuers straunge thinges whiche hapened at the birth and death of our Sauiour Christ recited by sundry famous and learned historians besides these that are recorded by the Euaugelistes in the scriptures Chap. 16. fol. 92. pag. 1. Of many places aleaged by sundry good authers making mention of christe and of his life Cha. 17. fol. 95. p. 1. That men borne of base condition shoulde not leaue by all meanes possible to attempte to reache and aspire vnto honour with certaine examples seruyng to that purpose Chap. 18. fol. 99. pag. 1. Of the opinion that the olde Romaines and other auncient countries had of fortune and how they plast her in the number of their Gods in what forme or figure they also depainted her and finally that there is no fortune at all among the Christians attributyng the cause of all thinges vnto god Chap. 19. fol. 102. pag. 2. That sundrie beastes by some priuie naturall instinct haue foreknowleage of thinges to come as also of many countries by the onely force of little wormes brought to be desolate and forsaken Chap. 20. fol. 106. p. 〈◊〉 THE TABLE OF the thirde parte HOw profitable a thinge the inuention of letters was who first founde or inuented theim as also how the Hebrue Characters signifie some thing of theim selues that whiche is incident to no other kind of letters of what sorte or kind so euer cha 1. fol. 104. p. 2. Where on our elders wrote before the inuention of Paper and with what kinde of instrument how Paper and Parchement were firste founde out Who firste inuented the maner or skille of Printing as also what inestimable profite thence riseth and in fine by what meane a blinde man maie write Chap. 2. fol. 111. Pag. 1. Of the firste Libraries that euer were in the worlde and how the men of that time vsed to haue the Images or purtraites of the learned in theim Cha. 3. fol. 113. pag. 2. Of the amitie and enmitie of sundrie thinges issuyng by priuie hidden and secrete proprieties C. 4. fol. 116. P. 1. By what meanes bothe amitie and enmitie procede from the Heauenly and Celestiall influence and why a man hateth or loueth an other Cha. 5. fol. 119. Pag. 2. That the memorie maie bee hurte and that it also by arte and by pollicie maie be fortified Cha. 6. fol. 121. Pa. 1. In what honour and reputation Philosophers Poetes and all others in what Arte or Science soeuer they were learned liued with Emperous Kinges and Princes in tymes past Cha. 7. fol. 123. Pag 2 That learnyng is necessarie as well