see the truth of what I told you and how the providence of God is great give him thanks therefore and for the future so order you actions that the fury and vengence of God may not fall upon you The King being transported with joy ran to embrace Merlin heartily thanking him for his good aide and assistance with a promise never to act contrary to his directions The Princes Barrons and Gentlemen who followed the King seeing this were surprized with mervaile and joy to see their King with his accustomed sight and every one shewed some signe of rejoycing which was redoubled in the hearts of all when they understood the meanes the King had taken for his Cure which was a true and absolute a-franchising of the realm of England from the tyranâ— of these â—even Philosophers who had for so long time oppressed the poor people This news being spread a broad Bonfires were made not only in London but throughout all England and as for Merlin he continued with the King untill Justice was reformed and having given him many good documents as well for his particular person as for the government of his people he then went to instruct other Princes and Nations according to the Charge which God had given him Now to apply this discourse to your occasion I say Sir that you stand in want of a Merlin to shew you the abuse of your seven Philosophers who studdy nothing more but how to take away your sight that you may not be able to Judge not only of things passed but also of those that are in being and which you your self have seen with both your eyes And in order thâ—reunto they do so disturb your braiâ— with their fabulous tales that by degrees they will perswade you that the vilanous action which the Traytour Erastus hath done contrary to all right divine and humane and to your perpetuall shame ought not only not to be punished according to the â—entence which you have given but that he desâ—rvâ—s a reward to which blâ—ndness if yoâ— suffer you self to be sotishly wrought unto I can think no otheâ—wise but that they will in time take away yâ—ur life as they have already deprived you of your eveâ— of your understanding which I hope God will not permit by which meanes wiâ—â—â— this wicked Erastus they may exerâ—ise â—heir Tyrany on the poor Roman Empire I shall prevent that said the Emperour for to morrow morning without fail Justice shall take its course in the first place upon that Wretch who hath so highly offended against your honour and mine and secondly against these Rascals who in stead of learning him vertue have shewed him how to commit such vilanous actions And of this assure your self my dear for it shall be delayed no longer The Empress then seemed to be of good cheer expecting the day with an Ardent desire which possessed her to hear the News which might extinguish the Cruelty and Rage which consumed her CHAP. XIIII The Philosopher Enoscopus slayed execution of the sentence against Erastus for the fourth day by a discourse which he made to the Emperour of a Gentleman of Pâ—dua named Cleander who for the words of his Chamber-maid killed his Wife and Servant believing that he had found them in the act of dishonesty together and yet afterwards knowing the Contrary he tore out his Chamber maids heart and being in dispair hanged him self In the â—oble City of Padua a place highly renowned as well for its grandeur as famous University and illustrious Personages its Inhabitants among whom a young Gentleman called Cleander who was reputed among the cheif of that City as well for his great wealth as antient and noble Famiâ—y This Gentleman from his infancy having been well educated in learning and brought up in all vertues and commendable exercises suitable to his degree he became so great a proficient therein that there was uâ— other talk in Padua but of the excellenâ— education and good nourtriture of the young Gentleman by which means his father was partaker of no small honour besides the inward satisfaction which pâ—ssest his heart it come to pass this young Gentleâ—ens Father dyed and having paid the debt which was due to Nature he became by this means sole Heir being his Fathers only Son and thereupon took upon him the care of all the affairs of the house which was very great Notwithstanding without secluding himself from those honest exercises in which he was brought up he managed so dexterously his affaire that one might say he was born to rule an govern an Empire and this rendred him more admirable to every one The Relations and Friends of this young Gentleman seeing how orderly he governed his house and being the sole male of that family which was left perswaded him to marry that so good and antient family might not be lost by his faulty neglect of procreation To which the Gentleman would not condescend at first but opposed it with much obâ—tinacy However understanding what his friends said proceeded from a sincere affectiâ—n he promised to put in practice what they had counselled him with this proviso that the Gentlewoman they should provide for him should be of quality and not inferiour to his fortunes moreover well educated and of an age agreeable to his own which being understood by his friends they undetook the pains to find out such a one as he demanded it was not long erâ— they had procured such a Gentlewoman faâ—â— young and bred like a Gentlewoman of Padua whose name was Beatrice Their marriage done and solemnized he took home with him his new Spouse whom he found in all things what he desired it so fell out that she was very importunate with her Husband as other women are to have the management of the houshold affairs which she so notably handled that in a few moneths the Gentleman surrendred the whole charge thereof to her guidance wherein she behaved her self wonderfully well discreetly and modestly seldom acting any thing without the advice of her Husband discoursing him alwayes so much to the purpose with a deportment so sweet and amiable that her Husband thought himself in her the happiest man in the world this amity and concord lasted a long time for that these two were held the fairest and happiest couple in all Padua but fortune an Enemy to the repose and tranquility of the vertuous was not long ere she laid a plot to ranverse their happiness and to turn their joyes topsi â—urvy making an exchange of the felicity man can imagine into the greatest misery that can befall mankind Now this Gentlewoman had a Chamber-maid among other servants who was an excellent Governness of a house to whom her Mistress gave a great deal more lâ—berty than to others for that love and fidelity she experimentally had found in her not-with-standing this great governness doing as many had done before who finding themselves pamper'd by good dyet and entertainment never think of their honour
up and destroyed What Pine was this said the Emperour and what happned about it to which the Empress answered A while agoe there was a Gentleman of Italy who had a very fair Garden wherein he took so much pleasure that he therein planted all sorts of Herbs and Trees and among others he had a very fair Pine so fair and so strait as any could be in the World so that this Gentle-man esteemed this Pine more than all the Trees in the Garden and thereupon he there made an arbour taking great pleasure to remain â—nder the shaddow of it for the most part of the day whether he had a mind to read or otherwise to pass the time It hapned as one often sees among other Trees that from the root of this Pine sprung a sucker which the Gentle-man seeing being very much pleased at it he commanded his Gardner to look carefully after it hoping by this means to get an other Pine as fair as the former and this young sucker finding the fresh Earth that was put about it grew very well at the beginning but being grown up so high that the branches of the first Pine kept the Sun from it it did not grow so well as at the first but became bent and crooked The Gentle-man being troubled at it asked the Gardner the cause who answered that the bowes of the great one gave so great a shaddow that the young one not having the Sun and air to make it grow strait up according to its Nature it therefore was crooked and did not thrive whereupon the Gentle-man commanded to lop the old one and take away the branches which hindered the Sun from the young one so the old one was lop'd all away on one side It hapned that this Gentle-man had a voyage to make for some moneths but before he went he recommended his young Pine to the Gardner above all things in this the Gardner did not fail so that the Sun coming to the young one it grew again as it had formerly done but however it still continued crooked on the contrary the great one began to wither on the side it had been lopped The Gentleman at his return seeing the great Pine half dead and knowing that these two Pines hindred one another and that there was little hopes of the great Pine in regard it was so decayed caused it to be cut up and thus was this Tree that had formerly been so well beloved destroyed for the young Pines sake which although it grew to be a great one yet it still kept itâ— ill and crooked shape which it had from the beginning and thus will it happen to you for having placed your Son if he may be called yours which I cannot believe to the government of these seven Philosophers you see in what case he is they have already lopt you on one side by the shame which they have caused you and which is worst being resolved to maintain and justifie it you will in short time see a rebellion in Rome and if you should pardon him for this out-rage in hopeâ— of his amendment assure your self that ere long he will a â—empt against your life as he hath already done against your honour to arrive to the Governmâ—nt so soon as he can and be assured that these Philosophers will put their helpinâ— hand to it in hopes that they shall have the management of the affairâ— of the Empire and so for want of forecast you will see your self ruined by your young sucker I shall prevent it replyed the Emperour for I promise you that justice shall take place and at once to revenge your honour and my own and thereupon he commanded that without delay the sentâ—nce of Erastus should be executed on his Person CHAP. X. The Philosâ—pher Dimurgus caused execution to be stayed for an another day by a discourse which he made to the Emperour of the great Hipocrates who out of anger did stay without cause a Nephew of his that was an execellent Physitian DAY brake was hardly come when those to whom the execution of Prince Erastus was committed dâ—d provide for all things necessary thereunto without loss of further time according to the precise command of the Emperour in the mean time the Philosopher Dimurgus who had undertook to defend the Prince for the second day lest he should be surprized had bethought himself of all that he had to say to the Emperour and so being ready in the morning he came to the Chamber where by Fortune he found him coming out sooner than ordinary by reason of the great trouble he was in both in body and mind for the causes aforescited and although the Emperour appeared to be angry yet he being satisfied in the innocence of Prince Erastus after he had made his usual reverence he took the boldness to say Sir having receâ—ved this favour of your Majesty to be long since admitted into the service of your house I ever knew you both of a rare spirit and very well advised whereby you have alwayes prudently governed the affairs of your Empire so that I have alwayes admired the great vertues which did respectively shine in you and a particular zeal which you alwayes had to do justice so that I never knew you guilty of one unjust action But considering you by I know not what extraordinary disaster to be about to exceed the bounds of reason and to be diverted from your good and antient custom I therefore made bold not out of hopes of reward or praise to come before you not to counsel you but to advertise your Majesty of a certain error into which as a man and not as so great an Emperour as you have alwayes been are now fallen you know Sir what you have purposed to do with my Lord the Prince your Son by reason of a wicked perswatition which has been imprinted in your mind But I humbly pray you and that for the reputation of your honour to suspend a while this your purpose and to take my counsel which being good as in truth you will know it you will prefer it before all that hath been said to the contrary and be not angry Sir at my advice for as the Proverb sayes and you very well know it He does deserve to be ruined that will not take advice The Emperour having heard this preamble and considered of what had been spoken by the Philosopher was contented to stay the execution of his Son however intimateing to him that if by good reason he did not make appear that he was in an error and that his defence of the Prince Erastus was just that both the Advocate and Criminal should be hang'd one after another to which the Philosopher consenting he began to say Hipocrates the Prince of Physitians had a Nephew with whom he took so great pains to instruct him in the Art of Physick that in fine this Nephew was in his Skil Experience and Practice equal to his Uncle it hapned that
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
Erastus was no sooner published in Rome but in a moment there was seen a very great alteration For instead of their preperations of joy for the entry of their young Prince every one now hang down their heads so that there was nothing but sadness and melancholly throught all Rome In the first place the poor Emperour cryed and sighed and with him all the Lords and Ladies at the misfortune of Prince Erastus In testimony whereof all persons as well men as women threw off their rich habits which they had put on to honor the entry of their Prince and instead of that every one put on mourning aparrell in the mean time the Officers of justice began to provide in execute the sentence of Erastus so that every where all went with cryeâ— and â—eare to see this cruell spectacle But the seven Philosophers who were met together in counsell to advise about Erastus concluded that Euprosigorius should first begin and order the matter so with the Emperour that execution of the sentence should be stoped for that day and that one day after another every one should do the like so that each of them causing the execution to be delayed for one day the fatall dayes of Erastus would in that time be passed over and thereupon the good Philosopher disposed himself to go finde the Emperour CHAP. VIII Euprosigorus the Philosopher puts a stop to the execution of the sentence of Erastus for one day by the example of a Roman Gentleman who had killed his beloved Dog who had rescued his only Son from a Serpent that would have devoured him giving too much creditto the speeches of his wife who had told him that his son was dead THe Philosopher Euprosigorus being arived at the Pallace saw that the Emperour was walking alone in the hall no person darcing to speak one word to him yet nevertheless he entred with much freedom and great confidence But he was no sooner in the presence when many flocked together after him to know if he came upon the account of Erastus and what would be the issue of it before the Philosopher had the conveniency of making his reverence to the Emperour he looked on him with an angry and troubled countenance and with a high tone demanded of him from whence proceeded that rashness and presumption to dare to appeare before him and more especially at a time so improper and if that were the doctrine and instruction which he and his Companions had taught his Son to scorne to speak nor answer to his father and to solicite his Mother-in-Law to so dishonest an account Nay and to attempt to force her But continued he I promise you by the word of a Prince that I will provide so sharp and so examplary a Chastisement as well for you as for that Rascall my Son that shall leave a perpetual memory and shall serve as an example to posterity to cause them to take heed of Committing such felonies toward their Lords or Princes The Emperour having ended the good Philosopher with a cheerfull countenance and without the least appearance of trouble thus answered know Sir that it is very ill done of any person to Act any thing contrary to right justice and more especially for those who are in publique imployments and although your Majesty being endowed with great wisdom may think that you have not erred in your sentence against Prince Erastus yet nevertheless I can boldly say that it is impossible but there should be a fault in giving so sudden a sentence for every wise man ought dilligently and deliberately to weight the cause and to understand the fact very well before he proceeds to Judgment And those persons who are fit to be Judges ought principally to avoyd three things that is malice disdaine and anger as for the two first I shall say nothing at present being assured that neither malice nor disdain did not induce you to denounce this rash sentence but I may speak of anger for it was that which caused you to pronounce so severe a sentence and certainly the Poet said truly Anger by some termed Ire Springeth from the heart and fire Which if quenched not in Season By the water of sound reason Right nor wrong nor time nor place Can prevent its furious race All these disorders Sir have possession of your Spirit and have moved you to a certain impetious anger in this so important a cause and that meerly through the speech of a simple woman although your Majesty is not ignorant of the little reason which an angry woman is Mistress of who for the most part suffer themselves to be transported by their passion without inclining to any reason so that I am assured that no good can come of it and if you do not change your mind I doubt it will happen to you as it did to a Roman Gentleman who giving to much credit to his wives perswasions killed his only Dog which he had loved above all things of which action at last he too late very much repented What was this Gentleman said the Emperour and how was the matter I shall tell you Sir said the Philosopher provided that in the mean time your Majesty will be pleased to stay the execution of Prince Eâ—astus so that having heard me if your mind shall alter as I hope it will and the sentence not being executed you may be at liberty to pronounce one more favourable otherwise my desires will be in vain Therefore Sir if you please to stay the execution untill I have finished my discourse and then you may do even what you please not only with Prince Erastus but also with me and my Companions To this the Emperour agreâ—d although he did certainly believe that nothing that he could â—ay should cause him to change his Opinion yet in regard he had oftentimes took greaâ— pleasure in his learned discourse he was content to hear him anâ— commanded the execution of his Son to be dâ—lâ—yed for the present The Philosopher therefore taking up the discourse thus began Some time since there lived a Gentleman in Rome having but one Son who bring desirous to have him well bred up as his only dear Child caused him to be nursed in the house and laid in his Chamber the some Gentleman had a Dog which he had a very great esteem for as well for his handsomeness as good properties and he took much pleasure in him as it was possible for any Gentleman to take in such a creature It happened that there was a Tournament or running at Tilt held in the publique Place in Rome to which the Gentleman amongst others of his quality resorted And no sooner was he gone but his wife also being as unadvised as many other woman had a mind to go see the pleasures of this Tournement and thereupon she went with all her Chamber-maids and damsells and to their great misfortune the Nurse went to the Top of the house from whence although she could not see
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
thought it was best to châ—ose the least whereupon thinking of the nature of Swine he began to come down from the tree as softly as he could and being so neer the wild Boar that he couâ—d touch him with his foâ—t he clawed his back with the nailes of his foot the wild Boar being pâ—eased with it turned his belly upwards and the Herds-man continuing to claw and scratch him he fell asleeâ— The Herds-man perceiving that came down to the ground and seeing this great Animal was safe he resolved to make him more sâ—cure and thâ—reupâ—n drawing out his knife stuck it into his heart thus killing hâ—m as he slept by this means freeing himâ—â—lf from the fear of the wild Boar and the other wild beasts The same mâ—y come to you Sir this lending your eares to these Philosophers who being as fearful as this Herds-man they â—pâ—e and essay all meanes to destroy you the Herds-man had lost a Bullock but these hâ—ve had theiâ— hâ—nâ—ur the Herds-man purposed to aâ—pâ—ase his Master with these wild pears and these hâ—pe to escape the danger they are in by fables and coâ—â—tâ—rfeit speeches the Heâ—ds-man killed the wild B aâ— under preâ—eâ—ce of clawing flattering him the Philâ—sâ—phers hâ—pe to do as much with you having by â—hâ—â— slâ—tâ—ries laid snares for your life hindering â—ou from d ing justice and therefore Sir look well to you bâ—siâ—eâ—s for it is not the part of a wiâ—e man to say â—fâ—e wâ—rds I did not think it CHAP. XII Thernus the Philosopher put a stop to the execution of the sentence of Prince E astu for the third day by a discourse which he made to the Emperour of an old Knight who knowing that his wife had wild blood and therefore could not contain her self within the bounds of reason but she very often did him some mischief he to tame her caused her to be let blood till she fainted He perswades the Emperour to take the same course THe Philosophers being advertâ—zed of the promise which the Emperour had made to the Empress that the sentence against Erastus should the next morning be put in execution they advised among themselves to provide for the young Prince an advocate for the next day and therefore they empoured gave the câ—â—e thereof to the Philosopher Thernus a man wiâ—â— ready very advised in all his affaires so that his name was proper and correspondant to his actions by break of day this Philosopher went to the Pallace waiting for the time to speak to the Emperour and so soon as he heard he was risen he went to make him his reverence and although the Emperour beheld him with troubled countenance and was very angry with him in his discourse yet nevertheless he did not forget himself but with much freedom spake thus Sir you know me and withal it is not unknown to you that my profession hath always bin to speak freely my Opinion in those affairs which I know to be of any importance whither it be to my friends or strangers for in all matters of consequence where things ought not to be acted being not rightly understood or for any other reason I should not do well if I should be silent And therefore using this custome to others I should be guilty of a very great crime and should be worthy of as great punishment if I should not use the same right to him who is my Soveraign Lord and who hath raised me to what I am That I may not have this remorâ—e upon my conscience to permit by my silence so dangerous an evil as that which I see prepared both against you and the Empire I have not therefore been afraid to present my self before your Majesty not regarding the threatenings of those who being minded to direct me told me that if I did on this act appear before you that you would cruelly put me to death But I knowing you to be a Prince who will not slightly destroy any one without first having heard what he can say and I being very well satisfied in your goodness And although it should happen otherwise and that upon this occasion I should lose my life I shall not value it for I know it is the Duty of a Philosopher not to be afraid to die for the truth but rather therewith to be very well contented Sir I hope you will please to remember the great desires which you had for a long time to have issue whereby to perpetrate the excellency of your blood Whereupon Nature was so favourable to you that in short time you were provided of a Son the most accomplished that ever lived he hath bin instructed in all things that are convenient for an Emperour wherein he hath so well profited that you may truly esteem your self to be the happiest father that hath for along time lived which felicity will turn to your prejudice and perpetual regret if you suffer your self in an affair of so high importance to be over ruled by the Counsell of one simple woman for although women have the use of reason as well as we yet nevertheless by reason of their imbecility they suffer themselves to be so transported by their affections that very often they lay a side their reason and are given over to their passions this was not unknown to a certain Old Knight who like you had took a young wife and if you had followed his example your affairs had not been in so bad condition as now they are And what was it this Knight did said the Emperour I will tell you Sir answered the Philosopher but I would not that during my discourse the Execution of Erastus should proceed least if you should be satâ—fied with what I shall say it would then be two late and therefore if you please to put a stop to the execution of your sentence untill I have finished my narative you may afterwards proceed as you shall think fit The Emperour hearing this although he was unwilling to deferre that which he had promised and assured to the Empress yet however knowing that the delay would not be long he agreed to the Philosophers request but withall intimated to him that if his discourse did not give him the satisfaction he expected that he as well as the Prince should suffer a shamefull death I shall not value that said the Philosopher but with a pleasant countenance he thus began N t long since there lived in Tuskany a very worthy Knight who being rich and puissâ—nâ— and much a Gentleman took no other care but to live merrily kâ—â—p gâ—â— câ—mpany and to treat his friends sometiâ—â—â—â—â—â—â—ding his time in mannaging of armes ridâ—◠〈◊〉 â—reat horse hunting and sometimes at his 〈◊〉 He kept an open house fâ—r his friends and was mâ—ch pleaâ—ed in feasting them at his Countrey-hâ—use which was as well buâ—lt and as commodiously Scâ—tuâ—ted as any in all Tuskany where he usually soj u ned This Gentlem n having lived long and mâ—â—ily without regarding to have any
which cause stand there till the ringing of the Bell that the Watch may take thee that punishment may ensue according to thy demerit To which she cunningly cogingly replied my Lord why do you thus unjustly charge me I am no ways guilty of your accusation for if you will know the truth I was sent for by my Mother being taken dangerously ill now finding you in so sweet asleep I was loath to wake you therefore without the least noise I rose taking the keys I opened the doors went whether my duty commanded me I found my Mother sick even to death though I believe she cannot live till the morning yet so great was my affection to you that I came away left a dying Mother to return to a dear and loving husband wherefore I beseech you let me in but the Knight utterly refused it hereupon she reminded him what a shame it would be were she taken not only to himself her self but to all their relations using besides all the perswasions her subtile invention could find out requisit for her purpose but all prov'd unavailable when she saw nothing would prevaile she bethought her self of this stratagem my Lord said she you know by this door there is a well if you let me not in I will drown my self therein to avoid the shame I see is coming upon me and my friends in my behalf As the old Gentleman was about to reprove her further the moon went down now was the night obscured with a darkness more then usuall she being glad of this advantage she thus spake that I may dye like a Christian before I drown my self I will make my last Will and Testament and first I bequeath my Soul to Heaven and my body to the Earth but all other things what ever I solely leave to my dear husband for him to dispose of as he shall think convenient having finished her saying she went to the well and there finding a great stone she took it up in her arms and lifting it up cryed out now I drown my self and to threw the stone into the well having thus done she stept to the side of the door again and there absconded her self At the nâ—iâ—e of the stones fall into the well the old man verily belâ—evâ—d that his wife had been as good as her word in drowning her self and having made a miserable out cry ran hastily down to the Well to prevent what notwithstanding he thought irrecoverable he was no sooner out but she got in a doâ—rs and having lockt them went up into her Chamber and lookt out of the window as he had done before and having heard along while the sad complaints the poor old man made for the loss of his wiâ—â— condemâ—â—ng much his over ridged humour she regarded less of his sorrow called out to him aloud reproaching him in the vilest manner imaginable calling him leacherous Dotard and upbraiding him for slâ—ghtiâ—g her and going continually a night walking afâ—er Hâ—â—lâ—â— will other base abâ—ses which the old Man valued not being overjoy'd to hear that his wife was yet living and desiring his wife to have a better opinion of him bâ—â—'d her to open the door and pâ—ssing by all they would be good friendâ— but she was deaf to all his entreâ—ties vowing he should stay there till the wâ—tch came that he might suffer deservedly as he had threatned her before The Knight insisted upon his impotency for his vindication alledging further that out of pure affâ—ction in her we haâ—e he was now in the streets aâ—d â—herefore desired hâ—r not to let him suffer shâ—â—â—fully for love and tender kindness but all this would not do and as he was studying some new persâ—â—â—ions to 〈◊〉 him in the watch came and finâ—ing him in â—he fâ—â—â—â—â— dâ—â—â—â—ded his business and what â—e did 〈…〉 unsâ—â—sonâ—ble time of night minding him 〈◊〉 tâ—e 〈◊〉 had broke â—hâ— Law and custome of the City â—nd â—hat though he was an antienâ—â—â— abiâ—â—â— thereof â—hat could not excuse h m from fiering accâ—rdâ—â—g to the naâ—ure of the off nce his 〈◊〉 hearing thâ—ir words cry'd out to the watch sâ—ying nâ—w is the tâ—me honest men for yâ—â—â— to avenge 〈…〉 that â—â—ul Aâ—ulterer who is so insatiâ—ie in 〈…〉 he never sâ—ils a night to aâ—â—se my bed â—â—d 〈…〉 his common Strumpets in hopes of reâ—â—â—maâ—iâ—n I have patiently forborn him a long time but nâ—â—hing will reduce him slighting my youth and continuing still his whoredomes wherefore now punish him as he hath deserv'd that he may be made an example to all such doting Lechors accordingly he was thrown that night into prison and the next morning shamefully stood in the Pillory Now said the Philosopher to the Emperour have you minded well this story and he said right well then said the Philosopher if you execute your Son being thereunto instigated by your wife your condition may prove more unfortunate than the antient Knights Hereupon the Emperour condemned very much the lew'dness and unworthiness of the woman and said moreover that for that very cause Erastus should not dye that day the Philosopher having applauded his resolution and â—â—â—bly thankt him for it he departed CHAP. XV. The Empress again prompted the Emperour to hasten the execution of Prince Erastuâ— by a Letter which she wrote wherein was contain'd a discourse of Treasures belonging to the King of Egypt of whome one was very covetuous and the other liberal who being over rul'd by the evil councel of his Son resolv d to rob the other Treasurer and possess himself of that treasure the King had commited to his charge but being unable to clear himself from the place wherein he committed this robbery he ordered his own Son to cut of his head this Son living after very rich and being arrived to that pitch he proâ—osed to himself kil'd also his own Mother who was privy to the theft to prevent her making any discovery thereof Aâ—â—â—â—â—lisâ—â— to the Emperour Dâ—oclesian her Lord aâ—â— mâ—st 〈◊〉 huâ—baâ—d â—â—â—lth of health can proceed fâ—â—m â—â—r who is reducâ—d to a condition worse then death s â—ing hâ—â— fest â—t wâ—â—d oâ— not only by others but by him who would â—â—ke mâ— believe â—e loâ—'d mâ— better then his owâ—â—â—fe 〈…〉 the case 〈◊〉 of grâ—ater importance tâ—â—n to bâ—◠〈…〉 herein doth hoâ—our 〈…〉 before life it self for it is thâ—â— alone whicâ— bears up our reputation and esteem in such manner that shâ— who 〈◊〉 dâ—priv'd thereof ought not to be rankt amongst women buâ—â—â—gâ—â—tred in the catalogue of Beasts Now Sir wonder not â—o see one thus vehement in a business wâ—â—ch concerns mâ— so nearly assuring you that the grief I have takeâ— and still retain after this fact prâ—ceed princiâ—ally from this that your honour is as much interested aâ— minâ— own for as to the holy â—ye of marriage it is impâ—â—â—â—â—lâ— to blemish the honour of one party and the othâ—r 〈◊〉 iâ—sensible of the wrâ—ng the honour was â—r at wâ—â—â— you acquilled
for but the villanous Son who was wary took suddainly a hatchet and therewith gâ—sht his Mothers leg before which he laid a lâ—g of wood and threw down the hatchet all bloody on the ground the Justice being entred the house enquired of the Mother and her daughters the occasion of their weeping and wailing with sighs and tears they answered do you not see Sire how that poor Woman who is our Mother is cut grievously her leg being almost off by endeavouring to cut that log in peices and therefore it is no wonder if we who are her Children grieve and take on for her having just grounds to fear she will loose her leg you were better said the Justice go and help her than cry and lament her and so took his leave without affecting any thing imagining all true they told him Some little time after the poor Mother who was thus wounded in the leg fell into a feaver which depriv'd her of life leaving her Son richer in villany then he was before having with his own hand kill'd both Father and Mother God grant Sir the like befall you not for certainly I am much afraid hereof and that you will be reduced to the same danger that this Treasurer fell into and as it is an honest woman that gives you this advice for your benefit so I shall never desist to tell you sincerly and in pure verity whatsoever I shall understand and be not angry that I put you in mind of your duty The Treasurer followed the evill counsell of his Son and so lost his honour and his life by the hand of him who should have given him his best assistance do you also follow the counsell of your fine Philosophers who to have the mannagment of affairs to rule and govern the world at their pleasure thinking of nothing but the installing of their Disciple in your Imperiall seat to the hazard of your life and loss of honour The Son of the Treasurer remained rich after the death of his Father and Mother whom he slew with his own hand I fear Erastus will serve you in like manner in such sort that we shall be in danger of life and honour unlesâ— you open the eyes of your understand-standing the which I beseech and exhort you to if my supplications move you not let this danger whâ—â—h hangâ— over your head and the Imperial dignity which you now possess perswade you to it Beseeching you to pardon me if I offâ—nd you in saying the trâ— h for the love and sinceer affâ—ction which I bear to you and the faith I owe you constrains me thereto and so I bid you heartily farewell This Letter being finâ—sht and well desigâ—'d she called to her one of her Bed-Chamber in whom she put great truâ—t commanding him to go and find out the Emperour with all dilligence and deliver that night the Letter to the Emperour assuring him there was matter of great importance therein contained and that he should instantly read it and return an answer the same night and so bring it her the next morning as soon aâ— it was lighâ— The Messenger having received his dispatch from the Empress so speedily executed her commands that though the day was faâ— spent and the place where the Emperour was being remote from Rome yet he arrived at his journey end before Sun-set having found the Emperour alone delivered him the Letter which he hâ—d received from the Empress who reading it over over again and weighing well the contents thereof all â—mâ—z d as he was returned an answer imeadiately â—n the place to the Empress excusing himself for his sudden departure from Rome assuring her it was not because he would revoake the sentence pronounced against Erastus but onely to delay it for a whâ—le and finding that these de ays were taken â—ll by her he woâ—lâ— forthwith proceed to the execution of the senâ—â—â— be soon as she pleased for knowing the sentence to be just without any other forme of process it should â—e executed referring all to the disposal of the Empress commanding the Messenger to inform the â—fficers of Justice to do with Erastus as the Empress should command them CHAP. XVI Philantropus the Philosopher deferr'd the execution of Erastus by a discourse which he made the Emperour of a young Grecian Damsel who was given in marâ—iage to a young strange Gentleman whom shâ— loved by the hands of her own Husband who was both old and â— alâ—â—rs This being observ'd by all there was a general amazement seized the whole Company and chiefly those who before thought him a man more fit for pleasure than for Action The day being far spent a retreat was sounded to put an end to the Tournement and the white Cavaleer was accompanied with Drums and Trumpets towards his Lodging still pretending to treat one and another staying in the street till the Governess should pass that way who was attended with an honourable retinue to whom he made a profound reverance without as to the wife of the Governour but within as to his dearest friend and having received the like from her with a joyfull countenance he reteuned to his own habitation where after he had paid those respects due to the honour was done him he then began to ruminate on his love concerns and how he should accomplsh them in which considerations he found many and great difficulties how ever like a true Lover finding nothing impossible after a long consultation with himself he dispatcht his servant whom he could confidently trust to fetch him a Master Mason which was a stranger and very skilful in his Art such a one was brought him in a short time whom this Gentleman treated so generously well that he became absolutely his creature sealing up his mouth with a world of presents he gave him adding with all threats if he discovered the design so that it was buried between them three the Master Servant and Mason the latter of whom began to set his hands to work to every thing he was commanded and that was to spring a Mine under the foundations of the Tower where the Damsel was with as little noise as might be to which the Gentleman lent his assistance very frequently in digging and carrying out the earth continuing their labour in a little time they undermined the Tower without the least discovery Hereupon the Gentleman discovered to the Mason his resolution of mounting into the Chamber of the Damsel to which the Mason gave him admission as well by reason of his long experience in such matters as by reason of the advantage of the Winding stairs which were in the said Tower by which means it was very easie to ascend into the Chamber of the Damsel yet there were several impediments in the way however the Mason found out other ways to ascend listning to the Walls if any one took notice at length they arriv'd at the floore of the Chamber or rather prison of the Damsel not knowing now what
and therefore would belive her rather than his Wife It so hapned not long after that this Burgess travelled abroad and was no sooner gone but she sent to advise her friend that to avoid the suspition of the People he should come secretly to her that night to do as he was accustomed being come as he entred into the house he said Dearest I fear this Make-bait Pye will discover us but she bid him be bold for it was dark and therefore the Pye could not see them the Pye hearing this said 't is true I see you not but I can hear you and know that you Cuckold my Master which It shall tell him when he cometh home at which this lusty young fellow was startled but she bade him be of good courage and she would be revenged of the Pye so they went and lay together about midnight the Adultress arose and calling her maid-servant commanded her to fetch a Ladder which they did set up to the roof of the house and having got thereto they made a hole therein straight over the Pye and through it cast at the Pye somtimes water then small stones sand and the like in so much that the poor Pye was ready to dye Upon the Burgesses return hâ— went to visit his Pye asking her how she fared and what had past in his absence to which the Pye replyed Master I shall satisfie you in both first I have strange newâ—â— to tell you and that is you are Cuckold for that very night after your departure your wife entertained a young man all night in Bed with her notwithstanding I told them I would informe you thereof as to my welfare that very night I had like to have dyed it was so tempestuous either raining hailing or snowing upon me all night long The wife hearing this said to her husband you have hitherto belived in the Pye I will see whether you will continue so doing She saith she had like to have lyed with rain hail and snow that night she accuseth me of adultery where as there was never any thing clearer but my innocency there having not been seen so lovely fair a night as that for many years and therefore for the future belive her not The good man to be satisfied of the truth inquired of the Neighbours whether that night was foul or fair who all affirmed no night cuold be fairer then going to his wife he acknowledg'd the fault of his credulity and after that went to his Pye and having rail'd at him for sowing discord between man and wife notwithstanding he had lov'd him so well and though the Pye protested he had told him nothing but what he either saw or heard yet he wrung his neck of the Wife at the sight hereof was over-joy'd but the Husband looking up saw a ladder and a hole in the roof the house and a vessel of water sand and stones standing by which made him soon perceive the treachery of his Wife at which he grew so troubled to be thus deluded and deprive his dearly beloved Pye of life that he sold all that he had and went a Pilgrimage Now said the Philosopher to the Emperour was not this a false and wicked woman by deceit and craft to cause the faithful Pye to be slain and the Emperour answered it was very true and I much pitty the Pye that she should dye for her fidelity this is a good example for me therefore this day my Son shall not dye the Philososopher commending the prudence of the Emperour took his leave having first recommended him to the protection of the Almighty CHAP. XVII The Empress Aphrodicia again induceth the Emperour to proceed to the execution of Prince Erastus by a discourse which she made to him of a great inconvenience which befel a King of Persia by puting too much confidence in Philosophers and Wisemen which belonged to his Court who by means of a Phantasme which they made in a town besieged by the Persians and ready to be surrendred caused the Seige to be raised to the great damage of the King of Persia they having taken Bribes and Presents from the Enemies The Empress sighing and groaning thus answered I deny not Sir but that in all ordinary cases it is necessary to observe the customes of the Court but in so extraordinry a case wherein the crime exceeds all punishments established by law I say there it is ill to delay the punishment but to hasten and be speedy in the execution thereof and Sir I pray was it ever known or read in any Chronicle or History that any one was so audacious as only to think to force an Empress much less to attempt it where do you finde a Son so unnatural and wicked as to endeavour to quench his disordinate appetite in a vessel consecrated to his Father and now this great abuse is committed against one who is above all Laws and Ordinances and for him to delay the punishment I know not what to say to it but that you are so blinded by a Fatherly affection that you are in a manner contented with the outrage that hath been done to for the laws formerly made by Emperours were to tye up their hands but to keep their Subj within compass and to inflict severe punishment upon those who should be found so manifest guilty as Erastus who hath comitted a crime of the highest nature that he could possibly be guilty of wherefore I see that all this prolongations are to no other end but that I should dye of grief which will soon and easily happen to me since you have so small esteem for my honour and if my life be troublesome to you wherefore do you trouble me and your self in this manner and not kill me out-right at once for assure your self I shall be better pleased to dye so it may please you then to live in this torment I now indure At these words the Emperour could not forbear weeping which the Empress observing she prosecuted her discourse with greater affection than before shewing that she was not so much troubled on her one account as in respect of him ading that she very welknow that all these delayes about Erastus proceeded from the malignity of the Philosophers who under pretence of zeal and religion endeavoured to ruin the honour and life of the Empress and I wish to God said she that it hapneth not to you as it did to a King of Persia who having to do with the Caldeans was in bad case by being advised by his Philosophers as you are by these here and although I find my self very much weakned by the continual trouble which afflâ—cts my poor heart yet however I should be willing to relate the whole affair to you were it not wholly loss of time seeing you resolved to stop the execution of the sentence you have denounced Let not that hinder you replyed the Emperour and I pray you provided it does not displease you to relate to me all that
make him such resistance that he did not obtain his will upon me yet however the infamy still remains imprinted in the minds of all men considering the great delayes which from day to day you make to avoid the execution of that just sentence which you have given against him The consideration of which doth much trouble me more out of respect to you than my self but my heart is ready to burst to see the cunning contrivances that are used to ruin and destroy this most firm and strong Columne which has served as a safeguaâ—d both to Rome and all the Empire being so cleeâ— that by its brightness it hath frustrated all the designs and enterprizes of those who design to raise arms against the Empire This Sir is your prudence wherein formerly every one might see as in a looking glass that which concern'd the repose of all in general so that being in its luster and standing on its foundation there is nothing that can prejudice the estate of the Empire against which I see several treasons designed not by three but by seven who have the title of Philosophers having abandoned themselves to all vices only tending to the deliverance of Erastus that he may take possession of the Empire before his time by means of their cursed and pernicious Counâ—eâ—s to deprive you of your Estate that they may at their wills manage the affairs of the Empire and because nothing can resist their designe but the Columne of â—our prudence they endeavour to undermine it by the various subtle wayes which they use to set all on fire as the other three did and truly they are not far from accomplishing their ends for they have already caused you to doubt of that truth which hath appeared before your eyes wherefore Sir while you have yet time open the eyes of your understanding and do not permit the false and indirect inventions and machinations of these Traytors to bereave us with our honor which already it much shaken both of our Estates and lives These complaints of the Empress were spoken with so much earnestness that the Emperour conceited that all the good advertisements which tho Philosophers gave him were to no other purpose but to deceive him so that he presently commanded that they should be committed to prison promising the Empress that the next day should not pass but she should see her self revenged both of Erastus and the Philosophers and that he did not doubt but that the Philosophers were Traitors as she had wisely discovered The Empress being very well contented appeared more pleasant than usual and lay that night with the Emperour only waiting for the hour wherein her wicked and perverse desires should be accomplished by the death of her Son in law the innocent Philosophers CHAP. XX. The Philosopher Lencus perswadeth the Emperour to leave the cause of Prince Erastus to the Senate by a Letter which he writ to him demonstrating the danger of being guided in any Importunate case by the counsel of a Woman and this he made out by the discourse of a Phisitian of Milain Who having lost his only Son by the inducement of his Wife who hindred him from giving to the Child in a violent distemper something which the Child demanded and which the Phisitians had not forbidden after finding by experience that the Child by a certain natural instinct asked for that which would have cured him out of despair he first killed his wife and then himself But above all the Philosopher Lencus whose turn it was to defend the Prince Erastus the seventh day he was much troubled for he had prepared so patheticall an Oration that although the Emperour should be never so obstinate yet he assured himself by his Oration to move the Senate and People to take the young Prince out of Prison and secure him for some time till the Emperours anger should be over But now he being secured in a Prison where his Oration would be to little purpose he was so dejected that he was almâ—st out of his wits yet however he did intend to do his utmost for his young Master and in regard he had not the conveniency of speaking he resolved to write to the Emperour and having Pen Ink and Paper he thus began TO the Emperour Dioclesian one of his faithful Counsellors sendeth greeting The duty which oblieges all men to serve each other and the truth of which I have always made profession together with the fidelity which I owe to my soveraign Lord and Prince hath constrained me Sir to declare to you by Writing that which with a good will I should have spoken by word of mouth The matter being of such importance that your honour and reputation and quiet of the Empire dependeth thereon you being established in the Government thereof ought not only to give audience to those who demand it but it is also convenient for you to change your mind when it contradicted by reason for that man who hath the mannagement of publique affairs ought not to be stiffe in his opinion but to alter his mind as often as to the publique good it shall appear to be necessary and if he ought to be thus observant in affairs of small importance how much more is an Emperour engaged in great affairs nay in those wherein consist the safety or â—uin of the Empire and I question not but you will do so provided you will lay aside your passion which every Mâ—gistrate ought to do and have patience to read what I now write unto you not for my particular interest but out of respect to your self who are my Soveraign Prince and for the consequenâ—â— which may happen to the Empire the repose and good whereof entirely depends upon that which is now in question for as justice causeth Common wealth and Empires to encrease so on the contrary where iniquity and inordinate affections reign wher justice is wanting all things go from bad to worse And of this we every day see a world of experiences which are manifest enough to us all and we are sure that there is no Monarchy nor Empire so firmly fixed but injustice in short time destroys it which entring the brest of a great Estate produceth most dangerous fruits and ffects Now no person is more remarkable than an Emperour and if histories which have made so great mater of the severity of Brâ—tus â—orquatuâ— who are so mâ—morable for their cruelty although when they put their Children to death it was for violating the Laws With what â—nfamy then will the Emperour Dioclesian be noted for putting to death his only Son without hearing any thing in his defence which is a thing contrary to all Laws and ordinances humane anal divine for there is no Nation so Barbarous to execute a Criminall without giving him a competent time to Justifie himself Is it then possible that the Emperour Dioclesian who hath always been esteemed a just Prince and an observer of right shall now
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
of the crime which they had undertaken they resolved of two evils to choose the least and submit to their Captain who had been graciously pleased to pardon them Archelaus comparing this relation with the contents of the Letter no longer doubted but that the case was just as the trayterous Captain had told him yet he knew not what to resolve upon for on the one hâ—nd the great treason which he believed his wife to be guilty of drove him on to revenge and on the other hand the love he bore to the innocent Lady staid and hindred him The trayterous Captain perceiving this said Sir when a man is interested in any case and passionate his best course is to take advise of others and therefore I will give you my best counsel which if you please you may follow otherwise you may dâ—cline it and take your own course If it were my case I would have you send for your wife pretending to conferre with her about sâ—me case of importance and so soon as she comes hâ—thâ—r cause her head to be cut off as a reward for her treason which I think is plain enough proved unto you Archelau approving of the counsel of this trâ—yterous and cursed Captain sent to his wife that without any delay she should come to the Castle to acquaint her with some weighty matters the good and virtuous Lady having received her husbands lâ—tâ—er suddainly mounted on horse-back and came thither but she was no sooner passed the two first gates of the Castle when she was seâ—zed on by the seven Soldiers who cut of her head not pâ—rmitting her to speak one wâ— d Archelaus would not be present at this miserable execution but remitted all to the Captains discretion who having performed what he had intended and resolving to adde one treason to another returned to Archelaus to whom he said that Eufrosena seâ—ing her life to be at the latest account and that her treasons were discovered for which she had deserved death she therefore charged him to tell her Husband that she prayed him to pardon those crimes she would have committed therefore confessing her self worthy of a more cruel death than she was to suffer also acknowledging that she knew not wherefore such a Treason had entred into her mind but that God by his just judgement had bereaved her of her sense and understanding for the great wrong which she had done to the innocent Philemon having so calumniated and accused him having hyred a Gentleman who complained against him pretending that he had forced his daughter which was a thing counterfeited that she might remove her Son in Law from the management of affairs and be her self the sole Governness This the poor old man easily believed so that he caused the traiterous Philemon to be immediately taken out of Prison making excuses to him for the hard usage which he had receaved and he instantly out him into the same capacity he had bin in giving him greater authority than before so that all dispatches depended absolutely upon him and passed through his hands Philemon then seeing himself in the condition he desired for some time managed the affairs with such dexterity that he in short time obtained the good will of the People yet considering that Archelaus was not so old but that he might be married again and that then there would be an alteration in his condition he purposed to assure himself and be peaceable Lord of all the Lands of Archelaus whilest it was in his power and not to delay his design lest some new trouble should arise wherefore being experienced in the dexterity of his Father in law in wicked actions he declared his intention to him desireing his assistance This Traytor had often thought of this matter as well as Philemon and was so ambitious of seeing himself great that every day seemed a year to him till his Son in law should be absolute Lord and Master of thâ—se Lands and therefore he told Philemon that he should leave the management of that affair to him for at Archelaus his next coming to the Castle such order should be taken that for the future he should not be hindred of being absolute Lord and having conferred his intention with those Soldiers that had murthered Eufrosena that the next day he should leave the Castle and go â— dayes journey from thence to mannage his affâ—irs that his abseâ—ce should not cause him to be in the least suspected and that he should be râ—ady to return thither as to the chief place of residence and to sâ—ize on all his other houses before any trouble should happen Philemon takeing his Father in laws advice departed fâ—om the Castle and not long after Archelaus came thither who one day walking with the Captain in a private place of the Castle two of those murderours Soldiers threw a girdle about his neck and there immediately strangled him The poor Archelaus being dead the rascal Captain made an out-cry so that all the Soldiers did run to see what was the matter and he holding the dead body in his arms with feigned tears told them that while he was talking a Gatarhe had seised on him so that he fâ—ll down dead in the place and then he caused him to be laid in his bed applying perfumes and other remedies to see if he would come to himself but all was to no purpose which he seeing without any delay sent in Post to Philemon and after he had counterfeited lamentations for the death of his Lord he caused him to be interred in the most sumptuous manner that he could Philemon understanding of the death of Archelaus was very well pleased but in appearance shewed much discontent and sorrow but soon returned to the Castle where with tears he was received of the Captain and all others of the Town for their lawful Lord and having taken order for mourning he took possâ—ssion of the Lordships thus wickedly usurped before the time beginning at the cheif City and from thence going from place to place without any contradiction The time of mourning being over Philemon was solemnly married to the Captains daughter and he gave large rewards to the Soldiers who had served him in his designs but in conclusion he caused them all to be privately murthered He himself did not long enjoy his estate for the justice of Heaven which leaves no evil action unpunished raised an English Lord against him to be his Enemy who having intelligence with certain oâ—â—er French Lords who although they were Philemons Neighbours yet they hated him for his tyranny necessitated him to retire to an inconsiderable Cittie where being taken by the English he was burnt alive and as they led him to execution he confessed that he had deserved not only to be burnt but a far wâ—rse punishment not for the wrong which he had done to the English but for the great treason which he had committed against Archelaus and the innocent Eufrosena declaring particularly how all things had
he arose and soon after him the Empress to whom a minute of an hour seemed to be a year so desirous she was to be satisfied in the death of the innocent Erastus and the seven Philosophers who took part with him to maintain the just quarrel of their Disciple and she was no sooner up but she sent in great haste for those who had Commission to execute the sentence of the Emperor against Erastus and the Philosophers CHAP. XXIII Prince Erastus declares in full Senate the necessity which had constrained him to be silent untill then and by an example of Hermogenes afterwards named Entichus whose Father had caused him to be cast into the Sea that he might not see him to be greater than himself Yeâ— however the same Entichus at length obtained the Crown of the Kingdom of Candia although he was but the Son of an ordinary Merchant according to the fatal destinies who had foretold that he should Arive at this dignity shewing that there is no prudence nor humane counsell that can hinder that which once hath been determined in Heaven and by the Caelestiall Influence And having declared the truth of the fact as it had passed between him and the Empress he and the Philosophers are acquitted and the Empress is cast into Prison The Jaylor having heard the Message of Prince Erastus went with all dilligence to the Emperours Lodgings yet he doubted that he should be derided for delivering a Message from one that was Damb but however he delivered what he had in charge to the Emperour who understanding this new Embassy remained very much perplexed and astonished by means of what had newly happened And although he believed that his Son had given that in charge to the Jaylor which he had delivered yet he thought it very strange that he now speaking he should all that time keep silent even in those great dangers wherein he had been and was still envolved So that he sometimes resolved not to make any reckoning of him considering the small esteem Erastus had for him not vouchsafeing to speak and justifie himself when he had been charged with so great a crime for which cause he believed he had just occasion to be angry with his Son who had so little respected him as not to pay him one civil salutation as in duty he was bound to and for that he had not answered one single question there having been so many propounded to him whe efore he had concluded that this his silence was sufficient proof of his guiltiness in so abominable a case as he had been charged withall And then again natural affection and instinct which induces Tygers to bear affection to their young ones although they disdaine hate all others induced and inclined the Emperour to give him audience And thereupon he gave command to the Jaylor that Erastus and the seven Philosophers should be brought bound before the Senate being however resolved that so soon as he had finished his discourse which in his opinion could be nothing but to aske mercy and pardon he should be publickly executed and with him the seven Philosophers according to the Sentence formerly given and the evening before confirmed the news was already spread throughout all Rome how that the Empress had the evening before obtained of the Emperour that without any process or delay the young Prince Erastus and his seven Masters should the next morning be publickly executed so that before day break the place of execution was full of Spectators to see the end and issue of this spectacle every one believing it impossible that so vertuous persons as the Philosophers should be miserably and publickly executed with the only Son and heir of a Roman Emperour and that their wisdome and vertue which was known to all could not save them not that none would engage in their rescue The people being thus gathered together some of them perceived the Jaylor when he went to the Emperour and therefore followed him being inquisitive after news but were hindred by the Guard from entring the Pallace only some Noble men and persons of quality were admitted and were present when the Emperour commanded the Jaylor to bring forth the Prince these relating this news abroad to others it was matter of novelty to all as being of so great importance that it could not be hid in obscurity so that at length it became so publick that not only all in the Pallace was acquainted therewith but also the whole City of Rome and principally the Senators who had upon this occasion been already sent for so that throughout the whole City there was a world of people of all sorts and qualities men and women great small who being every where met together made it their whole business all expecting the issue conclusion of the speech that Erastus would make before the Senate where every one strived to get a place that they might hear what would be said Only the Empress hearing of this news began to suspect her affair as well in respect of certain remorse of conscience which pressed her as for the novelty of the case so that being retired into her Chamber she ruminated in her thoughts the event of this discourse and she already repented of the rashness of her pursuit and then on a sudden she would take courage by a certain presumption that had possessed her and further enflamed her with malice and angâ—â— setting good spies upon the place to know when Erastus should be brought before the Emperour and to give her an account of all passages that should happen All the world being in this expectation the young Prince Erastus arived who went before his Masters all thâ—ir hands being fettered and as strictly guarded as if they had been going to execution as the Emperour had commanded which â—pectacle moved â—ll to compassion But on the contrary the young Prince marched with so much magnaminity and confideâ—ce that he appeared as if he had made a Triumphant entry rather then to go to execution And there did he see his Father sitting in the Senate purposing not to be overcome by fatherly love although his Son should beg pardon or favour but to leave him to the Justice of the Law Erastus being come to a convenient place with a voice high enough to be heard of all began as followeth I deny not my Lord and Father that the Creatures of this world every one in its kind do sometimes produce eff cts degenerating from their essence so that there is nothâ—ng here below that arives to an absolute perfection but when this miâ—fortâ—nâ— happens to man to see wicked Children issue from good Parents who however have taken pains to have them well bred up and instructed such as these may be reckoned not to be men but brute Beasts And therefore so much the more should I confess my self to be such if I should commit or think of committing so great a crime as that wherewith I am charged and should
walkers who had the Bacon went to the Tavern and drank so long there that all their mony would not pay their reckoning wherfore they bethought themselves of selling their Bacon and having drank their Land-lord to a handsome Pitch they told him that they had a bargain for him he asked what and they replyed Bacon this is good chaffer said he if I could see it whereupon one of them went to the place where they had left their Bacon and soon after returned and setting down his load they opened the Sack but instead of Bacon the Lawyers head appeared This amazed them all but the Vintner more especially who cryed out they had murthered his Neighbour who was well known to him and indeed to all the Citty they were as much surprized as he and knew not at first what to say but although he threatned to secure them as murtherers yet in conclusion they over-rul'd and perswaded him to be patient and told him all they knew of the story and that they took it for Bacon and had it in such a place a Chandlers back house which indeed they had planâ—red and that thither they would carry it again The Vintner understanding by their discourse that there was a mistake in the case and believing that he should only purchase trouble by his medling in it and it may be be accounted a party he therefore was contented to be ruled by them and thereupon they went to the Chandlers house from whence they had the Bacon and carried the body and laid it there and so departed The Chandler at whose house they had left the body did that morning call up his servant early to carry Corn to the Mill to be ground the servant ariseing and having fitted his horse and his corn for his journy had a mind to a breakfast before he went and a rasher of Bacon was that which he desired wherefore up he went to the Bacon loft but instead of Bacon he met with the Sack and dead Lawer which tumbling on him threw him down he crying out up went his Master to see what was the matter where he found his man tumbling and rowling with a man in a Sack he wondred to find a dead man there but missing his Bacon he supposed they who had took the one had brought the other but now it was there he studdied how to be rid of it wherefore having brought his man to his little wits they resolved that he should carry the dead body with him towards the Mill and by the way either drop him or bury him The servant agreeing to what his Master said intending to do so but falling into company who went the same way he had not the opportunity to do it all the way he rode to the Mill so that being come thither and having delivered his Sack of Corn to the Miller he then hunted about to finde a place where to put the dead body It was winter time the nights long and it was not yet day however the Miller was up and had provided a Cart load of meal to carry to the Citty to sell the Chandlers man seeing this took one of the Sacks of meal taking some of it out and stuffing out the sack wherein the Lawyers body was with it made an exchange and laid the sack with the Lawyer meal on the carâ— taking the other sack laying it on his horse having his own sack of corn ground he took that also and returned homewards This wandring body of our dead Lawyer was now on the Millers Cart who soon after set forwards to market and exposing all to sale but mark how prâ—videâ—er ordered the matter to discover this Murther and the true Actâ—râ— of it Our murtherer and his Wife being pâ—ssessed of a round summe of monâ—y and two flitches of Bacon did resolve to have mâ—re store of prov sion and lay in Meale as well as Bacon and thâ—refore went the next day to market to purchâ—â—e sâ—me although they came lightly by their money yet knowing the want of it they resolved not to part from it easily but buy a good pennywâ—rth and therefore they examined all the market where to buy châ—â—pest and at last they pitched upon the Miller who had the little Lawyer in a Sack that was set down in the open market but tyed up as a Sack of meale the woman having cheapned and tryed thaâ— the Miller would use her well agreed upon price for two Sâ—cks full one which he opened and another wâ—â— he warranted to be of the same goodness but seeing being believing She caused him to open the Sack and she her self thrusting in her hand intending to dâ—â—w 〈…〉 handful of Meale caught hold of the Lawyers haâ—â— she therefore tels the Miller he intended to cheat her with some worse commodity than Meale wherefore to be sure some of the Meale being taken out the Lawyers head appearing she cryed out Oh Lord huâ—band the Lawyer you killed is come again Although she spake this in an affrighted distracted manner yet she was observed and notice was taken by some persons there present and the Lawyers head being seen by the multitude thaâ— gathered together upon this account caused a great amazment all concluded that Murder had been committed but how strangely none could guess The Miller was secured as owning the Sack and Meale and our murdress and her husband although they would have slunk their necks out of the Coller and denyed what she had said yet they also were seized on and carried before the Justice The noise of this accident was soon spread through all the Citty and came to the eares of our Lawyers Chamberfellow who knowing somewhat of the truth of the matter went to the Justices to hear what would be said of the Whole but there was little proof of any thing till he declared that he knew his Companion the dead Lawyer went the foregoing evening to the house of the murdress whom I may now truly call so she being supposed to be guilty therefore she and her husband were both committed to Jayle and being seperated and put into several Prisons and strictly examined it was not long before she confessed the whole fact and also accused her husband for murthering the afore mentioned three Knights so that justâ—ce taking place they were both sentenced to dye and accordingly executed Thus although this woman pretended to a great height of vertue in preserving her Chastity yet was she guilty of a greater crime murher which was the loss of all who had any converse with her Therefore we ought not to give credit to every seeming vertue for some Vice may exceed it This story or example may be and hath been applyed to the same purpose as the former of the Lady of Modena to shew the cruelty and little credit that is to be given to women and this or the former preserved the life of Prince Erastus for one day longer CHAP. XIX The Empress moveth the Emperour to proceed
to the execution or Erastus and to put the seven Philosophers into Prison by a discourse which she made him of two marvails at Rhodes one of a fire not to be put out which however was extinguished by a Schollar The other of a Colunine wherein might be seen all passages and actions that were contrived against the Isle of Rhodes which wa destroyed by the knauery of three Philo ophers under pâ—etence of finding great Treasures under it whâ—ch occasioned the ruin of Rhodes And having understood that he arrived late and had not according to Custome come to see her and discourse with her she became desperately angry and having for some time continued so but knowing that she lost time in expectation of the Emperour she therefore resolved to go to him Having staid till every one was retired she being accompanied by two of her Damsels went to the Emperours Chamber just as he was going to bed There she began to sigh and cry and make the greatest complaints in the world she having as she said performed all dutiful love to her Husband as to her soveraign Lord yet she was so unfortunate that although a reciprocal love was pretended she was mocked and she believed hated as might be easily conjectured by the effects for instead of revenging the injury had been done to her he had not only favoured him that had deserved the punishment but also hearkned to the Counsels of those who had occasioned all this evil by pretence of defending their Disciple by false inventions and fraudulent speeches had not forborn to speak unworthily of her and accuse her of that which she never so much aâ— dreamt of and had been so confident as to perswade the Emperour that she had caused and procured that against him which he with his own eyes had seen acted against her much wondering that he should so much debase himself as before his Counsellors to appear so friendly to these traiterous Philosophers who made no difficulty so much to work on his easiness as to perswade him that black was white further adding that she valued not how much she suffered in the opinion of all the world so long as she enjoyed his love and good opinion which she sound would be difficult to continue by means of these mens venemous tongues who endeavoured to possess him with an evil opinion of her But she still hoped he would do her justice in punishing those who had so highly prejudiced her honour telling him that if he should refuse that justice she could easily have it by other means for her Relations being advertized of the great outrages that these Philosophers had spoken against her wâ—uld not let them pass unpunished but would execute such vengeance as the persumption and rashness of these Calumniators and the greatness of her house did require nay she did not question but their revenge would reach against Erastus himself in regard he had been so backward in executing justice for the great wrong which more intrenched upon his honour than hers But especially if he should hinder the course of justice as he had done in only condemning and rather giving him the means of escaping by this delay and permitting him to live to the great scandal of the Empire and truly continued she I foresee to my great grief that in the conclusion these wicked men will execute their malâ—gnity against your person to the ruin and destruction of the Câ—mmon-wealth and it will happen to you as it did to Philarchus King of Rhodes whose story I would relate to you if I thought that my true discourse would bâ— as effectual with you as those false ones of the Philosophers The Empâ—râ—ur having considered of the complaints of the Empress made many excuses assuring her that the delaying the execution of Erastus was not in any respect of any desire he had to hinder the course of justice wch-she intended should proceed not only against his son but also against those who having the charge of instructing him in gâ—od learning and good manners had it couraged him by their wicked instructions to commit that lewdness which they had seen and who under pretence of defending him had spoken so ignominiously against her vertue but that the Senate had so pressed him that he had not power to deny that which the Laws grant to all Criminals that is to give them time to justifie and defend themselves and although Erastus had already had six dayes time to defend himself during which time he had heard nothing absolute to signify that what he was accused of was not true as indeed it was he therefore purposed not to delay it any longer desiring the Empress â—o depend upon his word that in a very short time she should be revenged of all the wrongs she had received either of Erastus or the Philosophers and therefore he prayed her to relate the story of the King Philarchus which was a great Novelty to him who had never heard any thing thereof neither had he read any thing thereof in any History assuring her that as to his great trouble he had been constrained in full Senate to hear the calumnious discourses of the Philosopher Agathus so on the other side he should take as great pleasure in hearing the Narrative of Philarchus Although the Empress would not at first consent to give the Emperour this satisfaction making excuses that she might cause the Emperour to be the more earnest yet in conclusion after much importunity she began as followeth All people do very well know the great renown which in times past was had of the Citty of Rhodes as well by reason of the Antiquity thereof as for the famous University that was there where all manner of learning did flourish and out of this furthâ—r respect and consideration that the Inhabitants of that Citty had by force of arms subdued not onâ—y all the Island but also the greatest part of the adjoyâ—ing Countries There were many rare things in the Island but principally two that were admirable and profitabâ—e â—â—e was of great use and service to the poor and the other was for the preservation of the Country These two mervails were in the publick place under two great triumphant Arches made of Marble in one of which there was a fire that without any Wood or Goals or any other fewel did continually burn yeilding so great a heat that the poor Inhabitants who wanted fire at home came commonly to this so that many of the Rhodians spared making fire in their own houses having the convenience of warming them selves at this publick fire just opposite to this fire there was a great statur of brass holding in his left hand a Turkish bowe which he had so drawn with his right that the very point of the arrow which was drawn to the head and ready to discharge touched the wood of the bowe whereon was written Strike me not for if you do I have more power t' offend than you Under the