dead She was my Soul's delight in her I view'd The pure and Celestial Beatitude But were I sure the Soul that never dyes Should never meet nor Bodies never rise By Resurrection yet sure those are blest That pass this life and in the Grave do rest Then said the Duke his Father to his Son What ever comes Son Heaven's will be done But since you are resolv'd and needs will dye I in the Grave will keep you company The young Prince said I cannot you disswade Since none are happy but those Death hath made The Day of Execution drawing nigh Of the young Prince his Father too would dye Then the young Prince askt leave and leave he had That he like to a Soldier might be clad When he was brought to dye and on that day Death he did meet in Soldierly array Instead of Mourning-Garments he had on A Suit of Buff embroidered thick upon And a Rich Scarf that was of Watchet-dye Set thick with Pearls instead of strings to tye It close together were rich Diamonds so As like a Ring or Garter it did show Of but one entire Diamond this did bind The Scarf so firm as an united Mind A Scarlet Coat embroidered thick with Gold And Hangers like to it his Sword did hold And in his Hat a Plume of Feathers were In falling-folds which hung below his Hair He being thus accouter'd Death to meet In Gallantry yet gently friendly sweet He would embrace it and so gladly yeeld Yet would he dye as Soldiers in the Field For gallant valiant men do court Death so As amorous courtly men a wooing go His Father all in Mourning-Garments clad Not griev'd to dye but for his Son was sad Millions of People throng'd about to see This gallant Mourning Prince's Tragedy But in the time these Preparations were The Queen sent to th' young Lady to prepare Her self to dye when she the news did hear Joy in her Countenance did then appear Then she her self did dress like to a Bride And in a Rich and Gilded Coach did ride Thus triumphing as on her Wedding-day To meet her Bridegroom Death but in the way The people all did weep that she should dye And Youth and Beauty in Death's arms should lye But she did smile her Countenance was glad And in her Eyes such lively Spirits had As the quick-darting Rays the Sun out-shin'd And all she look'd on for a time were blind But when the Queen and Nobles all were set And the Condemned on the Scaffold met Where when the Lovers they each other spy'd Their Eye-strings seem'd as if together ty'd So firmly they were fix'd and did so gaze And with each other struck in such a maze As if with wonder they were turn'd to stone And that their feet unto the ground were grown They could not stir but at the last mov'd he In a slow pace amazed went to see That Heav'nly Object for thought he it may An Angel be my Soul to take away Her Limbs did shake like shiv'ring Agues cold For Fear upon her Spirits had got hold When she did see him move for she had thought He was a Statue and by Carvers wrought And by the Queen's Command was thither brought When he came near he kneeled down to pray And thus unto her sofrly he did say My Sense my Spirits surprise thy Spirit my Mind And great disturbance in my Thoughts I find My Reason's misty Understanding blind Tell me whether thou art of Mortal Kind Said she That Question I would ask of you For I do doubt my Senses are not true Intelligencers are you the Prince I see Or are you a Spirit that thus speaks to me With that the Queen did come their doubts to clear It was my Plot said she to bring you here And why I crost your Loves I will forbear To tell you now but afterwards declare Then did she cause a Priest to join their hands Which he devoutly ty'd in Wedlock-bands Then did the Queen unto her Nobles say That she a Debt to Gratitude must pay And to the Prince's Father straight she went Here Sir said she I do my self present To be your Wife for by your Counsel I Have Rul'd and Reign'd in great Felicity He kneeling kist her Hand and both agree That in few days the Wedding kept should be Such joys of acclamation loud of wonder Echo'd the air louder than is Jove's Thunder Her Princely Neece so Noble was that then For joy she modestly threw up her Fan Since to a High-born Prince she well knew she In glorions Nuptials soon should joined be The Marriage-Song WEre all the Joys that ever yet were known Were all those Joys met and put into one They 'd be than these two Lovers Joys far less Our Lovers height of Joys none can express They 've made another Cupid I am told And buri'd the blind Boy that was so old Hymen is proud since Laurel crowns his Brow He never made his Triumphs until now The Marriage-Song for the Old Duke and the Old Queen's Marriage NOW the Old Cupid he is fled Unto the Queen she to her Bed Brought the Old Duke so ends all harms In Love's Embraces in their Arms. This Elder Wedlock more than ripe Was of the Younger but a Type What wants of Cupid Hymen's Cup Ceres and Bacchus make it up A Marriage-Song of the Queen's Neece SEE the Old Queen's Beloved Neece For Beauty Favour such a Piece As Love could feign not hope to see Just such a Miracle was she She doth congratulate and 's eas'd To see these Noble Lovers pleas'd Above repining The Fates since Are just and gave her a brave Prince A SONG HYMEN triumph in joy Since overcom'd Love's Boy Each Age each Sex and Place The Wedlock-Laws embrace The looser sort can bind Monarch of what 's Mankind All things do fall so pat In this Triumvirat Which now in Wedlock mix Now Three though once were Six A Lady said Such Constant Love was dead And all Fidelity to Heaven fled Another Lady said She fain would know When Marri'd if they did continue so O said a Man such Love as this was sure Doth never in a Married Pair endure But Lovers cross'd use not to end so well Which for to shew a Tale I mean to tell The Description of the Violence of Love THere was a Lady Virtuous Young and Fair Unto her Father only Child and Heir In her Behaviour modest sweet and civil So innocent knew only Good from Evil Yet in her Garb had a Majestick Grace And affable and pleasant was her Face Another Gentleman whose House did stand Hard by her Father's and was rich in Land He had a Son whom Beauty did adorn As some might think of Venus he was born His Spirit Noble Generous and Great By Nature Valiant Dispositions sweet His Wit ingenious and his Breeding such That his Sci'nces did not Pedantry t'uch This Noble Gentleman in love did fall With this fair Lady who was pleas'd withall He Courted her
five years for as the years of Twenty by his Parents Perswasion being a younger Brother at that time although afterwards he was lest the first of his Family by the death of his Eldest Brother he married a Widow being Noble and Rich but well stricken in years never bearing Child And thus being wedded more to Interest than Love was the cause of his seeking those Societies which best pleased him But after long Conflicts and Doubts Fears Hopes and Jealousies he resolved to remove her from that House and to try to win her by Gifts and Perswasions And sending for a reverent Lady his Aunt whom he knew loved him he told her the passage of all that had hapned and also his affection praying her to take her privately from that place and to conceal her secretly until he was well recovered entreating her also to use her with all the Civility and Respect that could be Going from him she did all that he had desired her removing her to a House of hers a Mile from the City and there kept her The young Lady in the mean time expecting nothing less than Death was resolved to suffer as valiantly as she had acted So casting off all care she was only troubled she lived so idly But the old Lady coming to see her she prayed her to give her something to employ her time on for said she my Brain hath not a sufficient stock to work upon it self Whereupon the old Lady asked her If she would have some Books to read in She answered Yes if they were good ones or else said she they are like impertinent persons that displease more by their vain talk than they delight with their Company Will you have Romances said the old Lady She answered No for they extol Virtue so much as begets an Envy in those that have it not and know they cannot attain unto that perfection and they beat Infirmities so cruelly as it begets pity and by that a kind of love Besides their Impossibilities makes them ridiculous to Reason and in Youth they beget Wanton Desires and Amorous Affections What say you to Natural Philosophy said she She answered They were meer Opinions and if there be any Truths said she they are so buried under Falshood as they cannot be found out Will you have Moral Philosophy No said she for they divide the Passions so nicely and command with such severity as it is against Nature to follow them and impossible to perform them What think you of Logick She answered It is nothing but Sophistry making Factious Disputes but concludes nothing Will you have History No said she for they are seldom writ in the time of Action but a long time after when Truth is forgotten but if they be writ at present Partiality Ambition or Fear bears too much sway Will you have Divine Books No said she they raise up such Controversies that cannot be allayed again tormenting the Mind about that they cannot know whilst they live and frights their Consciences so that it makes men afraid to dye But said the young Lady Pray give me Play-Books or Mathematical ones the first said she discovers and expresses the Humours and Manners of Men by which I shall know my self and others the better and in shorter time than Experience can teach me And in the latter said she I shall learn to demonstrate Truth by Reason and to measure out my Life by the Rule of good Actions to set Marks and Figures on those Persons to whom I ought to be grateful to number my days by Pious Devotions that I may be found weighty when I am put in the Scales of God's Justice Besides said she I may learn all Arts useful and pleasant for the Life of Man as Musick Architecture Navigation Fortification Water-works Fire-works all Engines Instruments Wheels and many such like which are useful besides I shall learn to measure the Earth to reach the Heavens to number the Starrs to know the Motions of the Planets to divide Time and to compass the whole World The Mathematicks is a Candle of Truth whereby I may peep into the Works of Nature to imitate her in little It comprises all that Truth can challenge All other Books disturb the Life of Man this only settles it and composes it in sweet Delight The old Lady said By your Beauty and Discourse you seem to be of greater Birth and better Breeding than usually ordinary young Maids have and if it may not be offensive to you pray give me leave to ask you From whence you came and What you are and How you came here She sighing said I was by an unfortunate Warr sent out of my Countrey with my Mother for safety being very young and the only Child my Parents had My Father who was one of the Greatest and Noblest Subjects in the Kingdom and being employed in the Chief Command in that Warr sent my Mother not knowing what the Issue would be to the Kingdom of Security where he had been formerly sent Embassador So my Mother and I went to remain there until the troubles were over But my Father being killed in the Warrs my Mother dyed for grief and left me destitute of Friends in a strange Countrey only with some few Servants I hearing a Peace was concluded in the Kingdom was resolved to return to my own Native Soil to seek after the Estate which my Father left me as his only Heir When I embarked I only took two Servants a Maid and a Man but by an unfortunate Storm I was cast upon a Shore belonging to this Kingdom where after I was landed my two Servants most treacherously robb'd me of all my Jewels and those Moneys I had and then most barbarously left me alone where afterwards my Host sold me to an old Bawd and she to one of her Customers who sought to force me whereas I to defend my self shot him but whether he be dead or alive I know not afterwards I was brought hither but by whose directions you I suppose can give a better account to your self than I yet I cannot say but that since I came hither I have been civilly used and courteously entertained by your self who seem to be a Person of Worth which makes my fears less for I hope you will secure me from Injuries though not from Death And since you are pleased to enquire what I am and from whence I came I shall entreat the same return to instruct me in the knowledg of your self and why I was brought hither and by whose Order The old Lady said She was Sister to the Prince's Mother and a tender lover of her Nephew and to comply with his desires she was brought there to be kept until he should dispose of her Then she told her what he was but never mentioned the affection he had for her but rather spoke as if her Life were in danger So taking her leave she left her telling her She would send her such Books as she desired Thus passing
Lady and the Lord I went As a respect I told them my intent The Lady my Design she well approv'd He nothing said but seem'd with passion mov'd But afterwards when I my leave did take He did rejoice as if 't were for my sake And so it was but not unto my good For he with Treachery my ways withstood For as I travell'd he beset me round And forc'd me from my Servants which he found To be not many when he had great store For to assault but my defence was poor Yet were they all disguis'd no Face was shown Such unjust acts desire to be unknown VVhen I was in their power Help help said I You Gods above and hear a VVretch's Cry But no assistance from Heav'n did I find All seem'd as Cruel as the mad Mankind Then he unto the Castle me convey'd The Lord himself discovering thus said Cruellest of thy Sex since no remorse Can soften thy hard heart I 'le use my force Unless your heart doth burn with equal fire Or condescend to what I shall desire I for my own defence 'gainst this abuse Soft flattering words was forced for to use Gently entreating his Patience that I A time might have my heavy heart to try That by perswasions it might entertain Not only Love but return Love again He seem'd well-pleas'd his temper calm did grow VVhich by his smiling-countenance he did show He said If in your Favour I may live A greater blessing Heaven cannot give Then to a VVoman old he gave the charge For to attend but not for to enlarge My Liberty with rules my Life did bind Nothing was free but Thoughts within my Mind Thus did I live some half a year and more And all this while the Gods on high implore For still he woo'd and still I did deny At last h'impatient grew and swore that I Deluded him and that no longer would He be denied but yeeld to him I should With much entreaty I pacifi'd his Mind With words and countenance that seemed kind But Prayers to Heav'n more earnestly I sent With tears and sighs that they would still prevent By their great power his Evil Design Or take away this loathed life of mine Although at first they seem'd to be all deaf Yet now at last they sent me some relief The whilst the Champion Knight with his fair Prize Was struck with Love by her quick-darting Eyes Yet mov'd they so as Modesty did guide Not turning wantonly or leer'd aside Nor did they stern or proudly pierce But gentle soft with sweet commerce And when those Eyes were fill'd with watry streams Seem'd like a Brook gilded with the Sun-beams At last perswading-Love prevail'd so far As to present his Suit unto her care Fair Maid I love thee and my Love so pure That no corrupted thoughts it can endure My Love is honest my Request is just For one Man's fault do not all Men mistrust I am a Batchelor and you a Maid For which we lawfully may love he said Wherefore dear Saint cast not my Suit aside Chuse me your Husband and be you my Bride I am a Gentleman and have been bred As to my Quality my Father dead Me his Possessions left which are not small Nor yet so great to make me vain withall My Life is yet with an unspotted Fame Nor so obscure not to be known by Name Amongst the best and most within this Land Favours receiv'd yet none like your Command She stood a time as in a musing-thought At last she spake Sir said she you have brought My Honour out of danger and civilly Have entertain'd me with your company For which I owe my life much more my love Should I refuse I should ungrateful prove 'T is not for Wealth that I would marry to Nor outward Honours that my Love can woo But it is Virtue and a Heroick Mind A Disposition sweet noble and kind And such a one I judg you for to be Wherefore I 'le not refuse if you chuse me When they were thus agreed they did repair Unto his House and went to marry there The whilst the Lord the Kingdom all about He privately had sent to search her out At last news came with whom and where she dwelt With that much grief within his heart he felt That any Man should have her in his power He like a Devil could his Soul devour But when he heard the Messenger to say There 's preparation gainst her Wedding-day He grew outragious cursed Heaven and Earth The Marriage of his Parents and his Birth At last he did resolve what e're befell That he would have her though he sank to Hell When he had got a Company together Such as he fed that would go any whither No act they would refuse that he desired Obey'd most desperately what he required Unto his House they went in a disguise Intending then the Lady to surprise But be'ng upon her Wedding-day were there A Company of Guests that merry were This Lord desir'd to part them if he might 'Cause lye together they should not that Night So in they went the Servants all did think Them Maskerades and made them all to drink But when they went into an inward Room Where all were dancing Bride and the Bridegroom The Bride acquainted with that Maskard-sight She ran away as in an extream fright The Bridegroom soon imagin'd what they were And though unarm'd his Courage knew no fear Their Swords they drew aim'd only at his life That done they thought to get away his Wife His Hat and Cloak Arms of Defence did make The Tongs for to assault he up did take The Women scriecht Murther Murther cry'd out The Men flung all the Chairs and Stools about With which they did resist and did oppose For some short time the Fury of his Foes It chanc'd a Sword out of a hand did fall The Bridegroom straight took 't up fought withall So well did manage it and with such skill He many of his Enemies did kill Yet he was wounded sore and out of breath But heat of Courage kept out dull cold Death At last his Friends got Arms to take his part VVho did th' oppression of his Foes divert The Vizzard of the Lord fell off at length VVhich when the Bridegroom saw with vigorous strength He ran upon him with such force that he Struck many down to make his passage free The trembling Bride was almost dead with fear Yet for her Husband had a listening ear At last the noise of Murther did arrive O is he dead said she and I alive With that she run with all her power and might Into the Room her Husband then in fight With her great Enemy and where they stood The Ground was like a foaming Sea of Blood Wounded they were yet was each other's heart So hot with Passion that they felt no smart The Bride did pass and re-pass by their Swords As quick as flashing Lightning and her words Cryed out Desist desist and let me dye
Bodies ne're shall parted be With that he sighs and breathing out his last About his Mistress Corps his Arms he cast The Urn seal'd up his Friends a Tomb did build Famous it was such Love therein it held Most Parents do rejoyce and Offerings bring Of thankful Hearts or Pray'rs for their Off-spring These thought their Age was blest but they were blind With Ignorance and great affections kind More than with Age but who knows Destiny Or thinks that Joy can prove a Misery Some Parents love their Wealth more than their Breeds Hoording up more than Love or Nature needs And rather than poor Virtue they will take By crossing Love Childless themselves will make A sober Man who had a thinking-Brain Of Vice and Vanity did thus complain 'T IS strange to see the Follies of Mankind How they for useless things do vex their Mind For what superfluous is serves them for nought And more than necessary is a fault Yet Man is not content with a just measure Unless he surfeits with Delight and Pleasure As if true Pleasure only liv'd in Pain For in Excess Pain only doth remain Riches bring Care to keep Trouble to spend Beggars and Borrowers have ne're a Friend And Hospitality is oft diseased And seldom any of their Guests are pleased In Feasts much Company disturbs the rest And with much noise it doth the Life molest Much Wine and Women makes the Body sick And Doting-Lovers they grow Lunatick Playing at Cards and Dice Men Bankrupts grow And with the Dice away their Time they throw Their Manly Strength their Reason and their Wit Which might in Warrs be spent or Letters writ All Generosity seems buried here Gamesters seem Covetous as doth appear But when they spend most prodigally wast As if their Treasures were the Indies vast Or else their Purse an endless Myne of Gold But they 'l soon find it doth a bottom hold Titles of Honour Offices of State Bring Trouble Envy and Malicious Hate Ceremony restrains our Freedom and State-Offices Commands Men tott'ring stand And Vanities Inchanters of the Mind That muffle Reason and the Judgment blind Do lead the life in strange fantastick ways To seek that Pleasure which doth live in Praise Praise is no real thing an empty Name Only a Sound which we do call a Fame Yet for this Sound Men always are at strife Do spend their Fortunes and do hazzard Life They give their Thoughts no rest but hunt about And never leave until the Life goes out That Man that seeks in Life for more than Health For Rest and Peace within his Commonwealth Which is his Family sure is not wise And know not where true Happiness still lies Nor doth he guess that Temperance doth give The truest Pleasure makes it longest live You Gods said he give me a Temperate Mind An Humble Cottage a Chast Wife and Kind To keep me Company to bear a part Of all the Joys or Sorrows of my Heart And let our Labours Recreations be To pass our Time and not a Misery Banish all Cares you Gods let them not lye As heavy burthens and when we must dye Let 's leave the World as in a quiet Sleep Draw gently out our Souls our Ashes keep Safely in Urns not separate our Dust Or mix us so if transmigrate we must That in one Body we may still remain When that 's dissolved make us up new again A Lady said She his Discourse would fit A Story tell that should his Humour hit THere was a Man and Woman married were They liv'd just so as should a Married Pair Though their Bodies divided were in twain Their Souls agreed as one they did remain They did so mutually agree in all This Man and Wife we only One may call They were not rich nor were they very poor Not pinch'd with want nor troubled with great store They did not labour for the Bread they eat Nor had they various or delicious Meat Nor many Servants had to vex their Mind Only one Maid that faithful was and kind Whose VVork was just so much as to employ Her so as Idleness might not her annoy Thus decently and cleanly did they live And something had for Charity to give Her Pastime was to spin in Winter cold The whilst he read and to her Stories told And in the pleasant Spring fresh air to take To Neighbouring-Villages short Journeys make In Summer-Evenings they the Fields did round Or sit on Flow'ry-banks upon the ground And so in Autumn they their walks did keep To see Men gather Grapes or sheer their Sheep Nor did they miss Jove's Temple once a day Both kneeling down unto the Gods to pray For gracious Mercy their poor Souls to save A healthful Life an easie Death to have Thus did they live full forty years and more At last Death comes and knocketh at the dore And with his Dart he struck the Man full sick For which the Wife was almost Lunatick But she with care did watch great pains did take Broths Julips Jellies she with skill did make She most industrious was his pains to ease Studying always his Humour for to please For oft the sick are peevish froward cross And with their pains do tumble groan and toss On their sad Couches quietly he lay And softly to himself to Heaven did pray Yet was he melancholy at the heart For nothing else but from his VVife to part But when she did perceive his Life decay Close by his side upon a Bed she lay Embrac'd and kist him oft until his Breath And Soul did part drawn forth by powerful Death Art gone said she then I will follow straight For why my Soul upon thy Soul shall wait Then turn'd her self upon the other side In breathing-sighs and show'ring-tears she dy'd A Single-Life best A Man said He liv'd a most happy Life Because he was not ty'd unto a Wife Said he Marriage at best obstructs the Mind With too much Love or Wives that are unkind Besides a Man is still ty'd by the heel Unto the Cradle Bed Table and Wheel And cannot stir but like a Bird in string May hop a space but cannot use his wing But those who 're free and not to Wedlock bound They have the liberty the World to round And in their Thoughts much Heav'nly Peace doth dwell When Marriage makes their Thoughts like pains of Hell And when they die no Care doth grieve their Mind For any thing that they shall leave behind A Lady said If Women had but Wit Men neither Wives nor Mistresses should get No cause should have to murmure and complain If Women their kind Freedom would restrain But Marriage is to Women far more worse Than 't is to Men and proves the greater Curse And I said she for proof a Tale will tell What to a Virtuous Married Wife befell THere once a Lord and Lady married were And for Sev'n years did live a Happy Pair He seem d to love his Wife as well he might For she was Modest
play In th' Evening with the Bats doth dance the Hay Or at the setting of the Sun doth flye With Swallows swift to keep them Company But if she 's cross'd she straight malicious grows And in a fury Plagues on Men she throws Or other Sickness and makes Beasts to dye And cause the Marrow in the bones to fry But Creatures that with long time are grown old Or such as are of Constitution cold She nourishes and Life she doth restore In Flyes Bats Swallows many Creatures more For some do say these Birds in Winter dye And in Summer revive again to flye Of all the Four Seasons of the Year This Season doth most full and fat appear Her blood is hot and flowing as full Tide She 's only fit to be Apollo's Bride But she as all young Ladies in their prime Doth fade and wither with old Father Time And all their beauty which they much admire Doth vanish soon and quickly doth expire Just so the Summer dries withers away No powerful Art can make sweet Beauty stay The Autumn though she 's in her fading years And sober yet she pleasantly appears Her Garments are not deck'd with Flowers gay Nor are they green like to the Month of May But of the colour are of dapple Deer Or Hares that to a sandy ground appear Yet she is rich with Plenty doth abound All the encrease of Earth is with her found Most Creatures Nourishment to them doth give And by her bounty Men Beasts Birds do live Besides the grieved Heart with Joy doth fill When from the plump Grapes Wine she doth distill And gathers Fruits which lasting are and sound Her brows about with Sheaves of Corn are crown'd In those are Seeds whereof Man makes some Bread With which the Poor and Rich are nourished Yet 't is not Bounty can hinder Nature's course For constantly she change in one source For though the Matter may be still the same Yet she doth change the Figure and the Frame And though in Principles she constant be And keeps to certain Rules which well agree To a wise Government yet doth not stay But as one comes another glides away So doth the Autumn leave our Hemisphere To Winter cold at which Trees shake for fear And in that Passion all their Leaves do shed And all their Sap back to the Root is fled Like to the Blood which from the Face doth run To keep the Heart lest Death should seize thereon Then comes the Winter with a lowring brow No pleasant Recreations doth allow Her skin is wrinkled and her blood is cold Her Flesh is numb her Hands can nothing hold Her Face is swarthy and her Eyes are red Her Lips are blew with Palsie shakes her Head She often coughs and 's very rheumatick Her Nose doth drop and often doth she spit Her Humour 's Melancholy as Cold and Dry Yet often she in show'ring Rain doth cry And blustring Storms as in a Passion sent Which on the Earth and on the Water vent As Rheums congeal to Flegm the Waters so By thickning Cold congeal to Ice Hail Snow Which she spits forth upon the Earth they lye In lumps and heaps which makes the Plants to dye She 's poor and barren little hath to give For in this Season all things hardly live But often those who 're at the worst estate By change of Times do grow more fortunate So when the Winter 's past then comes the Spring And Plenty doth restore to every thing A Poet in the Company Said to his Lady YOur Fingers are Minerva's Loom with which Your Sense in Letters weave No knots or snarls you leave Work Fancy's Thread in Golden Numbers rich Your Breasts are Helicon which Poets fits For though they do not drink If thereon they do think Their Brains are fill'd with high and sparkling Wits Your Tongue 's Parnassus Hill on high it stands Her Muses sit and sing Or dance in Fayrie's Ring Crown'd with your Rosie Lips and sweet Garlands Your Eyes Diana's Arrows and no doubt Your arched Brow her Bow Like Ebony black doth show From whence sweet gentle Modesty shoots out Your Hairs are fatal Threads Lovers hang by Your Brain is Vulcan's Net Fine Fancies for to get Which like to winged Birds aspiring flye The next a Man of Scholarship profest He in his turn this Tale told to the rest An Expression of the Doubts and Curiosity of Man's Mind THere was a Man which much desir'd to know When he was dead whither his Soul should go Whether to Heaven high or down to Hell Or the Elyzium Fields where Lovers dwell Or whether in the air to flie about Or whether it like to a Light goes out At last the Thoughts the Servants to the Mind Which dwell in Contemplation to find The truth they said No pains that they would spare To travel every where and thus prepare Each Thought did clothe it self with Language fit For to enquire and to dispute for it And Reason they did take to be their Guide Then straight unto a Colledg they did ride Where Scholars dwell and learned Books are read The living Works of the most Wise who 're dead There they enquired the truth for to know And every one was ready for to show Though every sev'ral Work and sev'ral Head And sev'ral Tongue a sev'ral path still lead Where the Thoughts were scattering several ways Some tedious long others like short Essays But Reason which they took to be their Guide With rest and silence quietly did ' bide Till their return who ragged and all torn Came back as naked as when they were born For in their travels hard disputes had past Yet all were forc'd for to return at last But when Reason saw their poor condition Naked of Sense their Words and Expedition And Expectation too and seeming sad But some were frantick and despairing mad She told them They might wander all about But she did fear the Truth would ne're find out Which when they heard with rage they angry grew And straight from Reason they themselves withdrew Then all agreed they to the Court would go In hopes the Courtiers then the truth might know The Courtiers laugh'd and said they could not tell They thought the Soul in Sensual Pleasures dwell And that it had no other Heaven or Hell The Soul they slight but wish the Body well This answer made the Thoughts not long to stay Among the Courtiers but soon went their way Then to the Army straight they did repair Hoping the Truth of Souls they should find there And of the Chief Commander they enquire Who willing was to answer their desire They said for certain that all Souls did dye But those that liv'd in Fame or Infamy Those that Infamous were without all doubt Were damn'd and from reproach should ne'r get out But such whose Fame their Noble Deeds did raise Their Souls were blest with an Eternal Praise And those that dy'd and never mention'd were They thought their Souls breath'd out to
so high lived in the Lower Region and by intermixing together as their Parents did produced more of their Kind But after those productions of these Souls they went to the Planets where they found some of their Climates too cold others too moist others too cold and moist others hot and others hot and moist others hot and dry others cold and dry with which they did not agree being not equally temper'd But yet in every Planet these Souls being fruitful they left many of their Issues called Meteors which are shining-lights like Starrs but being produced from the Mortal temper of the Souls are subject to Mortality for Amorous Thoughts are the Bodily-dregs of Mortality which made these Meteors subject to dye as other Generations being the Mortal Effects of their Immortality otherwise they would be Starrs for whatsoever is Mortal may beget their Like or Kind which other things that are Immortal never do But when these two Souls had travelled above the Planets they became one fix'd Starr as being Eternal and not subject to dye And when they were thus they did produce no more Issues for what Mortality the Body left Those Souls to Earth and Planets did resign Which in a Generation of Meteors shine Fancy's Monarchy in the Land of Poetry IN the Land of Poetry Reason was King a Gallant Prince he was and of a Heroick Spirit a Majestical Presence and of a Sober and Grave Countenance He was tall of Stature and strong of Limbs His Queen was the Lady Wit a Lady of a quick Spirit of a pleasant Conversation amiable Countenance free Behaviour and of a sweet Disposition she was neatly shap'd fair Complexion'd and finely but variously attired This King and Queen loved one another with an extraordinary Affection and lived very happily and peaceably for he governed wisely His Kingdom was large and fully populated well manured and of great Traffick He made profitable Laws set strict Rules and kept good Orders both in the Church and State As for the Church Faith and Zeal were the two Arch-bishops who were sworn to consecrate none but Moral Virtues to preach Good Life and leave all Sects Opinions Superstitions Idolatry and the like Neither were they suffered to make Lectures of Learning because it is always about Controversies puzling Belief with nice Distinctions vain Fantasms and empty Words without Sense The Cathedral Church was the Conscience The two Universities were Study and Practice wherein all the Masculine Youth of the Kingdom were bred As for the State there were Superintendent Officers and Magistrates made of all degrees The Sen ces were the five Ports to this Kingdom the Head and the Heart were the two Magazines There were two Governours made to every Port to Command and Rule Judgment and Understanding always sit at the Ports called the Ears to examine all that enter there having a strict Command from the King to let in no Sound but Harmony no Reports but Truth no Discourses but Rational or Witty and that they should shut the Gates against Flattery Falshood Discord harsh loud Strains Scraping Creaking Squealing Noises Love and Skill were the two Commanders to the Port Eyes who were commanded to let none in but Uniformity Cimmetry Beauty Graceful Motions pleasing Aspects light and well-mixt Colours and to shut the Gates against Deformity or Monstrosity rude or cruel Actions glaring Lights illmix'd Colours false Shadows and Darkness and to set up the light of Dreams when they are shut Also to let no Tears pass through the Eyes but those that have a Pass-port from the Governour of the Heart At the Port of the Nostrils sate Like and Dislike who were commanded to let in none but sweet Smells such as refresh the Brain as the scent of sweet Flowers savoury Herbs Earth new-plough'd new-bak'd Bread also sweet Gums sweet Essences and the like but to shut the Gates of the Nostrils against snuffs of Candles stinking Breaths corrupted Flesh stale Fish old Apples strong Cheese spilt Drink foul Gutters especially the Pump or Sink in a Ship also no Smells of Suet or Grease and from many more stinking Scents which would be too tedious to mention But in case of necessity they were to be allowed or at least commanded to let in some sorts of Stinks as Assafoetida and burnt Feathers to cure the Fits of the Mother Then the two Commanders of the Mouth were Truth and Pleasure one was to govern the Words the other the Taste Pleasure was commanded to let nothing into the Mouth that was either too sharp too bitter too salt or too deliciously sweet Truth was commanded to suffer no Lyes Cursing Slandering Railings Flattering nor Amorous Lascivious Factious Discourses Likewise never to let pass an Oath but to confirm a Truth no Threatning but to terrifie or reclaim the Wicked or Cross-natur'd no Pleading but for Right no Commands but for Good no Praises but for Worth Also to let no Sighs nor Groans pass nor no Professions except they have a Pass-port from the Heart Nor no Promises but when they have a Pass-port from the King which is Reason The two Commanders of Touch were Pain and Pleasure who were commanded to keep out all sharp Colds burning Heats Bruises Pinches Smartings Cuttings Prickings Nippings Pressing Razing and to let in none but nourishing Warmth soft Rubbing gentle Scratching refreshing Colds and the like And upon pain of Death or at least high Displeasure these Rules were to be kept Yet sometimes Bribery corrupted the Commanders The Privy-Council-Chamber was the Breast the Privy-Councellors were Secrecy Constancy Fidelity Unity Truth Justice Fortitude Prudence and Temperance These Privy-Councellors helped the King to manage the Affairs of the Kingdom The Secretaries of State were Intelligence and Dispatch The Treasurer was Memory The Lord Keeper was Remembrance The Mayors of every City were Authority The Constables were Care The Judges were Commutative and Distributive Justice Honesty was the Commander of all the Forces of the Actions and Thoughts The Heroick Actions are the chief Commanders as Captains and Colonels and the like The Common-Soldiers are the ordinary and necessary Actions which are employed in Offensive and Defensive Warrs The Merchants are the Imaginations which traffick and trade all over the World The Inventions are the Handicrafts-men and Labourers The Appetites are the Citizens that are so covetous as to engross all Commodities and the Wealth of the Kingdom and are the most Luxurious People in the Land But as I said the King was a Wise Prince and to divert his Subjects from too serious Studies dull Contemplations and laborious Dictatings he had Masques Plays Pastorals and the like being attended by his Nobles the Sciences and the Gentry of the Kingdom which were the several Languages The Queen by the Muses and Graces The Marriage of Life and Death DEATH went a wooing to Life but her grim and terrible Aspect did so affright Life that she ran away and would by no means hearken unto her Suit Then Death sent Age and
Weakness as two Ambassadors to present her Affection but Life would not give them audience Whereupon Death sent Pain who had such a perswasive power that made Life yeeld to Death's embracements And after they were agreed the Wedding-day was set and Guests invited Life invited the Five Senses and all the Passions and Affections with Beauty Pleasure Youth Wit Prosperity and also Virtue and the Graces But Health Strength Cordials and Charms refused to come which troubled Life much None that Death invited refused to come they were Old Father Time Weakness Sickness all sorts of Pains and all sorts of Diseases and killing-Instruments as also Sighs Tears and Groans Numbness and Paleness But when Life and Death met Death took Life by the Hand then Peace married them and Rest made their Bed of Oblivion wherein Life lay in the cold Arms of Death Yet Death got numerous Issues and ever since whatsoever is produced from Life dyes Whereas before this Marriage there was no such thing as dying for Death and Life were single like Batchelors and Maids But Life proved not so good a Wife as Death a Husband for Death is sober staid grave discreet patient dwelling silently and solitary whereas Life is wild various unconstant and runs about shunning her Husband Death's company But he as a loving and fond Husband follows her and when he embraces her she grows big and soon produces young Lives But all the Off-spring of Death and Life are divided half dwelling with Life and half with Death At this Wedding old Father Time which looked the youngest although he was the oldest in the Company and danced the nimblest and best making several changes in his Dances he trod so gently and moved so smoothly that none could perceive how he did turn and wind and lead about And being wiser than all the rest with long Experience he behaved himself so handsomely insinuated so subtilly courted so civilly that he got all the Ladies Affections and being dextrous got Favours from every one of them and some extraordinary ones for he devirginated Youth Beauty Pleasure Prosperity and all the Five Sences but could not corrupt Wit Virtue nor the Graces But Nature hearing of the abuse of her Maids was very angry and forced him to marry them all But they although they were inamoured of him before they were married yet now they do as most other Wives not care for him nay they hate him rail and exclaim against him that what with his peevish froward and cross Wives and with the jealousie he hath of Sickness Pains and Mischances that ofen ravish them he is become full of wrinkles and his Hair is turned all gray But Virtue and Wit which are his sworn Friends and sweet Companions recreate him with their pleasant free honest and honourable Societies Of the Indispositions of the Mind THE Mind was very sick and sent for Physicians and the first that came were Divines who disputed so long and contradicted one another so much that they could conclude of nothing One advising the Mind to take a Scruple of Calvin's Institutions others a Dram of Luther's Doctrine some two Drams of the Romish Treacle or Opinions some of the Anabaptists Water others to take some of the Brownists Spirits But there were some quite from these Opinions and would advise the Mind to lay some of Mahomet's Pigeons at the feet cutting them with the Turkish Scimitar then bind it up with his Alcaron others would have the Mind bind the Head with the Talmud of the Jews But the Mind grew sicker and sicker insomuch that it was almost at the last gasp whereupon the Mind desired them to depart for said he your Controversies will kill me sooner than your Doctrine will cure me The Mind being very sick sent for other Sects of Physicians who were Moral Philosophers who being come set round a Table and there began to discourse and dispute of the Diseases of the Mind One said Grief is a Lethargie No said another Stupidity is a Lethargie for Grief rather weeps than sleeps O but said another there are dry Griefs that sweat no Tears Pray Gentlemen dispatch said the Mind for I am in great pain One says Hate is an Apoplexy for it is dead to it self though it lives to the Beloved No said he but Hate is a Dead-Palsie No said the other Ignorance is a Dead-Palsie but Hate is an Apoplexie caused by the stopping of the Spirits either Animal or Vital the Vital Spirits being Compassion the Animal Spirits Generosity You are most strangely mistaken said another for all the Spirits are composed of Fortitude the Vital Spirits are active the Animal are passive But they disputed so long upon this point that they had almost fallen out and the Mind prayed them not to quarrel for wrangling noise did disturb him much Then one said That Spight and Envy were Cancers the one caused by sharp Humours the other by salt Another said That Spight was not a Cancer but a Fistula that broke out in many several places and that Envy was the Scurvy that speckled the whole Body of the Mind like Flea-bites The Mind prayed them to go no further in that dispute Then one of them said That Anger was a Hot Burning Fever Nay by your favour said another Anger is an Epilepsie that soams at the Mouth and beats its Breast strugling and striving and will be often in Cold-Sweats and as pale as Death Then another said That an Ague in the Mind was Doubt and Hope the Cold Fit being Doubt and the Hot Fit Hope A second answered That Agues were Fear which caused Shaking-Fits A third said That Jealousie was an Ague that had Cold and Hot Fits Nay said a fourth Jealousie is an Hectick Fever that is an extraordinary Heat got into the Arteries which inflames the Spirit of Action drinks up the Blood of Tranquillity and at last wasts and consumes the Body of Love A fifth said Jealousie is the Gout which is a burning beating pain never letting the Mind be at rest Said a sixth Jealousie is a Head-ake caused from an ill affected Friend But there grew such a Dispute upon this as whether it was the Head Heart or Arteries that the Mind was forced to threaten them they should have no Fees if they did dispute so much As for the Wind-cholick in the Mind some said It was an overflow of Imaginations and Conceptions others That it was strange Opinions others said It was wild Fancies others That it was the over-dilating of the Thoughts and many more several Judgments were given whereupon they were ready to fight To which the Mind replied That it is impossible you should prescribe effectual Medicines if you cannot agree about the Disease Then another said Slander was the Spotted-Fever Another said A Spotted-Fever was Malice Says another A Spotted-Fever and the Plague have near relation but the Plague said he is Discontent that is caused by Envy Slander Malice and the like This Plague of Discontent breaks out
into Factions Sores and great Spots of Rebellion which causeth Death and Destruction But one of the former Doctors was about contradicting him but the Mind forbid him Then one said Melancholy was the Stone caused by a cold congealment of the Spirit Another said Cruelty was the Stone caused by hot Revenge or covetous Contractings which bakes all the tender and softer Humours into a hard confirmed Body the Stone Then one said That Rage and Fury were Convulsions No said another Inconstancies are Convulsions Then one said Pity was a Consumption pining and wasting by degrees Nay by your favour said a second Forgetfulness is a Consumption which fades as Light and Colours or moulders as Dust. Then another said Desire was a Dropsie which was always dry Nay said a second Desire is that Disease which is called a Dog-like-Appetite which causes the Appetite of the Mind to be always hungry and the Stomack of the Mind seeming always empty which makes the Thoughts hunt after Food But a Dropsie said he is a Reluctancy which always swells out with Aversions O said a third a Dropsie in the Mind is Voluptuousness Nay said a fourth a Dropsie is Pride that swells out with Vain-glory. But they disputed so much whether a Dropsie or a Dog-like-Appetite or a Reluctancy or Voluptuousness or Pride that they fell together by the Ears And the Mind was well content to let them fight But for fear the Mind should be disturbed his Friends parted them and pray'd the Doctors that they would prescribe the Mind something to take Then they began their Prescriptions For the Lethargie of Grief said one you must take some Crumbs of Comfort mix'd with the Juice of Patience the Spirits of Grace and Sprigs of Time and lay it to the Heart of the Mind and it will prove a perfect Cure Another said A Lethargie is Stupidity and therefore you must take hot and reviving Drinks as the Vapour of Wine or the like Drinks variety of Objects pleasant Conversation mix these together then put this Liquor into a Syringe of Musick and squirt it into the Ears of the Mind and this will bring a perfect Cure The Doctor who said an Apoplexy was Hate said The Mind must take a few Obligations and mix them with a mollifying-Oyl of Good-nature and Spirits of Gratitude and bind them upon the grieved part and that would cure it No said the Doctor that said Apoplexies were Love you must take the Drug of Misfortunes and the Sirrup of Misery and when you have mix'd them together you must set them a stewing on the Fire of Trial then drink it off warm and although it will make the Mind sick with Unkindness for the present yet it will purge all the doting Humours out of the Mind But he that said Hate was a Dead-Palsie prescribed the same Medicine as he that said it was an Apoplexy for he said an Apoplexy is a kind of a Dead-Palsie He that said Ignorance was a Dead-Palsie said The Mind must take some good Books whose Authors were Learned Persons and squeeze them hard through a Strainer of Study and mix some practised Experience thereto and make a Salve of Industry then spread it upon a strong Canvase of Time and lay it upon the Malady and it will be a perfect Cure And he that said Spight and Envy were Cancers bid the Mind take the Honey of Self-conceit once in two or three hours and it would abate that sharp or salt Humour The other that said that Spight and Envy were Fistula's bid the Mind get some of the Powder of Inferiors or the Tears of the Distressed and mix them well together and lay it to the Sore and it will be a perfect Cure He that said that Envy was the Scurvy bid him bathe in Solitariness and drink of the Water of Meditation wherein run Thoughts of Death like Mineral-Veins and it will cure him And the Doctor that said Anger was a Fever bid the Mind drink cold Julips of Patience He that said Anger was an Epilepsie bid the Mind take the Powder of Discretion And the Doctor that said An Ague was Doubts and Hopes bid him take the Powder of Watchfulness and mix it with a Draught of Courage and drink it in his Cold Fit and take the Powder of Industry in the Liquor of Judgment in his hot Fit and it will cure him He that said An Ague in the Mind was Fear gave the same Prescription of the former Medicine for the Cold Fit But he that said Jealousie was an Ague bid the Mind take some of the Spirits of Confidence And he that said Jealousie was a Consumption bid the Mind take Nourishing-Broths of Variety and bathe in the River of Oblivion which would cool the Fever of Suspition But he who said That Jealousie was the Gout in the Mind bid the Mind lay a Plaster of Absence spread on the Canvase of Time and it would cure him As for the Wind-Cholick he that said it was the overflow of the Imaginations and Conceptions bid the Mind take some several Noises both Instrumental and Vocal and mix them with much Company and lay them to the Ears of the Mind and it will cure Probatum est And those that said That Wind-cholick was strange Opinions or wild Fancies bid the Mind take some Pills of Employment to purge out those crude flatulent and undigested Humours But he that said It was caused by a dilatation of the Thoughts bid him take the Eyes of Dice and the Spots of Cards and the Chequers of Chess-boards and the Points of Table-men and put them together and when they are throughly mix'd and dissolved into an Oil annoint the Fingers-ends the Palms of the Hands the Wrist the Elbows and the Eyes of the Mind this says he will contract the Thoughts to the compass of a Single-penny which will cure that Disease As for the Disease called the Spotted-Fever which is Slander they bid the Mind take a good quantity of Repentance and distil it from whence will drop Tears and take a Draught of that distilled Water every morning fasting But he that said That Malice was the Spotted Fever bid the Mind distil Merits from whence will drop Praises and bid the Mind take a draught of that Water every Evening He that said Discontent was the Plague being a part of all the Diseases bid the Mind take Humility Magnanimity Obedience Loyalty Fidelity and Temper and put all these together and make a Pultis and lay it upon the Swelling it will keep it from breaking asswage the Pain and cure the Patient But if they come out in Spots of Rebellion there is no Remedy to avoid Death As for Melancholy he that said it was the Stone in the Mind caused by a cold congealment in the Spirits which stupifies the Senses of the Mind into Stone bid him take Beauty Wit fine Landskips Prospects Musick fresh Air put this into the Liquor of Mirth and drink of it every day it would prove a perfect
his Brother and withall left her a great Estate for he was very rich After the Ceremonies of the Funeral his Brother carried the Child home which was nursed up very carefully by his VVife and being all that was likely to succeed in their Family the Unkle grew extream fond and tender of his Neece insomuch that she was all the comfort and delight of his life A great Duke which commanded that Province would often come and eat a Breakfast with this Gentleman as he rid a Hunting and so often they met after this manner that there grew a great Friendship betwixt them for this Gentleman was well bred knowing the VVorld by his Travels in his younger days and though he had served in the warrs and fought many Battels yet was he not ignorant of Courtly Entertainments Besides he was of a very good conversation for he had a voluble Tongue and a ready Understanding and in his retired life was a great Student whereby he became an excellent Scholar so that the Duke took great delight in his company Besides the Duke had a desire to match the Neece of this Gentleman his Friend to his younger Son having only two Sons and knowing this Child had a great Estate left by her Father and was likely to have her Unkle's Estate joined thereto he was earnest upon it but her Unkle was unwilling to marry her to a younger Brother although he was of a great Family but with much perswasion he agreed and gave his consent when she was old enough to marry for she was then not seven years old But the Duke fell very sick and when the Physicians told him he could not live he sent for the Gentleman and his Neece to take his last Farewell and when they came the Duke desired his Friend that he would agree to join his Neece and his Son in Marriage He answered That he was very willing if she were of years to consent Said the Duke I desire we may do our parts which is to join them as fast as we can for Youth is wild various and unconstant and when I am dead I know not how my Son may dispose of himself when he is left to his own choice for he privately found his Son very unwilling being a Man grown to marry a Child The Gentleman seeing him so desirous to marry agreed to what he desired The Duke called his Son privately to him and told him His intentions were to see him bestowed in Marriage before he dyed His Son desired him Not to marry him against his mind to a Child His Father told him She had a great Estate and it was like to be greater by reason all the Revenue was laid up to encrease it and besides she was likely to be Heir to her Unkle who loved her as his own Child and her Riches may draw so many Suiters when she is a Woman said he that you may be refused He told his Father Her Riches could not make him happy if he could not affect her Whereupon the Duke grew so angry that he said His Disobedience would disturb his Death leaving the World with an unsatisfied Mind Whereupon he seemed to consent to please his Father Then were they as firmly contracted as the Priest could make them and two or three Witnesses to avow it But after his Father was dead he being discontented went to the Warrs and in short time was called from thence by reason his Elder Brother dyed and so the Dukedom and all the Estate came to him being then the only Heir But he never came near the young Lady nor so much as sent to her for he was at that time extreamly in love with a great Lady who was young and Handsome being Wife to a Grandee which was very rich but was very old whose Age made her more facil to young Lovers especially to this young Duke who was favoured by Nature Fortune and Breeding for he was very handsom and of a ready Wit Active Valiant full of Generosity Affable well-fashion'd and had he not been fullied with some Debaucheries he had been the compleatest Man in that Age. The old Gentleman perceiving his neglect towards his Neece and hearing of his Affection to that Lady strove by all the Care and Industry he could to give her such Breeding as might win his Love Not that he was negligent before she was contracted to him for from the time of four years old she was taught all that her Age was capable of as to Sing and to Dance for he would have that Artificial Motion become as Natural and so to grow in Perfections as she grew in years When she was Seven years of age he chose her such Books to read as might make her Wise not Amorous for he never suffered her to read in Romances nor such leight Books but Moral Philosophy was the first of her Studies to lay a Ground and Foundation of Virtue and to teach her to moderate her Passions and to rule her Affections The next study was History to learn her Experience by the second hand reading the Good Fortunes and Misfortunes of former times the Errors that were committed the Advantages that were lost the Humours and Dispositions of Men the Laws and Customs of Nations their rise and their fallings of their Warrs and Agreements and the like The next study to that was the best of Poets to delight in their Fancies and in their Wit and this she did not only read but repeat what she had read every Evening before she went to Bed Besides he taught her to understand what she read by explaining that which was hard and obscure Thus she was always busily employed for she had little time allowed her for Childish Recreations Thus did he make her Breeding his only Business and Employment for he lived obscurely and privately keeping but a little Family and having little or no Acquaintance but lived a kind of a Monastical Life But when the Neece was about Thirteen years of age he heard the Duke was married to the Lady with which he was enamoured for being by the death of her Husband left a rich Widow she claimed from him a Promise that he made her whilst her Husband was living That when he dyed being an old man and not likely to live long to marry her which he was loth to do for Men that love the Pleasures of the world care not to be encumbred and obstructed with a VVife and so did not at all reflect neither upon his Contract with the young Lady for after his Father dyed he resolved not to take her to Wife for she being so young he thought the Contract of no validity But the VVidow seeming more coy than in her Husband's time seeking thereby to draw him to marry her and being overcome by several ways of subtilty he married her VVhereupon the Unkle was mightily troubled and very melancholy which his Neece perceived and desired of him to know the cause which he told her Is this the
and the two Ladies stood and after all the Judges were set the young Lady thus spake Grave Fathers and most Equal Judges I Come here to plead for Right undeck'd with Eloquence but Truth needs no Rhetorick so that my Cause will justifie it self But if my Cause were foul it were not pencil'd words could make it seem so fair as to delude your understanding Eyes Besides your Justice is so wise as to fortisie her Forts with Fortitude to fill her Magazine with Temperance to victual it with Patience to set Centinels of Prudence that Falshood might not surprise it nor Bribery corrupt it nor Fear starve it nor Pity undermine it nor Partiality blow it up so that all all right Causes here are safe and secured from their Enemies Injury and Wrong Wherefore most Reverend Fathers if you will but hear my Cause you cannot but grant my Suit Whereupon the Judges bid her declare her Cause I was married to this Prince 't is true I was but young in years when I did knit that Wedlock-knot and though a Child yet since my Vows were holy which I made by Virtue and Religion I am bound to seal that Sacred Bond with Constancy now I am come to years of knowing good from evil I am not only bound most Pious Judges to keep my Vow in being chastly his as long as he shall live but to require him by the Law as a Right of laberitance belonging to me and only me so long as I shall live without a Sharer or Co-partner so that this Lady who lays a Claim and challenges him as being hers can have no right to him and therefore no Law can plead for her for should you cast aside your Canon Law most Pious Judges and judg it by the Common-Law my Suit must needs be granted if Justice deals rightly and gives to Truth her own for should an Heir young before he comes to years run on the Lenders score though the Lender had no Law to plead against Nonage yet if his nature be so just to seal the Bonds he made in Non-age when he comes to full years he makes his former Act good and fixes the Law to a just Grant giving no room for Cozenage to play a part nor Falshood to appear The like is my Cause most Grave Fathers for my Friends chose me a Husband made a Bond of Matrimony sealed it with the Ceremony of the Church only they wanted my years of Consent which I give now freely and heartily The Judges asked What says the Duke Then the Duke thus spake I Confess I was contracted to this Lady by all the Sacred and most binding Ceremonies of the Church but not with a free consent of Mind for being forced by the Duty to my Father who did not only command but threatned me with his Curse he being then upon his Death-bed and I being afraid of a dying-Father's Curses yeelded to those Actions which my Affections and free-will renounced and after my Father was dead placing my Affections upon another Lady married her thinking my self not liable to the former Contract by reason the Lady was but Six years of age whose Non-age I thought was a warrantable Cancel from the Engagement Most Upright Judges MY Non-age is not a sufficient Reason to set him free he being then of full Age nor can his fear of offending his Parents or his loving-Duty towards them be a Casting-Plea against me his Duty will not discharge his Perjury nor his Fear could be no warrant to do a Wrong And if a Fool by Promise binds his Life to Inconveniences the Laws that Wise Men have made must force him to keep it And if a Knave by private and self ends doth make a Promise Just Laws must make him keep it If a Coward makes a Promise through distracted Fear Laws that carry more Terrors than the broken Promise Profit will make him keep it A Wise Just Generous Spirit will make no Promise but what he can and durst and will perform But say a Promise should pass through an ignorant Zeal and seeming Good yet a right Honourable and Noble Mind will stick so fast to its Engagements that nothing shall hew them asunder for a Promise must neither be broken upon Suspition nor false Construction nor upon enticing Perswasions nor threatning Ruins but it must be maintained with Life and kept by Death unless the Promise carry more malignity in the keeping than the breaking of it I say not this to condemn the Duke though I cannot applaud his second Action concerning Marriage I know he is too Noble to cancel that Bond his Conscience sealed before high Heaven where Angels stood as Witnesses Nor can he make another Contract until he is free from me so that his Vows to his Lady were rather Complemental and Love's Feignings than really true or so Authentical as to last He built Affections on a wrong Foundation or rather Castles in the Air as Lovers use to do which vanish soon away for where Right is not Truth cannot be Wherefore she can claim no lawful Marriage unless he were a Free-man not bound before and he cannot be free unless he hath my Consent which I will never give Then the other Lady spake Noble Judges THIS Crafty Flattering Dissembling Child lays a Claim to my Husband who no way deserves him she being of a low Birth and of too mean a Breeding to be his Wife Neither hath she any right to him in the Law she being too young to make a free Choice and to give a free Consent Besides he doth disavow the Act by confessing the disagreeing thereto in his Mind and if she was to give a Lawful Consent and his Consent was seeming not real as being forced it could not be a firm Contract Wherefore I beseech you cast her Suit from the Barr since it is of no validity Just Judges answered she WHAT though he secretly disliked of that Act be made Yet Human Justice sentences not the Thoughts but Acts Wherefore those Words that plead his Thoughts ought to be waved as useless and from the Barr of Justice cast aside And now most Upright Judges I must entreat your Favour and your Leave to answer this Lady whose Passions have flung Disgraces on me which I without the breach of Incivility may throw them off with scorn if you allow me so to do The Judges said We shall not countenance any Disgrace unless we knew it were a punishment for Crimes Wherefore speak freely Well then to answer this Lady who says That I am meanly born 'T is true I came not from Nobility but I can draw a Line of Pedigree Five hundred years in length from the Root of Merit from whence Gentility doth spring This Honour cannot be degraded by the Displeasure of Princes it holds not in Fee-simple from the Crown for Time is the Patron of Gentility and the older it groweth the more beautiful it appears and having such a Father and Mother as Merit and Time Gentry is
Slaves both Males and Females to breed on as we do breed Flocks of Sheep and other Cattel the Children were eaten as we do Lambs or Veal for young and tender Meat the elder for Beef and Mutton as stronger Meat They kill five Males for one Female for fear of destroying the Breed although they be so fruitful that they never bear less than two at a birth and many times three and they seldom leave Child-bearing until they are Threescore years old for they usually live there until they are Eight score and sometimes Two hundred years but the ordinary Age is a Hundred unless Plagues come not out of Sluttery or evil or corrupt Air but with too much nourishment by reason of their delicious Diet which breeds such a superfluity of Humours that it corrupts their blood As for their Houses they are kept very cleanly by reason they never eat in them for their custom was to eat all together in common Halls as the Lacedemonians did only they had better Cheer and more Liberty Likewise their Women were common to every one's use unless it were those Women of the Royal Blood which is a sort by themselves as was described before and therefore never mixt with the rest but if they did and were known it was death These of the Royal Blood had all their Skins wrought like the Britans As for their Government it was Tyrannical for all the common People were slaves to the Royal Race But to return to the old Man observing how careful and choice they were kept he told his Son what he thought was their intention which vvas to sacrifice them and said he there is no vvay to escape unless vve had their Language and could make them believe vve came from the Gods and that the Gods vvould punish them if they put us to death and you are young said he and apt to learn but I am old and my Memory decayed vvherefore novv or never study for your Life Well said he since my Life lyes in my Learning I vvill learn for my Life Which he did so vvell that he got in that Tvvelve-month their Language so perfect as he understood and could speak most of it In vvhich time he understood all that I have delivered in this Relation and besides understood that they had many Gods and Goddesses The Sun was their chief God and the Earth the chief Goddess their next God was the Sea and their Goddess the Moon and they prayed to the Starrs as some do to Saints to speak in their behalf and to present their Prayers to the Sun and Moon which they thought to be as Man and Wife and the Starrs their Children To their Gods they offered none but the Males and those offerings were offered by Men And the Men pray'd only to the Gods and to their Goddesses none but the Women nor none but Female-offering were offered unto them At last by their Discourse and Preparation they perceiv'd they were to be sacrificed to the Sun as being both Males as they thought and with great Ceremony as being Strangers and such Rarities yet they did not touch Travelia as supposing if they should ' he would dye before he was brought to the place of Sacrifices In all this time he never disclosed that he could speak their Language nor understand them But in this time the old Man had got some Salt-peeter and Brimstone and burnt Wood into Charcoal so made Gunpowder for they had the liberty to go where they would about their Temples and after he had made the Gun-powder he made two things like Pistols although not so curious and neat yet well enough to serve his turn and directed his Son what he should do and say Against that day he made himself a Garment of a Grass which was like to Green Silk which he had woven so finely as it look'd like Sattin He had also upon the Calfs of his Legs like Buskins of several-colour'd Flowers and a Garland of Flowers on his Head the Soles of his Sandals were of that Green but the stripes a-top was of Flowers like his Buskins in each hand he held the two Pistols his Hair which was grown in that time for he never discovered it keeping it tyed up untied and let down spread upon his back But when the Priest which came to fetch him forth saw him thus drest never seeing Hair before for they had none but Wool and very short as Negroes have was amazed at the sight and not daring to touch him went by him guarding him as the chief Sacrifice to the place where the King and all his Tribe and all his People waited for their coming the King being placed at the head of the Altas with a Dart in his right hand the Spear of the Dart being an entire Diamond cut with a sharp Point to signifie the piercing beams of the Sun which Spear he usually struck into the Heart of the Sacrificed which Heart the Priest used tb cut out and give the King to eat raw the whilst the Priest sung Songs in the praise of the Sun as the Father of all things Thus after some expectation the Priests came with their Sacrifices which when the King and People saw they were all amazed as well they might for the Youth appear'd most beautiful But at last they all shouted and cryed out Their Gods had beautified and adorned their Sacrifices as being well pleased therewith making great shouts and noises of Joy But when he came to the Altar he call'd to them in their own Language at which they grew mute with wonder and being silent he thus spake OKING and you Spectators Why do you offend the Gods in destroying their Messengers which come to bring you life and to make you happy Hed I brought you Plagues then you might have sacrifieed me to your God of Lights as coming from Death and Darkness his Enemies but for this your false Devotion the great Sun saith he will destroy you with one of his small Thunder-bolts killing first your Priests and then the rest With that shot off his Pistol into the breast of the Chief Priest wherewith he straight fell down dead The noise of the Pistol and the flash of the Fire which they never saw before and the effect of it upon the Priest struck them with such a horror and did so terrifie them as they all kneeled down imploring Mercy and Forgiveness with trembling Limbs and weeping Eyes Whereupon he told them There was no way to avoid Punishment but first To fast two days from any kind of Nourishment Next Not to open their Lips to speak And then To obey whatsoever he shall teach them as being sent from the Gods bidding them go home until their time of Fasting were out and then to return to the Temple again commanding none to remain there but to leave it to the old Man and himself The Temple was most rich and curiously built having in that Countrey great Art and Skill in Architecuture
for Death is in my power though Life is not But the Prince who was their Commander hearing a noise came on the Deck who no sooner saw him but was struck with Compassion raised by a resemblance of his Mistress appearing in the Face of the Youth and going to him bid him dry his Eyes and cease his Sorrow for they both should live together so long as he could keep them Heaven bless you said he and may you never part from that you most do love But when Travelia's Tears were stopped and sight got a passage through her Eyes again and looking up to view that Man from whom his Obligations came no sooner saw his Face but Terror struck his Heart and trembling seized her Limbs as if she had seen some hideous and prodigious thing The Prince observing her in that Agony asking him as supposing her a Boy What made him shake and tremble so In quivering Words she answered As Fear before had shrunk his Sinews short so now Joy had extended them too far The Prince then stroaking his Head promised they should both be well used and so returned into his Cabin Thus travelling on the Sea as on a great Champain the Ship like a Horse went several paces according as the Waves did rise and fall But at last this Ship became like a Horse diseased with Spavins which broke out and sprung a leak which they stopt as well as they could for the time but doubting it could not long hold out grew very sad some weeping some praying some murmuring some raving according as their Fear and Hopes were But the Prince who was valiant by nature expected Death with as much patience as they with fear did apprehend it neither was he struck with terror but yeelded to the Fates and was willing to dye But in the midst of their Afflictions at last they espied an Island at which sight they all shouted for joy Thus in the life of Man many several accidents pass about and it chances many times that out of the midst of Grief and Sorrow rises up Objects of Comfort so was it here and setting up all their Sails made haste to it but before they could come close to it although they were not far from it the Leak broke out again and likewise their Fears for the Ship grew sick of a lingring Disease that it could swim no farther but perished by little and little which perceiving they hoist out their Boat where the Prince gave order That those which were most afraid should go first he himself was the last that went therein though the Boat did go and unload and return'd many times insomuch that not only the Passengers were saved but all their Goods which no sooner were out but the Ship sunk and dyed of that Incurable Dropsie But in these Dangers the Prince forgot not Travelia for why the Prince was more fond of him than Travelia was of himself for her fears of being known gave her no rest But being all safely arrived in the Island they began to consider what to do the Prince counselled them to chuse out some of the Company to build up Hutts to lay their Goods in and also to cut down some Trees there being great store of Wood chusing that which was most proper and fit to build a new Ship whilst the rest of the Company went to seek Food and to discover the place This being agreed upon they divided themselves and those that travelled up into the Island found it very small as being not above thirty miles long and twenty broad and unpeopled but great store of Fish and Fowl few Beasts but those that were were of a gentle Kind fine Meadows full of Grass and sweet Flowers refreshing and shady Woods wherein ran clear Springs and bubling Brooks Thus though it were little it was very pleasant the greatest Inconvenience they found there was want of Houses for they found the ground somewhat damp with Dews which being an Island it was subject to but the Air was ferene and clear the Climate a little more than temperately hot But the time that the Ship was a building the Prince had a little House or thing like an Arbour built in the midst of the Island to lodg in and the rest made Hutts for themselves and several Recreations they found to pass away the time Being in so solitary a place the Prince who was melancholy for the loss of his Mistress grew full of Thoughts and having her Picture in his Mind drawn to the life comparing it to Travelia's Face which he often looked upon began to reason with himself why that might not be she considering her private escape and the little acquaintance she had in that Countrey and seeming of a better breeding than a Ship-Master's Son could have it did almost confirm his hopes But discoursing one day with the old Man of several accidents telling their Misfortunes and good hap of both sides and being both of one Countrey the old Man thinking no harm discovered by his talking that Travelia was none of his Son begotten from his Loins but adopted through Compassion and Affection and then telling the Story how he came into his Ship unknown or without his leave by the circumstances of Time Place and Manner found that it was she whereat being transported with joy he could scarce conceal his Passion but dissembled his knowledg as well as he could for the present yet after that time sought an occasion to get her alone where he did usually go a Birding and did command Travelia to carry his Bags of Shot after him who loved the Service though she feared the Lord and when they were gone some distance from the rest of the Company and being in a shady Wood the Prince feigned himself weary and setting down to rest commanded him to do the like and at last discovered to him how he came to know her She finding her self discovered turned as pale as Death and in that passion of Fear prayed him to kill her or otherwise she should find a way to do it her self But the Prince told her He would satisfie himself first unless she would consent to live with him as his Wife in that Island wherein said he we may live free and secure without any Disturbance She musing with her self what to do believing he was not grown the Chaster with living amongst rude and barbarous People thought it best to dissemble and give a seeming-consent Whereat the Prince's Thoughts being more elevated than if he had been Master of the whole World they return'd to the rest of the Company the one with an over-joyed Mind the other sad and full of perplexed Thoughts But when she came to a place where she might be alone sitting down in a melancholy posture without uttering Words or shedding Tears for Grief and Amazement had congealed the one and stopt the other yet at last her smuthered sorrow broke out into Complaint You Gods said she Who will offer Sacrifice to your Deities since
into a great Passion and great Controversies she had with her self whether she should lose her Honour and live or save her Honour and dye Dishonour she hated and Death she feared the one she blusht at the other she trembled at But at last with much strugling she got out of that Conflict resolving to dye for in Death said she there is no Pain nor in a dishonourable Life any Content But though Death says she is common to all yet when it comes not in the ordinary ways of Nature there must be used violence by Artificial Instruments and in my Condition there must be used Expedition And considering what ways to take she bethought of a Maid-servant that used to make clean the Rooms and such kind of works to whom she had often talked as she was about her Employments and had gotten much of her Affections Her she called and told her that a Wife Wizard had advised her That ever on her Birth-day she should shoot off a Pistol and in so doing she should be happy so long as she used the same Custom but if she neglected she should be unfortunate for by the shooting thereof said she I shall kill a whole Year of Evil from doing me hurt but she told her withall That it must be that day and it must be a small one for fear of making a great noise and done privately for fear her Mistress should know of it or any Body else for it will be of no effect if above one know of it besides my self The simple Wench easily believing what she said was industrious to supply her wants and in a short time brought her desires which when she had got her dejected Spirits rose with an overflowing joy and setting down with a quiet Mind since before she could not stand nor set still for her troubled and rough Thoughts drove her from one end of the Room to the other like a Ship at Sea that is not anchored nor ballasted or with storm tost from Point to Point so was she but now with a constant Wind of Resolution she sailed evenly although she knew not to what Coast she should be driven But after some expectation in came the old Bawd and the Prince who was so struck with her Beauty as he stood some time to behold her At last coming near her earnestly viewing her and asking her some leight Questions to which she answered briefly and wittily which took him so much as he had scarce patience to bargain with the old Bawd for her But when they were agreed the wicked Bawd left them to themselves where he turning to the young Lady told her That of all the Women that ever he met with his Senses were never so much delighted for they had wedded his Soul to Admirations She answered That if his Senses or his Person did betray her to his Lust she wished them all annihilated or at least buried in Dust but I hope said she by your Noble and Civil Usage you will give me cause to pray for you and not to wish you Evil for Why should you rob me of that which Nature freely gave And it is an Injustice to take the Goods from the right Owners without their consents and an Injustice is an Act that all Noble Minds hate and all Noble Minds usually dwell in Honourable Persons such as you seem to be and none but base or cruel Tyrants will lay unreasonable Commands or require wicked things from the Powerless or Vertuous Wherefore most Noble Sir said she Shew your self a Master of Passion a King of Clemency a God of Pity and Compassion and prove not your self a Beast to Appetite a Tyrant to Innocents a Devil to Chastity Virtue and Piety and with that Tears did flow from her Eyes as humble Petitioners to beg her release from his Barbarous Intention But he by those Tears like Drink to those that are poyson'd grows more dry and his Passions more violent He told her No Rhetorick could alter his Affections Which when she heard and he ready to seize on her she drew forth the Pistol which she had concealed bending her Brows with a resolute Spirit told him She would stand upon her Guard for why said she it is no sin to defend my self against an Obstinate and Cruel Enemy and know said she I am no ways to be found by wicked Persons but in Death for whilst I live I will live in Honour or when I kill or be kill'd I will kill or dye for security He for a time stood in a maze to see her in that posture and to hear her high defiance but considering with himself that her words might be more than her intentions and that it was a shame to be out-dared by a Woman with a smiling-countenance said You threaten more Evil than you dare perform besides Honour will be buried with you in the Grave when by your Life you may build Palaces of Pleasure and Felicity With that he went towards her to take away the Pistol from her Stay stay said she I will first build me a Temple of Fame upon your Grave where all young Virgins shall come and offer at my Shrine and in the midst of these words shot him With that he fell to the ground and the old Bawd hearing a Pistol came running in where seeing the Prince lye all smeared in blood and the young Lady as a Marble Statue standing by as if she had been fixt to that place looking stedfastly upon her own Act she running about the Room called out Murther Murther Help Help not knowing what to do fear had so possest her At last she drew her Knife thinking to stab her but the Prince forbid her saying He hoped he should live to give her her due desert which if the Gods grant said he I shall ask no more So desiring to be laid upon the Bed until the Chirurgeons came to dress his Wounds stenching the blood as well as they could the mean time But after the Chirurgeons had search'd his Wounds he ask'd them Whether they were mortal They told him They were dangerous and might prove so but their hopes were not quite cut off with despair of his recovery But after his Wounds were drest he gave order for the young Lady to be lockt up close that none might know there was such a Creature in the House nor to disclose how or by what means he came hurt Then being put in his Litter he was carried into his own House which was a stately Palace in the City The noise of his being wounded was spread abroad and every one enquiring how he came so making several Tales and Reports as they fancied but none knew the truth thereof After some days his Wounds began to mend but his Mind grew more distemper'd with the love of the fair Lady yet loath he was to force that from her she so valiantly had guarded and kept and to enjoy her lawfully he could not because he was a married Man and had been so