do it He asked him again and again but he persisted in his denial he therefore takes him up into a high part of the House and threatens to throw him down thence unless he would promise to assist them but neither so could he prevail with him whereupon turning to his companions We may be glad said he that this Merchant is so young for had he been a Senatour we might have despaired of any success in our suit 3. When Alcibiades was but yet a child he gave insâ—â—nâ—e of that natural subtlety for which he was afterwards so remarkable in Athens â—or coming to his Unâ—le Pâ—ricles and â—inding him sitting somewhat sad in a retiring Room he asked him the cause of his trouble who told him he had been employed by the City in some publick Buildings in which he had expended such sums of money as he knew noâ— well how to give account of You should therefore said he think of a way to prevent your 〈◊〉 câ—llâ—d to accouâ—â— And thus that great and wise 〈◊〉 being dâ—stitute of counsel himself made me of this wâ—ich was given him by a child for he involved Athens in a foreign War by which means they were not at leisure to consider of accounts 4. Themistocles in his childhood and boyage bewrayed a quick spirit and understanding beyond his years and a propensity towards great matters he used not to play amongst his equals but they found him employing that time in framing Accusatory or Defensive Orations for this and that other of his Schoolfellows And therefore his Master was used to say My Son thou wilt be nothing indifferent but either a great Glory or Plague to thy Country For even then he was not much affected with Moral Precepts or matters of accomplishment for urbanity but what concern'd providence and the management of affairs that he chiefly delighted in and addicted himself to the knowledge of beyond what could be expected from his youth 5. Richard Carew Esquire was bred a Gentleman Commoner at Oxford where being but fourteen years old and yet three years standing in the University he was called out to dispute ex tempore before the Earls of Leicester and Warwick with the matchless Sir Philip Sydney Ask you the end of this contest They neither had the better both the best 6. Thucydides being yet a Boy while he heard Herodotus reciting his Histories in the Olympicks is said to have wept exceedingly which when Herodotus had observ'd he congratulated the happiness of Olorus his Father advising him that he would use great diligence in the education of his Son and indeed he afterwards proved one of the best Historians that ever Greece had 7. Astyages King of the Medes frighted by a dream caused Cyrus the Son of his Daughter Mandane as soon as born to be delivered to Harpaâ—us with a charge to make him away He delivers him to the Herdâ—man of Astyages with the same charge but the Herdsman's wife newly delivered of a dead child and taken with the young Cyrus kept him instead of her own and buried the other instead of him When Cyrus was grown up to ten years of age playing amongst the young Lads in the Country he was by them chosâ—n to be their King appointed them to their several Oâ—â—ices some for Builders some for Guards Couâ—tiers Messengers and the like One of those Boys that played with them was the Son of Aâ—â—embaris a Noble Person amongsâ— the Mâ—des who not obeying the commands of this new King Cyrus commanded him to be seised by the rest of the Boys and that done he bestowed many stripes upon him The Lad being let go complain'd to his Father and he to Astyages for shewing him the bruised Shoulders of his Son Is it thus O King said he that we are treated by the Son of thy Herdsman and slave Astyages sent for the Herdsman and his Son and then looking upon Cyrus How darest thou said he being the Son of such a Father as this treat in such sort the Son of a principal person about me Sir said he I have done to him nothing but what was fit for the Country Lads one of which he was chose me their King in play because I seemed the most worthy of the place but when all others obeyed my commands he only regarded not what I said for this he was punished and if thereupon I have merited to suffer any thing I am here ready to do it While the Boy spake this Astyages began to take some knowledge of him the figure of his â—ace his generous deportment the time of Cyrus his exposition agreeing with the age of this Boy he concluded he was the same which he soon after made the Herdsman to confess But being told by the Magi that now the danger was over for having played the King in sport they believed it was all that his dream did intend So he was sent into Persia to his Father not long after he caused the Persians to revolt overcame Astyages his Grandfather and transferred the Empire of the Medes to the Persians 8. Thomas Aquinas when he went to School was by nature addicted to silence and was also somewhat more fat than the rest of his Fellow-Scholars whereupon they usually called him the dumb Ox but his Master having made experiment of his wit in some little Disputations and finding to what his silence tended This dumb Ox said he will shortly set up such a lowing that all the world will admire the sound of it 9. Origines Adamantius being a young boy would often ask his Father Leonidas about the mystical sense of the Scriptures insomuch that his Father was constrain'd to withdraw him from so over early a wisdom Also when his Father was in prison for the sake of Christ and that by reason of his tender age for he was but seventeen and the strict custody of his Mother he could not be companion with him in his Martyrdom he then wrote to him that he should not through the love of his children be turned from the true faith in Christ even in that age discovering how undaunted a Preacher Christianity would afterwards have of him 10. Grimoaldus a young noble Lombard was taken with divers others at Forum Iulii by Cacanus King of the Avares and contrary to sworn conditions was lead to death perceiving the perfididiousness of the Barbarians in the midst of the tumult and slaughter he with his two Brothers brake from amongst them but he being but a very youth was soon overtaken by the pursuer was retaken by a Horseman and again by him led to death But he observing his time drew his little Sword slew his Guardian overtook his Brethren and got safe away By this his incredible boldness he shewed with what spirit and wisdom he would after both gain and govern the Kingdom of Lombardy 11. Q. Hortensius spake his first Oration in the Forum at Rome when he was but nineteen years of
age the then Consuls were L. Crassus and Q. Scaevola his eloquence had then the approbation of the whole people of Rome and which is more of the Consuls themselves who were more judicious than all the rest What he had so well begun in his early youth he afterwards so perfected in his maturer age that he was justly reputed the best Orator of his time and perhaps never excelled by any but his own Pupil M. Tullius Cicero 12. Alexander gave manifest presages of his future greatness while he was yet in his first youth when a Horse called Bucephalus of extraordinary fierceness was brought to King Philip and that no man was found that durst bestride him young Alexander chanced at that time to come to his Father and with great importunity obtain'd leave to mount him whom he rode with that art and managed with such singular skill in his full cariere and curvetting that when he descended his Father Philip embracing him with tears said Son seek out a greater Kingdom for that I shall leave thee will be but too little for thee The greatness of his mind he had before discovered for when he was a Boy at School and that there he was told of a victory his Father had newly obtain'd If said he sighing my Father conquer all what will be left for me when they that stood by replyed That all these would be for him I little esteem said he of a great and large Empire when I shall be deprived of all means for the gaining of Glory 13. Herod the first Son of Antipater Prefect of Galilee when he was not above fifteen years of age contrary to the manner of those of his age left the School and put himself into Arms wherein the first proof he gave of himself was that he set upon Ezekias the Captain of an Army of Thieves who molested all Syria and not only routed his Forces but slew the Leader himself shewing by this beginning that except in cruelty he would prove nothing inferiour to any of the Kings his Predecessors 15. C. Martius Coriolanus in the Latine War which was made for the restitution of Taâ—quinius to his Kingdom shewed an admirable boldness though then very young for beholdiâ—g now a Citizen of Rome beaten down and now ready to be slain by the Enemy he ran into his assistance and gave him life by the death of him that pressed so eagerly upon him for which act of valour the Dictator put a Civick Crown upon his young Hâ—ad an honour that persons of a mature age and great virtue did rarely attain unto He afterwards prov'd a person of incomparable valour and military virtue 15. Adeodatus the Son of S. Augustine before he was fifteen years of age was of so prodigious a wit that his Father saith of him Horrori mihi erat istud ingenium he could not think of it but with astonishment for already at that age he surpassed many great and learned men he also verified the saying of Sages Ingenium nimis mature magnum non est vitale such early sparkling wits are not for any long continuance upon earth for he lived but a few years 16. C. Cassius when very young hearing Faustus the Son of Sylla magnifying the tyranny that his Father exercised in Rome was so moved at it that he gave him a blow upon the face in publick the matter was so heynous that both it and the persons came before Pompey the great whâ—re though in so great a presence the young Câ—ssius was â—o far from being terrified that on the contrary he cryed thus out to his Adversary Go to Faustus said he repeat again those words wherewith I was before so far provoked by thee that I may now also strike thee a second time By this action he gave a notable instance how jealous he would afterwards prove of the Roman Liberty for it was he who with Brutus conspired against Iulius Caesar and slew him as the invader of it and after died with the reputation of being Romanorum ulâ—imus the last true Roman 15. Ianus Drusus that famous Scholar had a Son so singular that from fifteen years old to twenty when he died he wrote excellent Commentaries on the Proverbs and other Books that were not unacceptable amongst the Learned that looked upon them 18. Edburg the eighth Daughter of King Edward in her childhood had her disposition tryed and her course of life disposed by her Father in this manner he laid before her gorgeous Apparel and rich Jewels in one end of a Chamber and the New Testament and Books of Princely Instructions in another wishing her to make her choice of which she liked she presently took up the Books and he her in his Arms and kissing her said Go in God's name whither he hath called thee and thereupon placed her in a Monastery at Winchester where she virtuously spent her whole life after 19. Lewis Duke of Orleance was owner of the Castle at Crucy his Constable was the Lord of Cawny whose Wife the Duke's Paramour had a child not certain which was the Father whereupon Cawny and his Wife being dead a controversie arose the next of kin to Cawny claiming the Inheritance which was four thousand Crowns per annum This controversie depending in the Parliament of Paris the child then eight years old though both instructed by his Mother's Friends to save his Mother's credit and to enjoy so ample an inheritance himself as Cawny's Child yet being asked answered openly to the Judges My heart giveth me and my noble courage telleth me that I am the Son of the noble Duke of Orleance more glad am I to be his Bastard with a mean living than to be the lawful Son of that cowardly Cuckold Cawny with his thousand Crowns inheritance The next of kin had the estate and the young Duke of Orleance took him into his Family who after proved a most valiant and fortunate Warriour against the English in the days of Henry the Sixth and is commonly called the Bastard of Orleance 20. Theodoricus Meschede a German Physician had a Son of the same name who at the age of fifiteen years surpassed in Eloquence and Learning many of those who had gained to themselves fame and reputation thereby He wrote to Trithemius and other learned men of that age almost numberless Epistles upon divers subjects with that Accuracy and Ciceronian Eloquence that for his wit dexterity and promptitude in writing and disputation he became the wonder and admiration of those he had any conversation with CHAP. II. Of such as having been extreme Wild and Prodigal or Debauched in their Youth have afterwards proved excellent Persons THose Bodies are usually the most healthful that break out in their youth and many times the Souls of some men prove the â—ounder for having vented themselves in their younger days Commonly none are greater enemies to Vice than such as formerly have been the slaves of it and have been
come he most earnestly desired of his friends that being enclosed in the Cirque by the Souldiers they should every man be slain not for any crime they were guilty of but as he said That when he was dead there might be a real just and universal grief at his funeral when there should be no Family exempt from this calamity 4. Tiberius the Roman Emperour shew'd himself a good Prince all the while that Germanicus and Drusus were alive he seemed to have a mixture of vertue and vice while his mother was in being but afterwards he brake out into all kind of infamous and execrable actions proceeding in his Villanies to such a height that at some times through the torment of his own conscience he not only repented of what he had done but professed he was weary of his life 5. Nero Emperour of Rome at his first coming to the Throne was a mirrour of Princes as he was afterwards of Monsters The Emperour Trajan gave this Elogium of him That the best of Princes came far short of the first five years of Nero but he soon out-liv'd his own innocency and a far less commendation for he poyson'd his brother forc'd his Master Seneca to bleed to death ripp'd up the belly of his Mother set the City of Rome on fire while he himself on the top of a Tower sang and play'd the burning of Troy and indeed abstain'd from no kind of excesses in vice and wickedness till having made the world too long a-weary of him he was forced to become his own Executioner 6. C. Caligula though very young governed the Empire the first and second year of his Reign with most noble directions behaving himself most graciously towards all men whereby he obtained the love and good liking of the Romans and the favour of his other Subjects but in process of time the greatness of his Estate made him so forgetful of himself as to decline to all manner of vice to surpass the limits of humane condition and to challenge to himself the title of Divinity whereby he governed all things in contempt of God 7. Heraclius the Eastern Emperour in his old age did much degenerate from the vertues of his youth for in his first years his Government was laudable happy and fortunate afterwards he fell to the practise of forbidden acts dealing with Soothsayers and Magicians he fell also into the Heresie of the Monothelites and made an incestuous Marriage with Martina the daughter of his brother after which his fortune chang'd the oriental Empire began to decline and he lost all Asia 8. Bassianus Carracalâ—a was so courteous and pleasant and obsequious in his Childhood to his Parents his friends and indeed unto all the people that every man was the admirer of his piety meekness and good nature but advancing further into years he was so changed in his manners and behaviour and was of so cruel and bloody a disposition that many could scarcely believe it was the same person whom they had known in his Childhood 9. Boschier in his penitential Sermons relates of a Fryer that alwaies din'd on a Net till he had obtain'd the Popedom then he bad them take the Net away seeing the Fish was taken Another in his younger time and mean estate liv'd only upon bread and water saying that Aqua panis vita carnis but being afterwards advanc'd chang'd his diet and then said Aqua panis vita canis A third there was that being low Preached exceedingly against the Pride vices and sins of men in place and power but being afterwards raised to preferment he changed his note and to one that admired at it he reply'd by prophaning that Scripture When I was a Child I spake as a Child 10. Lucullus was as sufficient a Warriour in all kind of Service as almost any of the Roman Captains and so long as he was in action he maintain'd his wit and understanding entire But after he had once given up himself to an idle life and sat mew'd up as it were like an house-bird at home and meddled no more in the affairs of the Common-Wealth he became very dull blockish and stupid much like to Sea Spunges after a long Calm when the salt water doth not dash upon them and drench them so that afterwards this Lucullus committed his old age to be dieted cured and ordered by Callisthenes one of his enfranchised bond-men by whom it was thought he was medicined by amatorious drinks and bewitch'd with other Charms and Sorceries until such time as his Brother Marcus removed this Servitor from about him and took upon him the government and disposition of his person during the remainder of his life which was not long 11. Maxentius the son of Maximiamus having seised upon Rome and driven out from thence Severus the son of Galerius Augustus shew'd himself equal and merciful to all men insomuch as that he recommended the Christians unto the care of the Governours of his Provinces but no sooner had he strengthened himself with wealth and quieted Italy and Africk but he turned Tyrant a cruel Persecutor of the Christians and left no sort of impiety or intemperance or villany unpractised by him CHAP. III. Of the rigorous severity of some Parents to their Children and how unnatural others have shewed themselves towards them EVery thing is carryed on by a natural instinct to the preservation of it self in its own being and by the same Law of Nature even the most bruitish amongst the bruitâ— themselves may be observ'd to retain a special kind of indulgence and tenderness towards their off-spring The Monsters of the Sea draw out the breast and give suck to their young ones The extraordinary severities of some Parents to their Children may assure us that there are greater Monsters upon the Land than are to be â—ound in the bottom of the deep and if some of these may extenuate their inhumanities by I know not what vertuous pretences yet the barbarities of the rest must be wholly imputable to their savage nature and the bloodiness of their disposition 1. There was a Peasant a Mardonian by Nation named Rachoses who being the Father of seven sons perceived the youngest of them play'd the little Libertine and unbridled Colt he endeavoured to cure him with fair words and reasons but finding him to reject all manner of good counsel he bound his hands behind him carried him before a Magistrate accus'd him and requires he might be proceeded against as a delinquent against nature The Judges who would not discontent this incensed father nor hazard the life of this young man sent them both to the King which at that time was Artaxerxes The father went thither resolved to seek his sons death where pleading before the King with much fervour and forcible reasons Artaxerxes stood amaz'd at his courage But how can you my friend said he endure to see your son die before your face He being a
Gardiner by Trade As willingly said he as I would pull away leaves from a rank Lettuce and not hurt the root The King threatened the son with death if his carriage were not better and perceiving the old mans zeal to Justice of a Gardiner made him a Judge 2. Titus Manlius Torquatus had a son in great employments in the Empire flourishing in honor age and reputation who being accus'd by the Embassadours of Macedonia to have ill carried himself in their Province when he had it in charge this father with the Senates permission would himself be Judge in the sons cause heard the accusers two whole daies together confronted Witnesses gave his son full scope to defend himself and to produce all that he could for his justification In the end on the third day he pronounced Sentence thus It having sufficiently been proved to me that my son D. Silanus hath ill acquitted his charge and taken money from the allies of the Roman people contrary to the command of Laws and honesty I declare him from this time forward unworthy both of the Common-Wealth and my house The unfortunate son was so overwhelm'd with melancholy upon this Judgement given by his father that the next night he kill'd himself and the father esteeming him degenerate would not so much as honour his funerals with his presence 3. Artaxerxes King of Persia had fifty sons by his several Concubines one called Darius he had made King in his own life-time contrary to the custom of the Nation who having sollicited his father to give him Aspasia his beautiful Concubine and refused by him stirred up all the rest of his brothers to join with him in a conspiracy against the old King It was not carried so privately but that the design came to Artaxerxes his ear who was so incensed thereat that casting off all humanity as well as paternal affection not contented with Prisons or Exile he caus'd them all at once to be put to death by his own hand bringing desolation into his house but lately replenished by so numerous an off-spring 4. Epaminondas the Theban being General against the Lacedemonians it fell out that he was called to Thebes upon the election of Magigistrates at his departure he commits the care and government of the Army to his son Stâ—simbrotus with a severe charge that he should not â—ight till his return The Lacedemonians that they might allure him to a Battel reproach him with dishonour and cowar dize he impatient of these contumelies contrary to the commands of his father descends to the Battel wherein he obtained a signal Victory The Father returning to the Camp adorns the head of his son with a Crown of Triumph and afterwards commanded the Executioner to take it off from his shoulders as a violatour of Military Discipline 5. A. Manlius Torquatus in the Gallick War commanded his own son by a severe sentence to be put to death for ingaging with the enemy contrary to his orders though the Romans came off with the Victory 6. Constantius the second called Copronymus a great enemy to Images commanded them all to be thrown down contrary to the liking of his mother Irene who not only maintain'd them with violence but also caused them to be confirm'd by a Council held at Nice a City in Bithynia seeing that at Constantinople the people were resolute to withstand them Hence grew an execrable Tragedy in the Imperial Court Irene seeing her son resolved against her defence of Images was so very much transported that having caused him to be seized upon in his Chamber she ordered his eyes to be put out so that he dying with grief she also usurped the Empire 7. M. Scaurus the light and glory of his Country when at the River Athesis the Roman Horse were put to flight by the Cimbrians and leaving the Pro-consul Catulus fled in great terrour to the City sent his son word who was a partner in that dishonourable flight that he had rather have met the bones of him slain in Battel than to behold him with the marks of a degenerate cowardise upon him The son upon the receipt of this message fell upon his Sword and dy'd 8. A. Fulvius a person of the Senatorian Order had a son conspicuous amongst those of his age â—or wit learning and beauty but when he understood that prevailed upon with evil counsel he was gone with a purpose to join himself with the Army of Catiline he sent after him in the midst of his Journey fetch'd him back and caused him to be put to death having first angrily told him That he had not begotten him for Catiline against his Country but for his Country against Catiline He might have restrained him of his liberty till the fury of that Civil War was over-past but that would have made him the instance of a cautious whereas this is the example of a severe one 9. Titus and Valerius the two sons of L. Brutus after the expulsion of Tarquinius had conspir'd with others to restore him though by the death of the Consuls the Conspiracy being detected by Vindicius a servant they with the rest were brought before the Tribunal of the Consuls whereof Brutus their father was one and when they were accused and their own Letters produc'd against them Brutus calling both his sons by their names Well said he what answer make you to these crimes you are accused of when he had thrice asked them and they remained silent turning his face to the Lictours The rest is now said he to be performed by you they straight catch hold of the young men pull off their Gowns and binding their hands behind their backs scourged them with Rods. When others turned away their eyes as not able to endure that spectacle Brutus alone never turned away his head nor did any pity change the wonted austerity and severity of his countenance but looking frowningly upon his sons in the midst of their punishments he so remain'd till he had seen the Axe â—ever their heads from their shoulders as they lay stretched out upon the ground then leaving the rest to the doom of his Colleague he rose up and departed 10. King Herod after his enquiry about the time of the birth of the new King of the Jews which the Wise men of his Nation said was then born caused a number of innocent Infants in Bethlehem and the Coasts thereof to be slain and amongst the rest a young son of his own Augustus Caesar being certified of this at Rome said it was better to be Herod's Pigg than his son this he said in allusion to the custom of the Jews who killed no Hoggs as not being permitted to eat any Swines flesh 11. The Dukedom of Holsatia was heretofore divided amongst several Counts so many Rulers did occasion great pressures upon the subjects and especially one of these Counts called Adolph was more grievous than any of the rest Hardvicus therefore one of
himself a Subject to the King of Spain he was executed at Tyburn where being cut down half dead after his privy members were cut off he rushed on the Executioner and gave him a blow on the ear to the wonder of the by-standers 5. It is said of Crassus Grandfather to that Crassus who was slain in the Parthian War that he was never known to laugh all his life time and thereupon was called Agelastus or the man that never laught 6. Antonia the Wife of Drusus as it is well known never spit and Pomponius the Poet one that had sometimes been Consul never belched 7. It is memorable which is recorded of a King named Wazmund and was the Founder of Warwick Town that he had a Son named Offa tall of stature and of a good constitution of body but blind till he was seven years old and then saw and dumb till he was thirty years old and then spake 8. In the first year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth died Sir Thomas Cheney Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports of whom it is reported for a certain that his pulse did beat more than three quarters of an hour after he was dead as strongly as if he had been still alive 9. George Nevil fourth Son of Richard Nevil Earl of Salisbury was consecrated Bishop of Exeter when he was not as yet twenty years of age at twenty five he was made Lord Chancellor of England and discharged it to his great commendation his ability supplying the luck of age in him 10. When I was in Italy that Paradise of the World the outward skin of a Lady of Verona though lightly touched did manifestly sparkle with fire This spectacle so worthy of the research of the inquisitive and curious is faithfully exposed to the World by the publick Script of Petrus à Castro the learned Physician of Verona in his Book de Igne lambente whom I shall follow in the relation of this story The illustrious Lady Catherina Buri the Wife of the noble Io. Franciscus Rambaldus a Patritian of Verona of a middle age indifferent habit of body her universal temper hot and moist her liver hot and dry and so abounding with bilious and black blood with its innate fervour and an age fit for adustion increased by vehement grief This noble Lady the Creator endued with so stupendous a Dignity and Prerogative of Nature that as oft as her body was but lightly touched with linen sparks flew out plentifully from her limbs apparent to her domestick Servants as if they had been struck out of a flint accompanied also with a noise that was to be heard by all Oftentimes when she rubbed her hands upon the sleeve of her smock that contained the sparkles within it she observed a flame with a tailed ray running about as fired exhalations are wont to do insomuch that her Maids were oftentimes deluded supposing they had left fire in the bed after warming of it in Winter in which time also fire is most discernible This fire was not to be seen but in the dark or in the night nor did it burn without it self though combustible matter was applied to it nor lastly as other fire did it cease within a certain time but with the same manner of appearance of light it shewed it self after my departure out of Italy 11. I have read saith Rossâ— of one who had a horn grew upon his heel a foot long which being cut off grew again and would doubtless have still renewed if the tough and viscous matter had not been diverted and evacuated by Issues Purges and Phlebotomy 12. Fernelius saith he saw a Girl that lived in near neighbourhood to him the ligaments of whose joynts were so very loose that you might bend and turn any of them this or that way at your pleasure and that it was so with her from the time of her birth 13. Sir Iohn Mason born at Abington bred at All souls in Oxford died 1566. and lies buried in the Quire of St. Pauls I remember this Distick of his long Epitaph Tempore quinque suo regnantes ordine vidit Horum à Consiliis quatuor ille fuit He saw five Princes which the Scepter bore Of them was Privy Counsellor to four That is to Henry the Eighth Edward the Sixth Q. Mary and Q. Elizabeth 14. Thomas Bourchier successively Bishop of Worcester Ely and Archbishop of Canterbury and Cardinal by the Title of St. Cyriacus in the Baths being consecrated Bishop of Worcester An. 1435. the fourteenth of Henry the Sixth he died Archbishop of Canterbury 1486. the second of King Henry the Seventh whereby it appears that he wore a Miter full fifty one years a term not to be parallel'd in any other person he saw the Civil Wars of York begun and ended having the honour to marry King Henry the Seventh to the Daughter of King Edward the Fourth Nor is it the least of wonders that he lost not himself in the Laâ—yrinth of such intricate times 15. Sir Thomas Frowick was made Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in the eighteenth year of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh four years he sate in his place accounted the Oracle of the Law in his Age though one of the youngest men that ever enjoyed that Office He 〈◊〉 reported to have died floridâ juventute before full forty years old so that he was Chief Justice at thirty five he died 1506. Octob. 17. 16. That was great and excellent in Socrates that whatever fell out of joy or otherwise he returned with the same countenance he went forth with and was never seen to be more merry or melancholy than at other times in any alteration of times or affairs 17. In the Reign of King Iames in the year 1613. on the 26. of Iune in the Parish of Christ-Church in Hampshire one Iohn Hitchel a Carpenter lying in bed with a young child by him was himself and the child burnt to death with a sudden Lightning no fire appearing outwardly upon him and yet lay burning for the space of almost three days till he was quite consumed to ashes 18. Lucius Fulvius being Consul of the Tusculani who at that time rebelled he deserted them and was thereupon made Consul at Rome and so it fell out that in one and the same year in which he was an Enemy to Rome he triumphed at Rome and a Consul over those to whom he had been Consul 19. It is said of Charles Earl of Valois that he was the Son of a King Brother to a King Uncle to a King and Father to a King and yet no King himself 20. There was amongst the Magnesians one Protophanes who in one and the same day won the Prize in the Olympick Games both at Wrastling and other Games when he was dead certain Thieves opened his Sepulchre and went into it hoping to have found something to prey upon after which
somewhat black and that of his left was grey 9. Olo the Son of Syward King of Norway by the Sister of Harold King of the Danes had so truculent an Aspect that what others did with Weapons that did he with his Eye upon his Enemies frighting the most valiant amongst them with the brandishes of his Eye 10. Apollonides tells that in Scythia there are a sort of Women which are call'd Bythiae that these have two sights in each Eye and that with the Eye they kill as many as they look upon when they are throughly angry 11. Theodorus Beza as was observ'd in him by those of his Family had Eyes of such a brightness that in the night time when it was dark they sent out such a light as form'd an outward Circle of it about the rounds of his Eyes 12. Mamertinus in his Panegyrick Orations saith thus of Iulian the Emperour while he warr'd upon the Barbarians Old men saith he have seen the Emperour not without astonishment pass a long life under the weight of Arms they have beheld large and frequent sweats trickle from his gallant Neck and in the midst of that horror of dust which had loaded both his Hair and Beard they saw his Eyes shining with a Star-like light 13. The Soldiers of Aquileia by a private sally set upon Attila being at that time attended with a small company they knew not then that Attila was there but they afterwards confess'd that nothing was so great a terrour to them as those fiery sparkles that seemed to break from his Eyes when he look'd upon them in the fury of the sight 14. It may seem incredible that there should be found a Nation that are born with one Eye alone And yet St. Augustine seems not to doubt of it but saith That he himself did behold such persons I was now saith he Bishop of Hippo when accompanied with certain of the Servants of Christ I went as far as Aethiopia that I might preach the holy Gospel of Christ to that people and in the lower parts of Aethiopia we saw men that had but one Eye and that placed in the midst of their Foreheads 15. Iulio de Este bad such a peculiar sweetness and alluring force in his Eyes that Cardinal Hypolito de Este his own Brother caused them to be put out because he had observed that they had been overpleasing to his Mistress 16. Maximus the Sophist a great Magician and of whom it was that Iulian the Emperour learn'd Magick at Ephesus Of this man it is reported that the Apples of his Eyes were voluble and turning and the vigor and agility of his swift and ready wit did seem to shine out of his Eyes whether he was seen or heard both ways he strangely affected such as had conversation with him while they were neither able to bear the sparkling motion of his Eyes nor the course and torrrent of his Speech so that even amongst eloquent persons and such as were improv'd by long practice and experience there was not one found that did dare to oppose him when he had conference with any of them 17. Edward the First King of England is describ'd by Polydor Virgil to be a Prince of a beautiful countenance his Eyes were inclining to black which when he was inflamed with anger would appear of a reddish colour and sparks of fire seemed to fly out of them CHAP. XVII Of the Face and Visage and admirable Beauty plac'd therein both in Men and Women THe Ancieâ—ts were so great admirers of Beauty that whereas Gorgon had such a loveliness imprinted upon her Face that she ravish'd the Eyes of her Spectators with it and made them stand as men amazed and astonished They hereupon fain'd in their Fable that she convertted Men into Stone with the sight of her The barbarous Nations had also such veneration for it that they thought no Man capable of any extraordinary action unless his person was thus digniâ—ied by Nature And further the accidental meeting of a beautiful person was held as a special passage of some future good whereas the sight of one deformed was reputed a most unlucky Omen Thus Beauty hath found its favourers amongst all sorts of persons it hath done so too in all places not excepting such as are the very Theatre of Blood and Death For 1. Parthenopaeus one of the seven Princes of the Argives was so exceeding beautiful that when he was in Battel if his Helmet was up no man would offer to hurt him or to strike at him 2. Tenidates the Eunuch was the most beautiful of all the Youth in Asia when Artaxerxes King of Persia heard that he was dead he commanded by his Edict that all Asia should mourn for him and he himself was difficultly comforted for his death 3. Antinous of Claudiopolis in Bythinia was a young Man exâ—eedingly dâ—ar to Adrian the Emperour for the perfection of his Beauty so that when he was dead the Emperour in honour of him built a Temple at Mantinea and another at Ierusalem he also built a City near the River Nilus and call'd it by his name he caus'd his Coyn too to be stamp'd with his Essigies 4. Alcibiades the Athenian was a person of incomparable Beauty and which is remarkable the loveliness of his form continued constant to him both in his Youth Manhood and Age It seldom falls out that the Autumn of a Man should remain â—lourishing as his Spring a thing which was peculiar to him with few others through the excellent temper of his constitution 5. Xerxes Army which he lead to Thermopylae against the Grecians is computed by Herodotus to amount to the number of five hundred twenty eight Myriad three thousand and twenty eight fighting men amongst all which almost incredible number of Mortals there was none found who could compare with Xerxes himself for extraordinary handsomeness in person or elevated Stature of Body nor any who in respect of Majestick port and meen seemed more worthy of that command than he 6. Dometrius Poliorcetes Son of Antigonus King of Asia was tall of Stature and of that excellent and wonderful Beauty in his Face that no Painter or Sratuary was able to express the singugar Graces of it there was Beauty and Gravity Terror And amiableness so intermingled a young and fierce Aspect was so happily confounded with an almost invincible heroick and kingly Majesty that he was the admiration of all strangers and was followed wheresoever he went on purpose to behold 7. Maximinus the younger was a most beautiful Prince In the Letter of Maximinus the Father to the Senate concerning him is thus written I have suffered my Son Maximinus to be saluted Emperour as in respect of the natural affection I bear him So also that the people of Rome and the Honourable Senate may swear they never had a more beautiful Emperour His Face had such Beauty in it that when it
was black and discolour'd with Death and slow'd with corrupt flesh yet even then there was a loveliness upon it To conclude when the Head of the Father being fastned to a Spear was carry'd about and there was a mighty rejoycing at the sight there was almost an equal sorrow at the beholding of that of the Son when it was born about in like manner 8. Conradus Son to the Emperour Frederick the Second King of Sicily and Naples was so beautiful that he was commonly call'd Absolon but of a slothful disposition and very degenerate from the Virtue of his Father 9. Frederick Duke of Austria in respect of the elegancy of his form had the sirname of the Beautiful he was made Prisoner in Battle by Lewis of Bavaria and detained for some time in safe custody being afterwards set at liberty he returned to Vienna with his Beard horridly overgrown and with a squallid Aspect who in time past excell'd all the Princes of his age in the Beauty of his Face and Lineaments of his Body 10 Maximilianus the first Emperour of that name was of a just stature a person in whom shin'd the Imperial Majesty there was no stranger but who knew him to be the Emperour amongst thirty great Princes though he had never seen him before something there was in his countenance so great and so august that serv'd to distinguish him from others 11. Spurina a young Man of Hetruria was of exquisite beauty by this means he allured the eyes of very many Illustrious Ladies though without design of his own at length finding he was suspected by their Parents and Husbands he destroy'd all the beauties of his Face by the wounds he made in it chusing rather that his deformity should be the evidence of his innocence than that any comeliness of his should incite others to unchastity 12. Abdalmuralis an Arabian the Grandfather of Mahomet so excelled in the beauty and lineaments of his face and body that all sorts of Women who beheld him fell in love with him 13. King Richard the Second was the goodliest Personage of all the Kings of England that had been since the Conquest tall of stature of straight and strong Limbs fair and amiable of Countenance and such a one as might well be the Son of a most beautiful Mother 14. Owen Tudor an Esquire of Wales after the death of Henry the Fifth married Katherine his Widow the meanness of his Estate was recompenced with the delicacy of his Personage so absolute in all the lineaments of his body that the only contemplation of it might well make the Queen forget all other circumstances 15. King Edward the Fourth saith Comines was the goodliest Personage that ever mine eyes beheld exceeding tall of stature fair of complexion and of most Princely presence When in the 14. year of his Reign a benevolence was devised towards his Wars in France amongst others a rich Widow was call'd before him whom he merrily ask'd what she would willingly give him towards his great charges By my troth quoth she for thy lovely countenance thou shalt have even twenty pounds The King looking for scarce half that sum thank'd her and lovingly kissed her which so wrought with the old Widow that she presently swore he should have twenty pounds more and paid it willingly 16. Tigranas was left by Xerxes with sixty thousand Men for the defence of Ionia and was the most commendable Person for beauty and stature of all that multitude of Persians 17. Ephestion was preferred by Alexander above all the rest of his Commanders he was of that noble Presence that when the King and he first entred the Tent of the Captive Princesses of Persia he was by them adored instead of Alexander himself 18. Queen Suavilda is said to be of that excelling beauty that when she was bound with thongs and laid on purpose to be trodden in pieces under the feet of Horses the delicacy of her Limbs was such that the Horses feared to tread upon her nor could be induced to hurt her 19. Anatis the Wife of Bagazus and Sister to Xerxes by the same Father was the most beautiful and also the most intemperate of all the Women of Asia 20. Zenobia Queen of the Palmyrenians was of singular beauty her eyes black and sparkling with an extraordinary vigour her voice clear and she had Teeth of that whiteness that divers suspected she had placed something else in their stead 21. Cleopatra was the most beautiful of all the Women in Aegypt and that beauty set off with such an eloquence and peculiar grace in speaking that the great heart of Iulius Caesar was subjected by her after he had subdued Pompey And after both were dead when Augustus and Anthony had shared the Roman Empire betwixt them she had charms enough left to engage the latter so firmly in her service that his loves were the only cause that he lost his Kingdoms his Honour and his Life 22. Aspasia the Daughter of Hermotimus the Phocensian surpass'd all the Virgins of her Age in the elegancy of her form Aelian describes her thus her Hair was yellow and had a natural curle her Eyes large and full her Ears small and her Nose a gentle rise in the middle her Skin was smooth and her countenance of a Rose colour for which cause the Phocenses while she was yet a Girl gave her the Name of Milâ—o Her Lips were red and her Teeth white as snow her Foot was small and her Voice had in it something so smooth and sweet that while she spake it was like the musick of the Syrens She used no Feminine Arts to render her beauties more advantageous as being born and brought up by poor Parents she was as chast as lovely so that allured by both Cyrus the younger King of Persia made her his Wife and after him she was married to Artaxerxes 23. Agarista the Daughter of Clisthenes the Sicyonian Tyrant was so beautiful that to obtain her as a Bride there were instituted several solemnities wherein all sorts of Masteries were to be try'd amongst her Suitors that so he who was adjudg'd the most worthy Person might carry her away and to this kind of trial the most Illustrious youths in Greece submitted themselves 24. Timosa the Concubine of Oxgartes is said to have excelled all other Women in respect of her incomparable beauties and for that reason was sent by the King of Aegypt as a present to Statira Wife to the great King of Persia. 25. In the Feast of Ceres Eleusina near the River Alpheus there is a contest about beauty in which it is said the Women of Tenedos used to excel and to bear away the prize in this kind from all the rest of the Women of Asia some admire most the Hypepae and Homer will have the most beautiful Women to be in Hellas 26. Iane Shore Concubine to King Edward the Fourth
do 12. In the Person of the great Sfortia all other things did so answer to that military reputation and glory he did acquir'd that being oftentimes in the same habit with many of his Attendants and at other times alone without any retinue yet was he easily discern'd and saluted as the chief and Prince of the rest by the Countrey-men and such Rusticks as had never before seen him 13. Alexander the Great though he took little care of his body is yet reported to be very beautiful he is said to have yellow haâ—r and his locks fell into natural Rings and curles besides which in the composure of his Face there was something so great and august as begat a fear in them that look'd upon him 14. Caius Marius being cast into the depth and extremity of misery and in great hazard of his life was saved by the Majesty of his Person for while he liv'd in a private house at Minturn there was a publick Officer a Cimbrian by Nation that was sent to be his Executioner he came to this unarmed and at that time squallid old Man with his Sword drawn but astonish'd at the noble presence of so great a Man he cast away his Sword and ran away trembling and amazed Marius had conquer'd the Cimbrian Nation and perhaps it was this that help'd to break the courage of him that came to kill him or possibly the gods thought it unworthy that he should fall by a single person of that Nation who had broke and triumphed over the whole strength of it at once The Minturnians also themselves when they had taken and bound him yet moved with something they saw of extraordinary in him suffered him to go at liberty though the late Victory of Sylla was enough to make them fear they should e're long repent it 15. Ludovicus Pius King of France had many virtues worthy of a King and Heroe This is also remembred of him that upon the taking of Damiata he was circumvented and taken by Melaxala the Sultan of Aegypt when unequal terms were proposed unto him he refused them with great constancy and although he was in great danger amongst such as had slain their own Sultan and though while he lay sick they rush'd upon him with their drawn Swords either to kill him or force him to subscribe to unequal conditions yet with the Majesty of his Face and that Dignity that was in his countenance he restrained their fierceness so that they desisted to afford him further trouble 16. Alphonsus King of Arragon is famous for the like Majesty and Princely constancy of whom after in a Naval fight he was taken Prisoner by the Genoans Panulphus Collenutius thus relates that he bare such a countenance was of that Majesty and constancy that as well by Sea as Land at Millain and in all other places he commanded and was obeyed in no other manner than if he had been free and a Conquerour For to omit other things when he was brought before Ischia and the Captain of the Ship wherein he was spake to him that he should command that City to submit it self to the Genoeses he gallantly reply'd that he would not do it and that he hoped they should not gain a stone of his jurisdiction without Arms and blood for he well knew that none of his Subjects would obey any such command while he remained a Captive he so confounded the Captain that Blasius the Admiral was constrained to appease him with fair words and to declare that the Captain had not spoken this by any order from him but that it was the effect of his own imprudence So that it was commonly said that Alphonsus alone in whatsoever fortune he was was deservedly a King and ought so to be called 17. Philippus Arabs having obtained the Empire in his Journey towards Rome made his Son C. Iulius Saturnius co-partner with him in that honour Of this young Prince it is said that he was of so severe and grave a countenance and disposition that from five years of Age he was never observed to laugh and thereupon was call'd Agelastus nothing how ridiculous soever could provoke him to a smile and when the Emperour in the secular Plays brake out into an effuse laughter he as one that was ashamed or displeased thereat turned away his face from him 18. Cassander having made Olympias the Mother of Alexander the Great his Prisoner and fearing the inconstancy of the Macedonians that they would one time or other create him some trouble in favour of her sent Soldiers with express command to kill her immediately She seeing them come towards her obstinate and armed in a Royal Robe and leaning upon two Maids of her own accord she set forward to meet them At sight of her her intended Murtherers stood astonish'd revering the Majesty of her former fortune and the names of many of their Kings that were so nearly related to her They therefore stood still but the Kindred of those whom Olympias had formerly put to death that at once they might gratifie Cassander and revenge the dead these slew the Queen while she neither declin'd the Sword nor wounds nor made any feminine out-cry but after the manner of gallant Men and agreeable to the glory of her ancient stock receiv'd her death That Alexander himself might seem to be seen to die in the person of his Mother 19. When Alexander the Great was dead his Soldiers were in expectation of Riches and his Friends to succeed him in the Empire and they might seem the less vain in such expectation seeing they were Men of that virtue and Princely port that you would have thought each of them a King such Majesty and beauty in the countenance such stature and talness of body so great strength and wisdom was conspicuous in all of them that they who knew them not would have concluded they had been chosen not out of any one Nation but out of all the parts of the World And certainly before that time neither Macedon nor any other Nation could ever boast of the production of so many gallant and Illustrious persons at once whom Philip first and after him his Son Alexander had selected with that care that they seemed to be made choice of not so much to assist in the Wars as to succeed in the Government What wonder is it then that the whole World was subdued by such able Ministers when the Army of the Macedonians was conducted by as many Kings as Captains who had never found their equals unless they had fallen out amongst themselves and Macedon instead of one had had many Alexanders unless Fortune in emulation of one another's virtue had armed them to their mutual destruction 20. Guntherus Bishop of Babenberg died in the year of our Lord 1064. in his journey as he was travelling towards Ierusalem and the Holy Land This Prince besides the composedness of his Life and the riches of his mind was also
his presence Young man said he was your Mother ever at Rome he discerning whither the Question tended No Sir said he my Mother never was but my Father hath often wittily illuding the intended suspicion of his own Mother and begetting a new concerning that of Augustus 23. Pompey the Great carry'd such a resemblance in his Visage to the Statues of Alexander the Great that some called him Alexander and Pompey himself seem'd not against it So that Lucius Philippus a consular person one time pleading for him said that he did nothing absurd in that action for seeing he was Philip it was no wonder if he was a lover of Alexander 24. Hybreas the Mylasenian an Orator of a copâ—ous and quick Eloquence was so like unto a servant that gather'd up what was scatter'd in the Theatre that the Eyes of all Asia design'd him for his natural Brother although he was not in the least of kin to him 25. Amatus Lusitanus tells of two Monks of the order of the Predicators who though they were not of the same Country yet were most like one to the other in age temperature and physiognomy these two were in one and the same day seis'd with a Pleurisie and both on the same day restored to their health 26. Polystratus and Hippoclides were both Philosophers they were both born upon the same day both followed the Sect of their Master Epicurus and as they were both School-fellows so they equally participated of one and the same Estate being both arriv'd to a very great age they both dy'd in one and the same instant of time Such an equal society both in fortune and friendship who can think otherwise but that it was begot nourish'd and finish'd in the very bosom of a Heavenly Concord 27. Iohn Maudelen a Priest was Chaplain to King Richard the Second and so exceeding like him in all proportion and favour that the one could not without difficulty be discerned from the other Many a time saith one have I seen him in Ireland ride with the King his Master so fair a Priest and goodly a person I had not lightly seen When the Dukes of Excester and Surrey conspired against Henry the Fourth they made use of this man and his likeness to the King they perswaded the people that the King was escaped out of Pomfret Castle and was now amongst them and to make them believe it the better they put the Priest in Armour with a Crown upon his Helmet so as all men might take him for King Richard This cost the poor Priest dear for soon after he was executed for Treason at London by command of King Henry 28. I have heard a Gentleman yet living say that his Mother knew not his Brother from him but by the treading of their Shoes that when they were Scholars both of them were ordinarily whipt for the offence of one and that being bound Apprentices to two Merchants in London they would ordinarily wait in one anothers rooms undiscovered by their Masters or any other of the Family 29. Cambyses King of Persia dream'd that his Brother Smerdis sate upon the Throne as King of Persia troubled at this he made choice of Comaris one of the Magi from amongst the rest of his friends and sent him away with orders to kill his Brother Cambyses in the mean time by a fall upon his Sword receiv'd his death in Egypt-Comaris understanding the Kings death before the fame of it was arrived to Persia executed his former order and had privily made away Smerdis the Kings Brother which done he set his Brother Oropastes by some also called Smerdis upon the Throne instead of Smerdis Two things there were which served well to help forward his design one was that amongst the Persians the King is but very seldom seen and the contrary is thought a diminution to his Majesty A second thing that preserved the fraud from being detected was that Smerdis the Kings Brother and this Counterfeit Oropastes were so extremely like both in the features of their Face and the lineaments of their Bodies that by these means and the diligence of the Magi he held the Kingdom till such time as by the industry of a Nobleman called Orthanes the whole plot was revealed and the design overthrown CHAP. XXI Of the Heart and in what manner it hath been found in some Bodies SUch as are skilful in the way of Natures production and generation do assure us that of the Embryo in the Womb the first part that is formed is the Heart which saith Galen is the first root of all the entrails and members of the Body and the very fountain of Life and of all innate and vital heat It is say the Peripateticks in a Humane Body as the first intelligence is in the World and as a kind of Monarch in the little World The substance of it is therefore more solid and compact both that it may be the less obnoxious to receive damage or harm as also the better to preserve the vital heat and spirit which would soon breath out and vanish away from it were it of greater rarity and softness What curiosities have been found in this little Cabinet upon the death of its owner together With other not unpleasant observations about it takes as followeth 1. Richard London of London a person learn'd in the Greek and Latin Tongues and an assistant Physician in our Hospital of the holy Ghost hath set down in Latin the Epitome of a History written originally in English by Edward May in this manner Anno 1637. Octob. 7. in London at the opening of the Body of Iohn Peâ—nâ—nt his Heart was found globular more broad than long the right Ventricle of it was of an ashy colour wrinkled and like a leathern Purse without Money we found nothing in it and the Water of the pericardium was perfectly dry'd up The left Ventricle of his heart was three times bigger than the right and seem'd as hard as a stone upon incision the blood gush'd out and in it was found a fleshy substance wrapt in various folds like a Serpent the body of it was white as the skin of a man but slippery transparent and as it was painted over it had Legs or Arms of a fleshy colour Fibers or Nerves call them as you please were found in it the body of it were hollow but otherwise solid in length a Roman Palm of the lesser sort it had a Gut Vein Artery or somewhat Analogous subservient to the uses of Nature found in it 2. There was a man who at several times was exceedingly troubled with fainting fits and a strange palpitation of the Heart at last overcome with his Malady he sudden dy'd at the opening of his body there was found sticking to the right Ventricle of his Heart a Worm it was dead the colour of it black and in shape like to those Worms that are bred in Wood. 2. There was a bold Thief who
him not that he might not die but that he might not die that unheard of and cruel death Caesar astonish'd at the form of this unusual cruelty commanded forthwith that the boy should be dismissed his service and be at liberty all the Glasses of that curious workmanship to be broken in his presence and the Fish-pond to be filled up For said he I will take from Pollio all future occasion of falling into such precipitant eversions of the mind or of destroying his servant hereafter in so cruel a manner who how base of birth soever yet being a man is of more value than all the Glasses and Vessels of the world 17. Lysimachus being displeased with his Friend Telesphorus the Rhodian caused his ears and nose to be cut off and then having enclosed him in a Cage he fed him there as a strange and unusual creature his maimed face having made him lose all humane resemblance hunger and filth which his body had contracted being there left in its own dung his exulcerated sides by reason of the straitness of his inclosure these made him appear a foul and frightful spectacle to all that look'd upon him and being thus made a monster by his punishment he was also depriv'd of all pity 18. Attilius Regulus being prisoner at Carthage was by them shut up into a Dungeon whereinto not so much as a glimpse of light entred a long time after he was hastily brought into the Forum or Market place and laid right against the Beams of the scorching Sun his eye-lids both the upper and the nether being turn'd and tied so fast that he could not close them but held his eyes staring against the Sun The tormenters keeping him in that case and never suffering him to sleep till he had ended his days in that miserable torture The news of his death being brought to Rome the Gentlemen of Carthage that were prisoners there were by the commandment of the Senate delivered into the hands of the Sons of Regulus who shut them into a press set all over with long and sharp pointed nails where they were never suffered to sleep but standing and watching were forc'd to recompense the loss of his life with that of their own 19. An Irish Friar of the order of the Carmelites in the Reign of King Richard the Second charged the Duke of Lancaster with heynous crimes as that he intended to destroy the King and usurp the Crown shewing the time the place and other circumstances of the whole plot but the Duke call'd to his answer so clear'd himself at least gave such colours of clearing that the accuser was committed to the custody of Iohn Holland the King 's half Brother till a day appointed for further trial The night before which day the said Lord Holland and Sir Henry Green are said to have come to this Friar and putting a cord about his neck tied the other end about his privy members and after hanging him up from the ground laid a stone upon his Belly with the weight whereof his back bone burst asunder therâ—by putting him to a most tormenting death An act not more inhumane than unadvised for though it took away the accuser yet it made the accusation more suspicious 20. Bâ—ssus was the Prefect of Bactria under Darius King of Persia who when his Master had fought three Battels unfortunately with Alexander finding him in his flight bound him and having mortally wounded him left him to the mercy of his enemy then in pursuit The Traytor afterwards fell into the hands of Alexander who to make him an example to late posterity caused the tops of two trees growing over against each other to be bent down together with a mighty force and his limbs to be tied fast to them both which done the trees upon the sudden were left at liberty and thus the body of the miserable wretch upon their parting was rent in sunder this kind of punishment the Greeks call Disphondonem 21. Francis Ravillac born in Angoulesme by profession a Lawyer was that infamous Villain who stabbed to the heart the most illustrious Henry the Fourth King of France for which he was put upon the Rack the twenty fifth of May and had sentence of death passed upon him the twenty seventh day and his execution according to it which was on this manner He was brought out of prison in his shirt with a torch of two pound weight lighted in one hand and the knife wherewith he had murdered the King chain'd to the other and then he was set upright in a Tumbrel or Dungcart in this mâ—nner he was carried to the Greve where there was a strong Scaffold built At his coming up to the Scaffold he crossed himself a sign that he died a Papist then he was bound unto an Engine of Wood made like unto S. Andrew's Cross which done his hand with the knife chain'd unto it was put into a Furnace then flaming with fire and brimstone wherein it was in a most terrible manner consumed at which he cast forth horrible cries like one tormented in Hell yet would he not confess any thing After which the Executioners having made pincers red hot in the same Furnace they did pinch his paps the brawns of his Arms and Thighs the calves of his Legs with other fleshy parts of his body pulling out collops of flesh and burning them before his face then they poured into those wounds scalding Oyl Rosin Pitch and Brimstone molten together after which they did set a hard roundel of clay upon his Navel having a hole in the midst into which they poured molten lead he roared out most horribly yet he revealed nothing But to make the last act of his Tragedy equal in torments to the rest they caused four strong Horses to be brought to tear his body in pieces where being ready to suffer his last torment he was again questioned but would not reveal any thing and so died without speaking one word of God But his Flesh and Joynts were so strongly knit together as those four Horses could not in a long time dismember him but one of them fainting a Gentleman who was present mounted upon a mighty strong Horse alighted and tied him to one of this Wretches members yet for all this they were constrain'd to cut the flesh under his arms and thighs with a sharp Razour by which means his body was the easier torn in pieces which done the fury of the people was so great that they pulled his dismembered carcase out of the Executioners hands which they dragged up and down through the dirt and cutting off the flesh with their knives the bones which remain'd were brought to the place of execution and there burnt the ashes were scattered in the wind being held unworthy of earths burial By the same sentence all his Goods were declared forfeit to the King It was also ordain'd that the House where he had been born should be beaten down a recompense given to the
Throat that it occasioned his death 17. Pope Adrian the Fourth being at Anagnia thundring out excommunication and curses against the Emperour Frederick the First retired to a Fountain for coolness sake out of which he drank a little water together with which a Flie entred his Mouth and so clave unto his Throat that it could not be removed by any endeavours of the Physicians so that to the amazement of all men he perished thereby 18. Tarquinius Priscus while he was at Dinner feeding upon Fish one of the Fish-bones stuck so unfortunately cross his Throat that not being to be remov'd he miserably dyed thereby on the same night 19. Drusus Pompeius the Son of Claudius Caesar by Herculanilla to whom the Daughter of Sejanus had a few days before been assured being a Boy and playing he cast up a Pear on high to receive it again into his mouth but it fell so full and descended so far into his Throat that stoping his breath he was presently suffocated by it before any help could be had 20. Terpander was an excellent Harper and while he was singing to his Harp at Sparta and opened his mouth wide an unhappy waggish person that stood by threw a Fig into his Mouth so unluckily that he was strangled by it 21. Lewis the Seventh sirnamed the Grosse King of France would needs have his Eldest Son Philip crowned King in his life time which Philip soon after riding in the Suburbs of Paris his Horse frighâ—ed at the sight of a Sow threw him out of his Saddle so unhappily that he dy'd within few hours after 22. We have seen saith Valleriola how Ludovicus Vives a Senator at Mompelier receiving but a slight and small hurt in the palm of his hand such as did scarce reach throw the skin to the flesh yet thereby fell into a sudden convulsion and dyed the seventh day after he had received the hurt 23. We have observ'd Iohannes Baptista an Argentine to dye at Padua of a hurt receiv'd in his little Finger saith Horatius Augenius 24. Marcus Sobiratius of Avignion a virtuous young man and of great hopes having a slighter hurt upon the heel than to suspect any misfortune from thence did yet dye of it upon the seventeenth day after he had receiv'd it 25. Discord arising about a year since in December betwixt the Students and the Servants of the Noblemen in Copenhagen Nicholas Andreas a Student in Divinity though innocent entring in at the Regent Gate receiv'd a hurt upon three of his Fingers a Surgeon took care of him and dexterously bound up his wounds but the day following a convulsion took him which every day encreasing was upon the eleventh day the death of that learned and well disposed young man 26. I saw a Woman who playing with a Boy it so fell out that he thrust a Needle into her Knee she neglected so slight a wound but being seis'd with a convulsion she dyed upon the third day after 27. Frederick the first Emperour of the Germans bathing himself in Cydnus a River of Cilicia of a violent course the swiftness of the stream tripp'd up his heels and he not able to recover himself was suddenly drown'd 28. Gerard Archbishop of York in the Reign of Henry the First a man though learned yet of many ill parts sleeping one day in his Garden after Dinner never awak'd again but was 〈◊〉 found dead 29. Pope Clement the Seventh was poyson'd by the smell of an empoysoned Torch that was born before him for having receiv'd of the smoak of it into his body he was kill'd by it Kornman de mirac mortuor lib. 6. cap. 28. p. 12. 30. Anno Dom. 830. Popiel the second of King Polonia careless of matters of State gave over himself to all manner of dissoluteness so that his Lords despised him and call'd him the Polonian Sardanapalus He feared therefore that they would set up one of his Kinsmen in his stead so that by the advice of his Wife whom he ragingly lov'd he feign'd himself sick and sent for all his Uncles Princes of Pomerania being twenty in number to come and see him whom lying in his bed he instantly pray'd that if he chanc'd to dye they would make choice of one of his Sons to be King which they willingly promised in case the Lords of the Kingdom would consent thereto The Queen enticed them all one by one to drink a health to the King as soon as they had done they took their leave But they were scarce got out of the Kings Camber before they were seis'd with intolerable pains and the corrosions of that poyson wherewith the Queen had intermingled their draughts and in a short time they all dyed The Queen gave it out as a judgemâ—nt of God upon them as having conspired the death of the King and prosecuting this accusation caused their bodies to be taken out of their graves and cast into the Lake Goplo But by a miraculous transformation an inuumerable number of Rats and Mice did rush out of those bodies which gathering together in crowds went and assaulted the King as he was with great jolity feasting in his Palace The Guards endeavoured to drive them away with weapons and flames but all in vain The King perplex'd with this extraordinary danger sled with his Wife and Children into a Fortress that is yet to be seen in that Lake of Goplo over against a City call'd Crusphitz whither he was pursued with such a number of these creatures that the Land and the Waters were covered with them and they cry'd and hiss'd most fearfully they entred in at the Windows of the Fortress having scaled the Walls and there they devoured the King his Wife and Children alive and left nothing of them remaining by which means all the race of the Polonian Princes was utterly extinguished and Pyast a Husbandman at the last was elected to succeed 31. Anno Dom. 968. Hatto the second Duke of Francoria sirnamed Bonosus Abbot of Fulden was chosen Archbishop of Mentz In his time was a grievous dearth and the poor being ready to starve for want of Food he caused great companies of them to be gathered and put into Barns as if there they should receive Corn and other relief But he caused the Barns to be set on fire and the poor to be consumed therein saying withal That they were the Rats that did eat up the Fruits of the Land But not long after an Army of Rats gathered themselves together no man can tell from whence and set upon him so furiously that into what place soever he retired himself they would come and fall upon him If he climb'd on high into Chambers they would ascend the wall and enter at the windows and other small chinks and crevises the more men attempted to do them away the more furious they seem'd and the more to encrease in their number The wretched Prelate seeing he could find
in Miletum to Diana he sent his Wife and Daughter Pieria to obtain leave that he might be present at it Now of all the Sons of Nelcus â—hrygius was the most most powerful he being enflamed with the love of Pieria thought of nothing more than doing something that would be acceptable to her and when she had said nothing could be more grateful to her than to procure her liberty of coming oâ—ten to Miletum in the company of many Virgins he understood by that speech that peace was desired and friendship sought with the Milesians he therefore concluded the war and thence was it that the names of these two Lovers were so dear to both people 5. Eginaraus was Secretary of State to Charlemaign and having placed his affections much higher than his condition admitted made love to one of his Daughters who seeing this man of a brave spirit and a Grace suitable thought not him too low for her whom merit had so eminently raised above his birth she affected him and gave him too free access to her person so far as to suffer him to have recourse unto her to laugh and sport in her Chamber on Evenings which ought to have been kept as a Sanctuary where Reliques are preserved It happened on a Winters night Eginardus ever hastening his approaches and being negligent in his returns had somewhat too much slackened his departure in the mean time a Snow had fallen which troubled them both when he thought to go out he feared to be known by his feet and the Lady was unwilling that such prints of steps should be found at her door They being much perplexed Love which taketh the Diadem of Majesty from Queens made her do an act for a Lover very unusual for the Daughter of one of the greatest men upon earth she took the Gentleman upon her Shoulders and carried him all the length of the Court to his Chamber he never setting foot to the ground that so the next day no impression might be seen of his footing It fell out that Charlemain watched at his Study this night and hearing a noise opened the window and perceived this pretty prank at which he could not tell whether he were best to be angry or to laugh The next day in a great Assembly of Lords and in the presence of his Daughter and Eginardus he asked what punishment that servant might seeem worthy of who made use of a King's Daughter as of a Mule and caused himself to be carried on her Shoulders in the midst of Winter through Night Snow and all the sharpness of the Seasons every one gave his opinion and not one but condemn'd that insolent man to death The Princess and Secretary changed colour thinking nothing remain'd for them but to be fleyed alive But the Emperour looking on his Secretary with a smooth brow said Eginardus hadst thou loved the Princess my Daughter thou oughtest to have come to her Father the disposer of her liberty thou art worthy of death and I give thee two lives at this present take thy fair Portress in marriage fear God and love one another These Lovers thought they were in an instant drawn out of the depth of Hell to ascend to Heaven 6. There was amongst the Grecians a company of Soldiers consisting of three hundred that was called the holy Band erected by Gorgidas and chosen out of such as heartily loved one another whereby it came to pass that they could never be broken or overcome for their love and hearty affection would not suffer them to forsake one another what danger soever came But at the Battel of Cheronaea they were all slain after the Fight King Philip taking view of the dead bodies staid in that place where all these three hundred men lay slain thrust through with Pikes on their Breasts whereat he much wondred and being told that it was the Lovers Band he fell a weeping saying Wo be to them that think these men did or suffered any evil or dishonest thing 7. Under the seventh Persecution Theodora a Christian Virgin was condemned to the Stewes where her chastity was to be a prey to all comers the sentence being executed and she carried thither divers wanton young men were ready to press into the House but one of her Lovers called Didymus putting on a Soldiers habit said he would have the first turn and ranted so high that the other gave him way He went in to her perswaded her to change Garments with him and so she in the Soldiers habit escaped Didymus being found a man was carried before the President to whom he confessed the whole matter and so was condemned Theodora hearing of it thinking to excuse him came and presented her self as the guilty party desiring that she might die and the other be excused but the merciless Judge caused them both to be put to death 8. Gobrias a Captain when he had espyed Rodanthe a fair Captive Maid he fell upon his knees before Mystilus the General with tears vows and all the Rhetorick he could by the scars he had formerly received the good services he had done or whatsoever else was dear unto him he besought his General that he might have the fair prisoner to his Wife Virtutis suae spolium as a reward of his Valour moreover he would forgive to him all his Arrears I ask said he no part of the Booty no other thing but Rodanthe to be my Wife and when he could not compass her by fair means he fell to treachery force and villany and at last set his life at stake to accomplish his desire CHAP. IX Of the extreme Hatred in some persons towards others AS amongst the kinds of living creatures there are certain enmities and dissentions whereof there is no apparent reason to be given As of that betwixt the Spider and the Serpent the Ant and Wesel the Trochilus and Eagle and the like so amongst men implacable hatreds are conceived many times upon undiscernible more upon unjustifiable grounds 1. Calvin was so odious to the Papists that they would not name him Hence in their Spanish expurgatory Index p. 204. they give this direction Let the name of Calvin be suppress'd and instead of it put Studiosus quidam And one of their Proselytes went from Mentz to Rome to change his Christian name of Calvinus into the adopted one of Baronius 2. A deadly Hatred it was which Hannibal bare to the Romans and a private and hereditary desire that carried him violently against them For his Father Amilcar at a Sacrifice he made a little before his journey into Spain had solemnly bound him by oath to pursue them with an immortal hatred and as soon as he should be grown up to be a man to work them all the mischief he was able Hannibal was thâ—n about nine years of age when his Father caused him to lay his hand upon the Altar and to make this oath so that it was no marvel if the
impression was strong in him 3. The people of Rome when they saw that Appius Claudius the younger was chosen Consul by the Senate with Titus Quintus Capitolinus mov'd with that huge hatred they had ever born to the Appian Family and withal angry they departed out of the place of Assembly that they might not behold any of that Family to ascend unto honour 4. Who can declare sufficiently the mighty hatred which Pope Bonifacâ— the Eighth bare towards the Gibelline Faction It is the custom that upon Ashwednesday the Pope sprinkles some Ashes upon the heads of the chief Prelates in the Church and at the doing of it to use this saying Remember thou art Ashes and that into Ashes thou shalt return when therefore the fore-mentioned Pope came to perform this to Porchetus Spinola Archbishop of Genoa and suspected him to be a favourer of the Gibâ—llines he cast the Ashes not on his head but into his eyes perversly changing the usual form of words into these Remember thou art a Gibelline and that with the Gibellines thou shalt return to Ashes 5. When Sigismund Marquess of Brandenburgh had obtained the Kingdom of Hungary in right of his Wife it then appeared what a mortal hatred there was betwixt the Hungarians and Bohemians for when Sigismund commanded Stephanus Konth and with him twenty more Hungarian Knights to be taken and brought before him in Chains as persons that had declined the obedience they owed him not one of all these would name or honour him in the least as their King and before either they or their servants would change their minds they were desirous to lose their heads Amongst the servants was Chiotza the Page of Stephanus who sadly bewailed the death of his Master and whereas by reason of his tender age the King made him divers promises and to comfort him told him that he would make him as a servant about his own person Chiotza with a troubled countenance and in terms that testified at once both anger and hatred replyed that he would never subject himself to the service of a Bohemian Swine and in this obstinacy of mind he died 6. Cato the Censor bare such a hatred to the Female Sex that it was his common saying that if the world was without women the conversation of men would not be exempt from the company of the Gods 7. Melanion was a person of the same mind who in a perfect hatred to them all at once betook himself to solitude attended upon with his Dog only he followed the chase of wild Beasts over Mountains and through Woods nor could ever be perswaded to return home so long as he lived so that he gave occasion to the Proverb Chaster than Melanion 8. Hyppolitus was also of the same complexion as he expresses himself in Euripides and Seneca if you will have a taste of his language that in Seneca sounds to this purpose I hate flie curse detest them all Call 't Reason Nature Madness as you please In a true hatred of them there 's some ease First shall the water kindly dwell with fire Dread Syrtis be the Mariners desire Out of the West shall be the break of day And rabid Wolves with tender Lambkins play Before a woman gain my conquered mind To quit this hatred and to grow more kind 9. Timon the Athenian had the sirname of Man-hater he was once very rich but through his liberality and over-great bounty was reduced to extreme poverty in which condition he had large experience of the malice and ingratitude of such as he had formerly been helpful to he therefore fell into a vehement hatred of all mankind was glad of their misfortunes and promoted the ruine of all men as far as he might with his own safety When the people in honour of Alcibindes attended on him home as they us'd when he had obtain'd a cause Timon would not as he was wont to others turn aside out of the way but meet him on purpose and say Go on my Son and prosper for thou shalt one day plague all these with some signal calamity He built him a House in the Fields that he might shun the converse of men He admitted to him only one Apemantus a person much of his own humour and he saying to him Is not this a fine Supper It would said he be much better if thou wert absent This Timon gave order that his Sepulcher should be set behind a dunghil and this to be his Epitaph Hic sum post vitam miseramque inopemque sepultus Nomen non quaeras dii te Lector male perdant Here now I lye after my wretched fall Ask not my name the Gods destroy you all Mison was of like manners with Timon and had his name from the hatred he had to all men when ever he was conversant amongst men he was always sad but when he was in any solitude or place by himself he was then us'd to laugh and rejoyce being once ask'd why he laugh'd when no body was present for that very reason said he 11. Vatinius was sharply declaim'd against by M. Tullius Cicero and thereby such a discovery was made of his crimes that lodg'd him so deep in the hatred of the people of Rome that afterwards to express a deadly and vehement hatred indeed it became proverbial to say a Vatinian hatred 12. Alexander Severus the Emperour had such a hatred to unjust Judges that if he had casually mâ—t any such he was suddenly surpriz'd with a vomiting at the very sight of them 13. The Emperour Nerva did so abominate the shedding of blood that when the people desired him to yield up the murderers of Domitian to a just execution he was far affected with it that he was immediately taken with a vomiting and loosness 14. Vlâ—dislaus Locticus King of Polonia after a battle wherein his Army had made great slaughter of the adverse party went to view the dead as they lay in the Field He there saw Florianus Sharus a Knight lye weakned with many wounds with his face upward and with his hands keeping in his bowels lest they should issue out from his belly at his wound How great is the torment of this man said the King Sharus reply'd The torment of that man is greater who hath an ill neighbour that dwells in the same Village with him as I saith he can witness upon my own experience Well saith the King if thou recover of thy wound I will ease thee of thy ill neighbour as indeed he afterwards did for he turn'd out the person complain'd of and gave the whole Village to Sharus 15. Gualterus Earl of Brenne had marry'd the Eldest Daughter of Tâ—ncred King of Sicily and as Heir of the Kingdom went with four hundred Horse by help of these and a marvellous felicity he had recovered a great part of it when at last he was overcame and taken by Thebaldus Germanus at the City Sarna Upon the
Theatre he gave order to his Soldiers and they kill'd no less than seven thousand of the Citizens Upon which St. Ambrose the Bishop of Milain would not suffer him to enter the Church till he had shewed the manifest signs of an unfeigned repentance 7. The Emperour Nerva who was otherwise of a weak stomach and often cast up his meat which he had newly eaten fell into a huge passion with one whose name was Regulus and while he was in a high tone thundring against him was taken with sweats fell into a fever and so dyed in the sixty eighth year of his age 7. The Sarmatian Embassadors cast themselves at the feet of the Emperour Valentinian the First imploring peace he observing the meanness of their apparel demanded if all their Nation were such as they who reply'd It was their custom to send to him such as were the most noble and best accoutred amongst them When he in a rage cry'd out It was his misfortune that while he Reign'd such a sordid Nation as theirs could not be content with their own limits and then as one struck with a dart he lost both his voice and strength and in a deadly sweat fell down to the Earth he was taken up and carryed into his Chamber where seis'd with a violent Hick-up and gnashing of Teeth he dyed December anno 375. in the fifty fifth year of his age and the twelfth of his Empire 9. Victor Pisanus the Venetian Admiral famous for his exploits understanding that his Vice-Admiral through cowardise had suffered ten Ships of the Genoeses to escape out of the Sipontine Haven fell into such a passion as put him immediatly into a Fever whereof he dyed 10. Clitus was a person whom Alexander held very dear as being the Son of his Nurse and one who had been educated together with himself He had sav'd the life of Alexander at the battle near the River Granicus and was by him made the Prefect of a Province but he could not flatter and detesting the effeminacy of the Persians at a Feast with the King he spake with the liberty of a Macedonian Alexander transported with anger slew him with his own hands though when the heat was over he was difficultly restrain'd from killing himself for that fault which his sudden fury had incited him to commit 11. Caelius the Orator was certainly the most passionate person of all other Mortals for having ask'd his Client divers questions and he agreeing with him in all things he questioned about in a great heat he cry'd out in open Court Say something contrary to me that so we may be two A man of a harsh temper how could he possibly endure an injury who was not able to bear obsequiousness it self 12. The Emperour Commodus in a heat of passion caus'd the Keeper of his Bath to be thrown into a burning Furnace â—or no other reason but that entring into the Bath he found it somewhat too warm for him 13. Matthias Corvinus King of Hungary being spent with the pains of the Gout and taken with a Palsey in both his Legs lay at Vienna and one Palm Sunday enquiring for some fresh Figs of Italy for the second course finding that they were already eaten up by the Courtiers he fell into such a rage as brought him into an Apoplexy whereof he died the day following in the forty seventh year oâ— his age and the year of our Lord 1490. 14. Anno 1418 Wâ—nceslaus King of Bohemia being highly incensed against his Cup-bearer for that knowing of a tumult raised by the Hussites in Prague under Zisâ—a their Leader he had concealed it drew his Dagger with intention to stab him The Nobles attending laid hold on the King took away his Dagger that he might not pollute his Royal Hands with the blood of his servant While he was thus in their hands the King through extreme anger fell into an Apoplexy whereof he died in a â—ew days 15. Muccius Fortia had from his birth an impediment in his speech such as that not without great diâ—â—iculty he could deliver his mind till one time being in an extreme passion he was so mov'd and laboured with that earnestness to speak that fâ—om thenceforth he spake with far greater freedom 16. In that War which the Goths waged with Belisarius there was one of the Soldiers in the Regiment of Constantine a military Tribune who had forcibly taken a Sword of great value from a Roman Youth Belisarius sharply reprov'd Constantine that he suffered things to be done with that insolence by the Soldiers under his command threatening him withal in case the Sword was not speedily found out and restored Constantine resented this in so heynous a manner that in the greatness of his rage not considering either the Dignity of his General or the hazard of his own life he drew out his Dagger intending to sheath it in the Breast of Belisarius but he was immediately laid hold upon and presently hanged 17. It is the custom in Rome that upon Ashwednesday the Pope sprinkle ashes upon the heads of the Prelates saying Remember thou art but Ashes and into Ashes thou shalt return Pope Boniface the Eighth who was an utter enemy to the Gibelline Faction being to do this and coming to Porchetus Spinola the Archbishop of Genoa who was supposed to be of that party instead of casting the Ashes upon his head in great anger he threw them into his eyes and thus inverted the usual words Remember that thou art a Gibelline and that with the Gibellines thou shalt return to Ashes 18. Valerius Publicola upon the expulsion of the Tarquines from Rome expected that he should have been elected Colleague with Brutus in the Consulship but when he found that Lucretius Collatinus was preferred before him he conceived such an indignation thereat that he made resignation of all the honours which he had before that time receiv'd he quitted the dignity of a Senator gave over patronizing any causes and renounced all sorts of Clients nor thenceforth would he exercise any publick office in the Common-wealth 19. This one strange thing is reported of Scanderbeg the King of Epirus that whensoever he he was upon the point ready to charge the Enemy and likewise in the heat and â—ury of the Fight besides other unusual changes and appearances of change and alteration in his countenance his neather lip would commonly cleave asunder and yield forth great abundance of blood A thing oftentimes marked and observed of him not only in his Martial Actions and Exploits but even in his civil Aâ—â—airs whensoever his choler did abound and that his anger did exceed its ordinary bounds 20. Carolus de Gontault Duke of Byron a Peer and Marshal of France and Governour of Burgundy was found the Chief of those that had conspired the death of the King Henry the Fourth and thereupon anno 1602 had sentence of death passed upon him to have
spake and did he knew not what 9. Upon Thursday the twenty fourth of March 1602 about two of the Clock in the Morning deceased Queen Elizabeth at her Mannour of Richmond in Surrey she then being aged seventy years of which she had reigned forty four five Months and odd days Her Corps were privily conveighed to White-Hall and there remained till the twenty eight of April following and was then buried at Westminster at which time the City of Westminster was surcharged with multitudes of all sorts of people in the Streets Houses Windows Leads and Gutters that came to see the Obsequie and when they beheld her Statue lying in Royal Robes with a Crown upon the Head there was such a general sighing groaning and weeping as the like hath not been seen or known in the memory of man neither doth any History mention any people time or state to make the like lamentation for the death of their Sovereign 10. Secundus the Philosopher had been many years absent from home so that he was unknown to the Family by face and upon his return he was very desirous to make some experiment of the chastity of his Mother he courted her as a strangeâ— and so far prevailed that he was admitted to her Bed where he revealed to her who he was at the hearing of which the Mother was so over-born with shame and grief that she gave up the Ghost 11. Peter Alvarado the Governour of Guatimala married the Lady Beatrice Della Culva and he being dead by a mischance his Wife abandoned her self to all the excesses of grief and not only painted her House with sorrows black Livery and abstained from meat and sleep but in a mad impiety said God could now do her no greater evil Soon after anno 1582 happened an extraordinary inundation of waters which on the sudden first assailed the Governour 's House and caused this impotent and impatient Lady now to bethink her self of her devotion and betake her to her Chappel with eleven of her Maids where leaping on the Altar and clasping about an Image the force of the water ruined the Chappel and she with her Maids found their death therein 12. Gormo Father of one Câ—nute slain before Dublin so exceedingly lov'd this Son of his that he sware to kill him that brought him news of his death which when Thira his Mother heard she used this way to make it known to him she prepared Mourning Apparel and laid aside all Princely State which the old man perceiving he concluded his Son dead and with excessive grief that he conceived thereat he speedily ended his days 13. Cardanus relates of a man in Milan who in sixty years having never been without the Walls of the City yet when the Duke hearing thereof sent him a peremptory command never to go out of the Gates during life he that before had no inclination to do so died of very grief to be denied the liberty of doing it 14. King Eâ—helstan being jealous of Edwin his Brother caused him to be put into a little Pinnace without tackling or Oars one only Page accompanying of him that his death might be imputed to the Waves the young Prince overcome with the grief of this his Brother's unkindness cast himself over-board headlong into the Sea 15. When Queen Mary was informed of the loss of Calis in France she was so affected therewith that she took no pleasure in any thing She would often say that the loss of Calis was written in her heart and might there be read when her body should be opened and indeed the grief she took thereupon shortned her days so that she but a while outlived that news that was so unacceptable to her 16. Margaret Daughter to Iames the Fourth King of Scotland married to Lâ—wis the Dauphin of France was of so nasty a complexion and stinking breath that her Husband after the first night loathed her company for grief of which she soon after died 17. Charles Duke of Burgundy being discomfited at the Battle of Nancy passing over a River was overthrown by his Horse and in that estate was assaulted by a Gentleman of whom he craved quarter but the Gentleman being deaf slew him immediately yet afterwards when he knew whom he had slain he died within few days of grief and melancholy 18. Aâ—urath the sixth Emperour of the Turks at his â—irst ascent to the Throne to free himself of Competitors caused his five Brethren Mustapha Solyman Abdâ—lla Osman and Tzihanger to be all strangled in his presence The Mother of Solyman pierced through with the cruel death of her young Son as a woman overcome with grief and sorrow struck her self to the heart with a Dagger and so died 19. Amurath the Second having long lain before the Walls of Croja and assaulted it in vain and being no way able either by force or â—lattery to bring Scanderbeg to terms of submission or agreement angry that his Presents and Propositions were refused he resolved to make a terrible assault upon Croja from all Quarters but this by the Christian Valour proving greater loss to him than before not able to behold the endless slaughter of his men he gave over the assault and return'd into his Camp as if he had been a man half frantick or distract of his wits and there sate down in his Tent all that day full of melancholy passions sometimes violently pulling his hoary Beard and white Locks complaining of his hard and disastrous fortune that he had lived so long to see those days of disgrace wherein all his â—ormer Glory and triumphant Victories were obscured by one base Town of Epirus His Bassas and grave Counsellours by long discourses sought to comfort him but dark and heavy conceits had so overwhelmed the melancholy old Tyrant that nothing could content his wayward mind or revive his dying spirits so that the little remainder of natural heat which was left in his aged body now oppressed and almost extinguished with melancholy conceits and his body it self dryed up with sorrow he became sick for pure grief Feeling his sickness dayly to encrease so that he could not longer live lying upon a Pallet in his Pavilion he sadly complained to his Bassas that the destinies had blemished all the former course of his life with such an obscure death That he who had so often repressed the fury of the Hungarians and almost brought to nought the pride of the Grecians together with their name should now be enforced to give up the Ghost under the Walls of an obscure Castle as he termed it and that in the sight of his contemptible enemy Shortly aâ—ter he became speechless and striving with the pangs of death half a day he then expired This was anno 1450 when he had lived eighty five years and thereof reigned thirty 20. Franciscus Foscarus according to the manner of Venice was elected Duke thereof during his life and long did he govern that
Litter and being so met upon the way by a Herdsman of Venusina the poor man ignorant who it was that was so carried asked by way of jest if they carried a dead man The Legate was so offended herewith that causing the Litter to be set down he made his servants with the Thongs wherewith his Litter was fastened to beat the fellow in such manner that he died under their hands 11. Vladislaus the Second King of Poland and Peter Dunius Earl of Shrine having been late a hunting were inforced to lodge in a poor Cottage When they went to Bed Vladislaus told the Earl in jest that his Lady lay softer with the Abbot of Shrine than they were this night likely to lie The Earl not able to contain replyed Et tua cum Dabesso And so does your Queen with Dabessus a a gallant young man in the Court whom Christina the Queen loved Tetigit id dictum Principis animum These words struck so deep into the very heart of the King that for many months after he was extreme pensive and thoughtful but they were the Earl's utter undoing for when Christina heard of it she persecuted him to death 12. Cassius Cherea was the Tribune of the Pretorian Cohort under Caius Caligula and he being now far stepped into years Caius was wont to flout and frump in most opprobrious terms scoffing at him as if he was a wanton and effemiâ—ate person so that when he came to him for the Watch Word he would one while give him Priapus and at another Venus If at any time he came to him to give him thanks he would offer him his hand to kiss framed and fashioned in an obscene manner These and other indignities were the occasion that Cassius was the Foreman in that conspiracy against him which brought him his death and was the man who gave him the first blow upon the Neck with his Sword which was followed by Sabinus and others till they had made an end of him with thirty wounds 13. The Citizens of Alexandria when the Emperour Bassiâ—nus Caracalla came amongst them taunted both him and his Mother-in-law Iulia with divers stouting and reproachful words amongst others they called him Oedipus and his Mother they said was Iocasta bitterly alluding to the incestuous marriage he had made The Emperour was extremely exasperated herewith so that pretending he would raise a Legion of Soldiers from amongst the Youth and Citizens of their City he set upon a mighty number of them and his Soldiers slew the unarmed Citizens with so great a cruelty that the River Nilus was discoloured with the blood of them 14. Iulian the Apostate took away the Revenues from the Churches that so neither the Teachers nor the taught might be provided for adding also this bitter and sarcastical scoff that hereby he had better fitted the Christians for the Kingdom of Heaven since the Galilean their Master so he called Christ had taught them That blâ—ssed are the poor for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven But the Justiâ—e of God soon repayd him for not long after wounded by an unknown hand he threw up his blood towards Heaven saying Vicisti Galileae O Galilean thou hast overcome me CHAP. XVII Of the Envious Nature and Disposition of some men PLutarch compares envious persons to cupping Glasses which ever draw the worst humours of the body to them they are like unto Flies which resort only to the raw and corrupt parts of the body or if they light on a sound part never leave blowing upon it till they have disposed it to putrefaction When Momus could find no fault with the face in the picture of Venus he picked a quarrel with her Slippers and so these malevolent persons when they cannot blame the substance will yet represent the circumstances of mens best actions with prejudice This black shadow is still observed to wait upon those that have been the most illustrious for virtue or remarkable for some kind of perfection and to excel in either has been made a crime unpardonable 1. Cambyses King of Persia seeing his Brother Smerdis draw a stronger Bow than any of the Soldiers in his Army was able to do was so enflamed with Envy against him that he caused him to be slain 2. In the Reign of Tiberius Caesar there was a Portico at Rome that bowed outwards on one side very much a certain Architect undertook to set it right and straight he underprop'd it every way on the upper part and bound it about with thick cloaths and the skins and sleeces of Sheep and then with the help of many Engines and a multitude of hands he restored it to its former uprightness contrary to the opinion of all men Tiberius admired the fact and envied the man so that though he gave him money he caused his name to be unremembred in the Annals and afterwards banished him the City This famous Artificer afterwards presented himself in the presence of Tiberius with a Glass he had privily about him and while he implored the pardon of Tiberius he threw the Glass against the Ground which bruised and crushed together but not broke he straight put again into its first form hoping by this act to have gain'd his good favour and Grace But Tiberius his Envy with this also encreased so that he caused him forthwith to be slain adding that if this art of Malleable Glass should be practised it would make Gold and Silver but cheap and inconsiderable things nor would he suffer his name to be put into the Records 3. Maximianus the Tyrant through envy of the honours conferred on Constantine and attributed to him by the people he contributed all that a desperate envy could invent and a great virtue surmount He â—irst made him a General of an Army which he sent against the Sarmatians a people extremely furious supposing he there should lose his life The young Prince went thither return'd victorious leading along with him the Barbarian King in Chains It is added that this direful Prince excited by a most ardent frenzy in his return from this Battel engaged him in a perilous Encounter with a Lion which he purposely had caused to be let loose upon him But Constantine victorious over Lions as well as men slew this fell Beast with his own hand and impressed an incomparable opinion in the minds of his Soldiers which easily gave him passage to the Throne by the same degrees which were prepared for his ruine 4. Alexander the Great both envied and hated Perdiccas because he was warlike Lysimachus because he was skillful in the arts of a General Seleucus because he was of great courage he was offended with the liberality of Antigonus the Imperial Dignity and Authority of Attalus and the prosperous felicity and good fortune of Ptolemaeus 5. Alexander the Great being recovered of a wound he had received made a great feast for his Friends amongst which was Coragus a Macedonian a man of
Soldiers that were they all alive were enough to subdue all the Barbarians round about us 10. Publius Scipio Africanus when he saw Carthage quite overthrown he wept much and being mindful of the mutability of humane affairs with tears he repeated that of Homer Iamque dies aderint quo concidat Hioningens Et Priamus Priamique ruat plebs armi potentis And time shall come when stately Troy shall fall With warlike Priam and his people all Polybius as it fortuned at that time stood by him his Guide and companion in his Studies and he enquired if he had any peculiar respect to any thing in those Verses Yes said he I mean it of Rome concerning which I cannot chuse but be solicitous as oft as I think of the inconsistency of all humane affairs 11. Titus Vespasianus at the overthrow of Ierusalem and the memory of its former Glory could not abstain from shedding tears cursing the perverseness and obstinacy of the seditious Jews who had compelled him against his will to lay in ruines so great a City and so famous a Temple as there was 12. C. Pompeius in one of his Consulships at the Dedication of the Temple of Venus exhibited in the Theatre twenty Elephants in fight encountred by divers Getulian Archers The Elephants seeing there was no way for slight began to move the compassion of the people with such unspeakable signs and lamentation that the people were so mov'd with it that they all rose up departed the Theatre bestowing many curses upon Pompey in lieu of this his Bounty and Magnificence CHAP. XXII Of the deep Dissimulation and Hypocrisie of some men MAud the Empress being besieged by the Forces of King Stephen in Oxford there happened to fall a great snow the Empress took the advantage hereof and by arraying her self and her followers in white she made her escape thence There are but too many that walk in white till their ends be attained make shew of much simplicity friendship and virtue for no other purpose than to train men within the compass of their privy snares then off goes the Angel that the Devil may appear 1. Caius Iulius Caesar was a great dissembler for whereas he pretended to be a mighty lover and admirer of Cn. Pompeius he did not only not love him but withal he privily sought to render him odious to the people by reason of the multitude of his honours When Cicero had several times taunted and reproached him he never so much as made answer to him that he might not seem to be offended with him in the least but privately he stirred up Clodius against him by whose means he got him banished from Rome And this was a quality ever inherent in Caesar that if any man had created him any trouble he would seem out of greatness of mind to despise him but then he would be revenged of him by others The same person as soon as he heard that Pompey was sled into Aegypt he also pursued him thither certainly for no other end but that in case he could any way get him in his power he might make sure of him And yet this man as soon as he saw the head of Pompeius brought unto him shed tears and said It is the Victory and not the Revenge that pleases me 2. Charles the Ninth of France was well practised in this art â—or a little before the massacre at Paris when he had invited the Admiral Coligni thither he was honourably entertained by the King who called him Father protested he would be ruled by his counsel and often averred that he loved him c. Yet shortly after he caused him to be basely murdered and unworthily insulted over him after his death 3. Richard Duke of Glocester was so cunning a Dissembler that he would accompany most familiarly and jest pleasantly with such as he hated in his heart and would pretend to refuse even the Kingdom it self when proffered whereas he had used all means to compass it and resolved to gain it at what rate soever 4. Tiberius the Emperour was also well skilled herein when Augustus was dead though he immediately possessed himself of the supreme command acted as a Prince and assured the Soldiers to himself yet with a most impudent mind he refused the Government when his Friends requested him to take it upon him he sharply took them up telling them that they knew not how great a Monster Empire was When the whole Senate entreated him and fell at his feet thereby to move him to accept it he gave them ambiguous answers and with his crafty ways of delay he left them in suspence insomuch that some grew out of patience to be thus dallied with and one in the Throng cryed out Let him take it or leave it Another told him to his face that others did slowly perform what they had promised but he on the other side did slowly promise that which he would perform At last as if he had been compelled and enforced and complaining that a miserable and burdensome servitude was imposed upon him he accepted of the Empire and yet no otherwise than as a man that pretended he would some time or other lay it down again His own words were Till I come unto that time when you shall think it meet to allow some rest and ease unto my old age The end of the Second Book of the Wonders of the Little World THE THIRD BOOK CHAP. I. Of the early appearance of Virtue Learning Greatness of Spirit and Subtlety in some young Persons URaba in Peru is of so rich a soil that the Seeds of Cucumbers and Melons sown will bear ripe fruits in twenty eight days after the Seeds of Virtue arrive to a marvellous improvement in the souls of some in a short time in comparison of what they do in others Indeed those persons who have been most remarkable in any sort of Virtue have been observed to give some early specimen and instance of it in their youth and a man that had considered of the dawning and first break might easily predict an illustrious day to succeed thereupon 1. Aemilius Lepidus while yet a youth did put himself into the Army where he slew an enemy and saved the life of a Citizen of Rome of which memorable act of his Româ—'s Senate left a sufficient witness when they decrâ—ed his young statue should be placed in the Capitol girt in an honourable Vest for they thought him ripe enough for honour who was already so forwardly advanced in virtue 2. M. Cato in his childhood bewrayed a certain greatness of spirit he was educated in the house of Drusus his Uncle where the Latine Embassadors were assembled about the procuring of the freedom of the City for their people Q. Popedius the chief of them was Drusus his Guest and he asked the young Câ—to if he would intercede with his Uncle in their behalf who with a constant look told him he would not
provoked him he restrain'd and kept in his Soldiers till such time as the Gods being consulted by Sacriâ—ice had given encouragement to begin the Fight This was somewhat long in the performance so that in the mean time the Enemy interpreting this delay as an instance of fear began to pres hard upon him so that many of the Greeks fell yet would he not suffer in this extremity a single Javelin to be thrown against them but multiplying the Sacrifices he at last lift up his hands to Heaven and prayed That if the Fates had determined that the Grecians should not overcome yet at least it might please the Gods that they might not die unrevenged nor without performing some famous and memorable exploit upon their Enemies He was heard and straâ—ght the Fowels of the Sacrifice promised him success he marched out and obtained the Victory but what a Soul was that how fixed and earnest in the holy Rites of his Country that chuse rather to be butâ—hered and slain than to draw a Sword while the Gods seemed unwilling 17. The Aegyptians worshipped Dogs the Indian Rat the Cat Hawk Wolf and Crocodâ—le as their Gods and observe them with that kind of Religion and Veneration that if any man whatsoever knowingly or otherwise killed any of these it was death to him without mercy as a Roman Citizen found to his cost in the time of Diodorus Siculus who writes and vouches himself as a spectator and witness of what follows At such time saith he as Ptolemeus whom the Romans afterwards restored to his Kingdom was fiâ—st of all stiled the Associate and Friend of the Senate and people of Rome there was a publick rejoycing and a mighty concourse of people Here it fell out that in a great crowd amongst the rest were Romans and with them a Soldier who by chance and not willingly had killed a Cat straight there was a cry a sudden fury and tumult arose to pacifie which not the ignorance of the miserable wretch not any reverence of the Roman Name not the command of the King himself who had sent the chiefest of his Noble to appease it none of all these booted the poor man but that forthwith he was pulled in pieces by a thousand hands so that nothing of him was left either to bury or to burn 18. Vespasianus the Emperour returning out of the East when he found the City of Rome exceedingly disfigured by Civil Wars he began the restoration of it with the repairs of the sacred Buildings and the Temple of Iupiter Capitolinus wherein he betook himself to the work He carried timber upon his own Back he wrought in the Foundations with his own hands not conceiving that he any way injured the Majesty of an Emperour by putting his hand to a work that concern'd the worship of the Gods The Christians were about to build a Chappel in Rome wherein to perform service to Almighty God but they were complained of and the ground challenged by certain â—nholders in that City The matter was brought before the Emperour Alexander Severus who thus determin'd The things said he that concern the Gods are to be preferred before the concerns of man and therefore let it be fâ—ee â—or the Christians to build their Chappel to their God who though he be unknown to us at Rome ought nevertheless to have honour done unto him if but for this respect alone that he beareth the name of a God So great a Reverence to Religion had the Aethiopâ—an Kings to the time of Ptolemy King of Aegypt that whensoever the Priests of Iupiter who is worshipped in Mâ—roe declared to any of them that hâ—s life was hateful to the Gods He immediately put an end to his days Nor was there any of them found to have had a more tender regard to the safety of his own life than he had reverence to Religion till King Aâ—gâ—nes who lest the Priests should tell him he should dye began with themselves put them all to death first and thereby abolished the custom There was a mighty famine in Aegypt so that all kind of Food failing them they betook themselves to feeding upon mans flesh when in the mean time they spared Dogs Cats Wolves Hawks c. Which they worshipped as their Gods and not only forbore to lay hands upon them but also fed them and that doubtless with Mans Flesh also There was a Brazen Statue of Saturn at Carthage with Hands somewhat lifted up The Statue it self was open hollow and bending towards the earth a Man or Youth was solemnly laid upon these Arms and thence he was streight tumbled down headlong into a burning Furnace that was flaming underneath This burning alive was bestowed upon that God yearly upon a set day and at other times also ever with multiplyed Victims especially in â—ase of any great Calamity that should befal the City Accordingly upon the slaughter they received by Agathocles they made a decree I tremble to speak it to offer up two hundred of their noblest youth in this manner to Saturn And who would believe it there were as many more who freely offered themselves to the same death The Soldiers of Alaricus the Goth at the sacking of Rome while as yet they breath'd after slaughter and spoil It chanced that some sacred Virgins came amongst the Ranks of them carrying Vessels of Gold upon their heads uncovered They so soon as they were informed that both the Persons and the Plate were consecrate in honour of the Apostles suâ—â—ered both to pass through them untouched The Emperour Constantine being present at the Council of Chalcedon did their sit below all the Priests and when the Writings were brought to him that contained their mutual accusations and the charges that they had drawn up one against a the others he folded them all up in his Lap and committed them all unread to the fire saying that the Priests as so many Deities were set over men for the better Government of them and that therefore he would reserve the Judgment of them entirely to God himself Metellus was the chief Priest of the Temple of Vesta and when through some misadventure it had taken fire he with others being busied in carrying out the Statues of the Gods with the consecrated Vessels and such like the Flames increasing upon them the high Priest was thereby deprived of both his Eyes which the Senate of Rome did so highly approve of as an action of Religious Gallantry that as a testimony thereof they allowed that Metellus should as often as he pleased be carried in a Charito the Senate House An honour which was granted to none before him Cyprian Euchovius a Spanish Chorographer above all other Cities of Spain commends Barcino in which there was no Beggar no man poor c. but all rich and in good estate and he gives the reason They were more Religious and more truly devout than the rest of their Neighbours
who thus spake aloud Sir I thank God for the Goods he hath bestowed upon me but more that he hath given me this present opportunity to make it known that I prize the lives of my Countrymen and Fellow-Burgesses above mine own At the hearing of which speech and sight of his forwardness one Iohn Daire and four others after him made the like offers not without a great abundance of prayers and tears from the common people who saw them so freely and readily sacrifice all their particular respects for the Weal of the publick And instantly without more ado they address themselves to the King of England with the Keys of the Town with none other hope but of death to which though they held themselves assured thereof they went as chearfully as if they had been going to a Wedding yet it pleasing God to turn the heart of the English King at the instance of the Queen and some of the Lords they were all sent back again safe and sound 2. When the Grecians of Doris a Region between Phocis and the Mountain Oeta sought counsel from the Oracle for their success in the Wars against the Athenians it was answered that then undoubtedly they should prevail and become Lords of that State when they could obtain any victory against them and yet preserve the Athenian King living Codrus the then King of Athens by some intelligence being inform'd of this answer withdrew himself from his own Forces and putting on the habit of a common Soldier entred the Camp of the Dorians and killing the first he encountred was himself forthwith cut in pieces falling a willing sacrifice to preserve the liberty of his Country 3. Cleomenes King of Sparta being distress'd by his Enemy Antigonus King of Macedon sent unto Ptolomey King of Aegypt for help who promised it upon condition to have his Mother and Child in pledge Cleomenes was a long time ashamed to make his Mother acquainted with these conditions went oftentimes on purpose to let her understand it but when he came he had not the heart to break it to her she suspecting asked his Friends if her Son had not something to say to her whereupon he brake the matter with her when she heard it she laughing said How comes it to pass thou hast concealed it so long Come come put me straight into a Ship and send me whether thou wilt that this body of mine may do some good unto my Country before crooked age consume it without profit Cratesiclea for so was her name being ready to depart took Cleomenes into the Temple of Neptune embracing and kissing him and perceiving that his heart yearn'd for sorrow of her departure O King of Sparta said she let no man see for shame when we come out of the Temple that we have wept and dishonoured Sparta Whilest she was with Ptolomey the Achaians sought to make peace with Cleomenes but he durst not because of his pledges which were with King Ptolomey which she hearing of wrote to him that he should not spare to do any thing that might conduce to the honour or safety of his Country though without the consent of King Ptolomey for fear of an old woman and a young boy 4. Sylla having overcome Marius in Battle commanded all the Citizens of Praeneste to be slain excepting one only that was his intimate Friend but he hearing the bloody sentence pronounced against the rest stepped forth and said That he scorn'd to live by his favour who was the destroyer of his Country and so went amongst the rest who were to be slain 5. Theomistocles the Athenian General after his many famous Exploits was banished the Country and sought after to be slain he chose therefore to put himself rather into the power of the Persian King his Enemy than to expose himself to the malice of his Fellow Citizens He was by him received with great joy insomuch that the King in the midst of his sleep was heard to cry out thrice aloud I have with me Themistocles the Athâ—nian He also did him great honour for he allotted him three Cities â—or his Table provisions and two others for the Furniture of his Wardrobe and Bed While he remain'd in that Court with such Splendour and Dignity the Aegyptians rebelled encouraged and also assisted by the Athenians The Grecian Navy was come as far Cyprus and Cilicia and Cimon the Athenian Admiral rode Master at Sea This caused the Persian King to levy Soldiers and appoint Commanders to repress them He also sent Letters to Themistocles then at Magnesia importing that he had given him the supreme command in that affair that he should now be mindful of his promise to him and undertake this War against Greece But Themistocles was no way mov'd with anger against his ungrateful Country-men nor incited to the War with them by the gift of all this honour and power for having sacrificed he called then about him his Friends and having embraced them he drank Bulls blood or as others say a strong poison and so chose rather to shut up his own life than to be an instrument of evil to that Country of his which yet had deserved so ill at his hands Thus died Themistocles in the sixty fiâ—th year of his age most of which time he had spent in the management of the Republick at home or as the chief Commander abroad 6. The Norvegians going out of their own Country upon any account whatsoever as soon as they return and set their first foot upon that earth they fall prostrate upon the ground and signing themselves with the Cross they kiss the earth And O thou more Christian Land cry they than all the rest of the world so highly do they admire their own Country and its worship with a contempt of all others 7. In the year three hundred ninety three from the Building of Rome whether by Earthquake or other mâ—ans is uncertain but the Forum at Rome open'd and almost half of it was fallen in to a very strange depth great quantities of earth was thrown into it but in vain for it could not be fill'd up The Soothsayers therefore were consulted with who pronounced that the Romans should devote unto that place whatsoever it was wherein they most excelled Then Martius Curtius a person of admirable valour affirming that the Romans had nothing besides Arms and Virtue wherein they excelled he devoted himself for the safety of his Country and so arm'd on Horseback and his Horse well accoutred he rode into the gaping Gulph which soon after closed it self upon him 8. The Tartars in their invasion of China were prosperous on all sides and had set down themselves before the Walls of the renowned and vast City of Hangchen the Metropolis of the Province of Chekiang where the Emperour Lovangus was enclosed Lovangus his Soldiers refused to fight till they had received their arrears which yet at this time he was not able to pay them It
was upon this occasion that his heart not able to such a desolation of the City and his Subjects as he foresaw he gave such an illustrioâ—s example of his humanity and tenderness to his people as Europe scarce ever saw for he mounted upon the City Walls and calling to the Tartarian General upon his knees he begged the lives of his people Spare not me said he I shall willingly be the Victime of my Subjects And having said this he presently went out to the Tartars Army and was by them taken By which means this noble City was conserved though with the destruction of the mutinous Army â—or the Tartars caused the City to shut the Gates against them till they had cut in pieces all that were without and then entred triumphantly into it not using any force or violence to any 9. Darius the Son oâ— Hystaspis had sent Embassadors to Sparta to demand of them Earth and Water as a token of their subjection to him they took their Embassadors and cast some of them headlong into a Dungeon others into pits and bade them thence take the Earth and Water they came for After which when they had no prosperous sacrifices and that for a long time weary of these calamities they met in a full assembly and proposed if any would die for the good of Sparta Then Sperthies the Son of Aneristus and Balis the Son of Nicolaus of birth and equal estate with the best freely offered themselves to undergo such punishment as Xerxes the Son of Darius then his Successour should inflict for the death of his Embassadours The Spartans sent them away as persons hastening towards their death being come to Susâ— they were admitted the presence of Xerxes where first they refused to adore him and then told him that the Spartans had sent them to suffer death in lieu of those Embassadours whom they had put to death at Sparta Xerxes replyed that he would not deal as the Spartans had done who by killing Embassadours had confounded the Laws of all Nations that he would not do what he had upbraided them with nor would he by their death absolve the Spartans from their guilt 10. Iohn King of Bohemia was so great a Lover oâ— Lucenberg his own Country that oftentimes he laid aside the care of his Kingdoms Affairs and went thither to the great indignation of his Nobility Besides this he had thoughts of changing Bohemia with the Emperour Ludovicus for the Dukedom of Bavaria â—or no other purpose but that he might be the nearer to Lucenburgh 11. A Spartan woman had five Sons in a Battle that was fought near unto the City and seeing one that came thence she asked him how affairs went All your five Sons are slain said he Vnhappy wretch replyed the woman I ask thee not of of their concerns but of that of my Country As to that all is well said the Soldier Then said she let them mourn that are miserable for my part I esteem my self happy in the prosperity of my Country 12. Aristides the Athenian going into Banishment lift up his eyes to Heaven and with conjoyned hands prayed that the Gods would so prosper the affairs of the Athenians that Aristides might never more come into their minds for in times of adversity the people is wont to have recourse to some or other excellent person which also fell out in his case for in the third year of his exile Xerxes came with his whole power into Greece and then Aristides was recalled to receive an important command 13. Whâ—n Charle's the Seventh King of France marched towards Naples they of the City of Florence did set open their Gates to him as supposing they should thereupon receive the less damage by him in their City and Territories adjoyning But the King being entred with his Army demanded the Government of the City and a sum of money to ransom their Liberties and Estates In this strait â—our of the principal Citizens were appointed to transact and manage this affair with the King's Ministers amongst these was Petrus Caponis who having heard the rigorous terms of their composition recited and read by the King 's principal Secretary was so moved that in the sight and presence of the King he snatched the paper out of his hands tore it in pieces And now cryed he sound you your Trumpets and we will ring our Bells Charles astonished at the resolution of the man desisted from his design and thereupon it passed as a Proverbial Speech Gallum a Capo victum fuisse 13. P. Valerius Poplicola had a proud and sumptuous Palace in the Velia seated on high near the Forum and had a fair prospect into all parts of the City the ascent of it was narrow and not easie of access and he being Consul when he descended from his House with his Litters and Attendance the people said it represented the proud pomp of a King and the countenance of one that had a design upon their liberty Valerius was told this by his Friends and no way offended with the jealousie of the people though causeless while it was yet night having hired a number of Smiths Carpenters and others he in one night pulled down that stately Palace of his and subverted it to the very Foundations himself and Family abiding with his Friends CHAP. VII Of the singular Love of some Husbands to their Wives FRom the Nuptial Sacrifices of old the Gall was to be taken away and cast upon the ground to signifie that betwixt the young couple there should be nothing of bitterness or discontent but that instead thereof sweetness and love should fill up the whole space of their lives We shall find in the following instances not only the Gall taken away but some such affectionate Husbands and such proficients of this lesson of love that they may seem to have improv'd it to the uttermost heights 1. Darius the last King of the Persians supposing that his Wife Statira was slain by Alexander filled all the Camp with lamentations and outcries O Alexander said he whom of thy Relations have I done to death that thou shouldest thus retaliate my severities thou hast hated me without any provocation on my part but suppose thou hast justice on thy side shouldst thou manage the war against Women Thus he bewailed the supposed death of his Wife but as soon as he heard she was not only preserved alive but also treated by Alexander with the highest Honour he then pray'd the Gods to render Alexander fortunate in all things though he was his Enemy 2. M. Antonius the Triumvir being come to Laodicea sent for Herod King of the Jews to answer what should be objected against him concerning the death of Aristobulus the High Priest and his Brother-in-law whom while he was swimming he caused to be drowned under pretence of sport Herod not trusting much to the goodness of his cause committing the Government of his Kingdom to Ioseph his Uncle
undertaken against Parus and wherein he had been unfortunate was condemn'd by the Athenians in a fine of fifty Talents which mighty sum when he was not able to pay and was dead in Prison of a wound in his Thigh received in that â—oyage and therefore was denyed Burial his Son Cimon doubted not to resign himself voluntarily into Prison till himself had made payment of the debt But Cimon himself being not able to make satisfaction it happened that Callias one of the richest men in the City married Elpenice his Sister who paid the fine of Miltiades now become Cimons by which means Cimon being set free received at once the great glory and reward of his piety to his Father 21. Darius invaded Scythia with all the forces of his Empire the Scythians retreated by little and little till they came to the uttermost desarts of Asia Darius sent his Ambassadors to them to demand what end they intended to make of their flying and where it was that they would begin to fight They returned him for answer that they had no Cities nor cultivated fields for which they should give him battle but when once he was come to the place of their fathers monuments he should then understand after what manner the Scythians did use to fight so great a reverence had even that barbarous Nation to their dead Ancestors 22. When Scipio the Consul fought unprosperously with Hannibal at the River Ticinum and was sore wounded his Son Scipio afterwards called Affricanus the Elder though he was scarce out of the years of his Childhood yet did he deliver his father by his seasonable valorous interposition Neither did the infirmity of his Age nor his want of experience in military affairs nor the unhappy event of an infortunate Battle so appal him enough to do it to an old Soldier but that he deserved a double and illustrious Crown for having at once sav'd a Father and a General 23. No man saw a guilded Statue neither in the City of Rome nor throughout all Italy before such time as M. Acilius Glabrio a Knight placed one in the Temple of Piety to the honour of his Father The Son himself dedicated that Temple in the Consulship of P. Cornelius Lentulus and M. Bebius Tamphilus for that his father had obtained his desire and had overcome Antiochus at the straits of Thermopolae 24. When Edward the First heard of the death of his only Son he took it grievously as a Father but patiently as a wise man but when he under stood shortly after of the death of King Henry the Third his Father he was wholly dejected and comfortless Whereat when Charles King of Sicily with whom he then sojourned in his return from the holy Land greatly marvelled he satisfied him with this God may send me more Sons but the death of a father is irrecoverable 25. In the time of Pedro the cruel there was a Citizen of eâ—ghty years old condemned by him to death a Son of his of eighteen years age offered willingly to be put to death to excuse the old man his Father which the cruel Tyrant instead of pardoning him for his rare piety accepted of and put him to death accordingly 26. When the City of Troy was taken the Greeks did as became gallant men for pitying the misfortune of their Captives they caused it to be proclaim'd that every free Citizen had liberty to take away along with him any one thing that he desired Aeneas therefore neglecting all other things carried out with him his houshold Gods The Grecians delighted with the piety of the man gave him a further permission to carry out with him any one other thing from his House whereupon he took upon his Shoulders his Father who was grown old and decrepit and carried him forth The Grecians were not lightly affected with this sight and deed of his and thereupon gave him all that was his confessing that nature it selâ— would not suffer them to be enemies but friends to such as preserved so great piety towards the Gods and so great a Reverence to their Parents 27. Sertorius that Gallant Roman was a great lover of his Mother in so much that being General in Spain he desired that he might have liberty to come home from so noble and gainful an employment that he might enjoy her company and when afterwards he heard of her death he was so smitten to the heart with that unwelcome tydings that little wanted but that he had dyed by reason of his excessive sorrow For he lay seven days altogether upon the ground in all which time he never gave his Soldiers the watchword nor would suffer himself to be seen by any of his most familiar friends 28. â—The Emperour Decimus had a purpose and â—arnest desire to set the Crown upon the head of his Son Decius but he utterly refused it saying I fear lest being made an Emperour I should forget that I am a Son I had rather be no Emperour and a dutiful Son than an Emperour and such a Son as hath forsaken his due obedience Let then my Father bear the Rule and let this be my Empire to obey with all humility whatsoever he shall command me By this means the solemnity was put off and the young man was not crowned unless you will say that his signal piety towards his Parent was a more glorious Crown to him than that which consisted of Gold and Jewels CHAP. XI Of the singular Love of some Brethren to each other IT is not only a rare thing to see Brethren to live together in a mutual love and agreement with each other but withal it is observed that when they have fallen out they have managed their enmities and Animosities with greater rancour and bitterness than if they had been the greatest strangers to each other in the world On the other side where this fraternal Love has rightly seated it self in the Soul it hath used to shew it self in as great a reality and fervency as any other sort of Love whatsoever 1. Lucius Lucullus a Senator of Rome though he was elder than his Brother Marcus yet had so great a Love to him that though the Roman custom was otherwise he could never be perswaded to stand for any place of Magistracy till his Brother was at a lawful age to enter upon one also This was understood by the people who therefore created them both Aediles in their absence 2. There was a report though a false one that Eumenes King of Asia was slain by the fraud of Perseus his Brother Attalus upon the news seiz'd upon the Diadem and married the Wife of his Brother but being informed of Eumenes his return he went forth to meet him not withouâ— apprehensions of fear in regard of what he had done in his absence Eumenes made no shew of his displeasure only whispered him in the ear that before he married another mans wife he should be sure her
Husband was dead This was all and not long after dying though by his Wife he had a Son of his own yet he left the Kingdom to his Brother together with the Queen his Wife Attalus on the other side that he might not be surpassed in Brotherly love though he had many children by his own wife yet he educated that Son she had by Eumenes to the hope of the Kingdom and when he came of sufficient age freely resign'd up all to him and lived a private life many years after 3. When the Emperour Augustus had taken Adiatoriges a Prince of Cappadocia together with his wife and children in war and had led them to Rome in Triumph he gave order that the Father and the elder of the Brothers should be slain The designed Ministers of this execution were come to the place of restraint to this unfortunate family and there enquiring which of the Brethren was the eldest there arose a vehement and earnest contention betwixt the two young Princes each of them affirming himself to be the Elder that by his death he might preserve the life of the other when they had long continued in this pious emulation the Mother at last not without difficulty prevailed with her Son Dyetentus that he would permit his younger Brother to dye in his stead as hoping that by him she might most probably be sustain'd Augustus was at length certified of this great example of brotherly Love and not only lamented that act of his severity but gave an honourable support to the Mother and her surviving Son by some called Clitatus 4. Darius King of the Persians extremely provoked by crimes of an extraordinary nature had pronounced a sentence of death upon Ithaphernes his Children and the whole Family of them at once The wife of Ithaphernes went to the Kings Palace and there all in tears was so loud in her mournfull lamentations that her cryes coming to the Kings ear moved him in such manner to compassion that the King sent her word that with her own he gave her the life of any single person whom she would make choice of among the condemned The woman begged the life of her Brother Darius wondred that she should rather ask his life than that of her Husband or any of her children and therefore asked her the reason who replyed that since her Father was dead she could never hope for a brother more if she should loose this but that her self being but young as yet might hope for another Husband and other children Darius was moved with this answer and being himself repleat with brotherly love as well as prudence he gave her also the life of her eldest Son 5. Bernardus Iustitianus the Venetian had three Sons who the Father being dead were educated by the Mother so great and mutual a love there was betwixt these three that there was nothing more admirable in the City nor more frequently discoursed of Laurentius was one of these and although he had put himself into a Monastery yet this different choice of life hindred nothing of the true affection between them But though Marcus was an eminent Senator and Leonardus an excellent Orator and of singular skill in the Latine and Greek learning yet both went almost daily to the Monastery to dine and sup with their Brother 6. In the division of the Norman Empire Robert promised to his Brother Roger the half of Calabria and all Sicily but when it came to sharing and dividing Robert would give him nothing in Calabria but Meto and Squillacci and bad him to purchase the Realm which he already began to possess meaning Sicily and in the end resolved as Artaxander wrote to Darius that as the world could not endure two Suns so one Realm could not endure two Soveraign Lords Roger being much displeased herewith made war upon him and after many adventures having taken him prisoner in a Castle where Robert was unwisely entred in the habit of a Peasant with a purpose to bring it to his own devotion Roger of a Brotherly love and pity not only saved his life but also restored him to his estate which by right of war and being Prisoner he had lost 7. Anno 1585. The Portugal Ship called S. Iago was cast away upon the Shallows near to S. Lawrence and towards the Coast of Mosambique here it was that divers persons had leapt into the great Boat to save their lives and finding that it was over burthened they chose a Captain whom they swore to obey who caused them to cast lots and such as the lot light upon to be cast over board There was one of those that in Portugal are called new Christians he being allotted to be cast over board into the Sea had a younger Brother in the same Boat that suddenly rose up and desired the Captain that he would pardon and make free his Brother and let him supply his place Saying My Brother is elder and of better knowledge in the world than I therefore more fit to live in the world and to help my Sisters and Friends in their need so that I had rather dye for him than live without him At which request they remitted the elder Brother and threw the younger at his own request into the Sea who swum at least six hours after the Boat And although they held up their hands with naked Swords willing him that he should not once come to touch the Boat yet laying hold thereon and having his hand half cut in two he would not let go so that in the end they were constrained to take him in again Both these Brethren I knew and have been in company with them 8. Titus Vespasian the Emperour bare such a brotherly Love towards Domitian that although he knew he spake irreverently of him and that he had sollicited the Army to rebel against him yet he never treated him with the less love or respect for all this nor would endure that others should but called him his Copartner and successor in the Empire sometimes when they were alone together he besought him not only with earnest entreaties but with tears too that he would bear the same fraternal love towards him as he should ever find from him 9. Heliodorus the Britain had afterwards the Sirname of Pius upon this occasion the People provoked with the cruelty and Avarice of Archigallus had deposed him and raised Heliodorus to the Throne of his Brother One time when the King went a hunting he accidently met with his Brother Archigallus in the Wood whose altered Visage and ragged Cloaths gave sufficient evidence of his afflicted condition As soon as the King knew him though he was not ignorant how he had sought his restoration both by force and fraud yet he lovingly embraced him and caused him privately to be conveyed into the City The King pretended he was sick and giving forth that he would dispose of the affairs of his Realm by his last
thereupon advised him to retire to the lowest and most secret part of the Cave he himself put on his Master's Gown pretending to the pursuers that he was the person whom they sought after being desirous to save the life of his Patron with the loss of his own But one of his Fellow-servants betrayed him in this officious design so the Master was fetched out of his hiding place and slain When this was known to the people of Rome they would not be satisfied till the betrayer of his Master was crucified and he that attempted to save him was set at liberty The servant of Vrbinius Panopion knowing that the Soldiers commissioned to kill his Master were come to his Houâ—e in Reatina changed cloaths with him and having put his Ring upon his Finger he sent him out at a postern door but went himself to the Chamber and threw himself upon the Bed where he was slain in his Masters stead Panopion by this means escaped and afterwards when the times would permit it erected a noble monument with a due inscription in memory of the true fidelity of so good a servant 8. Antistius Restio was proscribed by the Triumvirate and while all his Domâ—stick Servants were busied about the plunder and pillage of his House he conveyed himself away in the midst of night with what privacy he could his departure was observed by a servant of his whom not long before he had cast into Bonds and branded his face with infamous characters this man traced his wandring footsteps with such diligence that he overtook him and bare him company in his â—light and at such time as the other were scrambling for his Goods all his care was to save his life by whom he had been so severely used and though it might seem enough that he should forget what had passed he used all his art to preserve his Patron for having heard that pursuers were at hand he conveyed away his Master and having erected a Funeral Pile and set fire to it he sâ—ew a poor old man that passed that way and cast him upon it When the Soldiers were come and asked where was Antistius pointing to the fire he said he was there burning to make him amends for that cruelty he had used him with The Soldiers that saw how deep he was stigmatized thought it was probable enough believ'd him and by this means Antistius obtained his safety 9. Cornutus having hid himself was no less wittily and faithfully preserved by his Servants in those difficult days of Marius and Sylla for they having found the body of a man set â—ire about it and being asked of such as were sent out to kill their Master what they were about with an officious lye they told them they were performing the last offices for their dead Master who hearing this sought no further after him 10. Caepio was adjudged to death for conspiring against the life of Augustus Caesar but his Servant in the night carried him in a Chest out of the City and brought him by Night-Journies from Ostia to the Laurentine Fields to his Father's Villa or House of Pleasure Afterwards to be at the further distance from danger they took Ship but being by force of a tempest driven upon the Coast of Naples and the servant laid hold on and brought before the Centurion yet could he not be perswaded either by Bribes or Threats to make any discovery of his Master 11. Aesopus the freed man of Demosthenes being conscious of the adultery his Master had committed with Iulia and being exposed to the wrack bare the tortures thereof a long time with invincible patience nor by any menaces of pain could he be wrought upon to betray his Master chusing rather to endure all things than to bring his life or reputation into question 12. Hasdrubal managed the War of the Carthaginians in Spain and what by force and fraud had made himself the Master of most of it but having slain a certain Noble Man of Spain a servant of his a Frenchman by birth was not able to endure it but determined with himself to revenge the death of his Lord though at the price of his own liâ—e Whereupon he assaulted Hasdrubal and slew him he was taken in the fact tormented and fastened to a Cross but in the midst of all his pains he bore a countenance that shewed more of joy than of grief as one that was well satisâ—ied that he was secure in his premeditated revenge 13. Menenius was in the number of those that were proscribed by the Triumvirate and when a servant of his perceived that his Master's House was enclosed with a company of Soldiers that came to kill him he caused himself to be put into a Litter wherein his Master was used to be carried and ordered some other of his Fellow-servants to bear him forth in it The Soldiers supposing that it was Menenius himself slew him there whereupon looking no further his Master clad in a servile habit had the means and opportunity to escape into Sicily where he was in safety under the protection of Pompeius 14. The Hungarians had conspired against Sigismund King of Hungary and Bohemia but the plot being discovered the principal persons were all taken brought to Buda and there beheaded Stephanus Contus was the chief of these Conspirators who having thereupon lost his head Chioka his Esquire lamented the death of his Lord with such outcries that the King took notice of him and said unto him I am now become thy Lord and Master and it is in my power to do thee much more good than can be expected from that headless Trunk To whom the young man replyed I will never be the servant of a Bohemian Hog and I had rather be torn into a thousand pieces than to desert a Master of so great a Magnanimity as all the Bohemians together are not able to equal And thereupon he voluntarily laid down his head upon the Block and had it severed from his Shoulders that he might no longer survive his Master 15. These are instances of such servants as no considerations whatsoever could move to disloyalty or infidelity towards their Master such examples as these are few and rare whereas the world is full of those of the contrary and because I know nothing more pleasant wherewithal to shut up this Chapter I will set down the story of one that was not altogether of â—o virtuous a humour as the forementioned and it is this Lewis the Twelfth going to Bayonne lay in a Village called Esperon which is nearer to Bayonne than Burdeaux Now upon the great Road betwixt these two places the Bayliff had built a very noble House the King thought it very strange that in a Country so bare and barren as that was and amongst Downs and Sands that would bear nothing this Bayliff should build so fine a House and at Supper was speaking of it to the Chamberlain of his Houshold who made
answer that the Bayliff was a rich man which the King not knowing how to believe considering the wretched Country his House was seated in he immediately sent for him and said unto him these words Come on Bayliff and tell me why you did not build your fine House in some place where the Country was good and fertile Sir answered the Bayliff I was born in this Country and find it very good for me Are you so rich said the King as they tell me you are I am not poor replyed the other I have blessed be God wherewithal to live The King then asked him how it was possible he should grow so rich in so pitiful a barren Country Why very easily replyed the Bayliff Tell me which way then said the King Marry Sir replyed the other because I have ever had more care to do my own business than that of my Masters or my Neighbours The Devil refuse me said the King for that was always his oath thy reason is very good for doing so and rising betimes thou couldst not chuse but thrive CHAP. XIII Of the Faithfulness of some men to their engagement and trust reposed in them THe Syrians were looked upon as men of no faith not fit to be trusted by any man and that besides their curiosity in keeping their Gardens they had scarce any thing in them that was commendable The Greeks also laboured under this imputation of being as false as they were luxurious and voluptuous It is strange that those who were so covetous after all other kinds of improvement in learning and knowledge should in the mean time neglect that which sets a fuller value upon man than a thousand other accomplishments I mean his fidelity to his promise and trust 1. Those of Iapan are very punctual in the performance of what they have promised those who desire their protection or assistance For no Iaponese but will promise it any one that desires it of him and spend his life for the person who hath desired him to do it and this without any consideration of his family or the misery whereto his Wife and Children may be thereby reduced hence it comes that it is never seen a malefactor will betray or discover his complices But on the contrary there are infinite examples of such who have chosen rather to dye with the greatest torment imaginable than bring their complices into any inconvenience by their confession 2. Micithus Servant to Anaxilaus Tyrant of the Rhegini was left by his dying Master to govern his Kingdom and children during their minority In the time of this his Viceroy-ship he behaved himself with that clemency and justice that the people saw themselves govern'd by a person of quality neither unmeet to rule nor too mean for the place yet when his children were come to age he resign'd over his power into their hands and therewithal the treasures by his providence he had heaped up accounting himself but their steward As for his part he was content with a small pittance with which he retired to Olympia and there lived very privately but with great content respect and serenity 3. Henry King of Arragon and Sicily was deceas'd and left Iohn his Son a child of twenty two months age behind him entrusted to the care and fidelity of Ferdinand the Brother of the deceased King and Uncle to the Infant He was a man of great vertue and merit and therefore the eyes of the nobles and people were upon him and not only in private discourses but in the publick assembly he had the general voice and mutual consent to be chosen King of Arragon But he was deaf to these proffers alledged the right of his infant Nephew and the custom of the Country which they were bound the rather to maintain by how much the weaker the young Prince was to do it He could not prevail yet the assembly was adjourn'd for that time They meet again in hopes that having had time to consider of it he would now accept it who not ignorant of their purpose had caused the little Child to be clothed in Royal Robes and having hid him under his Garment went and sate in the Assembly There Paralus Master of the Horse by common consent did again ask him Whom O Ferdinand is it your pleasure to have declared our King He with a sharp look and tone replied Whom but John the Son of my Brother and withal took forth the Child from under his Robe and lifting him upon his shoulders cryed out God save King John commanded the Banners to be displayed cast himself first to the ground before him and then all the rest moved by his example did the like 4. King Iohn had left Hubert Burgh Governour of Dover Castle and when King Lewis of France came to take the Town and found it difficult to be taken by force he sent to Hubert whose Brother Thomas he had taken Prisoner a little before that unless he would surrender the Castle he should presently see his Brother Thomas put to death with exquisite torments before his eyes But this threatning mov'd not Hubâ—rt at all who more regarded his own loyalty than his Brothers life Then Prince Lewis sent again offering him a great sum of money neither did this move him but he kept his loyalty as inexpugnable as his Castle 5. Boges the Persian was besieged in the City Etona by Cimon Son of Miltiades the General of the Athenians and when he was proffered safely to depart into Asia upon delivery of the City he constantly refused it lest he should be thought unfaithful to his Prince Being therefore resolved he bore all the inconveniencies of a Siege till his provisions being now almost utterly spent and seeing there was no way to break forth he made a great fire and cast himself and his whole Family into the Flames of it concluding he had not sufficiently acquitted himself of his trust to his Prince unless he also laid down his life in his cause 6. Licungzus the conductor of the Rebel Thieves had seiz'd the Empire of China taken the Metropolis Peking and upon the death of the Emperour had seated himself in the Imperial Throne He displac'd and imprison'd what great officers he pleased Amongst the rest was one Vs a venerable person whose Son Vsanguâ—jus lead the Army of China in the confines of Leatung against the Tartars The Tyrant threatned this old man with a cruel death if by his paternal power he did not reduce him with his whole Army to the acknowledgment of his power promising great rewards to them both if he should prevail wherefore the poor old man wrote thus to his Son Know my Son that the Emperour Zunchinius and the whole Family of Taimingus are perished the Heavens have cast the fortune of it upon Licungzus we must observe the times and by making a vertue of necessity avoid his Tyranny and experience his liberality He promiseth to thee a Royal dignity if
drawn thither with his Fleet Being agreed upon the terms the Captains must mutually entertain one another and the â—irst lot fell upon Sextus who received them in his Ship there they supp'd and discoursed with all freedom and mirth when Mâ—nas the freed man of Sextus and Admiral of the Navy came and thus whispered Sextus in the Ear Wilt thou said he that I sâ—all cut the Cables put off the Ship and make thee Lord not only of Sicily and Sardinia but of the whole World it self He said it and it was easie to do it there was only a Bridge which joyn'd the Ship and Shore together and that remov'd the other fell in and who could hinder or oppose the design and upon those two whom he had in his hand all the Roman welfare relyed but Sextus valued his faith given And said he thou Menas perhaps oughtest to have done it and unknown to me But since they are here let us think no more of it for Perjury is none of my property 12. Fabius had agreed with Hannibal for the exchange of Captives and he that had the most in number should receive money for the over-plus Fabius certifies the Senate of this agreement and that Hannibal having two hundred and forty more Captives the money might be sent to reduce them The Senate refused it and withal twitted Fabius that he had not done rightly and orderly nor for the honour of the Republick to endeavour to free those men whose Cowardise had made them the prey of their enemies Fabius took patiently this anger of the Senate but when he had not money and purposed not to deceive Hannibal he sent his Son to Rome with command to sell his Lands and to return with the money to the Camp He did so and speedily came back he sent Hannibal the money and received the Prisoners many of whom would afterwards have repaid him but he freely forgave them 13. Guy Earl of Flanders and his Son were freed from Prison by Philip the fair King of France upon their saith given that in case they could not return the Flemings to their obedience who rebelled and with the English molested Philip that then they should reuurn themselves to their wonted durance They were not able to effect the one and therefore perform'd the other and in that prison Guy shortly after dyed 14. Ferdinand the first King of Spain left three Sons behind him Sanctius Alphonsus and Garcius amongst whom he had also divided his Kingdoms but they lived not long in mutual peace for soon after the death of their Father Sanctius who was of a fierce and violent disposition made war upon his Brother Alphonsus overcame und took him Prisoner and thrust him into a Monastery constrained Religion lasts not long and therefore he privily deserted his Cloyster and in company with Petrus Ansurius an Earl he fled for protection to Almenon King of Toledo He was a Moor and an enemy to the others Religion but there had been friendship and peace betwixt him and Ferdinand the Father of this distressed Prince and upon this account he chose to commit himself unto his faith and was chearfully received by him Long he had not been with him when in the presence of the King the hair of this Prince was observed to stand up an end in such manner that being several times stroked down with the hand they still continued in their upright posture The Moorish Southsayers interpreted this to be a prodigy of evil abodement and told the King that this was the man that should be advanced to the Throne of Toledo and thereupon perswaded to put him to death The King would not do it but preferred his faith given to the fear he might apprehend and thought it sufficient to make him swear that during his life he should not invade his Kingdom A while after King Sanctius was slain by Conspirators at Zamora and his Sister Vrrata being well affected to this her Brother sent him a messenger with letters to invite him to the Kingdom advising him by some craft and with celerity to quit the borders of the Barbarians where he was Alphonsus bearing a grateful mind would not relinquish his Patron in this manner but coming to Almâ—â—on acquainted him with the matter And now said he noble Prince compleat your Royal savours to me by sending me to my Kingdom That as I have hitherto had my liâ—e I may also have my Scepter of your generosity The King embraced him and wished him all happiness But said he you had lost both Life and Crown if with an ungrateful mind you had fled without my privity for I knew of the death of Sanctius and silâ—ntly I awaited whaâ— course you would take and had dispos'd upon the way such as should have return'd you back from your â—light had it been attempted But no more of this all I shall require of you is that during life you shall be a true friend to me and my elder Son Hissemus and so sent him away with money and an honourable retinue This Alphonsus did afterwards take the City and Kingdom of Toledo but it was after the death of Almenon and his Son 15. Iohn the first King of France was overthrown in battle and made prisoner by Edward the black Prince and afterwards brought over into England Here he remained four years and was then suffered to return unto France upon certain conditions which if he could make his Subjects submit to he should be free if otherwise he gave his faith to return He could not prevail to make them accept of the hard terms that were proffered whereupon he returned into England and there dyed 16. Renatus Duke of Berry and Lorrain was taken in Battle by the Soldiers of Philip Duke of Burgundy and was set at liberty upon this condition that as oft as he should be summon'd he should return himself into the power of the Duke while he was thus at liberty it fell out that upon the death of his Brother Lewis King of Naples he was called to succeed him in that Kingdom and at this time it was that the Duke of Burgundy demanded his return according to his oath Renatus well understood that this came to pass by the means of Alphonsus of Arragon who gaped after Naples and he was also proffered by Eugenius the fourth to be dispensed with in his oath notwithstanding all which he determin'd to keep his faith inviolate and so return'd to the Duke by him he was put in safe custody yet at last he was again set at liberty but not before such time as that through this his constrained delay the enemy had secured the Kingdom to himself 17. Antaâ—f King of some part of Ireland warring against King Ethelstan disguised himself like a Harper and came into Ethelstans Tent whence being gone a Soldier that knew him discovered it to the King who being offended with the Soldier for not declaring it sooner the Soldier made this
soever the execution of them be At the first sign or intimation by gesture of their King they will immediately cast themselves headlong from Rocks and Towers leap into the Waves throw themselves into the fire or being sent by him to kill any such Prince whose death he desires they set themselves about it despising all the tortures they must endure after they have performed the murther or discovery of their intention When once Henry Earl of Campania passed from Antioch towards Tyrus having obtained a safe conduct the Prince of this people called Vâ—tus gave him a strange assurance of his people's obedience for he shewed him several persons standing upon the top of a high Tower one of these he called out by name who no sooner understood his command but without any delay he cast himself down from thence in their sight and broken in pieces with the fall he immediately died The King would have called out others to the like trial and was difficultly diverted from his designs by the earnest entreaties of the Earl who was astonished with wonder and horrour of the experiment The Sâ—lsidas of the Sâ—quimar of Arabia the Happy perform the same at their Prince's command When Hannibal made war against the Romans in Italy he at that time had under his Standards Carthaginians Numidians Mâ—ors Spaniards Baleares Gauls Ligurians and a number of Italian people and yet the General was of that authority amongst them that though his Army consisted of so many and different Nations and that the War was drawn out into so long a continuance and that there was such variety of events therein yet in all that time there was never known that there was any stir tumult or sedition mov'd amongst them 8. The Inhabitants of those Islands that lie over against the Coast of Florida are in great subjection to their Lords and Masters in such manner as that if they should command them to throw themselves headlong from off a high Hill or do any other thing whatsoever they will not refuse to do it whatsoever danger there may be in the performance not once asking wherefore they should do it but only because their Master commandeth it 9. Instead of Crowns and Scepters the Ornaments of the Kings of Peru whereby they shew their Majesty are these They wear certain Tassels of Red Wool bound about their Heads hanging down upon their Shoulders almost covering their eyes whereat there hang other Threads which they use when they will have any thing done or executed They give that Thread unto one of their Lords that attend upon them by this token they command in all their Provinces and the King hath done whatsoever he doth desire At the sight of this Thread his pleasure is by his Subjects with so great diligence and dutiful obedience fulfilled that the like is not known in any place of the world for if by this way he chance to command that a whole Province shall be clean destroyed and utterly lest desolate both of men and all living creatures whatsoever both young and old it is done If he send but one of his Servants to execute the severest of his commands although he send no other power or aid of men nor other commission than one of the Threads of his Quispel it is sufficient and they willingly yield themselves to all dangers even to death and destruction 10. Xerxes flying out of Greece the Ship or Boat was so over-pressed with the numbers of such as were got within her that a Tempest arising they were all brought to the hazard of their lives here it was that Xerxes bespake them in this manner Since upon you O Persians depends the safety of your King let me now understand how far you take your selves to be concerned therein He had no sooner spoken these words but that having first adored him most of them leaped into the Sea and by their death freed their King of his present danger CHAP. XV. Of the Generosity of some Persons and the Noble Actions by them performed AS amongst those Starry Lights wherewith the arched Roof of Heaven is beautified and bespangled there are some more conspicuous for their extraordinary brightness and lustre and draw the eyes of men with greater admiration towards them so amongst the race of mankind there are some found to shine with that advantage in point of Generosity and true Nobleness of Mind above the common Standard of Humaniry that we fix our eyes with equal wonder and delight upon those actions which we know to be the effects whereof the vulgar are uncapable 1. Cardinal Petrus Damianus relateth how being a Student at Faenza one told him of an act of Charity and Generosity that happened of which he made more account than of all the Wonders of the World it was this a man whose eyes another had most traiterously pulled out was by this accident confined in a Monastery where he liv'd an unspotted life performing all offices of charity according to the ability of his body It fell out this cruel creature who had done this mischievous act sickened of a languishing malady and was enforced to be carried to that same place where he was whom he had bereaved of sight his heart said within him he could never endure him but for revenge would put out his eyes on the contrary the blind man made earnest suit to have the charge of him as if he had sought some great fortune from the hand of a Prince he prevailed and was deputed to the service of the sick man and he dedicated to him all the functions of his body except the eyes which the other had pulled out Notwithstanding saith the Cardinal he wanted not eyes you would say the blind man was all Eyes all Arms all Hands all Heart to attend the sick man so much consideration vigour diligence and affection he used 2. In the Cathedral Church of Roan in Normandy is the Sepulchre of Iohn Duke of Bedford and Regent of France for King Henry the Sixth an envious Courtier perswaded Charles the Eighth to deface it God forbid said he that I should wrong him being dead whom living all the power of France was not able to withstand adding withal that he deserved a better Monument than the English had bestowed upon him 3. Conrade succeeding Henry in the Empire by this Henry Wenceslaus the Duke of Poland was overcome in Battel and made a Tributary of the Empire he afterwards rebelled and took upon him the Title of a King to whom succeeded Mysias in both the Kingdom and contumacy towards the Empire Conrade therefore by the help of his Brother had enforced him to quit Poland and flie to Vlrick Duke of Bohemia who at that time was also an Enemy to the Empire Vlrick despising all the Laws of Hospitality gives Conrade to understand that in case he would compound the difference betwixt them two he would send him Mysias as his prisoner to dispose of him as he
he esteemed the Common-Wealth more dearly than any other person or thing he was suspicious and jealous of any thing that was beyond measure as dreading an excess of power in any upon the score of the Republick He sided with the people in any thing for their advantage and would freely deliver his opinion in things that were just let the hazard and danger of doing it be as great as it would 10. Asclepiodorus went on Pilgrimage from the City of Athens into Syria and visited most Cities as he went along This he undertook for this only purpose that he might observe the manners of men and their way of life His journey being ended he said that in all his perambulation he had not met with more than three men that lived with modesty and according to the Rules of Honesty and Justice These three were Ilapius a Philosopher in Antioch Mares of Laodicea the honestest man of that Age and Domninus the Philosopher so that it should seem Heraclitus had reason for his Tears who is said to weep as oft as he came abroad in consideration of so many thousands of evil livers as he beheld about him 11. Biblius as we read of him was a man of that integrity and singular abstinence in respect of what was anothers right that if he casually light upon any thing as he passed upon the way he would depart without offering to take it up saying It was a kind of blossom of injustice to seise upon what was so sound Agreeable to which practice of his was that Law of Stagira Quod non posuisti ne tollas Take not that up which you never laid down 12. When the Senate of Rome was in debate about the Election of a Censour and that Valerianus was in nomination Trebellius Pollio writes that the Universal Acclamation of the Senators was The life of Valerianus is a Censourship let him be the judge of us all who is better than all of us let him judge of the Senate who cannot be charged with any crime let him pass sentence upon our life against whom nothing is to be objected Valerianus was almost a Censour from his Cradle Valerianus is a Censour in his whole life A prudent Senator modest grave a friend to good men an enemy to Tyrants an enemy to the vicious but a greater unto vice We receive this man for our Censour him we will all imitate he is the most noble amongst us the best in blood of exemplary life of excellent learning of choice manners and the example of Antiquity This was a glorious Character of a man given by so honourable an assembly and yet to see after what manner virtue is sometimes afflicted in the world it is remembred of so great a person that having attained to the Empire he was unfortunately taken by Sapores King of Persia and made his Footstool 13. Upon the death of Iulian the Emperour by the unanimous consent of the Army Salustius the Prefect of the Praetorian Soldiers was elected but he excused himself pretending his Age and the infirmities of his body so that Ioviniaâ—â—us was thereupon chosen when he also was dead by the means of this Salustius Valentinianus a Tribune was elected as Emperour of this Salustius the Prefect Suidas saith that he was a person of that integrity that when Valentinian was Emperour he commanded any that had ever received any injury from him that they should go to the Emperour to complain of him but there was no man found that had any such complaint to prefer against him 14. Richard the Second King of England was deposed and Henry Bullinbrook Crowned King in his stead it was also enacted in Parliament that the inheritance of the Crown and Realm of England should be united and remain in the person of King Henry and in the heirs of his Body lawfully begotten a motion was likewise made in the same Parliament what should be done with the deposed King Then it was that Thomas Merks Bishop of Carlisle shewed at once his great loyalty and integrity he rose up and with extraordinary freedom and constancy he made an honest and learned Oration wherein by Scripture reason and other Arguments he stoutly maintained the right of his deposed Soveraign resolutely opposed the usurpation of his Supplanter concluding that the Parliament had neither power nor policy to depose King Richard or in his place to elect Duke Henry and howsoever this first cost the good Prelate a Prison and then the loss of his life yet the memory of so gallant an action shall never dye so long as fidelity and loyalty shall have any respect amongst men CHAP. XIX Of the Choicest Instances of the most intire friendship THe Ancients had a most excellent Emblem whereby they used to express a true and sincere Friendship they pictured it in the shape of a young man very fair bare-headed meanly attired on the outside of his Garment was written VIVERE ET MORI to live and die and in his Forehead AESTATE ET HYEME In Summer and Winter his Brest was open so that his Heart might be seen and with his Finger he pointed to his Heart where was written PROPE LONGE Far and Near. But such faithful Friends saith Bishop Morton are in this age all for the most part gone in Pilgrimage and their return is uncertain we must therefore for the present be content to borrow instances from the Histories of former Ages 1. One Mesippus relates in Lucian how that he one day seeing a man comely and of eminent condition passing along in a Coach with a woman extremely unhandsome he was much amazed and said he could not understand why a man of prime quality and so brave a presence should be seen to stir abroad in the company of a Monster Hereupon one that followed the Coach over-hearing him said Sir you seem to wonder at what you now see but if I tell you the causes and and circumstances thereof you will much more admire Know this Gentleman whom you see in the Coach is called Zenothemis and born in the City of Marseilles where he heretofore contracted a firm amity with a Neighbour of his named Menecrates who was at that time one of the chief men of the City as well in wealth as Dignities But as all things in the world are exposed to the inconstancy of fortune it happened that as 't is thought having given a false sentence he was degraded of honour and all his Goods were confiscated every man avoyded him as a Monster in this change of Fortune but Zenothemis his good friend as if he had loved miseries not men more esteemed him in his adversity than he had done in prosperity and bringing him to his house shewed him huge treasures conjured him to share them with him since such were the Laws of Amity the other weeping for joy to see himself thus entertained in such sharp necessities said he was not so apprehensive of the want of worldly
wealth as of the burthen he had in a Daughter ripe for marriage and willing enough but blemished with many deformities She was saith the History but half a woman a body mishapen limping and blear-eyed a Face disfigured and besides she had the Falling-sickness with horrible Convulsions Nevertheless this noble heart said unto him trouble not your self about the marriage of your Daughter for I will be her Husband The other astonished at such goodness God forbid said he that I should lay such a burden upon you No no replyed the other she shall be mine And instantly he married her making great Feasts at the Nuptials being married he honoureth her with much regard and makes it his Glory to shew her in the best company as a Trophy of his Friendship In the end she brought him a Son who restored his Grandfather to his Estate and was the honour of his Family 2. At Rome saith Camerarius there are to be be seen these Verses engraven about an Urn. D. D. S. Vrna brevis geminum quamvis tenet ista cadaver Attamen in Coelo spiritus unus adest Viximus unanimes Luciusque Flavius idem Sensus amor studium vita duobus erat Though both our ashes this Vrn doth enclose Yet as one Soul in Heaven we repose Lucius and Flavius living were one mind One will love and to one course enclin'd 3. Damon and Pythias two Pythagorean Philosophers had betwixt them so firm a friendship that when Dionysius the Tyrant of Syracuse had resolv'd the death of one of them and that he only besought he might have liberty first to go home and set his affairs in order the other doubted not to be surety in the mean time to the Tyrant for his return The Tyrant granted it intent upon what this new and strange action would come to in the event a day had passed and he came not then all began to condemn the rashness of the surety but he told them he doubted not of the constancy of his Friend At the same hour as was agreed with Dionysius came he that was condemned thereby freeing the other The Tyrant admiring the courage and fidelity of them both remitted the punishment and entreated that he himself might be admitted as a third person into the society of â—o admirable a Friendship 4. Pylades and Orestes were famous of old for their friendship Orestes being very desirous to ease himself of that grief which he had conceived for the death of his Motherâ— consulted the Oracle and understood thereby that he should forthwith take the way to the Temple of Diana in the Country of Taurica thither he went in the company of Pylades his friend Now it was the cruel custom of Thoas the then King of that Country to put to death every Tenth Stranger that came into his Dominions This unfortunate Lot fell upon Orestes the King at last asked which was that Orestes Pylades readily stepped forth and told him he was the man who had that name Orestes denyed it he again affirm'd so that the King was in doubt which of them he should kill 5. Eudamidas the Corinthian had Aretaeâ—s the Corinthian and Charixenus the Sycionian for his friends they were both rich whereas he was exceeding poor he departing this life left a will ridiculous perhaps to some wherein was thus written I give and bequeath to Aretaeus my Mother to be kept and foster'd in her Old Age as also my Daughter to Charixenus to be married with a Dowry as great as he can afferd but if any thing in the mean time fall out to any of these men my Will is that the other shall perform that which he should have done had he lived This Testament being read they who knew the poverty of Eudamidas but not his friendship with these men accounted of it all as mere jest and sport no man that was present but departed laughing at the Legacies which Aretaeus and Charixenus were to receive But those whose the Bequests were as soon as they heard of it came forthwith acknowledging and ratifying what was commanded in the Will Charixenus died within five days after Aretaeus his excellent Successor took upon him borh the one and the others charge kept the Mother of Eudamidas and soon as might be disposed of his Daughter in marriage of five Talents which his estate amounted to two of them he gave in Dowry with his own Daughter and two more with the Daughter of his Friend and would needs have their Nuptials solemnized in one and the same day 6. Alexander the Great was so true a Lover of Ephestion that in his life time he had him always near him made him acquainted with the nearest and weightiest of his secrets and when he was dead bewailed him with inconsolable tears he hanged up Glaucus his Physician for being absent when he took that which hastened his end In token of heavy Mourning he caused the Battlements of City Walls to be pulled down and the Manes of Mules and Horses to be cut off he bestowed ten thousand Talents upon his Funerals and that he might not want Attendants to wait upon him in the other world he caused some thousands of men to be slain even the whole Cussean Nation at once 7. Pelopidas and Epaminondas were singularly noted and commended for the perfect love and friendship that was ever inviolably kept betwixt them to the day of their deaths They went both together to Mantinea in assistance of the Lacedemonians then in league with the Thebans their place in Battel fell near together for they were appointed to oppose the Arcadians and to fight on foot It fell out that the Spartan wing wherein they were was enforced to retreat and some â—led outright but those two gallant young spirits were resolved to prefer death before slight and so standing close together with great courage they sustained the many enemies that came upon them till such time as Pelopidas having received seven dangerous wounds fell upon a heap of dead bodies Here it was that the brave Epaminondas though he thought he was slain stept before him defended his body and armour with invincible courage and resolution at last he was thrust through the Breast with a Pike and receiving a deep wound with a Sword on his Arm he was ready to sink when Agesipolis King of Sparta came in with the other wing and saved the lives of these incomparable friends 8. Lucilius was one of the friends of Brutus and a good man he when Brutus was overthrown at Philippi perceiving a Troop of the Barbarians careless in the pursuit of others but with loose Reins following hard after Brutus resolved to take off their eagerness with the hazard of his own life and being left somewhat behind he told them that he was Brutus They gave the more credit to him because he desired to be presented to Anthony as if he feared Caesar and reposed some confidence in the other They glad of
oftentimes to fits of Frenzy and because he wisheth him well he had tried divers means to cure him but all world not do therefore he would try whether keeping him close in Bedlam for some days would do him any good The next day the Duke came with a rusâ—ling Train of Captains after him amongst whom was the said Provost very shining brave being entred into the house about the Duke's Person Captain Bolea told the Warden pointing at the Provost that 's the man so he took him aside into a dark Lobby where he had placed some of his men who muffled him in his Cloak seized upon his Sword and so hurried him down into a Dungeon My Provost had lain there two nights and a day and afterwards it hapned that a Gentleman comming out of curiosity to see the house peep'd into a small grate where the Provost was The Provost conjured him as he was a Christian to go and tell the Duke of Alva his Provost was there clap'd up nor could he imagine why The Gentleman did his Errand and the Duke being astonished sent for the Warden with his Prisoner So he brought the Provost in cuerpo full of Straws and Feathers mad-man like before the Duke Who at the sight of him breaking into laughter asked the Warden why he had made him Prisoner Sir said the Warden it was by vertue of your Excellencies Commission brought me by Captain Bolea Bolea step'd forth and told the Duke Sir you have asked me oft how these hairs of mine grew so suddenly grey I have not revealed it to any soul breathing but now I 'll tell your Excellency and so fell a relating the passage in Flanders and Sir I have been ever since beating my brains how to get an equal revenge of him for making me old before my time The Duke was so well pleased with the Story and the wittiness of the revenge that he made them both Friends and the Gentleman who told me this Passage said that the said Captain Bolea is now alive so that he could not be lesâ— than ninety years of Age. 14. Thrasippus was present at a great Feast in the house of Pisistratus the Athenian Tyrant where he fell into intemperate Speeches and not only reviled Pisistratus but spit in his face Yet went he the next Morning betimes to the house of Thrasippus and contenting himself to let him know what he had done he not only entreated him not to kill himself but forgave and still used him as his Friend The Pope that he might congratulate Charles Cardinal of Lorrain for the great zeal against the Lutherans sent him his Letters of Thanks and withal the Picture of the Virgin with Christ in her Arms being Michael Angelo his most curious Master-piece The Messenger in his Journey fell sick and lighting upon a Merchant of Lucca who pretended himself a retainer to the Cardinal delivers the Pope's Letter and Present to him to convey to the Cardinal who undertook it This Merchant was a bitter Enemy to the Cardinal for divers injuries from him received and therefore determined at this time to have upon him at least a moderate and bloodless revenge Being therefore arrived at Paris he gets a Limner who also owed ill will to the Cardinal to draw a Picture of equal bigness in which in stead of the Virgin Mary were portracted the Cardinal the Queen his Neece the Queen Mother and the Duke of Guise his Wife all stark naked their Arms about his Neck and their Legs twisted in his This being put in the Case of the other with the Pope's Letters were delivered to one of the Cardinal's Secretaries while he was with the King in Council At his return the Cardinal having read the Letter reserved the opening of the Case till the next day where having invited those Ladies and many Nobles and Cardinals they found themselves miserably deceived disappointed and exceedingly confounded and ashamed An Astrologer predicted the death of King Henry the Seventh such a Year the King sent for him and asked if he could tell Fortunes He said yes The King then asked if he did not forsee some eminent danger that much about that time should hang over his own head He said no. Then said the King thou art a foolish Figure-caster and I ammore skilful than thou for as soon as I saw thee I instantly prophecied thou shouldst be in prison before night which thou shalt find true and sent him thither He had not been long in custody but the King sent for him again to know if he could cast a Figure to know how long he should be in prison He still answered no. Then said the King thou art an illiterate fellow that canst not foretell either good or bad that shall befall thy self therefore I will conclude thou canst not tell of mine and so set him at liberty CHAP. XXIII Of the Sobriety and Temperance of some Men in their Meat and Drink and other things WHen Leotychidas was asked the reason why the Spartans did use to eat and drink most sparingly It is said he because we had rather consult for others than that others should do so for us Tartly implying that luxurious and intemperate men were utterly indisposed and unfit for Counsel and that Temperance and Sobriety are wont to be the proper Parents of the most wholesom advice Indeed all other Virtues are obscured by the want of this as both the body and mind are wonderfully improved by it which is the reason why so many great persons have made choice of it for their Achates 1. Carus the Roman Emperour was upon his expedition into Persia who being arrived upon the Consines of Armenia there came Ambassadors to him from the enemy they expected not a speedy admittance to his presence but after a day or two to be presented to him by some of the Nobles about him But he informed of their coming caused them to be brought before him When they came they found this great Emperour at his dinner in the open field lying upon the grass with a number of Soldiers about him nothing of Gold or Silver to be seen Carus himself was in a plain purple Cloak and the feast that was prepared for him was only a kind of ancient black broth and therein a piece of salted Hogsslesh to which he also invited the Embassadors 2. Augustus Caesar the Master of the World was a person of a very sparing dyet and as abstemious in his drinking he would feed of course bread and small fishes Cheese made of Cows milk and the same pressed with the hand green Figgs and the like He drank not above a Sextant at once and but thrice at one Supper his Supper consisted mostly of three and when he desired to exceed but of six dishes he delighted most in Rhetian Wine and seldom drunk he in the day time but instead of drink he took a sop of bread soaked in cold water or a slice of Cucumber or a young
him but that which they chiefly wondred at was when they saw presents brought him to assure his welcome that he took only the coursest fare and as for their persumes conâ—ections and other delicacies he prayed them to give those dainty things to the Heliots his Slaves 12. Sous was besieged by the Clitorians and so distressed for Water that he offered to surrender all those lands he had conquered from them in case he and all his Army might drink at a Fountain near hand The Clitorians agreed to it he then assembled his men and declared to them that if there were any amongst them that would abstain from drinking he would surrender all his Soveraign power into his hands but there was not one that could contain or forbear but he alone who went last to the Spring where he only cooled and besprinkled his body without with it in the presâ—nce of his enemies by which evasion he refused to deliver up the lands saying That all of them did not drink CHAP. XXIV Of the Affability and Humility of divers great Persons SUch advice as this is given to great persons by Seneca the Tragoedian Whâ—n Fortune doth us most caress And higher still advance Then should we most our selves suppress As subject unto chance Certainly the greatest examples of Courtesie and Humility have been found amongst them that have been truly great and as the Sun is then slowest of motion when it is highest in the Zodiack so these virtues are wont to accompany them of the most worth and the greatest condesâ—ension and self-denyal is still found with most power and the best merit 1. Alexander the Great being in Asia was surprised with a sore Tempest and cold on the sudden insomuch that divers about him fainted by reason of the extremity of it He found a simple Soldier of Macedonia in this condition fainted and almost utterly starved whom he caused to be carried into his Tent and set by the fire in his Chair Royal. The warmth of the fire brought the Soldier to himself again and then perceiving in what manner he sate he started up astonished to excuse himself to the King But Alexander with a smiling Countenance said unto him Knowest thou not my Soldier that you Macedonians live after another sort under your King than the Persians do under theirs for unto them it is death to sit in the Kings Chair but unto thee it hath been life 2. Alphonsus the most Potent King of Arragon Naples and Sicily as he passed through Campania lighted by accident of a Muletter whose Mule overladen with Corn stuck in the Mire nor was he able with all his strength to deliver her thence The Mulletter besought all that passed by to assist him but in vain At last the King himself dismounts from his Horse and was so good a help to the poor man that he freed his Beast When he knew it was the King falling on his knees he begg'd his pardon the King with words of courtesie dismissed him This may seem to be a thing of small moment yet hereby several people of Campania became reconciled to the King 3. It is reported by Gualter Mapes an old Historiographer of ours who lived four hundred years since that King Edward the first and Leoline Prince of Wales being at an interview near Aust upon Severn in Glocestershire and the Prince being sent for but refusing to come the King would needs go over to him Which Leoline perceiving went up to the Arms in water and laying hold on the Kings Boat would have carried the King out upon his Shoulders adding that his humiâ—ity and wisdom had triumphed over his pride and folly and thereupon was reconciled to him and did his homage 4. St. Nilamon dyed with terror as they bare him to the Throne of a Bishop for which so many other pine away with ambition and while he thought himself unworthy and fearing to loose his innocency in an over-strong apprehension of both he departed this life 5. Peter of Alexandria being the lawful Successor of St. Mark would yet never be perswaded to mount his Chair but contented himself to sit the residue of his days upon the footstool until after his death the people in veneration of his virtue having attired him in his pontifical habit did carry his body to the seat which he never had possessed 6. Rudolphus Austriacus Anno 1273. was Earl of Hapsburg one day he went out a hunting with some of his followers it rained that day and the way was dirty and uneven when he chanced to encounter a Priest who was bearing on foot the sacred host unto a sick man thereabouts as the last comfort he was capable of The Earl was moved with this sight and with some passion dismounting fâ—om his horse What said he shall I be carried on horseback while he that carries my Saviour walks on foot It is certainly an uncomely if not a prophane thing and thereâ—ore take this horse and get up It was his command as well as entreaty whereupon the Priest obeyed The humble Earl in the mean time followed to the house of the sick on foot and uncovered and in the same manner accompanied him back from thence to his own houseâ— The Priest astonished at the humility of so great a person and inspired from above gave him his blessing at parting and withal predicted the possession of the Empire to him and his posterity which fell out accordingly 7. Elizabetha was the Daughter of the King of Hungary and married to Lewis the Lantgrave of Thurengia yet in the midst of riches and abundance she affected poverty and humility sometimes when she remained at home with her maids she put on the meanest Apparel saying that she would never use any other ornament whensoever the good and merciful Lord should put her into a condition wherein she might more freely dispose of her self When she went to Church her manner was to place her self amongst the poorer â—ort of women After the death of her Husband she undertook a Pilgrimage wherein she gave to the poor and necessitous all that came to her hands to dispose of she built an Hospital and therein made her self an attendant upon the sick and the poor and when by her Father she was recalled into Hungary she refused to go preferring this manner of life before the enjoyment of a Kingdom 8. It was observed of St. Bernard of Claraval that certain bright Rays did seem to proceed from his eyes and this judgment was made of it that he therefore had such a glory in his eyes for that he never looked upon any whom he did not judge to be better than himself If he saw a man in vile habit he would say to himself this man bears his poverty with greater patience than you Bernard and beholding one in more costly attire he would say Perhaps under these â—ine cloaths there is a better man than Bernard is in his course rayment
Thus a true and holy humility was the constant Collyrium that this devout person made use of 9. When Robert the Norman had refused the Kingdom of Ierusalem the Princes proceeded to make a second choice and that they might know the nature of the Princes the better their servants were examined upon oath to confess their Masters faults The Servants of Godfrey of Bouillon protested their Masters only â—ault was this that when Mattins were done he would stay so long in the Church to know of the Priest the meaning of every Image and Picture that Dinner at home was spoiled by his long tarrying All admired hereat that this mans worst vice should be so great a virtue and unanimously chose him their King He accepted the place but refused the solemnity thereof saying that he would not wear a Crown of Gold there where the Saviour of Mankind had worn a Crown of Thorns 10. Upon the death of Pope Paul the Third the Cardinals being divided about the Election the imperial part which was the greatest gave their voice for Cardinal Pool which being told him he disabled himself and wished them to chuse one that might be most for the Glory of God and good of the Church Upon this stop some that were no friends to Pool and perhaps looked for the place themselves if he were put off laid many things to his charge amongst other that he was not without suspicion of Lutheranism nor without blemish of incontinence but he cleared himself so handsomly that he was now more importan'd to take the place than before and therefore one night the Cardinals came to him being in bed and sent him in word that they came to adore him a circumstance of the new Popes honour but he being awaked out of his sleep and acquainted with it made answer That this was not a work of darkness and therefore required them to forbear till next day and then do as God should put it into their minds But the Italian Cardinals attributing this his humility to a kind of stupidity and sloth in Pool looked no more after him but the next day chose Cardinal Montanus Pope who was afterwards named Iulius the Third I have read of many that would have been Popes but could not I write this man one that could have been Pope but would not 11. Vlpius Trajanus the Emperour was a person of that rare affability and humility that when his Soldiers were wounded in any Battle he himself would go from Tent to Tent to visit and take care of them and when swaths and other cloaths were wanting wherewithal to bind up their wounds he did not spare his own Linnen but tare them in pieces to make things necessary for the wounds of his Soldiers And being reproved for his too much familiarity with his subjects he answered that he desired to be such an Emperour to his subjects as he would wish if he himself was a private man CHAP. XXV Of Counsel and the Wisdom of some men therein NO man they say is wise at all hours at least there are some hours wherein few are wise enough to give such counsel to themselves as the present emergency of their affairs may require Being dulled by calamity our inventions are too barren to yield us the means of our safety or else by precipitancy or partiality we are apt to miscarry in the conduct of our own business In this case a cordial friend is of singular use and if wise as well as faithful may stand us in as much stead as if the Oracle of Apollo was yet in being to be consulted with 1. A certain Chaquen that is a Visiter of a Province in China one of the most important employments in the Kingdom receiving of his visits after a few days were over shut up his Gates and refused to admit any further their visits or business pretending for his excuse that he was sick This being divulged a certain Mandarine a friend of his began to be much troubled at it and with much ado obtained leave to speak with him Being admitted he gave him notice of the discontent in the City by reason that businesses were not dispatch'd the other put him off with the same excuse of his sickness I see no signs of it replied his friend but if your Lordship will be pleased to tell me the true cause I will serve you in it to the utmost of my power conformable to that affection I bear you in my heart Know then replied the Visiter they have stoln the Kings Seal out of the Cabinet where it used to be kept leaving it lock'd as if it had not been touched so that if I would give audience I have not wherewithal to seal dispatches If I discover my negligence in the loss of the Seal I shall as you know loose both my Government and my life Well perceived the Mandarine how terrible the cause of his retirement was but presently making use of the quickness of his wit asked him if he had never an enemy in that City He answered yes and that it was the chief Officer in the City that is the Chief or Governour who of a long time had born him a secret grudge Away then quoth the Mandarine in great hast let your Lordship command that all your goods of worth be removed into the innermost part of the Palace let them set fire on the empty part and call out for help to quench it To which the Governour must of necessity repair with the first it being one of the principal duties of his office As soon as you see him amongst the people call out aloud to him and consign to him the Cabinet thus shut as it is that it may be secured in his possession from the danger of the fire for if it be he who hath caused the Seal to be stoln he will put it in its place again when he restores you the Cabinet if it be not he your Lordship shall lay the fault on him for having so ill kept it and so you shall not only be freed of this danger but also revenged of your enemy The Visiter followed his Counsel and it succeeded so well that the next morning after the night this fire was the Governour brought him the Seal in the Cabinet both of them concealing each others fault equally complying for the safety of both 2. Edwaerd Norgate was very judicious in Pictures for which purpose he was imployed into Italy to purchase some of the choicer for the Earl of Arundel Returning by Marsellis be missed the money he expected and being there unknowing of or unknown to any he was observed by a French Gentleman to walk in the Exâ—hange as I may call it of that City many hours every Morning and Evening with swift feet and sad face forwards and backwards To him the Civil Mounsieur addressed himself desiring to know the cause of his discontent and if it came within the compass of his power he promised
who supposing the King had forgot them converted them to his own use Alphonsus dissembled the matter instead of those put on other Rings and kept on his accustomed way After some days the King being about to wash he who had received but not restored the former put forth his hand to take from him his Rings as he had used to do But Alphonsus putting his hand back whispered him in the Ear I will give thee these Rings to keep as soon as thou hast returned me those I did formerly entrust thee with and further than this he proceeded not with him 15. Sarizanarus was the Author of that Hexastick which was made of the famous City of Venice Viderat Adriacis Venetam Neptunus in undis Stare Vrbem et toti ponere Iura mari Nunc mihi Tarpeias quantumvis Iupiter Arces Objice illa tui moenia Martis ait Sic pelago Tibrim praefers Vrbem aspice utramque Illam homines dices hanc posuisse Deos. The Poet had small reason to repent of his ingenuity for as a reward of his pains he had assign'd him out of the publick treasury of that state an hundred Zecchins for every one of those verses which amounts to three hundred pounds of our money 16. When Henry of Lancaster sirnamed the Good Earl of Darby had taken Bigerac in Gascoign Anno 1341. He gave and granted to every Soldier the house which every one should seize first upon with all therein A certain Soldier of his brake into a Mint Masters house where he found so great a mass of money that he amazed therewith as a prey greater than his desert or desire signified the same unto the Earl who with a liberal mind answered It is not for my state to play Boys play to give and take Take thou the money if it were thrice as much 17. At the Battel of Poictiers Iames Lord Audley was brought to the black Prince in a Litter most grievously wounded for he had behaved himself with great valour that day To whom the Prince with due commendations gave for his good service four hundred Marks of yearly Revenues the which he returning to his Tent gave as frankly to his four Esquires that attended him in the Battle whereof when the Prince was advertised doubting that his gift was contemned as too little for so great good service the Lord Audley satisfied him with this answer I must do for them who deserved best of me these my Esquires saved my life amidst the enemies and God be thanked I have sufficient revenues left by my Ancestors to maintain me in your service Whereupon the Prince praising his prudence and liberality confirmed his gift made to his Esquires assign'd him moreover six hundred marks of like Land here in England 18. King Canutus gave great Jewels to Winchester Church whereof one is reported to be a Cross. worth as much as the whole Revenue of England amounted to in a year and unto Coventry he gave the Arm of St. Augustine which he bought at Papia for an hundred Talents of Silver and one of Gold 19. Clodoveus Son of Dagobert King of France in a great death caused the Church of St. Dennis which his Father had covered with Plates of Silver to be covered with lead and the Silver given to the relief of the Poor 20. Isocrates the Son of Theodorus the Erecthian kept a School where he taught Rhetorick to an hundred Scholars at the rate of one hundred drachms of silver a piece He was very rich and well he might for Nicocles King of Cyprus who was the Son of Evagoras gave him at once the summ of twenty Talents of Silver for one only oration which he dedicated unto him 21. The Poet Virgil repeated unto Augustus Caesao three Books of his Aeneads the Second Fourth and Sixth the latter of these chiefly upon the account of Octavia Sister to Augustus and Mother of Marcellus whom Augustus had adopted but he died in the Eighteenth year of his Age. Octavia therefore being present at this repetition when Virgil came to these Verses at the latter end of the sixth book wherein he describes the mourning for Marcellus in this manner Heu miserando Puer si qua fata asperarumpas Tu Marcellus eris Alas poor Youth if Fates will suffer thee To see the Light thou shalt Marcellus be Octavia swooned away and when she was recovered she commanded the Poet to proceed no further appointing him Ten Sesterces for every verse he had repeated which were in number twenty one So that by the bounty of this Princess Virgil received for a few Verses above the Summ of fifty thousand Crowns CHAP. XXVIII Of the Pious Works and Charitable Gifts of some men WHereas saith the Learned Willet the professors of the Gospel are generally charged by the Romanists as barren and fruitless of good works I will to stop their mouths shew by a particular induction that more charitable works have been performed in the times of the Gospel than they can shew to have been done in the like time in Popery especially since the publick opposition of that Religion which began about two hundred and fifty years since counting from tâ—e times of Iohn Wickliâ—fe or in twice so much time now going immediately before To make good this he hath drawn out a Golden Catalogue of persons piously and charitably devoted together with their works out of which I have selected as I thought the chiefest and most remarkable to put under this head only craving leave to begin with one or two beyond the compass of his prescribed time which I have met with elsewhere 1. In the Reign of King Henry the Fourth the most deservedly famous for works of Piety was William Wickham Bishop of Winchester his first work was the building of a Chappel at Tichfield where his Father and Mother and Sister Perrot were burled Next he founded at Southwick in Hampshire near the Town of Wickham the place of his Birth as a supplement to the Priory of Southwick a Chauntry with allowance of five Priests for ever He bestowed twenty thousand marks in repairing the houses belonging to the Bishoprick he discharged out of prison in all places of his Diocess all such poor prisoners as lay in execution for debt under Twenty pounds he amended all the high ways from Winchester to London on both sides the River After all this on the Fifth of March 1379. he began to lay the foundation of that magnificent structure in Oxford called New Colledg and in person laid the first Stone thereof In the year 1387. on the twenty sixth of March he likewise in person laid the first stone of the like Foundation in Winchester and dedicated the same as that other in Oxford to the memory of the Virgin Mary 2. In the Reign of King Edward the Fourth Sir Iohn Crosby Knight and late Lord Mayor of London gave to the Repairs of the Parish Church of Henworth in Middlesex forty
annuity of twenty two pound will amount to two thousand three hundred twenty pound or thereabout All this she did though at her death she had twenty two Children and Childrens Children amongst their parts finding a portion for Christ's poor Members 24. To all this as a most exemplary Charity may be added that Act of Parliament held Anno 39. of the Queen Chapter the third for the relief of the Poor in every Parish and setting of them to work by vertue of which Act there cannot be less gathered yearly for the aforesaid charitable uses throughout the Land then thirty or forty thousand pounds yearly a National and perpetual Charity the like whereof perhaps there is no Nation under Heaven that hath yet and possibly may not hereafter perform CHAP. XXIX Of such as were Lovers of Iustice and Impartial Administrators of it THose people in India that are called Pedalii when they make their solemn sacrifices to their gods use to crave nothing at their hands but that they may have Justice continued and preserved amongst them as supposing in the enjoyment of that they should have little reason to complain of the want of any other thing And it was the saying of Maximilian the Emperour fiat Iustitia ruat coelum let us have Iustice whatsoever befalls us The Persons hereafter mentioned were great Lovers and observers of this excellent virtue which is of so great advantage to Mankind 1. The Chronicle of Alexandria relateth an admirable passage of Theodorick King of the Romans Iuvenalis a Widow made her complaint that a suit of hers in Court was drawn out for the space of three years which might have been dispatch'd in few days The King demanded who were her Judges she named them they were sent unto and commanded to give all the speedy expedition that was possible to this Womans cause which they did and in two days determined it to her good liking Which done Theodorick called them again they supposing it had been to applaud their excellent Justice now done hastned thither full of joy Being come the King asked of them how cometh it to pass you have performed that in two days which had not been done in three years They answered The recommendation of your Majesty made us finish it How replieth the King when I put you into Office did I not consign all Pleas and proceedings to you and particularly those of widows you deserve death so to have spun out a business in length three years space which required but two days dispatch and at that instant commanded their heads to be struck off 2. The Emperor Trajan had done many brave and eminent Acts but none of his Atcheivements were so resplendent as the Justice he readily afforded to a vertuous Widow Her son had been slain and she not being able to obtain â—ustice had the courage to accost the Emperor in the midst of the City of Rome amongst an infinite number of people and flourishing legions which followed him to the Wars he was then going to make War in Valachia At her request Trajan notwithstanding he was much pressed with the affairs of a most urgent War alighted from his horse heard her comforted her and did her Justice This Act of his was afterwards represented on Trajan's pillars as one of his greatest wonders 3. When Sisamnes one of the chiefest of the Persian Judges had given an unjust judgment Cambyses the King caused him to be â—â—ey'd alive and his skin to be hung over the Judgment-feat and having bestowed the Office of the dead Father upon Otanes the Son he willed him to remember that the same partiality and injustice would deserve the same punishment 4. It is reported of the Emperor Maximilian the first that when he passed by the places of Execution belonging to Cities and Signiories where the bodies of Maleâ—actors are hung up as Spectacles of terror he would vail his Bonnet and say aloud Salve Iustitia as who should say God maintain Justice 5. In the fourth year of Queen Mary exemplary Justice was done upon a great Person For the Lord Sturton a man much in favour with the Queen as being an earnest Papist was for a murder committed by him arraign'd and condemn'd carry'd to Salisbury and there in the Market-place was hang'd having this only favor to be hang'd in a Silken halter Four of his servants were also executed in places near adjoyning to that where the murder was committed 6. In the Reign of King Iames Ann. 1612. Iune 25. the Lord Sanquer a Nobleman of Scotland having in a private revenge suborned Robert Carlile to murther Iohn Turner a Master of Fence thought by his greatness to have born it out But the King respecting nothing so much as Justice would not suffer Nobility to be a shelter for villany but according to the Law the 29th of Iune the said Lord Sanquer having been arraign'd and condemn'd by the name of Iohn Creighton Esq was executed before Westminster-hall-gate where he died very penitent 7. Artaxerxes Longimanus King of Persia had of his Bed-chamber one Satybarsanes whom he much favour'd this man earnestly importuned the King in an affair which the King himself knew to be unjust and having understood that Satybarsanes was to receive 30000 Daricks to bring the business to a desirable conclusion he caused his Treasurer openly to pay that sum to him as his gift adding withal that by the gift of that sum he should be never the poorer but should he grant what he desired he should deservedly be accounted the less just 8. Henry the second commanded that an Italian Lackey should he laid in Prison without telling why The Judges set him at liberty having first delivered their opinion to the King who again commanded that he should be put to death having as he said taken him tardy in a foul and heinous offence which he would not have to be divulged the Judges for all that would not condemn him but set open the prison doors to let him forth It is true that the King caused him to be taken afterwards and thrown into the River Seine without any form of Law to avoid tumult but the Judges would not condemn a Person where no proof was made that he was guilty 9. King Lewis the Eleventh minding to Cajole the Court Parliament of Paris if it should refuse to publish certain new Ordinances by him made The Masters of that Court understanding the drifâ— went all to the King in their Robes The King asked them what they would Sir Answers the President La Vaquery We are come with a full purpose to loose our lives every one of us rather than we will suffer that by our connivance any unjust Ordinance should take place The King amazed at this answer of La Vaquery and at the constancy of the Parliament gave them gracious entertainment and Commanded that the Edicts which he would have had published should be cancelled in his presence swearing
wears out by time so the King's affection being changed towards the Admiral had charged him with some offences which he had formerly committed The Admiral presuming upon the great good Services he had done the King in Pieâ—ont and in the defence of Marseilles against the Emperor gave the King other language than became him and desired nothing so much as a publick Trial. Hereupon the King gave Commission to the Chancellor Poyet as President and other Judges upon an information of the King's Advocate to question the Admiral 's life The Chancellor an ambitious man and of a large Conscience hoping to content the King wrought with some of the Judges with so great cunning others with so sharp threats and the rest with so fair promises that though nothing could be proved against the Admiral worthy of the King's displeasure yet the Chancellor subscribed and got others to subscribe to the forfeiture of his Estate Offices and Liberty though not able to prevail against his life But the King hating falshood in so great a Magistrate and though to any that should bewail the Admiral 's calamity it might have been answered that he was tryed according to his own desire by the Laws of his Country and by the Judges of Parliament yet I say the King made his Justice surmount all his other Passions and gave back the Admiral his Honour his Offices his Estate his Liberty and caused the wicked Poyet his Chancellor to be indicted arraigned degraded and condemned 16. Totilus King of the Goths was complained to by a Calabrian that one of his Life-guard had ravished his Daughter upon which the Accused was immediately sent to Prison the King resolving to punish him as his fact deserved but the Soldiers trooped about him desiring that their fellow Soldier a man of known valour might be given back to them Totilus sharply reproved them what would ye said he know ye not that without Iustice neither any Civil or Military Government is able to subsist can ye not remember what slaughters and calamities the Nation of the Goths underwent through the injustice of Theodahadas I am now your King and in the maintenance of that we have regained our ancient Fortune and Glory would you now lose all for the sake of one single Villain See you to your selves Soldiers but for my part I proclaim it aloud careless of the event that I will not suffer it and if you are resolved you will then strike at me behold a body and breast ready for the stroke The Soldiers were moved with this speech deserted their Client The King sent for the man from Prison condemned him to death and gave his Estate to the injured and violated person 17. The Emperor Leo Armâ—nus going out of his Palace was informed by a mean person that a Senator had ravished his Wife and that he had complained of his injury to the Perfect but as yet could have no redress The Emperor commanded that both the Prefect and Senator should be sent for and wait his return in his Palace together with their Accuser being come back he examined the matter and finding it true as the man had represented he displaced the Prefect from his Dignity for his negligence and punish'd the crime of the Senator with death 18. Charles the bold Duke of Burgundy and Earl of Flaunders had a Noble Man in special favour with him to whom he had committed the Government of a Town in Zealand where living in a great deal of case he fell in love with a woman of a beautiful body and a mind and manners no whit inferior He passed and repassed by her door soon after grew bolder entred into conference with her discovers his flame and beseeches a compassionate resentment of it he makes large promises and uses all the ways by which he hoped to gain her but all in vain Her chastity was proof against all the batteries he could make against it Falling therefore into despair he converts himself unto Villany He was as I said a Governour and Duke Charles was busied in War he causes therefore the Husband of his Mistress to be accused of Treachery and forthwith commits him to Prison to the end that by fear or threats he might draw her to his pleasure or at least quit himself of her Husband the only Rival with him in his Loves The woman as one that loves her Husband goes to the Goal and thence to the Governor to entreat for him and if she was able to obtain his liberty Dost thou come O my Dear to entreat me said the Governor You are certainly ignorant of the Empire you have over me Render me only a mutual affection and I am ready to restore you your Husband for we are both under a restraint he is in my Prison and I am in yours Ah how easily may you give lâ—berty to us both wâ—y do you refuse As a Lover I beseech you and as you tender my life as the Governor I ask you and as you tender the life of your Husband both are at stake and if I must perish I will not fall alone The woman blush'd at what she heard and withal being in fear for her Husband trembled and turned pale He perceiving she was moved and supposing that some force should be used to her modesty they were alone throws her upon the bed and enjoys the fruit which will shortly prove bitter to them both The woman departed confounded and all in tears thinking of nothing more than revenge which was also the more inflamed by a barbarous aâ—t of the Governor for he having obtained his desire and hoping hereafter freely to enjoy her took care that her Husband and his Rival should be beheaded in the Goal and there was the body put into a Coffin ready for Burial This done he sent for her and in an affable manner What said he do you seek for your Husband you shall have him and pointing to the Prison you shall find him there take him along with you The woman suspecting nothing went her way when there she sees and is astonished she falls upon the dead Corps and having long lamented over it she returns to the Governor with a fierce countenance and tone It is true said she you have restored me my Husband I owe you thanks for the favour and will pay you He endeavours to retain and appease her yet in vain but hasting home she calls about her her most faithful friends recounts to them all that had passed All agree that she should make her case known to the Duke who amongst other his excellent Virtues was a singular Lover of Justice To him she went was heard but scarce believed The Duke is angry and grieved that any of his and in his Dominions should presume so far He commands her to withdraw into the next Room till he sent for the Governor who by chance was then at Court being come do you know said the Duke this woman the man changed
himself to the Study of Philosophy save only that leisure he had afforded him by a Disease that retained him in his house for whereas he was by that detained from the management of State Affairs he was thereby in a manner compelled to the Love and Study of Wisdom 12. Straton the Son of Corragus may seem to have fallen sick to his own good fortune and advantage for whereas he was descended of an Illustrious Family and abounded with Wealth yet he never used any exercise of his body till such time as he found himself to be afflicted with the Spleen Then he was put upon it to seek a remedy by Wrastling and other Exercises of the body And whereas at first he made use of these for the recovery of his health afterwards having attained to great perfection and proâ—iciency in bodily Exercises and intending to give some evidence thereof in one day he overcame at Wrastling and Whorlbats in the Olympick Games He also was Victor in the next Olympiade and so was he too in the Nemean Isthmian and Pythian Games 13. Philip King of Macedon was used to say that he took himself much beholden and bound unto the Athenian Orators for that by whetting their tongues and by giving out opprobrious and slanderous words against him they were the means to make him a better man both in word and deed For said he I strain my self and every day do my best endeavour as well in my sayings as doings â—e prove them lyars 14. Antigonus once in Winter time was driven to encamp in a place destitute of all provisions necessary for the life of Man by occasion whereof certain Soldiers not knowing that he was so nigh unto them spake very presumptuously of him and reviled him to purpose â—ut he opening the Cloth or Curtain of his Pavilion with his walking Staff If said he you go not further off to rail at me I will make you to repent it and so withdrew himself 15. Diogenes his hap was to be banished and driven out of his own Country yet this Exile of his was so far from proving evil to him that it was the chiefest occasion of his improvement as being thereby after a sort thrust upon and compelled to the Study and Profession of Philosophy 16. Zeno the Citiaean had but one small Ship left him and hearing news that both it and all therein was cast away drowned and perished in the midst of the Seas O Fortune said he thou hast done well to drive us again to put on the poor and simple habit of a Scholar and to send us back unto our Porch and School of Philosophy By these losses of his he was afterwards so great a gainer through his improvement in Philosophy that few if any of his time had a greater Reputation than he for Learning and Integrity so that when he died King Antigonus the Second who esteemed him above all other Philosophers said of him that the Theatre of his noble and glorious Acts was taken away for he desired that this man might above all others be the Spectator and Approver oâ— his Acts. CHAP. XXXIII Of the willingness of some Men to forgive Injuries received WHen Aristotle was asked what grew old soonest and what latest Beneâ—its said he and Injuries The wise Philosopher well understood that we are apt â—oon to forget a good turn but our memories are wonderful tenacious of any wrong or injury that we conceive hath been done to us Most men write down the one in Sand where every blast of Wind obliterates the Record but the other they take care to have engraven upon leaves of Adamant in Characters that scarce Time it self is able to deface The Heroes hereafter mentioned were of nobler minds and were doubtless as mindful of Obligations as they were forgetful of Indignities 1. King William the Conqueror seldom remembred Injuries after Submission for Edrick the first that rebelled against him he placed in Office near about him Gospatric who had been a factious man and a plotter of Conspiracies against him he made Earl of Glocester and trusted him with managing a War against Malcolme King of the Scots Eustace Earl of Boleyne who in the King's absence in Normandy attempted to seize upon Dover Castle he received after into great savour and respect Edgar who as next Heir to the Saxon Kings had often attempted by Arms to recover his right he not only after twice defection pardoned but gave him also an Allowance as a Prince Only Waltheof Earl of Northumberland and Northampton of all the English Nobility was put to death in all the time of the Kings Reign and not he neither till he had twice falsified his Oath of Allegiance 2. Doctor Cranmers gentleness in pardoning wrongs was so great that it grew into a Proverb do my Lord of Canterbury a shrewd turn and then you shall be sure to have him your friend while he lives 3. Augustus Caesar having taken Lucius Cinna the Nephew of Cn. Pompeius in Arms against him not only gave him his life but as a particular instance of his love restored him his estate entire This man was afterwards found in a conspiracy against him and being convicted of it he again gave him his life upon this condition that he might say I have hereâ—ofore pardoned thee as an enemy now I do the like to thee as a Traitor and a Parricide From henceforth let there be a friendship begun betwixt us and let us contend together whether I have with greatest sincerity given thee a double pardon or thou hast received it After this he received him into the number of his friends and made him Consul Elect for the year following an honour scarce to be given to them that had fought for the safety of his life much less to such as had sought both openly and privately to deprive him of it 4. Lycurgus had offended the money'd men in Sparta and therefore as he was once in the Forum or Market place there was a part of them that had raised up a faction against him who proceeded to that violence as with clamours and stones to drive him from thence and followed him as he withdrew himself The first in pursuit of him was Alcander a young man and somewhat of a hot and fierce though otherwise of no ill disposition he as Lycurgus turned back to him with his Staff struck out one of his eyes Lycurgus not daunted with the blow but turning to the people shewed his Citizens his face covered with blood and deformed with the loss of one of his eyes This wrought so much of modesty and sorrow in the Assembly that they yielded up Alcander to him and throughly affected with this unhappy acccident they waited upon him home Lycurgus with commendations dismissed them led in Alcander yet neither did or spake a word of ill to him but instead of that disposing otherwise of those that attended his body commanded Alcander to wait
him with implacable violence his hair was torn off his beard pull'd away his teeth were knocked out and not so much as women but ran upon his wretched body to torture and torment it whilst he replyed not a word some days after his eyes being digg'd out and his face disfigured with blows they set him on an old botchy Camel without ought else to cover him then an old shirt this Spectacle so full of horror nothing mollify'd the peoples hearts but desperate men rush'd upon him as thick as â—lies in Autumn some covered him all over with dirt and â—ilth others squeez'd spunges filled with ordure on his face others gave him blows with clubs on the head others prick'd him with Awls and Bodkins and divers threw stones at him calling him mad Dog A wicked woman of the dregs of the vulgar threw a pail of scalding water upon his head that his skin pilled off Lastly they hastned to hang him on a gibbet by the feet exposing him to a shameful nakedness in sight of all the world and they tormented him to the last instant of death at which time he received a blow from a hand which thrust a Sword through his mouth into his bowels all these and greater inhumanities the aged Emperor underwent with that invincible patience that he was heard to say no other thing then Lord have mercy on me and why do ye break a bruised reed 3. Ianus Anceps a wicked person lived in a lone house by the way side without the East-gate of Copenhagen this man in the night had murdered divers persons and knock'd them on the head with an Ax. At last he was discovered taken and condemned to a terrible death He was drawn upon a sledge through the City he had pieces of â—lesh pulled off from his body with burning Pincers his legs and arms were broken his tongue was pulled out of his mouth thongs of his skin were cut out of his back his brest was opened by the speedy hand of the Executioner his heart pulled out and thrown at his face All this the stout hearted man bare with an invincible courage and when his heart lay panting by his side in the midst of such torments as he yet underwent he moved his head and looked upon the by standers with a frowning aspect and seem'd with curiosity to contemplate his own heart till such time as his head was cut off 4. Mutius Scaevola having resolv'd to kill Porsena King of the Hetruscans who at that time was the enemy of Rome he came into his Camp and Tent with a purpose to Execute his design but by mistake instead of the King be slew his Secretary or Captain of the Guard being taken and adjudged to death to punish this error of his Arm he thrust his right hand into the â—ire and without change of countenance held it therein till it was quite burnt off At which invincible patience and constancy of his King Porsena was so amazed that he raised his Siege before Rome and also made peace with the Romans 5. When Xerxes was arrived at the Cape of Artemisium with above 500000 fighting men the Athenians sent out Agesilaus the brother of Themistocles to discover his Army He coming in the habit of a Persian into the Camp of the Barbarians slew Mardonius one of the Captains of the guard of the Kings body supposing he had been Xerxes himself whereupon being taken he was fettred and brought before the King who was then offring sacrifice upon the Altar of the Sun into the fire whereof Agesilaus thrusting his hand and there enduring the torment without sigh or groan Xerxes commanded to loose him All we Athenians said Agesilaus are of the like courage and if thou wilt not believe it I will put also my left hand into the fire the King amazed at his resolute Speech Commanded him to be carefully kept and looked too 6. Isabella wife of Ferdinand King of Spain was a woman of that firm temper of mind that not only in the times of her sickness but also in the sharpest pains of her travail she ever supprest both voice and sighs A most incredible thing but that Marinaeus Siculus affirms that he was assured of the truth hereof by Ladies of unquestionable verity who attended upon her in her Chamber 7. The Lord Verulame mentions a certain tradition of a man who being under the Executioners hand for High Treason after his heart was plucked out of his body and in the hand of the Executioner was yet heard to utter three or four words of Prayer and Purchas speaking of the humane sacrifices in New Spain where the heart is offered to the Sun saith thus there happened a strange accident in one of these sacrifices reported by men of worthy credit That the Spaniards beholding the solemnity a young man whose heart was newly plucked out and himself turned down the stairs when he came to the bottom he said to the Spaniards in his Language Knights they have slain me 8. Gregorius Nazianzenus tells of the Pontick Monks that some of them torture themselves with chains of Iron some as if they were wild beasts shut up themselves in narrow and strait Cells and see no body remain in silence and fasting for the space of twenty days and nights together O Christ goes he on be thou propitious to those souls that are Pious and devout I confess but not so prudent and advised as they might be 9. This is a notable Example of Tollerance which happened in our times in a certain Burgundian who was the Murderer of the Prince of Orange this man though he was scourged with Rods of Iron though his flesh was torn off with red hot and burning Pincers yet be gave not so much as a single sigh or groan Nay further when part of a broken Scaâ—fold fell upon the head of one that stood by as a spectator this burned villain in the midst of all his torments laughed at that accident although not long before the same man had wept when he saw the curls of his hair cut off 10. After the Ancient custom of the Macedonians there were certain Noble youths that ministred unto Alexander the Great at such time as he sacrificed to the gods one of which having a Censer in his hand stood before the King it chanced that a burning coal fell upon his Arm and although he was so burnt by it that the smell of his burnt flesh was in the Noses of them that stood by yet he suppressed his pain with silence and held his Arm immoveable least by shaking the Censer he should interrupt the sacrifice or least by his groaning he should give Alexander any disturbance The King also delighted with this patience of the youth that he might make the more certain experiment of his tollerance on set purpose continued and protracted his sacrifice and yet for all this the youth persisted in his resolute intention 11. Anaxarohus was
variously and cruelly tormented by the Tyrant Nicocreon and yet by all his crueltiâ—s could never be restrained from urging of him with opprobrious terms and the most reproachful language At last the Tyrant being highly provok'd threatned that he would cause his tongue to be cut out of his mouth Effeminate yong man said Anaxarchus neither shall that part of my body be at thy disposal And while the Tyrant for very rage stood gaping before him he immediately bit off his Tongue with his Teeth and spat it into his mouth A Tongue that had heretofore bred admiration in the ears of many but especially of Alexander the Great at such time as it had discours'd of the State of the earth the properties of the Seas the motion of the Stars and indeed the Nature of the whole World in a most prudent and eloquent manner 12. William Colingborn Esq being condemned for making this Rhime on King Richard the third The Cat the Rat and Lovel our Dog Rule all England under the Hog was put to a most cruel death for being hang'd and cut down alive his bowels rip 't out and cast into the fire when the executioner put his hand into the bulk of his body to pull out his heart he said Lord Iesus yet more trouble and so dy'd to the great sorrow of much people 13. Amongst the Indians the meditation of patience is adhered to with that obstinacy that there are some who pass their whole life in nakedness one while hardning their bodies in the frozen rigours and piercing colds of Mount Caucasus and at others exposing themselves to the â—lames without so much as a sigh or groan Nor is it a small glory that they acquire to themselves by this contempt of pain for they gain thereby the reputation and Title of Wise Men. 14. Such Examples as I have already recited I have furnished my self with either by reading or by the relation of such as have seen them but there now comes into my mind a most eminent one whereof I can affirm that I my self was an eye witness and it was this Hieronymus Olgiatus was a Citizen of Millain and he was one of those four that did Assassinate Galeatius Sforza Duke of Millain Being taken he was thrust into Prison and put to bitter tortures now although he was not above two and twenty years of age and of such a delicacy and softness in his habit of body that was more like to that of a Virgin than a man though never accustomed to the bearing of Arms by which it is usual for men to acquire vigour and strength yet being fastned to that rope upon which he was tormented he seemed as if he sat upon some Tribunal free from any expression of grief with a clear voyce and an undaunted mind he commended the exploit of himself and his Companions nor did he ever shew the least sign of repentance In the times of the intermissions of his torments both in Prose and Verse he celebrated the praises of himself and his Confederates Being at last brought to the place of Execution beholding Carolus and Francion two of his associats to stand as if they were almost dead with fear he exhorted them to be couragious and requested the Executioners that they would begin with him that his fellow sufferers might learn patience by his example Being therefore laid naked and at full length upon the hurdle and his feet and Arms bound fast down unto it when others that stood by were terrified with the shew and horror of that death that was prepared for him he with specious words and assured voyce extolled the gallantry of their action and appeared unconcerned with that cruel kind of death he was speedily to undergo yea when by the Executioners knife he was cut from the shoulder to the middle of the breast he neither changed his countenance nor his voyce but with a Prayer to God he ended his life 15. Caius Marius the Roman Consul having the chief veins of his legs swelled a Disease of those Times he stretched out one leg to be cut off by the hand of the Chirurgeon and not only did he refuse to be bound as 't is customary with such Patients or to be held by any man but not so much as by any word or sign did he bewray any sence of pain all the time of the operation no more than if the incision had been made in any other body or that he himself had been utterly voyd of all sence But afterwards when his Chirurgeon propounded to him the same method of cure for his other leg in regard the Disease was rather deforming than extreamly dangerous Marius told him that the matter seemed not to him of that importance as that upon the account thereof he should undergo such tormenting pain By which words he discovered that during the time of the incision of his leg he had indured very great pain but that through the strength and tollerance of his mind he had dissembled and supprest what he felt 16. This was also an Example of great patience in this kind which Strabo mentions in his Geography from the Authority of Nicholaus Damascenus viz. that Zarmonochaga the Ambassador from the Indian King having finished his Negotiation with Augustus to his mind and thereof sent account to his Master because he would have no further trouble for the remaining part of his life after the manner of the Indians he burnt himself alive preserving all the while the countenance of a man that smiled CHAP. XXXVI Of the Fortitude and Personal Valour of some Famous Men. THere is a Precious Stone by the Greeks called Ceraunia as one would say the Thunderstone for it is bred among Thunders and is found in places where Heaven all swollen with anger hath cleft the Master-pieces of the Worlds Magazine saith Caussine such is the valiant man bred up so long in dangers till he hath learned to contemn them And if the Poet be a Prophet you shall hear him say He that smiling can gaze on Styx and black wav'd Acheron That dares brave his ruine he To Kings to Gods shall equal be At least if he fall in a Noble Cause he dies a Martyr and the Brazen Trumpet of Fame shall proclaim this glorious memorial to late Posterity as it hath done for those that follow 1. Sapores the Persian King beseiged Caesaria in Cappadocia a Captive Physician shewed him a weak place of the City where he might enter at which the Persians gaining entrance put all indifferently to the Sword Demosthenes the Governour of the City hearing the Tumult speedily mounted and perceiving all lost sought to get out but in the way fell upon a Squadron of the Enemy that gathered about him to take him alive but he setting Spurs to his Horse and stoutly laying about him with his Sword slew many and opening himself a way through the midst of them escaped 2. When L. Sylla beheld his
to say to those that were in his company Which of you dares to take a piece of flesh out of this Lyon's throat when he is angry None daring to take it in hand You shall see added the Polonian the proof of my Speech All that day following the Lyon had not any meat given him the next day they threw him the fore Quarters of a Sheep the Lyon begins to grunt to couch down at his Prey and to eat greedily Herewith the Polonian enters and loâ—king the Lyon betwixt his legs gives him a blow with his fist upon the Jaw crying hah you Dog give me the flesh The Lyon amazed at such a bold voice let go his hold shewing no other Countenance but casting his eye after the Polonian that carried the flesh away 5. The City of Rome being taken by the Gauls and those that fled to the Capitol besieged in this distress some of the Romans that were fled to Veientum brought that same Camillus whom before they had ungratefully forced into Exile to take upon him the Supreme Command He answered that while those in the Capitol were safe he took them for his Country and should obey their Commands with all readiness but should not obtrude himself upon them against their will But all the difficulty was to send to them that were inclosed in the Capitol by the way of the City it was impossible as being full of Enemies But amongst the young men of Ardaea where Camillus then was there was one Pontius Cominius of a mean Birth but desirous of Glory and Honour who offered himself to this piece of service He took no Letters to them lest being taken the design should be betrayed to the Enemy But in meat habit and pieces of Cork under it he performed part of his journey by day-light as soon as it grew dark being near the City because the Bridge was kept by the Enemy he could not that way pass the River with his light Garment therefore bound about his head and bearing up himself upon his Cork he swam over the River and perceiving by the fire and noise that the Guards were awake he shunn'd them and came to the Carmental Gate there all was silent and the Capitoline Hill was most steep and hard to ascend By this way he climbs up and at last came to the Sentinels that watched upon the Walls he salutes them and tells them who he was He was taken up led to the Magistrates acquaints them with all his business They presently create Camillus Dictator and by the same way dismiss Pontius who with the same wonderful difficulty escaped the Enemy as before and came safe to Camillus and Camillus to the safety of his Countrey 6. In the Reign of Tham King of China there was a Colao an Officer not unlike that of our Duke who having been Tutor to the King was very powerful with him and to preserve himself in his Grace and Favour studied more to speak what would please the King then to tell him the truth for the good of his Estate The Chineses forbare not to speak of it amongst themselves and to tax the flattery of this Coloa once some Captains of the Guard were discoursing this Point at the Palace when one of them being a little warmed with the Discourse secretly withdrew himself went into the Hall where the King was and kneeling down upon his knees before him the King asked what he would have Leave said he to cut off the head of a flattering Subject And who is that said the King Such a one who stands there replied the other The King in a rage What said he against my Master darest thou to propound this and in my Presence too Take him away and strike off his head When they began to lay hands upon him he caught hold of a wooden balanster and as there were many pulling of him and he holding with a great deal of strength it brake by this time the King's heat was over he commands they should let him go and gave order that the balanster should be mended and that they should not make a new one that it might remain a witness of the Fact and a memorial of a Subject that was not afraid to advise his King what he ought to do 7. Phocion the Athenian was a man that stood with unmoveable constancy against the Multitude the Nobles Fortune and Death it self There was once an Oracle recited at Athens viz. that there was amongst them one single man that ever dissented from the agreeing opinions of all the rest All the people were enraged and enquired after that man Now pray said Phocion surcease your enquiry I am the man you seek for for not one thing of all that you do did ever please me 8. In a Parliament at Salisbury in the twenty fifth year of King Edward the First the King requires certain of his Lords to go to the Wars in Gascoigne which needed a present Supply by reason of the death of his Brother Edmund but all the Lords made excuses each for themselves Whereupon the King in great rage threatned they should either go or he would give their Lands to others that would Upon this Humphry Bohune Earl of Hereford High Constable and Robert Bigod Earl of Norfolk Marshal of England made their Declaration that if the King went in Person they would attend him otherwise not which Answer offended the King more and being urged again the Earl Marshal protested he would willingly go thither with the King and march before him in the Van-guard as by right of Inheritance he ought to do But the King told him plainly he should go with any other though he went not himself in person I am not so bound said the Earl neither will I take that Iourney without you The King swore By God Sir Earl you shall go or hang. And I swear by the same Oath said the Earl that I will neither go nor hang and so departed without leave 9. Avidius being General of the Army when a part of the Auxiliaries without his privity had slain three thousand of the Sarmatians upon the Banks of the Danubius and returned with a mighty Spoil the Centurions expecting mighty Rewards for that with so small Forces they had overthrown so great a number but he commanded them to be seized and crucifyed For said he it might have fallen out that by a sudden eruption of the Enemy from some Ambush the whole Army might have been hazarded But upon this Order of his a Sedition arose in the Army when he straight goes forth into the midst of the Mutineers unarmed and without any Life-Guard where unappalled he spake in this manner Kill me if you dare and give a glorious instance of your corrupted Discipline When they saw his undaunted boldness they all grew quiet and willingly submâ—tted themselves to Discipline which thing not only preserved the Romans themselves in obedience but struck such an awe into
though th' one Sphere did always slowly glide And contrary the other swiftly slide Yet still the Stars kept all their courses even With the true courses of the Stars in Heaven The Sun there shifting in the Zodiack His shining houses never did forsake His pointing path there in a mouth his Sister Fulfill'd her course and changing oft her Lustre And form of Face now larger lesser soon Follow'd the Changes of the other Moon 3. In the twentieth year of Queen Elizabeth Mark Scaliot Blacksmith made a Lock consisting of eleven pieces of Iron Steel and Brass all which together with a Pipe Key to it weighed but one grain of gold he made also a chain of gold consisting of forty three links whereunto having fastned the Lock and Key before mentioned he put the Chain about a Fleas neck which drew them all with ease Now all these together Lock and Key Chain and Fâ—â—a being weighed the weight of them was but one grain and a half 4. Calicrates used to make Pismires and other such little creatures ouâ— of Ivory with that wonderâ—ul Artifice that other men could not discern the parts of them one from the other without the help of Glasses 5. Myrmecides was also excellent in that kind of workmanship he wrought out of Ivory a Chariot with four wheels and as many horses in so little Room that a little Fly might cover them all with her wings The same man made a Ship with all the tackling to it no bigger than that a small Bee might hide it with her wings 6. Praxiteles was a curious worker in Imagery he made a Statue of Venus for the Gnidians so lively that a certain young man became so amorous of it that the excess of his love deprived him of his wits This piece of Art was esteemed at that rate by King Nicomedes that whereas the Gnidians owed him a vast sum of money he offered to take that Statue in full satisfaction of his debt 7. Cedrenus makes mâ—ntion of a Lamp which together with an Image of Christ was found at Edâ—ssa in the Reign of Iustinian the Emperor It was set over a ceâ—tain gate there and privily inclos'd as appear'd by the date of it soon after Christ was crucified it was found burning as it had done for Five hundred years before by the Souldiers of Cosroes King of Persia by whom also the oyl was taken out of it and cast into the fire which occasioned such a Plague as brought death upon almost all the forces of Cosroes 8. At the demolition of our Monasteries here in England there was found in the supposed Monument of Constantius Chlorus father to the Great Constantine a burning Lamp which was thought to have continued burning there even since his burial which was about three hundred years after Christ. The Ancient Romans us'd in that manner to preserve lights in their Sepulchres a long time by the oylyness of Gold resolv'd by Art into a liquid substance 9. Aâ—thur Gregory of Lyme in the County of Dorset had the admirable Art of forcing the Seal of a Letter yet so invisibly that it still appeared a Virgin to the exactest beholder Secretary Walsingham made great use of him about the packquet which pass'd from Foreign parts to Mary Queen of Scotland He had a Pension paid for his good service out of the Exchequer and dy'd at Lyme about the beginning of the Reign of King Iames. 10. Cornelius van Drebble that rare Artist made a kind of Organ that would make an excellent Symphony of it self being placed in the open air and clear Sun without the fingering oâ— an Organist which was as is conceiv'd by the means of air inclosed and the strictures of the beams rarifying the same for in a shady place it would yield no Musick but only where the Sun-beams had the Liberty to play upon it as we read of Memnons Statue 11. I remember saith Clavius that while as yet I was but young and Studied the Mathematicks for the great honor we had of Alexander Farnesius we invited that Prince into our School and amongst other gifts and shews that were presented him by the Ingenious a Mathematical one was impos'd upon me Then was it that the force of a Concave was happily serviceable to me â— for by the virtue and power of it I erected on high the name of Alexander Farnesius impressed it in the air all the letters of it being radiant aâ—d shining It was a monument indeed but only of our observation and honor to but very short of the greatness of the Farnesian family 12. His Highness the Duke of Holsteine hath ordered a Globe to be made in the City of Gottorp it is a double Globe made of Copper ten foot and half in Diameter so that within it ten persons may sit at a table which with the seats about it hangeth at one of its Poles There a man may see by means of an Horizontal Circle within the Globe how the Stars and Sun it self out of its Centre moveth of its self through its Ecliptick Degrees and riseth and setteth regularly The motion of this Globe exactly followeth that of the heavens and deriveth that motion from certain Wheels driven by water which is drawn out of a mountain hard by and let in as it requireth more or less according to the swiftness of the Spheres 13. There was at Leige Ann. 1635. a Religious and industrious man of the Society of Iesus named Linus by birth an English man he had saith Kircher a Phial or Glass of Water wherein a little Globe did float witâ— the twenty four letters of the Alphabet described upon it on the inside of the Phial was an Index or Stile to which the Globe did turn and move it self at the period of every hour with that letter which denoted the hour of the day successively as though this little globe kept pace and time with the heavenly motions And Kircher himself had a vessel of water in which just even with the surface of the water were the twenty four hours described A piece of Cork was set upon the water and there in were put some seeds of the Heliotrope or Sun-flower which like the flower it self did turn the Cork about according to the course of the Sun and with its motion point out the hour of the day 14. I will shew you an experiment saith Galilaeo which my last leisure hours did produce and so calling his servant he gave him his Cloak and taking out a round box he went directly to the window upon which at that time the Sun â—â—one and opening the box towards the Sun till such time as it had received the light of it he desired that the room should be made as dark as might be which done turning to Clavius then with him did you not desire said he that something should be shew'd or made by us to day Pardon the extravagancy of the word Behold
Senator for many Ages together only C. Fabius Maximus and he also through imprudence meeting with Crassus as he went into the Country told him of the third Punick War secretly decreed in the Senate for he knew he was made Questor three Years â—efore but knew not that he was not yet chose into the Order of the Senators by the Censors which was the only way oâ— admittance But though this was an honest error oâ— Fabius yet was he severely reprehended by the Consuls for it for they would not that Privacy which is the best and safest Bond in the Administration oâ— Affairs should be broke Therefore when Eumenes King of Asia a friend of our City had declared to the Senate that Perses King of Macedon was preparing to War upon the people of Rome it could never be known what he had said in the Senate house or what answer the Fathers had made to him till such time as it was known that King Perses was a Prisoner So that you would have thought that which was spoke in the ears of all had been heard by none 3. It is reported of the Egyptians that they undergo tortures with a wonderful patience and that an Egyptian will sooner die in torments than discover the Secret he hath been entrusted with 4. It was heretofore a custom that the Senators of Rome carried their Sons with them and thither did Papyrius Praetextatus follow his Father some great Affair was consulted of and deferred to the next day charge being given that none should disclose the subject of their debate before it was decreed The Mother of the young Papyrius at his Return enquired of him what the Fathers had done that day in the Senate who told her that it was a Secret and that he might not discover it The woman was the more desirous to know for this answer he had made her and therefore proceeds in her enquiry with more earnestness and violence The boy finding himself urged invented this witty lye It was saith he debated in the Senate which would be most advantageous to the Common-wealth that one man should have two Wives or that one woman should have two Husbands The woman in a terrible fright leaves the house and acquaints divers other Ladies with what she had heard the next day came a troop of women to the door crying and beseeching that rather one woman might marry two men than that one man should marry two women The Senators entring the Court enquire what meant this intemperance of the women and what their request intended Here young Papyrius stepped into the midst of the Court and told them what his Mother had desired to know and what answer he had given They commended his wit and secrecy and then made an Order that no Senators Sons should enter their Court save only that one Papyrius 5. Eumenes was informed that Craterus was coming against him with an Army he kept this private to himself and did not acquaint the most intimate of his friends therewith but gave out that it was Neoptolemus that came to fight him for he well knew that his own Soldiers who reverenced Craterus for his Glory and were lovers of his Vertue had Neoptolemus in contempt When therefore the Battel came to be fought Eumenes was victorious and Craterus unknown was killed amongst the rest so that this Battel was gained by his Taciturnity and his friends rather admired than reprehended him for it 6. The Ambassadors of the King of Persia were at Athens invited to a Feast whereat also were preâ—sent divers Philosophers who to improve the conversation discoursed of many things both for and against Amongst the which was Zeno who being observed to sit silent all the while the Ambassadors pleasantly demanded what they should say of him to the King their Master Nothing said he further than this that you saw at Athens an old man who knâ—w how â—o hold his tongue 7. Mâ—tâ—llus the Roman General was once asked by a young Cenâ—urion what dâ—sign he had now in hand who told him that if he thought his own 〈◊〉 was privy to any part of his Counsel he would immediately pluâ—k it off and burn it 8. Leaena was an Athenian Strumpet that could play well upon the Harp and sing sweetly unto it â—he was familiarly acquainted with Harmodius and Aristogitoâ— and privy to their plot and project touching the murder of Pisistratus the Tyrant yet would she never reveal this purpose and intention of theirs to the Tyrant or his Favourites though she was put to most exquisite and dolorous torments about it The Athenians therefore desirous to honour this woman for her resolute and constant secrecy and yet loath to be thought to make so much of such a Harlot as she was devised to represent the Memorial of her and her act by a Beast of her name and that was a Lyoness the Statue of which they gave order to Iphicrates to make and that he should leave out the tongue in the head of this Lyoness for some say that fearing lest her torment should cause her to betray her friends she bit it off and spit it in the face of the Tyrant and Tormentors 9. When the King of Ala goes to War he assembleth his chief men into a Grove near the Palace where they dig a Ditch in a round Circle and there every man declareth his opinion after this Consultation the Ditch is closed and under pain of Treason and death all which hath been spoken must be concealed as if it was so buried as they had before represented in their Emblem 10. A Country man having killed Lucius Piso Governor of Spain was exposed to tortures thereby to extort from him a Confession of his Confederates he endured the first day's torments with invincible courage but fearing himself for the second as he was going to the Rack he slipped out of the hand of his Leader and dashed his head with that violence against a Stone Wall that he died immediately lest he should through extremity of pain be enforced to disclose that which he had sworn to conceal 11. Zeno Eleates was a person extremely well versed in the nature of things and one that knew how to excite the minds of young men to vigour and constancy he gained reputation to his Precepts by the example of his own Vertue For whereas he might have lived in all security in his own Country he left it and came to Agrigentum that then was in miserable Slavery he hoped by his ingenuity and manner of deportment to have converted a Tyrant and such a one as Phalaris from his Cruelties But finding that wholsome counsel would do nothing with him he inflamed the Noble Youth of that City with a desire of Liberty and freeing their Country When this was made known to the Tyrant he called the people together in the Forum and exposing the Philosopher unto cruel torments before their faces he frequently demanded of him who
and with a youthful ardour had gallantly acquitted himself in divers Enterprises Severus being informed hereof and supposing him to be one of the Senatorian Order he wrote a Letter to him wherein having given him due praises for the service he had done he desired him to encrease his Forces This he speedily performed and having done things worthy of admiration he sent to Severus one thousand seven hundred and fifty Myriads of Drachmes This done without fear he presented himself to the Emperour and openly declared who he was yet he neither requested upon the score of his Victories that he might really be made one of the Senate nor did he petition for any Honour or increase of Wealth but only received from Severus some small thing to maintain him alive and so retired into the Country where he spent the rest of his life in privacy and poverty 6. Crates Thebanus was adored for a God a Noble-man by Birth many Servants he had an Honourable Attendance much Wealth many Mannors rich Apparel and great store of Money but when he apprehended that all this yea all the Wealth of the World was but brittle uncertain and no whit availing to live well he cast off his burden renounced his Estate and threw his Treasure into the Sea 7. Epaminondas that great General of the Thebans after his Glorious Exploits and Famous Victories lived in such meanness and extream poverty that he had but one upper Garment and that a poor one to so that if at any time he had occasion on to send it to the Fuller or to mending he was constrained for want of another to stay at home till it was returned At his death they found nothing in his House but a little Iron Spit nor wherewithal to commit him to the Ground so that he was buried at the Publick Charge yet had this great man the offer of a considerable sum in Gold sent him by the Persian King whereof he would not accept and in mind saith Aelian he shewed himself more genrous in the refusal than the other did in the gift of it 7. Aristides who by his Valour Prudence and Justice had made the Athenians rich and honourable at his death was so poor that nothing in his House being found to do it withal he was buried at the charge of the Commonwealth 9. Frederick Duke of Saxony his virtues were so great that unanimously the Electors chose him for Emperor while he as earnestly did refuse nor did they like tickly Italians pet at this and put another in his room but for the reverence they bore him when he would not accept it himself they would yet have one that he should recommend which was Charles the Fifth who out of his gratitude for the putting of him into that Place sent him a Present of 30000 Florens But he that could not be tempted by the Imperial Crown stood proof against the blaze of Gold and when the Ambassadors could fasten none upon hâ—m he desired but his permission to leave 10000 amongst his Servants To which he answered They might take it if they would but he that took but a Piece from Charles should be sure not to stay a Day with Frederick A mind truly Heroick evidently Superlative by despising what was greatest not temptable with either Ambition or Avarice far greater than an Emperor by refusing to be one 10. Audentius upon the death of Bassianus Caracalla was proffered the Roman Empire which yet he utterly refused and could not by any perswasions be wrought upon to accept of it 11. Alexander the great having overcome Darius of the Persian Spoils he sent Phocion the Athenian an hundred Talents of Silver but when the Messengers brought him this Gift He asked them why Alexander gave him so great a Gift rather than to any other of the Athenians Because said they he only esteemeth thee to be a good and honest man Then said Phocion let him give me leave to remain that which I seem and am so long as I live The Messengers would not so leave but followed him home to his House where they saw his great frugality and thriftiness for they found his Wife her self Baking and he himself drew water to wash his feet But when they were more earnest with him than before to accept of their Master 's present and were offended with him saying That it was a shame for the Friend of Alexander to live so miserably and beggarly Then Phocion seeing a poor old man pass by asked them Whether they thought him worse than that man No the Gods forbid replied they yet answered he He lives with less than I do and yet is contented and hath enough To be short he said If I should take this Sum of Money and not employ it it is as much as if I had it not again if I should employ it I should occasion all the City to speak evil of the King and me both And so he sent back this Great Present shewing thereby that he was richer that needed not such Sums than he that gave them 12. Paulus Aemylius was sent by the Senate of Rome into Spain where they were all up in Arms in which Journey he twice overcame the barbarous people in main battel and slew about 30000 of them he took in also two hundred and fifty Cities and so leaving the Country quiet he returned to Rome not enriched by all these Victories the worth of one groat yea he so little regarded the World that although he was Consul twice and twice triumphed yet when he died all the Estate he left was little enough to satisfie his Wives Joynture 13. Vergerits the Pope's Legate was sent by his Master to Luther when he first began to preach against the Corruptions of the Church of Rome to proffer him a Cardinal's Cap if he would relinquish his Opinions to whom he answered contemptus est à me Romanus favor furor I do equally dispise the favour and fury of Rome Another time there was Proposals made of a great Sum of Money to be sent unto him but one of the Cardinals who was then present cried out Hem Germana illa bestia non curat aurum That beast of Germany does not care for money Luther also tells us that when some of the Cardinals were by the Pope sent to him to tempt him with promises of great Wealth and Honour Turning my self saith he to God Valde protestatus sum me nolle sic satiari ab eo I earnestly protested that God should not put me off with such mean matter 14. Deiotarus King of Galatia being a very old man sent for Cato Vticensis to come to him intending to recommend to him the care of his Sons and when he was arrived the King sent him divers rich Presents of all sorts entreating him that he would accept of them This so much offended Cato that he stayd very little with him and the next day returned But he had
so perished together with their Houses and Relations 5. Ptolemaeus ruling over the Cyprian Cities and hearing that Nicocles the Paphian King did closely hold correspondence with Antigonus he sent Argaeus and Callicrates his Friends with command that they should put Nicocles to death as fearing the defection of other Cities besides that of Paphos These came to Cyprus and having received some Troops of Menelaus the General there they beset the Palace of Nicocles and having declared the Kings commands they demanded Nicocles to death He at first would have excused the matter but when he saw that would not serve his turn he slew himself Axiothea the wife of Nicocles being informed of the death of her Husband did then slay her Daughters that were Virgins that they might not fall into the enemies hands She also perswaded the Wives of Nicocles his Brethren with her to murther themselves though Ptolemy had granted them impunity Their Husbands seeing this set fire upon the Palace and slew themselves by this means the Royal Family of the Paphians was utterly distinguished 6. The Tacchi a people in Asia rather then they would be captivated to the Greeks threw themselves down headlong from the Rocks the very women throwing down their own children first and then casting themselves upon them 7. Philip King of Macedon had beseiged the City of Abydus and straitly beset it both by Sea and Land when the inhabitants defended it against him with great courage till at last the Enemy had undermin'd and overthrown the outward wall and were now by their mines approaching that other wall which the Inhabitants had made up within instead of the former Then the besieged apprehensive of their danger sent Embassadors to Philip offering him the surrender of their City upon condition that the Rhodians and Soldiers of Attalus should be freely dismissed and that every freeman should have liberty to depart whither he pleased Philip returned them this answer that either they should resolve to surrender at discretion or else fight it gallantly They of Abidus made desperate by these means consulted together and resolved upon this course to give liberty to all slaves that they might assist them with greater cheerfulness to shut up all their wives in the Temple of Diana their Children and Nurses in the publick Schools to lay all their silver and gold upon a heap in the Market place and to put their most precious furniture into two Galleys This done they chose out fifty persons of strength and Authority whom in presence of all the Citizens they caused to swear that as soon as they should perceive the enemy to be Master of the inward Wall they should kill all their Wives and Childrenâ— burn the Galleys and cast the Silver and Gold into the Sea They all swore to defend their liberty to the last breath and indeed when the Walls were fallen all the Soldiers and Inhabitants maintained the ruines of them with that obstinacy that few remained alive or unwounded And when the City was taken Philip was amazed to see the rest kill their Wives and Children cast themselves headlong from houses and into pits and running upon any kind of death so that few of that City could be perswaded to out-live the loss of their liberty unless such as were bound and by force preserved from doing violence upon themselves 8. At Numantia in Spain four thousand Soldiers withstood forty thousand Romans for fourteen years together in which time having often valiantly repulsed them and forced them unto two dishonourable compositions at last when they could hold out no longer they gathered all their Armour money and goods together and laid them on an heap which being fired they voluntarily cast themselves also into the flames leaving unto Scipio nothing but the bare name of Numantia to adorn his triumph with 9. The City of Saguntum had been besieged by Annibal for the space of nine months in which the famine was so great that the inhabitants were enforced to eat mans flesh At last when they could hold out no longer rather than they would fall into the hands of their enemies they made a fire in which themselves and their City was consumed to Ashes 10. Perdiccas made war upon Ariarathes King of Cappadocia although he had no way provoked him yet although he overcame the King in Battle he carried thence nothing but hazards and wounds instead of rewards for the slying Army being received into the City each man slew his Wife and Children set fire on their houses and furniture of them and having laid upon one heap all their riches at once and consumed them to ashes they then threw themselves headlong from Towers and high places into the flames so that the victorious enemy enjoyed nothing of theirs besides the sight of those flames which devoured the spoils they hoped to have divided amongst them 11. When Brutus had besieged the City of the Xanthii in Licia they themselves set fire on their own City some of them leapâ—d into the flames and there perished others fell upon their own swords A woman was seen hanging from the roof of her house with an infant newly strangled about her neck and in her right hand a burning torch that she might that way have burnt down the house over her CHAP. LI. Of such as in highest Fortunes have been mindful of Humane frailty THe Lamae who are the Priests of the Tibitenses when they prepare to celebrate prayers they summon the people together with the hollow whispering sounds of certain pipes made of the bones of dead men They have also Rosaries or Beads made of them which they carry always about them and they drink continually out of a Skull Being asked the reason of this Ceremony by Anthony Andrada who first found them out one that was the chiefest among them told him that they did it ad fatorum memoriam they did therefore pipe with the bones of the dead that those sad whispers might warn the people of the swift and invisible approach of death whose musick they term'd iâ— The Beads they wore did put them in mind of the frail estate of their bodies their drinking in a skull did mortifie their affections repress pleasures and imbitter their tast lest they should relish too much the delights of life and certainly these great and excellent persons hereafter mentioned did therefore carry along with them the commemoration of death as finding it a powerful Antidote against those excesses and deviations whereunto the nature of man especially in prosperity has so notable a proneness 1. Maximilianus the first Emperour of Germany for three years some say two caused his Coffin made of Oak to be carried along with him in a Wagon before he felt any sickness and when he drew near to his death he gave order in his last will that they should wrap up his dead body in course linen without any embowelling at all and that they should stop his
mouth nostrils ears and all open passages of his body with unslaked lime this was the only embalming and conditure he required and that for this purpose that his body might by this eating and consuming thing be the sooner resolved into its earth 2. Saladine that great Conquerour of the East after he had taken Ierusalem perceiving he drew near unto death by his last Will forbad all funeral pomp and commanded that only an old and black Cassock fastned at the end of a Lance should be born before his body and that a Priest going before the people should aloud sing these verses as they are remembred by Boccace Vixi divitiis regno tumidusque trophaeis Sed pannum heu nigrum nil nisi morte tuli Great Saladine the Conqu'rour of the East Of all the State and Glory he possess'd O frail and transitory good no more Hath born away than that poor Shirt he wore 3. The Emperour Severus after many wars growing old and about to dye called for an Urn in which after the ancient manner the ashes of their burnt bodies were to be bestowed and after he had long looked upon it and held it in his hands he uttered these words Thou said he shalt contain that man whom all the world was too narrow to confine Mors sola fatetur Quantula sint hominum Corpuscula 'T is only death that tells How small he is that swells 4. Philip King of Macedon had a fall and after he was risen perceiving the impression of his body upon the sand Good Gods said he what a small parcel of earth will contain us who aspire to the possession of the whole world 5. Luther after he had successfully opposed the Pope and was gazed and admired at by all the world as the invincible Champion of the true Christian faith not long before his death sent a fair Glass to Dr. Iustus Ionas his friend and therewith these following verses Dat vitrum vitro Jonae vitrum ipse Lutherus Se similem ut fragili noscat uterque vitro Luther a Glass to Jonah Glass a Glass doth send That both may know our selves to be but Glass my Friend 6. Antigonus lay sick a long time of a lingring disease and afterwards when he was recovered and well again We have gotten no harm said he by this long sickness for it hath taught me not to be so proud by putting me in mind that I am but a mortal man And when Hermodorus the Poet in certain Poems which he wrote had stiled him the Son of the Sun he to check that unadvised speech of his He who useth to empty my Close-Stool said he knoweth as well as I that it is nothing so 7. Croesus that rich King of Lydia shewed unto Solon his vast riches and asked of him who it was that he could esteem of as an happier man than he Solon told him that riches were not to be confided in and that the state of a man in this life was so transitory and liable to alteration and change that no certain judgment could be made of the felicity of any man till such time as he came to dye Croesus thought himself contemned and despised by Solon while he spake to him in this manner and being in his great prosperity at that time thought there was little in his speech that concerned him But afterwards being overthrown by King Cyrus in a pitcht battle his City of Sardis taken and himself made prisoner when he was bound and laid upon a pile of wood to be publickly burnt to death in the sight of Cyrus and the Persians then it was that he began to see more deep into that conference he heretofore had with Solon And therefore being now sensible of the truch of what he had heard he cryed out three times O Solon Solon Solon Cyrus admired hereat and demanded the reason hereof and what that Solon was Croesus told him who he was and what he had said to him about the frailty of man and the change of condition he is subject to in this life Cyrus at the hearing of this like a wise Prince began to think that the height of his own fortune could as little excuse from partaking in this fragility as that of Croesus had done and therefore in a just sense and apprehension of those sudden turns which the destinies do usually allot to mankind he pardoned Croesus set him at liberty and gave him an honourable place about him 8. Antiochus at the first stood mute and as one amazed and afterwards he burst out into tears when he saw Achaeus the Son of Andromachus who had married Laodice the Daughter of Mithridates and who also was the Lord of all that Country about the Mountain Taurus brought before him bound and lying prostrate upon the earth That which gave the occasion to these tears of his was the consideration of the great suddenness of these blows which Fortune gives and how impossible it is to guard our selves from them or prevent them 9. Sesostris was a Potent King of Aegypt and had subdued under him divers nations which done he caused to be made for him a Chariot of gold and richly set with several sorts of precious Stones Four Kings by his appointment were yoked together herein that they instead of Beasts might draw this Conquerour as oft as he desired to appear in his glory The Chariot was thus drawn upon a great Festival when Sesostris observed that one of the Kings had his eyes continually fixed upon the wheel of the Chariot that was next him He then demanded the reason thereof the King told him that he did wonder and was amazed at the unstable motion of the wheel that rowled up and down so that one while this and next that part was uppermost and the highest of all immediately became the lowest King Sesostris did so consider of this saying and thereby conceived such apprehensions of the frailty and uncertainty of humane affairs that he would no more be drawn in that proud manner 10. Xerxes Son of Darius and Nephew to Cyrus after five years preparation came against the Grecians to revenge his Fathers disgraceful repulse by Miltiades with such an Army that his men and Cattel dried up whole Rivers he made a Bridge over the Hellespont where looking back on such a multitude considering mans mortality he wept knowing as he said that no one of all those should be alive after an hundred years CHAP. LII Of such as were of unusual Fortune and Felicity MEn in a Dream find themselves much delighted with the variety of those images of things which are presented to their waking fancies that felicity and happiness which most men count so and please their thoughts with is more of imaginary than real more of shadow than substance and hath so little of solidity and stableness in it that it may be â—itly looked upon as a dream All about us is so liable to the blows of fortune
father was somewhat ashamed of him had thoughts of creating another Successour to himself and for the benefit of the Common-Wealth to have taken at once from his son both the title of Caesar and his life it self but the evil fortune of the Roman Empire at this time intercepted all his purposes by a sudden death 9. Saladine who left so great a name behind him left also the Kingdom of Syria to his son Noradine whose sloth and unprincely qualities were such that he was driven out by the people and his Uncle Saphadine set up in his stead after which he had so exhausted his own Patrimony that he was fain to subsist upon the mercy and charity of his brothers and at last died with the just reproaches of all men 10. Iohannes Galleacius who first had the title of Duke of Millaine was a Prince of a great and liberal mind and adorn'd with all other vertues that were to be required in a great person he was belov'd at home and fear'd abroad He was possessed of a great part of Italy which he had gain'd with much honour so that he was thought superiour rather than equal to some Christian Kings This man left his son Iohn to succeed him than whom Phalaris himself was not more cruel what his father had got by blood and valour and sweat this mad-man lost at least the greater part thereof laughing so that at last growing hateful and contemptible to his own people he was flain by them And his other son Gabriel having lost Pisa whereof he was possessed was openly beheaded at Genoa 11. Although Cassander through his equity and industry in his affairs had many who voluntarily became the followers of his greatness yet he made war upon divers Cities of Greece the destruction of which as a neighbouring fire struck such terror into the Spartans that they then first surrounded their City with Walls which before they only defended with their arms So far were they degenerated from the vertue of their Ancestors that whereas for many Ages the valour of the Citizens had been the only Wall of their City the Citizens now thought they could not be safe unless they lay hid behind the Walls of their City 12. Franciscus Sfortia Duke of Millaine amongst Christian Princes excelled in all kind of vertues he was not inferiour to Trajan for humanity and to the degree of his fortune was reputed as liberal as Alexander the Great But his sons did mightily degenerate from the so great vertue of their father Galeacius the Elder was ambitious and lustful proud of the least successes and extreamly dejected when any adversity befell him Philip the second son was corpulent foolish and a coward Ludovicus was prophane saying That Religion and Justice were fictions invented to keep the people in order he was of a haughty mind covetous lustful broken in adversity and unfortunate if not cowardly for though he had greater forces than his enemy he lost that Dukedom to Lewis the 12. King of France in sixteen daies which his father had gain'd by arms and kept with the singular love and benevolence of all men to the day of his death 13. Phocion was an excellent person but his son Phocus was so dissolute and resigned up to intemperance and excessive drinking that he could not be reclaimed by the Spartan discipline it self When Menyllus had presented Phocion with a great gift and he had refused it he requested that he would at least permit his son Phocus to receive it If said he my son Phocus reform himself he will have a Patrimony sufficient to maintain him but as he now behaves himself there is nothing that can be enough for him 14. Marcus Tullius Cicero the famous Orator had a son of the same name but of a very different nature for whereas his father was a temperate and abstemious person his son was so addicted to Wine that he would swallow down two Gallons at once and in one of his drunken fits he so far forgot himself that he struck M. Agrippa upon the head with a Pot. 15. Theodosius the great was a most happy and fortunate Emperour but in this one thing unfortunate for he left behind him two sons Honorius in the West and Arcadius in the East both Emperours but both so slothful and unlike their father that partly by that and partly by the treachery of Ruffinus and Stilichon the Empire was miserably and foully dilacerated by the Goths Hunnes and Vandalls 16. The sons of the Emperour Constantine the Great were as much below the Genius of their father in all praise worthy things as he did surpass all other Princes in piety and true greatness of mind For in respect of the Government of his life no man was more heedless than his son Constantinus Constans the second son was a man much addicted to unseemly pleasures And Constantius the third son was yet more intollerable by reason of his inconstancy and arrogance 17. Casimirus was fetcht out of a Monastery and made King of Poland a man of great vertue but his son Boleslaus who succeeded him in the Kingdom did much degenerate from the noble example of his father For he was a despiser and contemner of Religion a neglecter of the administration of Justice and of a cruel nature and disposition He slew Sanctus Stanisiaus the Arch-bishop of Cracovia and at last died himself an exile from his Country 18. Herodes Atticus the Sophist in respect of his wit and eloquence was second to none of his time yet had he a son of his called also Atticus who was of so dull and stupid a nature that he could never be made capable of understanding the first rudiments and elements of learning CHAP. V. Of undutiful and unnatural Children to their Parents SOlon would never establish any Law against Parricides or Parent-killers saying The gods forbid that a Monster should ever come into our Common-Wealth and certain it is that six hundred years from the building of Rome were over-past before so much as the name of that crime was known amongst them The first that killed his Father and stained his hands in the blood of him that gave him life was Lucius Ostius a person afterwards detested throughout all Ages P. Malleolus was the first saith Livy amongst the Romans who was known to have killed his Mother and who underwent that punishment which was by the institution of the Ancients in that case They ordained that the Parricide should be first scourged to blood then sown up in a Sack together with a Dog a Cock a Viper and an Ape and so thrown head-long into the bottom of the Sea But notwithstanding the severity of this Law and those of other Nations against a crime of this nature there are too many Instances of unnatural children as in part will appear by what follows 1. Antiochus a Jew accus'd his own Father and some other Jews then living at Antioch that
might fall upon her as she slept in the night when this was discovered he made a Ship that should be taken in pieces that so she might perish either by wrack or the fall of the Decks upon her but she escaped this danger also by swimming Which when Nero understood he commits the slaughter of his mother to Anicetus the Centurion who taking along with him to the Villa of Agrippina persons fit for the employment compassed the house brake open the door and with his drawn sword presented himself with the rest of the Murderers at her bed-side apprehending his intention she shew'd him her belly and bad him strike there This Womb of mine said she is deservedly to be digged up that has brought forth such a Monster and so after many wounds died It 's said that Nero came thither to behold the Corpse of his mother that he took her limbs into his hands and commended this and dispraised that other as his fancy led him he caused her Belly to be opened that he might see the place where once he had lain while this was doing finding himself a dry he was so unconcerned as to call for drink without leaving the place saying He did not think he had so handsome a mother 7. Bajazet the second of that name being thrust out of his mighty Empire by his son Selymus when he was near fourscore broken with years and grief resolved to forsake Constantinople before he was enforced to it by his son and to retire himself to Dymotica a small and pleasant City in Thrace where he had formerly bestowed much cost for his pleasure and now thought it the fittest place wherein to end his sorrowful daies But the cursed impiety of Selymus had provided otherwise for him for with the promise of ten Duckets a day during life and threats of a cruel death in case it was not performed he prevail'd with Haman a Jew chief Physician to the old Emperour to make him away by poyson as he was upon his Journey so that with horrible gripings and heavy groans he gave up the Ghost in the year 1512. when he had Reigned thirty years The perfidious Jew upon the delivery of the poysonous potion had hasted to Constantinople to bring Selymus the first news of it who commanded his head to be presently struck off saying That for the hopes of reward he would not stick to do the like to Selymus himself 8. Orodes was the King of Parthia the same who had overcome Crassus his Army and slain himself in the field he was grown old in grief for the death of his son Pacorus slain by Ventidius and was fallen into a Dropsie not likely to live long his son Phraates thought his death too slow and did therefore determine to hasten it by poyson which being administred had an effect so contrary that only putting him into a looseness it carried the disease away with it and instead of a messenger of death it proved a medicine of health His son incensed at so strange a miscarriage of his design passed from secret to open Parricide and caused the old King his father to be openly smothered He mounted the Throne and sending back the Ensigns and spoils of the defeated Army of Crassus he was so much in the favour of Augustus that he sent him a beautiful Italian Lady for his Concubine of her he begat Phrataces who when he was grown up with the privity and endeavours of his mother became the murderer of his father making him the example of the same impiety whereof in times past he had been the detestable Author 9. Eucratides King of the Bactrians in all his Wars behaved himself with much prowess when he was worn out with the continuance of them and was closely besieged by Demetrius King of the Indians although he had not above three thousand Souldiers with him by his daily Sallies he wasted the enemies Forces consisting of sixty thousand and being at liberty in the fifth Month reduced all India under his command In his return homewards he was slain by his own son whom he had made joynt Partner with him in the Kingdom he did not go about to dissemble or smother his Parricide but drave his Charriot through the blood and commanded the dead Corpse to be cast aside into some by-place or other unburied as if he had slain an enemy and not murdered a father 10. When saith Howell I was in Valenâ—ia in Spain a Gentleman told me of a Miracle which happened in that Town which was That a proper young man under twenty was Executed there for a crime and before he was taken down from the Tree there were many gray and white hairs had budded forth of his Chin as if he had been a man of sixty It struck amazement into all men but this interpreâ—ation was made of it That the said young man might have lived to such an age if he had been dutiful to his Parents unto whom he had been barbarously disobedient and unnatural 11. Scander late King of Georgia by a Circassian Lady had three hopeful sons Scander-Cawne Thre-Beg and Constandel all born Christians but for preferment the two last named became Bosar-men or Circumcised Thre-Beg served the Turk Constandel the Persian Constandel was naturally deformed but of such an active Spirit that his bodily imperfections were not noted but his hateful ambition rendred him more than Monstrous It happened that Acbas King of Persia had vow'd some revenge upon the Turks and to that end gave order to Ally-Cawne to trouble them Constandel perceives the occasion right to attempt his hellish resolutions and therefore after long suit got to be joined in Commission with the Persian General Through Georgia they go where Constandel under a pre-text of duty visits his sad parents who upon his protests that his Apostasie was counterseit joyfully welcomed him but he forgetting that and all other ties of nature next night at a solemn Banquet caused them to be murdered and till the Georgians saluted him King perpetrated all sorts of Villanies imaginable But how secure soever he stood in his own fancy the dreadful Justice of an impartial God retaliated him the rest of his life after this hated Parricide was infinitely miserable For first near Sumachan Cycala's son the Turkish General wounded him in the arm and by that gained the Victory over the Persian The same night he was also assaulted in his Tent by his enraged Country-men who in his stead for at the first alarm he escaped cut a Catamite in pieces his accursed bed-fellow And though he so far exasperated the Persian to revenge that he brought the whole Army into Georgia resolving there to act unparallel'd Tragedies yet was he over-reach'd in his Stratagems for upon parley with the Queen his late brothers Wife he was shot to death at a private signal given by that Amazon to some Musquetteers ambushed of purpose betwixt both the Armies a just punishment for such a Viper
she was by him well beaten with Myrtle Rods. And for that reason the women when they dress up and adorn the Chapel or Shrine of their goddess Bona they never bring home for that purpose any branches of the Myrtle Tree and yet otherwise take pleasure to make use of all sorts of branches and flowers in that solemnity 3. At Argos there were two of the principal Citizens who were the heads of opposite Factions one to another in the Government oâ— the City the one was named Nicostratus and the other Phaulius Now when King Philip came to the City it was generally thought that Phaulius plotted and practised to attained unto some absolute principality and soveraignty in the City by the means of his wife who was a young and beautiful Lady in case he could once bring her to the Kings bed and that she might lie with him Nicostratus was aware of as much and smelling his design walked before Phaulius his door and about his house on purpose to discover his intentions and what he would do therein He soon found that the base Phaulius had furnished his wife with a pair of high Shooes had cast about her a mantle and set upon her head a Chaplet after the Macedonian fashion Having thus accoutred her after the manner of the Kings Pages he sent her secretly in that habit and attire unto the Kings lodging as a Sacrifice to his lust and an agrument of an unparallel'd villany in himself who could endure to be the Pander in the prostitution of his own Wife 4. Periander the Corinthian in a high sit of passion trod his Wife under-foot and although she was at that time with child of a boy yet he never desisted from his injurious treatment of her till such time as he had killed her upon the place Afterwards when he was come to himself and was sensible that what he had done was through the calumniating instigation of his Concubines he caused them all to be burnt alive and banished his son Lycophron as far as Corcyra upon no other occasion than that he lamented the death of his Mother with tears and outcryes 5. Nero the Emperour being once incensed against his Wife Poppaea Sabina gave her such a kick with his foot upon the belly that she thereupon departed this life But though he was a man that seemed to be born to cruelty and blood yet he afterwards so repented himself of this act that he would not suffer her body to be burnt after the Roman manner but built the funeral pile for her of odours and perfumes and so ordered her to be brought into the Iulian monument 6. Herod the Sophist being offended with his Wife Rhegilâ—a for some slight fault of hers commanded his freed man Alcimedon to beat her She was at that time eight months gone with Child or near upon so that by the imprudence of him who was imployed to chastise her She received some blows upon her belly which occasioned first her miscarriage and soon after her death Her Brother Bradeas a person of great nobility cited her Husband Herodes to answer the death of his Sister before the Senate of Rome where if he had not it is pity but he should have received a condign punishment 7. When M. Antonius was overcome at Actium Herod King of Iudaea believing that he was in danger to lose his Kingdom because he had been a fast friend to Antonius determined to meet Caesar Augustus at Rhodes and there endeavour to assure his favour to him Having resolved upon his journey he committed the care and custody of his Wiâ—e to Sohemus his friendâ— giving him withall thus much in command That in case he should hear of his death by the way or at the place wither he was intended that then he should not fail forthwith to kill Mariamne his Wife yielding this only reason of his injunction that it might not be in the power of any man to enjoy so great a beauty after his decease Mariamne had extorted this secret from Sohemus and at Herod's return twitted him with it Herod caused Sohemus unheard to be immediately put to death and not long after he also beheaded Mariamne his beloved Queen and Wife 8. Amalasuenta had raised Theodahitus at once to be her Husband and King of the Goths but upon this proviso that he should make oath that he would rest contented with the title of a King and leave all matters of Government to her sole dispose But no sooner was he accepted as King but he forgat his Wife and benefactress recalled her enemies from banishment put her friends and relations many of them to death banished her self unto an Island in the Vulsiner lake and there set a strong guard upon her At last he thought himself not sufficiently safe so long as Amalasumha was alive and thereupon he dispatched certain of his instruments to the place of her exile with order to put her to death who â—inding her in a bath gave her no further time but strangled her there CHAP. VIII Of such Wives as were unnatural to their Husbands or evil deported towards them IN Italy there grows an herb they call it the Basilisco it is sweet scented enough but withal it hath this strange property that being laid under a stone in a moist place in a few dayes it produces a scorpion Thus though the Woman in her first creation was intended as a meet help for man the partner of his joyes and cares the sweet perfume and relish of his dayes throughout his whole pilgrimage yet there are some so far degenerated from their primitive institution though otherwise of exteriour beauty and perfection enough that they have proved more intolerable than Scorpions not only tormenting the life but hastning the death of their too indulgent Husbands 1. Ioan Gandchild to Robert King of Naples by Charles his son succeeded her Grandfather in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily Anno 1343. a woman of a beautiful body and rare endowments of nature She was first married to her Cousin Andrew a prince of Royal extraction and of a sweet and loving disposition but he being not able to satisfie her wantonness She kept company with lewd persons at last she grew weary of him complaining of his insufficiency and caused him in the City of Aversa to be hung upon a beam and strangled in the night time and then threw out his Corpse into a Garden where it lay some dayes unburied It is said that this Andrew on a day coming into the Queens chamber and finding her twisting a thick string of silk and silver demanded of her for what purpose she made it she answered to hang you in which he then little believed the rather because those who intend such mischief use not to speak of it before-hand but it seems she was as good as her word 2. Cicero put away his wife Terentia for divers reasons as because she had made small
and oyl and though they run sixty miles together yet they no way incorporate but the Danow is clear and pure as a well while the Sava that runs along with it is as troubled as a street channel After the manner of these Rivers it is with some brethren though bred up together and near enough each other in respect of their bodies yet their minds have been as distant from each other as the Poles are which when opportunity hath served they have shewed in the effects of an implacable hatred 1. Sir George Sonds of Kent had lately two Sons grown up to that age wherein he might have expected most comfort from them but in the year 1655. the younger of them named Freeman Sonds having no apparent cause or provocation either from his Father or Brother did in a most inhumane and butcherly manner murder the elder as he lay sleeping by him in his bed he clave his head and brains with a Cleaver and although this was his mortal wound yet perceiving him to groan and sigh as one approaching unto death he stabbed him with a Stilletto seven or eight times in and about the heart as the sorrowful Father witnesseth in his Printed narrative of the whole and when he had finished this black and bloody tragedy he went to his aged Father then in bed and told him of it rather glorying in it than expressing any repentance for it Being apprehended he was presently after condemned at Maydstone Assizes and accordingly executed 2. Eteocles was the Son of Oedipus by his own Mother Iocasta their Father the King of Thebes had ordered it that Eteocles and his other Son Polynices after his departure should reign yearly by course But Eteocles after his year was expired would not suffer his Brother to succeed whereupon Polynices being aided by Tydeus and Adrastus made war upon his Brother they meeting together with their forces in the field were slain by each other in the battle their dead bodies were also burned together when the flame parted it self as if it seemed to declare such a deadly hatred betwixt them that as their minds being alive so neither could their bodies being dead agree This their antipathy was propagated to their posterity breaking out into many outragious and bloody wars Unto such ends doth the providence of God often bring an incestuous brood that others may be instructed thereby 3. Upon the death of Selymus the second which happened Anno 1582. Amurath the third succeeded in the Turkish Empire at his entrance upon which he caused his five Brothers Mustapha Solyman Abdala Osman and Sianger without all pity or commiseration to be strangled in his presence and gave order that they should be buried with his dead Father an ordinary thing with Mahometan Princes who to secure to themselves the Empire without rivalship doubt not to pollute their hands with the blood of their nearest relations It is said of this Amurath when he saw the fatal bow-string put about the neck of his younger Brother that he was seen to weep but it seems they were Crocodiles tears for he held firm to his bloody purpose 4. Petrus King of Spain having reigned some time with great cruelty purpling his hands in the blood of his Nobles At last his Brother Henry took up arms against him Anno Dom. 1369. He had hired auxiliary forces out of France against Petrus and having met him in the field a bloody battle was fought agreeable to the pertinacious hatred of the two Brethren The victory resting on the side of Henry and his Brother made prisoner being brought before him Petrus with a Dagger wounded Henry in the face the other endeavouring to repay it with interest both grapled together having thrown each other to the ground But others coming in to the help of Henry he quickly became the superiour and having slain his Brother with many wounds he succeeded in his Kingdom 5. Extream was the hatred that was betwixt Bassianus and Geta the two sons of Severus the Emperour which soon betrayed it self upon the death of their Father they could not agree about the partage of the Empire nor did they omit any means whereby they might supplant each other they endeavoured to bribe each others Cooks and Butlers to poyson their Masters but when both were too watchful to be thus circumvented at last Bassianus grew impatient and burning with ambition to enjoy the Rule alone he set upon his Brother Geta gave him a deadly wound and shed his blood in the lap of Iulia their Mother and having executed this villany threw himself amongst the souldiers told them that he had with difficulty saved his life from the malice of his Brother and having parted amongst them all that Severus his Father had been eighteen years heaping up he was by them confirmed in the Empire 6. Anno 1080. Boleslaus King of Poland having slain his Brother S. Stanislaus Bishop of Cracovia at the very Altar as he was in the celebration of the Mass he suddenly fell into a frenzy and such a degree of madness that he laid violent hands upon himself It is said of this King that he grew into a vehement hatred of the Bishop his Brother upon the account of that freedom he took in reproving him for those horrible crimes he frequently committed 7. Tosto and Harold the sons of Earl Godwin falling out Tosto secretly hyed himself into the Marches of Wales and near the City of Hereford at Portaslith where Harold had a house then in preparation to entertain the King he slew all his Brothers servants and cutting them piece-meal into gobbets some of their limbs he salted and cast the rest into the vessels of Meath and Wine sending his Brother word that he had furnished him with powdred meats against the Kings coming thither 8. Robert Duke of Normandy was chosen King of Ierusalem but refused that in hopes to have England but it is observed that he never prospered after his Brother Rufus got the Crown and when he was dead Henry Beauclerke his youngest Brother ascended the throne and conquered Normandy on the Vigil of St. Michael he also put out the eyes of Robert his Brother and kept him prisoner in Cardiff Castle twenty six years where for grief conceived at the putting on of a new Robe too little for the King and therefore sent to the Duke to wear he grew weary of his life as disdaining to be mocked with his Brothers cast Cloaths and cursing the time of his unfortunate nativity refused thenceforth to take any sustenance and so pined himself to death 9. Alphonsus Diazius a Popish Spaniard hearing that Iohn Diazius his Brother had renounced Popery and was become a professor of the Reformed Religion fell into so deep a hatred of him that like another Cain he slew his Brother with his own hands for which he was not only not punished but highly applauded by the Romanists for his heroical atchievement but he
Messenger is come to thee our will and pleasure is that thou send us by him thy head unto Constantinople In vain was it to dispute the command of his Lord and thus the miserble man perished 3. William the Conquerour for his game and the pleasure he took in hunting enforested thirty miles in Hamshire pulled down thirty six Parish Churches and dispeopled all the place chasing the inhabitants from the places of their inheritance But the just hand of God was visible and remarkable upon his posterity for this his grievous oppression for in this very New Forest his two Sons Richard by a pestilent air and King William Rufus by the shot of an Arrow and his Grandson Henry son of Duke Robert by hanging in a bough as Absolom came to their untimely ends 4. Anno Dom. 1570. at Ryâ— in Sussex there was a strange example of Gods judgements upon a covetous oppressive Gentleman and one that desired to grind the faces of the Poor This Gentleman living near the Sea had a Marsh wherein upon poles Fishermen used to dry their Nets for which he received of them yearly a sufficient sum of money but at length not being content with it he caused his servants to pluck up the poles not suffering the Fishermen to come upon his ground any longer except they would compound at a larger rate but it came to pass the same night that the Sea breaking in overwhelmed all his Marsh which saith Hollinshead continueth in that manner to this very day 5. Lucullus the Roman Consul visiting the Cities of Asia found the poor country afflicted and oppressed with so many evils and miseries as no man living could believe nor tongue express for the extream and horrible covetousness of the Farmers Customers and Roman Usurers did not only devour it but kept the people also in such miserable bondage and thraldome that Fathers were forced to sell their goodly Sons and Daughters ready for marriage to pay the interest and use money of that which they had borrowed to pay their fines withall yea they were forced to sell the Tables dedicated to the Temples the statues of their gods and other Ornaments and Jewels of their Temples and yet in the end they themselves were adjudged for bondslaves to their cruel Creditors to wear out their dayes in miserable servitude And yet the worst of all was the pain and torment they put them to before they were so condemned for some they imprisoned and cruelly racked others they tormented upon a little brazen Horse set them in the Stocks made them stand naked in the greatest heat of Summer and on the Ice in the deepest of Winter so that bondage seemed to them a relief of their miseries and a rest from their torments Lucullus found the Cities of Asia full of such oppressions whereof in a short time he exceedingly eased them 6. King Iohn of England was a great oppressour on a time a Jew refusing to lend this King so much mony as he required the King caused every day one of his great teeth to be pulled out by the space of seven dayes and then the poor Jew was content to give the King ten thousand marks of silver that the one tooth which he had left might not be pulled out The same King assaulting the chastity of the Daughter of Robert Fitzwater called Mawd the fair and by her repulsed he is said to send a messenger to give her poyson in a poached Egg whereof she died not long after he himself had but little better fate being poysoned at Swinestead Abbey 7. Luther reports that he being at Rome a great Cardinal died and left behind him great store of mony Before his death he had made his Will and laid it in a Chest where his mony was After his death the Chest was opened and therein by the mony was found written in Parchment Dum potui rapui rapiatis quando potestis I scrap'd together while I could That you should do so too I would 8. Five Brethren of the Marshalls successively Earles of Pembrook dyed issueless Which Mathew Paris attributeth to the judgement of God upon them for their Fathers iniquity who detained from the Bishop of Firning certain Manours which he had violently taken from him 9. Lewis the eleventh King of France having been a great oppressour of his Subjects by excessive Taxes and enforced Contributions when he grew old resolved to redress that and other mischiefs whereby they had been oppressed but was in a short time after this purpose prevented by death 10. Anno Dom. 1234. in the reign of King Henry the third there was a great dearth in England so that many people died for want of victuals At which time Walter Grey Arch-bishop of York had great store of Corn which he had hoarded up for five years together yet in that time of scarcity refused to relieve the poor with it but suspecting lest it might be destroyed with Vermine he commanded it to be delivered to Husband-men that dwelt in his Mannors upon condition to return him as much New Corn after Harvest but behold a terrible judgement of God upon him for his covetousness and unmercifulness to the poor When men came to one of his great Stacks of Corn near to the Town of Rippon there appeared in the sheaves all over the heads of Worms Serpents and Toads so that the Bayliffs were forced to build a high wall round about the Stack of Corn and then to set it on fire lest the venemous creatures should have gone out and poysoned the Corn in other places CHAP. XIII Of the bloody and cruel Massacres in several places and their occasions THe Naturalists tell us of a Serpent who is therefore called Haemorrhois that wheresoever he bites he makes the man all over bloody It seems his poyson hath a particular command over the blood so as to call it all into the outward parts of the body The vulgar rout and headstrong multitude when once it is enraged is such another kind of Serpent wheresoever the scene of its insolency is it makes it all over bloody This unbridled torrent bears all down before it and being transported with its own fury it knows no difference of age sex or degree till it hath converted a flourishing place into an Akeldama or a field of blood In the year 1506. in Lisbon upon the tenth day of April many of the City went to the Church of Saint Dominicks to hear Mass On the left side of this Church there is a Chapel much reverenced by those of the Country and called Iesus Chapel Upon the Altar there stands a Crucifix the wound of whose side is covered over with a piece of Glass Some of those that came thither to do their devotions casting their eyes upon this hole it seemed to them that a certain kind of glimmering light came forth of it Then happy he that could first cry a miracle and every one said that God
shewed the testimonies of his presence A Iew that was but lately become a Christian there denied that it was any miracle saying it was not likely that out of a dry piece of Wood there should come such a light Now albeit many of the standers by doubted of the miracle yet hearing a Jew deny it they began to murmure calling him wicked Apostate a detestable enemy to Jesus Christ and after they had sufficiently revileâ— him with words all the multitude foaming with anger fall upon him pluck off the hair of his head and beard tread upon him trail him into the Church-yard beat him to death and kindling a great fire cast the dead body into it All the residue of the people ran to this mutinous Company there a certain Fryer made a Sermon wherein he vehemently egged on his auditors to revenge the injury that our Lord had received The people mad enough of themselves were clean cast off of the hinges by this Exhortation besides this two other Fryers took and held up a Cross as high as they could cryed out Revenge Heresie Heresie down with wicked Heresie and destroy the wicked Nation Then like hungry Dogs they fall upon the miserable Jews cut the throats of a great number and drag them half dead to the fires many of which they made for the purpose They regarded not Age or Sex but murdered Men Women and Children they brake open doors rush into rooms dash out Childrens brains against the walls they went insolently into Churches to pluck out thence the little Children old Men and young Maids that had taken hold of the Altars the Crosses and Images of Saints crying misericordia mercy mercy there they either so murdered them presently or threw them out alive into the fire Many that carried the port and shew of Jews found themselves in great danger and some were killed and others wounded before they could make proof that they had no relation to them Some that bare a grudge to others as they met them did but cry Jews and they were presently beaten down without having any liberty or leasure to answer for themselves The Magistrates were not so hardy as to oppose themselves against the fury of the people so that in three dayes the Cut-throats killed above two thousand Jewish persons The King understanding the news of this horrible hurly burly was extreamly wroth and suddenly dispatched away Iaques Almeida and Iaques Lopez with full power to punish so great offences who caused a great number of the seditious to be executed The Fryers that had lift up the Cross and animated the people to murder were degraded and afterwards hanged and burnt The Magistrates that had been slack to repress this riot were some put out of Office and others fined the City also was disfranchized of many priviledges and honours 2. In the 1281 year since the birth of our Saviour when Charles of Anjoy reigned in Sicily his Souldiers all French men lying in Garisons in the Cities grew so odious to the Sicilians that they studied of nothing so much as how to be revenged and to free themselves from the yoke of the French The fittest and most resolute in this business was a Gentleman called Iohn Prochyto This Gentleman being justly provoked by the French who had forced his Wife and finding himself much favoured by the Sicilian Lords and Gentlemen begins by their counsel and support to build a strange design for the entrapping of all the French at once and abolishing for ever their memory in Sicilia All which was so secretly carried for eighteen months that ever since it hath been looked upon as a prodigious thing that a design of that nature could possibly be so long and safely concealed by so many people and so different in humour The watch-word or signal was that upon Easter-day when the Bell should begin to toll to Even-song all the Sicilians should presently run to arms and joyning together with one accord should fall upon all the French throughout Sicilia Accordingly all the Inhabitants of the Iâ—le were gathered together at the appointed hour and armed ran upon the French cut all their throats without taking so much as one prisoner or sparing the Children or Women gotten with Child by the French that they might utterly extinguish the whole race of them There were slain eight thousand at that time and there escaped but a very small number who fled into a Fort called Sperling where for want of victuals they were all starved to death This bloody Massacre is to this day called the Sicilian Even-song 3. Anno 1572. was the bloody Parisian Mattins wherein was spilt so much Christian blood that it flowed through the streets like rain water in great abundance and this butchery of Men Women and Children continued so long that the principal Rivers of the Kingdom were seen covered with murdered bodies and their streams so dyed and stained with humane blood that they who dwelt far from the place where this barbarous act was committed abhorred the waters of those Rivers and refused to use either it or to eat of the fish taken therein for a long time after This Tragedie was thus cunningly plotted A peace was made with the Protestants for assurance whereof a marriage was solemnized between Henry of Navarre chief of the Protestant party and the Lady Margaret the Kings Sister At this Wedding there assembled the Prince of Conde the Admiral Coligni and divers others of chief note but there was not so much Wine drank as blood shed at it At midnight the Watch-bell rung the King of Navarre and the Prince of Conde are taken prisoners the Admiral murdered in his bed and thirty thousand at the least of the most potent men of the Religion sent by the way of the Red Sea to find the nearest passage to the Land of Canaan 4. In the year 1311. and in the time of Pope Clement the fifth all the order of the Knights Templars being condemned at the Council of Vienna and adjudged to dye Philip the Fair King of France urged by the Pope and out of a covetous desire of store of Confications gave way for men to charge them with crimes and so these Innocents were put to death The Great Master of the Order together with two other of the principal Persons one whereof was Brother to the Dolphin of Viennois were publickly burnt together 5. Mithridates King of Pomus once a friend and confederate of the Romans and took their part against Aristonicus who would not consent to the admission of the Romans unto Pergamus according to the last will of King Attalus yet afterwards conceiving an ambitious hope to obtain the Monarchy of all Asia in one night he plotted and effected the death of all the Roman Souldiers dispersed in Anatolia to the number of one hundred and fifty thousand 6. The Massacre of the Frâ—nch Protestants at Merindol and Chabriers happened in the year 1545. the instrument of it being
of strong Beer which accordingly they did but within twenty four hours three of them dyed and the fourth hardly escaped after great sickness 16. Anno Dom. 1618. one Thomas Alred of Godmaâ—chester being a common Drunkard was intreated by a Neighbour to unpitch a load of Hay and being at that time drunk the Pitchfork slipt out of his hand which he stooping to take up again fell from the Cart with his head downwards and the Fork standing with the Tines upward he fell directly upon them which striking to his heart killed him immediately 17. Alexander the Great invited his Friends to a solemn Feast wherein among those that were drunk mention was made of the atchievements of King Philip Alexander preferred himself before his Father and began to extol the greatness of his actions to the very Heavens as most part of the Guests did flatteringly comply with him therein When therefore Clytus presuming upon the great friendship he had with the King wherein none had a greater share went about to defend the memory of Philip and to extol his actions Alexander was so offendded herewith that hastily snatching a Javelin out of the hands of one of the Guards he slew Clytus therewith at this drunken feast and glorying in the death he had given him he upbraided the dead with his Patronage of Philip and the praises of his Fathers warfare But so soon as his mind satiated with blood came to its usual repose and that honour succeeded in the place of anger then considering the person slain and also the occasion upon which he began to repent of what he had done and that he had received the praises of his Father with as great impatience as perhaps was due to his reproaches Now it grieved him that he had slain an old man his Friend an Innocent and that also in the midst of his Cups so that converting to repentance with the same fury as he had rushed into anger before he was now determined to dye and had killed himself but that he was hindered by his Friends yet even then he would pine himself had fasted for four dayes and had done so till death but that he was recalled by the comforts and counsel of Calisthenes and the earnest intercessions of his whole Army CHAP. XVIII Of the Luxury and expence of some Persons in Apparel and their variety and vanity therein and in their other Furniture WHen Michael Paleologus the Greek Emperour had sent certain rich Robes as a present to Nugas the Scythian Monarch he asked of those that brought them Nunquam calamitates morbos mortemque depellere possent whether they could drive away calamities sickness and death for if they could not they were not in his opinion to be much regarded It seems there have been others of a contrary mind as will appear by what follows 1. Lollia Paulina a Roman Lady being invited to a banquet went thither and carried about her in Chains Carcanets and Precious Stones a million of Gold her Father had despoiled all the Roman Provinces to cloath this only Daughter and yet was afterwards enforced to drink poyson being overwhelmed in the despair of his own affairs 2. In the year 1544. there was found in Rome a Coffin of Marble eight foot long and in it a Robe embroidered with Goldsmiths work which yielded six and thirty pound weight of Gold besides fourty Rings a cluster of Emeralds a little Mouse made of another Precious Stone and amongst all those precious Magnificences two Leg-bones of a dead Corpse known by the inscription of the Tombe to be the bones of the Empress Mary Daughter of Stilicon and Wife of the Emperour Honorius 3. Charles Duke of Burgundy had one Garment of the price of two hundred thousand Duckets a prodigious luxury and which could not be maintained but by the expilation of his Subiects 4. In the third year of the reign of King Richard the second Sir Iohn Arundel with divers others put to Sea with a purpose to pass over into Britain but were all cast away in a tempest This Sir Iohn Arundel was then said in his furniture to have two and fifty new suits of apparel made of Cloath of Gold and Tissue all which were also lost at Sea 5. Demetrius his garments were illustrious with Purple and Gold his Shoos also were daubed over with it In his Cloak was woven the representation of the World and the Stars so that when he fell from the Soveraignty of Macedon no King how great soever that succeeded him did dare to be seen in that Cloak to so envyed a magnificence did the make and value of it amount 6. A Praetor in Rome intending to set forth the most sumptuous and magnificent shews he could devise sent to Lucullus to borrow of him some store of short Cloaks his answer was that he would take a time to see if he had so many as the Praetor desired and the next day sending to know what number would serve his turn it being told him an hundred he â—ad them take two hundred but Horace speaks of a far greater number no less than five thousand chlamydes Lucullus ut aiunt c. Lucullus asked once if he could lend Vnto the Stage one hundred Cloaks replied How can I man so many Yet I 'le send As many as I have when I have tried Soon after writes five thousand Cloaks I have Take all or part as many as you crave 7. At their publick Feasts even private Romans changed their Cloaks only for ostentation to shew their variety hence that of the Poet. Vndecies una surrexti Zoile coena Et mutata tibi est Synthesis undecies Eleven times one Supper thou O Zoilus didst arise As many times thou didst I trow Thy Mantle change likewise 8. The Emperour Henry the fifth having conquered Sicily and the Kingdom of Naples had reached yet further in his hopes and intended for Greece he therefore sent his Embassadours to Alexius Angelus the Greek Emperour to demand of him a mighty sum of Gold as a Tribute from him which if he denied he would seek to obtain by War Alexius informed of the arrival of these Foraigners and their business that by an ostentation of his splendour and riches he might possess them with reverence and dread of him commanded his Nobles to attend him adorned with Gold and the richest of their Jewels he himself from head to foot was but one continued splendour dazling the eyes of all that beheld him The Germans came but so far were they from being terrified with this Gallantry that they wished for nothing more than to fight with these men who they saw were prepared to enrich them with their spoils The Grecians in the mean time directed their eyes to the Emperour calling upon them to behold the glory of his Garments and Jewels See said they how he appears like some flowery Meadow in the midst of Winter you may here
Philip the fair afterwards seeing himself persecuted by Charles of Valois by an inexcusable temerity threw away his life For Charles sharply asking of him an account of the Treasures of the deceased King he freely answered It is to you Sir I have given a good part of them and the rest hath been employed in the Kings affairs Whereupon the Prince giving him the lie the other took the unseasonable boldness to reply By God Sir it is you your self this insolency sent him to the Gallows at Mountfaucon which he had caused to be built in his greatest authority 2. At Sir Henry Wotton's first going Embassadour into Italy as he passed through Germany he stayed some daies at Augusta where having been in his former Travels well known by many of the best note for learning and ingenuity with whom he passing an evening in merriment was requested by Christopher Flecamore to write some sâ—nâ—ence in his Albo a Book of white paper which for that purpose many of the German Gentry usually carry about them Sir Henry consenting to the motion took an occasion from some accidental discourse of the present company to write a pleasant definition of an Embassador in these words Legatus est vir bonus peregrè missus ad mentiendum Reipublicae causa which Sir Henry could have been contented should have been thus Englished An Embassadour is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the good of his Country but the word for lie being the hinge upon which the conceit should turn was not so expressed in Latin as would admit of so fair a construction as Sir Henry thought of in English Yet as it was it slept quietly among other sentences in this Albo almost eight years till by accident it fell into the hands of Gasper Schioppius a Romanist a man of a restless spirit and malicious Pen who with Books against King Iames Prints this as a principle of that Religion professed by the King and his Embassadour Sir Henry Wotton then at Venice and in Venice it was presently after written in several glass windows and spitefully declared to be Sir Henry Wotton's This coming to the knowledge of King Iames he apprehended it to be such an over-sight such a weakness or worse in Sir Henry as caused the King to express much wrath against him and this caused Sir Henry to write two Apologieâ— one to Velserus one of the chieâ—s of Augusta in the universal language and another to King Iames which was so ingenuous clear and so choicely eloquent that His Majesty at the receipt thereof said Sir Hâ—nry Wotton had commuted suâ—ficiently for a greater offence 3. Lewis the eleventh King of France one of the most Politick Princes that France ever had being at Wars with his own brother Charles Duke of Normandy Francis Duke of Britanny and Charles Duke of Burgundy and desiring greatly to separate the last from the other two that he might thâ— better be revenged on them solicited him by his Embassadours to come to conâ—erence with him which the Duke yielded unto so that the meeting might be in a Town of his own in the Frontiers of Flanders and France for his better security wherewith the King was well contented The meeting therefore being appointed at Peronne whither the Duke was come with his Army and safe-conduct sent to the King by a Letter of the Dukes own hand the King went thither without any forces or guard to shew the confidence he had in the Duke to oblige him the more and to gain his good will But the Duke seeing now his enemy in his power and understanding at the same time that Leige ws revolted from him by the solicitation of certain Embassadours oâ— the King took him prisoner and would not release him untâ—l he hâ—d recovered the Town of Leige whither he forced him to accompany him with no small danger of his Person and in the end having made him grant to some hard conditions in favour of his Confederates against whom the King had especially plotted that Conference and Treaty he released him Now who sees not how grossly this Politician â—rred wherein it might be presumed that a man of any experience could not have been deceived First that having employ'd his Agents to stir up the Town of Lâ—ige against the Duke he did not counteâ—mand it when he resolved to put himself into his hands and then that he would upon any security or safe-conduct put himself to the courtesie and mercy of his enemy without urgent and inevitable necessity 4. Thomas Ruthal was by King Henry the seventh â—or his great abilities preferred to be Bishop of Durham King Henry the eighth made him of his Privy Council notwithstanding the hatred which Cardinal Woolsey bare unto him It happened that King Henry employed him as a Politick person to draw up a Breviate of the State of the Land which he did and got it fairly transcribed but it fell out that instead thereof he deceived with the likeness of the cover and binding Presented the King with a Book containing the Inventory of his own Estate amounting to an invidious and almost an incredible summ of one hundred thousand pounds Woolsey glad of this mistake told the King he knew where a mass of money was in case he needed it This broke Ruthals heart who had paid the third part of the cost of making the Bridge of Newcastle over Tyne and intended many more Benefactions had not death on this unexpected occasion surprized him Anno Dom. 1523. 5. The Duke of Ossuna a little man but of great fame and fortune was revoked from being Vice-Roy of Naples the best employment the King of Spain hath for a subject upon some disgust and being come to this Court where he was brought to give an account of his Government being troubled with the Gout he carried his sword in his hand instead of his staff the King misliking the manner of his posture turned his back to him and so went away Thereupon he was over-heard to mutter Esto es para servir muchachos This it is to serve Boyes This coming to the Kings oaâ— he was apprehended and committed Prisoner to a Monastery not far off where he continued some years until his Beard came to his girdle then growing very ill he was permitted to come to his house in Madrid being carried in a bed upon mens shoulders where he died about the year 1622. 6. When Pope Iulius the second attempted to deliver Italy from the Vltra Montani he sent an Italian Embassadour to the King of England to perswade him to take Arms in his behalf against the King of France and the Embassadour having delivered all that he had in charge to say answer was given in the behalf of the King That he was most ready and willing to defend the Pope but that an Army was not so soon to be made ready for that the English by reason of their long Peace had in a manner lost the use
Wife of Seleucus had not one hair upon her head yet notwithstanding gave six hundred Crowns to a Poet who had celebrated her in his Verse and sung that her hair had the tincture of the Marygold I know not how this soothing flatterer meant it but this Queen became very proud of it which made her so much the more ridiculous 16. Rudolphus King of the Heruli warred with Tado King of the Lombards and when both Armies approached each other Rudolph committed the whole to his Captains he himself remained in his Tent in the mean time and sate jesting at the Table 'T is true he sent one to the top of a Tree to behold the fortune of the day but withall told him if he brought him ill news he would take his head from his shoulders This Scout beheld the Heruli to run but not daring to carry that news to the King consulted only his own safety by which means the King and all that were with him were taken and slain 17. Nero the Emperour was so luxuriously wastful and beyond all reason and measure that he would not fish but with Nets of Gold drawn with purple coloured Cords It is said he took delight to dig the Earth with a Golden Spade and when there was question about cutting the Isthmus of Corinth a design that had long troubled his brain he went thither led on with musical Violins holding in his hand the Golden Spade with which he began in the sight of the whole world to break the ground a matter which seemed ridiculous to the wiser sort living in that age 18. C. Caligula presented himself to be adored ordained peculiar sacrifices to himself at nights in case the Moon shined out full and bright he invited her to embracements and to lye with him the day he would spend in private conference with Iupiter Capitolinus sometimes whispering and laying his ear close to the Statue of him and sometimes again talking aloud as if he had been chiding Nay being angry with Heaven because his interludes were hindred by claps of Thunder and his banquetting disturbed with flashes of lightning he challenged Iupiter to fight with him and without ceasing roared out that verse of Homer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 None is O Iove more mischievous than thou or else that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dispatch thou me Or I will thee whereupon Seneca inferrs what extreme folly was that to think that either Iupiter could not hurt him or that he could hurt Iupiter 19. The servants of the Moscovites yea and their Wives too do often complain of their Lords that they are not well beaten by them for they look upon it as a sign of their indignation and displeasure with them if they are not frequently reproached and beaten by them 20. In the worship of Hercules Lyndius it was the manner that such as stood by him that embowelled the sacrifice did curse the bowels and wish heavy Imprecations upon them 21. Poliarchus the Athenian was arrived at that height of Luxury and Folly that if any of his Dogs or Cocks that he loved chanced to die he made publick Funerals for them invited his friends and buried them with great sumptuousness erecting Pillars upon their Monuments upon which also he caused their Epitaphs to be engraven CHAP. XXVII Of such as have been at vast Expences about unprofitable Attempts and where-from they have been enforced to desist or whereof they have had small or no benefit THere is scarce any thing of that difficulty but some one or other have had the confidence to undertake it and there have been some men of that nature as to desire nothing more than to effect that which others have looked upon as altogether impossible Some of those costly designs have been given over as suddenly as they were rashly adventured upon and others made to miscarry by some accident or other 1. In the Province of Northgoia a part of Bavaria the Emperour Charles the great caused a Ditch to be begun which should have been in length two thousand paâ—es and in breadth three hundred whâ—reby through the help of the Rivers Regnitz and Altmul he meant to have made a passage for Boats from the Danubius into the River of Rhine which begun work was hindred by continual rains and the Marishness of the Grounds 2. Full West of the City of Memphis close upon the Libyan Desarts alost on a rocky level adjoining to the Valley stand those Pyramids the barbarous Monuments of Prodigality and vain glory so universally celebrated the Regal Sepulchers of the Aegyptians The greatest of the three and chiefest of the Worlds seven wonders being square at the bottom is supposed to take up eight Acres of ground every square being three hundred single paces in length The square at the top consisting of three stones only yet large enough for threescore to stand upon ascended by two hundred fifty five steps each step above three foot high of a breadth proportionable No stone so little throughout the whole as to be drawn by our Carriages yet were these hewen out of the Trojan Mountains far off in Arabia a wonder how coâ—veyed hither how so mounted a greater Twenty years it was in building by three hundred sixty six thousand men continually wrought upon who only in Radishes Garlick and Onions are said to have consumed one thousand and eight hundred Talents It hath stood as may be probably conjectured about three thousand two hundred years and now rather old than ruinous Herodotus reports That King Cleops became so poor by the building hereof that he was compelled to prostitute his daughter charging her to take whatsoever she could get Arsinoe is eighty Miles distant from Cairo the ancient Kings of Aegypt seeking by vain and wonderful works to eternize the memory of themselves had with incredible charge and cost cut through all that main Land so that Vessels of good burden might come up the same from Arsinoe to Cairo which great cut or ditch Sâ—sostris the mighty King of Aegypt and long after him Ptolomaeus Philadelphus purposed to have made a great deal wider and deeper and thereby to have let the Red Sea into the Mediterraâ—ean for the readier Transportation of the Inâ—ian Merchandize to Cairo and to Alexandreâ— which mad work Sesostris prevented by death 〈◊〉 not perform and Ptolomaeus otherwise perswaded by skilful men in time gave over for fear lest by letting in the grâ—at South Sea into the Mediterranean he should theâ—â—by as it were with another general Deluge have drowned the greatest part of Grecia and many other goodly Countries of Asia and with exceeding charge instead of honour have purchased himself eternal infamy 4. The Emperour Caius Calâ—gula desired nothing more earnestly than to effect that which others thought was utterly impossible to be brought to pass And hereupon it was that he made a Bridge which extended it self from Baiae to Puteoli that is three Miles and six
of her Friends to receive the Kings Oath which he immediately gave them in an ancient Temple touching the Altar and Images of the gods cursing himself with horrid and utmost execrations if he did not sincerely desire the marriage of his Sister if he did not make her his Queen and her Children his Heirs and no other Arsinoe now full of hopes comes to an enterview and conference with him who in his countenance and eyes carried nothing but love he marries her sets the Diadem upon her head in sight of the People and Souldiery and calls her Queen Arsinoe overjoyed went before to Cassandrea a well fortified City where her Treasures and her Chilren were this was the only thing he sought she brings in her Husband to receive and feast him there the Wayes Temples and Houses were adorned sacrifices offered her Son Lysimachus of sixteen and Philip of thirteen years old were commanded to go meet their Unkle whom he met and greedily embraced without the Gates and brought along with him Being entred the Gate and Castle he layes aside his Mask and resumes his own countenance and affections having brought in his Souldiers he immediately commands the Royal youths to be slain and that in the lap of their Mother whither they had fled she the more miserable in this that she might not dye with them having in vain interposed her self betwixt them and the Swords of their Executioners was driven into exile with the allowance only of two Maids to attend her there But Ptolomy did not long triumph in his victory for an inundation of Gauls breaking into Macedonia overcame and took him cut off his head and fixing it at the end of a Spear carried it about to strike terrour into others 6. In the raign of Queen Elizabeth there was in the City of London one Ann Averies Widow who forswore her self for a little mony that she should have paid for six pound of Flax at a shop in Woodstreet upon which she was suddenly surprised with the justice of God and fell down immediately speechless casting up at her mouth what nature had ordained to pass another way and in this agony died 7. Mclech Bahamen a King that commanded many Hills and Dales in Gelack and Taurus was looked upon by the Covetous and ambitious eye of Shaw Abbas King of Persia he sent therefore Methicuculi Beg with an Army of Cooselbashawes to perfect his designs upon him commanding his General not to descend thence without victory Bahaman having intelligence hereof after he had like an experienced Souldier performed all other things requisite put Himself his Queen two Sons and ten thousand able men in a large and impregnable Castle victualled for many years not fearing any thing the Persian could attempt against him Methicuculi having viewed this inaccessible Fortress and finding force not valuable turns Politician summons them to a Parlee which granted he assaults them with protestations of truce and friendship entreating the King to descend and taste a Banquet swearing by Mortis Alli the head of Shaw Abbas by Paradise by eight Transparent Orbes he should have Royal quarter come and go as pleased him By these Paynim attestations and rich presents he so allured the peaceful King that was unused to deceit that at last he trained the King and his two Sons to his treacherous Banquet whereat upon a sign given three Cooselbashes standing by at one instant with their slicing Scimitars whipt off their heads e're this villany was spred abroad by vertue of their Seals he caused the men above to descend and yield up the Castle unto him some receiving mercy others destruction By this detested policy he yoked in slavery this late thought indomitable Nation 8. Stigand thrust himself into the Archbishoprick of Canterbury and with it held Winchester he raised the Kentish men against William the Conqueror who thereupon bore a grudge against him underhand procured Legates from Rome to deprive him and he was likewise clapt up in the Castle of Winchester and hardly used even well near famished which usage was to make him confess where his treasure lay But he protested with Oaths that he had no mony yet after his death a little Key was found about his neck the lock whereof being carefully sought out shewed a note or direction of infinite treasures hid under ground in divers places he dyed in the year 1069. 9. Elfrid a Noble man intending to have put out the eyes of King Ethelstan his treason being known was apprehended and sent to Rome where at the Altar of St. Peter and before Pope Iohn the tenth he abjured the fact and thereupon immediately fell down to the earth so that his Servants bore him to the English School where within three dayes after he dyed the Pope denying him Christian buryal till he knew King Ethelstan's pleasure 10. From Basham in Sussex Earle Harold for his pleasure putting to Sea in a small Boat was driven upon the Coast of Normandy where by Duke William he was detained till he had sworn to make him King of England after Edward the Confessors death he afterwards without any regard to his oath placed himself in the Throne Duke William thereupon arrived at Pensey and with his Sword revenged the perjury of Harold at Battel in the same County and with such severity that there fell that day King Harold himself with sixty seven thousand nine hundred seventy and four English men the Conquerour thereby putting himself into full possession 11. Ludovicus King of Burgundy made war upon the Emperour and being taken prisoner by him the Emperour gave him his liberty having first made him swear that he should never more make war upon him Ludovicus was no sooner free in his person but as if he had been free of his oath too he came upon the Emperour with greater preparations and a stronger Army than before But he was overcome the second time and lost all his eyes also were plucked out and upon his forehead from ear to ear were these words imprinted with a hot Iron This man was saved by Clemency and lost by Perjury 12. In the reign of the Emperour Ludovicus the Son of Arnulphus Adelbert Palatine of the Oriental France was accused of having slain the Emperours Son and thereupon was closely besieged by the Emperour in the Castle of Aldenburg near Pabeberg but the Castle was so well fortified both by Art and Nature that the Emperour despaired of forcing it or prevailing with the defenders of it to surrender themselves Hatto the Bishop of Mentz goes to Adelbert who was his near Kinsman and therefore the more liable to be overreached by his fraud and invites him to treat with the Emperour and that if things should not prove to his own mind he swore to him that he would see him safe returned into his Castle of Strength Adelbert accepts of the motion the Bishop and he went out of the Gates when the Bishop looking upon the Sun
the same time I should behold the funerals of two men the dearest unto me of all other I had rather part with the dead than slaughter the living and having said this she commands the body of her dead Husband to be taken out of his Coffin cuts off his nose to disfigure his face and delivers him to be fastned to the Cross that was empty The Souldier made use of the wit of the wise woman and the next day it was the wonder of the people which way the dead Thief was again got upon his Cross. 12. Portius Latro an excellent Oratour of whom Seneca says that he was too much in every thing and constant in nothing for he neither knew how to leave his studies nor when he had how to get to them again when he once set himself to writing he remained at it night and day and followed it without any intermission till such time as he fainted and on the other side when he was risen from it he yielded up himself as intirely to pastime jesting and merriment When he was got into the Mountains and Woods he contended with the best and hardiest of all them that were born in those places for patience in Labour and Pains and diligence in Hunting and fell into such desires of living in that manner that he had much ado to perswade himself back to his former course of life But being once returned he gave up himself with such eagerness to his studies as if he had never departed from them This man afterwards fell into the disease of a double Quartan which was so tedious to him that not able to endure it he laid violent hands upon himself and so dyed CHAP. XXXI Of the Covetous and Greedy disposition of some Men. THe great and learned Hippocrates wished a consultation of all the Physicians in the World that they might advise together upon the means how to cure Covetousness â—t is now above two thousand years ago since he had this desire after him a thousand and a thousand Philosopâ—ers have employed their endeavour to cure this insatiable Dropsy All of them have lost their labour therein the evil rather encreases than decâ—â—â—es under the multitude of remedies Theâ— have been a number in former ages sick oâ— it and this wide Hospital of the World is still as full of such Patients as ever it was We read of 1. Herod the Ascalonite after his vast expences that he grew to such a Covetous humour that having heard how Hirâ—anus his predecessor had opened the Monument of King David and carried thence three thousand talents of Silver he taking along with him a party of his choicer friends lest the design should take air went in the night time opened and entred the same Monument and though he found nothing of Silver as Hircanus had before done yet he found there much furniture and several utensils of Gold all which he caused to be carried away which done he passed on to the more inward Cells and Repositories where the bodies of the two Kings David and Solomon lay embalmed endeavouring to enter there two of his Courtiers were struck dead and as it is constantly affirmed he himself frighted with the eruption of fire and flame from those apartments went his way After this deed of his it was observed that his affairs succeeded not with his wonted prosperity and in his family there was a kind of continual Civil War which after did not end without the blood of more persons than one 2. Marcus Crassus the Româ—n at the beginning had not much more than three hundred talents left him yet by his covetous practises got such a vast estate that when he was Consul he made a great sacrifice to Hercules and kept an open feast for all Rome upon a thousand Tables and gave to every Citizen Corn to find him three months and yâ—t before his Parthian expedition being desirous to know what all he had was worth found that it amounted to seven thousand and one hundred talents but even this would not content him but thirsting after the Parthian Gold he led an Army against them by whom he was overthrown his head was chopt off by Surinas the Parthian General who also caused molten Gold to be poured down his throat upbraiding by that action his unquenchable avarice 3. Cardinal Angelot was so basely covetous that by a private way he used to go into the Stable and steal the Oats from his own Horses on a time the Master of his Horse going into the Stable in the dark and â—inding him there taking him for a Thief beat him soundly he was also so hard to his Servants that his Chamberlain watching his opportunity slew him 4. Nitocris Queen of Babylon built her Sepulchre over the most eminent Gate in that City and caused to be ingraven upon her Tomb What King soever that comes after me and shall want mony let him open this Sepulchre and take thence so much as he pleases but let him not open it unless he want for he shall not find it for his advantage Darius long after finding this inscription brake open the Sepulchre but instead of Treasure he only found this Inscription within Unless thou wert a wicked man and basely covetous thou wouldst never have violated the Dormitories of the dead 5. Arthur Bulkley the covetous Bishop of Bangor in the reign of King Henry the eighth had sacrilegiously sold the five fair Bells of his Cathedral to be transported beyond the Seas and went down himself to see them shipped they suddenly sunk down with the Vessel in the Haven and the Bishop fell instantly blind and so continued to the day of his death 6. One reports this Pasquin of Bancroft Archbishop of Canterbury for his covetousness Here lies his Grace in cold clay clad Who dy'd for want of whai he had 7. Anno 712. Rodericus was the last King of the Goths there was a Palace in Toledo that was shut up and made fast with strong Iron bars the Universal Tradition concerning which was That the opening of it should be the destruction of Spain Rodericus laugh'd at it and supposing that Treasure was hid in it caused it to be broke open no Treasure was found but there was a great Chest and in it a linnen cloath wherein was depainted several strange â—aces and uncouth habits in a Military posture also there was an Inscription in Latin to this purpose That Spain should be destroyed by such a Nation as that and the Prediction was in some sort verified for Count Iulianus having his daughter ravished by the King in Revenge thereof he called in the Moors from Africa who slew the King and ruinated the Country 8. Perses the last King of Macedon a little before he was taken was deserted by all his Souldiers saving only a few Câ—â—ans whom he retained with the hope of mighty promises having before-hand put into their hands some Vessels of Gold as
that going to Church the next day he â—ound another line drawn beneath the former which said Te levant absquetria Fraus Favor Vanasophia this did so gall him that taking his Bed he dved within a few dayes having sate Bishop only ten months and two dayes this was about Anno 1238. CHAP. XL. Of the Unadvised Rashness and Temerity of some persons SUch men as expose themselves to great perils upon light causes were compared by Augustus to them who fâ—sh with a Golden Hook where all their gains would not recompence their one loss An heady and unconsulting precipitancy in affairs of importance is the mother of all mischief and when men rush upon the thing without taking any due prospect of what is like to be the event little is to be expected from such inconsiderate hastiness besides an unprofitable repentance after irreparable losses 1. Bishop Audas an ardent man and unable to adapt his zeal to the occasion of the times would needs countenance the humour of the blind multitude and went out in the midst of the day to destroy a Pyreum which was a Temple wherein the Persians kept fire to adore it A great sedition was raised which soon came to the notice of King Ildegerdes Audas is sent for to give an account of this act he defendeth himself with much courage and little success for the Christians benefit The King condemns him upon pain of death to reedifie the Temple he had demolished which he refusing to do was presently sacrificed to the fury of the Pagans a violent persecution followed which almost proceeded to the subversion of the foundations of the Christian Religion in Persia. Men were every where seen to be sleyed and roasted pierced with Bodkins and Arrows thereby becoming spectacles of pity and terror to all that beheld them 2. The Emperour Theodosius the younger used to sign Petitions very rashly without so much as reading of them reposing his confidence in the recommendation and supposed fidelity of others His Sister Pulcheria perceiving it found out this honest fraud to amend it She framed a Petition and tenders it to him wherein she desired that his Empress Eudoxia should be given to her as her slave he receives the Petition and forthwith subscribes it She therefore kept Eudoxia with her for some time the Emperor wonders at it and sends for his Wife his Sister refuses to send her and returns that she was hers by all the right in the world She produces her Petition with the Emperors hand to it at the sight of which he was confounded She was restored back to him and it is probable he afterwaâ—ds learned to read before he signâ—d Petitions 3. Annibal sâ—yling from Petilia to Africa was brought into the narrow Sea betwixt Sicily and Italy he not believing there was so small a diâ—tance betwixt those two caused his Pilot to be forthwith slain as one who had treacherously misled him in his course afterwards having more diligently considered the truth of the matter he then acquitted him when nothing further than the honour of a Sepulture could be allowed to his innocence 4. Lewis of Bavaria the Emperour had made a league and joyned his forces with the Cities near the Rhine against those who in the dissention of the Princes wasted Germany While he was here the Empress Mary of Brabant being at Wer'd wrote two Letters sealed with one Seal but yet with different Wax that with the black Wax was for the Emperor her Lord that with the Red for Henry Ruchon a Commander in the Army but through the mistake of him that brought them that with the red Wax was delivered to the Emperor who having read it suspecting some love design though causelesly dissembled the thing and leaving the Army at the Rhine by as great journeys as he could night and day he hasted to his Wife whom unheard he condemned for Adultery and caused â—o lose her head as conscious with her he stabbed Hâ—lica with a Penknife and caused the chief of the Ladies of honour to be cast headlong from a Tower Anno 1256. Soon after this unadvised cruelty he had a fearful vision in the night through the fear of which he was turned all grey in a nights space 5. Otho the Emperour when Vitellius came against him was advised by all his to protract the fight and to delay a while seeing that the enemy was equally pressed and cumbred with want of provisions and the straitness of the places through which they marched Otho refusing to listen to this wholesome advice with an inconsiderate rashness put all upon the trial of a Battle and so losing at once both his Army and the Empire he laid violent hands upon himself and was buried at Brixellum without Funeral Pompe or so much as a Monument over him 6. The Athenians were rash even to madness it self who at one time condemned to death ten of their chief Commanders returning from a glorious Victory for that they had not interred the dead bodies of their Souldiers which they were hindred from doing by the rage and tempestuousness of the Sea Thus they punished Necessity when they should have honoured Vertue CHAP. XLI Of such persons as were discontented in their happiest Fortunes IT is a fiction of the Poets concerning Phaethon that notwithstanding he was mounted up into Heaven yet even there he wept for anger and despight that none would give him the rule and government of those Horses that drew the Chariot of the Sun his Father There is nothing more in it than this than to let us know that the heart of man widens according to the measure we endeavour to fill it and that very rarely there is a fortune so considerable in the world but labours of some such defect or other as makes us either wish beyond it or sick and weary of it 1. Abner an Eastern King as soon as his Son was born gave order for his confinement to a stately and spacious Castle where he should be delicately brought up and carefully kept from having any knowledge of humane calamities he gave special command that no distressed person should be admitted into his presence nothing sad nothing lamentable nothing unfortunate no poor man no old man none weeping nor disconsolate was to come near his Palace Youthfulness pleasures and joy were alwayes in his presence nothing else was to be seen nothing else was discoursed of in his company But alas in process of time the Prince longed this made him sad in the very midst of his joyes and what should he long for but not to be so cumbred with delights The grief of pleasures made him request his Father to loose the bonds of his miserable felicity this sute of the Son crossed the intentions of the Father who was forced to give over his device to keep him from sadness lest by continuing it he should make him sad He gave him his liberty but charged his attendants to remove out of
Lord Thomas Seymour Admiral of England the other was the Dutchess of Sommerset Wife to the Lord Protector of England Brother to the Admiral These two Ladies falling at variance for precedence which either of them challenged the one as Queen Dowager the other as Wife to the Protector who then governed the King and all the Realme drew their Husbands into the quarrel and so incensed the one of them against the other that the Protector procured the death of the Admiral his Brother Whereupon also followed his own destruction shortly after For being deprived of the assistance and support of his Brother he was easily overthrown by the Duke of Northumberland who caused him to be convicted of Felony and beheaded 9. A famous and pernicious faction in Italy began by the occasion of a quarrel betwixt two Boys whereof the one gave the other a box on the Ear in revenge whereof the Father of the Boy that was stricken cut off the hand of the other that gave the blow whose Father making thereupon the quarrel his own sought the revenge of the injury done to his Son and began the Faction of the Neri and Bianchi that is to say Black and White which presently spread it self through Italy and was the occasion of spilling much Christian blood 10. A poor distressed wretch upon some business bestowed a long and tedious Pilgrimage from Cabul in India to Asharaff in Hircania where e're he knew how the success would be he rested his weary limbs upon a Field Carpet choosing to refresh himself rather upon the cool Grass than be tormented by those merciless vermine of Gnats and Muskettos within the Town but poor man he fell à malo in pejus from ill to worse for lying asleep upon the way at such time as Sha Abbas the Persian Monarch set forth to hunt and many Nobles with him his pampered Jade winded and startled at him the King examines not the cause but sent an eternal Arrow of sleep into the poor mans heart jesting as Iphicrates did when he slew his sleepy Sentinel I did the man no wrong I found him sleeping and asleep I left him The Courtiers also to applaud his Justice made the poor man their common mark killing him an hundred times over if so many lives could have been forfeiâ—ed 11. Anno 1568. the King of Sian had a white Elephant which when the King of Pegu understood he had an opinion of I know not what holiness that was in the Elephant and accordingly prayed unto it He sent his Ambassadors to the King of Sian offering him whatsoever he would desire if he would send the Elephant unto him but the King of Sian would not part with him either for love mony or any other consideration Whereupon he of Pegu was so moved to wrath that with all the power he could make he invaded the other of Sian Many hundred thousand men were brought into the field and a bloody Battle was fought wherein the King of Sian was overthrown his white Elephant taken and he himself made tributary to the Monarch of Pegu. 12. A needy Souldier under Abbas King of Persia draws up a Catalogue of his good services and closing it in his pressing wants humbly intreats the favour and some stipend from his god of war for such and such his exploits The poor man for his sawciness with many terrible bastinadoes on the soles of his feet was almost drubbed to death Besides Abbas enquires who it was that wrote it the Clerk made his apology but the King quarrelled at his scurvy writing and that he should never write worse makes his hand to be cut off CHAP. XLIII Of such as have been too fearful of death and over desirous of Life A Weak mind complains before it is overtaken with evil and as Birds are affrighted with the noise of the Sling so the infirm soul anticipates its troubles by its own fearful apprehensions and falls under them before they are yet arrived But what greater madness is there than to be tormented with futurities and not so much to reserve our selves to miseries against they come as to invite and hasten them towards us of our own accord The best remedy against this tottering state of the soul is a good and clear Conscience which if a man want he will tremble in the midst of all his armed guards 1. What a miserable life Tyrants have by reason of their continual fears of death we have exemplified in Dionysius the Syracusan who finished his thirty eight years Rule on this manner Removing his Friends he gave the custody of his body to some strangers and Barbarians and being in fear of Barbers he taught his Daughters to shave him and when they were grown up he durst not trust them with a Rasor but taught them how they should burn off his hair and Beard with the white filmes of Wallnut kernels Whereas he had two Wives Aristomache and Doris he came not to them in the night before the place was throughly searched and though he had drawn a large and deep Moat about the Room and had made a passage by a wooden Bridge himself drew it up after him when he went in Not daring to speak to the people out of the common Rostrum or Pulpit for that purpose he used to make Orations to them from the top of a Tower When he played at Ball he used to give his Sword and Cloak to a Boy whom he loved and when one of his familiar Friends had jestingly said You now put your life into his hands and that the Boy smiled he commanded them both to be slain one for shewing the way how he might be killed and the other for approving it with a smile At last overcome in Battle by the Carthaginians he perished by the treason of his own Subjects 2. Heraclides Ponticus writes of one Artemon a very skilful Engineer but withal saith of him that he was of a very timerous disposition and foolishly afraid of his own shadow so that for the most part of his time he never stirred out of his House That he had always two of his men by him that held a Brazen Target over his head for fear lest any thing should fall upon him and if upon any occasion he was forced to go from home he would be carryed in a Litter hanging near to the ground for fear of falling 3. The Cardinal of Winchester Henry Beaufort commonly called the Rich Cardinal who procured the death of the good Duke of Gloucester in the reign of King Henry the sixth was soon after struck with an incurable disease and understanding by his Physicians that he could not live murmuring and repining thereat as Doctor Iohn Baker his Chaplain and Privy-councellor writes he fell into such speeches as these Fye will not death be hired Will mony do nothing Must I dye that have so great Riches If the whole Realm of England would save my life I am able either
by policy to get it or by riches to buy it But the king of Terrors is not to be bribed by the Gold of Ophir it is a pleasure to him to mix the Brains of Princes and Politicians with common dust and how loth soever he was to depart yet go he must for he dyed of that disease as little lamented as desired 4. C. Mecaenas the great Friend and Favourite of Augustus was so soft and effeminate a person that he was commonly called Malcinus He was so much afraid of death that saith Seneca he had often in his mouth All things are to be endured so long as life is continued of which those Verses are to be read Debilem facito mami Debilem pede coxa Tuber adstrue gibberum Lubricos quate dentes Vita dum superest bene est Make me lame on either hand And of neither foot to stand Raise a bunch upon my back And make all my teeth to shake Nothing comes amiss to me So that life remaining be 5. The Emperour Domitian was in such fear of receiving death by the hands of his Followers and in such a strong suspicion of treason against him that he caused the Walls of the Galleries wherein he used to walk to be set and garnished with the stone Phengites to the end that by the light thereof he might see all that was done behind him 6. Lewis the eleventh King of France when he found himself sick sent for one Fryer Robert out of Calabria to come to him to Toures the man was a Hermit and famous for his sanctity and while in his last sickness this holy man lay at Plessis the King sent continually to him saying that if he pleased he could prolong his life He had reposed his whole confidence in Monsieur Iames Cothier his Physician to whom he gave monthly ten thousand Crowns in hope he would prolong his life Never man saith Comines feared death more than he nor sought so many wayes to avoid it as he did Moreover as he adds in all his life time he had given commandment to all his Servants as well to my self as others that when we should see him in danger of death we should only move him to confess himself and dispose of his Conscience not sounding in his ear this dreadful word Death knowing that he should not be able patiently to hear that cruel sentence His Physician aforesaid used him so roughly that a man could not have given his Servant so sharp language as he usually gave the King and yet the King so much feared him that he durst not command him out of his Presence For notwithstanding that he complained to divers of him yet durst he not change him as he did all his other servants because this Physician said once thus boldly to him I know that one day you will command me away as you do all your other Servants but you shall not live eight days after it binding it with a great Oath which word put the King in such fear that ever after he flattered him and bestowed such gifts upon him that he received from him in five months time fifty four thousand Crowns besides the Bishoprick of Amiens for his Nephew and other Offices and Lands for him and his Friends 7. Rhodius being through his unseasonable liberty of speech cast into a Den by a Tyrant was there nourished and kept as a hurtful beast with great torment and ignominy his hands were cut off and his face disfigured with wounds In this wretched case when some of his Friends gave him advice by voluntary abstinence to put an end to his miseries by the end of his days he replied that while a man lives all things are to be hoped for by him 8. Cn. Carbo in his third Consulship being by Pompeys order sent into Sicily to be punished begged of the Souldiers with great humility and with tears in his eyes that they would permit him to attend the necessity of nature before he dyed and this only that he might for a small space protract his stay in a miserable life He delayed the time so long till such time as his head was severed from his body as he sate in a nasty place 9. D. Iunius Brutus bought a small and unhappy moment of his life with great infamy for Antonius having sent Furius to kill him when he was taken he not only did withdraw his Neck from the Sword but being also exhorted to lay it down with more constancy he swore he would in these words As I live I will give but some wretched delay to my fate 10. A certain King of Hungary being on a time very sad his Brother a jolly Courtier would needs know of him what ailed him Oh Brother said he I have been a great sinner against God and I fear to dye and to appear before his Tribunal These are said his Brother melancholy thoughts and withal made a jest of them The King replyed nothing for the present but the custome of the Country was that if the Executioner came and sounded a Trumpet before any mans door he was presently to be led to execution The King in the dead time of the night sends the Headsman to sound his Trumpet before his Brothers door who hearing it and seeing the messenger of death springs in pale and trembling into his Brothers presence beseeching him to tell him wherein he had offended Oh Brother replyed the King you have never offended me but is the sight of my Executioner so dreadful and shall not I that have greatly and grievously offended God fear that of his that must carry me before his Judgement-Seat 11. Theophrastus the Philosopher is said at his death to have accused nature that she had indulged a long life to Stags and Crows to whom it was of no advantage but had given to man a short one to whom yet the length of it was of great concern for thereby the life of man would be more excellent being perfected with all Arts and adorned with all kind of Learning he complained therefore that as soon as he had begun to perceive these things he was forced to expire yet he lived to the eighty fifth year of his age 12. Mycerinus the Son of Cleops King of Egypt set open the Temples of the Gods which his Father Cleops and Uncle Cephrenes had caused to be shut up he gave liberty to the people who were before oppressed and reduced to extremity of â—alamity He was also a lover and doer of Justice above all the Kings of his time and was exceedingly beloved of his people But from the Oracle of the City Buti there was this prediction sent him that he should live but six years and dye in the seventh He resented this message ill and sent back to the Oracle reproaches and complaints expostulating that whereas his Father and his Uncle had been unmindful of the gods and great oppressors of men yet had they enjoyed a long
to tell me of my faults and that publickly I am resolved to send one to take off his head The Queen took no notice of it but retired to her Apartment and put on a particular Garment proper only for Festivals and Visits and in this habit she came to the King who wondring at it asked her the cause of this novelty she answered Sir I am come to wish your Majesty much joy of what replied the King That you have a Subject said she that feareth not to tell you of your faults to your face seeing that a Subjects confidence in speaking so boldly must needs be founded upon the opinion he hath of the vertue and greatness of his Princes mind that can endure to hear him 3. Aratus the Sycionian who by his valour freed and restored his Country to its liberty was taken away from this life by King Philip with a deadly poyson and for this only cause That he had with too great a freedom reprehended the King for his faults 4. Anno 1358. Iohn King of Spain was extremely in love with a young woman his Concubine and it was to that degree that for her sake he committed things unworthy of a King killed some Princes of his own blood with his own hands and at last he was so besotted with the love of this woman that he would have all the Cities subject to his Crown to swear fealty unto her and to do her homage The Gentlemen of Sevil did much marvel at this Commandment so that having consâ—lted together they appointed twelve Gentlemen to go as their Embassadours to the King and gave them in charge modestly to reprehend the King to reprove him of those things which he did and to assay by all submission and humility to withdraw him from that humour of having homage done to his Minion saying They were bound by Oath to his Queen and could not transfer their fealty to another till they were absolved The Embassadours of Sevil went and modestly shewed the King of his imperfection the King gave ear and for answer taking his Beard in his hand he said By this Beard I certifie you that you have not well spoken and so sent them away Few daies after the King went to Sevil and remembring the reprehension which he received from the Embassadours he caused them all to be massacred in one night in their own houses 5. Vodine Bishop of London feared not to tell King Vortiger that for marrying a heathenish Lady Rowena daughter to Hengist he had thereby endangered both his soul and his Crown The King could not endure this liberty but his words were so ill digested by him that they shortly cost the Bishop his life 6. Cambyses King of Persia had slain twelve Persians of principal rank when King Croesus thus admonished him Do not O King said he indulge thine age and anger in every thing refrain your self it will be for your advantage to be prudent and provident and fore-sight is the part of a wise man but you put men to death upon slight occasions your Countrymen and spare not so much as young Children If you shall persist to do often in this manner consider if you shall not give occasion to the Persians to revolt from you Your father Cyrus laid his strict commands upon me that as often as occasions should require I should put you in mind of those things which might conduce to your profit and welfare Cambyses snatched up a Bow with intention to have shot Croesus through but he ran hastily away Cambyses thus prevented commanded his Ministers to put him to death but they supposing the King would repent himself and then they should be rewarded for his safety kept him privately alive Long it was not e're Cambyses wanted the Counsel of Croesus when his servants told him that he yet lived Cambyses rejoyced hereat but caused them to be put to death who had disobeyed his Commandment in preserving him whom he had condemned to death 7. Sabinus Flavius being one of the Conspiratours against Nero and asked by him Why he regarded the Military Oath so little as to conspire his death answered him That he was faithful to him while he deserved to be loved but he could not but hate him since he was his Mothers Brothers and Wives murderer a Waggoner a Minstril a Stage-player and an Incendiary of the City Than which speech saith the History nothing could have happened to Nero more vexatious for though he was prompt to do wickedly yet was he impatient and could by no means endure to hear of the Villanies he did 8. Ptolomaeus Philadelphus King of Aegypt marryed his own Sister Arsmoe at which time one Sotades came unto him and said You put your Aglet Sir thorow the Oilet that is not made for it For this saying he was cast into Prison where he remained a long time in misery and in the end there rotted 9. Telemachus a Monk when the people of Rome were intentively gazing upon the Sword-Playes which at that time were exhibited reproved them for so doing whereupon the people were so moved and exasperated against him that they stoned him to death upon the place Upon this occasion the Emperour Honorius in whose Reign this fell out put down for ever all Sword-playing in the Theatre at Sharps as they were formerly wont to do 10. Alexander the Great writing to Philotas one of his brave Captains and the son of the excellent Parmenio sent him word in his Letter how that the Oracle of Iupiter Hammon had acknowledged him to be his son Philotas wrote back That he was glad he was received into the number of the gods but withal that he could not but be sensible of the miserable condition of those men that should live under one who thought himself more than a man This liberty of speech and reproof of his Alexander never forgat till such time as he had taken away his Life 11. Iohn Bishop of Bergamum a grave and devout person did freely reprove a King of the Lombards for his wickedness the impious King could not endure it but caused him to be set upon a sierce Horse which used to cast his riders and to tear them in pieces In this manner he sent home the good Bishop expecting soon after to have the news of his death brought to him But no sooner was the holy Prelate mounted but the Horse laid aside his siereness and carried him home in safety 12. Oraetes Prefect of Sardis was reproved by Mitrobates that he had not added the Isle of Samos to the Kings Dominions being so near unto him and over which Polycrates then Tyrannized Oraetes by a wile first seized upon Polycrates and Crucified him and when Cambyses was dead mindful of this freedom he slew Mitrobates with his son Cranape CHAP. XLVII Of the base Ingratitude of some unworthy persons HIppocratidas received Letters from a Noble man his friend wherein he craved his advice
what he should do with a Spartan who knew of a Conspiracy that was formed against his Life but covering all in silence had not given him the least intimation thereof His Counsel was in this manner If said he thou hast formerly obliged him with any great benefit kill him immediately If not yet send him out of the Country as a man too timerous to be vertuous Thus the Ancients adjudged ingratitude to be punished with death and very worthily it deserved to be so at least in the person of him who follows 1. Humphrey Banister was brought up and exalted to promotion by the Duke of Buckingham his Master the Duke being afterwards driven to extremity by reason of the separation of his Army which he had Mustered against King Richard the Usurper sled to this Banister as his most trusty friend not doubting to be kept secret by him till he could find an opportunity to escape There was a thousand pound propounded as a reward to him that could bring forth the Duke and this ungrateful Traytor upon the hopes of this summ betrayed the Duke his Benefactor into the hands of Iohn Metton Sheriff of Shropshire who conveyed him to the City of Salisbury where King Richard then was and soon after the Duke was put to death But as for this perfidious Monster the vengeance of God fell upon him to his utter ignominy in a visible and strange manner for presently after his eldest son fell mad and died in a Boars Stye his eldest daughter was suddenly stricken with a foul Leprosie his second son became strangely deformed in his limbs and lame his youngest son was drowned in a puddle and he himself arraigned and found guilty of a murder was saved by his Clergy As for his thousand pounds King Richard gave him not a farthing saying That he who would be so untrue to so good a Master must needs be false to all other 2. Two young men of Sparta being sent thence to consult the Oracle of Apollo at Delphos in their Journey lodged at the house of one Scedasius in Leuctra a good man and much given to hospitality This Scedasus had two daughters beautiful Virgins upon whom these young men cast wanton eyes and resolved at their return to visit the same house they did so found Scedasus from home yet as kind entertainment from his daughters as they could desire in requital of which having found an opportunity they ravished them both and perceiving that they were all in grief and tears for the injury and dishonour done to them they added Murder to the Rape and threw them into a pit and so departed Not long after Scedasus came home and missing his daughters looked up and down for them at last a little Dog that he had came whining to him and ran out of doors as it were inviting him to follow him he did and the Dog brought him to the pit into which they were thrown He drew out his daughters and hearing by his Neighbours that the two young Spartans had been again at his house he concluded them the murderers Hereupon he went to Sparta to complain to the Magistrates of this barbarous cruelty he first opened his Cause to the Ephori and then to the Kings but to both in vain he therefore complained to the people but neither did he find any redress there wherefore with hands list up to Heaven he complained to the gods and then stab'd himself Nor was it long e're the Spartans were defeated in a great Battel by the Thebans in that very Leuctra and by the same deprived of the Empire of Greece which they had many years possessed It is said That the soul of Scedasus appeared unto Pelopidas one of the chief Captains amongst the Thebans incouraging him to give them Battel in those very Plains of Leuctra where he and his daughters lay buried telling him That their death should be there revenged 3. Pope Adrian the sixth having built a fair Colledge at Lovain caused this Inscription to be written upon the Gates of it in Letters of Gold Trajectum plantavit Lovanium rigavit Caesar dedit incrementum with an unworthy allusion to that of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians Vtrecht planted me there he was born Lovain watered me there he was bred up in Learning and Caesar gave the increase for the Emperour had preferred him One that had observed this Inscription and withal his ingratitude to meet at once with that and his folly wrote underneath Hîc Deus nihil fecit Here God did nothing 4. When Tamberlain had overcome and taken Prisoner Bajazet the great Turk he asked him Whether he had ever given God thanks for making him so great an Emperour Bajazer consessed That he had never so much as thought upon any such thing To whom Tamberlain replyed That it was no wonder so ungrateful a man should be made a spectacle of misery For saith he you being blind of one eye and I lame of one leg what worth was there in us that God should set us over two such mighty Empires to command so many men far more worthy than our selves 5. When Xerxes had resolved upon his Expedition against Greece he caused his Army to make their Randezvous at Sardis in Lydia and when he had Assembled to the number of seventeen hundred thousand foot and 88000 Horse as he entred the body of Celaenas he was by one Pythius the Lydian entertained who out of his Flocks and Herds of Cattle gave food to Xerxes and his whole Army the Feast ended he also presented him with two thousand Talents of Silver and in Gold four millions wanting seven thousand of the Persian Darici which make so many of our Marks Then Pythius besought him to spare one of his five sons from his attendance into Greece because himself was old and had none whom he could so well trust as his own son But Xerxes like a barbarous and ungrateful Tyrant caused the body of the young man for whom his father had sought exemption to be sundred into two parts commanding that the one half of his Carkass should be laid on the right and the other half on the left-hand of the common way by which the Army was to march 6. That is a remarkable one that is reported by Zonaras and Cedrenus of the Emperour Basilius Macedo who being hunting as he much delighted in that exercise a great Stagg turned fâ—riously upon him and fastened one of the Brouches of his Horns into the Emperours Girdle and lifting him from his Horse bare him a distance off to the great danger of his life which when a Gentleman in the Train espyed he drew his sword and cut the Emperours Girdle by which means he was preserved and had no hurt at all But observe his reward The Gentleman for this act was questioned and adjudged to have his head struck off because he presumed to expose his drawn-sword so near the person of the Emperour and he suffered
would go a hunting in the New Forest yet something moved with the many presages he staid within all the Forenoon but about Dinner time an Artificer caâ—e and brought him six Crossbow Arrows very strong and sharp whereof four he kept himself and the other two he delivered to Sir Walter Tyrrel a Knight of Normandy his Bow-bearer saying Here Tyrrel take you two for you know how to shoot them to purpose and so having at Dinner drank more liberally than his custom as it were in contempt of presages out he rides to the New Forrest where Sir Walter Tyrrel shooting at a Deer at a place called Charingham the Arrow glanced against a Tree or as some say grazed upon the back of the Deer and flying forward hit the King upon the Breast with which he inâ—tantly fell down dead Thus dyed William Rufus in the forty third year of his age and twelfth and some months of his reign his Body was drawn in a Colliers Cart with one Horse to the City of Winchester where the day following he was buryed in the Cathedral Church of St. Swithin 4. The Lord Hastings by Richard the third the then Protector was arrested of high Treason who wished him to make hast to be confessed â—or he swore by St. Paul his usual Oath that he would not touch bread nor drink till his Head was off so he was led forth unto the Green before the Chapel within the Tower where his Head was laid down upon a Log of Timber and there stricken off In this mans death we may see how inevitable the blows of destiny are for the very night before his death the Lord Standley sent a secret messenger to him at Midnight in all haste to acquaint him with a dream he had in which he thought that a Boar with his Tushes so goared them both in the heads that the blood ran about their shoulders and forasmuch as the Protector gave the Boar for his Cognizance the dream made so fearful an impression upon his heart that he was throughly resolved to stay no longer and had made his Horse ready requiring the Lord Hastings to go with him and that presently to be out of danger before it should be day But the Lord Hastings answered the Messenger Good Lord leaneth your Master so much to such trifles to put such faith in dreams which either his own fear fantasieth or else do rise in the nights rest by reason of the days thoughts Go back therefore to thy Master and commend me to him and pray him to be merry and have no fear for I assure him I am as sure of the man he woteth of as of mine own hand the man he meant was one Catesby who deceived him and was himself the first mover to rid him out of the way Another warning he had the same morning in which he was beheaded his Horse twice or thrice stumbled with him almost to falling which though it often happen to such to whom no mischance is toward yet hath it of old been observed as a token foregoing some great misfortune 5. The night before Henry the second King of France was slain Queen Margaret his Wife dreamed that she saw her Husbands eye put out there were Justs and Turnaments at that time into which the Queen besought her Husband not to enter because of her dream but he was resolved and there did things worthy of himself when almost all was now done he would needs run at Tilt with a Knight who refused him his name was Montgomery the King was bent upon it they shivered their Launces in the course and a splinter of one of them took the King so full into the eye that he thereby received his deadly wound 6. There was one who dreamed that he was bitten to death by a Lion of Marble that was set at the entrance of the Temple being in the morning to go to that Temple aâ—d beholding the Marble Statue of the Lion laughing he told his dream to them that went with him he put his hand into the Lions mouth and jestingly said Bite now my valiant enemy and if thou canst kill me he had scarce spoken the words when he was deadly stung by a Scorpion that there lay hid and thereby unexpectedly found the truth of his dream 7. Croesus King of Lydia had two Sons the one dumb and of little use the other a person of excellent accomplishments above all the rest of his Companions his name was Atys concerning this Son Croesus dreamed that he was transfixed with a Javelin headed with Iron being awake and having considered of it he takes a Wife for his Son and whereas he was before General of all the Lydian forces he would not suffer him thenceforth to head them all Spears Javelins Lances and such like he removed from the Walls into inward Chambers lest any should fall upon his Son and kill him About this time near the mount Olympus in Mysia there was a wild Boar of extraordinary bigness destroying the labours of the Mysians and though they had divers times assaulted him yet were they destroyed and he no way endamaged They therefore sent Embassadors to Croesus to beseech him to send them his Son with a party of select young men together with some Dogs that the Boar might be slain Croesus remembring his dream refused to send his Son but granted all the rest His Son hearing their Embassy and his refusal expostulated with him the cause why he would not suffer him to go with the rest He thereupon tells him his dream the young man replyed That seeing it was upon the point of a weapon that he should dye he need not fear to send him to the Mysians for his dream was not that he should dye by Teeth Tushes or the like Croesus hereupon changed his determination and having resolved his Son should go this expedition he called for Adrastus a valiant person who had â—led out of Phrygia to him and told him that to his care he would entrust his Son in case they should be suddenly set upon by Robbers in the way To Mysia they went found out the Boar and having enclosed him round cast Darts and Javelins at him here Adrastus threw a Javelin at the Boar but missing his aim he unfortunately therewith so wounded the Prince that he presently dyed and Adrastus unable to bear the grief of his error slew himself 8. Alexander the Great was admonished by the Chaldeans that he should not enter Babylon as being a place fatal to him and not only so but he had in his sleep the Image of Cassander his Murtherer presented to him he thought he was killed by him and that he was advised to be a more careful preserver of his own life afterwards when Cassander came first into his sight for he had never before seen him he enquired whose Son he was when he was told it was the Son of Antipater though he knew it was that face whose image had
may see thee end thy Race Death is a Nown yet not declin'd in any Case No certainly we cannot decline it for we run into the Jaws of death by the very same ways we endeavour to avoid it The Sons of Esculapius sometimes dig our graves even then while they are contriving for our health rather than fail we bespeak our Coffins with our own tongues not knowing what we do as in the following Examples 1. King Francis of France had resolved upon the murder of the chief Lords of the Hugonots this secret of Council had been imparted by the Duke of Anjou to Ligneroles his familiar friend he being one time in the Kings Chamber observed some tokens of the Kings displeasure at the insolent demands of some Hugonot Lord whom he had newly dismissed with shew of favour Ligneroles either moved with the lightness incident to Youth which often over-shoots discretion or moved with ambition not to be ignorant of the nearest secrets told the King in his ear That his Majesty ought to quiet his mind with patience and laugh at their insolence for within a few days by that meeting which was almost ripe they would be all in his Net and punished at his pleasure with which words the Kings mind being struck in the most tender sensible part of it he made shew not to understand his meaning and retired to his private Lodgings where full of anger grief and trouble he sent to call the Duke of Anjou charged him with the revealing of this weighty secret he confessed he had imparted the business to Ligneroles but assured him he need not fear he would ever open his Lips to discover it no more he shall answered the King for I will take order that he shall be dispatched before he have time to publish it he then sent for George de Villequier Viscount of Guerchy who he knew bare a grudge against Ligneroles and commanded him to endeavour by all means to kill him that day which was accordingly executed by him and Count Charles of Mansfield as he hunted in the field 2. Candaules the Son of Myrsus and King of Lydia doted so much upon the beauty of his own Wife that he could not be content to enjoy her but would needs enforce one Gyges the Son of Dascylus to behold her naked body and placed the unwilling man secretly in her Chamber where he might see her preparing to bedward This was not so closely carried but that the Queen perceived Gyges at his going forth and understanding the matter took it in such high disdain that she forced him the next day to requite the Kings folly with treason so Gyges being brought again into the same Chamber by the Queen slew Candaules and was rewarded not only with his Wife but the Kingdom of Lydia also wherein he reigned thirty eight years 3. Fredegundis was a woman of admirable beauty and for that reason entertained by Chilperick King of France over whose heart she had gained such an empire that she procured the banishment of his Queen Andovera and the death of his Mother Galsuinda yet neither was she faithful to him but prostituted her body to Landric de la Tour Duke of France and Mayor of the Palace Upon a day the King being to go a hunting came up first into her Chamber and found her dressing her Head with her Back towards him he therefore went softly and struck her gently on the backpart with the hinder end of his hunting Spear she not looking back What dost thou do my Landrick said she it is the part of a good Knight to charge a Lady before rather than behind By this means the King found her falshood and went to his purposed hunting but she perceiving her self discovered sent for Landrick told him what had hapned and therefore enjoyned him to kill the King for his and her safety which he undertook and effected that night as the King returned late from his hunting 4. Muleasses the King of Tunis was skilled in Astrology and had found that by a fatal influx of the Stars he was to lose his Kingdom and also to perish by a cruel death when therefore he heard that Barbarossa was preparing a Navy at Constantinople concluding it was against himself to withdraw from the danger he departed Africa and transported himself into Italy to crave aid of Charles the Emperour against the Turks who he thought had a design upon him In the mean time he had committed the government of his Kingdom to Amida his Son who like an ungrateful Traytor assumed to himself the name and power of the King and having taken his Father upon his return put out his eyes Thus Muleasses drew upon himself that fate he expected by those very means by which he hoped to have avoided it 5. There was an Astrologer who had often and truly predicted the event of divers weighty affairs who having intentively fixed his eyes upon the face of Ioannes Galeacius and contemplated the same Dispose Sir said he of your affairs with what speed you may for it is impossible that you should live long in this world Why so said Galeacius Because replyed the other the Stars whose sight and position on your birth-day I have well observed do threaten you and that not obscurely with death before such time as you shall attain to maturity Well said Galeacius you who believe in these positions of the birth-day-stars as if they were so many Gods how long are you to live through the bounty of the Fates said he I have a sufficient tract of time allotted for my life But said Galeacius that for the future out of a foolish belief of the bounty and clemency of the Fates thou maist not presume further upon the continuance of life than perhaps it is fit thou shalt dye forthwith contrary to thy opinion nor shall the combined force of all the Stars in Heaven be able to save thee from destruction who presumest in this manner to dally with the destiny of Illustrious persons and thereupon commanded him to be carryed to Prison and there strangled 6. Some persons at Syracuse discoursing in a Barbers shop concerning Dionysius they said his tyranny was adamantine and utterly inâ—â—â—ugnable What said the Barber do we speak thus of Dionysius under whose throat I ever and anon hold a Rasor As soon as Dionysius was informed of this he caused his Barber to be crucified and so he paid for his folly at the price of his life 7. Though the Mushroom was suspected yet was it Wine wherein Claudius the Emperour first took his Poyson for being Maudlin-cupped he grew to lament the destiny of his Marriages which he said were ordained to be all unchast yet should not pass unpunished This threat being understood by Agrippina she thought it high time to look about her and by securing him with a ready poyson she provided to secure her self so Claudius stands indebted to his unwary tongue for his
untimely death 8. Herod overcome with pain troubled with a vehement Cough and almost pined with fasting was determined to hasten his own death and taking an Apple in his hand he called for a Knife and then looking about him lest any stander by should hinder him he lifted up his Arm to strike himself But Achiabus his Cousin ran hastily unto him and stayed his hand and presently there was great lamentation made throughout all the Kings Palace as if the King had been dead His Son Antipater then in Prison having speedy news hereof was glad and promised the Keepers a piece of money to let him go but the chiefest of them did not only deny to do it but also went and immediately acquainted the King with it Herod hearing this commanded his guard to go and kill Antipater and bury him in the Castle called Hircanium Thus was that wicked man cast away by his own temerity and imprudence who had he had more patience and discretion might probably have secured both his life and the Kingdom to himself for Herod out-lived his death but five dayes 9. Anthony being at Laodicea sent for King Herod to answer what was objected against him touching the death of Young Aristobulus He was an impotent Lover of his Wife Mariamne and suspecting that her beauty was one cause of his danger before he went he committed the care of his Kingdom to Ioseph his Unkle withall leaving him order to kill Mariamne his Wiâ—e in case he should hear that any thing evil had befallen him He had taken his journey and Ioseph in Conversation with the Queen as an argument of the great love the King bare her acquainted her with the order he had left with him Herod having appeased Anthony returâ—ed with honour and speaking to the Queen of the truth and greatness of his love in the midst of Embraces Mariamne said to him It was not the part of a Lover to give commandment that if any thing should befall thee otherwise than well with Anthony I should presently be done to death No sooner were these words out of her mouth but the King entred into a strange passion and giving over his embraces he cryed out with a loud voice and tore his hair saying that he had a most evident proof that Ioseph had committed adultery with her for that he would not have discovered those things which had been spoke to him in secret except they had greatly trusted the one the other and in this emotion or rage of Jealousie hardly contained he from killing his Wife yet he gave order that Ioseph should be slain without admitting him audience or justification of his Innocency Thus Ioseph by his imprudent revealing of a dangerous secret unwarily procured his own death 10. The Emperour Probus a great and excellent Prince having well nigh brought the Empire into a quiet and peaceable from a troublesome and turbulent posture was heard to say that he would speedily take such a course that there should be no more need of Men of War This Speech was so distasted by the Souldiers that they conspired against him and procured his death CHAP. LIV. Men of unusual misfortune in their Affairs Persons or Families THe Ancients accounted him for a fool who being himself but a man would yet upbraid another of his kind with his calamity or misfortune For what reason can any man have to boast of his own estate or to insult over anothers unhappiness when how pleasant a time soever he hath for the present he hath yet no assurance that it shall so continue with him until the evening and though he be never so near unto good fortune yet he may possibly miss it as did the three Princes in the following Example 1. Anastasius Emperour of Constantinople being greatly hated and foreseeing he could not make much longer abode in the world he began to reflect on his Successours desiring to transfer to the Throne one of his three Nephewes whom he had bred up having no male issue to succeed him There was difficulty in the choice and he having a soul very superstitious put that to the lot which he could not resolve by reason for he caused three Beds to be prepared in the Royal Chamber and made his Crown to be hanged within the Tester of one of these Beds being resolved to give it to him who by lot should place himself under it this done he sent for his Nephews and after he had magnificently entertained them commanded them to repose themselves each one chusing one of the Beds prepared for them The eldest accommodated himself according to his fancy and he hit upon nothing the second did the same he then expected the youngest should go directly to the Crowned Bed but he prayed the Emperour he might be permitted to lye with one of his Brothers and by this means not any of them took the way of the Empire which was so easie to be had that it was not above a pace distant Anastasius amazed well saw God would transfer the Diadem from his Race and indeed Iustin succeeded a stranger to his blood 2. Anne Momorancy was a man of an exquisite wit and mature wisdom accompanied with a long experience in the changes of the World by which Arts he acquired happily for himself and for his Posterity exceeding great wealth and the chief dignities of the Kingdom himself having attained to be Constable of France But this man in his military commands had alwayes such ill fortune that in all the wars of which he had the Government he ever remained either a loser or grievously wounded or a Prisoner which misfortunes were the occasion that many times his fidelity was questioned even in that last action where fighting he lost his life he wanted not accusers 3. Thomas Tusser while as yet a Boy lived in many Schools Wallingford St. Pauls and Eaton whence he went to Trinity-hall in Cambridge when a man he lived in Staffordshire Suffolk Norfolk Cambridgeshire and where not He was successively a Musician Schoolmaster Serving-man Husbandman Grasier and Poet more skilful in all than thriving in any Vocation he traded at large in Oxen Sheep Dairies Grain of all kinds to no profit whether he bought or sold he lost and when a Renter impoverished himself and never enriched his Landlord yet hath he laid down excellent Rules of Husbandry and Huswifery so that the observer thereof must be rich in his own defence He spread his Bread with all sorts of Butter yet none would stick thereon yet I hear no man charge him with any vicious extravagancy or visible carelesness but imputing his ill success to some occult cause in Gods Counsel 4. The Emperour Sigismumd passing a River his Horse stood still and pissed in it which when one of his Servants perceived that rode not far before him he said jestingly the Horse had directly the same quality with his Master Caesar heard him and bade him explain the meaning of what
he said The horse said he pisses in a river where there is no want of water and so Caesar is liberal to them that are otherwise rich The Emperour observed that he was modestly tax'd for that as yet he had given nothing to him who had been his old servant and thereupon replyed that he had indeed been alwayes a faithful servant but that the gifts of Princes are not properly theirs that deserve well but theirs to whom they are destinied by fate and that he would convince him of the same assoon as he had some leisure Afterwards Caesar commanded two boxes to be made of the same bigness and form in the one he put gold in the other lead of the same weight caused his servant to be called and bade him choose which box he would who takes them up poises both in his hands and at last fixes upon that box that had the lead in it which when the Emperour saw at the opening of the box Now said he thou maist plainly see that not my good will has been hitherto wanting but that it was through thine own ill fortune that hitherto thou hast had no reward from me 5. It was observed as it were in the destiny of King Henry the sixth of England that although he was a most pious man yet no enterprize of war did ever prosper where he was present 6. Franciscus Busalus a Citizen of Rome was so extreamly unfortunate in his Children that he saw two of his Sons fall dead by mutual wounds they had received at each others hands two other of his Sons beheaded for a sedition which they had been authors of a fifth Son of his slew his Mother-in-law and his Daughter poysoned her self in the presence of her Husband 7. Helvius Pertinax commonly but corruptly called Aelius was so variously exercised with the chances of inconstant fortune and so often from a good thrust down into an adverse condition that by reason hereof he was called Fortunes Tennis-ball 8. Robert the Norman Son to William the Conqueror was chosen King of Ierusalem but he refused this honourable proffer whether he had an eye to the Kingdom of England now void by the death of William Rufus or because he accounted Ierusalem would be encumbred with continual war But he who would not take the Crown with the Cross was fain to take the Cross without the Crown and it was observed that afterwards he never prospered in any thing he undertook He lived to see much misery in prison and poverty and he felt more having his eyes put out by King Henry his Brother and at last sound rest when buried in the New Cathedral Church of Glocester under a wooden Monument bearing better proportion to his low fortunes than high birth and since in the same Quire he hath got the company of another Prince as unfortunate as himself King Edward the second 9. Tiberius being at Capreas fell into a lingring disease and his sickness encreasing more and more he commanded Euodus whom he most honoured amongst all his Freemen to bring him the young Tiberius and Caius because he intended to talk with them before he dyed and it should be at the break of day on the morrow next This done he besought the gods of that place to give him an evident sign whereby he might know who should succeed him for though he vehemently desired to leave the Empire to his Sons Son that was Tiberius yet made he more account of that which God should make manifest to him He therefore conceived a presage that he who the next day should enter first to salute him it should be he who in the Empire should necessarily succeed him And having setled this thing in his fancy he sent unto the young Tiberius his Master charging him to bring him unto him by break of day supposing that the Empire should be his But by the evil fortune of Tiberius it fell quite contrary to his Grand-fathers expectation For being in this thought he had commanded Euodus that as soon as day should arise he should suffer him of the two young Princes to enter in unto him who should arrive the first Who walking out met with Caius at the door of the Chamber and saying to him that the Emperour had called for him suffered him to enter Tiberius the mean while being at breakfast below When the Emperour beheld Caius he suddainly began to consider of the power of God who deprived him of the means to dispose of the Empire according as he had determined with himself so Caius was declared successor in the Empire and no sooner was the old Emperour dead but the young unfortunate Tiberius was made away 10. Antiochus was overcome in battle by his brother Seleucus whereupon he fled to Artamenes King of Cappadocia his brother-in-law where after some dayes he found there was a Conspiracy against him to betray his life He got him therefore away from thence with all speed and put himself into the protection of Ptolomaeus his Enemy supposing that he might better rely upon his generosity than any kindness he could expect from his brother But Ptolomaeus at his first arrival put him into custody under special guards Here he remained a while till by the help of a certain Harlot he escaped â—rom his prison and recovered his liberty but this unfortunate Prince had not travelled far but he was set upon by thieves and by them murdered 11. Ferdinand Mendez Pinto a Portuguese in the Book of his travels and adventures sets forth of himself that nothing being to be met with in his Fathers house besides poverty and misery an Uncle of his put him into the service of a Lady at Lisbon when he was about twelve years old where he remained but a year and a half before he was constrained by an accident to quit her house and service for the safety of his life With this unfortunate beginning he put himself upon travel and the seeing of remote parts where all along Fortune continued so extreamly unkind to him that in the space of twenty one years wherein he was abroad besides the hardships and variety of evil accidents that strangers are liable unto he suffered shipwrack five times was thirteen times a Captive and sold for a slave seventeen times in the Indies Aethiopia Arabia China Tartaria Madagascar Sumatra and divers other Kingdoms CHAP. LV. Of the Loquacity of some men their inability to retain intrusted secrets and the punishment thereof THe City of Amyclas is said to have perished through silence and it was on this manner Divers rumours and false reports had been brought to the Magistrates concerning the coming of an enemy against them by reason of which the City had several times been put into disorderly and tumultuous frights they therefore set forth an Edict that for the future no man should presume to make any such report by this means when the enemy came indeed no man durst discover it for fear
at Aken and his Motto was Vnita virtus valet 71. Henry the second Duke of Bavaria declared to be Emperour by the Princes Electors a wise valiant and good Emperour he subdued all his Rebels and expelled the Saracens out of Italy In his time Swaine King of Denmark invaded England and subdued it to his obedience he Reigned twenty two years say some eighteen saith Platina his Motto is Ne quid nimis 72. Conrade the second Duke of Franconia elected three years after the death of Henry in the interregnum many Cities of Italy desirous of Liberty deserted their subjection to the Emperour but Conrade was a wise and valiant Warriour and soon reduced them to their wonted obedience his Symbol was Omnium mores tuos imprimis obserâ—a he was buried at Spires 73. Henry the third Sirnamed Niger he removed three seditious Antipopes and appointed for the true Pope Clemens the second he married the daughter of Canutus the Dane then King of England Reigned seventeen years and died in the thirty fifth year of his age his Motto was Qui litem aufert execrationem in benedictionem mutat 74. Henry the fourth son of the former in whose daies the Popes began to usurp Authority over the Emperours insomuch that Leo the ninth having received the Popedom at the Emperours hands repented himself of it put off his Papal Vestments went to Rome a private person and was there new chosen by the Clergy This was done by the perswasion of a Monk called Hildebrand who being afterwards made Pope by the name of Gregory the seventh Excommunicated this Henry the first Prince that was ever Excommunicated by a Pope of Rome he was valiant wise and eloquent his son being stirred up against him he died partly of sickness and partly of sorrow his Motto Multi multa sciunt se autem nemo 75. Henry the fifth succeeded his Father went to Rome to be Crowned Emperour by Pope Paschalis the second The Pope would not consent to his Coronation except he did first give over all right of Election of the Pope and all right of investment of Bishops by Staff and Ring the Emperour griev'd with the proud carriage of the Pope laid hands upon him and his Cardinals and compelled them to perfect his Coronation and to confirm his Priviledges of Electing Popes and investiture of Bishops But the Emperour once returned into Germany the Pope revok'd all he had done and Cursed the Emperour who hearing what was done march'd to Rome with an Army the Pope fled into Apulia the Emperour departed into Germany again when wearied with his seditious Bishops over affectionate to the Pope he bought some Peace by yielding up his rights and was the last Emperour of the House of Franconia his Motto was Mortem optare malum timere pejus 76. Lotharius Duke of Bavaria seised on the Empire without any Election was reconciled to the German Princes by the means of St. Bernard Contention being betwixt Innocentius and Anacletus for the Popedom the Emperour with an Army established Innocentius he Reigned thirteen years his Motto was Audi alteram partem 77. Conrade the third Duke of Sueve and Sisters son to the Emperour Henry the fifth was Elected Emperour The Dukes of Saxony and Bavaria Rebelled against him whom he easily subdu'd After which he led an Army against the Turks and Saracens but was betrayed by the deceitful promises of Emanuel the Greek Emperour who sent him to the Siege of Iconium Meal mingled with Lime whereby the Army was empoysoned huge numbers of them died so that Conrade left the Siege of Iconium and went back to Thracia He Reigned fifteen years his Motto Pauca cum aliis tecum multa 78. Frederick the first Sirnamed Barbarossa Duke of Sueve Crowned at Rome by Adrian the fourth and not long after Excommunicated by Pope Alexander the third to whom he was fain at last to submit himself the Pope insolently treading on his neck and abusing the words of Scripture Super Aspidem Basiliscum ambulabis conculcabis leonem draconem the Emperour answered Non tibi sed Petro the proud Pope reply'd Et mihi Petro. The Emperour not willing to give any further occasion of offence held his peace and so was absolv'd and his son then Prisoner at Venice for love of whom he had done all this set at Liberty He went after to the Holy Land where he discomfited the Turks in three great Battels there he died being drown'd in a River into which he went to bathe himself he Reigned thirty and nine years was buried at Tyrus his Motto was Qui neseit dissimulare nescit regnare 79. Henry the sixth his son was declared Emperour Crowned by Pope Celestine the second who took Constantia the daughter of Rogerius out of a Monastery and gave her to him in Marriage with both Sicilyes in a way of Dowry Whereupon Henry took Tancredus the young King of Sicily put out his eyes thrust him into a Monastery and used great cruelty against the Bishops and other Inhabitants of Sicily the Pope did Excommunicate him for this but he went to Rome acknowledged his fault and obtained his pardon together with a confirmation of the Kingdom of Sicily After this the Pope solicited him to the holy War in his Journey towards Asia he died at Messina his Motto was Qui nescit tacere nescit loqui 80. Philip Duke of Sueve brother of Henry the sixth took on him the Imperial Title contrary to the mind of Innocentius the then Pope For this the Pope did Excommunicate him and caused the Bishop of Colen and other Electors to make Otho Duke of Saxony Emperour between whom and Philip were fought divers Battels but Philip so defended himself that he held the Crown Imperial all his life-time in despite of both In the end Peace was made betwixt the Emperour and the Pope not long after which the Emperour was cruelly murdered in his own Chamber by Otho Count Palatine he Reigned ten years his Motto was Satius est currere quam malè currere 81. Otho the fourth Duke of Saxony and Bavaria who married the daughter of Philip and was appointed his Successour was Crowned Emperour by Pope Innocent the third he neglecting the usual largess at his Coronation the Romans abused his Servants whereupon he departed Rome in great discontent fell upon certain Towns belonging to the Pope for whiâ—h he was Excommunicated and vanquished in Brabant by the Faction raised up against him he relinquished the Empire to his Competitor he Reigned nineteen years his Motto was Anser strepit inter olores 82. Frederick the second King of Sicily and Naples son to Henry the sixth was consecrated and called Augustus by Pope Honorius the third where he admitted what constitutions the Pope would who notwithstanding supported his Rebels against him The Emperour did expostulate the unseemliness of the deed with him who thereupon was so chafed that he Cursed and Excommunicated the Emperour but they were reconciled Then
death by Andronicus was in a popular election proclaimed his Successour deposed by Alexius his own brother and his eyes put out 63. Alexius Angelus deprived his brother and excluded his Nephew from the Empire but it held not long 64. Alexius Angelus the second the son of Isaac Angelus being unjustly thrust out of his Empire by his Uncle Alexius had recourse to Philip the Western Emperour whose daughter he had married so an Army was prepared to restore him On the approach whereof Alexius the Usurper fled and the young Emperour seated in his Throne was not long after slain by Alexius Ducas in revenge whereof the Latins assault and win Constantinople make themselves Masters of the Empire share it amongst them the main body of the Empire with the Title of Emperour was given to 65. Baldwin Earl of Flanders first Emperour of the Latines Reigning in Constantinople was taken in Fight by Iohn King of Bulgaria and sent Prisoner to Ternova where he was cruelly put to death 66. Henry the brother of Baldwin repelled the Bulgarians out of Greece and died a Conquerour 67. Peter Count of Auxerre in France succeeded in the Empire after his decease was cunningly entrapped by Theodorus Angelus a great Prince in Epirus whom he had besieged in Dyracchium but of an enemy being perswaded to become his Guest was there murdered by him 68. Robert the son of Peter having seen the miserable usage of his beautiful Empress whom a young Burgundian formerly contracted to her had most despitefully mangled cutting off both her Nose and Ears died of hearts grief as he was coming back from Rome whither his melancholy had carried him to consult the Pope in his Affairs 69. Baldwin the second son of Robert by a former Wife under the protection of Iohn de Brenne the Titulary King of Ierusalem succeeded in his Fathers Throne which having held for the space of thirty three years he was forced to leave it the City of Constantinople being regained by the Greeks and the poor Prince compelled in vain to sue for succours to the French Venetians and other Princes of the West When Constantinople was lost to the Latines the Empire of the Greeks was transferred unto Nice a City of Bythinia by Theodorus Lascaris Son-in-law to Alexius the Usurper there it continued till the Empire was restored to the Greeks in the person of 70. Michael the eighth Sirnamed Palaeologus extracted from the Comnenian Emperours most fortunately recovered Constantinople the City being taken by a Party of fifty men secretly put into it by some Country Labourers under the ruines of a Mine This Prince was present in person at the Council of Lyons at the perswasion of the Pope he admitted the Latin Ceremonies into the Churches of Greece for which he was greatly hated by his Subjects and denied the honour of Christian burial 71. Andronicus the second vexed with unnatural Wars by his Nephew Andronicus who rebelled against him 72. Andronicus the third first Partner with his Grandfather afterwards sole Emperour 73. Iohn Pelaeologus son of Andronicus the third in whose minority Contacuzenus his Protector usurped the Empire and held it sometimes from him and sometimes with him till the year 1357. and then retired unto a Monastery leaving the Empire unto Iohn during whose Reign the Turks first planted themselves in Europe 74. Andronicus the fourth the son of Iohannes Palaeologus 75. Emanuel Palaeologus brother of Andronicus the fourth in his time Bajazet King of the Turks did besiege Constantinople but found such notable resistance that he could not force it 76. Iohn the second son of Andronicus the fourth 77. Iohn the third son of Emanuel Palaeologus was in person at the Council of Florence for reconciling of the Churches in hope thereby to get some aid from the Western Christians but it would not be 78. Constantinus Palaeologus the brother of Iohn the third in his time the famous City of Constantinople was taken by Mahomet the Great Anno Dom. 1452. The miserable Emperour being lamentably trod to death in the Throng who had in vain gone from door to door to beg or borrow money to pay his Souldiers which the Turks found in great abundance when they took the City It had in vain been besieged by King Philip of Macedon siding with Niger in his War against Severus the Emperour it endured a Siege of three years against all the Forces of the Romans The Caliph Zulciman had besieged it and was forced to desist with the loss of three hundred thousand men but now it stooped under the weighty Scepter of 79. Mahomet the second Sirnamed the Great and first Emperour of the Turks he Conquered the two Empires of Constantinople and Trebisond twelve Kingdoms and two hundred Cities He had mighty Wars with the two renowned Captains Huniades and Scanderbeg in Hungary and Epirus from whom he received divers overthrows He left the Siege of Belgrade with dishonour as he also was compelled to do that of the Rhodes By Achmetes Bassa he Landed an Army in Apulia foraged all the Country took the City of Otranto by assault to the terrour of Sixtus the fourth then Pope and of all Italy Being passed over into Asia to go against the Caramanian King a daies journey short of Nicomedia a City in Bythinia at a place called Geivisen he fell sick and died as some say of the Cholick as others of poyson having lived about fifty two years and thereof Reigned thirty one in the year of our Lord 1481. He was of an exceeding courage and strength of a sharp wit and thereunto very fortunate but withal he was faithless and cruel in his time the death of eight hundred thousand men 80. Bajazet the second subdued the Caramanian Kingdom and part of Armenia and drove the Venetians from Moraea and their part of Dalmatia Invaded Caitbeius the Sultan of Aegypt by whom the Arabians and Mountainers of Aladeules his subjects he was divers times shamefully overthrown and enforced by his Embassadours to conclude a Peace He bribed the Bishop of Rome to the empoysoning of his brother Zemes thither fled for security This Prince by nature was given to the study of Philosophy and conference with learned men more than to the Wars which gave encouragement to his son Selymus to raise himself to the Throne as he by the Treason of the great Bassa's of the Court shortly did and then caused his father to be poysoned by his Physician a Jew when he had Reigned thirty years this Prince died in the year of our Lord 1512. 81. Selymus having poysoned his father subverted the Mamalukes of Aegypt bringing it with Palestine Syria and Arabia under the yoke of the Turks He invaded the Kingdom of Persia subdued and slew Aladelues the Mountainous King of Armenia reducing his Kingdom into the form of a Turkish Province He repressed the Forces of the Hungarians by a double invasion and intending to turn all his Forces upon the Christians he was suddenly seised with a Cancer
three years ten months and eleven dayes 35. Marcus the first a Roman brought in the singing of the Nicene Creed and the giving of the Pall to the Bishop of Ostia which when others have since fetched there they have paid sweetly for he sate two years eight months and twenty dayes â—6 Iulius the first a Roman Athanasius made hiâ— Creed in his time at Rome which was then aproved by Iulius and his Clergy He ordained Prothonotaries to Register the passages of the Chrch and sate fifteen years two months and six dayes 37. Liberius the first a Roman either through fer or ambition subscribed to Arrianism and Aâ—anasius his condemnation but recovered himself and sate six years three months and for dayes 38. Foelix the second a Roman condescended to communicate with the Arrians though he wâ—re none of them but afterwards in a tumâ—lt was made away by them he sate one yâ—â—r four months and two dayes 39. Damasus the first a Spaniard a friend to Sâ— Ierome who by his procurement much amendeâ— the Vulgar Latine edition He accursed Uâ—urers and appointed Gloria Patri c. to câ—ose up every Psalm he sate nineteen years three months and eleven dayes 40. Syricius the first a Roman he excluded tâ—ose that were twice marryed and admitted Monks into Holy Orders In his time the Tempe of Serapis was demolished and the Idol broken he sate fifteen years eleven months twenty five dayes 41. Anastasius the first a Roman he was carefuâ— to repress the errours of Origen was the first that brought in the standing up at the reading of the Gospel he sate three years and ten dayes 42. Innocentius the first an Albane a great sticklet against the Pelagians in his time Alaricus plundered Rome Innocentius being then at Ravenna he sate fifteen years two months and twenty five dayes 43. Zosinues brought the use of Tapers into the Church forbad Priests to drink in publick or servants to be received into the Priesthood he sate one year three months and twelve dayes 44. Bonifacius the first a Roman the son of Iocundus a Priest he was chosen in a hubub and sedition of the Clergy was shrewdly opposed by Eulalius the Deacon but at last carryed it against him he sate three years eight months and seven dayes To whom there succeeded 45. Coelestinus the first a Campanian he it was that sent Germanus and Lupus hither into England Paladius into Scotland and Patrick into Ireland he first caused the Psalms to be sung in Antiphony he sate eight years ten months 46. Sixtus the third he was accused by one Bassus for getting a Nun with Child but was acquitted by the Synod and his accuser sent into Exile he built much and therefore had the title of Inrichâ—r of the Church he sate eight years 47. Leo the first disswaded Attila from sacking Rome Peter and Paul terrifying the Hunno while Leo spake to him In his time the Venetians setled themselves in the Gulph now so famous he sate twenty one years one month and thirteen dayes 48. Hilarius the first in his time was the rectifying of the Golden Number by Victorinus of Aquitaine and the bringing in of the Letany by Mamerius Claudius of Vienna he sate seven years three months and ten dayes 49. Simplicius the first a Tiburtine he took upon him the jurisdiction of the Church of Ravenna decreed that none of the Clergy should hold a Benefice of any Lay-man he sate fifteen years one month and seven dayes 50. Foelix the third Son of a Roman Priest decreed that no Church should be consecrated but by a Bishop opposed the proposal of Union by the Emperour Zeno to the great confusion of the Eastern and Western Churches sate eight years 51. Gelasius the first an African ordered the Canon of Scripture branding counterfeit books that before passed â—or Canonical or Authentical banished the Manichees and burnt their Books he sate four years eight months and seventeen dayes 52. Anastasius the second a Roman excommunicated Anastasius the Greek Emperour for favouring the Heretick Acatius whose heresie afterwards himself favoured he sate one year ten months and twenty four dayes 53. Symmachus the first a Sardinian carryed it against Laurentius his Competitor he was a Lover of the poor and bountiful to the exiled Bishops and Clergy he sate fifteen years six months and twenty two dayes 54. Hormisda the first the Emperour Iustinus sent him his Embassadours with the confirmation of the authority of the Apostolick seat he condemned the Eutychians in a provincial Synod and sate nine years and eighteen dayes 55. Iohannes the first a Tuscan a man of great learning and piety was cast into prison by Theodorick and there killed with the stench and filth of it he sate two years and eight months 56. Foelix the fourth a Samnite excommunicated the Patriarch of Constantinople divided the Chancel from the Church commanded extream Unction to be used to dying men he sate four years two months and thirteen dayes 57. Bonifacius the second a Roman decreed that no Bishop should choose his Successor and that the Pope if it might be should be chosen within three dayes after his Predecessors death he sate two years two dayes 58. Iohannes the second a Roman condemned Anthemius the Patriarch of Constantinople was sirnamed Mercury for his eloquence Writers say no more of him but that he sate two years and four months 59. Agapetus the first a Roman sent Embassador by King Theodatus to pacifie Iustinian the Emperour for the death of the Noble and Learned Queen Amalasuntha he sate eleven months and nineteen dayes 60. Sylverius a Campanian was deposed by the Empress for refusing to put out Menna and restore Anthemius her Favourite he dyed in exile having sate one year five months and twelve dayes 61. Vigilius the â—irst for breach of promise to the Empress was fetched to Constantinople there with a halter about his neck drawn about the streets and banished he sate seventeen years seven months and twenty dayes 62. Pelagius the first ordained that Hereticks and Schismaticks should be punished with temporal death that no man for mony should be admitted into Orders he sate eleven years ten months and twenty eight dayes 63. Iohannes the third in his time the Armenians did receive the faith of Christ he was setled in his Chair by Narses and sate twelve years eleven months and twenty six dayes 64. Benedictus the first a Roman in his time the Lombards forraged Italy the grief of this and other the Calamities of Italy was the death of this Pope when he had sate four years one month and twenty eight dayes 65. Pelagius the second a Roman was made Pope in the siege of the City by the Lombards without the Emperours consent which election he sent Gregory to excuse he sate ten years two months and ten dayes 66. Gregorius the first sirnamed the Great called himself Servus servorum Dei sent Austin into England to convert the Eastern Saxons withstood the claim of Universal
own time and King Canutus the sixth almost to the year of Christ 1200. but more like a Poet than Historian commonly also omitting an account of the time 30. Conradus Abbot of Vrsperga a Monastery in Suevia as worthy of reading as any of the German Writers hath described the Affairs of Germany beginning two hundred years after the Flood and carrying on his relation to the twentieth year of Frederick the second that is Anno Dom. 1230. 31. Iohannes Aventinus wrote the Annals of the Boii and memorable matters of the Germans in seven Books beginning from the Flood and continuing his History to Ann. 1460. 32. Iohannes Nauclerus born not far from Tubinga hath an intire Chronicon from the beginning of the World to his own time and the year of our Lord 1500. in two Volums 33. Albertus Crantzius hath brought down the History of the Saxons Vandals and the Northern Kingdoms of Denmark Sweden Gothland and Norway to Ann. 1504. 34. Iohannes Sleidanus hath faithfully and plainly written the History of Luther especially and the contests about matters of Religion in the Empire of Germany the Election and Affairs of Charles the fifth Emperour and other of divers of the Kings of Europe from Anno Dom. 1517. to Ann. 1556. 35. Philippus Comineus wrote five Books of the Expedition of Charles the eighth into Italy and Naples and eight Books of the Acts of Lâ—wis the eleventh and Charles Duke of Burgundy worthy to be read of the greatest Princes 36. Froisardus wrote the sharp Wars betwixt the French and English from Anno 1335. to Ann. 1400. 37. Hiâ—ronymus Osorius wrote the Navigation of the Portugals round Africa into India and the Acts of Emanuel King of Portugal from Anno 1497. to his death in twelve Books 38. Antonius Bonfinius in four Decades and an half hath wrote the History of the Hungarian Kings to the death of Matthias the son of Huniades and the beginning of the Reign of Vladislaus 39. Polydor Virgil hath wrote the History of England in twenty six Books to the death of Henry the seventh 40. Iustinus flourished Anno Christi 150. and wrote a compendious History of most Nations from Ninus the Assyrian King to the twenty fifth year of Augustus compiled out of forty four Books of Trogus Pompeius a Roman Ecclesiastical Writers I have here no room for but am content to have traced thus far the steps of David Chytraeus in his Chronology whose help I have had in the setting down of this Catalogue CHAP. IX Of the most famous and ancient Greek and Latin Poets THE Reader hath here a short account of some of the most eminent of Apollo's old Courtiers as they succeeded one another in the favour of the Muses not but that those bright Ladies have been I was about to say equally propitious to others in after-times nor is it that we have given these only a place here as if our own Land were barren of such Worthies Our famous Spencer if he was not equal to any was superiour to most of them of whom Mr. Brown thus He sung th' Heroick Knights of Fairy Land In lines so elegant and such command That had the Thracian plaid but half so well He had not left Eurydice in Hell But it is fit we allow a due reverence to Antiquity at least be so ingenuous as to acknowledge at whose Torches we have lighted our own The first of these Lights 1. Orpheus was born in Libethris a City of Thrace the most ancient of all Poets he wrote the Expedition of the Argonauts into Colchis in Greek Verse at which he was also present this Work of his is yet extant together with his Hymns and a Book of Stones The Poets make him to be the Prince of the Lyricks of whom Horace in his Book De Arte Poeticâ Sylvestres homines sacer interpresque deorum Caedibus foedo victu deterruit Orpheus Dictus ob hoc lenire Tygres rabidosque leones His Father was Oeagrus his Mother Caliopea and his Master was Linus a Poet and Philosopher Orpheus is said to have flourished Anno Mundi 2737. Vid. Quenstedt Dial. de Patr. vir illustr p. 453. Voss. de Nat. Constit. artis Poet. cap. 13. sect 3. p. 78. Patrit de Instit. reipub l. 2. tâ— 6. p. 83. 2. Homerus the Prince of Poets born at Colophon as Cluverius doubts not to affirm but more Cities besides that strove for the honour according to that in Gellius Septem urbes certant de stirpe illustris Homeri Smyrna Rhodos Colophon Salamis Ios Argos Athenae Many are the Encomiums he hath found amongst learned men as The Captain of Philosophy The first Parent of Antiquity and Learning of all sorts The original of all rich Invention The Fountain of the more abstruse Wisdom and the father of all other Poets à quo cen fonte perenni Vatum Pieriis ora rigantur aquis Of him this is part of Quintilians Charaâ—ter In great things no man excelled him in sublimity nor in small matters in propriety In whom saith Paterculus this is an especial thing that before him there was none whom he could imitate and after him none is found that is able to imitate him He flourished Anno Mund. 3000. Vid. Quenstedt dialog p. 483. Gell. Noct. Attic. lib. 3. cap. 11. p. 104. Quintil. instit orator lib. 10. cap. 1. p. 466. 3. Hesiodus was born at Cuma a City in Aeolia bred up at Ascra a Town in Boeotia a Poet of a most elegant genius memorable for the soft sweetness of his Verse called the son of the Muses by Lipsius the purest Writer and whose labours contain the best Precepts of Vertue saith Heinsuis Some think he was contemporary with Homer others that he lived an hundred years after him I find him said to flourish Anno Mundi 3140. Vid. Quintil. instit orat lib. 10. cap. 1. p. 466. Vell. Pâ—tercul hist. lib. 1. ...... Voss. de Poet. Graec. cap. 2. p. 9. Quenstedt dial p. 478. 4. Alcaeus a famous Lyrick Poet was born in the Isle of Lesbos in the City of Miâ—ylene whence now the whole Isle hath its name what Verses of his are left are set forth by Henricus Stephanus with those of the rest of the Lyricks Quintilian saith of him That he is short and magnificent in his way of speaking diligent and for the most part like Homer he flourished Olymp. 45. Vid. Quenstedt dialog p. 433. Quintil. instit orat lib. 10. cap. 1. p. 468. 5. Sappho an excellent Poetress was born in the Isle of Lesbos and in the City of Eraesus there she was called the ninth Lyrick and the tenth Muse she wrote Epigrams Elegies Iamâ—icks Monodies and nine Books of Lyrick Verses and was the Invetress of that kind of Verse which from her is called the Sapphick she attained to no small applause in her contention first with Stesichorus and then with Alcaeus she is said to flourish about the 46 Olympiad Voss. Instâ—t Poet. lib. 3. cap. 15. p.
he advised men to marry their daughters when Virgins for age and women for wisdom thereby obscurely hinting that Virgins were to be instructed To do good to friends and enemies to oblige the one and reconcile the other that going forth we should ask what we are about to do and returning what we have done to be more ready to hear than speak not to dally nor quarrel with our Wives in the presence of others to overcome pleasure and not to be insolent in prosperity he died seventy years of age his saying was A Measure is the best Laert. lib. 1. p. 23 24. 7. Periander the Corinthian was the son of Cypselus he seised upon the Government and became the Tyrant of Corinth being the first that kept a Life-guard about him he said They that would Rule safely must be rather fenced with love and good will than arms that rest is desirable petulancy dangerous gain â—ilthy pleasures fading but honour is immortal He advised to keep promises reveal no secrets to be the same towards our friends fortunate or otherwise and to punish not only those that commit a fault but those also that are about to do it he held his Tyranny forty years and flourished in the thirty eighth Olympiad his saying was In meditation there is all Laert. lib. 1. p. 24 25. 8. Anacharsis the son of Gnurus and brother of Cadvides King of the Scythians came to Athens and was received by Solon as his friend he used to say That the Vine had three Clusters the first of pleasure the second of drunkenness and the third of sorrow and repentance that Sea-men are but four inches distant from death and that the Market-place is a spot of ground where men meet on purpose to deceive oâ—e another Being asked what Ships were the â—afest he replied Those in the Haven when reproached by one of Athens for being a Scythian My Country said he is a reproach to me but thou art so to thy Country When abused by a young man at a Feast Youngster said he if you cannot bear your Wine while young you will carry Water when you are old He is said to have found out the Anchor and the Potters Wheel returning into Scythia he highly commended the Laws of Greece and endeavouring to abolish those of his own Country he was shot dead at a hunting by the King his brother Laert. lib. 1. p. 26. 9. Epimenides the son of Phaestius a Cretans is said to have slept fifty seven years was illustrious amongst the Greeks and a friend of the gods he purged the City of Athens and thereby freed it of the pestilence Phlegon saith he lived one hundred fifty seven years he was contemporary with Solon Laert. lib. 1. p. 29. 10. Pherecydes the son of Badys was a Syrian strange things are reported of him as that walking upon the Shore and seeing a Ship sailing with a prosperous wind he said that Ship would be presently cast away as it was in their sight also having drank water out of a pit he foretold there would be an Earthquake within three daies which also came to pass coming to Messana he warned Perilaus his Host to depart thence with all that he had which he neglecting to do Messana was taken he is said to have died of the lowsie disease he lived in the fifty ninth Olympiad Laert. lib. 1. p. 31. 11. Anaximander the Milesian held Infinityâ— to be the beginning and element of all things not air or water which changed in its parts but immutable in the whole that the Earth is the Center and round that the Moon has no light of her own the Sun is bigger than the Earth and is the purest fire he found out the Gnomon upon Dials first described the compass of Sea and Land and made a Sphear he lived to sixty two years and died about the fifty eighth Olympiad Laert. lib. 2. p. 33. 12. Anaxagoras the son of Euâ—ulus a Clazomenian was noble and rich but left all to his friends when one said he had no care of his Country Yes but I have said he pointing towards Heaven He said the Sun was a red hot iron bigger than Peloponnesus that the Moon was habitable and that there were Hills and Valleys therein that the Milky way was the reflex light of the Sun that the Origine of Winds is the extenuation of the air by the Sun Being asked what he was born for To contemplate said he the Sun Moon and Heavens he said the whole frame of Heaven consisted of Stone and that it was kept from falling by the swift turning of it He died at Lampsacum in the first year of the seventy eighth Olympiad Laert. lib. 2. p. 34. 13. Socrates the son of Sophroniscus was an Athenian he was valiant patient constant and contented His food was so wholsom and he so temperate that though the Pestilence was often in Athens yet he alone was never sick seeing a multitude of things exposed to sale What a number of things said he have I no need of He took no notice of those that reproached or backbited him He was powerful in perswasion and disswading as he apprehended the occasion for either he said it was a strange thing that all men could tell what Goods they had but no man how many friends he hath so remiss are they in that matter that knowledge is the only good thing and ignorance the only evil that Riches and Nobility have nothing of worth in them that his Genius did presignifie future things to him that other men liv'd to eat but he did eat to live Being asked what was the principal vertue of youth He replyed Not to over-do and Whether it were best to marry or live single he answered In both you will repent He advised youth daily to contemplate themselves in a glass that if handsome they might make themselves worthy of it if deformed they might cover it with Learning By the Oracle of Apollo he was judged the wisest of men by which he fell into the envy and hatred of many was accused as the despiser of the old and a setter forth of new gods and thereupon being condemned he drank poyson the Athenians soon after bewailed the loss of him he died in the ninety fifth Olympiad aged seventy Laeâ—t lib. 2. p. 37 38. 14. Aristippus the Cyrenian moved with the glory of Socrates came to Athens and there professing himself a Sophist was the first of the Socraticks that exacted a reward he was a man that knew how to serve every place time and person and he himself aptly sustained what person he pleased upon which account he was more gracious with Dionysius than any other and by Diogenes called the Royal Dog Being asked what he had learned by Philosophy To use all men said he with confidence When one upbraided him that he lived sumptuously If that were evil said he we should not use it in the Festivals of the gods Dionysius asked him the reason Why Philosophers came to
were sung in honour of Christ and instead thereof ordered some in honour of himself to be sung in Churches by women In the Synod of Antioch he was convicted by Malchion a Presbyter and condemned Anno 273. This Heresie was also embraced by Photinus a Galatian Bishop of Syrmium and propagated by him Anno 323. and thence they took the name of Photinians 10. Manes a Persian by birth and a Servant by condition was father of the Manichaean Sect he was flea'd alive for poysoning the King of Persia's son yet his wicked opinions raged in the World for three hundred and forty years after his death He held two principles or Gods one good one bad condemned eating of flesh eggs and milk held that God had members and was substantially in every thing how base soever but was separate from them by Christs coming and the elect Manichaeans He rejected the Old Testament and curtailed the New by excluding Christs Genealogy He held Christ was the Serpent which deceived our first Parents denied the divinity and humanity of Christ saying That he feigned to die and rise again and that it was really the Devil who truely was Crucified He denied the Resurrection and held Transmigration He affirmed that he was the Comforter whom Christ promised to send they Worshipped the Sun and Moon and other Idols They condemned Marriages and permitted promiscuous copulation they rejected Baptism as needless and all works of Charity they taught that our will to sin is natural and not acquired by the Fall that sin is a substance and not a quality communicated from Parents to Children they say they cannot sin deny the last Judgement and affirm that their souls shall be taken up into the Globe of the Moon 11. Arrius whence sprang the Arrians was a Libyan by birth by profession a Presbyter of Alexandria his Heresie brake out two hundred and ninety years after Christ and over-ran a great part of the Christian World They held Christ to be a Creature that he had a mans body but no humane soul the divinity supplying the room thereof they also held the Holy Ghost a Creature proceeding from a creature that is Christ their Doxology was Glory be to the Father by the Son in the Holy Ghost they re-baptized the Orthodox Christians This Heresie was condemned by the Council of Nice under Constantine And Arrius himself in the midst of his Pomp seised with a Dysentery voided his Guts in the draught and so died 12. Macedonius Bishop of Constantinople gave name to the Macedonians they held that the Holy Ghost was a creature and the servant of God and that by the Holy Spirit was meant only a power created by God and communicated to the creatures This Heresie sprung up or rather was stiffly maintained under Constantius the son of Constantine three hundred and twelve years after Christ and was condemn'd in the second Oecumenical Council at Constantinople under Theodosius the Great The Hereticks were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Macedonius himself being deprived by the Arrian Bishops died private at Pylas 13. The Aerians so called from Aerius the Presbyter who lived under Valentinian the first three hundred and forty years after Christ he held that there was no difference betwixt a Bishop and a Presbyter that Bishops could not ordain that there should be no set or Anniversary Fasts and they admitted none to their communion but such as were continent and had renounced the World they were also called Syllabici as standing captiously upon words and syllables The occasion of his maintaining his Heresie was his resentment that Eustathius was preferred before him to the Bishoprick 10. Florinus or Florianus a Roman Presbyter lived under Commodus the Roman Emperour one hundred fifty three years after Christ hence came the Floriani they held that God made evil and was the Author of sin whereas Moses tells us that all things which he made were very good They retained also the Jewish manner of keeping Easter and their other Ceremonies 15. Lucifer Bishop of Caralitanum in Sardinia gave name to the Luciferians he lived under Iulian the Apostate three hundred thirty three years after Christ. He taught that this World was made by the Devil that mens souls are corporeal and have their being by propagation or traduction they denied to the Clergy that fell any place for repentance neither did they restore Bishops or inferiour Clarks to their dignities if they fell into Heresie though they afterwards repented 16. Tertullianus that famous Lawyer and Divine was the leader of the Tertullianists he lived under Severus the Emperour about one hundred and seventy years after Christ. Being Excommunicated by the Roman Clergy as a Montanist he fell into these heretical Tenets That God was corporeal but without delineation of members that mens souls were not only corporeal but also distinguish'd into members and have corporeal dimensions and increase and decrease with the body that the original of souls is by traduction that souls of wicked men after death are converted into Devils that the Virgin Mary after Christ's birth did marry once they bragged much of the Paraclete or Spirit which they said was poured on them in greater measure than on the Apostles they condemned War amongst Christians and rejected second Marriages as no better than Adultery 17. Nestorius born in Germany and by fraud made Patriarch of Constantinople was the head of the Nestorians he broached his Heresie under Theodosius the younger four hundred years after Christ he taught that in Christ were two distinct Persons the Son of God and the Son of Mary that the Son of God in Christ's Baptism descended into the son of Mary and dwelt there as a lodger in a House he made the humanity of Christ equal with his divinity and so confounded their properties and operations A great part of the Eastern Bishops were of his perswasion his Heresie was condemned in the Council of Ephesus under Theodosius the younger in which Cyrill Bishop of Alexandria was President and the Author Nestorius deposed and banished into the Thebean Desarts where his blasphemous Tongue was eaten out with Worms Zeno the Emperour razed to the ground the School in Edessa called Persica where the Nestorian Heresie was taught 18. Eutyches Abbot of Constantinople from whence came the Eutychians in the year after Christ 413. set forth his Heresie holding opinions quite contrary to Nestorius to wit That Christ before the Union had two distinct natures but after the Union only one to wit the divinity which swallowed up the humanity so confounding the properties of the two natures affirming That the divine nature suffered and died and that God the Word did not take from the Virgin humane nature This Heresie condemned first in a Provincial Synod at Constantinople was set up again by Dioscurus Bishop of Alexandria at last condemned in the General Council of Chalcedon under Marcian the Emperour 19. Eunomius Bishop of Cyzicum embraced the
at Lambeth were dasht one against another and were broke to pieces the snafts of two Chimneys were blown down upon the roof of his Chamber and beat down both the Lead and Rafters upon his Bed in which ruine he must needs have perished if the roughness of the water had not forced him to keep his Chamber at Whitehall The same night at Croyden a retiring place belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury one of the Pinnacles fell from the Steeple beat down the Lead and Roof of the Church above twenty foot square The same night too at the Metropolitical Church in the City of Canterbury one of the Pinnacles upon the Belfrey Tower which carried a Vane with this Archbishops Arms upon it was violently struck down but born a good distance from the Steeple and fell upon the Roof of the Cloister under which the Arms of the Archiepiscopal See it self were engraven in stone which Arms being broken in pieces by the former gave occasion to one that loved him not to collect this inference That the Arms of the present Archbishop of Canterbury breaking down the Arms of the See of Canterbury not only portended his own fall but the ruine of the Metropolitical Dignity by the weight thereof Of these he took not so much notice as he did of an accident which happened on St. Simon and Iude's Eve not above a week before the beginning of the late long Parliament which drew him to his final ruine On which day going to his upper Study to send some Manuscripts to Oxon he found his Picture at full length and taken as near unto the life as the Pencil was able to express it to be fallen on the floor and lying flat upon its face the string being broke by which it was hanged against the Wall At the sight whereof he took such a sudden apprehension that he began to fear it as an Omen of that ruine which was coming towards him and which every day began to be threatned to him as the Parliament grew nearer and nearer to consult about it These things occasioned him to look back on a former misfortune which chanced on the 19. of Septemb. 1633. being the very day of his translation to the See of Canterbury when the Ferry-boat transporting his Coach and Horses with many of his Servants in it sunk to the bottom of the Thames CHAP. III. Of the famous Predictions of some men and how the Event has been conformable thereunto SOcrates had a Genius that was ever present with him which by an audible voice gave him warning of approaching evils to himself or friends by dehorting as it always did when it was heard from this or that counsel or design by which he many times saved himself and such as would not be ruled by his counsel when he had this voice found the truth of the admonition by the evil success of their affairs as amongst other Charmides did I know not whether by such way as this or some other as extraordinary the ministry of good or evil Spirits some men have come to the knowledge of future events and have been able to foretel them long before they came to pass 1. Anno Christi 1279. there lived in Scotland one Thomas Lermouth a man very greatly admired for his foretelling of things to come He may justly be wondred at for foretelling so many ages before the union of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland in the ninth degree of the Bruces blood with the succession of Bruce himself to the Crown being yet a Child and many other things which the event hath made good The day before the death of King Alexander he told the Earl of March that before the next day at noon such a tempest should blow as Scotland had not felt many years before The next morning proving a clear day the Earl challenged Thomas as an Impostor he replied that noon was not yet past about which time a Post came to inform the Earl of the Kings sudden death and then said Thomas this is the tempest I foretold and so it shall prove to Scotland as indeed it did 2. Duncan King of the Scots had two principal men whom he employed in all matters of importance Mackbeth and Banquho these two travelling together through a Forest were met by three Witches Weirds as the Scots call them whereof the first making obeysance unto Mackbeth saluted him Thane that is Earl of Glammis the second Thane of Cauder and the third King of Scotland This is unequal dealing said Banquho to give my friend all the honours and none unto me to which one of the Weirds made answer That he indeed should not be King but out of his loins should come a Race of Kings that should for ever rule the Scots And having thus said they all vanished Upon their arrival to the Court Mackbeth was immediately created Thane of Glammis and not long after some new service requiring new recompence he was honoured with the Title of Thane of Cawder Seeing then how happily the prediction of the three Weirds fell out in the two former he resolved not to be wanting to himself in fulfilling the third He therefore first killed the King and after by reason of his Command amongst the Souldiers he succeeded in his Throne Being scarce warm in his seat he called to mind the prediction given to his Companion Banquho whom hereupon suspecting as his Supplanter he caused to be killed together with his whole posterity only Fleance one of his Sons escaping with no small difficulty into Wales freed as he thought of all fear of Banquho and his issue he built Dunsinan Castle and made it his ordinary Seat afterwards on some new fears consulting with his Wizards concerning his future estate he was told by one of them that he should never be overcome till Bernane Wood being some miles distant came to Dunsinan Castle and by another that he should never be slain by any man which was born of a Woman secure then as he thought from all future dangers he omitted no kind of libidinous cruelty for the space of eighteen years for so long he tyrannized over Scotland But having then made up the measure of his iniquities Mackduffe the Governour of Fife with some other good Patriots privily met one evening at Bernane Wood and taking every one of them a bough in his hand the better to keep them from discovery marched early in the morning towards Dunsinan Castle which they took by storm Mackbeth escaping was pursued by Mackduffe who having overtaken him urged him to the Cambat to whom the Tyrant half in scorn returned that in vain he attempted to kill him it being his destiny never to be slain by any that was born of a Woman Now then said Mackduffe is thy fatal end drawing fast upon thee for I was never born of a Woman but violently cut out of my mothers belly which so daunted the Tyrant though otherwise a valiant man that he
and tenth day of his Papacy he was saying Mass in the Church of the Holy Cross in Ierusalem he was suddenly seised with a Feaver and then knew he should dye by the busle of the Devils who expected what they had contracted with him for he was made Pope An. 1000. or as others 997. 21. Croesuâ— sent to Delphos to know of the Oracle if his Empire and Government should be durable or not the Answer he received was Regis apud Medos mulo jam sede potito Lyde â—ugam mollis scruposum corripe ad Hermum Ne've mane ignavus posito sis Lyde pudore When the Verses came to Croesus he took great pleasure therein hoping it would never come to pass that amongst the Medes a Mule instead of a man should reign and that therefore he and his posterity should preserve their Empire unabolished But when after he was overcome he had got leave of Cyrus to send to Delphos to upbraid the Oracle with the deceit Apollo sent him word that by the Mule he meant Cyrus because he was born of Parents of two different Nations of a more noble Mother than Father for she was a Mede the Daughter of Astyages King of the Medes the Father a Persian and Subject to the Medes and though a very mean person had yet married Mandane the Daughter of his King 22. Pompey the Great was called Agamemnon because he ruled over 1000 Ships he dyed within those eight days wherein he had triumphed over Mithridates and the Pirates This is wonderful that when he held all the Family of the Cassii amongst the Romans suspected none ever conspired against him though he was warned to take heed of Cassius it was not meant of a man but he dyed near the Mount Cassius and was buried in it 23. In the Reign of King Henry the Eighth a Fryer Observant called Fryer Forrest who had taken the Oath of Supremacy himself yet privily perswaded others that the King was not supreme Head of the Church was examined convicted and condemned and on a pair of Gallows prepared for him in Smithfield he was hanged by the middle and arm holes alive and under the Gallows was made afire wherewith he was consumed A little before his Execution a huge great Image was brought to the Gallows fetched out of Wales which the Welch men had in great reverence called Dawel Gatheren of which there went a Prophecy that this Image should set a whole Forest on fire which was thought to take effect in setting this Fryer Forrest on fire and consuming him to nothing 24. There was a Prophecy of Merline that Leoline Prince of Wales should be crowned with the Diadem of Brute this so over-weighed him that he had no care for Peace with King Edward the First though offered and therefore shortly after had no head For when the Earl of Pembroke had taken Bere Castle the Seat of Leoline he was himself slain in Battel and his head cut off by a common Souldier was sent to King Edward who caused the same to be crowned with Ivy and to be sâ—t upon the Tower of London 25. Philip King of Macedon was admonished to preserve his life from the violence of Quadriga which is a Coach with four Horses the King upon this caused the Chariots and Carts throughout his whole Realm to be unharnassed and drawn only with two Horses He also very carefully shunned that place in Boetia which is called Quadriga and yet for all this he could not avoid that kind of Fate which was predicted to him for Pausanias who slew him had a Coach and four Horses engraven upon the Hilt of that Sword which he lift up against him 26. Daphida was one of those whom they call Sophists and out of a foolish insolency he went to Delphos to consult the Oracle of Apollo for no other purpose but to deride it He inquired therefore if he should find his Horse whereas indeed he had none of his own Apollo answered that he should undoubtedly find his Horse but should be so troubled with him that it would be his death The Sophist returned back jesting as supposing that he had deluded the Deity but in his way he fell into the hands of King Attalus one whom he had often bitterly provoked by his abusive speeches in his absence The King therefore gave order they should take him to the top of that Rock which is called Equus or the Horse and cast him down headlong from thence 27. Alexander Bala King of Syria being in Câ—licia consulted the Oracle of Apollo touching his Destiny and death whence he is said to have received this Answer That he should beware of that place which had brought forth a rare sight to be seen a thing having two shapes this was thought to refer to Abas a City in Arabia whither he fled when he was defeated by Ptolomeus Philometor in a Fight near the River Oenopara there was he slain by the Commanders of his own Party his head cut off by Zabdiel a powerful Arabian to whom he had fled for protection and by him presented to Ptolomy who was exceedingly delighted with the sight but being at that time sore wounded dyed upon the third day after Now herein lay the equivocation of the Oracle for that in this City Abas there was a certain Woman called Herais having Diophantus a Macedonian for her Father and an Arabian Woman her Mother and married to one Samjades who changed her sex and of a Woman became a man taking upon her her Fathers name Diophantus 28. The Emperour Iulianus while at Antioch is said to have seen in his sleep a young man with yellow hair who told him that he should dye in Phrygia when therefore he was wounded in Persia he demanded of them that â—tood by what the place was called who told him Phrygia upon which he cryed out O Sol Iulianum perdidisti O Apollo thou hast undone Iulianus 29. Iohannes Martinus born in Belgia was a very good Painter and being in Italy he was told by an Astrologer that when he came to Geneva he should then dye he gave not much credit to this prediction but it so fell out that he was sent for to Bern by Thomas Schopsius a Physician on purpose to illustrate the Jurisdiction oâ— Bern by Chorographical Tables He had now almost finished the designed Tables and was entred upon that which contains Geneva when while he was about the place of the City and writing down the name of that City he was suddenly seised upon with the Plague which at that time furiously raged thereabouts and dyed An. 1577. in the month of August 30. C. Caligula consulted Sylla the Mathematician about his Nativity who told him that a certain death was now near unto him He was also admonished by the Sortes Antiatinae that he should beware of Cassius upon which he gave order for the killing of Cassius Longinus the then Proconsul of Asia being
of Royalty he sate so totteringly as if even the Royal Chair it self would foretel the short durance of his felicity 10. Agilmond the Second King of the Lombards one morning went a hunting and as he was riding by a Fish-pond he espied seven children sprawling for life which one saith Paulus Diaconus it may be many Harlots had been delivered of and most barbarously thrown into the water The King amazed at this spectacle put the end of his Boar-spear or Hunting-pole amongst them one of the childrens hands fastned upon the Spear and the King softly drawing back his hand wafted the child to the shore This Boy he named Lamissus from Lama which in their language signifies a Fish-pond he was in the Kings Court carefully brought up where there appeared in him such tokens of vertue and courage that after the death of Agilmund he was by the Lombards chosen to succeed him in the Kingdom 11. Roger Waâ—den was at the first a poor Scholar of Oxford and the first step of his rising was to be a Chaplain in their Colledge of St. Maries from thence by degrees he got to be Dean of York and after this a higher step to be Treasurer of England and yet a higher after that upon the banishment of Thomas Arundel to be Archbishop of Canterbury he dyed in the ninth year of King Henry the Fourth 12. Francisco Pizarro who subdued the most potent and flourishing Kingdom of Peru and made it a member of the Spanish Empire was born at Trusiglio a Village in Navarre and by the poor Whore his Mother laid in the Church porch and so left to Gods Providence by whose direction there being none found that would give him the breast he was nourished for certain days by sucking a Sow At last one Gonsalles a Souldier acknowledged him for his Son put him to nurse and when he was somewhat grown set him to keep his Swine some of which being strayed the Boy durst not for fear return home but betook himself to his heels ran unto Sevil and there shipped himself for America where he attended Alphonso de Oreda in the discovery of the Countries beyond the Gulph of Vraba Balboa in his Voyage to the South Sea aâ—d Pedro de Avila in the Conquest of Panama Grown rich by these adventures he associated himself with Diego de Almagro and Fernando Luquez a rich Priest who betwixt them raised 220 Souldiers and in the year 1525. went to seek their fortunes on those Southern Seas which Balboa had before discovered After divers repulses at his landing and some hardships which he had endured Pizarro at the length took some of the Inhabitants of Peru of whom he learned the wealth of the Country and returning thereupon to Spain obtained the Kings Commission for the conquest of it excluding his Companions out of the Patent but taking in Almagro of his own accord Thus furnished he landed in Peru again at such time as the Wars grew hot betwixt the two Brethren for the Kingdom and taking part with the Faction of Guascar marched against Atabaliba whom he met with in the Plains of Caxamalca but rather prepared for a Parley than to sight a Battel Pizarro taking the advantage picked a quarrel with him and suddenly charged upon him with his Horse and Ordnance slaying his Guard without resistance and coming near the Kings person who was then carried on mens shoulders pulled him down by the cloaths and took him Prisoner with him he took as much gold as amounted to 80000 Castellans and as much silver as amounted to 7000 Marks every Mark weighing eight ounces of his Houshold Plate and in the spoil of Caxamalca almost infinite riches This with the Kings Ransom came to so great a sum that besides the fifth part which Pizarro sent to the King of Spain and that which he and his Brethren kept to themselves every Foot-man had 7200 Duckats and every Horse man twice as much for their part of the spoil besides what they had got in Plunder Pizarro in regard of so great service was made the first Viceroy of Peru and created Marquess of Anatilla 13. There was one Chinchilungus a Chinese born in the Province of Fokien he first served the Portugals in Macao then he served the Hollander in the Island Formosa where he was known to all strangers by the name of Iquon After this he became a Pirate and being of a quick and nimble wit he grew from this small and slender Fortune to such a height and power as he was held if not superiour yet equal to the Emperour of China For he had the Trade of India in his hand and he dealt with the Portugals in Macao with the Spaniards in the Philippines with the Hollanders in the Island Formosa and New Holland with the Iaponians and with all the Kings and Princes of the Eastern parts in all manner of rich Commodities He permitted none to transport the Wares of China but himself or his to whom he brought back the Riches and the Silver of Europe and the Iâ—dies For after he once rather extorted than obtained a pardon of the King of China for his Piracies he became so formidable and potent that he had no less than three thousand Ships oâ— all which he was Lord and Master Not content with this Fortune he aspired privately to the Empire but knowing he should never be accepted with the Prefects and people so long as any of the Imperial Family of the Taminges were alive he hoped by the Tartars means to extinguish them wholly that done he resolved to display his Banners and Ensigns to the driving out of the Tartars which he knew would cause him to be well followed of the people The Tartars made him King Pingnan that is Pacifier of the South and many other Dignities and Offices of Trust they heaped upon him but all to illude him for they suspecting his power soon found means to make him a Prisoner in Peking though his Fleet was seised upon by his Brothers and Kindred 14. Agathocles was the Son of a Potter his childhood he spent in the filth of the clay his youth in intemperance and unchastity infamous in every respect and through the hatred of the Citizens and his own poverty he was forced to become a Robber upon the High-way soon after a Souldier and then a General but that too with infamy as one that married the Widow of Damascon the former General with whom before he had lived in Whoredom But having gained great riches by this Match twice he endeavoured to seise upon the Soveraignty of Syracuse and twice was repelled and at last forced into Exile He then joined with the Sicilians the Enemies of Syracuse and with them besieged it but through the Succours sent in by the Carthaginians it was stoutly defended against him at last he agreed with Hamilcar that he should depart and leave Syracuse to him It was done accordingly he entred Syracuse slew many of
his foot upon the Coach-wheel reached him over the shoulders of one of his greatest Lords and stabbed him to the very heart and with a monstrous undauntedness of resolution making good his first stab with a second dispatched him suddenly from off the earth as if a Mouse had strangled an Elephant Sic parvis pereunt ingentia rebus And thus the smallest things Can stop the breath of Kings 4. While the Emperour Charles the Fifth after the resignation of his Estates staid at Vlushing for wind to carry him to his last journey into Spain he conferred on a time with Seldius his Brother Ferdinand's Ambassadour till the deep of the night and when Seldius should depart the Emperour calling for some of his Servants and no body answering him for those that attended upon him were some gone to their Lodgings and all the rest asleep the Emperour took up the candle himself and went before Seldius to light him down stairs notwithstanding all the resistance he could make and when he was come to the stairs foot he said thus unto him Seldius remember this of Charles the Emperour when he shall be dead and gone that him whom thou hast known in thy time environed with so many mighty Armies and Guards of Souldiers thou hast also seen alone abandoned and forsaken yea even of his own domestical Servants c. I acknowledge this change of Fortune to proceed from the mighty hand of God which I will by no means go about to withstand 5. Darius entituled himself King of Kings and Kinsman to the Gods having knowledge of Alexanders landing on Asia side so much scorned him and his Macedonians that he gave order to his Lieutenants of the lesser Asia that they should take Alexander alive whip him with rods and then convey him to his presence that they should sink his Ships and send the Macedonians taken Prisoners beyond the Red Sea In this sort spake the glorious King in a vain confidence of the multitudes over whom he commanded But observe here a wonderful revolution his vast Armies were successively routed by the Macedonians his riches that were even beyond estimation seised his Mother Wife and Daughters made Prisoners and himself by the Treachery of Bessus his Vassal taken from the ground where he lay bewailing his misfortune and bound in a Cart covered with Hides of Beasts and to add derision to his adversity he was thereunto fastned with a Chain of Gold and thus drawn on amongst the ordinary Carriages But the Traitor Bessus being hastily pursued by Alexander he brought a Horse to the Cart where Darius lay bound perswading him to mount thereon But the unfortunate King refusing to follow those that had betrayed him they cast Darts at him wounded him to death wounded the Beasts that drew him slew his two Servants that attended him which done they all fled Polystratus a Macedonian being by pursuit prest with thirst while he was refreshing himself with water espyed a Cart with wounded beasts breathing for life and not able to move he searched the same and there found the miserable Darius bathing in his own blood impatient death pressing out his few remaining spirits he desired water with which Polystratus presented him after which he lived but to tell him that of all the best things which the World had which were lately in his power he had nothing remaining but his last breath wherewith to desire the Gods to reward his compassion 6. Charles the Eighth King of France had conquered Naples and caused himself to be crowned King thereof but the 8. of April 1498. upon Palm-Sunday even the King being in this Glory as touching this World departed out of the Chamber of Queen Anne Dutchess of Britain his Wife leading her with him to see the Tennis-Players in the Trenches of the Castle whither he had never led her before and they two entred into a Gallery called Haquelebacks Gallery It was the filthiest uncleanneâ—t place in or about the Castle for every man made water there and the entry into it was broken down moreover the King as he entred knocked his brow against the door though he was of very small stature Afterward he beheld the Tennis-playing a great while talking very familiarly with all men The last words he spake being in health were that he hoped never aâ—ter to commit deadly sin nor venial if he could in the uttering of which words he fell backwards and lost his speech about two of the clock in the afternoon and abode in this Gallery till eleven of the clock at night Every man that listed entred into the Gallery where he lay upon an old Mattress of straw from which he never arose till he gave up the ghost which was nine hours from his first lying upon it Thus departed out of this World saith mine Author this mighty puissant Prince in this miserable place not being able to recover one poor Chamber to dye in notwithstanding he had so many goodly houses of his own and had built one so very sumptuous immediately before 7. In a bloody Fight betwixt Amurath third King of the Turks and Lazarus Despot of Servia many thousands fell on both sides but in conclusion the Turks had the honour of the day and the Despot was slain Amurath after that great Victory with some few others of his chiefest Captains went to take a view of the dead bodies which without number lay on heaps in the field piled one upon another as little mountains While this happy Victor was beholding with delight this bloody Trophy of his Souldiers valour a Christian Souldier sore wounded and all gore blood seeing him in a staggering manner arose as if it had been from death out of an heap of the slain and making towards him for want of strength fell down many times by the way as he came as if he had been a drunken man At length drawing near to him when they that guarded the Kings person would have staid him he was by Amurath himself commanded to come nearer supposing that he would have craved his life of him but this resolute half-dead Christian pressing nearer to him as he would for honors sake have kissed his feet suddenly stab'd him in the bottom of his belly with a short Dagger which he had under his Coat of which wound that great King and Conquerour suddenly dyed when the Victory was his in the place where he had newly gained it while his heart swelled with glory when a thousand Swords and Lances and Darts had missed him when he might now seem secure as to death then fell he as a great Sacrifice to the Ghosts of those thousands he had in that Battel sent to their graves The Souldier by whose hand this glorious action was performed was called Miles Cobelitz and the Battel it self was fought Anno 8. Alexander the Son of Perseus King of Macâ—don being carried away Captive together with his Father to the City of Rome was reduced to that
poverty and miserable want that Prince as he was he was forced to learn the Art of a Turner and Joiner whereby he got his living 9. My Father hath told me from the mouth of Sir Robert Cotton how that worthy Knight met in a morning a true and undoubted Plantagenet holding the Plough in the Country Thus gentile blood fetcheth a circuit in the body of a Nation running from Yeomanry through Gentry to Nobility and so retrograde returning through Gentry to Yeomanry again 10. â— Philip King of Macedon after many famous Exploits by him performed and being chosen by all Greece as their General in the Asian Expedition an honour he had long thirsted after conâ—ulted the Oracle of Apollo and from thence received as he did interpret it a very favourable Answer touching his success against the Persian He therefore ordains great and solemn Sacrifices to the Gods marries his Daughter Cleopatra to Alexander King of Epirus and that he might appear amongst the Greeks in his greatest glory and magnificence he invites throughout all Greece divers great persons to this nuptial Feast and desires them to bring with them as many as they pleased whom he would also entertain as his Guests There was therefore a marvellous confluence of people from all parts to these Royal Nuptials and the musical contests which he had also ordained At Aegis a City in Macedonia was this great Solemnity where he then received divers Crowns of Gold from several illustrious persons as also others that were sent to him in his honour from the most famous Cities in Greece even from Athens it self Now was the Feast over and the musical concertation deferred to the next day a multitude of people were assembled in the Theatre while it was yet night and at the first appearance of day then began the Pomp to set forth in which besides other glorious preparations there were twelve Statues of the Gods carried upon huge and triumphant Arches and together with these a thirteenth which was the Statue of Philip himself adorned with divine Habit by which he would it should be understood that he was in Dignity equal with the Gods themselves The Theatre being now crowded Philip himself appears all clothed in white having ordered his Guards to keep at a distance from him that the Greeks might know he thought himself sufficiently guarded with their love At this his glorious appearance he was openly extolled and looked upon as the happiest person amongst all other mortals But this his dazelling brightness was soon over-cast with a black cloud and all the Pageant of his Glory wrapt up in the â—ables of death For while his Guards kept at their commanded distance there ran up to him one Pausanias one of those that had the nearest charge of his body and with a short Gallick Sword he had hid about him for that purpose â—mote him into the side and laid him dead at his foot in the sight of thousands of his Souldiers and Friends 11. Polycrates the Tyrant of Samos was so fortunate that not so much as a light touch of adversity had for a long time befallen him he was allied with Amasis King of Egypt who hearing of the great prosperity of his friend feared like a wiâ—e Prince that it would not continue long wherefore he wrote unto him to this effect I am glad to understand that my friend fareth so well nevertheless I have this great felicity in suspicion knowing how envious Fortune is For my part I had rather that my affairs and the affairs of my friends went in â—uch sort as that some adversity might cross them in this life than that they should go always to our liking If herein thou wilt believe me carry thy self in thy prosperity as followeth Look what thou hast about thee that thou holdest most dear and wouldst be most sorry to lose cast that away so far and in such sort as none may ever see it If thy prosperity change not for all that apply thereunto from time to time for thy easâ— some such remedy as this is which I have propounded to thee Polycrates liked this counsel and having a gold Ring set with an Emerauld engraven which he used for his Seal he cast it into the Sea but within a while after this Ring was found in a fishes belly and brought again to Polycrates Of which when Amasis heard he renounced by an express message the right of friendship and hospitality which he had contracted with Polycrates alledging for his reason that he feared he should be forced to sorrow and lamentation because of his friend overwhelmed with misery It happened that after certain days Oraetes Lieutenant of Cyrus in the City of Sardis drew unto him by crafty means this Minion of Fortune Polycrates whom he caused to be hanged upon a Gibbet and his body there left to the heats of the day and the dews of the night 12. Henry Holland Duke of Exeter and Earl of Huntingdon who married the Sister of Edward the Fourth was driven to such want that passing into Flanders Philip de Comines saith that he saw him run on foot bare-leg'd after the Duke of Burgundy's Train begging his bread for Gods sake whom the Duke of Burgundy at that time not knowing though they had married two Sisters but hearing afterwards who it was allotted him a small pension to maintain him till not long after he was found dead upon the shore of Dover and stripped all naked but how he came to his death could never by any inquiry be brought to light This was about the thirteenth year of the Reign of Edward the Fourth 13. In the Reign of King Iames the Lord Cobham was condemned for high Treason but yet reprieved by the King though notwithstanding he came to a miserable end For before his death he was extremely lousie for want of apparel and linen and had perished for hunger had not a Trencher-scraper at Court sometimes his Servant relieved him with such scraps as he could spare In this mans house he dyed being so poor a place that he was forced to creep up a Ladder through a little hole into his Chamber which was a strange change he having been a man of 7000 l. per annum and of a personal Estate of 30000 l. his Lady also being rich who yet in this his extremity of misery would not give him of the crums that fell from her table 14. Hugolin Giradesca of Pisa was the Chief of the Faction of the Guelphs that stuck to the Pope having foiled a part of the Gibbellines who affected the Emperour and stricken a fear into the rest became so great amongst those of his party that he commanded with a white Wand was both in name and in deed Lord of his City a rich and noble Personage learned magnificent married to a great Lady had goodly Children and Grandchildren abounding in all manner of wealth more than he could wish living happy in all pleasure both
different Nations and People AMongst the many millions of faces which are to be seen in the World there are not any two of them that are exactly and in all points alike and though there may be some similitude in voices yet there is something in every one that is peculiar and that serves to difference and distinguish it from that of another man thus there is no less variety in the wits minds dispositions and inclinations of men and hereupon it is that the Customs and Manners of Nations and particular persons do accordingly differ and alter from one another 1. The Egyptians at their Feasts use to carry about the dryed Anatomy of a man in a Coffer not so much in memory of Osyris slain by Typho and in a Chest cast into the Sea but that being inflamed with Wine they might mutually exhort one another to the use and enjoyment of these present good things because e're long all of them would be as that Skeleton 2. The Spartans when they brought home with them any Friend or Guest shewing them the doors they used to say Not a word that is spoken passes out here Plutarch also tells that by the institution of Lycurgus when they invited any to feast with them he who was the elder stood at the door of the Dining-room and pointing to it said to all that entred Nothing that is spoken passes these doors to be told abroad expressing thereby that all the Guests had a full freedom and liberty to speak without any constraint upon them 3. The same Spartans in those Feasts of theirs that are called Phiditia have their Prefects or Stewards who bring in two or three of the Helotes that is their Slaves drunk and intoxicate with Wine and expose them publickly in that posture to their Youth that they may see what it is to be drunk and that by their unseemly and uncomely behaviour they might be brought into a detestation of that vice and to a love of temperance and sobriety 4. The Massilienses have standing before the Gates of their City two Coffins one wherein the bodies of Free-men the other wherein those of Servants are carried in a Cart to burial which they do without weeping their mourning is finished upon the Funeral day with a Feast among their friends There is also a publick poyson kept in that City which is delivered to that person who hath made it appear to the Magistrates of six hundred that is their Senate that he hath sufficient causes to desire to dye Also they suffer no man to enter into the Town with any Weapon but there is appointed at the Gate one to receive them at their entrance and to deliver them back at their departure Thus as their entertainments to others are humane so to themselves they are safe 5. There is a memorable Custom of the Athenians that a freed-man convicted of ingratitude towards his Patron shall forfeit the Priviledge of his Freedom As who should say we refuse to have thee a Citizen who art so base a valuer of so great a gift nor can we ever be brought to beliâ—ve that he can be advantageous to the City whom we perceive to be villainous at home Go thy way then and be still a Servant seeing thou knowest not how to esteem of thy freedom 6. The same Athenians by an ancient usage amongst them assoon as their children came to some maturity they designed them to their several Trades on this manner They laid before them Instruments and Tools of all kinds and look unto whatsoever the Youth applied himself or seâ—emâ—d to be delighted with to that kind of Handicraft they disposed him as if Nature it self had thereby hinted out so much to them 7. The Romans when in debate about the punishment of any crime if it sell out that in the suffrages the Votes were evenly divided the Judgment passed to the advantage of the Delinquent Which was also often done by the Athenians for when they collected Votes about the extinguishment of the Mytilenians and found them equal on each side the opinion of Diodorus was followed because it was the more merciful 8. The Triumphers at Rome of old used to invite the Consuls and Senate to the Triumphal Feast but afterwards they publickly besought the Consuls that they would not come and sent Messengers to them to desire their absence For the most honourable Seat was the place of the triumphant person and he was to be attended on home from the Feast which it was not lawful to do to any man the Consuls present but only to themselves 9. Theognis tells it was a Custom amongst the Rhodians in their publick Prayers to invite the Swallow about the Spring-time which they called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and their acclamations were in these words Come Swallow come that bringest along with thee a pleasant season and delightful years 10. The Athenians at the first entrance of a new Servant into their houses had this Custom the Master or Mistress threw Figs and Dates and Nuts and other Junkets upon him which were scrambled for by the rest of the Servants After the same manner they used to do to Ambassadors to such as were newly entred upon the Priestly Office to men that were newly married and to all others to whom they wished well because it was a sign of prosperity and abundance 11. The Scythians had this Custom amongst them that if any man had received an injury from another which he thought he had not sufficient power to revenge upon his Adversary he sacrificed an Ox he cut the flesh in pieces and boiled them Then spreading the Hide of him upon the ground he sate upon him with his hands upon his back than which there is not a greater way of supplication amongst the Scythians He that would might take part of the flesh of the Sacrifice and standing with his right foot upon the Hide swore to give him his assiâ—tance and this Oath was held as inviolable 12. Amongst the Romans he who was in question for his life when he was brought forth at the day of tryal before the people both himself his friends relations and nearest neighbours were to stand in squalid and sordid cloaths all filthy weeping with the hair of their heads and beards grown deprecating the punishment That by this deformed and uncomely habit they might move the people to compassion and mercy before such time as the Tribes were put upon the Vote 13. In Meroe amongst the Egyptians if the King hath committed ought that is evil they do not punish him at all but all men turning from him and shunning any converse with him he is suffered to dye with grief and consumption 14. The Custom of the Ethiopians is not to punish any Subject with death though he is condemned but one of the Lictors is sent to the Malefactor with the sign of death carried before him which received the Criminal
goes home and puts himself to death To change death into banishment is held unlawful and it is said that when one had received the sign of death and had intentioâ—s to flye out of Ethiopia his Mother being apprehensive of it fastned her girdle about his neck and he not offering to resist her with his hands lest he should thereby fasten a reproach upon his Family was strangled by her 15. In the greater India in the Kingdom of Var in which St. Thomas is said to be slain and buried he amongst them who is to undergo a capital punishment begs of the King that he may rather dye in honour of some God than an inglorious death by the hands of the Hang-man If the King in mercy grant him it by his kindred with great joy he is led through the City with mighty pomp he is placed in a chair with sharp knives all hung about his neck When he comes to the place of Execution with a loud voice he affirms he will dye in honour of this or that God then taking one of the knives he wounds himself where he pleases then a second then a third till his strength fail and so he is honourably burnt by his friends 16. The Mosynaeci that live beyond the River Carambis if their King whom they have chosen have done any thing amiss they punish him in this sort they suffer him not to eat any thing for one day entire 17. The Scots have a Custom which is also at Millain they call it an Indictment there is a Chest in the Church into which any man may cast a paper having suppose the name of the Wizard the thing done by him the place and time and also the Witnesses set down This Chest in the presence of the Judge is opened the Kings Proctor being by and this is done every fifteenth day that there may be a private inquiry made of all such persons whose names are there found and they accordingly to be brought before them 18. The ancient Romans appointed that about the Axes which were carried before the Magistrates bundles of Rods should be bound that while those bundles were unloosing a convenient space of time should be given to the Magistrate â—est in a heat of passion he should command such things to be done whereof afterwards he should but in vain repent himself 19. The Egyptians yearly compelled all persons to give in their names and profession to the Magistrate and such as they found to lye or live upon unlawful gains they adjudged to death Also about the neck of their principal Justice there is hung the Image of a Deity of Gold and Gems which Deity they called Truth by which they shewed that truth ought always to be in the heart and mouth of a Judge and when they beheld that they should prefer it before all other things 20. The Romans used to take away the horses from such men as were of a fat and corpulent body as a mark of infamy upon them For when through luxury they had unfitted themselves for the service of their Country they would they should be without publick honour in it Also they caused such as were convicted of cowardise to be let blood in the arm that they might dishonourably lose that blood which they feared to shed for the honour and safety of their Country 21. That was also a praise-worthy Custom of the Romans whereby it was forbidden that those spoils which they had taken from their enemies and consumed through length of time should ever be renewed By which they seemed to take care that that hatred which might appear to be retained while the spoils were standing should in some time be obliterated and cease with the spoils themselves 22. The Corinthians were wont without much examination to hang up such as were suspected of theft and upon the third day after the matter was strictly examined by the Judge then if it was found that they had really committed the theft whereof they had been accused they left them hanging upon the Gallows but if they were adjudged to be innocent they were taken thence and buried with a preface of honour at the publick charge 23. The Thracians did celebrate the birth of any with mournful complaints and their Funerals with all the signs of mirth and expressions of joy this they did without any directions therein from the learned but only moved thereunto with apprehensions of the miserable condition of humane life 24. The Lycians when any matter of mourning doth befal them use to put upon themselves the cloaths and habit of a Woman that so being moved with the deformity of their array they might be willing the sooner to lay aside their foolish grief 25. The old Gaules had a Custom that when they were about to make War they called forth their armed Youth unto Council and he whosoever he was that came last upon that summons was put to death by divers torments 26. The Romans whether they went into the Country or travelled further at their return used to send a Messenger before them to their Wives to let them know that they are at hand and upon this reason they did it because women in the absence of their husbands are supposed to be detained with many cares and much employment possibly they have brawls and discontents in the family that therefore all these might be laid aside and that they might have time to receive their husbands in peace and with chearfulness they send before them the news of their arrival 27. Plutarch saith that the King of Persia hath one of his Bed-chamber who hath this given him in charge that in the morning when he first enters the Kings Chamber he should awake him with these words Arise O King and take care of those affairs which Mâ—soromasdes hath commanded thee to take care of 28. The Iews before they entred Battel by publick Edict commanded them to depart from the Army who were newly married and had not brought home their wives also all those that had planted a Vineyard and had not yet eaten of the fruit of it and those who had begun to build a house and had not yet finished it together with these all such as were cowardly and fearful lest the desire of those things which the one had begun or the saint-heartedness of the other should occasion them to fight feebly and also by their fears possess the hearts of such as were bold and valiant 29. The manner of making War amongst the Romans and the recovery of such things as were injuriously detained was this They sent forth Feciales or Heralds whom they also called Orators crowned with Vervain that they might make the Gods witnesses who are the Revengers of broken Leagues He that was crowned with Vervain carried a Turff with the grass upon it out of the Tower and the Ambassador when he came to their borders who were the offerers of the
Coelius where they hid themselves in a Cave and though diligently sought after could not be found at last animating themselves to undergo Martyrdom after they had taken meat by the Providence of God they fell asleep and slept to the thirtieth year of Theodosius the younger which was for the continued space of 196 years from their entrance into the Cave Then which was upon the day of the Resurrection being awaked they went as they were wont to the City as if they had slept only for one day where the whole matter was discovered by the different habit and speech of the men and the monies they had about them of a different stamp c. 8. In the utmost Bounds of Circium the Northern parts of Germany in the very shore of the Ocean under a steep Rock there is a Cave to be seen where as Methodius and Paulus Diaconus in the beginning of his History of Lombardy do testifie there are five men uncertain from what time who rest seised with a long sleep so indemnified as to their bodies or garments that upon this very account they are worshipped by the Barbarians These for as much as appears by their habit are discovered to be Romans and they say that when one out of a covetous desire would needs strip one of them both his arms dryed up the punishment of whom so terrified the rest that no man from thenceforth hath been so bold as to touch them 9. That is beyond all exception which was witnessed to Henry the Third when he was in Poland by several Princes most worthy of credit there were present at the same time divers Nobles of France many Physicians of the Court amongst whom was D. Iohannes Piduxius famous not only for his skill in Physick but his knowledge in all kind of natural History The story is also related by Alexander Guagninus of Verona Colonel of Foot in the Castle of Vitebska in the Frontiers of Moscovy he in his Description of Moscovy writes thus There is a certain people that inhabit Lucomoria a Country of the further Sarmatia who yearly upon the 27. day of the month November after the manner of Swallows and Frogs by reason of the intenseness of the Winters cold seem to dye Afterwards at the return of the Spring upon the 24. day of April they again awake and arise These are said to have commerce with the Grustentzians and the Sperponoâ—ntzians people that border upon them in this manner When they find their approaching death or sleep ready to seise upon them they then stow up their Commodities in certain places which the Grustentzians and Sperponountzians fetch away leaving an equal value of their own behind them in their stead The Lucomorians upon their return to life if they are pleased with the change they keep them if otherwise they redemand their own of their neighbours By this means much strife and war doth arise amongst them Thus Guagninus and the very same History hath Sigismundus Liber a Baron in Heiberstein which is also set down by Citesius 10. Fernelius speaks of one who lived without sleep fourteen months but this man was possest with madness and his brain it should seem being heated with melancholy did beget animal spirits without much wasting of them 11. Arsenius the Tutor to Arcadius and Honorius the Emperours being made a Monk did satisfie Nature with so sâ—ort a sleep that he was used to say that for a Monk it was enough if he slept but one hour in a night 12. Augustus Caesar after supper betook himself to his Closet where he used to remain till the night was far spent and then went to bed when he slept most it was not above seven hours and those also not so continued but in that space he usually waked three or four times and to provoke sleep had water poured long and constantly by his Beds head into a Cistern 13. George Castriot commonly called Scanderbeg the same who forsook Amurath King of the Turks and seised upon the Kingdom of Epirus as his own by right of Inheritance This Prince was a person contented with so little sleep that it is reported of him that from the time that he entred into Epirus to the day of his death he never slept above two hours in one night yet he died in his climacterical year of 63. 14. A Woman at Padua lived fifteen days without sleep nor could by any means be brought to it through the weakness of the Ventricle and penury of vapours for she eat no supper only contented her self with a dinner at last using to eat a Toast steeped in Malmesey towards night she returned to her wonted sleep 15. Seneca reports of Mccaenas that great Favourite of Augustus that he lived three years entire without any sleep and was at last cured of his distemper with sweet and soft Musick 16. It is reported of Nizolius that painful Treasurer of Cicero's Words and Phrases that he lived ten years without sleep 17. We read of a noble Lady that for thirty and five years lived without harm and in good health as both her Husband and whole Family could and did witness without sleep 18. Some young men in Athens having made themselves drunk in the Apatarian Feasts are said to have out-slept four days of that Solemnity as Simplicius recites out of Eudemus 19. Smyndyrides the Sybarite was used to say That for more than twenty years he had never seen the Sun either rising or setting which also Histieus Ponticus was used to report of himself saith Athenaeus 20. Publius Scipio is said to be over-much devoted to sleep so that the people of Rome were used to upbraid him with his somnolency as Plutarch saith in his Politicks 21. C. Caligula was exceedingly troubled with want of sleep for he slept not above three hours in a night and in those he seldom took any quiet repose but was scared with fearful and strange illusions and fantastical imaginations as who once dreamed that he saw the form and resemblance of the Sea talking with him Hereupon for the greatest part of the night what with tedious watching and weariness of lying one while sitting up in his Bed another while roaming and wandring to and fro in his Galleries which were of an exceeding length he was wont to call upon and wish for the morning light 22. Perseus King of Macedon being taken Prisoner by Aemylius and led Captive to Rome was guarded by some Souldiers who kept him from sleep watching him narrowly when he was overtaken therewith not suffering him so much as to shut his eye-lids or to take the least rest till such time as Nature being exhausted by this strange cruelty he gave up the ghost CHAP. XVIII Of such as have fallen into Trances and Ecstasies and their manner of behaviour therein SInce the Soul is the instrument and means by which we come to the knowledge of all those things
was sirnamed the Ape because he was able to express any thing by a most ingenious imitation 10. Alexander the Great carried his neck somewhat awry and thereupon all the Courtiers and Great men took up the same as a fashion and framed themselves to his manner though in so mall a matter 11. The luxury of the Romans was exceeding great in their Feasts Cloaths Houshold-stuff and whole Families unto the time of Vespasian and it was so confirmed amongst them that it could not be restrained by the force of those many Laws that were made against it But when he came to be Emperour of it self it streight became out of fashion for while he himself observed the ancient manner both in his diet and attire the love and fear of the Prince swayed more with the people than the Law it self 12. It is said of the Emperour Titus Vespasian That he could write in Cyphers and Characters most swiftly striving by way of sport and mirth with his own Secretaries and Clerks whether he or they could write fastest also he could imitate and express exactly any hand-writing whatsoever he had once seen so that he would often profess he could have made a notable Forger and Counterfeiter of Writings 13. When King Henry the Eighth of England about the year 1521. did cut his hair short immediately all the English were so moved with his example that they were all shorn whereas before they used to wear long hair 14. Lewis the Eleventh King of France used to say he would have his Son Charles understand nothing of the Latine Language further than this Qui nescit dissimulare nescit reguare He that knows not how to dissemble knows not how to reign This advice of King Lewis was so evil interpreted by the Nobles of France that thereupon they began to despise all kind of learning On the contrary when Francis the First shewed himself a mighty Favourer of learning and learned men most men in imitation of his example did the like 15. Ernestus Prince of Lunenburg complaining to Luther of the immeasurable drinking that was at Courts Luther replied That Princes ought to look thereunto Ah! Sir said he we that are Princes do so our selves otherwise it would long since have gone down Manent exempla regentum In vulgus When the Abbot throweth the Dice the whole Covent will play 16. Queen Anne the Wife of King Iames had a Wen in her neck to hide which she used to wear a Ruff and this they say was the original and first occasion of that fashion which soon after spread it self over the most part of England 17. A certain Duke of Bavaria before he went to his Diet or Council used to call his Servant to bring him water in a Bason in the bottom whereof was stamped in Gold the Image of Cato Major that so he might fix the impression of his Image in his mind the imitation of whose vertues he had prudently proposed for his practice 18. The Emperour Charles the Fifth having resigned his Kingdom and betaken himself to a Monastery laboured to wash out the stains of his defiled Conscience by Confession to a Priest and with a Discipline of platted Cords he put himself to a constant and sharp Penance for his former wicked life This Discipline his Son King Philip ever had in great veneration and a little before his death commanded it to be brought unto him as it was stained in the blood of Charles his Father Afterwards he sent it to his Son Philip the Third to be kept by him as a Relique and a sacred Monument 19. Antoninus Caracalla being come to Troy visited the Tomb of Achilles adorning it with a Crown and dressing it with flowers and framing himself to the imitation of Achilles he called Festus his best beloved Freed-man by the name of Patroclus While he was there Festus died made away on purpose as it was supposed by him that so he might bury him with the same Solemnities as Achilles did his Friend Indeed he buried him honourably using all the same Rites as Achilles had done in the Funerals of Patroclus In this performance when he sought for hair to cast upon the funeral Pile and that he had but thin hair he was laughed at by all men yet he caused that little he had to be cast into the fire being clipped off for that purpose He also was a studious Imitator of Alexander the Great he went in the Macedonian Habit chose out a Band of young men whom he called the Macedonian Phalanx causing them to use such Arms as were used when Alexander was alive and commanded the Leaders of the Roman Legions to take upon themselves the names of such Captains as served Alexander in his Wars CHAP. XXII Of the Authority of some persons amongst their Souldiers and Country-men and Seditions appeased by them divers ways NEar Assos there are stones which in few days not only consume the flesh of dead bodies but the very bones too and there is in Palestine an Earth of the same operation and quality Thus there are some men who by their singular prudence and authority are able not only to cease the present tumult and disorder of a people but to take such effectual course that the very seeds and causes of their fermentation and distemper should be utterly consumed and removed Of what force the presence of some and the eloquence of others hath been in this matter see in the Chapter following 1. Caius Caesar the Dictator intending to transfer the War into Africa his Legionaries at Rome rose up in a general mutiny desiring to be disbanded and discharged from the War Caesar though otherwise perswaded by all his friends went out to them and shewed himself amongst the enraged multitude He called them Quirites that is Commoners of Rome by which one word he so shamed and subdued them that they made answer they were Souldiers and not Commoners and being then by him publickly discharged they did not without difficulty obtain of him to be restored to their Commissions and places 2. Arcagathus the Son of Agathocles had slain Lycifcus a great Captain for some intemperate words whereupon the friends of the dead put the Army into such a commotion that they demanded Arcagathus to death and threatned the same punishment to Agathocles himself unless he did yield up his Son Besides this divers Captains with their Companies spake of passing over to the Enemy Agathocles fearing to be delivered into the hands of the Enemy and so to be put to some ignominious death thought in case he must suffer he had better die by the hands of his own Souldiers so laying aside the Royal Purple and putting on a vile garment he came forth to them silence was made and all ran together to behold the novelty of the thing when he made a Speech to them agreeable to the present state of things he told them of the great
in the Judge or other circumstances as may lay no great imputation upon such as have not the gift of infallibility But when men that sit in the place of God shall through corruption or malice wilfully prevaricate and knowingly and presumptuously oppress the innocent in such cases the supreme Judge oftentimes reserves the decision of the Cause to be made at his own Bar and thereupon hath inspired the injured persons to give their oppressors a summons of appearance which though at prefixed days they have not been able to avoid 1. In the Reign of Frederick Aenobarbus the Emperour and the year 1154. Henry was Archbishop of Mentz a pious and peaceable man but not able to endure the dissolute manners of the Clergy under him he determined to subject them to some sharp censure but while he thought of this he himself was by them before-hand accused to Pope Eugenius the Fourth The Bishop sent Arnoldus his Chamberlain to Rome to make proof of his innocency but the Traitor deserted his Lord and instead of defending him traduced him there himself The Pope sent two Cardinals as his Legates to Mentz to determine the cause who being bribed by the Canons and Arnoldus deprived Henry of his Seat with great ignominy and substituted Arnoldus in his stead Henry bore all patiently without appealing to the Pope which he knew would be to no purpose but openly declared that from their unjust judgment he made his Appeal to Christ the just Judge there I will put in my Answer and thither I cite you the Cardinals jestingly replied When thou art gone before we will follow thee About a year and half after the Bishop Henry died upon the hearing of his death both the Cardinals said Lo he is gone beforâ— and we shall follow after their jest proved in earnest for both of them died in one and the same day one in a house of office and the other gnawing off his own fingers in his madness Arnoldus was assaulted in a Monastery butcher'd and his carcass cast into the Town-ditch 2. Ferdinand the Fourth King of Spain was a great man both in peace and war but something rash and rigid in pronouncing Judgment so that he seemed to incline to cruelty About the year 1312. he commanded two Brothers Peter and Iohn of the noble Family of the Carvialii to be thrown headlong from an high Tower as suspected guilty of the death of Benavidius a Noble person of the first rank they with great constancy denied they were guilty of any such crime but to small purpose When therefore they perceived that the Kings ears were shut against them they cryed out they died innocent and since they found the King had no regard to their pleadings they did appeal to the divine Tribunal and turning themselves to the King bid him remember to make his appearance there within the space of thirty days at the furthest Ferdinand at that time made no reckoning of their words but upon the thirtieth day his Servants supposing he was asleep found him dead in his bed in the flower of his age for he was but twenty four years and nine months old 3. When by the counsel and perswasion of Philip the fair King of France Pope Clement the Fifth had condemned the whole Order of the Knights Templars and in divers places had put many of them to death at last there was a Neapolitan Knight brought to suffer in like manner who espying the Pope and the King looking out at a window with a loud voice he spake unto them as followeth Clement thou cruel Tyrant seeing there is now none left amongst mortals unto whom I may make my appeal as to that grievous death whereunto thou hast most unjustly condemned me I do therefore appeal unto the just Judge Christ our Redeemer unto whose Tribunal I cite thee together with King Philip that you both make your appearance there within a year and a day where I will open my Cause Pope Clement died within the time and soon after him King Philip this was An. 1214. 4. Rodolphus Duke of Austria being grievously offended with a certain Knight caused him to be apprehended and being bound hand and foot and thrust into a Sack to be thrown into the River the Knight being in the Sack and it not as yet sown up espying the Duke looking out of a window where he stood to behold that spectacle cryed out to him with a loud voice Duke Rodolph I summon thee to appear at the dreadful Tribunal of Almighty God within the compass of one year there to shew cause wherefore thou hast undeservedly put me to this bitter and unworthy death The Duke received this summons with laughter and unappalled made answer Well go thou before and I will then present my self The year being almost spent the Duke fell into a light Feaver and remembring the appeal said to the standers by The time of my death does now approach and I must go to Judgment and so it fell out for he died sooner after 5. Francis Duke of the Armorick Britain cast into prison his Brother Aegidius one of his Council who was falsely accused to him of Treason where when Aegidius was almost famished perceiving that his fatal hour approached he spyed a Franciscan Monk out of the window of the prison and calling him to confer with him he took his promise that he would tell his Brother that within the fourteenth day he should stand before the Judgment-seat of God The Franciscan having found out the Duke in the Confines of Normandy where he then was told him of his Brothers death and of his appeal to the high Tribunal of God The Duke terrified with that message immediately grew ill and his distemper daily increasing he expired upon the very day appointed 6. Severianus by the command of the Emperour Adrianus was to die but before he was slain he called for fire and casting Incense upon it I call you to witness O ye Gods said he that I have attempted nothing against the Emperour and since he thus causelesly pursues me to death I beseech you this only that when he shall have a desire to die he may not be able This his appeal and imprecation did not miss of the event for the Emperour being afflicted with terrible tortures often broke out into these words How miserable is it to desire to die and not to have the power 7. Lambertus Schasnaburgensis an excellent Writer as most in those times tells That Burchardus Bishop of Halberstadht in the year 1059. had an unjust controversie with the Abbot of Helverdense about the Tiths of Saxony these the Bishop would take from the Monks and by strong hand rather than by any course of Law sought to make them his own It was to small purpose to make any resistance against so powerful an Adversary but the injured Abbot some few days before his death sent to Frederick the Count Palatine and intreated him
Emperour of the Turks there were preparations for War An. 1526. dining in the Castle of Buda with the doors shut as the manner of Princes is there stood at the Gate a person of humane form but lame crooked and as to the rest of his habit and array very â—ordid he cryed out with a sharp and shrieking voice desiring to confer with the King He was neglected at first as being thought to be some mendicant person But when he persisted with greater earnestness that he must speak with the King himself and no other it was â—old the King who sent one of his most splendid Courtiers with command to take upon him his person and name and to understand what the matter was He came and asked the lame Fellow what secret he had to impart The other looked upon him and told him he was not the King adding For as much as the King despises to hear me himself go your way and tell him that in a short time he shall assuredly perish which when he had said he streight vanished from the sight of the Attendants His threat proved but too true the King near to the City Mohatz was overthrown in a Battel and flying fell into a Bog whence while he strove to free himself his Horse fell upon him and he was there suffocated in the twenty first year of his age 19. Melancthon relates that there came a Monk to Luthers house and with great violence knocked at the door the Servant opened it and inquired what he would he asked if Luther was at home Luther informed bad he should come in for he had not seen a Monk of a long time He told him that he had some Papistical Errours about which he desired some Conference with him and propounded some Syllogisms which Luther having â—olved with ease he offered others that were not so easily answered Luther somewhat angry broke into these words You give me a great deal of trouble for I have other business in hand that I should dispatch and withal rising from his seat he shewed the explication of that place which was urged by the Monk and in this Conference perceiving that the Monks hands were like the claws of a bird Art thou he then said he listen to that sentence which is pronounced against thee and straight shews him that place in Genesis The seed of the woman shall break the head of the serpent and then added Nor shalt thou devour them all The Devil overcome with this saying angry and murmuring to himself departed letting a huge fart the stink of which nasty smell continued in the room for some days after 20. At Danbury Church in Essex the Devil appeared in the habit of a Minorite to the incredible astonishment of the Parishioners and at that time there was such a terrible Tempest with Lightnings and Thunder and Fire-balls that the Vault of the Church was broken and half the Chancel was carried away CHAP. XXVIII Of the Imprecations of some men upon themselves or others and how they have accordingly come upon them THough Justice and Judgment is called the strange work of God and that his Mercy as more connatural to him is said to rejoyce against Judgment yet these his Attributes have their alternate courses for the presumptuous boldness of man grows often to that excessive height as to extort a vengeance from his unwilling hands which yet would not be but that by this his wholesom severity he might caution the rest from secure sinning upon the foolish confidence of Heavens either inadvertence or impotency 1. On the 26. of April 1611. a Turk having lent a good sum of money to a Christian to be paid at a certain day he came before the appointed day with another Turk and willed the Christian to pay the money to that other Turk when the day came which the Christian promised to do and performed it accordingly But the Turk denied the receipt thereof whereupon he to whom the money was properly due came and demanded it to whom the Christian answered that he had paid it to that party to whom he had assigned it whereunto the Turk replied that if it were so he was satisfied but yet the other Turk denied it Whereupon the matter was brought before the Judge and the Turk who had received the money taking an Oath to the contrary the Christian according to the Turkish Justice was enforced to pay the money again the which he did but withal he prayed God to shew some publick sign which of them had done the wrong and thereupon the Turk going forth to repair unto his house fell down dead in the street 2. Narcissus Bishop of Ierusalem though a man famous for his vertues and faithfulness in the reproof and correction of vice was yet maliciously and falsely accused of incontinency There were three of these wicked and suborned Varlets who bound their accusations with oaths and fearful imprecations upon themselves The first of these at the close of his testimony added If I say not the truth I pray God I may perish by fire The second said If I speak any thing of falshood I pray God I may be consumed by some filthy and cruel disease And said the third If I accuse him falsely I pray God I may lose my sight and become blind This wicked charge although it was not believed by such as knew the great integrity of the Bishop yet the good man partly for grief to lye under such a scandal and partly to retire himself from worldly affairs left his Bishoprick and lived privately But his forsworn accusers escaped not the all-seeing Justice of Heaven For the first according to his imprecation had his house set on fire it is unknown how and was therein himself together with his family burnt to ashes The second languished away under a foul and loathsom disease The third seeing the woful ends of his Companions confessed all the complotted villany and lamenting his case and crime he continued weeping so long till he utterly lost his sight And thus God said Amen to all that they had wickedly and presumptuously wished upon themselves Godwin Earl of Kent in the Reign of King Edward the Confessor as he sate at table with the King on Easter-Monday was speaking as to the justification of himself from the death of Prince Alfred and said he If I be any way guilty of it I pray God I may never swallow down one morsel of bread and thereupon was choaked by the first morsel he offered to take 4. The Emperour Frederick the First being in St. Peters Cloister in the City of Erford had occasion to go to the Privy whither he was followed by some of the Nobles when suddenly the floor that was under them began to sink the Emperour immediately took hold of the Iron Grates of a window whereat he hung by the hands till some came and succoured him Some Gentlemen fell to the bottom where they perished And it is most
he could In the mean time those that were in the streets perceiving all things to be without fear made signs to them in the Church to keep themselves quiet crying to them there was no danger but for as much as no word could be heard by reason of the noise in the Church those signs made them much more afraid than before supposing all on fire without the Church and that they were bid to tarry within and not to venture out for the dropping of the Lead and the fall of other things this trouble lasted for many hours The next day and week following there was an incredible number of Bills set upon the Church doors to inquire for things lost as Shoes Gowns Caps Purses Girdles Swords and Money and in this garboil few but through negligence or oblivion left something behind him The Heretick who through this hurly-burly had not done his sufficient Penance was the day following reclaimed to the Church of St. Frideswide where he supplied the rest of his plenary Penance This ridiculous accident happened An. 1541. in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth CHAP. XXX Of Retaliation and of such as have suffered by their own devices QVod tibi non vis fieri alteri ne feceris or Do as you would be done by is a Rule that Nature it self dictates unto all Mankind yet there is no Lesson that is sooner forgot than this where power is it is ordinary to be oppressive according to the measure of it but then many times the Providence of God steps in and measures out the greatest Insolents the measure they have meted causing them to fall into the very pits they have digged for others 1. In the 7. of King Stephen the times being then turbulent Robert Marmyon whose Seat was the Castle of Tamworth being a man potent in Arms and a great Adversary to the Earl of Chester possessed himself of the Monastery of Coventry turned out the Monks and fortified the Church with the Buildings belonging thereunto making deep Trenches in the fields adjacent which he so covered that they could not be seen to the end that they might be an impediment to an Enemy whensoever any approach should be made but it so happened that as he fallied out with some forces upon the Earl of Chester's drawing near and not remembring whereabouts those places had bin digged he fell with his Horse into one of them himself and by that means being surprized by a common Souldier had his head presently cut off 2. Daout Bassa grand Vizier had taken along with him Executioners and strangled Sultan Osman his great Master not long after by the contrivance of the great Vizier Georgâ— the Spahies were stirred up to demand his life in satisfaction of the death of their late Emperour Daout bribed the Ianizaries with 40000 Chequins of Gold and they received him into their protection but the Spahies persisting in their former resolution the Ianizaries put him secretly into the same Coach wherein he had sent Sultan Osman to Execution twice in the way being dry with sorrow he drank at the same Fountains where his late Master begged drink and so was conveyed into the same Chamber where he had murthered him The Executioners beginning to tye him himself shewed the very corner where he had committed that foul fact and desired that he might if possible expiate it there and so he was accordingly strangled 3. Mack Donald born in Rosse was a Thief fleshed in all Murders mischievous without mercy amongst other his cruelties he nailed Horse-shoes to the soles of a Widows feet because in her grief she had sworn to report his wickedness to the King Not long after he was brought to Perth by men of his own qualities with twelve of his Associates the King Iames the first of Scotland caused them all in like manner to be shod as they had served the woman and when they had been three days hurried along the Town as a spectacle to the people his Companions were gibbeted and himself beheaded 4. In the Reign of Lewis the Eleventh King of France there were by his order cruel Prisons made as Cages being eight foot square and one â—oot more than a mans height some of iron and some of wood plated with iron both within and without with horrible Iron-works He that first devised them was the Bishop of Verdun Cardinal Balue who incontinent was put himself into the first that was made where he remained fourteen days And it is remarkable how the King himself did imprison himself not long before his death for in a jealous fear of his Son and Nobles that they would deprive him of his Government he enclosed himself within a Castle framed with Towers of Iron and iron Grates round about it 5. Perillus the Athenian having cast a brazen Bull for Phalaris the Tyrant of Sicilia with such cunning that offenders put into it feeling the heat of the fire under it seemed not to cry with humane voice but to roar like a Bull when he came to demand the recompence of his pains was himself by order of the Tyrant put into it to shew the proof of his own invention Whence Ovid Et Phalaris tauro violenti membra Perilli Torruit infoelix imbuit autor opus Perillus roasted in the Bull he made Gave the first proof of his own cruel trade 6. Scarce any of the Murderers of Iulius Caesar out-lived him three years but dyed a violent death being all of them condemned they all perished by one accident or other some by shipwrack others in Battel and some of them slew themselves with the same Poignards wherewith they had before stabbed Caesar. 7. When Sultan Bajazet the First was taken by Tamerlane he being demanded of the Victor what he would have done in case the Victory had been his Had I gotten thee in my power said he I would have inclosed thee in an iron Cage and carried thee about therein for a shew wheresoever I went Tamerlane having heard this surly and unseasonable answer caused an iron Cage to be made wherein he inclosed the insolent Sultan who not able to endure the indignities that were there daily done to him gave his head so many knocks against the Grates of his Cage that at last death heard and put an end to all his miseries 8. Pope Alexander the Sixth went to supper in a Vineyard near the Vatican where his Son Caesar Borgia Duke of Valence meaning to poyson Adrian Cardinal Cornetti sent thither certain Bottles of Wine infected with poyson and delivered them to a Servant of his who knew nothing of the matter commanding him that none should touch them but by his appointment It happened the Pope coming in something before supper and being very thirsty through the immoderate heat of the season called for drink his own provision being not yet come The Servant that had the empoysoned Wine in keeping thinking it to be committed to him as a special
led the Lyon in a small thong through the whole City the people willingly gave him money with great acclamations crying out This is the Lyon that was the mans Host and this is the man that was the Lyons Physician Gellius calls the Slave Androclus 9. Busbequius tells how a Spaniard was so beloved by a Crane of Majorca that the poor bird would walk any way with him in his absence seek about for him make a noise that he might hear her and knock at his door and when he took his last farewel Desiderium suum testatus post inediam aliquot dierum interiit Not able to over-master her passionate desire she abstained from all food till she dyed 10. There happened a marvellous Example about the City of Sestâ—s of an Eagle upon which account that bird is had in great honour in those parts A young Maid had brought up an Eagle by hand from a young one the Eagle again to requite her kindness would first when she was but little flye abroad a birding and ever bring part of that she had gotten to her Nurse In process of time being grown bigger and stronger she would set upon wild beasts also in the Forest and furnish her young Mistress continually with store of Venison at length it fortuned that the Damosel died and when her funeral fire was set a burning the Eagle flew into the midst of it and there was consumed to ashes with the Corps of the said Virgin In memorial whereof the inhabitants of Sestos erected in that very place a stately Monument such as they call Heroum dedicated to Iupiter and the Virgin for that the Eagle is a bird consecrated to that God 11. Saxo Grammaticus relates that in part of Sweden while some Virgins were playing in the fields there came forth a great he Bear that seised upon one of the most beautiful amongst them carried her into a secret part of the Wood in his paws to the place where his Den was where he fell so in love with her that he not only abstained from preying upon her but usually brought some part of his prey and used her with such bestial caresses that being impregnate by him she had a son who say some gave beginning to the Family of the Vrsines CHAP. XXXII Of the extraordinary Honours done to some great Persons in their life time or at their death THE usual manner of the World is to frown upon present vertue and to pursue it with envy and detraction but when once it is removed from our eyes then as if we repented of our former injustice we can be contented those should have their due honour who are now no longer in a capacity to enjoy it It is true the same World hath dealt more sincerely with some in this kind than with others to some few it hath made present payment but reserving the just debt to others till they have been withdrawn into their graves 1. The Turkish Emperour desirous to recover Bagdat sent Chaâ—il Bassa with an Army of 500000 men to reduce it Schach Abas the Persian King commanded Cartzschugai Chan to march to the relief of the City with a small Brigade but consisting of choice men and he followed him in person with the whole Army he himself got into the City and sent Cartzschugai Chan to meet the Turk whom he wearied out with perpetual Skirmishes for six months together At last he gave him Battel disordered and defeated him forcing him to flye as far as Netzed Upon the first news of the Victory Schach Abas left the City to go and meet Cartzschugai Chan and being come near him alighted and said to him My dearest Aga I have by thy means and conduct obtained so noble a Victory that I would not have desired a greater of God come get up on thy Horse it is fit I should be thy Lacquey Cartzschugai was so surprized at this discourse that he cast himself at his feet intreated his Majesty to look on him as his Slave and not to expose him to the derision of all the world by doing him an honour so extraordinary as that it was impossible he could any way deserve it But notwithstanding all his intreaties he was forced to get up the King and the Chans following on foot only seven paces 2. Timoleon the Corinthian was the person who subverted the Kingdom and Tyranny of Dionysius in Sicily and restored the City of Syracuse to her pristine liberty for which act of his the grateful City understanding his death decreed him perpetual honours and that he should be buried and his Tomb erected in the Forum or Market place 3. The day that Germanicus the Son of Drusus dyed the Temples were batter'd with a tempest of stones Altars overturned the Houshold-Gods by some thrown into the streets children laid out to perish the Barbarians also did consent to a Truce being in Civil War amongst themselves or waging it with the Romans as in a domestick or common mourning some Princes and Governours amongst them cut off their beards and shaved the heads of their wives in sign of the greatest and most afflicting grief The King of Kings also that is the King of Parthia forbore his hunting and feasting of the Nobles which is a kind of vacation amongst the Parthians 4. Aratus had delivered the Sycionians from under tyranny to liberty when therefore he was dead though he dyed without the Borders of the Sycionians yet so great was the love of the people to him that they accompanied his Corps crowned and with great funeral Pomp conveyed it to their City singing all along the praises of the deceased they built him a Sepulchre of marvellous work and great cost which in honour of him they called by his name and at this place they yearly celebrated the Birth-day of Aratus with Sacrifices and Sports Moreover in case it happened that any of Aratus his Family chanced to be there present at that annual Solemnity they compelled him to take amongst them the first and most honourable place 5. Titus Livius the Historian had attained to that same and mighty reputation amongst men for his Learning and publick Writings that although he lived in the Age of Augustus wherein a learned man was no rarity yet 't is said concerning this man that divers persons of great Nobility came to Rome from the farthest parts of Spain and Gades on purpose to see him and when once they had so done they departed lest they should seem to have given that visit to the Magnificence and Majesty of Rome at that time the Head-City of the World 6. When Plato in his return from Sicily came to Olympias all the people who were then convened for the celebration of the Plays there as soon as they understood of his coming left the Plays and ran forth to receive him looking upon him with admiration and reverence as a divine person and a man sent down from Heaven Now if any
himself from biting with the other hand by thrusting his Coat into the mouth of it so letting it creep whither it would he followed holding it as his guide until the way was too streight for him and then dismissed it The Fox being loose ran through an hole at which came a little light and there did Aristomenes delve so long with his nails that at last he clawed out his passage and so got home in safety as both the Corinthians and Spartans after found to their cost 6. An. Dom. 1568. upon the Eve of All-Saints by the swelling of the Sea there was so great a deluge as covered certain Islands of Zealand a great part of the Sea coast of Holland and almost all Frizland In Frizland alone there were 2000 persons drowned many men who had climbed to the tops of Hills and Trees were ready to give up the ghost for hunger but were in time saved by Boats Amongst the rest upon an Hill by Sneace they found an Infant carried thither by the water in its Cradle with a Cart lying by it the poor Babe was soundly sleeping without any fear and then happily saved 7. William of Nassau Prince of Orange as he lay in Camp near to the Duke de Alva's Army some Spaniards in the night broke into his Camp and some of them ran as far as the Prince of Orange his Tent where he lay fast asleep He had a Dog lying by him on the bed that never left barking and scratching him by the face till he had waked him and by this means he escaped the danger 8. In that horrible Earthquake at Antioch it 's said by Dion that the Emperour Trajan was saved by miracle for by one of greater than humane stature in the ruine of the houses he was snatched out at the window After which for fear he abode some days in the open Air and in the publick Tents of the Hippodrome 9. An. Dom. 1045. the Emperour Henry the Third travelling toward Hungary upon the River Danubius Richilda the Widow of Albert Earl of Ebersberg entertained and lodged him very sumptuously and as she was making her supplication to the Emperour that Bosenburg and some other Lands in the Earls possession might be given to her Nephew Welpho while the Emperour in token of his Grant reached her his hand the Chamber-floor suddenly broke under them The Emperour fell into a bathing Vessel that was in the Stove underneath the same room and had no harm but Bruno the Bishop of Wirtzburg Cousin to the Emperour Alemanus the Bishop of Ebersberg and Richilda lighting upon the brinks of the Vessel were so sore hurt and bruised that they died some few days after A little before saith Aventine there appeared to Bruno as he was aboard the Barque with the Emperour a certain Ghost like an Ethiop who stood upon an high Rock and having called Bruno vanished 10. In the Earthquake of Apulia that happened in the year 1627. on the last day of Iuly one writeth That in the City of St. Severine alone ten thousand souls were taken out of the world that in the horrour of such infinite ruines and sepulchre of so many mortals a great Bell thrown out of a Steeple by the Earthquake fell so fitly over a child that it inclosed him and doing no harm made a Bulwark for him against any other danger Who balanced the motion of this metal but the same fingers that distended the Heavens 11. In Edge-hill Fight Sir Gervase Scroop fighting valiantly for his King received twenty six wounds and was left on the ground amongst the dead next day his Son Adrian obtained leave of the King to find and fetch off his Fathers Corps and his hopes pretended no higher than a decent Interrement thereof such a search was thought in vain amongst many naked bodies with wounds disguised from themselves and where pale death had confounded all complexions together However ever he having some general hint of the place where his Father fell did light upon his body which had some heat left therein the heat was with rubbing within a few minutes improved to motion that motion within some hours into sense that sense within a day into speech that speech within certain weeks into a perfect recovery living more than ten years after a monument of Gods mercy and his Sons affection The effect of this story I received from his own mouth in Lincoln Colledge 12. Pomponius was one of the number of those who were proscribed by the Triumvirate at Rome but he escaped death by a notable shift He takes to him the Ensigns of the Pretorship he in his Robe his Servants as so many Lictors with their Fasces kept close about their Master lest he should be known by such as they met in this order they passed undiscovered through the midst of the City At the Gate as Pretor he took and got up into a publick Chariot and so passed through all Italy pretending to be an Ambassador from the Triumvirate to Sextus Pompeius and was thereupon also furnished with a publick Barge with which he passed over into Sicily at that time the securest Sanctuary for the distrossed No small wonder it is that amongst so many men in so many places upon divers occasions he should not meet with any person that did betray him to those who sought after his life 13. Strange was that escape of Caesar in Egypt having hither pursued Pompey and discontented Ptolomy the King by demanding pay for his Souldiers he had his Navy which lay near the Pharos at Anchor assaulted by Achillas one of young Ptolomy's Courtiers Caesar himself was then at Alexandria and hearing of the Skirmish he hastned to the Pharos meaning to succour his Navy in person But the Egyptians making towards him on all sides he was compelled to leap into the Sea and swim for his life and though to avoid their Darts he sometimes dived under water yet held he still his left hand above and in it divers Books he drew after him his Generals Coat called Paludamentum with his teeth that his Enemies might not enjoy it as a Spoil and having swam thus 200 paces he got safe to his Ships where animating his Souldiers he also gained the Victory 14. Sir Richard Edgecomb Knight being zealous in the Cause of Henry Earl of Richmond afterwards King Henry the Seventh was in the time of King Richard the Third so hotly pursued and narrowly searched for that he was forced to hide himself in his thick Woods at his house at Cuttail in Cornwal Here extremity taught him a sudden policy to put a stone in his Cap and tumble the same into the water while these Rangers were fast at his heels who looking down after the noise and seeing his Cap swimming thereon supposed that he had desperately drowned himself and deluded by this honest fraud gave over their farther pursuit leaving him at liberty to shift over into Brittaigne 15.
overthrown the pernicious plot and design of the wicked Tyrant and preserved Timoleon but had also at the same time executed its Justice upon a Murderer 22. An. Dom. 1552. about the Nones of February Franciscus Pelusius one of sixty years of age while in the Mannor of Lewis Dheiraeus and in the Hill of St. Sebastian he was digging a Well forty foot deep the earth above fell in upon him to thirty five foot depth He was somewhat sensible before of what was coming and opposed a plank which by chance he had by him against the ruines himself lying under it By this means he was protected from the huge weight of the earth and retained some air and breath to himself by which he lived seven days and nights without food or sleep supporting his stomach only with his own urine without any pain or sorrow being full of hope in God in whom alone he had placed it Ever and anon he called for help as being yet safe but was heard by none though he could hear the motion noise and words of those that were above him and could count the hours as the Clock went After the seventh day he being all the while given for dead they brought a Bier for his Corps and when a good part of the Well was digged up on a sudden they heard the voice of one crying from the bottom At first they were afraid as if it had been the voice of a subterranean Spirit the voice continuing they had some hope of his life and hastned to dig to him till at last after he had drunk a cup of wine they drew him up living and well his strength so entire that to lift him out he would not suffer himself to be bound nor would use any help of another of so sound sense that jesting he drew out his purse gave them money saying he had been with such good Hosts that for seven days it had not cost him a farthing Soon after he returned to his work again and was then alive when I wrote this saith Bartholomaeus Anulus 23. A certain Woman saith Iordanus had given her Husband poyson and it seems impatient of all delay gave him afterwards a quantity of Quick-silver to hasten his death the sooner but that slippery substance carried along with it the poyson that lay in the Ventricle and had not yet spread it self to the heart through the bowels away from him by stool by which means he escaped Ausonius hath the story in an Epigram of his the conclusion of which is to this purpose The Gods send health by a most cruel wife And when Fates will two poysons save a life 24. At Tibur An. Dom. 1583. two years before I wrote this Book there was one who diging in a subterranean Aquaduct by a sudden fall of the earth which store of ruine had caused he was overwhelmed and buried alive yet such was the vigour of his spirit that night and day though he could not distinguish either working with hands feet head and back he hollowed the earth that lay about him and dug as it were a Coney-hole so that working as a Mole into the part of the Aquaduct that was beyond the place where the earth fell he at last reached it and from thence upon the seventh day he had scratched himself out and was safe and sound though all the time without meat and drink only his fingers ends bruised and wore away CHAP. XXXIV Of such persons as have taken poyson and quantities of other dangerous things without damage thereby PVrchas tells of the herb Addad that it is bitter and the root of it so exceedingly venemous that a single drop of the juyce of it will kill a man in the space of one hour This nimble Messenger of death makes its approaches to the Fortress of life so speedy and withal so sure that it is not easie for the virtue of any Antidote to make haste enough to overtake it or to over-power and counterwork it yet of the like dangerous drugs taken without sensible harm see the following Histories 1. Mithridates that warlike King of Pontus and Bithynia when in the War with the Romans he was overcome in Battel by Pompey determined to finish his life by poyson and therefore drank a draught of it himself and gave others to his Daughters who would needs accompany their Father in death They overcome by the force of the poyson fell down dead at his foot but the King himself having formerly accustomed his body to the use of Antidotes found that the poyson he had taken was of no use to him in this his last extremity and therefore gave his throat to be cut by his Friend Bystocus who with his Sword gave him that death which he in vain expected from the poysonous draught he had swallowed 2. Conradus Bishop of Constance at the Sacrament of the Lords Supper drank off a Spider that had fallen into the cup of wine while he was busied in the Consecration of the Elements yet did he not receive the least hurt or damage thereby 3. While I was a Boy saith Fallopius and was sick of the Colick I took a scruple of Scammony and yet had not one stool by it And I saw a German Scholar at Ferrara who took at once a whole ounce of Scammony I say of Scammony not Diagridium and yet was no way stirred by it 4. Theophrastus tells of Thrasyas who was most excellently skilled in all sorts of Herbs that yet he would often eat whole handfuls of the roots of Hellebore without harm and he also tells of one Eudemus a Chian that in one day he took two and twenty Potions of Hellebore and yet was not purged thereby and that supping the same night as he used he did not return any thing he had taken by Vomit 5. Schenckius relates the History of a Woman from an eye-witness of the truth of it that she intending to procure abortion to her self swallowed down half a pound weight of Quick-silver in substance and though she had done this more than once or twice yet it always passed through her assoon almost as she had taken it and that without hurt 6. A certain man condemned for a capital crime was set free by Pope Leo the Tenth of that name for that without taking any previous Antidote he had swallowed down almost an ounce of Arsenick and received no hurt thereby 7. The weight of thirty grains of Antimonial glass prepared hath been taken without any harm as Schenckius reports from Albertus Wimpinaeus 8. I knew a man saith Garsias ab Horto who was Councellor to Nizamoxa he would daily eat three shivers of Opium which weighed ten drams and more and though he seemed always to be stupid and as one ready to sleep yet would he very aptly and learnedly discourse of any thing propounded to him so much is custom able to perform 9. Albertus Magnus saith he hath seen
at Brindis wherein he had inclosed birds of all kinds and by his example we began to keep birds and fowl within narrow 〈◊〉 and Cages as prisoners to which Nature had allowed the wide Air to flye in at Liberty 16. The Scarus was a fish that bore the price and praise of all others in Rome the first that brought these out of the Carpathian Sea and stored our Seas betwixt Ostia and Campania with them was Optatus first the Slave and then the Freed-man lastly the Admiral of a Fleet under Claudius the Emperour 17. Caius Hirtius was the man by himself that before all others devised a Pond to keep Lampreys in he it was that in the Triumph of Iulius Caesar lent him six hundred Lampreys to furnish out his Feasts which he kept at that time but on this condition to have the same weight and tale repaid him 18. The best way of making Oyls and also of making Honey was first found out and practised by one Aristaeus 19. The first that built a house in Athens is said to be Doxius the Son of Caelius who taking his pattern from the Nests of the Swallows began the way of making houses with clay whereas before men dwelt in Caves and Caverns of the Earth and I know not what kind of miserable Huts 20. Semiramis was the first that caused the castration of young Males and howsoever by this her unworthy act she has possibly lost as much reputation as she hath praise for the building of Babylon yet she is followed in this corrupted example of hers by most of the Eastern Monarchs who delight to be attended by Eunuchs 21. About Syrene in the Province of Thebais there is a Marble thereupon called Syrenites which was also called Pyrrhopoecilos of this stone in times past the Kings of Egypt made certain Radii or Obelisks and consecrated them to the Sun whom they honoured as a God They were inchased or had engraven upon them certain Characters and Figures which were the Egyptian Hieroglyphicks and therein a great part of their best Learning was contained These Obelisks were stones cut out of the solid Rock framed of one entire stone and of that mighty bigness that some of them have been on every side four cubits square and in length an hundred foot as was that of Ramises once King of Egypt The first that ever began to erect these Obelisks was Mitres King of Egypt who held his Court in the Royal City of Heliopolis the City of the Sun and it is said he was admonished in a Vision or Dream so to do 22. Edward the Third our most renowned King to his eternal memory brought cloathing first into this Island transporting some Families of Artificers from Gaunt hither 23. Cneius Manlius as Livy relates Anno ab Vrb. condit 567. was the first brought out of Asia to Rome singing Wenches Players Jesters Mimicks and all kind of Musick to their Feasts 24. Solon as writeth Philemon was the first who brought up Whores for the young men of Athens that the fervour of their lust being exonerated that way they might desist from the enterprize and thoughts of any thing that is worse 25. Antigonus King of Iudaea was beheaded by the command of M. Antonius the Triumvir and this was the first King that ever was put to death in this manner 26. A Cardinal named Os Porci or Swine-snout in the days of Ludovicus Pius the Emperour was chosen Pope and because it was a very unseemly name for so high a Dignity by a general consent it was changed and he was called Sergius the Second This was the first and from thence arose the custom of the Popes altering their names after their Election to the Popedom 27. Honorius the Fifth Archbishop of Canterbury was the first that divided his Province into Parishes that so he might appoint particular Ministers to particular Congregations he dyed Anno Dom. 653. 28. Cuthbert the Eleventh Archbishop of Canterbury was the first that got liberty from the Pope of making Cemeteries or Burial places within Towns and Cities for before within the Walls none were buried 29. Ralph Lane was the first that brought Tabaco into England in the twenty eight of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and in the year of our Lord 1585. 30. Servius Tullius King of the Romans caused Brass money to be coined and was the first that stamped it for before his days they used it at Rome rude in the mass or lump The mark he imprinted on his Coin was a Sheep which in Latine they call Pecus and from thence came the word Pecunia which signifies money CHAP. XLIII Of the witty Speeches or Replys suddenly made by some persons THE vein of wit doth not always answer a mans desire but at some times while we are writing or speaking something doth casually offer it self unto our thoughts which perhaps hath more of worth in it than we are able to compass with the utmost vehemence of our meditation and study Facetious men have many such fortunate hits lighting on the sudden upon that which is more graceful and pleasant to the hearer than their more elâ—borate endeavours would be 1. Poggius the Florentine tells a merry story condemning the folly and impertinent business of such especially mean persons as spend their time in hunting and hawking c. A Physician of Millain saith he that cured mad men had a pit of water in his house in which he kept his Patients some up to the knees some to the girdle some to the chin pro modo insaniae as they were more or less affected One of them by chance that was well recovered stood in the door and seeing a Gallant ride by with a Hawk on his fist well mounted with his Spaniels aâ—ter him would needs know to what use all this preparation served he made answer To kill certain Fowl the Patient demanded again What his Fowl might be worth which he killed in a year he replied five or ten Crowns and when he urged him further what his Dogs Horse and Hawks stood him in he told him four hundred Crowns with that the Patient bade him be gone as he loved his life and welfare For said he if our Master come and find thee here he will put thee into the pit amongst mad-men up to the very chin 2. Mr. Bradford said of Popish Prelates magnifying the Church and contemning Christ That they could not mean honestly that make so much of the Wife and so little of the Husband 3. One asked a noble Sea-Captain Why having means sufficient to live upon the Land he would yet endanger his person upon the Ocean He told him That he had a natural inclination to it and therefore nothing could divert him I pray said the other where dyed your Father At Sea said the Captain And where your Grandfather At Sea also said he And said the other Are you not for that
mark of those of that Family and discontinued in them for many years 6. I have heard saith Camerarius when I was young and it is at this day the common report and publick Fame although I have not met with it in any Authour that the Counts of Habspurg have each of them from the Womb a golden Cross upon the back that is to say certain white hairs after a wonderful manner formed into the figure of a Cross. 7. Marcus Venetus who for forty five years travell'd up and down in the Countries of Asia reports in his Itinerary that he came into the Kingdom of the Corzani the Kings of which place though subject to the Tartarian boast themselves of a Nobility beyond that of all other Kings of of the Earth and upon this account they are born into the World with the impress of a black Eagle upon their Shoulder which continues with them to the last day of their lives 8. I have received it from the Relations of Persons worthy to be believed that the most potent King of Great Britain now reigning that was King Iames brought with him from his Mothers Womb certain Royal and those not obscure signatures for as soon as he was born there was beheld imprinted upon his body a Lyon and Crown and some also add a Sword which impressions do undoubtedly portend great things and would require a further explication 9. That is a memorable thing and worthy of observation which is set down by Abrahamus Bucholtzerus Iohn Frederick saith he Elector of Saxony the Son of Iohn was born the 30 th of Iune Anno 1503. and brought with him from his Mothers Womb an omen of his future fate For as I had it from persons of unquestionable credit he was born with a Cross of a splendid and golden colour upon his back upon the sight of which a pious and very ancient Priest was sent for by the Ladies of the Court who thereupon said This Child shall carry a Cross Conspicuous to all the World the Emblem of which is thus apparent in his birth The truth is his Mother Sophia dy'd upon the twelfth day after his birth I have noted this the rather saith the fore-cited Authour because no Man hath done it before though worthy to be transcribed to Posterity and withal because the event did declare and confirm the truth of the presage 10. A Sister of mine saith Gaffarel had the figure of a Fish upon her left Leg caus'd by the desire my Mother had to eat fish when she was great and it is represented with so much perfection and rarity that you would take it to be drawn by some excellent Master and the wonder is that when ever the Girl eat any Fish that upon her Leg puts her to a sensible pain 11. That which I now relate to the same purpose is very well known to all Paris that are curious enquirers into these things The Hostess of the Inn in the Suburbs of St. Michael at Bois de Vincenne who dy'd about two years since had a Mulberry growing upon her nether Lip which was smooth and plain all the year long till the time that Mulberries began to ripen at which time hers also began to be red and began to swell more and more observing exactly the season and nature of other Mulberries and coming at length to the just bigness and redness of other ripe Mulberries 12. A Woman in the seventh Month of her being with Child long'd to eat Rose-buds in a time when they were diâ—ficultly to be procur'd She had passed two days thus when after much search there was a bough of them found in a private Garden she greedily devour'd the green buds of two Roses and kept the rest in her bosom In the ninth month she was happily deliver'd of a fair babe upon the Ribs of which there appear'd the representations of three Roses very red upon his Forehead and on either Cheek he had also depainted three other exact resemblances of a Red Rose so that he was commonly call'd the Rosie boy 13. Octavius Augustus the Emperour was all spotted on his body his Moles being dispers'd upon his Brest and Belly in the manner order and number with the Stars of the Celestial Bear CHAP. VIII Of the strange Constitution and marvellous properties of some humane Bodies THat the original of Man's body is nothing else besides the dust of the ground is a certain and unquestionable truth Yet as out of that dust there springs such variety of Trees Plants Flowers with different Forms Colours Vertues as may reasonably solicite a considering mind to a just veneration of the Wisdom and Bounty of the Creator so though all humane bodies are fram'd of the same course materials yet some of them are endow'd with such peculiar proprieties and qualities so remov'd from the Constitution of others that Man need travel no further then himself for a sufficient theme wherein he may at once inlarge his thoughts to the praises of his Maker and admiration of his own wonderful composure Every Man is a moving miracle but there are some that may justly move the wonder of all the rest For 1. Saint Austin saith he knew a Man who could sweat of his own accord as often as he pleas'd 2. Avicenna writes of one that when he pleas'd could put himself into a Palsie nor was he hurt by any venemous creature but when he forc'd and provok'd them to it of which notwithstanding themselves would die so poysonous was his body 3. I knew one saith Maranta who was of that strange constitution of body that he was made loose by asbringent simples and on the contrary bound up by those that were of a loosening Nature 4. There are some Families of that marvellous constitution that no Serpent will hurt them but instead of that they fly their presence the spittle of these Men or their sucking the place is Medicinable to such as have been bitten or stung with them of this kind are the Psylli and Marsi those also in the Island of Cyprus whom they call Ophiogenes and of this Race and house there came one Exagon Embassadour from that Island who by the commandment of the Roman Consul was put into a great Tun or Pipe wherein were many Serpents on purpose to make experiment and tryal of the truth The issue was the Serpents lick'd his body in all parts gently with their Tongues as if they had been little dogs and he remain'd unhurt to the great wonder of them who beheld the manner of it 5. Those Men that are bred in Tentyrus an Island lying within the River Nilus are so terrible to the Crocodiles that they will not abide so much as their voice but fly from them as soon as they hear it 6. When Pyrrhus King of Epirus was dead and all the rest of his body consum'd in the Funeral Fire the great Toe of his right Foot
was found entire having receiv'd no damage at all by the flames this Toe that was so able to preserve it self after his death had also in his life time a healing kind of vertue in it against Diseases of the Spleen which us'd to retreat at the powerful touch of it Kornman de Mirac Mortuor lib. 3. cap. 8. pag. 8. 7. I know a Family at Liege in which all the Persons of both Sexes sick and well Summer and Winter sleeping and waking have their Nostrils extreme cold whence it fell out that administring Physick to two Brothers seiz'd with a burning Fever when upon the eleventh day there was no Crisis nor any appearance that there would be finding the Nostrils of both of them colder then Ice I adjudg'd they would die and so did three other Physicians with me yet both escap'd and are yet alive being the 14 th year after their Disease 8. A certain Canonical Person who having perfected his course in Philosophy had studied Divinity for five years space in Lovain by his over intense study he arriv'd at last to be a very Fool. Five years since he camâ— to the Spa where he was purg'd and drank the Waters but in vain Without my consent he would bleed often in a month and notwithstanding the clamours of all who were present he would not suffer the vein to be clos'd till above thirty and sometimes forty ounces of blood were slow'd out this he continued for three years and more When I told him by this means he would incur the danger of a Cachexy and Dropsie he was not mov'd at all In the mean time he daily eat divers handfuls of Wheat raw and unground When once he complain'd that his Potions did not work well with him I at last gave him two grains of our white Elaterium by which when he had been strongly purg'd he took them unknown to me more then twenty times notwithstanding all which he is well nor can we observe or discern that his strength is in the least impair'd by so many blood-lettings and purgations 9. Demophon the Steward to Alexander the Great is reported to be of that strange Constitution that standing in the Sun-shine or being in a hot Bath he was ready to freeze for cold and on the contrary would sweat in the shade 10. Quintus Curtius tells of Alexander the Great that as often as he sweat there issued a fragrant odour from his body that dispers'd it self amongst all that were near him the harmony of his Constitution was such as occasion'd that natural Balsom to slow from him 11. Not far from the City of Rome amongst the Falisci there are some few Families who are call'd Hirpiae who in that annual Sacrifice that is made to Apollo at the Foot of the Mountain Soracte use to walk upon the heaps of the live Coals of the burnt Wood and yet receive no damage by the fire 12. That is exceeding wonderful which is related by Iovianus Pentanus concerning one Coâ—an of Catana in Sicily sirnamed the Fish who liv'd longer in the Water then on the Land he was constrained every day to abide in the Water and he said that if he was long absent thence he could scarce breath or live and that it would be his death to forbear it he was so excellent in swimming that as a Sea-Fish he would cut the Sâ—as in the greatest storms and tempests and in despight of the resisting Waves swim more then five hundred furlongs at once At last in the Sicilian Sea at the Haven of Mâ—ssâ—na diving for a piece of Plate which the King had caus'd to be cast in as a prize to him that could fetch it from the bottom he there lost his Life for he was never seen after either devoured by a Fish or engaged in the Concaves oâ— the Rock 13. It is related of the Lord Verulame that he had one peculiar temper of body which was that he fainted always at an Eclipse of the Moon though he knew not of it and consider'd it not 14. Rodericus Fonsâ—ca a Physician of great reputation in Pisa bought for his Houshold employment a Negro slave she as often as she pleas'd took burning Coals into her hands or mouth without any hurt at all this was confirm'd to me by Gabriel Fonseca an excellent Physician in Rome and by another of deserved credit who told me he had frequently seen the trial and red hot Coals held in her hand till they were almost cold and this without any impression of fire left upon her and I my self saw the same thing done by a She-Negro in the Hospital of the Holy Ghost to which I was Physician 15. It is â—amiliarly known all over Pisa oâ— Martinus Ceccho a Townsman of Monteluâ—o that he us'd to take hot Coals in his hand put them in his mouth bite them in pieces with his Teeth till he had extinguish'd them he would thrust them up as a suppository into his Fundament and tread upon them with his baâ—e feâ—t he would put boiling lead into his mouth and suffer a burning Candle to be held under his Tongue as he put it out of his mouth and many such other things as may seem incredible all this was confirm'd to me by divers Capuchins and my worthy Friend Nicholaus Accursius of the Order of St. Francis 16. Andrenicus Comnenus Emperour of Greece was of that sound and firm Constitution vigorous Limbs c. that he us'd to say he could â—ndure the violence of any Disease for twelve Months together by his sole natural strength without being beholding to Art or any assistance of Physick CHAP. IX Of Natural Antipathies in some Men to Flowers Fruits Flesh Physick and divers other things WE read in the Poet of one saying Non amo te Sabidis c. Thee Sabidis I do not love Though why I cannot tell But that I have no love to thee This I know very well Thus the seeds of our aversion and Antipathy to this or that are often lodged so deep that in vain we demand a reason of our selves for what we do or do not The Enemies of our Nature work upon us it seems whether we are aware or not For the Lady Hâ—nnage of the Bed-chamber to Queen Elizabeth had her Cheeks blister'd by laying a Rose upon it while she was asleep saith Sir Kenelm Digby and worse hath be fallen others though awake by the smell of them 1. Cardinal Don Henrique a Cardâ—na would fall into a swound upon the smell of a Rose saith Ingrassia and Laurentius Bishop of Vratislavia was done to death by the smell of them saith Croâ—erus de rebus Polon lib. 8. 2. The smell of Roses how pleasing soever to most Men is not only odious but almost deadly to others Cardinal Oliverius Câ—raffa during the season of Roses used to inclose himself in a Chamber not permitting any to â—nter his Palace or come near him that had a