therein disobey their Maker whose Absolute Command it is And with the entirest Integrity having carried my discourse on this worthy Subject thus far in General I shall now proceed to what is more Particular and Exempler in the Praise of Women-kind though as I have said all their Virtues in this nature to describe will prove too large a Theam For who but one with Eagles Eyes can Gaze Against the Sun in it's Meridian Blaze Or without Solomons large Heart can know All from the Ceder to the Shrub below Or name each fair Enamel that does spread Earth's lovely bosom when the winters fled What Marriner can count the waves that rise Or Artist tell the wanderers of the Skies Who is the Man can count the flying Clouds Or tell she Fry the swelling Ocian Shrowds Who in Arithmatick a Number can Find for the Moments past since time began Or in an age count out by swift Degrees The countless Sands forsaken by the Seas Hard tasks these are for mortal Man to do Yet full as easy as at once to view Each glorious Cabinet where Virtue rests To look into each worthy Female Breast To count the Sacred Treasure horded there And tell the World of each peculiar share Layd up to Purchase an Imortal Name Recorded in the deathless Book of Fame To Purchase Robes of White to pass the Gate Where for them Virtues true Reward does wait Though it on Earth should hiss it's great desert Yet there it will be sure to find it's part For in that Region is it's proper Seat There Virtue and not Riches makes us great Crowns us with Life and an Immortal State The Illustrious HISTORY OF WOMEN c. Of Chast-Love TO come nearer to my purpose for the bester ease and understanding of the Reader I shall proceed in a Regular way on Method placing together as near as is convenient the memorable Examples of one kind as I find them in divers Histories highly approved by the Learned of the present and past Ages And in this Case Chast-Love being the Center and Basis of all other Virtues I shall begin with that perfection of Woman-kind Eurialus Count of Augusta being at Sienna with the Emperour Sigismond Lucretia a Beautiful Virgin called by some the second Venus upon his Modest Address conceived such Entire Affection for him that at his necessitated leaving her to attend his Lord the Emperour to Rome his Absence wrought so much upon her tender Spirits that having strugled a while with the flame of a constant passion she no longer able to indure the Absence of one on whom she had bestowed her Heart yielded up her self into the Icey Aims of Death calling on her Lover and with dying murmurs beg'd a Blessing might ever remain upon him of which sad misfortune Eurialus having notice took it so much to heart that in his Life-time he never was observed to Laugh or Smile Marcel Donat. Hist Med. Mirab. Theodora a Christian Virgin for that Sacred Profession being Condemned to the Stews where her chastity was to be expos'd to the violation of the worst of Villains Dydimus who Entirely loved her whilst the Debauchees were striving to enter there pressed in in a Souldiers habit a Person pretending to have the first knowledge of that Beautious Maid but being Retired he changed Habit with her by which means she was enabled to escape but he upon others pressing in being found a man was halled before the Judg who had shamelessly Condemned Theodora to loose her Virginity who immediately Sentanc'd him to Death of which she having notice came from her Retirement and offered her life a Ransom for his but such transcendent-Transcendent-love nothing moved the Inexorable Judge who instead of accepting the offer commanded they should both be immediately put to Death which command being obeyed their Souls took flight to the bright Mansion of Eternal Love Lonicer Theatri The Story related of the wonderful love of Piramus and Thisbe is memorable nor is it held in the general Fabulous though Ovid has glozed upon it the substance being this The Beautious Pair living as Neighbours in Bâ—bylon when grown to maturity found themselves surpriz'd with a generous flame love had made a mighty conquest o're their hearts their Mâ—tuâ—â— affections could not be so closely hid but Parents of a different mind in whom Age had quench'd the fire of passion came to know the case wherein they stood and cruâ—â—ly proceeded to divorce their Joys by seperation but mighty love that like the Victorious â—alm laden with ponderous Weights under restraint ancreases found an unsuspected way to Whisper through a Cranny and by that means to set a time for slight when the Moon had thrown her Silver Mantle over the Shadie Night The place being appointed Thisbe ravish'd with eager Joys to have her Lover in her Arms first made Escape but there instead of Pyranats she found a Lyoness besmeer'd with blood which made her hasten to a Neighbouring Cave whilst in her slight she drop'd her Veile which the Lyoness finding rumpled it with her Bloody Jaws and went her way Pyramus soon after coming and finding the Veile he knew to be hers all smeer'd with Blood and the Footsteps of a wild Beast supposed her devour'd and after many doleful lamentations Exclaiming against himself for exposing to such hazard a thing he prized so dear resolving not to live without her he sell upon his Sword when Thisbe dispensing with her fear came to the place and found him Breathing out his last having no more Sense than at her Name to open his dying Eyes and see his dear mistake which was not long e're closing again he was left in the black Mist of Death when having expressed her self with the disordered passion of a distracted lover scorning a tedious life when he for whom she liv'd was gone she bared her Snowey Breast and with undaunted Courage fell upon the self-same Sword Oâ—ids Met c. Less Famous than this is not the admirable love of the Beautious Hero to the Greecian Youth Leander whose memorable loves famed the threatning Towers of Sestos and Abidos in the former the Noble Virgin dwelt and from the latter parted by the Hellespont the adventerous Youth often Swam to visit her she being his Load-Star to stear his Course in the darkest Night by placing a light in the highest Turret but after often adventring with success Fate crossing Love in raising a Tempest whilst he was labouring in the Ocean the undistinguishing Waves put a period to his life and then unkindly cast his lifeless Corps upon the shoar where he with such Eagerness wish'd to come alive at sight of which the Lady being over-come with Grief leaped headlong from the Tower and plunging into the Remorsless Deep became partaker of her Lovers Fate The Beautious Daughter of the Emperour Charlemain falling in love with Eginardus Secretary to that Emperour nor was the flame he felt less violent he one Night coming in private to her Chamber it
But when for their Embarquement they prepar'd The Storm grew loud each tender Mother run And in her arms Infolds her weeping Son Bathing his Cheecks in tears to add a Store To those that trickâ—'d from his Eys before But finding that the hard Decree was past And that this fare wel seem'd to be their last When from their arms their Darlingâ— dears were forst And they from them by swelling waves Divorst Impatient to out-live so great a loss Such a heart breaking such a wounding Cross They plung'd themselves into the rowling deep And vainly strove to reach the flying Ship In which their Treasure was but that forbid By Neptune was and they In 's waves were hid Of Chastity And thus much for extraordinary Passion from which I shall proceed to Examples of wonderful Chastity the brightest Jewel that Adorns the Noble Sex As Bards of old Enobl'd for their Verse Victorious actions did alowd rehearse The conquest of great Nations and the praise Of those whose Valour truly claim'd the Bays So tell we now of Triumphs greater far Than e're atchived were by 'th God of War Or cou'd be boasted by that Thunderer A glorious conquest over Lawless love Triumphs that all the Chaster World approve So in their Spher's the Blessed Angels move Vnvalu'd Chastity Womans chief grace Next Lawful Passion we think fit to place And in this kind the Female Sex excell many of them prefering their Honour to life or all the glittering Glories of the Universe no prospect of Earthly happiness has been sufficient to Charm it from them as will appear Celdrana a Maid of Alexandria being Endowed with admirable Beauty which occasion'd a Troop of Lovers as it were to Beseige her each desirous of enjoying so fair a Treasure offering what might content a large Ambition but in vain for such were the Chast resolves of the renowned Virgin that the largest proffers could make no impression on her mind but perceiving her self continually pressed by her importunate admirers to shun their importunity she privately withdrew and leaving them confounded in their loves for want of the bright Idea they ador'd she hid her self in a solitary Cell surrounded with a multitude of Graves where after a tedious search being sound to the exceeding Joy of those that sought her when asked the meaning why she chose a place so doleful her reply was Thesaurum Chastitatis Servo Inter Arentes Calvarias Vnde Nula Flamma Eurumpit Amongst the Dead my Chastiti's secure There I preserve it in it's self most pure No sparks of lust the drowsie Graves immure Caus H. C. part 1. l. 3. Brasola of Diracchium an Illustrious Maid seiz'd by a Souldier who was about to commit violence on that Jewel that she mostly priz'd told him that if he would spare her in that case she in recompence would reveal to him a Secret more valuable than Gold such a one as would render him Victorious and Safe on all occasions by making him Invulnerable the Souldier believes flattering himself that after he had obtained this Benifit she would be as much at his mercy as before when leading him into a most delightful Garden and after a tedious search tasting a Herb that perhaps he had never seen before she with a chearful Voice told him it was the mighty Charm that would oppose the force of Steel and that he might be assured she did not flatter bared her Beautious Neck and offered the experiment at the hazard of her life the Souldier by this being more confirmed resolutely gave the blow that gave her rest in the wish'd Arms of Death Preserving by that means her spotless Fame Whilst her rash Foe who found himself to blame Confunded stood with horror grief and shame Lodov. Vives Christ Femin Istit Nor is the Storie related of the virtuous Euphrasia a Virgin of noble Extraction in Nicephor Eclez Hist unlike to this Where that Heroick Maid prefering Death Before the loss of Honour lost her Breath Lucia a lovely Virgin who for the Excellency of her Beauty was sought by divers but out of an Extraordinary love of Chastity would not shew the least inclination thereto which notwithstanding so Inflam'd a powerful Lord who had great Command in the City where she lived that after many Essays finding she could not be won by Entreaty he resolved to take her by Force and in order thereto sent divers Armed men to surprize her in her Fathers House who coming to the Gate and finding it shut threatned to make a general Slaughter and set all on Fire if she were not delivered she to prevent the danger that might befall others knowing the cruel Nature of him that had sent for her came forth and demanded who it was they sought desiring to know if any thing was in her power that would satisfie their Lord Yess said they in a flouting manner your Eyes have Captivated him he never can hove rest till he has gained them at which fetching a deep Sigh she desired to retire saying she would satisfie him in that particular which being ranted she went to her Chamber and seeing her self in a straite that she either must use some extraordinary way or her unspotted Chastity would be Sacrificed to the Lust of a Man she hated thus addressing her self to her Glass she began to utter her sorrow Ah! my Eyes said she are you then guilty I know the reservedness and simplicity of your Glances nor have I in that kind any Remorse of Conscience but howsoever be you appear to me not Innocent enough since you have kindled fire in the heart of a Man whose hatred I ever esteemed more than his love Quench Quench then with your Blood the flame you have raised whereupon with a hand piously cruel she forced hâ—r Eye-balls from their bleeding Orbs and sent them to those who waited for her to bear them as a cruel preâ—ent to their Master upon notice of which astonished and confounded within himself he fled to a Monastery and there spent the remainder of his days Rad in Viridoria Caus H. C. part 1. Thus she deform'd her self to Gloom confin'd To save the lovely Beauty of the Mind Acciolin of Padua in the year 1253 surprizing the City of Bassian in which City Blanch Ruba fighting for the defence of her People her Husband being before slain she was taken Disarm'd and violently drag'd before the Conquerer who Eyeing her admirable Perfections with Presents Entreaties and Threats for a time endeavour'd to alure her to Lascivious Embraces but the noble Matron being rather resolv'd tâ— die than to yield up her honour to the Murtherer of her Lord sound means whilst those were careless who had her in charge to cast her self headlong out of the Gallery wherein she was by which fall although she greatly Bruis'd her self yet by the Care of the Physicians and Chyrurgeons she recover'd and then was caus'd to be bound Naâ—ed in a posture that the Lustful Acciolin not regarding her Cries and Entreaties forc'd
her helpless Chastity She â—esiring not to out-live the loss of her â—â—onour though her Friends comforted â—â—er in the best manner saying she â—â—as Guiltless seeing it was done by Violence contrary to her Consent When â—â—e better to Accomplish her design â—â—s well as she could dissembled her â—â—rrow appearing by degrees to dry â—â—p the Extraordinary flood of Grief â—â—at slow'd from her Beautious Eyes â—â—e desir'd them one day to goe with â—â—er to the Monument of her Husband 〈◊〉 the often Visitation of which is ordiâ—ary in many Countreys being come â—either she Entreated them to list up â—e stone that she might see how â—eath and his short continuance there â—ad alter'd him which stone oâ— a vast â—eight being rais'd on one side and rop'd up she under pretence of seriously viewing those Reliques of â—ortality Leaped into the Tomb â—here her dead Husband lay pulling way at the same time the stay which offer'd the stone to fall with such â—rce that her Head being mortally â—rus'd she soon died and was buried with her Lord. Lon. Thatre The latter loss beyond the First imploy'd Her sadded Soul though Fate before had Tri'd In her dear Lord's mishap a Death to give But Chastity once gone she scorn'd to live Novellus Caronceus Lord of Paria falling in Love with a beautiful Virgin a Citizens Daughter of Vincentia and her Chistity not yeilding by fair entreaties to his lacivious designs he caused her to be taken out of her Fathers house and forcibly Ravished her after which he not having found the Plâ—â—sure he expected by reason of her unwillingness he Barbarously added a greater Cruelty by cutting her in pieces and sending her Mangled Limbs to her Parents Who astonished at so great a wickedness made their adress to the Senate of Venice in whom the horrour of the Fact mov'd at once such detestation and Compassion that warring on the murthering Ravisher they â—ook him and his two Sons whom â—hey delivered into the hands of the â—xecutioner Beard Theatre So loud to Heaven for Vengance was the cry Of Virgin blood and Injur'd Chastity Oâ—bright Deputy or Sub-governour 〈◊〉 a King of the West Saxans going â—s Progress happen'd in the absence 〈◊〉 one Beorn a noble Saxon to call 〈◊〉 his house whereas became a person 〈◊〉 such esteem with the King he 〈◊〉 as splendidly entertain'd but all 〈◊〉 delicates were nothing pleasing 〈◊〉 consideration of the beautiful Lady â—ith whom he found dinner ended 〈◊〉 oppertunity under pretence of â—mmunicating some Secrets he had 〈◊〉 charge to her Lord to retire 〈◊〉 to a private place out of the hearâ—â—g of the Servants where he reâ—â—al'd his wicked purpose using many â—â—treaties to oblige her to a comâ—â—acency but finding she had rather die than violate her Chastity he threw her by force on a Couch and Ravish'd her after which leaving her overwhelm'd in Tears he with his retinue hasted thence The afflicted Lady concealing as much as in her lay the shame that was done her till her Lord came home fell at his Feet with great Cries declaring the Mischief that had befallen her saying she was altogether unworthy to name him her Husband since she had been so shamelessly abused intreating him by all the former Ties of Love to revenge himself and her which he not long after too sadly effected by being instrumental in bringing in the Danes who made miserable Havock of the Kingdom slaying the Ravisher and most of the Forces he lead Speeds Chron. Wonderful were the Examples of the Chast Ladies in the Abby of Glassenbury who by the Advice and Example of their Abess least their Incomparable Beauties should be the occasion of loosing their honours cutâ— off their Lips and Noses at the time when the Danes made progress through the Land with Fire and Sword and by that means saving their Chastity lost their Lives for the Barbarous Enemy finding it was done to cross their purpose cruelly put them to the Sword doubtless not unhappy for them who found thereby a speedy way to the reward of their Piety Speeds Cron. Stand back Diana in whom Fables tell The Sacred love of Chastity did dwell Yet cruel still they Paint thee for thine Eyes They say were pleas'd with Humain Sacrifice Give place to these whose Virtues shine more bright Than all the flames that on thy Alters blaz'd Whose Chaster Souls above the Stars took flight And for Deliverance their great Maker prais'd Of Piety In Piety and Love of sacred things this Sex is no ways wanting as not to mention the Examples of those 〈◊〉 Holy Writ many Histories haviâ—â— the lively Monuments of unwearâ—â— Divotion can furnish us nor haâ—â— they refus'd in most Ages to lay doâ—â— their lives with chearfulness for tâ—â— sake of their Redeemer Triumphiâ—â— with a Holy Joy in the Circling flamâ—â— bearing with a constancy and patienâ—â— almost Inexpressible all the Tormeâ—â— Witty Horror could invent nay soâ—â— have griev'd to be depriv'd of suchâ— Glory and long'd with eager Zealâ— pass through Tribulation to the plaâ—â— where Crowns and Diadems aâ— lay'd up for the perseverer in faithfuâ—ness till Death Eulalia a noble Virgin of Portugâ—â— dispising all the proffer'd Glories thâ—â— consist in Transcient things spent hâ—â— time and care in heaping up a Treasuâ—â— for her Soul Sobriety and Modeâ—â— were her Attendants and Discretiâ—â— Crown'd her Actions a Zeal and Fâ—â—vent Love to her Redeemer made hâ—â— fearless of danger knowing his support is all-sufficient and so continuâ—â— she increasing in Grace and Virtâ—â— when Hell stir'd up it's wicked Engins to oppose the flourishing Gospel when the Heathens â—â—harras ' 〈◊〉 Church than was it she appeared most constant and devout resolving to suffer any affliction for him that had redeemed her with his precious Blood and when the Christians were commanded to offer Sacrifice to Devils this Couragious Virgin by her Prayers and Exhortations encouraged them to be steadfast in the Faith and not to give the Tempter ground Praying dayly in the presence of the Heathen which her Parents who loved her entirely perceiving and fearing she might fall under the punishment of the Rigorous decree sent her to their Countrey House distant from the City and watched her there least she should escape but she desirous to possess a Crown of life brooked not that Solitude but found means to leave it and being sometime after presented to the Roman Prefect a man that Thirsted after Christian Blood she boldly own'd her Faith aledging she was ready to lay down her life for his sake from whom she had receiv'd itâ— which resolute persistance in that rigâ—teous 〈◊〉 made him rage to thâ— Excess that without regard to bâ— Birth Years or Tender Beauty 〈◊〉 commanded the Executioner to disâ—â—cate her Joynts and then with Wiâ—â— Beasts Claws tore off her Flesh whiâ—â— she regardless of her pain was praisâ—â— God for counting her worthy 〈◊〉 After this she was tortur'd with 〈◊〉 Iron Grate and had her Virgin Breaâ—â— Seer'd with flaming Torches whâ—â— fir'd
the Almighty to save the World from desolation her virtues are for the most part admirable and no less her judgment and the other Intelectual faculties of her Soul That as I have prov'd being nothing Inferiour to that in which Man centers his largest Pride and Boast imagining it as it truly is a Ray of Essence a Effluence of his Maker Woman from her Infancy with pretty Smiles delights the World and Chears the hearts of her admiring Parents and as she grows Virtue takes its place well pleas'd to dwell in such a Fabrick and brings as her Attendants Modesty Sobriety and a wining Behaviour No sooner is Woman possess'd by Man in the happy State of Conubial Love but she furuishes him with a shower of Blessings wrap'd in soft Delights and deck'd in Chastest Charms mild and plyant is her Temper and her Cariage towards him decent and comely her Behaviour her Love is beyond Expression and her Tenderness such that she values him on whom her heart is plac'd equal with all but her imortal happiness as for her Life she counts it a Trifle and had rather loose it than her Honour she esteems nothing on Earth too good for her Beloved and inforces all her Charms to please and render him the happy Father of hopeful Children she is indeed his Internus Sensus his second self equally shareing his Joys and Afflictions and is not like a Swallow that sings to the morning wake of his prosperity and when the Winter of his Adversity comes takes her way upon the Winds to seek a warmer Sun her Smiles are not to be bought with Silver nor her Love to be purchac'd with Gold but are freely and intirely plac'd upon her Beloved great is her diligence to please him and as great her care not to offend him when he rejoyces she rejoyces when he is griev'd she is sad simpathising with him in all things and is the secret Cabinet in which he dare repose his Secrets and find them there as safe as in his Soul a Repository she is of his abstrusest thoughts and is ever tender of his honour nothing she thinks too good for him nor nothing she can do too much in Health she takes care for his necessaries and is wonderfully tractable in forwarding his Affairs in Sickness she is more studious for his Health then her Intrest and puts up her Prayers and Vows to Heaven for his recovery Expressing in all her actions a careful Love and Tenderness and in her Words a venerable Esteem so that without so great a virtue as Woman Man must be miserable and forlorn as to his temporal Condition nor ought he to esteem so great a Blessing unworthy his largest Thoughts nor render the Almighty less Tribute of Praise and Thanks-giving for bestowing that last best favour on him which could only compleat his earthly Felicity In making Woman Nature has been Lavish and shew'd her curious Art in Forming a Creature soft and tempting to allay the rough temper of Man by moderation and mildness as the Fluid Aire prevents the Firey Region from Calcinating the Earth and renders that outragious Element serviceable to Man-kind Great was the cunning Nature used or rather the God of Nature not to refer so great a Work to second causes in framing the lovely structure of the Softer Sex in every part proporting what by sight or touch might yield delight forgetting nothing that was admirable in it self or might be pleasing to those whose curions thoughts could scan the best Perfections wonder not then why the Sex is so admir'd by all the sages of the World yet not so much as real Worth commands in true desert as has been often intimated in the foregoing Pages why then should Man decline so great a Blessing why should not he who is so proud of being Rational use his Rationalty to a right end and by temporal Love founded on Virtue strive to raise his Soul to that which is Eternal endless and not dated by degrees of time a Love unalterable as Fate sounded on a commixture of Blessings in conversation with Angels Arch-Angels Cherubims and Seraphims Thrones Dominations Prince-doms Virtues and Powers all the Starry Quire of Brightness and Batitude and higher yet for Love is God and God is Love by it the order of the Visible World is maintain'd and things not visible to mortal Eyes supported in their sacred order and concordence 't is that which makes all truly happy and without it is no happiness in this World nor the World to come Then let us prize a Gift that is so fair So good so just that she our love should share To a degree too great to be exprest Who of all Blessing Earth affords is best Who only Crowns all Earthly Flappiness And does Man-kind beyond his wishes bless A greater Blessing Heav'n never gave To Mortal Man but him that Man did save The Reasons why Mans Happiness is not compleat on Earth without the Charming Creature Woman AS for the necessity of the Beautious Sex it is evident not only for the sake of Generation but for that of Mutual Society Man without them being as a Solitary Traveller who Journeys through Wildernesses and Desarts where Rational Creatures seldome give his Eyes the plesure of beholding them though some may object that the Conversation of Man with Man is materialy sufficient I grant it is in general relating to indifferent affairs but where the Soul claims a closer Union than such Innocent diversions can alow that convers is of little moment Woman was taken from Man and therefore by a simpathy of Nature and a secret contraction of the better part she considers in being cruel to her temporal Original she is cruel to her self and in that cruellty offends her Maker unless a singular vow of Chastity interposes wherein her aime is to be a spotless Virgin that so she may follow the Lamb that has taken away Original Sin and given us leave and oppertunity to be Regenerate and Born again through Faith and Relyance on his meritorious Death and passion but to come nearer to the conclusion Eternal love ought to be our chief aim Life in our Saviours death we dâ—ly claim In his dear merits all our hopes must be Zone of our everlasting life is he A bright Meridian of Eternity But how came this great Mistery to pass Eternal Widom the Prime Author was The thing is deep and Mortal Minds are lost Heav'n nows alone what this dear Blessing cost Consider then and let us still adore Omnipotence which our weak nature bore Compassioning us he lay'd aside Known Glory dispising shame he dy'd â—â—â—'raign o're Death with Death he yet comply'd Having thus far discours'd I shall proceed to the Character of a Virtuous Woman in all her Capacities The GOLDEN CHARACTER Of a VIRTUOUS WOMAN In all her CAPACITIES IN this case three things are more immediately to be consider'd viz The Virgin State and those of Marriage and Widdow-hood and of these in their
great Ancestors nor in Physick Phylosophy Divine Misteries c. have they less Excell'd as will appear when I come to more particular Examples and if from Schools we pass to Courts and Camps there we shallfind the Trump of Fame more loud Ophis for her noble Actions was Reverenced by the Aegyptians as a Deitie Debora Plotinathe Wife of Trajan Semirames and Candaces were no less Famous for Prudence and Conduct than for Power and Magnificence Thomiris Queen of the Massagetae Subdued the mighty Cyrus Emperour of the Meeds and Persians and having taken him in Battle caused his Head to be stricken off in revenge of haveing slain her Son and cast it into a Cauldron of Blood saying that since he had thirsted so much after Blood and shed it causlessly be should not want his fill The brave Athemesia Encountering the Navy of the Rhodians who were on their way to destroy her Countrey Overthrew them in a dreadful Sea fight and prosecuting her Victory seized upon the Isle of Rhodes erecting a Trophy in Memory thereof in their Capital City and yet these are but trifles to what has been performed by Noble Viragoes whose Courage and Conduct has been manifested to Admiration as for Instance the Renowned Joan of Arch when France had stooped to English Valour and all its courage drooped to a degree even of dispaire this Warlike Maid by her courage and conduct put such Spirit and Life into the Feeble hearted French that fatal to the English soon after they stripped them out of almost all the Towns they held in that florishing Kingdom Nor can the World continue without this Sex were not these Virtues found in them but soon would droop in to a solitary Desart of this Rome's Founders were not Ignorant when at the hazzard of a doubtful War they seized on the Sabean Maids who came to view their Sports nor were they though Ravished at such a rate contrary doubtless to their Inclinations when they found themselves united in Conjugal bands regardless of their Ravishers but out of good Nature forgetting the injury Although their Fathers intending a rescue and had taken the Capitol maintaining a bloody Fight even in Romes Market-place they with dissheveld hair and crys rushed between the dreadful fronts of War exposing themselves to a Thousand dangers nor would retire till they had put an end to that disastrous conflict between their Husbands and their Fathers which so far moved the hearts of the Latter to relent that without more adoe Concord and firm Peace ensued Those Arms that Erst were bathed in each others Blood with all reciprocal Love embrace and mortal hatred is dslodged from eithers breast which noble Act of these Heroick and adventrous Females made Romulus Romes Founder cause their names to be Enroled Enacting by a Joynt consent that Women should be exempted from all Servile Employments and that there should be no such thing as Property between Husband and Wife but that all things should be common When Brutus heading the Romans upon the Ravishment of Luc retia had expelled Tarquin and his Race the Volsci takeing the opportunity of such a rupture Advanced with an Army towards Rome which for a time filled the City with Fear and amazement that had not the Noble Matrons by their Conrage and Conduct Inspired as it were the hearts of the drooping Souldiers that afterward Mistress of the World had become a prey to the Enemy whose retreat when within five miles of the Walls was solely attributed to the courage of a Female Worthy Whereupon a famous Temple was dedicated to Female Fortune and many notable Marks conferred upon them by the Senate as takeing the upper hand of the Men wearing of Purple Gold Fringe Jewels c. and by the Laws of latter Emperors Weomen were enabled to Succeed in the right of Inheritance And that Sacred right of Ecomiastick Orations at their Funerals and it was Provided in an Act Prohibiting the Sumpteousness of Apparrel that the Women should be exempted and left at their Liberty When Cammillius had made a Vow to Appollo and all the Roman Treasures could not furnish him with the Sum the generous Matrons of Rome for the Honour of their Countrey brought in their Rings Bracelets and other Ornaments of Gold Cyrus Warring with Astiages his Grandfather being overthrown in a great Battle had that Battle restored him by a reinforcement of Persian Ladyes nor is it unusuall for those Heroick Dames to go with their Husbands to the Wars and often sighting coragiously by their sides for which noble Act Cyrus as a token of his Gratitude left it is a Law that when any King of Persia entered the Regal City they should bestow on each Woman a Medall as a remembrance of that Noble Action Justinian the Renowned Emperour finding the pregnant Wit and generous Spirit of his Empress to excell consulted her in the compilement of those excellent Institutes which all succeeding Generations have held in admiration and many Kingdoms taken their Mold from them nor did the famous Law-giver Licurgus less esteem the Wisdome of the Female Sex ordering them an equal share in all honest Pastimes and Recreations The Divine Plato was no less sedulous in promoting the esteem of Women as having studied their Worth and Excellency nor were our Countrey women less Valiant in withstanding the Comquest of the Romans nor less Serviceable to the Bleeding Land in being a means to Extirpate or Expell the Danes which occasioned this Comment When England bleeding lay to gasp her last When powerful Foes had grasp'd her Scepter fast When Men stood mute with Grief and Fear struck Dumb The Bloody Foe by Women was o'recome Who each in Darkness with a Fataâ— Blade An Expiation to lost Honour made So rashly Ravish'd dispising Charms Earch gave her Ravisher a Death lock'â— in her Arms And by those strokes which some wou'â— cruel call They sav'd their Countrey ready then to fall And let the World perceive it was noâ— they Who gave their honour but 't was forc'â— away So fall each Ravisher who dare prophane This noble Sex with such a Lawlesâ— staine These things considered who that proceeded from a Woman can but admire and esteem the Sex whose tender care to their off-spring is such that no wakeful vigilance no care pain or danger is thought too much may even Death it self has not in such a case been shunned but rather courted in it's dreadful shape in ventering on Swords and rushing through the flames to save their Darlings from untimely Fate or perish with them nor for their Husbands have their care been less as many examples of such boundless Love and dear Affection can testifie wherefore seeing Man owes half his Life to Woman what less returns for such a Care and tender Affection can he make then all his Love that Heaven permits him to place upon Earthly things And those that do otherwise where it is lawfull degenerate from the Nobleness of the first created Rational and
happened to Snow which accident by reason it was somewhat late did not a little trouble the Lovers least upon his return the prints of his Feet should be observed the next Morning which coming from the Ladies appartment might create a suspition to prevent which love which takes the Diadem of Majesty from Queens made this lovely Princess do an Act for a Lover very unbeseeming and unusual for the Daughter of so great a Potentate viz. She took the Secretary upon her Shoulders and carried him all the length of the Court to his Chamber he not setting Foot to the Ground and there delivering her burthen returned yet so it happen'd that during this piece of Portrage the Emperour being late in his Studie chanc'd to look out and behold it yet at that time kept silence when the next day in a great Assembly of his Lords his Daughter and Eginardus being present he demanded what Punishment he deserved who made use of a Kings Daughter as of a Mule and caused himself to be carried on her Shoulders in the middest of Winter through the Snow upon this every one gave his opinion that he was worthy of Death which started the Lovers and made them change their colour expecting some dreadful punishment but contrary to their expectation the Emperour looking upon his Secretary with a smooth Countenance Eginardus saith he hadest thou loved the Princess my Daughter thou oughtest to have come to her Father the disposer of her liberty thou art worthy of Death yet I give thee two lives Tale thy sair Portress in Marriage fear God and love one another The Joy these lovers conceived at so unexpected a happiness I leave to the Imagination of the Reader Caus. 〈◊〉 Court Tom. 2. The Moorish Princess Xexin Daughter of Muley Moluck King of Fes and Moroâ—o upon the Fame of Don Sebastian King of Portugal though an 〈◊〉 who came to Invade her Fathers Countrey conceived so great a love for him that when his Army was overthrown on the plains of Tamista near Alcazar and himself slain She came e're the day dawn'd accompanied with one slave named Laura to seek him amongst the heaps of the dead when entring that miserable Scene of Slaughter She Inquired of some wounded men that were yet breathing where the King Fought and with many abrupt stammerings being informed by those dying wretches She hasted thither resolving to Sacrifice her Life and fall upon him when comming to the heap of â—lain She espyed one extreamly resembling her Lover for She had seen the King of Portugal often and thereupon with great cries She embraced and moved him but being about to offer violence to her self She found the supposed dead Man to breath and after some rubbing and chafeing he came to himself So that binding up his wounds She and her Slave with the help of a Matriner conveighed him into a little â—â—land in the River Muâ—azen and â—ere provided all things for him verily supposing him the King of Portugal for indeed Nature had made this Subject for so he proved and not the King of Portugal so like his Prince that the Portugals themselves were deceived as will appear This Man thus snatch'd from death being continually attended by the Princes who infinitly doated on him and used him like a vallued Lover began to wonder from whence the cause of such mighty Kindness should spring when one day after a Sigh She said Heaven will not deprive Portugal of it's King but has made your Xerine Happy in saving her dear Don Saebastians Life by this Speech he found the Princes Error yet thought it not convenient to undeceive her but rather to promote it and so by insinuation he came to understand who She was as likewise her Love to the King of Portugal and so far he prvailed upon that Princes that She thought nothing too dear for him but used her Interest with Muley Boabdelin a Moorish Prince and her Conzen to Entertain him in his Pallace at Hoscore till such time as She could furnish him with a train suitable for a King as She supposed him to be to return to his own Countrey This old Moorish Prince verily believed him to be as his Conzen had reported and Imagining if he got into Portugal he would not regard the Vows he had made to Marry her caused them to be Married out of hand she in consideration thereof promising to become a Christian which She afterwards performed being a Lady exceeding beautifull as Born of a Greek Mother and consequently much whiter than the Affricans and soon after provided him an Equipage to go for Portugal to which Crown Henry who succeded Saebastian being dead many said claym but at length it was grasped by the King of Spain who proved the stronger wherefore he first arrived in Italy and was received by the Dutchess of Parma who as the former verily believed him to be the true Saebastian as likewise did some Ministers sent from the Estates of Portugal which made him in the end â—magine himself to be no less for beâ—ng denied possession of that Kingdom â—â—e drew a great power after him but being defeated on the Frontiers of Portugal and taken Prisoner after which being brought to Lisbon and Imprisoned as an Imposter at what time Xerine was come out of Africâ— to assist him in the recovery as She thought of his right She having by this time had a Son by him but thiâ— Misfortune did not at all alter thâ— Love of the Princess who earnestly laboured for his deliverance often visiting him in Prison where falling sick and at the point of Death he declared how he had deceived her anâ— that he was 〈◊〉 the King of Portugalâ— yet for all that her Love abated not but She in the best wise comforted him Afflict not your self said thâ— Generous Princess with too late and unuseful Repentance I lov'd the Persoâ— of Don Sebastian more then the splendor of his condition I thought I had meâ— that Person in you Those Charms which first touch'd me have lost none of theiâ— priviledg because they were not place◠〈◊〉 Monarch though I confess I shoulâ— never have observed them in an Ordinarâ— Mam Neither my Spirit nor my Birth 〈◊〉 would have permitted me to consider whom 〈◊〉 had not thought a Prince but my error became dear to me and is so still notwithstanding it proves fatal to my peace The name of Husband is so Sacred to a Woman truly Virtuous that it obliâ—erates any shame which accompanyes it Therefore try to overcome your Ilness my dear Prince pardon the name Forâ—â—ne said She lifting up her Eyes â—o Heaven might have given it 〈◊〉 She gave you me Rescue your self â—f it be possible from the arms of 〈◊〉 â—t may be we may find you a happyness more calm and happy than that which is â—enyed you in Portugal With this exâ—oss of Female Generosity the counterâ—eit Sebastian was so mov'd that he â—ould no longer suffer the Transports â—f it but in the Armes of
Poetus having notice that her Husband was Condemned to dye yet liberty given him to choose his death she went to him and exhorted him to Breath his last with Constancy and Courage and after having taken a dear farewell she stab'd her self with a Knife she had hid under her Garments and drawing it out only said e're she fell dead at his Feet The wound I have made Paetus smarts not but that only which thou art about to give thy self Camer Oper. Subsic Upon this Extravegant effect of passionate love Martial made this Epigram When Arria to her Husband gave the Knife Which made the wound whereby she lost her life This wound dear Poetus grieves me not said she But that which thou must give thy self grieves me In the Reign of Vespasian the Gaules Rebell'd under the leading of Julius Sabinus But being reduced their Captain was sought for but having hid himself in the Monument of his Grand-Father to which none but two of his freed men were privy it was given out that he had poisoned himself and the better to colour it he caused his House to be set on fire that his Body might be supposed therein to be burnt his Wife Eponiva not knowing the contrary made great Sorrow incessantly Weeping and refusing either Food or to be Comforted of which those that were private to his hiding told their Lord desiring him to take pitty on their Lady who was determined to die and in order thereto had abstained from all manner of Food for the space of three days by undeceiving her to save the Woman that lov'd him so well which was granted and she brought to the place where finding him alive she flew into his Arm◠with all the eager Joys of a tender Wife and in that dolesome place lived with him nine years bringing forth Children But in the end the place of their Aboad was discover'd and they brought to Rome where this Virtious Lady shewing her Children to Vespasian Behold O Coesar saith she such as I have brought forth and Nourished in a Monument that thou mightest have more supplyants for◠our lives But that Emperour banishing Compassion commanded them both to be slain The Lady joyfully dying with her Husband with whom she had been as it were Buryed so many years Lips Monit Clara Cervenda was one of the most Beautiful Virgins in all Bruges she Married one Bernard Valdaura a Man Aged and wonderfully Infirm by reason of the foul Disease he had contracted in his Youth and in the end growing so Ulcerous and so Naucious that the Chyrurgion fled the Scent of him yet this Tender Lady for the space of Twenty years continually watch'd and tended him not imagining any thing too dear for him and when their Money by that large Expence fail'd she sold her Jewels and wearing Apparel Disrobing and in a manner starving her self to support him So sacred to this virtuous Lady was the name of Husband and even of such a one as had brought her to Ruine and Misery nay when he was rotted away that his shatter'd Body could no longer retain his fleeting Soul she made great Lamentation and when some instead of comforting of her told her that God had done much in taking him away and for that reason they came to congratulate her She turned aside and would not hear them but with a mournful Voice wished for her Husband again and that she would give any thing in the world could she Retrieve him Being sought by many in Marriage her Answer was That she could 〈◊〉 meet with any whom she could love or like so well as her deceased Husband Camerar Oper Subsic So truly loving was this constant Dame That she deserves a place i' th Book of Fame Nor is Woman-kind only found such an admirable pattern to Man 〈◊〉 but the Sex has prov'd as faithful Woman to Woman as appears by the following Relation Bona a noble Virgin living in a Nunery contracted so great a Friendship with a Beautiful Maid not exceeding her in years that they appear'd to those that observed their actions to have but one Soul their affections were so united and met so exactly in every thing But so it happened to the unspeakable grief of Bona that Death in process of time with his Icey hand seiz'd upon her dear Companion the partner of her thoughts and only sharer of her best affections sealing her Eyes in Gloomy Night which caused a flood of pious grief to flow from the surviving Lady In the excess of which she earnestly beg'd she might not stay behind but that their Bodies might possess one Grave Although this was a rash wish yet it was answered For she e're the other was Buried dyed Insomuch that one Funeral Solemnity serv'd them both Marul Lib. 3. C. 3. Thus Love and Chastity together dy'd Ravish'd by Death they in one Grave abide How great likewise hath the love of Mothers been towards their Children which for Brevities say I shall instance but in two Examples Monica the Mother of Agustine whilst her Son in his Youth followed lewd Courses ceas'd not to Pray day and night for his Conversion and doubtless her Prayers were heard which may be gathered by the strangeness of his being made sensible of the dangerous condition he was in which occasioned St. Ambrose to comfort her in this wise It 's impossible says he that a Son of so many Prayers and Tears can miscarry Clarks Mir. For love to Souls all other love excells It must be Heaven where such an Angel dwells The Women of Carthage in the third Punick War when they understood the Senate had agree'd to send the noble Youths of that City into Sicily as a Hostage in consideration of a peace with the Romans so outragious was the sorrow of those Mothers whose Sons were so to be snatc'd from them that nothing was heard but Cryes Sighs and sad Laments and when they were going to Embarque they followed them in the like manner huging them in their strict Embraces with Countenances full of Care and Sadness to hinder their going as loath to take their sad farewell but finding they were snatch'd from them by the Officers who were to see them safe delivered and thrust on Bord as soon as the Ships put off many of those woeful Mothers leap'd into the Sea after them and were overwhelm'd by the Relentless Waves Sebel l. 3. c. 4. This sad Disaster occasioned the following Lines When as the two Renown'd Republiques Jar'd When Mighty Rome and Carthage long had War'd To try by dint of Sword which Fate design'd Mistress ot'h World and Ruler of Mankind Tir'd with the tedious bloodshed that Imbrew'd Europe and Affrica a Peace insu'd But Carthage often breaking 't was thought fit They should with speed their noble Touths commit For more security to Roman bands As Hostages but when to Foraign Lands The Woful Mothers knew their Sons must go What Scenes of sorrow did great Carthage show Nothing but Crys but Sighs and Groans were heard
Foe and make his love renew In this case we find Famous Instances in Holy Writ as Sarah Rachel Leah Ruth and many more who thereby not only had immediate Blessings confer'd upon them but render'd themselves worthy Examples to all Posterity How many Virtuous Ladies might I number in Histories of divers Nations would the intended Brevity admit a further Enrolement of their Names who have wholly addicted themselves to Humility the true ground of Generosity and Nobleness even such as in an Ocean of Worldly Prosperity have rather considered they were Dust and that Earthly Riches and the Fond Aplause of flattring Parasites notwithstanding their enforc'd Eloquence could render them no other as for Instance Elizabeth Daughter to a King of Hungary and Wife to Lewis the Lantgrave of Tharengia amidst the Royalties wherewith her Court abounded was so wonderfully affected with the Sence of Humility that often remaining at home with her Maids she put on her meanest Apparel saying she would never use any other Ornaments when it should come to pass that the good and merciful Lord should put her into a condition wherein she might more freely dispose of her self When she went to her Divotion in publick not regarding her Greatness she would rather choose to Kneel amongst the Poor Women than the Ladies of the Court as imagining it most acceptable to her Maker After the Death of her Husband whom she lov'd she retir'd from places populous with few attendants and in the end went on Pilgramage giving to the Poor what came to her hands and Built for their Relief an Hospital wherein she Ministred to the Sick and took extraordinary care they should want for nothing being sent for to Return to her Fathers Court she made such Excuses and used so many Entreaties that she kept her station prefering Humility before the Enjoyments of a Kingdom Farewell thou great in mind who dost out-vie In this thy State of true Humility Those that Ambition tosses to the Skie So safe upon the Beach the Gentle Swain Beholds the trouble of the swelling Main And by contentment do's dose dangers shun Into whose Arms the greedy Saylers run Of Patience Nor is Patience though some detracters have aledg'd the contrary less admirable in Woman-kind what wonderful Tryals has the Sex undergone even to admiration not only in the loss of Substance and a reduction to Poverty loss of dearest Relations and the like but with an admirable constancy and strmness of Mind the most unjust and undeserv'd Punishments not mov'd nor disorder'd by the almost Unconquerable effects of Feaâ— and Anger But stood their Ground against the storms of Fate Nothing their brave Resolves cou'd dissipate Gaining a second place to his great worth Whom Uz to admiration did bring forth Nor is it amiss to mention one singular Example by which the Reader may guess at the rest In the Reign of Charles the Ninth French King divers Licentius villains getting together to shead Innocent Blood Plunder Houses and commit many other outrages amongst the rest one whose Name was Dure a very proper Name for such an Inexorable Ruffain Entering with many Curses and Imprecation the House of one Agnes a virtuous Widdow and casting a Cord about her Neck drag'd her about till she was almost strangled she not in the least complaining and then letting her come a little to her self demanded where her Money was to which with a compos'd Countenance she reply'd she had no more than a French Penny which made him Rage exceedingly and again repeat his cruelty in draging her about but perceiving she was unconcern'd at this he put hot Eggs under her Armpits till they were Scorch'd and Blister'd extreamly yet she not so much as complain'd but was more concern'd at the Impious Blasphemies he utter'd than at her own pain After that finding her Arm'd with Patience to a Miracle he threatned to throw her from the highesâ— Steeple in the Town yet fearless of that Danger she Reply'd If you throw my Body never so low you cannot hinder my Soul from ascending into Heaven The Wretch by this wonderful Constancy of Mind not yet being overcome stop'd Lime and Urine into her Mouth which she indur'd as the rest when finding he could no ways prevail he left her Clarks Mart. Of Steadfastness To this may be Added the Gallantry and unshaken Steadfastness wherewith some women have receiv'd Death and for Instance two of our own Nation were most Admirable Queen Ann one of the Wives of Henry the Eight and Mother to the Renown'd Queen Elizabeth upon the suppos'd false Accusations of some Envious Persons who look'd upon her Greatness with eyes Ascance being sentenc'd to Death as she was lead to be Beheaded in the Tower espying one of the Kings Privy Chamber she call'd him to her and Commend me said she to the King and tell him He is constant in his course of Advancing me for from a private Gentlewoman he made me a Marchioness from a Marchioness a Queen and now that he hath left no higher degree of Worldly Honour for me he hath made me a Martyr Bak. Chron. P. 408. Less admirable was not the Courage and Patience of the Learn'd Wise and Pious Jane Gray a Lady of Royal Extraction who for the guilty greatness of others who against her Will advanc'd her to the Seat that was not her right was in the Reign of Queen Mary together with her Husband the Lord Guildford Condemned to die during the respite Doctor Fecknam was sent to tell her she must prepare her self to die the next day which Message so little displeased her that she seem'd rather to rejoyce at it The Doctor being earnest with her to Embrace the old Religion and leave the new She Answer'd She had no time to think of any thing but preparing her self for God by Prayer The Doctor supposing she had spoken this that she might have some longer time of life obtain'd of the Queen a further respite of three days and gave her to understand as much Whereat she with a Smilling Countenance reply'd You are much deceiv'd if you think I had any desire of longer life I asure you since the time you went from me my life has been so tedious to me that I long for nothing so much as Death and since it is the Queens pleasure I most willingly uudergo it Bak. Chron. P. 458. Nor was the Countenances of these Ladies alter'd on the Scaffold till Death had turn'd their Lovely Faces to a deadly Paleness Neither was the latter at all discompos'd when she saw her Husband whom she Entirely lov'd brought into her apartment Headless as having the same morning been Executed a little before Holingsheads Chron c. Such is the strength of Mind some Women bear That Death 's Pale Terror can't infuse a Fear To these we might joyn the Beautious African Queen though in a different Method The Relation thus Sophonisba Queen of Numidia Wife to King Syphax upon the overthrow of her Husband
by Scipio the Roman Consul yielded her self up to Massinissa an African Prince and Confederate of the Romans Entreating him that she might not be put into the power of the Roman Senate he promis'd to be her Protecter and in consideration fo her amazing Beauty Marri'd her having been contracted to her before her Marriage with Syphax but it coming to the Ears of Scipio he let him understand that the Romans had a Title to her Head and that she was a mischievous Enemy to the People of Rome and therefore requir'd him not to commit a great offence upon little reason The King confounded within himself at this news Blush'd and Wept for a time but in sine promis'd to be Govern'd by Scipio he went to his Royal Pavillion where having given his sorrow vent he call'd a trusty Servant and by his hand sent a Cup of Poison to his Beloved Sophonisba with these Expressions viz. That gladly he would have had her to live with him as his Wife but since they who had power to hinder him of his desire would not yield thereto he had sent her a Cup that shoâ—ld prevent her falling into their hands alive willing her to remember her Birth and high Estate which would direct her to take Orders for her self At the Receipt of the Message and Potion of Death the Couragious Queen nothing daunted reply'd That if her Husband had no better Present for his new Wife she must accept of this Adding she might have died more honourable if she had not Wedded so late before her Funeral and thereupon drunk off the deadly Potion that bereav'd her of her life Reighs Hist World Great thoughts long strugl'd in her Royal Breast Till fear of Bondage fear of Death surprest And that her Birth and Nobleness might be An argument she scorn'd Captivitie That she could die she let the Romans see And to say somewhat further much to the same purpose a Christian Matron falling in Travel in Prison where she was confin'd by the Persecutors upon the Account of her Religion Express'd some sence of Sorrow which being over-hear'd by her Enemies they demanded if in that case she was so sensible what would she be when she came to the flames Ah! said she I suffer this as a miserable woman under those sorrows that are lay'd upon me for my sins but then I shall suffer aâ— a Christian for the sake of Christ Camer Oper. Subsisiv c. So different is the cause of Pain osâ— found That what some think the most the least do's wound Of Modesty Nor is the Wonderous though becoming and seemly Modesty wherewith some are possess'd a less Adornment than what has been premis'd A Virtuous Modesty do's Beauty grace And make the Charms more lovely iâ— each Face It makes the Roses with the Lillies joyn The sweet Carnation with the Gessamine Nay further yet it do's a Factor prove To barter hearts and trade in chastest love Nothing more winns there 's nothing sooner can Than Female Modesty alure Fond Man And this Sex exceeds not only in Action but in Speech and Guesture â—ome having chosen rather to underâ—oe severe Punishments than to do â—r be Concious of any Immodest Actiâ—n Martia Daughter of Varo one of â—e bravest Female Wits of her time â—eing skill'd in divers Arts but more â—urious in that Excellent one of Limnâ—â—g to the life yet no entreaty or reâ—ard could prevail with her to porâ—â—ay or paint the Counterfait of a Man â—r Woman Naked least thereby she â—â—ould offend against the Rules of Moâ—â—sty so concious was she though 〈◊〉 a thing most Innocent in its self â—ast in should meet with a wrong conâ—â—ruction or she therein give a bad Example to others Caus Treat 〈◊〉 Passion Nor only in Life but as we maâ— say in Death it self has this Râ—â— been observ'd as appears by the Mâ—ther of Alexander the great namâ— Olimpias For Cassander having coâ—manded her to be slain as soon as tâ—â— Executioner sent to dispatch her hâ—â— inform'd her of his Message she toâ—â— especial care so to wrap up her self 〈◊〉 her Robes that when she should faâ— no part of her Body should be disâ—â—ver'd but what might beseem a Mâ—dest Matron And in the like manâ—died the Wife of Pantheus whâ— doom'd to Death by Ptolomeus King Aegypt Fulgos l. 4. Mandâ—slo in his Travels tells us 〈◊〉 a Young Gentlewoman in Japan wâ—â— by accident breaking Wind as she aâ— tended at the Table was possesâ— with such a sence of Shame that iâ—mediately hiding her Face she depaâ—â—ed and so far resented that Indecenâ—â— she as altogether undesirous to survâ—â— it in a Rage bit off one of her Nipâ—â— which inflaming her Breast struâ—â— her to the heart with a mortal Pain â—nd so ended she her days Mandelo's Travels L. 2. P. 190. And yet stranger are the effects of Modesty as it appears in the story of â—he Milesian Virgins who out of some â—d humour were many of them posâ—ess'd with a desire of laying violent â—ands on themseves by strangling â—nd although they were narrowly â—atch'd by their Friends yet some â—f them found opportunity to effect 〈◊〉 which made their Parents attriâ—ute it to the Divine displeasure and â—ere at a loss which way to appease â—he offended Deitie When one of â—he Sages proposed a Remedy which â—t first was suppos'd Indesicient but â—rov'd an Expedient to prevent that â—isorder which was That every Maâ—d who so Violated her life should 〈◊〉 a spectakle of Derision be carry'd Naâ—â—d through the Principal City which â—eing confirm'd by a Decree the â—ear of the shame after Death wrought 〈◊〉 effectually that for the future they â—esisted from that unadvis'd and unâ—mely Expulsion of Life Modesty in that case having a greater sway with them than the fear of Death Caus H. C. Tom. 1. L. 2. Aluilda the Beautiful Daughter of Suiardus a King of the Goths was possess'd with such Bashfulness that for the most part she Veild her Face as not being willing to expose her Modest Blushes which commonly flulsh'd in her fair Cheeks at the sight of Man Olaus Mag. L. 5. C. 18. So much the sence of Modesty haâ— wrought That it has Wonders to Perfectioâ— brought A spark it is of Native Innocence Dwelt with our Parents e're they gavâ— offence E're shameless sin in Eden did commence Of Temperance For Temperance this Sex has been wonderfully Esteem'd in all Nations as the Enemy of Luxury which is one main reason why they are generally more Healthful than Men and exceed them in the Prologation of their lives affecting in all things a Modest Neatness and Decency Order and Comliness being their proper Attribute Nature in this Expresses them refin'd In choicest Molds she casts fair Woman-kind As for the powerful effests of their Charming Beauty they are so Universally known especially to Lovers that in vain it would be to Endeavour a fuller satisfaction than each Idea of hose Angelick Creatures forms in the Fancy of him by whom she
is admir'd but seeing Fame has been Lavish in spreading o're the Universe the Amazing perfections of her whose Rape Troy Mourn'd in Tears of Blood and in whose hard recovery the Flower of Greece was lost Nor less is my intent to tell of Aegypts far fam'd Queen whose matchless Beauty Captivated him to whom great Rome and all the World bended low The first of the above nam'd Beauties was Daughter to Ledea snatch'd from her Mothers Arms almost in her Infancy by the War-like Theseus then the Glory of the Grecian Provinces but afterward restor'd a spotless Virgin and Marri'd to the renown'd Menelaus King of Sparta who leaving after the first delights so great a Treasure under slender Gaurds she was sorpriz'd by Paris Son of Priam and in an unhappy hour covey'd to Troy a Famous City in the Lesseâ— Asia but for that Rape raz'd by the enrag'd Grecians This Lady was of Complection fair her Skin soft as the down of Swanâ— Enrich'd with charming whitness the Round of her Face inclining to a perfect Oval her Eyes black and not the largest size possess'd all that could bâ— desir'd in Loveliness quick they werâ— with Mildness and so full of Love thaâ— with a single Glance they darted into the coldest breast all the flame thaâ— sparkled in themselves Her Mouth noâ— way inferiour to her Eyes was small and shut with Lips that bore the purâ— Virmillion in it 's natural frame iâ— presented an Object not to be paralel'd for Beauty and when it open either in speech or seemly laughter it not only exposed rows of Ivory outvieing Orient Pearls but afforded thosands of new Charms her Hair like curling Amber dangled on her Snowy Shoulders her Hands and Arms were long and final white as polish'd Ivory or the curious Alablaster yet more taking by the Azar streams that wantonly Meandr'd through their tempting softness in her fair Cheeks Roses and Lillies strove for Mastery and in sine Fame will have her such a lovely Frame so perfect in each part that 't is no wonder if Love to which no Law at all times can set bounds conquering the reason of the Trojan Prince made him at any hazzard covet such a Treasure A Treasure had it been a lawful Prize Which might have made his Towring fancy rise Above the Soar of other Earthly Joys As for the Beautious Cleopatra she was Daughter of Ptolomeus Auletes King of Aegypt and after the death of her Father and Brother Ptolomeus Cajus Julius Caesar for the Love he bore her made her Queen of Aegypt her Magnificence and Excellent Beauty being thus described by T. May in his Second Book of Continuation Anexed to Lucan's Pharsalia where relating the entertainment she made to Caesar he thus begins Great Cleopatra Mistress of the State To give the Conquering Author of her Fate High Entertainment to his Eye display's Th' Aegyptian Wealth in such Luxurious ways As might Excuse even Rome and make the Riot Of her degenerate Senate seem the Diet. Which th' Antient Curii and Camillus us'd Not what her Asian Vistories Infus'd The Gorgeous Pallace with such Luster shown As wealthy Kingdoms near their ruin grown Vs'd to express which shew the present crimes And speak the Fortune of precedent times But Caesars Eyes in all that wealthy store Which he so lately had beheld before No pleasure find nor with delight viewes he The Golden Roofs nor precious Imag'rie Rich Eben Pillars Boards of Citron-Wood Which on their carved Ivory Tressels stood Nor curious Hangings do his Eyes admire For Cleopatra's Beauty and Attire Did quite Eclipse those Objects and out shone All other splendors on her looks alone His Eyes are ffx'd which though beheld before The more he views do Ravish him the more All other Objects loose at second sight But Womans Beuaty breeds the more delight The ofter seen he views that Snowy neck Those Golden tressels which no Gems can deck The Wealth she wore about her seem'd to hide Not to adorn her native Beauties Pride Though their bright Pearls from the Erithrnean Shores From all th' Assirian Lakes the wealthy Stores Of Silver Ganges and Hydaspes shone From Aegypt's Eastern Isles the Gold green stone And chearful Emralds gather'd from the Green Arabian Rocks were in full splendor seen Pale Onyx Jasper of a Various die And Diemonds darken'd by her brighter Eye The Saphires blew by her more Azure Veins Hung not to boast but to confess their stains And blushing Rubies seem'd to loose their Dye When her more Rubie Lips were moveing by It seem'd so well became her what she wore She had not rob'd at all the Creatures Store But had been Natur 's self there to have show'd What she on Creatures cou'd or had bestow'd Of Learning But not to proceed further in a perfection that is so Perspicuous I shall pass from it to relate that internal Beauty which more compleats the adornment of the Mind and centering in the Soul delates it self not only to the praise of the possessor but the benefit of others and in the first place insist upon the admirable perfections Women have attain'd to in Learning Tabiola a Roman Matron wonderfully desirous to Improve herself in the Knowledge of Sacred things adicted her self to Learning and so profited therein as to gain that esteem amongst the Learn'd which caus'd St. Jerome to dedicate a Book to her Intituled De Vâ—ste Sacerdotali Mercela Romana and was mentioned in divers of his Epistles Constantia the Wife of Alexander Sforza had improv'd her self in Learning by her Indefatigable Industry that upon the suddain and without any Premeditation she was capable sufficiently to discourse upon any subject either Theological or Philosophical and was moreover singularly read in the works of St. Jerome Ambross Gregory Lactantius and Cicero In Poetrie she was admirable and so fluent that with her Extempory Conceits she attracted the Ears of the Learned and this Facility of hers is reported to be Innate as proceeding freely without force or affection Heywood of W. Nor has the Ingenious Sex been less seen in Phylosophy In deep Phylosophy were women Verst Through those dark secrets womans Withas 〈◊〉 As will appear in the Example of Zenobia Queen of the Palmirians who after the death of Onedatus Govern'd that Kingdom of Syria Her the Romans took Captive and brought to Rome but there for her admirable skill in and knowledge of that Divine Science she was not only Pardon'd but alow'd a Pallace upon the Banks of the River Tiber and was there Respected with the same Regard as the Sophies of Persia were wont Being at any time Invited to hear Publique Orations she would never appear but Arm'd with her Shining Helmet on her Head a purple Mantle flowing on her Shoulders Button'd with pretious Gems But above all she was wonderfully skill'd in the Greek and Arabian Tongues and in the like Learning she instructed Hermolaus and Timolaus her Sons and is mention'd by Volaterran as a most accomplish'd Woman One in
Earth Mankind to restâ—â— Then shall the Eastern Monarchs Presents bring To one a Priest a Prophet and a King Sybila Phrigia as most are of Opinion was no other than Cassandria Daughter to Pryam King of Troy and 〈◊〉 his Queen She foretold the destruction of Troy but was never credited but speaking nothing of our Blessed Saviour I shall pass by her Predictions though they axactly came â—o pass Sybila Tiburnia so call'd of the Riâ—er Tiber was otherwise call'd Alâ—urnia or Albania from the City Alâ—a the place of her Birth It is reâ—orted of her that the Romans goâ—â—g about to Deifie August Caesar deâ—anded her advice who after three â—ays fasting before the Alter where â—â—e Emperor was present after many â—ysterious words Miraculously spoke â—â—ncerning our Blessed Saviour upon â—e suddain the Heavens seem'd to oâ—en and Caesar saw a Beautiful Virgin standing before the Alter holding anâ— Infant in her Arms whereat affrighted he fell on his Face and heard a Voice saying This is the Alter of the Son of God in which place a Temple was after built and Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and call'd the Alter oâ— Heaven This Polichronicon Asserts and quots St. Augustine for his Authoâ— lib. 8 cap. 24. Her Predictions â—â— our Saviour were these after she haâ— recited divers wonders of the Worldâ— which I willingly omit What at these Triâ—â—es stands the World amaz'd And hath on them with Admir atiâ— Gaz'd Then Wonder when the Troubl'd 〈◊〉 apease He shall descend who made them thâ— made these Sybila Europica was so call'd 〈◊〉 that her particular Region or place 〈◊〉 Birth was not known nor is she aâ— counted amongst the Ten but addeâ— and her predictions were these VVhen the great King of all the world shall have No place on Earth by which he can be known VVhen he that comes all Mortal men to save Shall find his own life by the world o'rethrown VVhen the most Just Injustice shall deprive And the great Judge be Judged by his own Death when to Death a Death by Death hath given Then shall be op't the long shut Gates of Heaven Sybila Aegypta was likewise Added 〈◊〉 the Ten she prophesied on the â—umber Three and having reckoned â—any things Existent in that nature â—us proceeds But which of us observe the sacred Trine Three Persons in one God-head Sole Divine That Individual Essence who dare scan VVhich is shall be and e're the world began VVas in Eternity when of these thruâ— One of that most Inscrutable Trinity The second person Wisdom shall Eâ—tomb Aâ— Majesties within a Virgins Wom◠〈◊〉 Man true God shall to that be Trine Link True Light shall shine and False Staâ— be Extinct Sybila Aerithraea was Born in Baâ—â—lon and was Daughter to Berosius thâ— Famous Astrologer she prophesie of the Greeks that came to the Sieâ— of Troy defined the places whenâ— they came and how long the Sieâ— would last mentioning in her Boâ— Hâ—â—mâ—r and how that he should wriâ— of those Wars partially according â— his Affection and not the Truth aâ— in this manner prophesied she of oâ— Blessed Saviour The time by the great Oracle assign'd VVhen God himself in pity to Mankind Shall from the Heav'n decend and be Incarnate Eâ—â—ring the world a Lamb Imaculate And of himself in wisdom thinks so Meet VValks on the Earth with three and thirty Feet And with six Fingers all his Subjects then Though â—â— King Mighty shall be Fishermen In Number twelve with these war shall be try'd Against the Devil the World the Flesh and Pride Humility shall quell the sharpest Sword VVith which they Fight shall be the Sacred Word Establish'd upon Earth which Foundation Once lay'd shall be Divulg'd to every Nation Women skill'd in Painting By the Words Feet and Finges are to be understood Years and Months And thus I conclude the prophesies and predictions of the Sybils which if truly theirs and by their being deliver'd down through so many hands they have been neither added to nor deminshed it remains doubtful whether it was in the power of any Infernal Spirit to divulge such sacred truths so long before they came to pass or if it was by this we may see that the Devils themselves were constrain'd to fore-tell what they fore-saw would be the Ruine of their Kingdom As Limning or Painting comes the nearest to Poetry the one Exposing things Lively drawn to the Eare and the other to the Eye I shall Incert the dexterity of some Women skill'd therein Thymarete the Daughter of Mycaâ—n was eminent in this Art and amongst other curious pieces drawn to the life she drew that Master-piece which fill'd the Beholders with admiration viz. The picture of Diana which was afterward hung up in the Temple of Ephesus she being accounted the best Artist the World had afforded to that time and flourishedin the time of Aâ—chelaus King of Macedon Pliny l. 3 c. 11. Irene was Daughter to Crantinus a man Famous in this Art she by often observing her Father so wonderfully profited herein that she drew the Counterfait of a Beautious Virgin of the City of Eleusina so to the Life that after it had been a long time prais'd and admir'd it was plac'd amongst the Rarities to be admir'd by succeeding Ages Lala Cizice Daughter to Marcus Varo practised the use of the Pencil in Rome and in the Art of Limning attain'd to such perfection that she drew her own picture to the Life by the help of a Looking-glass She also used a sharp pointed Quill call'd â—estrum with which she curiously cut in Ivory as in these days 〈◊〉 do in Silver or Copper and was commended above all the Virgins of her time for nimbleness and dexterity of hand none ever equaling her in quickness and for Fancy and Curiosity she exceeded Sopylon and Dionysus who otherwise found none that might compare with them and least the cares of Marriage should hinder her herein she chose to spend her days in a state of Virginity Heywoods Hist W. Thus art iâ—spir'd Ingenious women can Equal if not Exceed the skill of man Women skill'd in Weaving In curious Webs the Sex claimes propriety as an Art attributed to their Ingenuity and in this many have been Famous as Arachue of Lydia Daughter of Iâ—arus who wrought so curiously that she is Fabled to be turned â—nto a Spider by Minerua with whom she contended for precedency Penelope the Chast wise of Vlisses who made 〈◊〉 her Employment during her Husbaâ—ds being abroad in the Trojan Wars and his wandering at Sea nor would she be perswaded by any means to Marry during his twenty years Absence neither by her Parents nor the Nobles that came to Court her although she was Inform'd her Husband was dead but when they were so Importunate that she conceived they would compel her she Intreated them that she might make an end of her Web and then she would consent to Marry but instead of finishing it what she Weav'd in the Day she
Order A Virtuous Virgin may be properly call'd the Treasurey of Chastity and Innocence delighting to live in that Estate that she may have the better opertunity to do good and render her self an example of Piety Meekness and Humility are her constant Attendants and Pride knows not her Dwelling She delights not in much Discourse and flys from Vanity the Sound of vain words renders her restless and uneasie till she has found a retirement Modesty and a Comely Behaviour are the Ornaments wherewith she desires to be decked Affable she is and of a sweet Temper her Words are few and those deliver'd with deliberation amongst Strangers she rarely speaks unless she be ask'd any Question or otherwise Business of Importance requires it she chooseth not a single Life for it self but in Refference to her better serving God she improves her single life therewith to serve God more constantly she counts her self better lost in modest Silence then found in bold Discourse at the Repetition of any wanton Discourse she Blushes and turns away for the future shuning those that give themselves up to such Vanity yet when at any time she mentions Marriage it is done with seemly Reverence and regard to that Holy State her Obedience to her Parents is wonderful and Respects to her Superiours equals and inferiours no less and indeed lives a Saint-like life upon Earth void of offence towards God and Man and as she lives with less Care so she dies with more Chearfulness THE CHARACTER Of a VIRTUOUS WIFE NOT without Reason do's the Holy Scriptures Stile a good Woman or Wife the Crown of her Husband for so she proves being the greatest Felicity a Man is capable off being properly call'd his secon Self the Partner of his Joy and Grief the safe Repositorie of his Secrets aand Sollace of his Life A good Wife commandeth her Husband in equall Matter by Constantly obeying him she never Crosses him in the height of his Anger but patiently waits till it is abated and then she mildly argues the Matter with him not so much to condemn him as to acquit her self Her Husbands Secrets she seals up in her Breast In her Husbands abscence she Officiates his place in regarding and takeing care of his Affaires but when he is present she Intermedles in his concerns no further than she is required she keeps at home constantly unless urgent occasions require the contrary and then she acquaints her Husband therewith and has his leave before she sets forward her Habit and Attire is rather Neat than Costly her Carriage is Modest and her Words deliver'd with a mixture of Discretion and Gravetie In her Husbands Afflictions she ever bears a part and uses her Endeavours to Consolate him Her Children though many in Number are none in Noise her Nod or Look being a sufficient Helm to Steer them as she pleases The heaviest Work of her Servants is made Light by her orderly and sesonable Enjoyning it Wherefore her Service is counted a Preferment and her Teaching better then Wages and thus ' she is happy in her self and renders others the like Felicity THE CHARACTER Of a VIRTUOUS VVIDDOVV AVirtuous Widdow has been the Esteem of all Ages and found the Miracle of Piety for the near approach of Death even to taking from them the Center of their Earthly affections makes past doubt a deeper impression than can be in others and fills their Pensive Breasts with serious Thoughts which turn to Meditations and from thence as from a Fountain flows a stream of Prayers and Pious Ejaculations which seldome are silent till the highest has regarded them As for the Virtuous Widdow though her Grief is real yet it is moderate she doth not only live Sole and Single but Chast and Honest Though she go abroad some times about her buâ—â—ess she never makes it her business to go abroad she Entirely Loves the Memory of her deceased Husband and will hear no 〈◊〉 spoke off him she Cherishes her Children and Fancies in them their Fathers Idea she puts her Especial Confidence in God the Father to the Fatherless and Husband to Widdows she is Carefull and Tender of her Reputation yet not more Carefull of her own Credit then of Gods Glory she is Pittyfull and Bountyfull to People in Distress she walks Humbly before God in all Religious Duties she affects not the vanity of Foolish Fashions she roads constant Lectures to hersolf of her own Mortality and in this State she continues all the Days of her apointed Time 'Till her Change come FINIS BOOKS newly Printed for John Harris at the Harrow against the Church in the Poultrey 1 A Discourse of Divine Providence 1. 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