less abhorr'd The Commands of God the Laws of the Jews and other Nations at this day inflict death on the miserable Criminal however it has obtained more favour amongst the debauch'd Sparks of our Age who esteem it but a slight Peccadillo a piece of Gallantry and account it rather the Glory than the Shame of their youthful heat and vigorous Extravagance But let such know that God has promised by a severe threat That he will judge the Whoremonger and Adulterer nor will they find the punishment so light as they imagine This it was that brought a Deluge upon the old World and this it is which hath since overturn'd Kingdoms and laid wast the most flourishing States And as there is no Place nor hath been any Age free from notorious Examples of this Crime so also are there no degrees of Persons exempted from the commission of it Princes of the highest Dignity being as well guilty as those of more inferiour Rank and Quality But let such know that they shall both tast the bitterness of punishment for God will as soon fling his Thunderbolt on the one as the other the Princes Purple shall no more excuse him than the poor mans Rags can defend him If our Body is the Temple of God let us then keep it undefiled and not make it a Sanctuary for Murthers and Adulteries for that Holy Spirit will not endure the impurity of our thoughts much less our polluted actions our hands must not only be free from the stain of Blood but our hearts from the guilt and the very desire of Revenge Incontinency is one of the Devil's Light-Horse with which he at first skirmishes till he can draw us into those Ambuscades of more dangerous Enemies he has laid to entrap us and then charges us with his desperate Train of Adulteries and Murthers and the whole body of succeeding Villainies In Adultery he baits his Hook with the honey and sweets of the temptation paints the hidden Thorns and sticks them with Flowers guilds the Chains and studs them with Diamonds makes every curling Tress the Witchcraft of the Fair of the most soft and shining Silk which he ties up in True-Love-knots for garniture but when once we have swallowed the deceitful Potion we quickly lose the relish of those mistaken sweets and find that bitterness and sorrow were the chief Ingredients in the fatal Composition and a speedy Repentance our best and only Antidote I could here inlarge upon the various Punishments inflicted by different Nations according to the rigorous or more merciful inclination of their temper on the horrid sin of Adultery but then I should transgress the modest bounds I intended to this Discourse I shall therefore leave the Reader to the following Histories in which I hope he will receive both delight and satisfaction and conclude with the Remarque of a witty and observing Traveller The Italian says he poysons the Adulterous Wife the Spaniard stabs her the German beats her the French man puts her away and the English man won't believe it THE GLORY OF Gods Revenge Against the Bloody and Execrable Sin of MURTHER HIST. I. Grand Pre and Mermanda The proud Hautefelia hires Le Fresnay an Apothecary for 200 Crowns to Poyson her Sister in Law Mermanda then sets her Husband De Mallery at variance with her Brother Grand Pre who kills De Mallery in a Duell She afterwards gives Le Fresnay 300 Crowns more to Poyson Grand Pre which he does and being Condemned for a Rape Confesses the two Murthers and accuses Hautefelia who is apprehended and both suffer the severity of the Law HAD the Precepts of God or the Laws of Man been able to restrain the Extravagance of our debauch'd Natures within the limits of our Duty we shou'd have had not only no Occasion but no Examples of such wicked Wretches whose Lust Ambition or Revenge has made them the unhappy Arguments of humane Misery Their vicious Courses have plung'd them into Crimes which could not be expiated here but by the severest punishments both which the Faithful Historian has transmitted to us that by the Obliquity of their lives we may be perswaded to amend our own since we see that Sin always proves fatall to the Offender and an Ignominious Death is the certain consequence of a Corrupt and Vicious Life If perfect Innocence was the beauty of our Creation and that happy Dowry which God Almighty gave when at his Command the Soul and Body first espoused each other which the more Wily Serpent stole from us Oh let us not be again Cheated by the same Deceiver and sell our Integrity for the guilded Shows of Sin and Misery exchange our Glory for Shame and to satisfie one burning Lust endure the Torment of Everlasting Flames The following Histories are all Tragical and the parts of the chifest Actors writ in Characters of Blood which are not so much designed to divert the Reader with the Variety of surprising Circumstances as to afright him by the sad Examples from the Commission of that horrid Sin of Murther of which sincerely to repent is highly difficult but to make Satisfaction for Impossible When once the Golden Bowl is broke which the wise man speaks of Ecclesiastes the 12 th by the Impious hand of some bold Assassin he fills full the Cup of Gods Indignation against him which will be a draught more bitter than all the glozing pleasures Life or Fortune can sweeten with their greatest advantages Humane Laws have provided Shackles and Dungeons Racks and Gibbets not only to punish but deter such sanguinary Bravo's who if they chance which but rarely happens to escape the latest hand of Justice yet are they constantly haunted with the horror of the Crime and antedate the Torments of a future by the present Hell of an evil Conscience But I proceed to the History which is thus NEer Auxone upon the Frontiers of Burgduny dwelt an Antient Gentleman nobly descended whose name was Monsieur De Grandmont his vertuous Lady was Madamoyselle De Carny this happy pair were bless'd with a plentiful Offspring and a fair Estate to support the Honour and Grandeur of the Family They had three Sons and two Daughters of which Grand Pre who was the first and chiefest Pillar of the House applyd himself wholly to Arms and obtain'd leave to serve his Apprenticeship in the Wars under the Command of that Incomperable Captain Grave Maurice then Earl of Nassaw and since Prince of Orange Vileneufe who altogether delighted in Books was sent to Pont au Mousson and Masseron was for his Beauty beg'd a Page by that great Marshal of France who unfortunately lost his Head in the Bastile of Paris Hautefelia the Eldest of the two Daughters liv'd at home with her Parents and de Cressy the youngest had the honour to attend a great Lady of Burgundy where she receiv'd all the advantages of a Noble and Vertuous Education But see here how soon the Pleasure of Heaven can overthrow our most
Soul was immaculate and pure though her Reputation was stain'd and that the preserving of her Fame and the Honour of so illustrious a Family was more dear to him than any private Interest or Respect to himself Seignior Conto was infinitely pleas'd to hear the Dr. express himself in those Terms and after his most particular Thanks told him he would endeavour in few days to dispose Cleandra to the Match which he did and ten dayes after they were privately married not long after Seignior Conto and his Lady both dyed and left their whole Estate to Dr. Parmel and his Children by Cleandra who now lived at Marli in great esteem and Reputation It happened one day after Dinner the Doctor being in a most pleasant Humour and the Discourse of the Company leading to it he told them by what Trick he had married a Person of that Quality and Estate Cleandra was at which they seem'd very much surpriz'd but in Compliment commended his Design which had now crown'd him with so bountiful a Success Cleandra bit her Lip and by change of Colour discovered the inward perplexity of her Thoughts nor could she altogether refrain from some passionate expressions of her Resentment that she should lye under the great Scandal of a Whore and lose her Lover Makenti whom she loved dearer than her Life and be so basely betray'd into a Marriage with so mean and perfidious a Wretch as the Doctor was Some time after she writ a Letter to Makenti and acquainted him with all the Circumstances of this Relation who was extreamly troubled at it and upon the first Discourse of her being with Child had utterly forsaken her and never since seen her The Discovery of this Intrigue created a more particular Love and Respect between Makenti and Cleandra who readily agreed to revenge the Injury they had both receiv'd from the faithless Doctor by abusing his Bed in their Adulterous Enjoyments and charging his Forehead with the shameful Emblem of a Cuckold which they thought the heinousness of the provocation would warrant them in Thus did they continue in their Adulterous Pleasures till the Doctor grew sensible of it and by frequent Observations of their private Meetings was sufficiently confirm'd in the Truth of their lustful Embraces whereupon he resolv'd to meet them with a proportionate Revenge which he thus effected Having a young Gentlewoman under Cure who was very much afflicted with the Venerial Distemper he designedly infected himself with it which he communicated to his Wife and she to Makenti who neither of them suspecting the present Cause of their Illness were so surpriz'd by the Venom of the Disease that Makenti in a short time lost his Nose and both his Eyes and hardly escap'd with Life spending the rest of his days in Shame and Repentance Cleandra languish'd a long time in great Misery which her Husband saw with Pleasure and Satisfaction and growing weary at last to see her Distemper so tedious in the Punishment he design'd prepar'd a Cordial for her in which he infus'd a large Dose of Poyson and recommending it to her as a great Restorative to take at three in the afternoon went abroad expecting at his Return to find her in the Agonies of Death Dr. Parmel coming back very hot and faint it being the midst of August went directly to her Chamber and sitting down by the Beds-side took a Glass of Cordial Drink which stood by amongst the rest and hastily drank it 〈…〉 kindly askiing her how she did and what good 〈◊〉 â—â—und by that Cordial he had order'd her I have 〈◊〉 taken it said Cleandra and don't design it till to 〈…〉 for I find my self much better than I was at which 〈…〉 started and call'd for it when the Maid 〈…〉 that was iâ— you drank Sir at which he cry'd 〈…〉 poyson'd I am poyson'd and sent for his Confeâ—â—or to whom he related his intended Design of poysoning his Wife which he was now heartily sorry for and in two hours fell into Violent Convulsions and dyed in great Torment Cleandra continued in a most sad and deplorable Condition and was afterwards remov'd to the Lazaretto where she dyed in Misery and Ignominy Thus we see vitious Lives end in infamous Deaths and the subtle Dr. Parmel at last deceiv'd himself and was overtaken by a Punishment as just as unexpected The lustful Makenti and the fair but unchast Cleandra receive their Torment by the poysonous Sting of those Pleasures they so Lasciviously and Adulterously delighted in HIST. V. Bertolin and Aurella Monsieur Bertolin commits Adultery with Aurella Monsieur Chapee's Wife his intimate Friend upon the Discovery whereof she stabs her self Monsieur Chapee in Revenge cheats Orinta in the disguise of Bertolin her Husband and lyes with her Bertolin surprizes them in Bed mortally Wounds Orinta and is then kill'd by Chapee who is apprehended and Executed for the Murther and Adultery IN the Reign of that August and noble Prince Henry the 4th King of France the Marquess of Conti was made Governour of Orleans in whose Family Monsieur Bertolin and Monsieur Chapee two young Gentlemen of Noble Birth and related to the Marquess and his Lady receiv'd their Education and first Instructions in Arms and Military Discipline the equality of their Age and Fortunes with their constant Society rendered them by degrees most intimate and familiar Friends and if their outward Shape and Features could add any thing to the inward Harmony of their Affections never were two Persons more alike they appear'd the same distinguish'd only by the different Appellations of Bertolin and Chapee But as the figure of their Bodies so nearly resembled each other so their Temper of Mind was as much unlike Bertolin was proud and â—aughty of a Courage that rather fear'd no Evil than lov'd what 's Good Chapee was modest and humble lov'd Goodness for it's own native Beauty and thought nothing so base and degenerous in a Gentleman as Sin and Wickedness At this time dyed Monsieur le Farin great Unkle to the Marquess and left his Estate to Aurella a young Lady and his Neece the Care of whose Person and Fortune he committed to the Marquess of Conti and his Lady under whose prudent Government she receiv'd all the accomplishments of a Religious and Vertuous Lady The constant Conversation of Bertolin and Chapee with Aurella and the consideration of her Fortune which was very great soon fired their Hearts with the Flames of Love and Affection towards her The modesty of Aurella her excellent Beauty and sweetness of Temper were Charms able to warm the most frozen Breast with zeal to her Person and admiration of her Vertue These two Rivals made their Courtship to Aurella in Smiles and Glances and all those little Services which might render them grateful to her in which Bertolin and Chapee endeavoured to outdoe each other but still with that Respect and Friendship that no Clouds of Jealousie appear'd by any outward expressions of Disrespect They us'd
though more private in his Sins which at last were punish'd by a cruel and ignominious Death Amongst the variety of lewd Women whose Company and acquaintance were his only Pleasure and Delight Favonia was one a common Strumpet and as notoriously infamous as any of her Profession who considering the great Estate Erasto would be Master of upon the Death of his Father resolv'd to make the best advantage of him and by counterfeiting a Religious Sorrow and Penitence for 〈◊〉 miscarriages of her former Life to gain him for 〈◊〉 Husband or else absolutely rerefuse him those eâ—â—oyments he so passionately longed for Erasto attempted her with noble Presents and richer 〈…〉 would consent to his Desires which she slighâ—â—d with scorn and contempt telling him that all the Glories of Rome laid at her Feet should never prevail upon her fix'd Resolution to Honour and Vertue and that as her more youthful days had been prodigally spent in the Pleasures of Sin and Wickedness so now her riper Age and the whole remainder of her Life should be intirely dedicated to Vertue and Goodness Erasto pursued her with all the Temptations his Suit and Fancy could invent but still in vain whereupon he at last consented to marry her which was privately solemnized by Father Iacomo the Priest to the great Satisfaction of Favonia and the utter Ruin of Erasto Two months this Marriage was conceal'd from Rigidoro but he at last was acquainted with it and charged Erasto with the Truth of what he had heard that he had married Favonia the most impudent Courtezan in all Rome Erasto acknowledged that he was married and without his advice or consent for which he humbly begg'd his Pardon that the Person he had married was call'd Favonia but chast and vertuous as the most modest Nun and however her Reputation had been formely stain'd she had washt out those Spots with Tears and Repentance and though possibly she had been loose and dissolute in her Virgin State she was now a most loving Chast and Vertuous Wife Rigidoro was so highly provok'd to hear his Son vindicate Favonia's Fame and justifie his own Errour that he immediately turn'd him out of Doors and disinherited him telling him with a deep Oath he would rather give his whole Estate to the Lazaretto than relieve his utmost Distresses with the least expression of common Charity or Kindness Erasto acquainted Favonia with Rigidoro's Cruelty saying if he continued his severity toward him he cancell'd all his Obligations of Duty and Respect to him by his barbarous and inhumane Usage and that he would Study a Revenge which should make him as miserable as himself And being now reduc'd to great Poverty and Want and finding his Father inexorable notwithstanding he endeavour'd a Reconciliation by a most profound Submission to him owning his Fault and begging his Pardon for his Offence resolv'd with his own hand to Murder him in the Street rather than see him live in a plentiful and prosperous Estate whilst he starv'd for want of Bread Thus the Devil encourag'd him to the most villanous Sin of Parricide without any prospect of Happiness to himself but as he gratified present Revenge by destroying that Life from whence he had receiv'd his own and since to live miserably is the most grievous punishment of Life he resolv'd a violent Death should make his Father as unhappy as he was wretched To this end he watch'd frequently in the dark of the Evening over against Rigidoro's House and seeing him come forth without any Attendance followed him and suddenly ran his Rapier in at his Back quite through his Body upon which Rigidoro fell to the Ground Dead and Erasto made his Escape Presently after the Body was found and within three days decently buried great search was made for the Murtherers but no Person discovered on whom they could fix the Guilt Erasto who was constantly haunted with the Terrors of an evil Conscience and the dread of that Punishment he had so justly deserv'd fled aboard one of the Popes Galleys which was bound for Sicily and was afterwards taken by two Turks Men of War belonging to Tunis and all the Seamen and Passengers who surviv'd the Fight which was very bloody either made Slaves aboard their own Vessels or dispos'd to Land-Servitude amongst whom Erasto was sold ashore to Barbarossa a Person of principal Note and Command in Tunis Erasto had now leisure to reflect on the vitious and wicked Courses of his former Life and particularly on the bloody and inhumane Murther of his Father which he now saw in some measure punish'd by the Miseries of his present Condition which wrought Complaint Sorrow for the Evils he now suffer'd under rather than a true and sincere Penitence for his notorious Offences But though Barbarossa his Patron was severe and cruel Adulla his Wife was more kind to him and often when her Husband was abroad brought him Victuals into the Garden where he work'd above what was allow'd him or the other Slaves had which Erasto interpreted as a particular Respect and Love to his Person which made her so charitable and bountiful to him and hop'd to improve to a more considerable Advantage The other Slaves grumbled at Adulla's Kindness to Erasto and acquainted Barbarossa with it who presently entertain'd jealous thoughts of his Wife and us'd Erasto with the greater Severity which Adulla being sensible of redoubled her Kindness and upon the first Opportunity exprest her more particular Love to him which Erasto readily Embrac'd promising that no Torments should ever extort a Confession from him of those obliging Favours he receiv'd Their Amorous entertainments had been many and frequent which Barbarossa was not altogether ignorant of but willing that their Crime should be as apparent as he intended their Punishment dissembled his Anger and one day pretending to go abroad conceal'd himself in the House till he had notice by one of the Slaves who was a Spye over all their Actions that Adulla was retir'd to her Chamber and had sent for Erasto who was gone in to her upon which he followed up and surprized them in the very Act. The next day Erasto and Adulla were carried in Chains before the Divan and there accus'd by Barbarossa of Adultery which was so undeniably prov'd against them that Erasto was condemn'd to be flead alive and Adulla delivered to her Husband to be punished as he thought convenient who immediately ordered two of his Slaves to strangle her Thus dyed Erasto miserably at Tunis whilst Favonia return'd to her old profession at Rome and liv'd in all the lewdness and debauchery of a common Strumpet till at last she was infected with the foul Disease and died with Shame and Ignominy in the Burdello's Fornication Incest and Adultery are three Furies with Virgins Faces but their shining Locks are plated Serpents like Syrens they sing Melodiously till they have charm'd us into Misery and made us more ugly in our Natures than the Companions of Ulysses in their
himself The hour being now come and the matter carried secretly that Christineta might not hear of it they post away to the Park where they found Gasparino and Sebastiano when alighting from their Horses they threw off their Doublets and drew their Swords No less doubtful than bloody was the engagement between Gasparino and Pisani when at the third encounter Gasparino run Pisani through the heart at which he fell stark dead to the ground Sebastiano running to congratulate Gasparino for his Victory Sfondrato call'd to him to prepare himself which he did and so with various fortune they fought till providence resolving to make both parties equal losers after they had breath'd three several times Sfondrato run his enemy Sebastiano through the small of the belly and so nail'd him to the ground bearing away his life on the point of his Rapier which done their wounds were dress'd Gasparino fled to Parma and Sfondrato to Florence Christineta at the News hereof was infinitely griev'd tore her hair in fury and swore by all the Powers above the death of her beloved Pisani should be reveng'd as deep as it was now lamented Some time after Gasparino having obtain'd his Pardon returns home from whence he began presently to renew his love to Christineta first by Letters then by his Friends and at last in person She dissembling her malice thought this a fit opportunity to be reveng'd on him for the death of Pisani and finding him very earnest in his Sute appoints to meet him in the Nuns Garden at six next morning No sooner was Gasparino gone but she agreed with two Ruffians Bianco and Brindoli for 100 Duckats to murther him Gasparino and Christineta are both early up but with different intents and so are Bianco and Brindoli They all meet she walks in publick they hide themselves in private when immediately in came Gasparino and approaching Christineta with his Hat in his hand to salute her she utter'd these words Gasparino this place I first had conference in with Pisani and here I purpose to have my last with You At which words the Ruffians issued out and killed him but with some noise and resistance Christineta thinking him not dead enough runs to him thrusts her Handkerchief in his mouth and with a Stilletto stabs him many times into the body with this bloody Speech This I sacrifice to the memory of my dear Love Pisani Then throwing the body into the Well of the Garden the Ruffians fled at a Postern and Christineta went to the Nuns Church The Nuns in their Cells having heard the clashing of Swords acquaint the Abbess with it who with other company coming into the Garden found the Postern open saw the Alleys bloody and suspected Murther whereupon she order'd the Garden to be search'd but forgot the Well The Magistrates being advertis'd of it caused enquiry to be made among all the Chyrurgeons who having fresh-wounds came lately to be cur'd Rhanutio a principal Chyrurgeon informed them of Bianco and Brindoli who being both sent for and examin'd how they came by their wounds they said they had a quarreâ— between themselves for which they fought at six in the morning in the Nuns Garden at St. Clare which agreeing with the relation of the Nuns all was ended But Gasparino having been now missing from his Lodgings two whole nights which his Lacquey confirm'd upon examination with some other circumstances of suspicion the Judges order'd Bianco and Brindoli to be imprison'd examin'd and tortur'd which they stoutly bore without confessing any thing The Garden was again search'd and the Well which was neglected before when letting down their hooks they brought up some pieces of wrought black Taffata which Gasparino's Lacquey did affirm his Master wore when he last saw him and searching more narrowly they brought up the dead body with thirteen several wounds whereupon all concluded Bianco and Brindoli guilty A little Boy standing by ask'd what cloth that was in his mouth which being pull'd out was found to be a Cambrick Handkerchief with Christineta's Name upon it Upon this she was apprehended in the midst of her pleasures but upon examination deny'd she knew any thing of his death until she was adjudg'd to the Rack when she confessed the fact and that in revenge of Pisani's death she had hired Bianco and Brindoli to murder him for 100 Crowns The Ruffians were condemn'd to have their right hands cut off and then to be hang'd and their bodies thrown into the River Po. Christineta was first hang'd and then burnt and her ashes thrown into the Air which Executions were perform'd to the great satisfaction of Justice and all the spectators May all Christians read this History with a holy dread and remember it with horror and detestation If thou wilt shun the Punishment be sure to avoid the Crime for if the wages of sin is Death sure none but a Madman will lay out his pains to be so rewarded HIST. III. Mortaign and Josselina Mortaign deluding Josselina with promise of marriage gets her with child and then causes his Lacquey Le Verdure and Le Palma her Host to murder her and her Son Isabella Le Palma's Wife by her jealousie of her Husband discovers the murther upon which they are all taken and executed NOt far from the City of Lyons in France near Darency a small Countrey Village dwelt an honest Farmer call'd Andrew Mollard who being a Widower had one only Daughter named Iosselina whom he intended for his Heir a Maid of that blooming Beauty that she was justly call'd Iosselina the Fair. Within a league of Mollard's house dwelt a rich Gentleman who had several Children of which the eldest was Mortaign but young in years though of great hopes and nobly educated in the Families of several Persons of Honour Mortaign having now liv'd some years in Paris was desirous to see his Father De Coucye who was both aged and sickly as also to be present at the Nuptials of one of his Sisters who was to be married to a Gentleman of Avergne The Wedding being over and Mortaign weary of the diversions of the Countrey resolves upon his return to Paris but the night before his departure De Coucy fell dangerously sick of a burning Feaver which for the present put a stop to his journey During his stay in the Countrey as he was walking one day in the Fields he sprung a Pheasant which flying to the next Woods he sent for his Hawk but having rang'd far and near for several hours in quest of his Game which he could not recover he grew very thirsty and ' spying Mollard's house at a distance made up to it Mortaign seeing a man in the Vineyard demanded if he might have any Wine there Mollard answer'd Yes and guessing by his face who he was courteously invited him into his house where being set down he sent his Daughter Iosselina for Wine and what other homely Dainties his house afforded Mortaign admiring to see so fair a Maid in so
morning now growing upon them Alsemero took his leave and promised a full observance of her commands and accordingly within four days left Alicant and went back to Valentia This meeting though private was not so closely carried but Vermandero had notice of it whereat he was very angry but however assured Piracquo that in a short time she should accomplish his desires and that if his paternal admonitions could not his authority should prevail over his Daughters perverseness Thus was Piracquo encouraged by Vermandero though he had private intelligence sent him that Beatrice-Ioanna was already contracted to Alsemero and it would now more nearly concern him to consult his reputation by an honourable retreat than to advance his Sute with so much zeal and violence which it was impossible he should ever obtain But Piracquo press'd on more eagerly which gave Beatrice-Ioanna great trouble and disquiet Vermandero understanding that Alsemero was gone back to Valentia return'd to Alicant where Piracquo made his daily visits There was a gallant young Gentleman of the Castle whose name was Don Antonio de Flores a person who dearly affected Beatrice-Ioanna and one whom she thought might be a fit instrument to execute her barbarous and bloody design She sent for De Flores accordingly who was now besotted with her Beauty and acquainted him with her intentions and by the powerful arguments of her more particular kindness and respect won him to promise that within few days he would answer her desires De Flores insinuates himself into Piracquo's company and waiting for an opportunity he heard Piracquo one day commend the strength of the Castle when De Flores told him he had not yet seen that which consisted in the Casemates which were stored with good Ordnance to scour the Ditches These Piracquo desired to see but De Flores told him it was now noon and if he pleased he would meet him after dinner and wait upon him himself After Dinner they met accordingly went to the Ravelins Sconces and Bulwarks and from thence by a Postern to the Ditches and to the Casemates Three of them they had view'd and coming to the last De Flores laid off his Rapier telling Piracquo that the descent was narrow and craggy upon which Piracquo put off his Being entred into the Vault of the Casemate as Piracquo was looking through a Port-hole De Flores who had hid a Sword and Ponyard behind the door stabb'd him into the back so swiftly redoubling his blows that he killed him dead and buried him under the ruines of an old wall De Flores having committed this murther acquaints Beatrice-Ioanna with it who was over-joy'd at it and the better to blind the world caused it to be reported that Piracquo was seen to go forth the Castle-gate and take boat in the City as was supposed for a little Sea-air Piracquo being thus miss'd after several days search in vain was suppos'd to be drown'd at Sea and three months being now past Alsemero was solemnly married to Beatrice-Ioanna at Alicant in much state and bravery Alsemero had not been long married but he grew jealous of his Wife and so far restrain'd her former liberty that she complain'd to the Captain her Father of his discourteous usage upon which Alsemero provided a Coach and carried her away to Valentia Vermandero willing to know how matters stood between his Daughter and her Husband sent De Flores to Valentia with Letters to them both Alsemero being abroad she told him of her Husbands unkindness of which he taking the advantage reviv'd his old sute she willingly complies with his desires and prays him to see her more often Alsemero coming home understands by his Wife that De Flores had been there with Letters from her Father and by Diaphanta her Waiting-woman who was one of his spies that there passed many amorous kisses between De Flores and her Mistress and relates to him whatever she either heard or saw Alsemero in a great fury flies to his Wife charges her with too much familiarity with De Flores and as his passion rises into a greater rage calls her Whore Strumpet c. Upon which to palliate her own Crimes she was forced to discover Piracquo's murther Know says she Alsemero since you will enforce me to shew the true cause of my chast familiarity with De Flores that he it was who at my request dispatch'd Piracquo without which I could never have enjoy'd you for my Husband and so told him all the circumstances of that cruel Murther and conjur'd him to conceal the same vowing to die a thousand deaths rather than defile his Bed Alsemero wondred at this discourse and strictly charged his Wife to admit De Flores no more to her company but she continuing a correspondence with him which Diaphanta informed her Master of he pretended one day a Journey into the Countrey but with a Case of Pistols in his Pocket and his Rapier and Ponyard privately withdrew into his Closet which was within his Bed-chamber De Flores had presently notice that Alsemero was gone into the Countrey and immediately came over to visit Beatrice-Ioanna and as they were in the middle of their pleasures upon the Bed Alsemero rushed in and discharged his Pistols on them and afterwards stabb'd them with his Sword and Ponyard of which wounds they instantly died This being done he went and acquainted the Criminal Judges with the death of his Wife and De Flores whom he had killed in the very act of Adultery Diaphanta appeared a Witness for him who declared upon Oath That she had several times seen her Mistress and De Flores commit Adultery and had acquainted her Master with it Upon mature deliberation Alsemero was acquitted of the Fact and the dead Bodies ordered to be buried But now let us speak of Don Thomaso Piracquo who had formerly advised his Brother Alonso Piracquo to give over his sute to Beatrice-Ioanna He hearing of all these occurrences afresh remembers his dead Brother and confidently supposes that Alsemero and Beatrice-Ioanna had a hand in the loss of him wherefore he now resolves to call Alsemero to account for him and accordingly sent him this Challenge to Allicant where he now resided Thomaso Piracquo to Alsemero I Fear Beatrice-Joanna's vanity and your rashness have bereaved me of a Brother I ever esteeemed more dear than my life As I am a Gentleman I think I ought to seek satisfaction for his death with the hazard of my own life wherefore as your Sword has chastised Beatrice-Joanna's error I hope mine is reserv'd to correct yours I pray meet me at the foot of Glisseron-hill to morrow at five in the morning and it shall be your choice either to use your Sword on horseback or your Rapier on foot Thomaso Piracquo Alsemero accepts the Challenge and they met at the hour and place appointed when Alsemero throwing away his Rapier with his Hat in his hand told him he was ready to joyn with him in the revenge of his Brothers murther
stairs and breaks his neck Pharamond first debauches Lucia and then hires Mariot a Miller to strangle her which he does and throws her body into the Mill-pond for which he is broke on the Wheel and Pharamond beheaded and burnt AT Roan in Normandy of late years there dwelt a rich and noble Gentleman called Monsieur De Bertue who had two Sons his eldest was Monsieur Pharamond and the younger Monsieur De Bushie both hopeful Gentlemen De Bushie being at Christmas-time at a friends house at Curant 10 Leagues from Roan saw a young Gentlewoman infinitely fair and beautiful called Madamoyselle La Valere whom he lik'd and lov'd so dearly that he resolv'd to make all his courtship to her which he so handsomly and discreetly manag'd that at last she consented to love him but withal intreated him to conceal her affection till he had made his application to her Father and gain'd his good will De Bushie in few days after made a visit to Monsieur De Moulin her Father who liv'd at Curant acquaints him with his Sute and begs his consent But he not relishing the motion reâ—urned De Bushie a very cold answer upon which he civilly took his leave and the next week went home to Roan and acquainted his Father and Mother with his affection to La Valere which they approving of he pray'd his Father to ride over to Curant to confer with Monsieur De Moulin about this affair but De Bertue being seiz'd with a sudden fit of the Gout order'd his elder Brother Pharamond to bear him company and in his name to treat with De Moulin Pharamond and De Bushie nobly attended with a Letter from their Father to De Moulin took horse and rid to Curant where being arriv'd Pharamond delivered his Fathers Letter and after a short conference with De Moulin in which he discovered his Brothers affection to Valere he addressed himself to her whil'st De Moulin and De Bushie took a walk in the Garden Having this opportunity of a private discourse after he had oblig'd her to secrecy told her That tho' he came over to Curant his Brothers Advocate yet her powerful Charms had already captivated his heart and his passion for her now obliged him to make use of all his Oratory in his own behalf and tho' his Brother had the honour to see her first yet his love he hoped deserved not least regard or the last place in her affections La Valere incens'd with this unexpected discourse with a frown told him That this was not only an ignoble Ingratitude but a base Treachery and therefore know says she that I undervalue you as much as I highly prize your Brother and so with a countenance which shew'd both anger and disdain left him alone who presently went to her Father and in fair terms informed him of his love to his Daughter aâ—â—uring him of the sincerity of his affection to her and that he covered nothing in the world more than to be happy in the enjoyment of her Old De Moulin approves Pharamond's motion but was unwilling to displease De Bushie yet over-sway'd with ambition calls his Daughter into his Closet and bids her leave De Bushie to love Pharamond but she positively refus'd it telling him that she had already made her choice which she would not alter for any worldly advantage Pharamond contriving how to deceive his Brother told him that tho' he found La Valere inclinable De Moulin was altogether averse nor could he ever hope to gain his consent and therefore says he let us go home to morrow which was agreed to But La Valere who had well considered the base treachery of Pharamond resolves to give her De Bushie a private meeting and at night sent for him to her Chamber bid him be chearful and that in life and death she will be his and only his and that she would send him a Letter to Roan which should acquaint him with a business her tongue was obliged to conceal So after all the promises of constancy and fidelity they parted and as a pledge of their mutual kindness he presented her with a Diamond-Ring and she gave him a pair of Pearl Bracelets The next morning De Moulin took De Bushie aside and in short terms pray'd him to forbear his house and refrain his Daughters company for he had provided another Husband for her After a solemn leave the Brothers took horse and return'd home La Valere remembring her promise to De Bushie two days after his departure sent him this Letter La Valere to De Bushie MY promise owes you this Letter wherein I must acquaint you that I know not whether you have greater cause to love Me or hate your Brother in regard he vows he loves me dearer than your self and hath attempted to rob you of your Wife which if I mistake not is base Treachery in him I have heard his Courtship but for your sake hate both It and Himself He hath won my Father but be assured that he neither can nor shall prevail with me and tho' my Father hath banished you his house yet his Daughter is resolved to retain you in her heart and you alone La Valere De Bushie having received this Letter was passionately incens'd against his Brother Pharamond but discretion at last took place and he resolv'd to hide his resentments and dissemble his anger and immediately returned her many thanks for her courtesie and constancy Pharamond three days after privately went over to Curant where he renews his sute to her with all the earnestness and vigour of a passionate Lover but La Valere seemed absolutely averse and without hopes to prevail return'd sorrowfully to Roan But tho' Pharamond endeavoured De Bushie should know nothing of his journey to Curant La Valere next day gave him word thereof by a second Letter La Valere to De Bushie I Hold my self oblig'd in duty and affection to acquaint you that these two days I have been importunately solicited by your unkind Brother for Marriage but he hath found my first to be my last answer I hope I have blasted all his endeavours by giving him and my Father this infallible resolution either to wed You or my Grave and I believe they will be satisfied without giving me further trouble But if your Brother shall still pursue his fruitless addresses I will beg on my knees to my Father to hasten our marriage And this is my positive resolution La Valere De Bushie kiss'd this last testimony of his dear Ladies most tender affection but frets inwardly at his Brothers malice whereof he is resolv'd to tax him but first returns her ten thousand thanks for her inviolable affection and went to find out his Brother whom he finds feignedly sick when Pharamond as it were rejoycing at his presence told him That his tender love to La Valere had reduc'd him to that extremity and therefore conjur'd him for the saving of his life to quit his
save his Fathers life but it would not be accepted so the next day he was hang'd having first freely forgiven his Son and ask'd forgiveness of him for his Mothers murder As for Augustino after this infamous death of his Father he remov'd from Rome and return'd to his Grandfather Spondy who received him with many demonstrations of joy and affection and at his death made him sole Heir of all his Goods and Estate Tho' the Vengeance of Heaven may seem to sleep for a time it still keeps a watchful eye over the impenitent offender The perverseness of Spondy causes disobedience in Servia which is punish'd by the bloody cruelty of her Husband whose barbarous Murther Heaven at last revenges by the hand of his unknown Son Augustino HIST. XVI Morosino and Imperia Imperia in Love with Morosino causes him and his Companions Astonicus and Donato to stifle her Husband Palmerius in his Bed The Murther is discovered by Morosino's Gloves for which they are all apprehended and executed IN the famous City of Venice lived a young Gentleman called Seignior Angelo Morosino who in Company of Seignior Astonicus and Seignior Donato Embarqu'd for the Islands of Corfu and Zant and after a short stay there were bound for Constantinople but by the way forc'd by a Storm they put into the Harbour of Ancona which belongs to the Pope In which place being oblig'd to stay by contrary Winds the three Merchants out of Devotion went up to Loretto where having spent two dayes in visiting the Holy Chappel on the third early in the morning Morosino leaving his â—riends in Bed went to Mass where at her Devotion he saw a young Lady incomparably fair at whose sight he was so enflam'd with Affection to her that he could willingly resign all the Powers and Faculties of Soul and Body to her Service Mass being ended he followed her out of the Chappel and seeing her only attended with a Waiting Woman and a Lacquey with great Respect and Civility offer'd his Service to wait upon her home and after several Complements which passed between them obtain'd the favour to take her by the Hand and gracefully conducted her to her Fathers House whose name was Seignior Hiâ—râ—nimo Bondino and she his only Daughter Dona Imperia Morosino at the door took his leave though she courâ—â—ously invited him in and beg'd the Honour to wait upon her in the Afternoon whispering in her Ear that so great was the present Violence of his Passion to her that he fear'd he should not be able to acquit himself with that decency as became a Cavalier to a Person of her Merits and Quality In the Afternoon he made his visit to her acquainted her with his Name and Quality his intended Voyage to Constantinople but chiefly with his constant Resolution to seek her in Marriage both of her self and her Father and so expert was he in the Art of Love that in three weeks time the Winds continuing contrary he made her many Visits and amorous Courtships and at last obtain'd her Consent to be his Wife at his return from Constantinople He then address'd himself to her Father Bondino who was so averse to it that neither his Intreaties and Perswasions or her Tears and Prayers could melt his heart into a better Temper Morosino now acquaints his two Friends Astonicus and Donato with his Affection to Imperia and brings them next Morning to see her they highly commend his Choice and use all their Endeavours to gain Bondino's Consent but he is so resolutely obstinate that no Arguments can in the least affect him This grieves the two Lovers to the Heart to see they must now be parted for the Master of the Ship had sent word that the Wind now blowing fair he should with all Expedition weigh Anchor and set Sail for Corfu Morosino seeing the necessity of his departure again moves Bondino for his Consent but he proves inexorable when going to bid Imperia Adieu he sacredly Vows to live unmarried till his Return which shall be within a year and then to marry her and as a Pledge of his Fidelity and Constancy presents her with a rich Diamond Ring from his Finger and she him with a fair Bracelet of Orient Pearl as a sign of their mutual Contract to which Astonicus and Donato are both Witnesses This done they took Horse for Ancona and presently Embarqu'd for Corfu and Constantinople Bondino three months after provides her another Husband old Seignior Palmerius a rich Merchant of Ancona at least sixty years of Age and withal of a deform'd Personage and morose and sullen Temper but this old Dotard is so taken with Imperia's Youth and Beauty and the encouragement he received from Bondino that he comes to his House and makes down-right Love to her In the Interim her Father had charg'd her to receive him with all Respect and accept his Affections which with Tears in her Eyes she flatly told him she could not Obey she was fixt already and would marry no Person but Morosino Bondino with Fury in his Face told her he expected no other answer but her dutiful Complyance with his Commands and in a Passion left her to the Company of old Palmerius who enter'd at the same time and with all the kind Expressions he was Master of offer'd her the intire command of himself and his Fortunes in Exchange for her Love and Affection She told him If this was all his Errand she did assure him she neither would nor could dispose of that which was already in the possession of another and so left him to his own Meditations Palmerius returned to Ancona but two months after to the great Joy of Bondino made a second Visit and now both day and night they importune Imperia to consummate the Marriage and to that purpose her Father gives her good Words and Palmerius rich Gifts and Presents but she will neither hear the one nor accept the other however Palmerius grows obstinate in his Suit and her Father resolute in his Commands to avoid which she locks her self up in her Chamber and concludes that her only preservation can be in the Company of Morosino whose Return she earnestly desires and accordingly furnishes Seignior Mercario her faithful Friend with Gold for his Journey and this Letter to her beloved Morosino Imperia to Morosino COuld you measure my Affections by my Sorrow for your Absence you could hardly tell whether I love or grieve more for I am assur'd that all the Seas between Ancona and Constantinople are not able to wash away your Memory from my Heart and Soul Nor can the Sands of the Shore compare in Number with those Sighs and Tears I daily offer to you If then I am as dear to you I heartily beg you will leave Constantinople and come to Loretto for my Father Bondino is ready to force me to leave my young Morosino for old and wither'd Palmerius Iudge now how unkind you will be to send an Excuse and not bring your self Farewell my Dear
to open the door and receive the Letter and bid Sturio to wait her Answer below Fortia no sooner opened the door but Varini rushed in with his Sword drawn and Sturio after him with a brace of Pistols in his hands Castrucchio was asleep and the Countess so surprised that she onely gave one loud shriek at which Castrucchio awaking at the same instant felt Varini's Sword in his Breast who with repeated Wounds gave his fleeting Soul an easie passage into another World The Countess lay trembling by happy in this onely that she had nothing now to fear but each minute hop'd and begg'd his revenging Sâ—eel would carve the same Justice on her guilty Breast but in vain Varini intended her no such favour Castrucchio being seemingly dead Varini commanded Sturio to strike off his Head and with his own hands ript open his Breast and took out his Heart which leaping in his Hand This Madam says he turning to the Countess is the heart of your beloved Paramour see yet how sprightly it is it was unreasonable Lady you should have him wholly to your self this is my share now and that yours scornfully kicking the Head to her It is impossible to describe that horrour of Mind and Anguish of Soul Gloriana laboured under which nothing but the Blessing of a sudden death was able to relieve her from Castrucchio's Body thus mangled was thrown out at the Window snto the Street and Gloriana confined to her Chamber where she was left alone with the head of her Lover placed on her Cabinet to furnish her with constant Meditations of Death and the sad remembrance of her former pleasures which with the present torment of a guilty Conscience was a punishment more grievous than ten thousand deaths The next Morning discovered Castrucchio's Body which was found under Gloriana's Window with the Head off the Breast cut open and the Heart pull'd out to the great wonder and astonishment of every gazing Passenger Varini went early in the morning to the Council and acquainted them with the Circumstances of the Fact before the Officers of Justice had notice of it acknowledged himself the Authour proved by Sturio and Fortia that he found Castrucchio in Bed with his Lady and upon that provocation had taken this severe but just Revenge which appearing to he true by the aforesaid Evidence he was acquitted Seven days after Gloriana was delivered of a dead Son whose immature Birth was occasioned by the Violence of her grief and sorrow which yet was not powerful enough to end her unhappy days and put a period to those Miseries under which she languished Varini seeing the present illness of Gloriana ordered the Head of Castrucchio to be removed from her sight the smell of it now growing very offensive and sometimes used to visit her and in some measure seemed to remit the severity of his Revenge and give place to Pitty and Compassion Gloriana after a Month was so well recovered that she walked about her Chamber and had liberty to take the air of the Garden and dine if she pleased publickly with Varini or privately in her own Chamber but constantly obliged to drink out of Castrucchio's Skull which by the Command of the Count had the Flesh boyled off the Brains taken out and fashioned into the form of a Cup. Not long after Varini meeting Gloriana one Evening walking solitary in the Gallery My Dear says he I observe you yet continue very pensive and Melancholly at which I am much concerned I have consulted your Physitians in relation to your Health who have prescribed an Electuary which you must take this Evening an hour before you go to Bed it will comfort your Spirits and cheer your Heart which she willingly assented to At night he brought it to her Chamber himself and having recommended it to her for the richness of the Ingredients she eat chearfully of it and asking if she must take it all at once that said he as you please Madam and as you like it it is the Heart of your beloved Castrucchio prepared for you with my own hands according to Art at which words she looked earnestly upon him saying It has all the Qualities of the richest Balsom and most pretious Cordial 't is pitty any part of it should be lost and as soon as she had eaten it all up went to rest and was found next morning dead in her Bed But I shall not determine whether her Death was the effect of Passion in some extraordinary Transport of Joy at the remembrance of her dear Castrucchio or that Varini had mixt Poyson in the Composition of his Medicine and that he might equally temper his Justice and Revenge together by giving her Castrucchio's lustful Heart the sweet of her Life mixt with the bitter Ingredients of Death to Varini â—s Shame and Gloriana's Punishment Thus dyed the inconstant Gloriana and two years after the Count having first quitted the troublesome Stage of this World retired into the Monastery of Sâ— Francis where he assumed a Religious Habit and spent the short remainder of his Life in constant Prayers and pious Meditations Had humble Vertue been more the Subject of Gloriana's Meditations than Covetousness or Ambition her lustful Heart had never made a forfeiture of Castrucchio's Head nor his miserable Death been the shame and punishment of her Vitious Life HIST. II. Dribellus and Petronella Dribellus courts Petronella and deflowers her she is afterwards married to Polissus By the means of Morella her Waiting-Woman Dribellus commits Adultery with her which is discovered by Paretta Polissus cuts off Dribellus his Members scourges Morella and Petronella is condemned to the Punishment of the Radish of which she dyes THessaly in Greece which so oft has heen the happy Subject of the Poet's Song is no less celebrated for its lofty Mountains whose aspiring heads surmount the Clouds than for its fruitful Plains the Riches and Delight of the industrious Shepherd in which fam'd Oeta shares equal Honour with towring Olympus and the well spread Taurus not far from the foot of Oeta are yet some Remains of that glorious City once called Hypata where Patricius Castriot a Gentleman of antient Family and large Demesus lived in Honour and Reputation from whom the noble Scanderbeg that Scourge and Terrour of the Turks derived his Pedigree This Gentleman had one only Child a Daughter called Petronella a young Lady of admirable Beauty in which she not more excell'd all others of her Sex than in the perfections of her mind which Bounty of Heaven her careful Father still endeavoured to improve by the most learned Masters of all Sciences that Age afforded Amongst others Dribellus a young Gentleman who had been Educated under Miletus Bishop of Thessalonica was entertained by him with the promise of a generous Reward to instruct his Daughter in Rhetorick in which he particularly excelled the good Father resolving she should want no accomplishment that Art could furnish her with to render her the most
but what might render him acceptable to a Maid not prepossess'd with the Love of another He knew he had kept her strictly at 〈◊〉 under his own care and government and that her youth had hitherto defended her from all Insinuations of that nature nor could his thoughts fix upon any Person thereabouts that could give him the least umbrage of suspicion much less did he imagine Dribellus was that Thief who had robb'd his Daughter of her Heart so great an opinion had he of his Vertue and Honesty But his Wife who best knew the temper of her own Sex so narrowly watched all the Actions and Gestures of Petronella that she soon discovered the kindness and Familiarity that was between the Master and the Scholar but like a prudent Woman she did not immediately acquaint her Husband with it and publish to the World the folly of her Daughter but watched an Opportunity that she might take them together and reprove them of that Folly which would certainly be attended with Misery and Repentance It happened not long after that Dribellus and Petronella being retired into a Grove of Olives which by the privacy and recluseness of it had been the frequent Scene of their dishonest Pleasures the Mother followed them at a distance and in the midst of those ravishing Delights they entertain'd each other with she cryed out and appeared to the two Lovers in the very Extasie and Rapture of their Lust. It is here impossible to describe the horror and amasement the two Lovers were in to see themselves surprized in this wanton Posture the sight of her Mother was more terrible to them than that of a Basilisk the lightning of her eyes and the thunder of her voice pierced their Breasts and cleft their Hearts asunder In this posture they continued a while without being able to say one word in excuse of themselves or the notoriousness of that Fact which was too apparent to be denyed till at last Dribellus began to speak in Justification of himself and the afflicted Petronella chaâ—ging all the blame on the power and force of Love and the rigorous indiscretion of Patricius who would compel Petronella to marry Polissus whom she could never Love Petronella with Shame and Confusion in her Face begs her Mothers Pardon and Forgiveness with Tears and Sighs who taking her by the hand led her to her Chamber where after she had severely reprehended her with the guilt and ignominy of such dissolute Pleasures she lockt her up and there left her to her own Meditations and went directly to her Father and told him that she had discovered an Intrigue of Love between Dribellus and Petronella which was the cause of her Aversion to Polissus without discovering that secret which would for ever have blasted the Honour of her Daughter and branded their Family with an indelible mark of Shame and Infamy Patricius heard this Relation with Grief and Astonishment and at the desire of his Wife resolved to turn off Dribellus with all speed and that no particular notice should be taken at the same time to discharge all her other Masters she being now to be married and to go and live with her Husband at Larissa Dribellus wondered much that he was onely discharged and no other punishment inflicted on him which he could not attribute to the Clemency of Patricius but his Ignorance of that Crime he was guilty of which he supposed the prudence of his Wife had concealed from him who otherwise would have been as severe in his Revenge as the heinousness of so great a Fault did justly deserve Polissus receiving fresh encouragement from Patricius of success in his Amours returns to Hypata where he finds Petronella much altered in her temper and respects to him and now fairly promises himself the happiness of consummating the Espousals with his beautiful Mistress he so earnestly coveted which to the great satisfaction of himself and all his Friends but the unhappy Petronella were solemniz'd with all imaginable Pomp and Splendour Two months afâ—er he took his leave of Patricius and returned to Larissa with his Bride where his Father received them with the expressions of a hearty Welcome and Petronella demean'd her self with that Duty and Respect that she was both belov'd and admir'd of all Who would not now think Petronella is intirely happy and might live the contentedst Woman in the World but alas where Grace and Vertue do not strew the Wedding with Flowers and Garlands Hymen is attended with Furies and his Saffron Robe dipt in Gall the happiness of Marriage is the union of two Hearts not the conjunction of two Bodies and where the sincerity of Affection is wanting all Vows and Contracts are frail and brittle Tyes The memory of Dribellus and those unlawful Pleasures she had so often repeated in his Arms now afresh attack'd her and nothing could please her lascivious Thoughts but the hopes she might once again see her beloved Paramour when unexpectedly she received a Letter from him to this purpose Dribellus to Petronella MY dearest Petronella the Life and Ioy of my Soul I die for you and languish after you my Life since I am banished from your Presence which is more intolerable to me then the severest Death I cannot live without a sight of you for which reason I am privately come to Larissa and shall wait your directions how I may once more be happy in the enjoyment of your Company which if you forbid me you strike a Dagger to my Heart which now bleeds for you Your Answer is my Sentence of Life or Death which I impatiently wait for and if you ever loved I now beg your pity on the most unhappy and forlorn Dribellus Petronella was overjoy'd at the receipt of this Letter and immediately returned an Answer desiring him to be at the Garden Door at five that Evening where she would expect his coming But poor Petronella thou wilt dearly â—rue this sight and too late be sensible that the pleasures of Sin are compounded of the bitterest Ingredients The hour being come Petronella ordered her Waiting-Woman Marella to attend at the Garden Door and conduct Dribellus into an Arbour where the Transports of Joy betwixt the two Lovers are inexpressible they met with equal Ardour and Affection bewailed one anothers Destiny and cursed the Tyrany of Parents who often consult more their own Interest than the Happiness and Satisfaction of their Children in such forc'd Marriages which often prove most fatal in the consequence At last Marella being made one of their Council it was agreed that Dribellus who was scarce known to Polissus should put himself into the habit of a Servant and under the feigned name of Cotys be admitted into the Family to look after the Wardrobe which place was now vacant Dribellus was accordingly entertained whilst Polissus never suspects the Snake he lodg'd in his bosom nor the Thief he harboured in his House and now Cotys thinks himself happy hugs his own
the Confusion this disappointed Lady was in her Eyes were fierce and sparkling with Shame and Anger and transported with Rage she flew to her Dagger which Philip being aware of ran to the Table where his Sword lay and put himself into a Posture of Defence whilst she seeing her self thus defeated of her Pleasure and prevented in her Revenge look'd like a distracted Fury all her lovely Charms grew terrible and frightful Whether it be true or false said the inraged Dutchess That you have told me or whether thou art impotent or Vertuous 't is not much matter for thou shalt dye for my mistake But Philip had no mind to be kill'd and kept her off with the point of his Sword assuring her with a Thousand Oaths and Imprecations of the Truth of what he said told her more fully his Misfortune promised and vow'd Eternal Secrecy that no Person in the World should ever know one syllable of this Action that he himself would endeavour to forget it and believe it only a Dream or Vision provided she did no ways hereafter attempt his Life But if he should happen to fall by her Malice as he easily might he would leave this Nights Transactions under his Hand and Seal with an Intimate Friend who after Death would deliver it to the Duke and that if he might live secure he would be secret silent and faithful her Shame should be hid and her Honour safe The Dutchess saw no other Remedy but without Reply threw her Mantle about her slipp'd on her Pantoffles took up the Candle and left Philip not a little glad that he was so easily rid of this Amiable Fury Mariana saw her Lady return but with such marks of Disturbance in her Looks Confusion in her Eyes and Shame in her Cheeks that she wondred what could be the Cause of so great a Disturbance The next day the Dutchess feign'd her self Sick caus'd her Coach to be made ready and return'd to Vlme writing Dispatches to the Duke wherein she told him with the greatest Art of Feminine Cunning and Collogueing how much she suffer'd by his Absence who like the Flower of the Sun must droop 'till his Return and wither like the Female Palm in the Absence of the Male. These Letâ—ers were order'd to be sent by Philip who was pleas'd with the Command and so Easie a Removal from the sight of the incensed Dutchess All this Mariana saw and wondred at 'till the Dutchess one Evening in her Closet acquainted her with the odd Circumstances of her Love and her more strange disappointment The Duke receiv'd the kind Letters of the Dutchess and was not a little satisfied with her Love and Care and after he had put his Affairs in a good posture return'd Post to Vlme to the Embraces of his Lady Philip came along with the Duke but kept himself as much out of her Presence as he could who never beheld him but with Shame and Confusion and that very Object which before had been so pleasant in her Eyes was now as monstrous and hateful Malice and Revenge succeeded her Love in as great a degree and considering her Honour and Life were intrusted to his keeping she resolved neither could be safe as long as he liv'd and having in vain endeavour'd by several Artifices to remove him from the Duke she Consulted with Mariana what was to be done in so difficult a Case who agreed to send him into another World which could only secure his Silence To this End Ieranto the Cook was hiâ—ed by a Purse of Gold to Poyson him in a Mess of Broth which he soon after effected But his German simplicity not being so well vers'd in that Damnable Art as the Spaniard or Italian the Poyson wrought so violently it discover'd it self too soon and by the great Care and Skill of the Duke's Physicians the Danger was prevented He presently imagin'd it came from the implacable Hatred of the Dutchess and resolv'd to be Reveng'd of her before he Dy'd whereupon he sent for the Duke and having made all Persons avoid the Room Acquainted him with the Visit the Dutchess had given him with all the particular Circumstances of it and fully inform'd him of the reason of her Malice and his Empoysoning The Duke was like one Thunder-struck with this Relation and having consider'd the several parts of it began to question whether Philip was not distracted by his Distemper but having heard him confirm it with many Oaths and Imprecations expecting every moment to dye Trouble and Grief succeeded his Wonder and Astonishment and Jealousie and Rage follow'd after He stayed some time to compose himself and charg'd Philip To let no other know of his Dishonour telling him if he dy'd he would revenge his Death and if he liv'd reward his Fiâ—elity Philip being young and lusty Nature at last by the help of powerful Medicines or'ecame the Poyson and he recover'd with the loss only of his Hair and Nails The Duke in the mean time smother'd his Trouble all he could from the piercing Eye of the Dutchess and when Philip was recover'd carried him one day into her Chamber and making all others but Mariana to quit the Room caused him to Accuse her Face to Face The Dutchess seem'd not much mov'd but took it as if the Duke had been in Jest with her at which he grew so inraged he flatly charg'd her with the Crime calling her Impudent Strumpet she appearing as Angry and High peremptorily deny'd it and told him She would have satisfaction for so base an Abuse put upon her She Vindicated her self from all that Philip had said and with so many Asseverations justify'd her Innocency that the Duke stood Amaz'd not knowing which to Credit The Subtle Lady perceiving the Duke's mind wavering fell on her Knees and Crav'd Justice against that perjur'd Villain Philip who now saw his own Folly and Danger in Accusing the Dutchess without any other Witness to corroborate his Evidence The Duke was very much perplex'd with this matter and knowing the Dutchess had not actually defiled his bed but intentionally only if that was true she was Accused of and that probably Philip's Impotency rather than his Vertue or a due regard to his Honour had kept him Chast by many good words endeavour'd to pacifie the Dutchess and reconcile her to Phillip whom he still continued in his Service However the Duke seem'd to dissemble the Trouble of his mind Philip still standing firm in his Accusation Jealousie began to prevail upon his Soul and imbitter all his Thoughts He grew Melancholy and Churlish and she so proud and disdainful that an apparent breach was made between them she Curs'd her Marriage and the time she forsook Birthold the Kind and Loving Birthold This Mariana took notice of and acquainted Birthold with the Discontents of the Dutchess who diligently by Letters address'd himself to her from whom he receiv'd this Answer To the Lord of Zeringen BIrthold If I have yet any Command over your
lay upon the Table she stabb'd her self to the Heart and dyed immediately Clora had Confess'd her self Guilty of the Murder of the Infant which though it might look rather like an Act of Service and Fidelity to her Lady than a malicious Design in her Self was condemn'd to be hang'd and Three Days after Executed Nothing Encourages Sin more than the false Hopes of Impunity for did we really believe the Iustice of Hâ—av'n wou'd most certainly punish our Sins in proportion to our own Demerits the Murderer would temper his Passion and the Adulterer cool his Lust. But that thou may'st no more dare to Sin than thou art willing and able to bear the Punishment Heav'n shall inflâ—ct on thy Guilty Head I have here represented the sad Consequence of those two horrid Sins Murther and Adultery where in Variety of Tragical Examples thou may'st see the Iustice of Heav'n Triumphant in the Punishment of such Notorious Offenders The Triumphs of Chastity Sold by Benj Crayle att y e signe of y e Lambe in Fleet street THE TRIUMPHS OF FRIENDSHIP AND CHASTITY Exemplified in some Eminent EXAMPLES AND Delightful Histories LONDON Printed for Benj. Crayle in Fleetstreet THE TRIUMPHS OF FRIENDSHIP c. By way of Introduction IN the two former Treatises I have lively represented how neaâ—ly Sin is ally'd to Punishment in several Tragical Examples of Murder and Adultery to deter us from the Commission of those Crimes which will render us as infamously miserable as those poor Wretches were And in this Second Part I shall endeavour to encourage Vertue by those Glorious Instances of Successful Goodness which have perfum'd the Memories of the Authors and given Immortality to their Names whose Bodies are long since crumbled into Dust and their Ashes lost amongst the common Ruines of Mankind I shall Contract my Discourse under these two Heads Friendship and Chastity as they do more directly oppose the precedent Crimes of Murther and Adultery And here I mean not that Friendship which receives its Birth from any Effeminate Passion of Love and Desire but that Exalted Friendship whose Noble Extract is only derived from Vertue and Honour which is of so pure a Temper that none but Good Men are Capable of it 'T is a Misery indeed that the Knowledge of such a Blessedness as a True Friend is can hardly be without some sad Misfortune for when we are Happy in the Spring-tide of Abundance and the Rising flood of Plenty all Men flock about us with bare Heads bended Knees and protesting Tongues But when these pleasing waters fall to an Ebb then they look upon us at a distance and stiffen themselves as if they were in Armour lest if they should comply with us they get a wound in the Close This has deterr'd some from taking part with an inauspicious Friendship but by how much the more miserable by so much are they the more certain Examples of a Generous Fidelity For a Man to Expose his Life to the Hazard of a Duel in behalf of his Friend may appear an Action of Honour and Gallantry but in Cold Blood to present himself to an undoubted Death for a Friend is a thing rarely seen and Antiquity furnishes us with few Examples thereof they tell us indeed of Damon and Pythias and the Poets speak with Admiration touching Castor his sharing of Immortality with his Brother Pollux But I shall here present you with a late memorable Example of a Generous Friendship out of the History of Poland which preserv'd the Lives of both the Friends who eagerly contended to Dye for each other As follows HIST. I. Rabatski and Farnel Rabatski and Farnel two Intimate and Faithful Friends Rabatski falls in â—ove with Hilaria who is also Courted by Potoâ—â—i but slighted by her whereupon he endeavours to murder him in the Street but he is preserved by his Friend Farnel who kills Potosti and his Man and flies Rabatski is taken and Condemn'd to lâ—â—e his Head At the Place of Execution Farnel appears owning himself the Murtherer They are afterwards in regard of their Inviolable Friendship both Sav'd Married and Preferr'd AT Vilna the Metropolitan City and University of Lithuania one of the Principal Provinces in the Kingdom of Poland liv'd two young Gentlemen named Alâ—xander Rabatski and Peter Farnâ—l who had such an Inclination and Affection for each other in their tender Youth that if their Friendship increased with their Age it was judg'd by all they would attain such a degree of Perfection as would dimme the Lustre of all those Antient Historians have so highly commended to us They Studied together in the University and Learn'd all the Exercises in the Academy befitting their Birth and Condition wherein by a worthy Emulation they surpassed their Fellows and as the Passions which most agitate Youth are Quarrels and Love in both these Storms they supported each other with so inviolable Fidelity that the Interest of the one was the others without suffering the least sprig of Jealousie to cast its Thorny Roots of Suspition into their Hearts At length it hapned Rabatski placed his Affection on a subject full of Honour the Vertuous and Beautiful Hilaria who was one of the compleatest Gentlewomen in the City of a Good Family and Considerable Fortune But that which made his Address to this Lady most difficult was the Courtship of Potosti Son to one of the Principal Citizens of Vilna who had already gain'd her Parents Good-will and Rivall'd him in his Affections to his Mistress Hilaria who was Judicious above her Age soon discover'd the different Tempâ—rs of her Lovers and knew how to make a Choice most agreeable to her own humor she observ'd Potosti was Proud and Haughty Arrogant in his Behaviour and Discourse who instead of winning Love by Submission made himself odious to her by his Vanities and Bravadoes Rabatski was Mild and Modest indued with all those Charming Qualities which render Conversation pleasing and grateful this so much affected Hilaria that the Offer of his Service was no sooner presented but received And although he had no permission from her Parents to become a Suitor to her yet she apply'd her self to Love him with that Ardency of Affection that jealous Potosti soon discover'd his Rival had robb'd him of his Mistress her Heart for which he vow'd a severe Revenge Not long after they met accidentally and Potosti with more Boldness than Civility told him If he dar'd to Offer any farther Respâ—cts tâ— his Mistress Hilaria he would punish his Insolence and make him dearly repent his great Folly and Râ—shness Rabatski told him He could not flatter himself into an Opinion that he deserv'd so good a â—ady as Hilaria was but he hoped his Pretensiâ—â—s might any where be Equal to his in pâ—â—nt of Honour or Quality and that he had neither so little Affection or so great a share of Cowardize to fear his Threats who was his Superior in nothing that was Generous and Brave These words seconded by sundry Replies would
that he promised in six Months the Marriage should be solemniz'd and in the interim that he would discard this brave Courtier meaning Incmar that thus put crickets into his Head and forbid his Daughter to see him any more which he accordingly did My Friend with great Trouble and Discontent withdrew from Melsignam and went to the Court at Cassâ—l and left me his Resident to Negotiate his Amours with that Diligence and Fideilty he might justly expect from me I inform'd him Day by Day of the Constancy and Affection of his Mistress but as it is hard to be long in the Sun without being tann'd or in a Perfumer's Shop without drawing from thence good Odours It happen'd that my frequent Converse with Yoland rais'd I know not what inclinations in my Soul which became Love before I perceiv'd it her Attraction and Charms struck so deep into my heart that I was a long time in Ballance tottering betwixt Love and Friendship not knowing unto which party to yield The Combat was long and doubtful but at length my Honour conquer'd my Sense Reason my Passion and my Friendship to Incmar Triumphed over my Love to Yoland Hugolin and Graciana narrowly inspected my proceedings and soon discover'd the Design I manag'd That in vain they had forbid Incmar their house and Yoland his Company since I yet remain'd behind who with my utmost Diligence endeavour'd to promote his Interest with their Daughter Hugolin and his Mother by their Daily Complaints to Raoul at last so incensed him that he promised he would acquaint the Landgrave by whom he was much esteem'd that Incmar and I design'd a Violence upon his Daughter and troubled her Marriage which he accordingly did Whereupon I was sent for by a Messenger to Cassel and Incmar and I receiv'd sharp Reprehensions from the Landgraâ—e who ordain'd that she should marry Hugolin according to the Promise Raoul had made his Mother This Decree from a Soveraign Mouth was without Appeal Incmar at the same time by the suggestions of Raoul who prosecuted him with the utmost Malice was threatned to be Banish'd the Court and lose all those Honourable and Advantagious Employments he enjoy'd if he ever after dar'd in the least to disturb the Match My Friend continued at Cassel having promis'd the Landgrave never more to intermeddle with that Affair and I by his directions went back to Melsignam to observe what measures they took Raoul went back to Melsignam to consummate the Marriage of his Daughter with Hugolin and not long after the Time was fixt and I had Notice of the Day by Letter from Yoland who was resolv'd to dye rather than marry with that shame of Humane Nature I soon transmitted the Letter to Incmar who that Night came privately over to me I obtain'd a private meeting from Yoland when it was resolv'd that all our hopes of future Happiness depended upon a sudden Flight which was agreed to the next Nâ—ght Judge now the force of my Friendship it hood wink'd my Eyes from all Considerations I serv'd my Friend against the Honour of my own blood I in an Instant renounc'd all Love to my Country all my Estate the Favour of my Prince and all hopes of Fortune to follow the blind desires of these Lovers both which I lov'd with Incredible passions It was I that in the Obscurity of Night which favour'd our Enterpize drew Yoland forth of her Fathers house through a Window and having Cloath'd her in one of my Suits led her to Incmar who stay'd for us in the Fields With good Hoâ—ses wee Rid till day and made that speed that we got out of the Land-grave's Territories e're any Justice could lay hold of us But because we knew the hands of Princes are long finding no safety in High Germany we came down disguis'd into these parts where we had not continued long e're that little was consum'd which the sudden hast of our departure had permitted us to bring from our Country To tell you something of what passed in our Country after our flight we heard by some secret Friends That the Land-grave was unmeasurably incens'd against us Ordain'd that the Law should proceed against us as Ravishers we were Condemn'd to loose our Heads which we suffer'd in Effigie our Goods were Confiscate in brief we were us'd with all Imaginable rigour and severity so that having no hopes of succor from home we setled all on our own Valour and committed our Fortune to the hazard of Arms. Behold now to what degree of Courage Love doth Elevate a Soul Inspired with it Yoland who had taken mans Apparel to follow her Lover found her self so well in that habit and took such delight in the Exercise of Arms that she learn'd in short time to Fence to Ride the manag'd Hoâ—se and did every thing with that Dexterity that she was deservedly accounted the Compleatest Gentleman in the Troop The necessity we were under and the fear that the Land-grave's wrath should persecute us by his Agent constrain'd us to Inroll our selves under the States Colours Yoland assum'd the name of Rolond and was Incmar's Comrade and Bedfellow being first privately married to him of which I my self was witness and since by her Bravery and Courage made her self famous in many Encounters When I saw them in possession of their desire It was then that I discover'd with how much labour and pain I had overcome the Violence of my passions in consideration of my Friendship to Incmar They admir'd this Victory over my self Incmar highly applauded my Exalted Friendship and Yoland protested to me that saving her Honour after her Love due to Incmar she lov'd no man better Incmar gave me leave to call her my Mistress and she call'd me her Servant and that was all the Favour that ever I had from her Except sometimes Kissing her no less valiant than fair hand After many Encounters we shut our selves up in Briemberg resolving to shew in this Seige the highest proofs of Valour in Extream Events where there hath happen'd what you have seen Military Command having separated me from them they have been kill'd in the Breach and as it may be thought Incmar being first dead and Yoland unwilling to survive him was kill'd on his Body and Expired in his Arms. Aleran thus ended his Discourse and had like at the same time to have ended his Life so extreamly did greif oppress his heart The Marquess pitying his great Courage gave order to his Doctors and Surgeons to labour in this Cure with all their Industry but notwithstanding their great Care and pains he died two days after and was by Command of the Marquess Interr'd with Honour by Incmar and his wife under a fair Marble Tomb with this Inscription To the Memory of the Three Lovers Inseparable in Life and Death Sincere Friendship is the most Excellent Endeavour of Humane Nature it Contracts Two Souls into one and according to the fable of Aristophanes unites a Man with the other half
my self of the greatest contentment I cou'd have wish'd and without which my life henceforward will be but a death Live then Great Honour'd Happy Rich most Dear Valeria and by marrying with Beltimore become the Glory of thy Kindred whilst I go miserable poor unhappy and forlorn Mellinto spinning out the remainder of my sad days in melancholly Groves and solitary Retirements Much adoe had they to part these two Lovers from each others Armes A heart as hard as Adamant could not but have relented at so Tragical a scene of Sorrow The words of Betrothing being rendred back the very next morning the Lord Beltimore made his visit to Valeria vainly flattering himself it was now no longer in the power of fate to blast or cross his Amours he promis'd to make her a Lady settle his whole Estate upon her having no Children and that the Writings should be seal'd before the Marriage was Consummated which was appointed two days after Beltimore generously sent Mellinto a Bag with 2000. Checquins with all the Expressions of gratitude and an assurance of his perpetual Love and Friendship which he as Nobly return'd with this Complimental Letter Mellinto to the Lord Beltimore MY Lord I am no stranger to your favours neither am I ignorant of your being Master of a liberal and grateful soul but as I never was in a Capacity to oblige you so I cannot with Iastice to my self receive your Lordships present which must make me a Debtor to you more then ever I shall be able to repay If your Lordship thinks my resigning Valeria to you had a respect to my own Interest or your Satisfaction you much mistake me all my good wishes center in the fair Valeria whom I endeavour to render as compleatly happy as I make my self wretched and miserable Upon no other Terms would I have parted with her whom I value above the Treasure of both the Indies and was I that Potent Monarch who sees the Sun both rise and set in his own Dominions I would lay my Crown at your Feet to preserve Valeria in my Armes Mellinto Valeria was in presence when Beltimore receiv'd this Answer from Mellinto which made so deep Impression on her that the next morning which was design'd for the Wedding she rose early and attended only by her Maid went over to Mellinto and was privately married to him of which she immediately sent her Father an account Modenni spar'd no words to express his rage and fury nor did Beltimore conceal his deep Resentments of the Affront done to his Person and the disappointment to his longing Expectations The Father utterly disown'd his Daughter and would not admit of a Reconciliation though they offer'd the most powerful reasons for what was done by the Intercession of Friends Mellinto had but a very small Estate which the Expences their Quality oblig'd them to soon Consum'd nor would Cruel Mordenni relieve their distresses though he daily heard of their complaints But these wants made no breach between this loving pair who were constant in their affections happy in the midst of poverty and contented in the extremity of misery It unfortunately hapen'd that Mellinto and Valeria walk'd out together one Evening more to divert their Melancholy thoughts than any Pleasure they could take in viewing that single Acre which was all the Remainder of their Land on which fed their whole Herd of Cattle two loving Mulls the living Riches and support of their Family Mellinto upon some urgent occasion in their return staid behind and Valeria went on to take her usual walk upon the Beach where she had the prospect of those Galleys which Row'd by A Turkish Galley belonging to Algiers having just landed their Boat immediately seiz'd all they met with on the Strand and amongst others Valerea who in sight of her Husband was carried off to the Galley which lay hard by with Spanish Colours this dreadful sight he saw heard her Skreaks and outcries which peirced his Heart but he was too far distant to make any attempt tho his best endeavours would have prov'd fruitless and unsucessful in her Rescue He saw her gone beyond recovery and tears and complaints were but in vain when like a constant Friend and loving Husband he plung'd himself into the Sea and swam up to the Galley where he was taken up and brought before the Captain who told him he was come to follow his Wife and neither fear'd their Cruelty nor beg'd their Pitty that freedom without her Company was a more miserable slavery to him then they endured who tug'd at the Oar. The Turks very much admir'd his Transcendent Love and Courage for they had seen some of his Country Men rather choose death than endure a life so Severe and Cruel Amongst some others that he knew a Board there was a Young Gentleman nam'd Placento about 22 Years of Age whose Father was next neighbour to Mellinto Placento lying chain'd to his Oar as the rest were was not able to endure the Turkish Cruelty â—ut contriv'd an escape and Commuicated the Methods of it to Mellinto intreating him to bear him company who told him he had made himself a Voluntary slave for the sake of his Wife and would scorn that Ransom which did not first purchase her liberty before his own much less would he run the hazard and danger of his project and then leave her behind to their merciless fury and revenge However Placento proceeded and was happy in the success which he effected in this manner he had observed that the utmost liberty they had was no further then their Chain gave 'em leave which reach'd to the end of the Bench where there was a large hole for the necessity of nature Placento having prepared his Chains to come off upon easie Terms goes to the Hole one Evening as they â—ay at Anchor and according to the Custom of the Turks cry'd Ala Banda which is the signal they are oblig'd to give when they go to that Convenience otherwise they are Bastinado'd The Slaves were all asleep and only the Sentinells awake upon the fore or hindeck who mistrusted nothing Placento first pul'd off his Coat which he underprop'd with two sticks and then got off his Fetters his legs being so fallen away since his being a Slave that they grew too small for his shackles and committing himself to the Sea landed safe upon an Island not far off but though his Person was gone his Coat was severely threatned with Bastinado 's before his real escape was discovered At their return to Tunis the Captain of the Galley acquainted the King with the whole account of their surprizing Valeria walking on the Beach and how her Husband Mellinto swam after in Love to his Wife and made himself a Voluntary Slave rather than be depriv'd of her Company The King was much mov'd with the Relation of so faithful constant a Love and within three days gave them both their Freedom In the interim the Lord Beltimore having
Ashes and keep a body pure and a Troth inviolable I will Love thee as my Husband withal my Heart but to prevent future Jealousies know this that I will love Sapor as my dear Prince and dear Master but Imagine not him to have any part thereby in any thing that shall appertain to thee he hath no such thought and if he had he should find his expectations frustrate and if thou dost think this Friendship which is so pure honest just and lawful should be contrary to the Loyalty I owe to thee I do now renounce to thy love and allyance for I am resolv'd to carry to my grave this first glorious flame The other Condition is that thou permit me to exercise my self in Arms in Hunting and other like Recreations and if thy Courage calls thee at any time to War either of thy own accord or with our Master that thou permit me to be partaker of thy labours and thy hazards as I desire to be of thy Lawrels and thy Palms On these Conditions I am ready to obey and follow thee in life or death Numerian no less Ravish'd at the Spirit and Courage of this Maid than with her Beauty agreed to all she desir'd and the Young Duke Honoured the Marriage with such Pomp and Magnificence that he could not have expended more liberally at the Marriage of his own Sister Thus they passed some Years Rich in Wealth and Children when the Wars of Hungary a Kingdom bordering on Silesia came to disturb this Calm The Prince being call'd by the Emperour had a great Command in the Army unto which he went with a Train befitting his Greatness and attended by Numerian and Rosana who would not be perswaded by any Arguments to stay behind but dressing her self in Mans Apparel Accompanied her Master and Husband to the Army One day the Prince was commanded to make an assault upon the Enemy in one of his Quarters which he did attended by Numerian and Rosana who never left him in the most dangerous encounters with more bravery than Success for on a suddain he was encompassed by the Turks and in great hazard of loosing his Life or being taken Prisoner Then did the great Love of Rosana appear fir'd with Fury who like a raging Tigress ran her self upon the Weapons of the Handlers to Rescue the beloved Sapor Numerian wrought no less miracles with his devouring Sword for his Rosana's preservation than she had done for Sapors At last the Prince recover'd his safety and these two Lovers found themselves surrounded with Enemies who summon'd them to lay down their Arms whereunto their great Courages reply'd boldly they were never us'd to such dishonourable Terms and pressing into the midst of them either to break through or dye in the attempt were both Kill'd Numerian fell first and Rosana after she had given sufficient marks of her undaunted Courage and fully reveng'd her Husbands Death was run through the body by a Ianizary and her soul sent to be for ever happy with Numerian's in a blest Eternity The skirmish being ended she was found among the Dead with her Husband and after they knew she was a Woman they that felt her sâ—roaks did more admire her Valour The sorrow and grief of Sapor cannot be exprest which he took in this loss He sent for the two Bodies that he might yeild to their Ashes which he water'd with his Tears some Testimony of his Friendship He caused them to be carried into Silesia where he spared no cost to make their Funerals sumptuous and caused a stately Tomb to be erected over them to preserve their Memories to posterity as long as Marble can last In the Precedent Histories we may behold the Glorious Rewards and Triumphs of Friendship wherein the chief Bonds of Amity and humane Society do consist for without Friendship Mankind would be like Ravenous Wolves destroyers of each other as in the former Histories of Murthers we have had too many Fatal Examples Friendship is the perfection of Prosperity and support of Adversity Which Alexander having experienc'd as a mighty truth nohen he was asked by some where his Treasures lay Pointed to his Friends The Pythagorians prefer'd Friendship before all other good qualities call'd it the Combination of all Vertues and affirm'd it to be the Uniting of Souls here on Earth which is the preparative to the Heavenly Union by this Divine Vertue we may with Lot unawares give entertainment to Angels upon Earth at least we may expect with the foregoing examples to stand in a fair and bright Character in the Book of Fame and Comence Stars of the greatest Magnitude with them above THE Triumphs OF CHASTITY HIST. I. Christiana Christiana refuses the Embraces and Rich proffers of the French King and in her flight for England was solicited to debauchery by De Boi Master of the French Vessel to avoid whose lust She cast her self into the Sea where she was taken up by Codrinus Vice Admiral of the English Navy who in Regard of her great Chastity married her The Lord Sebastian attempting to polute her was discover'd and afterwards slain she after her Husbands decease is married to the Duke of Guise FOR the further encouragement of Vertue after those Glorious instances of Friendship 't will not be improper to present the Courteous Reader with some examples of Chastity which have Crown'd the Memories of those Fam'd Persons with immortality and honour in which thou may'st as in a mirrour behold the Beauty and reward of the Resplendent Vertue of Chastity as in the former Histories thou seest the deformity and punishment of that raging sin of Adultery whereby thou may'st be perswaded to follow the Dictates and Precepts of the one as thou would'st shun the evil consequence which attend the other As Beauty without Chastity is like unto Mandrake Apples comely to the Eye but Poysonous in tast so Chastity is the Beauty of the Soul and Purity of Life which despiseth the corrupt pleasures of the Flesh and is on-only poâ—ed of those who keep their Bodies clean and undefiled which consisteth either in sincere Virginity or faithful Matrimony But Chastity is most cospicious when surrounded with dangers and then deservedly lays claim to the most chast and pure joys of a happy Eternity But I proceed to the Story AT Tours chief City of Touraine a Province which is said to be the Garden of France seated on the Loire lived Mounsieur de Cadez a private Gentleman who by his Wife had one only Daughter by name Christiana whom Heaven had blest with so vast a share of Beauty that she was the admiration and discourse not only of her Native City but likewise of the Court and often sollicited by the King with the promises and certainty of great Wealth and Dignities to be the pleasure of his Bed but the no less Vertuous than Beauteous Christiana esteeming the honour of her Chastity far above the Dignities of an Empire renounc'd to purchase such shadows of Glory