Saule sought his life came into the tent of the king finding him sleeping yet durst not touch him for feare of vengeance from heauen If treason were helde in such contempt in those dayes howe ought it much more now to be despised Proceede therefore noble Prince and let the tender care you haue of these innocents whose cause you take in hand deserue such honour in the courtes of all christian Princes that no talke may be but of Galastino duke of Millaine and his honourable reuenge of those traytors that draw their swordes against their soueraigne and hauing vanquished the villaines let their punishmeÌ„t be answerable to their deserts that it may breed terrour to all such as shall euer attempt the like action and remaine to the end of all thinges in memorie towardes the performance of which of our own cost we freely allow ten thousand men well furnished for warre with all y e charge wages and what else to them belongeth besides our owne persons to attend your excellencie which shalbe readie speedily awaiting your gracious pleasures The Duke which found no lesse then hee expected at the handes of his nobles was so rauished with ioy that it amazed him wherfore yelding them such honourable courtesie as their large and friendly offer required he thus replied Noble friends on whose fidelitie our welfare consisteth Thankes for this friendship so likewise for many others past more haue you honoured me by your consent to this my fiâ—te then I list nowe to vtter but assure you on the word and maiestie of a Prince that your friendships shall neuer be forgotten Touching my determination for our iournie to Saxonie knowe that our purpose is by the assistance of God whome I trust fauoureth our good intent and will helpe vs according to equitie of our cause within two monethes to be ready for our intended voyage wherefore as you honour me see that you accomplishe your late offers against that time prefixed vnto whiche they faythfully promise dinner time Drawing on the duchesse aduertised the duke therof who inuited his nobles thereto where the Duke relateth vnto the duchesse of Saxonie his parlie with the nobles of Millaine with their courteous offers for the benefite of her and her children which newes was so pleasing vnto her as nothing could ioy her more hoping by that meanes the Duke her husbands children shoulde inioy their lawfull right and shee her selfe liue to see the same Thus with much pleasant parly passed they diner carowsing to their happysuccesse and fortunate iorney vntil some of them haue taken such colde in the handes that they might not stand on their feet Time that worketh al things commandeth these Nobles away eâ—ch making to their home wherefore taking humble leaue of the Duke and the two Duches thy depart carefull of what the Duke gaue them in charge to set all thinges in a readines against the time appointed The Nobles gone the Duke calleth his captaines and men fit for charge geuing them warrant for leuieng his power with great command that his company should bee of the best and ablest men in the Dukedome which with care they see fulfilled according to the truste reposed in them The Duchesse for whose sake those preparations were made conceiued such ioy at the same that she thought euery moneth a yeare and euery day a moneth vntil shee saw to what happy end the Dukes pretended iorney would happeÌ„ vnto often commending in her heart the faithfulnesse of the Duke of Millaine to his friend In recounting whereof she shed many bytter teares for Andrugio her beloued lord and husband somtime exclaiming against both Gods and men for his losse who so dearely she loued The remembrance of whom was likely diuers times to bereaue her of life yet in the midst of her sorrowes when she beheld the yoong prince a liuely picture of the exiled Duke how often with sweet imbracings woulde she kisse the tender youth bathing his tender cheeks with teares distilling in aboundance thorow extreame griefe of heart from her eies hoping yet before death should shut those eyes of hers to see him and once against to inioy his companie The yoong prince growing to some discretion beeing thirteen yeares of age well noting the sorrowe and heauinesse of his mother would by cyrcumstances enquyre of the Duke his father of his country and the cause why hee left the same with many other questions of which when the Duchesse had resolued him made relation of each thinge which he demanded describing also at full how dearly hys subiectes loued him and in what regard they held her it would moue the prince often to shed teares wishing that his years had bene such that he might haue remembred his father and of power to reuenge his wrong vowing if it bee the pleasure of God to endow him with life so thorowly to requite those iniuries vpon the vsurping traitors that al the chronicles in the world should record the same in memorie And so comforteth his mother in the best sort hee could praying her a while to be content till God had placed him in his right whereof he hoped in short time to bee possessed Those wordes of comfort proceeding from so greene a head the Duchesse did much admyre no doubt had greate pleasure in her sonne of whom she had no litle ioy whose education was answerable to his byrth hauing learned men of all sciences to read vnto him by whome hee profited in learning so excellently that it was rare to finde any in Millaine or the whole Dukedom comparable vnto him for study and other agility of the body for which he bare the prize from al of his yeares whose conditions were so answerable to the noble Duke his father that if any man did know the one would suppose soone who the other should be Whilest the Duke of Millaine was furnishing his power newes was brought him that Flodericus one of the vsurpers had by poison brought his companion vnto his longest home to auenge whose wrongs Sextilius son and heir vnto Gonsalo deceised had gathered all his allies kindred and friends in armes and was in the fieldes with intent to suppresse Flodericus and claime in right the Duke dome in trueth and lawfull succession belonging vnto neyther of them This 〈…〉 the suddain Galastino could not wel beleeue till hee was by letters from diuers Nobles of Saxonie and friendes to the noble Andrugio and his thereof aduertised whereof beeing thorowly resolued he hasteneth his powers and hâ—â—ing a gaâ—â— to serue their turne After many sorrowfull fâ—rewels and womanish teares shed by both the Duches he taketh the seâ—s whose honorable purpose fauoured by God the maintainer of trueth brought them safe to the road of their desire anchoring in the night perceiued of nâ—ne by reason of the gloomy weather Galastino commandeth a 〈◊〉 to be prepared which being accomplished he presently dispatcheth messengers from ship to ship with letters of direction for their suddaine landing to
made reckoning that their coâ—fortes were rifling their prise and desirous to haue part of what they should finde stood not demaunding questionâ—s but boorded them also in the entering of which Andrugio â—lew their Captaine to the terrour of his enemies which looked for no resistance But all in vains was their proceediâ—gs for his men with blowing the powder were either fore hurt or slaine so that perforce he was compelled to yâ—â—lde himselfe These 〈◊〉 nowe being maister of this weather beaten Barque and saw what spoke those small companie had made their companions were grieuously vexed and greatly threatened Andrugio with bitter tormentes for his valour shewed against them and especially for the death of those Captaines their gouernours Andrugio thus in the handes of those people of whom he earnestly beâ—ought fauour could hardly be permitted life such was their crueltie in reuenge of their Captaines death whom they lost in boording Andrugio his Barque yea they had examined to be the cause of their resistance was more then for all the rest yet as greate as their furie was behold when as many tormenting deathes and most bitter were called to minde and none thought bitter enough for him pitie mooued the hearte of one gratious fellow of some account amongst them to compassâ—on who noting the milde countenance of Andrugio and considering his valour earnestly besought his company for his sake to forbeare the execution of their crueltie towardes him in bereauing the life of this yoong prince which with much adoo was granted him Thus at the intercession of thos◠〈◊〉 wâ—s Andrugio his life preserued to greater extremities for sweeter had death bene vnto him if they had shewed their crueltie then life for that he was marked in his byrth vnfortunats as the storie shall shew you Well those cursed true hauing most violently handled such as remained aliue in the ship commanded Andrugio to be as hardly intreated as might be oppressing his body with cruell afflictions toomuch for any to enduce yet could his noble mind neuer 〈◊〉 to intreat for pardon albeit they should haue carued his flesh from his 〈◊〉 with their meate kniâ—es or with 〈…〉 haue nippeâ— the same away To which his 〈◊〉 courage his ancient friend that had saued his life gaue good notice and â—ued his case but could not redresse him neither shew any more fauour vnto the Gentleman then he did yet as opportunitie was offer â—â— when his â—acking 〈◊〉 were at play or otherwise busied he would vifite him and comfort him as well as hee could But so long continued this good theefe his familiaritie towardes him that in the ende Andrugio confessed vnto him of what parentage he was descended and how fortune in this time of his youth had continually dealt with him omitting nothing whiche lamentable oration of his ouer-heard with promise made when God should to send them to any harbor to release him It was presently carried to such as was chiefest amongst them in commission for as yet they had appoynted no captaines of their ships The reporter of this newes had skarsly finished his tale when furiously and in great rage they commaunded Andrugio and his friendes to be brought vnto them the miscreantes deâ—canting the meane while of such crueltie as they should both receaue No soner came these vnhappie men before those mercilesse bloudsuckers bent to begin their tormentes they caused them to be hoisted to the yard arme and so drencht in the seas at which their misseries they tooke exceeding delight By this this time to aggrauat their misery they had deuised to strip them naked and euery man with a cordes end as they passe them turning round the capstone to deale such strokes vpon their bare carkasses as they could with pitie of heart either for crueltie of encreasing their paine bestow on them or of compassion fauour them But the Gods that yeeld comfort in extremite looking on those afflicted persons preserued them from this punishment For behold as they were in stripping them they espied a fleet of Gallies at sea which in the calme made such speede to them as they might not escape by any meanes wherefore they commanded Andrugio with his companion to the bilbowes themselues to determine for defence against their enemies whom they might easily perceiue now pretending to haue some saieng to them and to repay their bloody tyrannie vsed with the like Time hath brought those discried fleet within litle more then a league so that they might easilie discerne them to be Gallies belonging to the gouernours of Trypolie of which place those villaines had wronged many and therefore their feare began the more to encrease doubting that if they fell into their handes as they did not know howe to withstande them their crueltie vsed to others would be repaied wherfore like friends that in many mischiefes had ventured together they resolutely determine to die and liue together and so preparing themselues with those fewe Andrugio had lift them to be in readinesse ordering their fightes with the best pollicie they could they scantly had finished what they would haue done when a cannon shot comming froÌ„ one of those Gallies stroke their maine mast by the boord and so beat their ship with shot with the losse of diuers of their companie that in vaine they resisted wherefore spreading their flag of truce in their missen top They committed themselues to mercie of those with whome there is no mercie at all When the smoke of the peeces was cleared and that they saw there came no more shot from the ship thinking before they had lost her espying their slag of truce the Captaine of the Viz-admyrall commanded the Helms-man to fal too and boord her where finding those braue mates that had spoiled many now in this conflict to stand as mute as silly sheepe before a woolfe intreating hardly for their liues which could not be granted them yet bound backe to backe they left them lying on the hatches vntill they had ransacked the Shippe searching in euerie corner and tooke the spoile VVhere finding our comfortlesse ANDRVGIO and his pitifull companion miserablie wronged in those yron Fetters taking them to bee prisoners to those cruell and bloody Pyrates and such as had bene wronged by them commaunded that they should be released from their captiuitie and to be brought before the Admirall which was presently done Andrugio for all the tormentes hee had bene afflicted with could not bee compelled to make himself knowen but being by the Admyrall examined what he was and how hee fell into their handes told him that hee was a passenger in a small Barque whom they had spoiled both of goodes and men and that none of his companie remianed aliue but himselfe only The Admyrall noting the courage of the prince commanded that he should be brought with his fellow prisoner aboord his owne Gallie requiting the crueltie of the rest as they had deserued for beeing bound backe to backe heaued ouerboord ending their liues in blood as
A Defiance to Fortune Proclaimed by Andrugio noble Duke of SAXONY declaring his miseries and continually crossed with vnconstant Fortune the banishment of himselfe his wife and children Whereunto is adioyned the honorable Warres of Galastino Duke of Millaine in reuenge of his wrongs vpon the trayterous Saxons Wherin is noted a myrrour of noble patitience a most rare example of modest chastity and the perfect patterne of true friendship Verie delectable and ful of varietie Written by H. R. Printed at London for Iohn Proctor 1590. TO THE WORSHIPFVL WILLIAM Borough Esquire comptroller of her Maiesties roiall Nauie H. R. wisheth long and happy life with fortunate successe in all your attemptes and after death the ioyes euerlasting ALEXANDER Right Worshipfull amongest men greatest on the earth ceasing his hard toile froÌ„ pursuit of his enemies he held no recreation in such account as reading of histories especially such as treated of the honours gained by noble warriours long before his time entombed in the intralles of the earth wherein his delight was as much as in maniging his steed or shiuering his lance in the midst of his foes SCIPIO that noble Romaine which subdued manie nations had no small delight in the like exercise noting by reading the euentes of war and pleasant baites of fortune how Warriours gained honor and then againe how they were subdued the mighty kings by pesantes and men of base account displaced and the ignoble exalted changing all estates at her pleasure This Fortune of the Poets fained a Goddesse hauing the raigne of all estates in her hand disposeth like a blind guide at her wil setting vp and pulling down whom she list to ouerthrowe or aduance An example of which right Wor. I present to you in this historie wherein you shall see her mutabilitie shewing continuallie her froward vnconstant mind in crossing that noble and vnhappie prince Andrugio sometime Duke of Saxonie whose miseries exceeded al that euer I read or heard of from the sixteenth yeare of his age neuer inioieng long time of content according to his estate but manie daies spent he in extreame miserie as the historie of his life shal manifest to which I leaue you humbly beseeching your Worship to shield it vnder your protection and when time shall permit you leasure vouchsafe the reading of it in which I doubt not albeit the style be rude but that you shall finde something to delight you And if it so happen I haue my wish and the long desire I haue had to make my zeale knowne vnto your worship in somâ— sort is satisfied Your VVorship to commannd vntill death H. R. The Miseries of ANDRVGIO Duke of Saxonie SIENA famous throughout the world for beautiful scituation ciuill gouernment good education and prositing of her students was so renowmed that none of any reputation liuing within the dominions of the Emperour but had an especiall desire to haue their sonnes trained in that vniuersitie especially the Dukes princes and Nobles Amongst many gallant youthes to whose eares fame had bruited this peerelesse report of so goodly a City with the vertues therein abounding Andrugio some and heire apparant to the noble Duke of Saxonie a toward Gentleman prone to all vertuous exercises desirous to attaine the knowledge of al artes hearing the fame of Siena desirous also to see the place and to spend his time in study as also to acquaint himselfe with other princes which came from all partes to this place to see their behauiour and knowe the maners of their countrie pricked with a continuall desire to this attempt maketh humble suite vnto the Duke his father for the furthering of this entent which so long he prosecuteth in such earnest maner that after manie denials of the aged Duke as a louing father whose tender care might not endure the absence of his deare and only sonne hauing a fatherly regard vnto him yea and morâ— than ordinarie affection of fathers vnto their children wearied also with the importance of his suites whicâ— day and night he continually sollicited both by himselfe anâ— his friends at length granteth his good will as what is it that parentes will not graunt for their childrens benefit yet to be aduised better before he suffer him to depart sommoneth all his Nobles and Estates of the countrie beseeching their counsels touching the request of his some Vnto whome hee recounteth the effect of the Princes carnest suite These Nobles hearing so honorable a motion of the yoong Lord wel noting his delight in studie at home beeing of years so tender not yet attaining to the full tearm of sixteen yeers wer woÌ„derfully amazed to hear so eâ—nest a suit from so childish a mouth wherefore as desirous to further his suite hauing considered what profite it would be vnto them and their posteritie in time to come to haue a wise learned well gouerned prince with other vertues which attend the learned which bring knowledge of the Gods and indue the followers with ciuill pollicie and good gouernment liuing in great hope hee woulde prooue to be such a one as he seemed they geue their consent for his departure became humble suitors also for y e obtaining y e same at the Dukes hands at whose request he is content it should be so giuing his Nobles thanks for their fauours towards his son commanded that presently he be furnished with all thinges befitting his estate which with all speed was performed The Duke taking all his care forhonest wise and well gouerned Tutors for him which might by their discreet and sage caunsel train him in such wise that after the Castostrisie of his life he might prooue as his hope was honorable learned and wise that he night be worthie to gouâ—rne so noble a countrie and they haue ioy of so yoong a Prince yeelding him such dutie as becommeth subiectes to their soueraigne which he might requite with a tender loue of a prince and a carefull miâ—d of his peoples good The hast that was made in prouâ—ding of all thinges for the princes iourny according to his desire is accomplished wherefore accoâ—panied with many yong Noblemen of his countrie and Gentlemen sent by their Parentes for the Princes companie Comming before the Duke as desirous to loose as little time as might be they humblie take their leaues to depart At which many a teare both of the Duke and his Nobles was shead for whom his father indured many sorrowfull daies thorow his absence yet could he not denie his request nor seek to crosse his desires which weâ—e honorable and beseeming the son of so noble and famous a father Lord ANDRVGIO his departure from the Court vvith his aduentuâ—â—s THe noble mind of this yong prince now in the flourishing tune of his age began to shewe it selfe in such sort as he might wel be knowen to descend of so honorable Parentage as the Duke of Saxonie for as the sonne-beames cannot be hid so did vertue appeare in him pricking a forwardnesse to his
desires to see the maners and gouernment of other countries But too soone alas hath this naturall Father yeelded to the desire of so greene a head whose yeares doo scarsly require the raine to be left in his owne hand as you shall heare Fortune mutable vnconstant dame desirous to shewe what she could doo hauing brought this yoongling to the top of his desires began now to checke him with such a bit as might well serue a colte of elder yearâ—s for beeing void of all doubtes of any mischaunce to betide him or his companions such miseries was he oppressed with as are most lamentable to be remembred For vnderstand after his departure from the Court of his Father traueiling by guides as the maner of the country is thorow vncoth places enuyroned with wooddes and hanted with multitudes of wilde beastes a noble man of Italy banished from his countrie for a most hainous treason conspired against the prince of the land ranged continually those desartes where he with his companions became most cruell manslears and spoylers of as many as fell into their hands without feare of God or respect of christianity Neuer was there any tyrant of what name or condition soeuer so cruel as this mischieuous Gonsala Ieriomanim for so was he called Earnest trauell within small time hath brought this youth Andrugio with his companie within the precinct of this cursed murtherer where he kept his residence lodged in caues and holdes of their own framing Of whose scouts Andrugio was no sooner espied but with al possible speed they prouide to meete them armed in all partes as if they should encounter their professed enemies in the field Andrugio void of all feare tooke great pleasure in this iourney passing in pleasant discourses the time to beguile their trauell But alas in midst of these pleasures befel them most vnhappie fortune euen as the sillie lambes skipping by the side of their tender damme is by the rauening Woolfe bereaued of life So fares it with Andrugio who no sooner came to the place wher these reprobats lay in ambush attending their comming But Gonsala stern fierce of courage with his followers resolued to be their deathes furiously assailed them and in small time taking them at aduantage ouercame them leauing not one to breath as they supposed bathing their murdering blades in the blood of these Gentils taking spoyle of their treasure and other prouision they leaue their bodies couered with mosse and loose leaues speeding them to their places of refuge reioicing with the spoile of those poore innocents whom mâ—st traiterously they had slaine Now beholde the vnspeakeable goodnesse of God vnto this Lord Andrugio whose woundes being not so deep as the rest of his friendes after a litle trance began to recouer when breathing with a piteous grone he striued to recouer his feet to stand but the blood being cold about his wounds caused such a â—â—ifnesse that impossible it was for him to mooue with taking cold after his long bleeding yet by the permission of the highest vnto whose holy will al creaturâ—s bend in short time he recouered reasonable memorie when viewing round about him the slaine carkasses of his followers and friends with piteous schriches and lamentable plaints complameth his misfortune on this wise Andrugio what cruell starres guided thy byrthday or what cursed hag bewitched thee to motion a suit vnto thy noble father so greatly displeasing the Gods who noting thy follies haue appointed these vnmercifull murderers to daunger thine owne life and bereaue thee of thy friends appointed by thy carefull father for a comfort vnto thee O that the heauens had neuer condescended vnto my natiuitie or that in my cradle I had like Hercules bene assailed by some poysoned scrpents which might haue abridged my life But like Mydas wish I for that that displeaseth the Gods Andrugio vnhappie Andrugio and most vnfortunate in being sonne vnto so noble a Duke whose life must end in these accursed desartes and no man to make report vnto thy aged father what is become of thee or thy companions whose deathes by following thee in thy follie is thus befallen them cursed therefore Andrugio whose desires haue robbed so noble gentlemen of their sonnes gallant ladies and faire gentlewomen of their loues and thy renowmed father of an heire to succeede him in his Dukedome O heauens might your furie with my life haue bene appeased how happie had I bene that the wrath of him whom I haue prouoked to ire might haue fallen vpon mine owne head then noble friends should you haue enioied life to haue reported my tragedy which now are left void of all comfort to be a pray to the rauening beastes of this Desart and to the foules of the aire Yet kind Gods whose pitifull condition is not to punish at ful the witkednes of your creatures Heare with the eares of mercy my last petition and sende thy messenger Ziperus to blow into the eares of our comfootlesse Parentes and friendes our vntimely tragedies that they knowing the place where our mangled bodies lie may entomb vs with our ancestors and reuenge our deaths on those most cursed homicides whose bloody handes haue bene our confusions Scarsly could he finish his sorrowfull speach when beeing faint with the losse of blood issuing from his wounds and ouercharged with sorrow for his friends lieng slain by him he gaue so heauie a sigh as might haue mooued a hart of flint to pitie his estate In this extremitie behold a comfort for loe a poore labouring man seruant vnto a miller dwelling two miles distant from the place where he receiued his wounds searching for the straied beastes of his saide maister Miller happened by great chance to ouerheare this wofull complaint which ended standing halfe amased to heare so sweet a voice casting many waies in his simple minde the daungers and subtilties of spoiling miscreants supposed verily that it had bin a deuise of some villaine lurking there abouts of purpose to betray traueilers and to bring them within their compasse to rob them Thus many wayes misdoubting the worst not yet resolued whether to depart or to see what he was that made such a piteous mone at length taking vnto him the hart of Sampson he boldly stepped ouer the hedge into the groue whereas this wounded Andrugio lay No sooner was he entred this groue but viewing round the place like a good Pilate for feare of rocks glancing his eies eftsoons to the ground then els where hee chaunced to espie great store of blood which when he had with no smal admiration beheld putting on his holyday countenance like an hardie squire he marched on following the tracke of the blood vntil he came vnto that place whereas all those dead carkasses lay when he had recouered the sight of these wounded men his hart trembled with griefe was worse mooued at the discouering of them then euer in his life before standing thus in his dumpes deuising whether it were best to touch them or
no casting his eies stedfastly on them suruaieng their grieuous woundes Andrugio faint and full of paine with the extreamitie of his woundes breathed softlie which being noted of this swaine drewe neere vnto him layeng tenderly his hand on the stomach of Andrugio felt a panting short wind withn him whereat the man being somewhat ioyfull rubbed his temples so by litle and lytle recouered him When this kind-hearted swaine had by his diligence recouered Andrugio and that perfectnesse of memorie was againe restored him as a wight grieued at the mischances he saw was hapned he comforteth him in this wise Gentleman quoth he for so your countenance sheweth me what euill fortune hath brought you vnto this pitifull plight or by whose hands haue you with these your companie bene so cruellie mangled tell me I beseech you that reuenging your iniuries I may pursue with diligeÌ„ce those bloodthirsty billaines and by their deathes make satisfaction to the Gods and those innocentes soules that they haue murthered Andrugio with gastly countenance looking earnestlie in the face of this comforter after hee had a while attentiuelye hearkened vnto his speeches thus answered Whosoeuer thou be gentle friend that the Gods haue thus apointed for my help in this extremitie I yeld thanks according to thy curteous deserts but couldest thou shew as much grace to these my distressed friends here lien howe great cause I should haue to glorifie the Gods and honor thee my tongue cannot expresse wretched and vnfortunate that I am yet gentle friend in whom such courtesie remaineth do me fauour so much as to tell me howe thou earnest to this place and thy dwelling and thou that art a man christian and kind as thy paines on me bestowed beare witnes vouchsafe in such sort as thou canst to comfort these my friendes and see if it hath so pleased the Gods to giue any one of them leaue to escape the heauie vengeance of those accursed slaues that haue robbed vs of our substance and murdered our bodies and the rest that haue yeelded their liues to the furie of those tyrantes blades helpe me to entombe them according to their callinges who were all Gentlemen of account which is the greatest honour I can doe them for the which as they died Innocents their soules shall yeeld thee thanks before the throne of the greatest god where we shall all meete Sir quoth the swaine I see your wan lookes betoken faintnesse by occasion of your great losse of blood wherfore if you will hearken vnto the counsell of so simple a creature as my selfe you shall cease this parlie vntill you shal better endure it and haue recouered more strength Two miles at least haue I to my maisters home which is a sillie cottage not worthy to entertame such a one as you seeme to be yet as it is your welcome shalbe as to your owne his only victuals is goats milk a white cake oile honny which command at your will If these may in extremitie pleasure you arise and rest you on my shoulders for I see you are feeble vntill I haue brought you where you may refresh you As for your friends whom you so much bewaile suffer them to rest in peace for your wailings may not be any way auaylable vnto them and to morrow my maister with such helpe as we can prouide shal fulfil your request and burie them though not as you would wish yet as we may in the better sort Andrugio wounded and faint hearkening to his words y t he spake of good wil began to rouse himself but so weak was he that alone wâ—thout helpe might not stirre wherefore the swaine taking him in his armes set him alone on his feete But in vaine it was for stand he could not which seeing the poore swaine shewing a good inclination as one beseeming some better education then he proffered bound first his wounds so y t through straining they might not bleed when taking his bodie as gently as hee might on his neche countaieth him as speedille as was possible to the Millers house where as he above with great trouble At last they haue attained this mill long God knowes of them desired before they came thither whether they being come Druha for so was the swaine called recounteth vnto the Miller and his wife the perplered estate of this Gentleman Andrugio with the losse of his friendly companions bereaued of life by the murderous handes of maâ—â— villaines all strange and vnknowen vnto them The pitifull grandam being of a right womanith nature could not refrâ—inâ— she ading of teares to heare this sâ—â—rowful proces yet at last to show how welcome the distressed noble was albeit a mere stranger vnto them she bathed his woundes and applied thereunto such huswifely salues as she thought might proâ—â—te best in restoring his health This done she brought him such viandes as shee had ready prepared commanding her daughter to prouide some comfortable brothes for him which was speedilie perfourmed WheÌ„ he had refreshed his wearied weak carcase the good old wife began for his better comfort these speaches Sir quoth she though the Gods haue giuen you ouer into the handes of those miscreants that haue sought your life yet be not dismaied thanke their Deities that in the sharpnesse of their furie haue preserued you from death no doubt for some better fortune and to reuenge the slaughter of your friends on those villaines for which their gratiousnes geue them thankes and feate not your health Yn the meane time if â—ou thinke good to accept such homely entertainment as I can giue you welcome shall bee your best cheare and what els you want command at your pleasure my dearest and onely daughter Susania shall attend you vntill your strength be recouered Thanks quoth Andrugio to the heaueÌ„ly powers first for prouiding me this good and next to thee my friendlee Hostesse for thy fauour bestowed on me which might perish without comfort but what friendship thou shalt impart vnto me in this distresse if the pleasure of the deuine Deity be to restore me againe thy courtesie shal be recompenced and this kindnesse to thee and thine neuer be forgotten Thus leaue we Andrugio a while at his rest attended on with Sufania curteous and frieÌ„dly vnto her charge deliuered by her ancient mother the old wife taking like care for the buriall of the dead bodies which in the best sort was shortly accomplished Susania y e good wench atteÌ„ding diligeÌ„tly on her charge hath in short time by the care she had of him recouered his strength that forsaking his bed he walked often about his chamber not daring yet to aduenture into the ayre Andrugio all this time of sicknesse noted the curteous demeanor of his attendant and often times as strength increased in him would take great pleasure to trie her wit by pleasant parlie sometime discoursing of one thing and so enterchangeablie of many But so long the flie plaieth with the flame that at length she is constrained to
and loyaltie to whiche in the most humblest maner I binde me so long as I shall inioy breath and if your Ladyship shall please to command Andrugio my readinesse to your seruice shall shew my zeale in performing the same Passing thus the time in communication to little purpose the night reasonably well spent Elenora bidding madam Melissina good night takes her leaue with her friendly countriman After this first familiaritie Andrugio had with maddam Melissina oftentimes repayred vnto her lodging as well to shew his dutie vnto her as to spend the time in honest and friendly talke discoursing of diuers thinges to delight her beeing often solitarie as desirous of little coâ—panie Andrugio and Elenora excepted nowe began his miserie to approche Fortune pretending to giue him another spurne for loe a gentleman of the Lord Ieronimie who bare secret loue vnto maddam Melissina albeit he neuer durst reueale the same yet continually would he walke at least two or three houres in the euening neere about the lodging of his beloued Ladie by which meanes he chanced oftentimes to espie Andrugio comming late from the Ladies lodging which perceaued noted growing iealous of his often repaice there hee sought manie waies to acquaint his Lord with the same but could not deuise anie fit meanes to the accomplishing of the same enuying still in his heart Andrugio This gentleman amongst others his companioÌ„s hauing spente their time in riotous drinking and carousing he began to accuse Andrugio of villany saying that there was no night escaped wherein Andrugio vsed not in moste vile and dishonest maner the bodie of madam Melissina This talke noted of diuers in the morning one enuying Andrugioes happinesse more then the rest greeuing that a stranger should haue that countenance vnder their Lord came vnto this foresayd gentleman and charged him with his speeches vsed agaynst madam Melissina which he affirmed whereupon finding as they thought time to thrust him from their Lordes fauour they determined to accuse him of the crime taking no respect on their deuise they presently sought the Lord Ieronymie vnto whose presence being come kneeling on their knees they humblie besought his honour to pardon them for what they had to say Ieronymie amased at this sodaine motion desirous to knowe their mindes bad them say on Then thus my gracious Lord whereas it hath pleased you of more zeale and pitie to a Christian distressed to free Andrugio from the captiuitie of the turkes slauery of a bondman to make him of great accompt in your country knowe this my honourable Lord in requitall of those your honours gratious fauours bestowed vpon him moste caytiue like hee seeketh the dishonour of you and your house by accompaning himselfe with your dearest and beloued sister madam Melissina This my good Lord I speake not of any euill will to the man nor enuiie to the Lady but in trueth and dutie to your Lordship for that I haue seene oftentimes my selfe his repayre to her and once suspecting the same I followed him when peering in at her chamber window I saw theÌ„ in most vnlawfull sort together on her bed her mayden beeing sent of purpose away to my great griefe knowing well by the fauours you haue done that vnthankfull Andrugio Ieronimie could scarse forbear to heare his tale to end so greeued at the heart was he at their speeches but dissembling the same in the best sort he could thanked them for their good wil and bad them depart Ieronimie iealous of what he had heard could not be quiet vntill he did know the effect of what they had tolde and therfore determining with himselfe to see the euent of it pretended to watch that night disguised when hee came thither and hee departed supper ended and euery man departing his way Ieronimie awayted his time and scarsly went out of the house disguised in such sorce that hee that had knowne him well might haue bene mistaken secretly ambushing himselfe to see Andrugio his comming Not long had he stayd but Andrugio with Elenora as was their vse came togither and entered the house which wheÌ„ he saw blame him not tobe malecoÌ„tent fearing by this vnhappie beginning y e euil euent of the rest yet vnquiet as hee was perswaded himselfe as well as he could thinking that being both there no further matter at that time could happen yet would hee see his returne wayting thus two houres and something more Andrugio and the Ladie playing a game at châ—stes which they were loth to giue ouer without victorie on the one side Elenora hauing more hast then the rest desired madam Melissina to lend her mayd to accompanie her which she did when Ieronimie saw this think nowe Lordinges howâ— intollerable it was to him albeit no defartes of either part but wrong suppositions of an enuious person Ieronimie seeing this might no longer forbeare their presence but with speed entered the house and entering the chamber wher they plaid checke quoth Andrugio to the Ladie which Ieronimie hearing answered I vulaine and that checke shall cost thy life miscreant and vngratefull vislaine as thou art tell mee for which good fauour y t I haue done thee hast thou sought the confusion of me and mine I will not now stand to reason the cause with thee but goe with me As for thee â—ewde Daâ—e that hast yeelded thy body as a companion to this rascal I wil take such order as thy hot desies shal bee made coole inough Thus furiously hailing Andrugio out of the chamber he departed commiting him to the custody of the Goaler where bewailing this suddaine chance not knowing any cause why we leaue him Maddam melissina whome the griefe of this had ouerwhelmed was so surprised with the same that she fel into a trance in which extremity her maiden which went with Elenora returning found her wondring at this suddain alteration but left her not without calling help and with al possible means sought to bring her to life but in vain they striue for she hath paid her due to death whom al the labour they might vse preuailed not to call againe When they saw no remedy the maide presently dispatched a messenger to Ieronymy enforming him what was happened But carelesse he thinking it had bene some pollicie of the Lady to drawe him thether that by intreatie shee might craue grace at his hands for her friend would not giue credite to it But rewarding the messenger with bitter words rested all night as he might In the morning early pretending to let his sister know his mind and how hardly he brooked her lasciuious life which she spent in formcation with Andrugio he repared to her chamber wher entring the same he saw y e breath lesse tronke of the Lady lieng on the rushes and her maide with others in teares bitterly bewailing the vntimely death of her whom for her curtesie they loued deerely This sight of Ieronymie was litle pleasing at which maugre his heart he could not refrain the
shedding of tears but standing mute a long time as one in a trance on the suddaine comming to himselfe he inquyred the cause of her death and how it came to passe whereof none in the companie could aduertise him wherefore accusing his owne follies and light beleefe hee supposed that his bytter wordes vsed in disgrace and slander of her honest life to be the causâ— thereof But dissembling his griefe he presently departed to his owne house and sending for those two Gentlemen which had made the complaint vnto him of his sister and Andrugio taking them into his chamber as if he had in secrete to impart vnto them he stabbed them both to the end they should not in like sort as they had to him acquaint others with the slander of his sister and Andrugio Taking order for Madam Melissina her buriall according to her estate he kept his chamber long time and would not be seene or spoken to of any body whatsoeuer in the midst of these sorrowes he often thought of Andrugio who lay in most pitifull miserie almost starued for want of foode by his owne command which when hee considered dreading the punishment of God for his light beleefe and massacring those he had slaine besides his sisters death more neere vnto him then all the rest he commaunded Andrugio to be dispossest from all the substance he had and to bee clothed in such base apparell as he found him in beeing prisoner in the Turkes Gallies and sent him into freesland to a friend of his a Nobleman whome in his letters he earnestly desired to inflict some grieuous torment vppon Andrugio This Noble man not knowing any cause but at Ieronymie his request kept him as a drudge in his kitchin to doo his slauerie and for all kind of cariage for the prouision of his house he made him to drawe home like a horse vppon fleids shooing him of purpose in wooden shooes with long calkes of yron for slyding on the yse in this miserie liued Andrugio the tearme of two yeares with greate penurie still accusing Fortune that would not as wel commaund his life to be taken from him and so end his calamities as to aggrauate his paines dayly to inflict new punishmentes on him too much for a man to indure and enough for a beast Traueiling thus with his â—leids from place to place there chaunced a countrie man of his a traueiler wanting in the towne where Andrugio was a common â—leid which caried passengers he requested Andrugio whom hee vnderderstood dwelled within a mile or two where his businesse lay that he might passe with him Andrugio vnderstanstanding by his speech that he either was of Saxonie or neere there bordering tooke him in and curteously entertained him and passing on their iourney enquired from whence he was who answered he was of Saxonie This word began to renue a liuely collour in the face of miserable Andrugio who thought now to heare the certaine newes how all things did stand of the health of his father the duke wherefore he began as a straunger that did know little to enquire of the gouernment of the country which the stranger curteously tolde him adding withall the death of the Duke with their sorrowe for the losse of so noble a Prince These wordes caused Andrugio to shead teares most piteously which was noted of his passenger which demaunded the cause of his suddaine heauines Andrugio excusing the matter said that he could not choose but lament their losse who shoulde want so good a Iusticer as hee reported that Duke to be demaunded further if hee left no children behind him to succeede him and how the countrie was gouerned My friend quoth the Saxon but that griefe will not permit me to discours it I could tel thee as lameÌ„table a historie as euer thy eares haue heard but answering thy demandes I beseech thee of friendship to pardon mee the rest Trueth is my friend our Duke hauing one sonne of wit pregnanâ— in learning forward and of personage for his time peerelesse This yoong prince in wofull time we may all say that liue in this grieued countrie of Saxonie desirous to learne knowledge craued licence to study at the Vniuersitie of Siena whether he had leaue to goe accompanied with diuers yoong Nobles of our country and Gentlemen of great name who most vntimely lost their liues as they traueiled thorow Germany and he only left aliue yet in great danger but recouering his health he departed to Siena and from thence no man knoweth whether nor none can tell whether he liue or no yet hath there bene great inquirie made for him in many countries His Dukedome in his absence is gouerned by sixe lordes of the countrie in very good order vnto whome not long since there came a braue Gallant from the Vniuersitie of Siena to enquire of the good health of our Dukes sonne named Andrugio for that as the report showeth they were bedfellowes and sworne friendes in Siena But when he found not my Lord Andrugio and was truely aduertised that they had not seene him since his being at Siena with great griefe he lamented his absence and vowed neuer to leaue trauell vntill hee found him or had some certaine newes of him so leauing his name which as I can remember was Galastio sonne vnto the Duke of millaine hee departed to the great sorrow of our Nobles who perswaded him earnestly to leaue the hazard of so bad a match Andrugio who had with no litle grief harkened to this could not forbeare the shedding of teares most aboundantlie which the traueiler pitied to se least doubting that which afterwards happened Andrugio with much a doo drieng vp the conduites of his weeping eies vnto the talke of the traueiler thus answered Then good my friend quoth hee if your dwelling bee within the Dukedome of Saxonie as you make report tell me I beseech you how you came by the knowledge of this that you haue made relation I wil requite you if I may Yea quoth the traueiler I was borne in â—he Dukedome and from my childbyrth brought vp y e citie where the Duke kept his court What I say is full well knowen vnto mee My father a Gentleman of his Graces retinue while he liuen whome I haue daily seene with teares to bewaile the death of this good Duke and with no litle sorrow lament his sonnes absence Tell me then friend how if it shoulde be thy chance to meet the dukes sonne what fauour wouldst thou doe him if his want were great couldst thou anie way relieue him or in what sorce wouldest thou deale with hym Sir quoth hee if my hope were suche to finde him I were the happiest creature of my whole progenie and so shoulde repute my selfe and great fauour should I gaine in my country if I might but bring certain newes of his life or death to whome I would willingly as my dutie and leache Lord impart what I haue or can by my acquaintance marchantes of our
owne countrie take vp to relieue him whome I trust needeth not my helpe if he liue The dukes sonne may thinke himselfe bound to you quoth Andrugio if he did but know your loue to him and if he be a gentleman he cannot but requite it That Andrugio by talke had knowledge of the man yet not resolued whether to make himselfe knowne vnto his countriman to heare the sorrowe of the Lordes for his absence and what griefe his whole countrey indured for him besides his double sorrowe for the decease of his noble father studying this what to doe hee refolued that it was the pleasure of God so formnately to giue him knowledge of the state of his countrie and therefore not against the pleasure of God to refuse so good opportunitie least he that sendeth all happinesse displeased at his follies shoulde augment his punishmentes wherefore resolued he saith Lorenzo for so was he called since I see the loue thou barest the duke in his life as thy report to his houre after deathe sheweth I were vngratefull if I shoulde not requite thee with some friendship Therefore my good Lorenzo know that thou art the man y t shalt glad the heartes of them thou sayst doo mourne by bringing them certaine tidinges of Lord Andrugio their yoong Prince whome I can assure thee liueth but in great pouertie farre vnâ—â—tting his estate wherfore if thou canst procure to furnishe him with prouision of apparell and money for his charges I can and will bring thee to his presence let me know therefore thy minde for our iournie beginneth to shorten and I must leaue thee Lorenzo hearing the name of him whome he had thought neuer to haue seene more began to note the man more and more but so much was he altered in countenance with the sunne and weather beating at sea that he coulde not knowe him wherefore Lorenzo besought him of that zeale that Christians owe one to another not to hide himselfe anie longer if he were the man as he did suppose he was to let him knowe it that he might doe him that dutie as to hys dread Lord or if not himself not to depart vntil he brought him vnto Lord Andrugio his presence that if his pouertie be such as you report LoreÌ„zo may relieue it and shew the zeale he oweth vnto the noble Andrugio Andrugio being assured by this of Lorenzo his zeale could forbeare no longer but with teares running lyke streams wringing Lorenzo by y e hand sayd Lorenzo my olde acquainted friend and companion Lorenzo how may my heart reioyce to heare thy loue to him whom thou neuer hadst no cause to thinke on but since I knewe it by proof and see what dutie thou didst owe the duke deceased albeit I may be ashamed to manifest that I cannot conceale from thee Know this Lorenzo I aâ— that Andrugio Sonne and Heire to the noble Duke of Saxonie who by the crueltie of fortune haue neuer liued since my going to Siena but in great miserie and neuer was it my chance in my trauels which hath not bene small to meeâ—e with anie of my acquaintance But seeing God hath caused thee to be the first and only man let me know Lorenzo thy counsell what is best to be done thou seest the life I lead is slauishe and moste odious suche as my heart hardly broketh yet can I not eschew it in any sort If I should fue he to whome I am thus inthralled would pursue me if I refuse this wherein I haue some libertie then might it be worse for me nor how to discharge my selfe from it I cannot deuise if I acquaint him with my estate then mayâ— be that he will inflict some great sommes of monie on me for my ransome so that I am now in such an agonâ—e thaâ— I know not what shal become of me Desirous I am to see my natiue countrie and friendes and to comfort these my louing subiectes which sorrow for my absence if thou lend ayde to my desire let me knowe therefore thy aduise Lorenzo and assure thee that the good thou affoordest me in this extremetie shalbe repayd thee with many thankes Lorenzo shed teares aboundant to heare his tale yet was his heart surprised so with ioy that hee coulde not speake but passing it ouer as he might kneeling on hys knees humbly kissed his hand giuing God thankes for blessing him with so good fortune as to be the first that should bring the tidinges of comfort to his countrie protesting withal his purse yea life all was at his commandement my good Lord quoth he touching your departure if you will be ruled by my aduise we will return to the place from whence we came where I haue some friends acquaintance of our countrie with whome I will deale for monie and necessaries befitting your Lordship your selfe shall rest as secret as you may vntill the spring our ships may be free when with the first we will depart This counsell liked Andrugio well and without deniall returned to the place from whence they came which ere they might recouer was late in the night Lorenzo being well acquainted in his lodging called them vp with diuers of his countrimen to whome he declared what had happened who were as ioyfull of this good newes as Lorenzo Thus remained Prince Andrugio amongest hys friendly countriemen honoured with all titles of maiestie beseeming his estate but verie secret nor neuer disclosed what hee was but amongest themselues for whome Lorenzo was not a little careful to prouide all thinges for his honor that he might with maiestie beseeming a prince returne to his countrie All thinges prouided for this his happie iournie the spring nowe appearing where the frosen alpes began to disclose and the splendant beames of the sunne shewed in moste glorie Their prouision beeing all readie to clappe a boord they attend but his pleasure that hathe wrought all thinges else for their content to send them a happie gale whiche luckely comming as they expected they were with the first readie to set saile bidding Freesland farewel their gallant Barke fleesed the waues with a prosperous and happie gale to the ending of euerie one of their wishes and accomplishing Andrugio his desire Time and short time hath brought them to the port of their desire when they had no sooner anchored but Lorenzo sent by Andrugio hastined to see his aged father and withall to will him in all haste to repayre vnto him to participate in counsell what he were best to doe either sodenly to make his arriuall knowne or to conceale it for a time but scarsly had Lorenzo his father blessed him giuen his welcome when blab-like he reuealed vnto his father Andrugio his comming who as ioyfull to heare it as the other was in recounting it presently spred it throughout the citie and to the gouernours of the state who presently vpon the report addressed themselues withall the honour they could to receaue him commanding the belles to be roong
all kinde of sinne which maketh vs inheritours of hys curse both of sinne and death yet so dull is our vnderstanding that dayly we fal into this crime of ingratitude which we ought to hate in great measure and to flie from it more then death it selfe by reason of the euils whiche it hath brought vppon vs but yet alas wee see amongest vs too many vngrateful persons who betraye them soonest by whome they receaue all their liuing and aduancement And if vnthankfulnesse be familiar with the meaner sorte let vs not thinke it farther off from those of higher calling for vppon euerie light occasion especially if a man frame not himselfe to that vice which they haue in greatest commendation they easily forget all the seruice that hath bene done vnto them by reason of some new come guest who will shâ—we himself a seruiceable minister of their pleasures this hapneth sonest wheÌ„ men grow in greatnes because coÌ„monly as their calling increase not being instructed in vertue they wax worse and worse in behauiour but let them take this for an infallible rule that an vnthankfull person cannot long retaine in his seruice an honest faithfull good seruant The ancient said not without good cause that impudencie was the companion of ingratitude for if no beast as they say is so shamelesse as an impudent who is he that may be said to haue lesse shame theÌ„ an vnthankful body for this cause of ingratitude Among the sawes of Draco established among the Athenians there was this that if any man had receiued a benefit of his neighbor it were prooued against him that he had not bene thankful for it it was death to the offendor Alexander the greatest for bountie and Caesar for pardoning iniuries renowmed in all the histories of them both it is saide that when Alexander had knowledge of an vnthankfull person he neuer gaue him any thing nor Caesar neuer forgaue such So grieuously haue vertuous men hated ingratitude Yt is reported of the Storke that she neuer bringeth foorth yoong ones but shee casteth one out of the nest for the hier of the house where she lodgeth But barbarous is that ingratitude in him that hath bene borne bred fostered and serued and all with the sweate of another mans browes in the end to seke the spoile of al that is therin euen the honor and oftimes the life of the Host Wonderfull are the mischiefes that happen to the vnthankfull many be the examples of the sorrowes and punishents that haue followed ingratitude Now if we desire to shunne this vile sinne and to imitate the vertues of the noble minded to our vtmost power this is our help if we alwaies esteeme the benefit which we receiue of another greater then it is repute that we giue for lesse then the worth neither let vs as proud and vaine glorious men doo who vaunt that they stand in need of none disdayn to receiue a pleasure of our friends although they be of lesse calling then we when they desire our friendship for if it be an honest thing to doo good to all that cannot be dishonest at all for in requitall of friendship a receiuer is as requisite as a giuer Furthermore this one other poynt to banish this vilde sinne from amongst men if we requite double the good turne wee receiue one of another Lastlie let vs recompence double and reward without reckoning those good turnes which we receiue of others rather fearing least we should be ouercome in Benificence then in worldly reputation and glory But wretched Andrugio the more thou enterest into those grieuous calamities of the world the more thou callest to mind thy hard hap and more greeuest to thinke of thy sweete Susania and her tender babes then of thine own penurie But God which is iust will with vengeance reward those traiterous reprobates which haue depriued their lawfull prince from his seat of iustice and maiestie compelling him to seeke curtesie wher he may best get it but worse shall befal them then that traiterous prince Iustinian who selling for lucar of the kingdom the famous city of constantinople was crowned there and after three daies had his head cut off pasanias a Captaine of Lacedemon hauing receiued fiue hundred duckets to betray the citie of Sparta was by his father pursued to a church whether he fled for sanctuarie who commanded the walles to be closed and so famished him and afterwards his mother cast his body to the dogs Brutus cassius that would haue betraied Rome was in the same maner serued Darius king of Persia caused his sonne AariabarzaÌ„ his head to be cut off because he sought to betray his army to Alexander Brutus did the like to his châ—ldreÌ„ who had conspired against their countrie that king Tarquinius might reenter If those noble Princes rewarded treason by the deaths of their children and most fauoured then thinke not but your liues will be shortened for your conspiracie against me yea assure you that the righteous iudge of men wil punish it in you as he hath done in many others The remeÌ„brance of your crimes with the thoughtes of iust iudgment to bee inflicted vpon you driueth my oppessed heart into a world of griefe but if I had searched so narrowly into the thoughts of you accursed Traitors I had bene happy in this my vnhappines but wise men haue taught mee that miserie is necessarie That man saith the wise man Bias is able to beare miserie which hath bene trained in the same from his youth And Dyonisius the elder said that man that hath learned from his youth to be vnhappie shal bear his yoke the better which hath ben subiect to it in times past Demetrius said that he iudged none more vnhappy theÌ„ he which neuer tasted of aduersitie And Cicero iudgeth him most happy that thinketh no miserie how grieuous soeuer it be or intollerable or dooth any way discourage him Nothing saith plutarch is euill that is necessarie by which word necessary Cicero vnderstandeth whatsoeuer hapneth a man by destinie is necessarie and we ought to beare it with patience as that can not bee auoided Socrates speaking with a deuine spirit said y t when we shal be deliuered from this body wherein the soule is as an oyster in y t shel we may then be happy but not sooner and that felicitie can not be obtained in this life but that we must hope to enioy it perfectly in an other life Yf death be the happines of men how happie had I bene if in my cradle I had paide the due I owe vnto death the ioies which follow death if our fraile nature could conceiue and allow were such comfort to al as wel to the happy as the miserable that none would desire life for my owne part hauing tried the happines of worldly men riches of couetousnesse so called and consider the frailtie of it and the abuse of men I chose in these deserts to abandon me from al humaine fellowship costly
you whether you will see the ruine of your countrie or receaue your Prince as rightfull heire and deliuer that vsurper Flodericus into my handes I craue but right as your selues can iudge wherefore let me haue answere to my content and haue peace or otherwise stand vpon your defence for this is my resolute determination The nobles of Saxonie which were friendes to Andrugio and the commons were ioyfull at the hart to heare the duke report the cause of his comming hoping that God had sent him to cure that heauie griefe of heart which generally they indured But the contrarie part was not a little appaled to heare this newes wherefore they craue some time to determine of their answere To which he willingly consenteth giuing two dayes libertie for the same in which time he demandeth to be resolued w tout longer delay that he might assure himselfe of peace or warre Thus hauing deliuered the cause of his comming hee departed to the campe where hee caused to be proclaymed that no souldier of what estate or condition soeuer shoulde commit anie maner of outrage against anie of the country whatsoeuer neither imbessell the goodes or cattels of them or any of them on paine of loosing his head The Duke hauing taken his leaue Flodericus was aduertised what hee demanded whose heart suspecting as much before as guiltie consciences be timorous was not a little greeued yet he considered that the right was none of his and therefore could not assure himselfe of his subiects who hated him for diuers causes Besides the life of Gonsalo whom he had caused to be murdered stroke a greater feare to his heart then before wherefore doubtfull what to doe at length resolueth by the citizens to returne the duke of Millaine his determinate answere for the which he speedily dispatcheth messengers vnto whome when they were all assembled he saith My louing friendes and countrimen the time is nowe come that God hath determined to cut me off no longer to gouerne you the which I haue long expected yet had not grace to lament my life past wherefore his rod is readie lifted vp against me and my house whose ruine is at hand which euer hath bene noble now shall it be made miserable and ignoble my selfe the cause which haue procured the same Ah my Lord Andrugio my cruell dealinges with thee and thine neuer departed out of my remembrance no neuer slept I without the remembrance of thee anâ— thy vertuous Ladie whose life in most traiterous wise I conspired But woe is me and accursed bethe time I 〈◊〉 violence against my Lord and his But my friends and louing Countrimen it is not nowe time to holde you with talke onelie resolue what is to bee done for your safetie whose liues and welfare you shall see is more deare then mine owne for my hainous offence committed against you in spilling the bloud of many your friendes to attaine this place of honour wherin Tyrant like I haue gouerned you which I most heartily beseech you to pardon For mine owne life I esteeme not but yeeld my self willinglie to death for yâ—â—r securitie yet my good friendes though I perish shew mercie to my children who are innocent of my hainous 〈◊〉 and preserue their liues which may prooue better then the father and regarde the honour of their Auâ—cestours which I 〈◊〉 respected This is the summe of my request which if you graunt my death shall be much more welcâ—â—e vnto me to which I must perforce submit me you know my minde aduertise the Duke of Millaine of what I haue determined seeke your owne securitie and let me perish with the sword that haue made the offence The nobles citizens that hard his sorrowful proces albeit they hated him to the death was moued with 〈◊〉 of his ruthfull tale and grieued for his children pretending to become humble suters for them yet commanded they a guard to be kept about the court vntill the Duke was entered that none of them might escape to auoyde displeasure Hauing set all thinges in order The nobles who before had determined to receaue him in very braue maner departed the citie to the Campe of the Duke who hearing by an embassadour before dispatched of their comming came out to meete them whome on their knees the Lordes and Citizens beseeche of mercie and in their Dukes behalfe whose by right it was to enter the citie and receiue the gouernment Small intreatie serued to perswade the Duke who sought not their harmes in any sort wherefore taking direction for his armies acompanied with the chiefest of hys traine and Captaines he entered the citie where hee was royally entertained and conducted to the Courte where Flodericus and his company with sorrowe attended the sentence of death The duke being thus with honor in their princes behalf entertained gaue thankes vnto them all exhorting them to continue trusty and faithfull to their duke and his lawful inheritor assuring them that God who had euer defended the right would alwaies fauour the innocent and subuert the Traitor Great ioy was there throughout the region of Saronie for this happy tydings where Alphonsus son and heir to Andrugio was proclaimed duke at which euery man reioysed The Duke seeing all thinges brought in such happy maner to his content saw that the people in faithfull wise were linked to the prince he discharged the most of his soldiers and gaue order to his nobles for the prince Alphonsus whome with the Duchesse he commanded with all expedition y t might be should come to receiue their right aduertising them by letters of his good successe and how the peoples heartes were bent to honor them This done he commanded Flodericus to be brought to his presence whome honorablie he vsed commanding him to sit down by him where hee declared how vnhonorablie he had dealt by his noble friend Duke Andrugio in exiling him and his children vsurping his right whereunto he had no tytle with many examples howe God had punished the like offences in many and that doubtlesse God would punish an offence so hainous on him and his posteritie Flodericus whose conscience accused him of as much as the Duke had said could not excuse his fault which was too well knowen neither did he craue life for himselfe for that he expected the contrarie but besought the Duke howsoeuer it should please his excellencie to deale with him to take compassion on his tender children whom he hoped woulde become good subiectes and being warned by his vnhappie fall prooue faithfull to the estate for euer The Duke whose heart was mooued to pitie taking no pleasure in his death neither the subuâ—rtion of his house which was alwaies noble wherefore showing his noble mind and inclination to pitie pronounceth his dome on this maner Flodericus vsurper of the lawfull right and tytle of thy late liege Lord the honorable Duke Andrugio I do in requitall of thy dishonorable fact banish thee and thine from this thy natiue countrie of
Saxonie neuer to returne vpon paine of death vnlesse it shal please God thou find the duke and canst intreat him to come and inioy his right and gouernment of this countrie thy children and lady after tenne yeares to inioy their patrimonie what euer become of thee Fourtie daies libertie I giue thee to prouide things beseeming thy estate after which time not to be seene in this dominion vpon paine of thy life Flodericus hearing the iudgement of the Duke was ioyed at the heart to escape with life which had deserued death in the most extreamest maner wherefore humblie yeelding thankes for his gracious clemencie he departeth his presence The Duke hauing taken this order with Flodericus hearing Sextillius Gonsalo his sonne had not yet dislodged his campe sommoneth him by a Her aught to come and yeeld to his mercie or otherwise without fauour to receiue his desert the Her aught omitting no time til he came to y e campe of Sextillius deliuereth his message whoÌ„ Sextillius entertaineth honorablie and hauing heard what fauour the Duke had showed to Flodericus he standeth not now vpon tearms but made proclaimation that euery man should depart to his home and he himself would procure the Dukes pardon for them all or yeeld his life for them this done enerie man at the first warning glad to bee eased of their toile and more ioyful of their yoong Dukes returne presently depart with bag and baggage When Sextillius came before the Duke who had examined the cause of his insurrection to be in the reuenge of his father murdered by Flodericus hee was the sooner perswaded to receiue him to mercie wherefore in hope that he would become a dutifull subiect and acknowledge Alphonsus sonne and heire to Andrugio his lawfull prince and show the like signe of obedience he pardoneth his fault honorablie entertaineth him pardoning also al such as had offended with him Sextillius seeing the noble minde of the Duke of Myllaine humbly thanketh his excellencie for this vndeserued fauour taking oath for his loyaltie had leaue to depart at his pleasure The fortunate successe of y e Millain Duke was brought vnto the Duchesse Susania whose heart you may suppose was not alitle ioy full to heare the same wherefore according to y t dukes pleasure she hastneth to him with as much speede as might be All thinges for their iourney being ready the Duchesse with the prince Alphonsus her sonne geuing great thanks to the Duchesse for her friendship shewed in their extremitie a happy gale began to blow which by the Nobles to the Duchesse declared she slacketh no opportunity but taking her leauâ— embarqueth her and her son to the port of her desire wherein shortly they arriued and was most honorably with great triumphes by her Nobles and commons entertained Thus the prince as lawfull inheritor being quietly possessed by the Duke of Millaine in his Dukedome they passed sometimes in pleasure riding to see the state of the countrie and vsing pastimes of recreation the Duke carefull to see his lady and countrie hauing seene all thinges finished to the young Dukes desire taking leaue of the Duchesse the prince and his Nobles betaketh himselfe to the sea where we leaue him homewarâ—s boâ—nd where he shortly arriued All thinges ordered according to desire on all partes nothing wanting but the Duke Andrugio for whome was not a litle sorrow throughout the whole Dukedome of whom curteous readâ—r if thou friendly accept this already written thou shalt if God permit heare more in the second part wherein thou shalt finde matter of much delight and not altogether vnprofitable In the mean time I craue thy friendly censure pardâ—n for such faultes as be coÌ„mitâ—◠〈…〉 or escaped by the prinâ—â—â— being not wel 〈…〉 my wryting Finis