Great Agrippa Aristobulus and Herod that was strook by the Angell also on the aforesaid Beronica he begot two daughters Mariamnes and Herodias who was after Philips wife that was Uncle to Aristobulus neverthelesse whilst Philip was yet alive Herodias became wife to his brother Herod At length there fell debate betwixt her Mariamnes and Saloma Herods sister Herod by the instigation of Saloma â—lew Hyrcanus the Priest and after Jonathas the brother of Mariamnes who against the law he had caused to be consecrated Priest at the age of seventeen years After that he caused Mariamnes to be put to death with the husband of his sister Saloma pretending that Hyrcanus and Jonathas had adulterated his sister After these murders Herod grew mad for the love of Mariamnes who was held to be the fairest Lady then living and innocently put to death He then took again his wife Dosides and her son Antipater to favour sending Alexander and Aristobulus the sons of Mariamnes to Rome to be instructed in the best literature whom after he caused to be slain And these were the fruits of Adulterous and Incestuous marriages Of women that have come by strange deaths THere are many kinds of deaths I will include them all within two heads Violent and Voluntary the Violent is when either it comes accidentally or when we would live and cannot the Voluntary is when we may live and will not and in this we may include the blessedest or all deaths Martyrdome I will begin with the first and because gold is a mettall that all degrees callings trades mysteries and professions of either Sex especially acquire after I will therefore first exemplifie them that have died golden deaths Of the Mistresse of Brennus Of Tarpeia and Acco a Roman Matron OF Midas the rich King and of his golden wish I presume you are not ignorant and therefore in vain it were to insist upon his history my businesse is at this time with women Brennus an Englishman and the younger brother to Belinus both sons of Donwallo was by reason of composition with his brother with whom he had been competitor in the Kingdome disposed into France and leading an army of the Gals invaded forrein Countries as Germany Italy sacking Rome and piercing Greece Insomuch that his glory was stretched so far that the French Chroniclers would take him quite from us and called him Rex Gallorum witnesse Plutarch in his seventeenth Parallel This Brennus spoiling and wasting Asia came to besiege Ephesus where falling in love with a wanton of that City he grew so inward with her that upon promise of reward she vowed to deliver the City into his hands the conditions were that he being possessed of the Town should deliver into her â—ate custody as many jewels rings and as much treasure as should countervaile so great a benefit to which he assented The Town delivered and he being victor she attended her reward when Brennus commanded all his souldiers from the first to the last to cast what gold or silver or jewels they had got in the spoil of the City into her lap which amounted to such an infinite masse that with the weight thereof she was suffocated and prest to death This Clitiphon delivers in his first book Rerum Gallicar to answer which Aristides Melesius in Italicis speaks of Tarpeia a Noble Virgin or at least nobly descended and one of the Keepers of the Capitol she in the war betwixt the Sabines and the Romans covenanted with King Tatius then the publick enemy to give him safe accesse into the mountain Tarpeia so he would for a reward but possesse her of all the gold and jewels which his souldiers the Sabins had then about them This she performing they were likewise willing to keep their promise but withall loathing the covetousnesse of the woman threw so much of the spoile and treasure upon her that they buried her in their riches and she expiâ—ed admist a huge Magazin But remarkable above these is the old woman Acco or Acca who having done an extraordinary courtesie for the City of Rome they knew not better how to require her then knowing her a varitious disposition to give her free liberty to go into the common treasury and take thence as much gold as she could carry The wretched woman overjoied with this donative entered the place to make her pack or burden which was either so little she would not beare or so great she could not 〈◊〉 and swetting and striving beneath the burden so expâ—â—ed The like though something a more violent death died the Emperor Galba who in his life time being insatiate oâ— gold as being covetous above all the Emperors before him they poured molten gold down his throat to confirm in him that old Adage Qualis vita finis ita The like was read of the rich Roman Crassus Of such as have died in child-birth THough of these be infinites and daily seen amongst us yet it is nor altogether amisse to speak something though never so little which may have reference to antiquity Volaterranus remembers us of Tulliota the daughter of Marcus Cicero who being first placed with Dolobella and after with Piso Crassipides died in Child-bed The like Suetonius puts us in mind of Junia Claudilla who was daughter to the most noble Marcus Sillanus and wife to the Emperor Caâ—us Caligula who died after the same manner Hâ—ginus in his two hundred threescore and fourth Fable tels this tale In the old time saith he there were no midwives at all and for that cause many women in their modesty rather suffered themselves to perish for want of help then that any man should be seen or known to come about them Above all the Athenians were most curious that no servant or woman should learn the art of Chirurgery There was a damosell of that City that was very industrious in the search of such mysteries whose name was Agnodice but wanting means to attaine unto that necessary skill she caused her head to be shorn and putting on the habit of a young man got her selfe into the service of one Hierophilus a Physitian and by her industry and study having attained to the depth of his skill and the height of her own desires upon a time hearing where a Noble Lady was in child-birth in the middest of her painfull throwes she offered her selfe to her help whom the modest Lady mistaking her Sex would by no perswasion suffer her to come neer her till she was forced to strip her selfe before the women and to give evident signe of her woman-hood After which she had accesse to many proving so fortunate that she grew very famous Insomuch that being envied by the Colledge of the Physitians she was complained on to the Areopagitae or the nobility of the Senate such in whose power it was to censure and determine of all causes and controversies Agnodice thus convented they pleaded against her youth and boldnesse accusing her
it was called The work of Acecaeus and Helicon Above others most magnified by Ovid. Metamorph. lib. 6. is Arachne Lydia the daughter of Idmones whose mother was born in the smal City Hypepis she having by many degrees exceeded all mortall women and that without difficulty durst compare with Minerva her selfe who for her boldnesse and pertinacy she turned into a Spider Her controversie with Pallas is with great elegancy expressed in Ovid. Alexander of Macedon and Octavius Augustus the one wore a Garment woven by his Mother the other a Mantle by the hands of his Wife These Ladies had sequestred places in some part of their Pallaces and kept their hand-maids and damosels at work of which these two potent and mighty Queens disdained not to be the daily Directoresses and Over-seers Alex. ab Alex. cap. 4. lib. 8. Part of the Wool which Tanaquil spun with her Distaffe Spindle and Slippers were long time reserved as sacred Reliques in the Temple of Ancus Martius as also a Kingly Garment or Imperiall Robe woven quite through with Raies and Flames of Gold wrought with her own hand in which Servius Tullius oft went in state and saâ—e in the high Judgement-Seat in the Capitol Varro apud eundem By the Law called Pagana all women were forbidden to spin or draw out any thread in the streets or common high waies because they held it ominous to the prosperity of the Grain sown in the Earth or the Fruits blossomed or growing upon the Trees as the same Author testifies Ausonius speaks af one Sabina not only excellent in this Science but a Poet withall which he left to posterity in one of his Epigrams Sive probas Tyrio textam sub tegmine vestra Seu placet inscripti commoditus tituli c. Which is thus Englished If thou affect'st a purple Robe Woven in the Tyrian stain Or if a Title well inscrib'd By which thy wit may gain Behold her works unpartially And censure on them well Both one Sabina doth professe And doth in both excell And thus I take leave of weaving for Memory now transports me to another Argument Of Women Contentious and Bloody TExtor in his Ossicine remembers us of one Kailla who was of that barbarous and inhumane cruelty that being at dissention with her husband Vazules she having banished all conjugall piety and pitty caused his eies to be digged out of his head spending the remainder of his age in uncomfortable darknesse These subsequent stories of flinty and obdure hearted women though I could willingly have spared them out of this work that the world might almost be induced to beleeve that no such immanities could ever have place in the smooth and soft bosomes of women yet in regard I have promised briefly to run over all Ages Features Affections Conditions and Degrees though they might perhaps have been thought well spared by some yet I make no question but that they might be challenged at my hands by others The rather I present them and with the more confidence unto your view because though their actions to the tender breasted may seem horrid and fearful and therefore the hardlier to purchase credit yet the testimony of the Authors being authentick and approved will not only bear me out as their faithfull remembrancer but in the things themselves fasten an inherent beleefe I proceed therefore Cyrce the Witch slew the King of Sarmatia to whom she was married and usurping the regall throne did much oppresse her subjects of her Saâ—â—llâ—cus writes more at large Clitemnestra was the wife of Agamemnon Arch Duke or Generall of the Grecians at the siege of Trâ—y she by the help of Aegistus with whom she adulterated slew her husband of this Virgil speaks lib. 11. Seneca in Agâ—memnon and Juvenal in Satyr Danaus the son of 〈◊〉 had fifty 〈◊〉 who were espoused to the fifty son of Aegustus 〈◊〉 made a eonjuration in one night to kill all their husbands which they accordingly did all save the 〈…〉 who spared the liâ—e of her husband 〈…〉 Hercul Fur. Alexander Phaeâ—cus a Tyrant of 〈◊〉 when he had shewed his wife 〈◊〉 to a 〈…〉 it so impatiently that she cut his throat sleeping Ovid in Ibâ—n Volâ—teâ—ranus repoâ—e that Albina daughter to a King of Syria had two and thirty sisters who all in one night slew their husbands who being exil'd their Countrie landed in Brittain and that of this Albina this kingdome first took the name of Albion Laodice was the wife of Antiochus King of Syria who caused himself to be call'd God the poison'd her husband because of his too much familiarity with 〈◊〉 the sister of Ptolomey Fabia slew Fabius Fabricianue that she might the more freely enjoy the company of Petronius Volentanus a young man of extraordinary feature with whom she had often before accompanied Agrippina poisoned her husband Tiberius Claudius the Emperor Lucilla the wife of Antonius Verus Emperor poisoned her husband because she thought him too familiar with Fabia Aaâ—â—oâ—us Prince of Ferolivium married with the daughter of Joannes Bentivolus of whom being despised and finding her self neglected she hired certain cot-throat Physitians who slew him in his chamber Andreas the son of Carolus King of Pannonia was slain by his wife Joanna Queen of Sicily for no other reason but that he was iâ—le and held unprofitable to the weal publick Althaea sorrowing that her two brothers Plexippus and Toxeus were slain by her son Meleager she burned that Brand of which the fattall Sisters had made a prediction That his life and health should continue as long as that was preserved Ovid Trist lib. 1. Bocat in General Agave a Theban woman slew her son Penthaeus because he would not honour the feast of the Baâ—hinals with the rest of the Menades Virg. in Culiceâ—â—â—ctha taking arms against Eumolpus and having an answer from the Oracle That he should have a certain victory of the would sacrifice his only daughter to the gods by the perswâ—sion of his wife Prâ—xitha gave her up to slaughter Euripides apud Plutarch Elearchus one of the Kings of Creet at the perswasion of his second wife Phroâ—â—ma commanded is only daughter by the hand of one Themisones to be cast into the river and there drowned Herodot Polidice betraied her father King Pletera to Crocon King of Thebes and caused him to be slain as likewise Niâ—us being besieged by Minos by the treason of his daughter lost that purple hair which was the stay of his sovereignty Ovid Metam and Servius Tiphon Aegyptius as Berosus Seneca Diodorus and other relate slew his brother Osiris then reigning in Aegypt and governing justly which done he caused him to be cut in twenty six pieces and to every one of the conspirators gave a part the better to secure him of their fidelities but Isis their sister after she had lamented the death of her brother Osiris by the assistance of her son who was called Oâ—os flew Tiphon and avenged his death Draomitia was a Queen of Bohemia
King is betwixt them slain over whose dead body she caused her Chariot to be drawn Her cheeks blushed not when the wheels of her Waggon were stained with her fathers blood And so much to give Tullia a short character the most insolent of Wives and the worst of Daughters Of a lower voice softer spirit and more temperate condition were these wives following Chilonia the wife of Cleombrotus King of Sparta and daughter of Leonides who had before soverainised when in those civil combustions the â—on in law had expulsed the father and compelled him into exile she never ceased to importune her hnsband till she had called him home from banishment But in processe of time when Fortune had turned her wheel and Leoâ—ides in those dissentions having got the better had confined Cleombrotus she was an hourly intercessor for the repeal of her husband but finding her father to be obdure and her 〈◊〉 by him not listned to though she might in all pleasure and â—ase have happily spent her age in her own City with her father she rather made choise to be a faithfuâ—l companion in all distresses with her husband Fulgos lib. 6. cap. 7. Anaxandrâ—des the son of Leontias married with his sisters daughter whom he exceedingly loved but because she was 〈◊〉 and that by her he had no issue the Ephori made suit unto him to be divorced from her and would have compelled him unto it but when he had absolutely denied to condescend with them in that point they made another request unto him That he would take unto him another wife more fruitfull lest the most fortunate issue of Euristaeus might in him be extingished He therefore at their intreaties took to him a second wife namely Perinetades the daughter of Demarmenus and so brought her home to his house where which is strange the two women lived together peaceably without emulation or envy His last wife brought him a son whom he called Cleomenes and not long after his first wife before barren made him the fortunate father of three sons the first Dorieus the second Leonides the third Cleombrotus but Cleomenes the eldest by the second wife succeeded in the sovereignty Herodot lib. 5. Thesca the sister of Dionysius being married to Polixenus who having entred into a conjuration with other noble Gentlemen to supplant the Tyrant but fearing discovery fled for his best safety Upon whose flight Dionysius cals his sister into question as one that must of necessity be privy to his escape To whom she boldly thus answered Thinkest thou O Dionysius thy sister to be a woman of that servile and degnerate condition that had she known the least purpose of his retirement she would not have made her selfe a companion in all his Navigations and Travel Erasm Apophtheg lib. 5. Caius Caligula the Emperor having found Herod the husband to Herodias Tetrarch of Galilee engaged in a revolt from the Empire with Artabanus King of the Parthians amerced him in a great sum of monie for that defect and till it was levied and paied into the Treasury gave him in custody to King Agrippa whom he had found loiall unto him and in whose fidelity he much trusted He after banished Herod into a Lyons a City of France with an irrevocable doom of exile imposed upon him but understanding Herodias to be sister to the wife of Agrippa whom he much favoured out of Herods mulct or sine he proportioned her a large Dower reserved in the hands of Agrippa to her use as not dreaming she would have been a companion with him in his confinement To which extraordinary grace from the Emperor she thus replied You O Emperor as best becomes your Majesty speak like a roiall and munificent Prince but the Conjugal Bond of Love and Piety in which I am tied to a husband is to me an impediment that I am not capable of this great Largesse and unmerited bounty Unmeet it is that I who have been a partaker with him in all his prosperous and flourishing fortunes should now forsake him and not be a companion with him in the worst that disaster or adversity can inflict This noble answer Caeligula took in such scorn and high displeasure to see himself in magnanimity and greatnesse of spirit to be exceeded by a woman that he banished her with her husband Herod and the bounty before bestowed on her he conferred upon her brother in law Agrippa Joseph in Antiq. Cleomenes the son of Anaxandrides and Perinetades but lately spoken of being expulsed from Sparta by Antigonus King of Macedonia fled for refuge to Ptolomeus King of Aegypt whither his wife would have followed him but disswaded by her parents notwithstanding a strict gard was set over her yet in the night she beguiled her keepers and having provided a horse for the purpose posted with all possible speed to the next Port Town that was least suspected where hiring a ship with all the Coin and Jewels then about her she sailed into Aegypt and there spent the remainder of her daies with him in his uncomfortable exile Fulgos lib. 6. cap. 7. I have but one more gentle Reader to trouble thy patience with at this present Blanca Rubea Patavina the wife of Baptista a Porta betaking her selfe into the same free priviledged Town of which Bassianus was then governor and whither her husband for his safety was retired in the year of our Redemption 1253. when Acciolinus the Tyrant having lost Padua when bending all his forces to the surprisall of Bassianus compassing that at length by fraud and stratagem which by opposition and violence he could never have accomplished in the entring of which Town Baptista was slain and Blanca Rubea being armed and fighting boldly by his side till she saw him fall was notwithstanding her masculine valour taken prisoner by a souldier and presented to the Tyrant who gazing on her rare feature much more beautified by the rich armor she then had on grew exceedingly enamoured on this manly Virago and first with fair enticing blandishments he courted her love but finding no possibility to satiate his libidinous affections that way where fair means failed he purposed force which to avoid and to prevent the dishonour intended her she cast her self out from an high Bay-window two-stories from the gronnd where being taken up half dead with much difficulty she was recovered No sooner was she wel able to walk but the Tyrant still prosecuted his beastly and bruitish desires which she still opposing with that small strength he had his left he caused his servants to bind her according to lustfull direction and not able to stir hand nor 〈◊〉 in that horrible manner ravished her At length being loosed from those hatefull and unsufferable bonds she with what patience she could dissembled her griefe and wrought so far with some that compassioned her miseries that she had liberty to visit her dead husband in his Tomb into which with loud shrieks and passionate lamentation she entred still invoking her
part of it may at this day be seen as an antient Monument in the Castle of Dover Saturn made Money of Brasse with inscriptions thereon but Numa was the first that coined Silver and caused his name to be engraven thereon for which it still retains the name in the Roman Tongue and is called Nummus Aspasia was a Milesian Damosel and the beloved oâ— Pericles she was abundantly skilled in Philosophicall studies she was likewise a fluent Rhetorician Plutarchus in Pericles Socrates imitated her in his Facultas Politica as likewise Dâ—otima whom he blushed not to call his Tutresse and Instructresse Of Lasthenea Mantinea Axiothaea and Phliasia Plato's scholers in Philosophy I have before given a short Character Themiste was the wife of Leonteius Lampsucenus and with her husband was the frequent Auditor of Epicurus of whom Lactantius saith That save her none of the Ancient Philosophers ever instructed any woman in that study save that one Themiste Arete was the wife of Aristippus the Philosopher and attained to that perfection of knowledge that she instructed her son in all the liberall Arts by whose industry he grew to be a famous professor He was called Aristippus and she surnamed Cyrenaica She followed the opinions of that Aristippus who was father to Socrates She after the death of her father erected a School of Philosophy where she commonly read to a full and frequent Auditory Genebria was a woman of Verona she lived in the time of Pius the second Bishop of Rome Her works purchased for her a name immortal She composed many smooth and eloquent Epistles polished both with high conceits and judgement she pronounced with a sharp and loud voice a becomming gesture and a facundious suavity Agallis Corcyrua was illustrious in the Art of Grammar Caelius ascribes unto her the first invention of the play at Ball. Leontium was a Grecian Damosel whom Gallius cals a strumpet she was so well seen in Philosophicall contemplations that she feared not to write a worthy book against the much worthy Theophrastus Plin. in Prolog Nat. Hist Cicero lib. de Natur. Deorum Dama the daughter of Pythagoras imitated the steps of her father as likewise his wife Theano her husband the mother and the daughter both proving excellent scholars Laert. Themistoclea the sister of Pythagoras was so practised a studient that in many of his works as he himselfe confesseth he hath implored her advice and judgement Istrina Queen of Scythia and wife to King Aripithes instructed her son Sythes in the Greek Tongue as witnesseth Herodotus Plutarch in Pericte saith That Thargelia was a woman whom Philosophy solely illustrated as likewise Hyparchia Greca Laert. Cornelia was the wife of Africanus and mother to the noble family of the Gracchi who left behind her certain Epistles most elaborately learned From her as from a fountain 〈◊〉 the innate eloquence of her children therefore Quintil. thus saith of her We are much bound to the Mother or Matron Cornelis for the eloquence of the Gracchi whose 〈…〉 learning in her exquisite Epistles she hath bequeathed to posterity The same Author speaking of the daughters of Laelius and Quint. Hortensius useth these words The daughters of Laelius is said in her phrase to have refined and excelled the eloquence of her father but the daughter of Q. Hortensius to have exceeded her Sex in honor So likewise the facundity of the two Lyciniaes flowed hereditarily from their Father L. Crassus as the two daughters of Mutia inherited the learning of either parent Fulvia the wife of M. Antonius was not instructed in womanish cares and offices but as Volater lib. 16. Antrop reports of her rather to direct Magistracies and govern Empires she was first the wife of Curio Statius Papinius was happy in a wife called Claudia excellent in all manner of learning Amalasuntha Queen of the Ostrogoths the daughter of Theodoricus King of those Ostrogoths in Italy was elaborately practised in the Greek and Latin Tongues she spake distinctly all the barbarous languages that were used in the Eastern Empires Fulgos lib. 8. cap. 7. Zenobia as Volateran speaks from Pollio was Queen of the Palmirians who after the death of Odenatus governed the Kingdome of Syria under the Roman Empire she was nominated amongst the thirty Tyrants and usurped in the time of Gallenus but after being vanquished in battel by the Emperor Aurelianus was led in triumph through Rome but by the clemency of that Prince she was granted a free Pallace scituate by the river of Tyber where she moderately and temperately demeaned her selfe she is reported to be of that chastity that she never enterteined her husband in the familiar society of her bed but for issues sake and procreation of children but not from the time that she found her conception till her delivery she used to be adored after the majestick state and reverence done to the great Sophies of Persia Being called to the hearing of any publick Oration she still appeared with her head armed and her helmet on in a purple mantle buckled upen her with rich jems she was of a clear and shril voice magnanimous and haughty in all her undertakings most expert in the Aegyptian and Greek Tongues and not without merit numbred amongst the most learned and wisest Queens Besides divers other works she composed the Orientall and Alexandrian History Hermolaus and Timolus her two sons in all manner of disciplines she liberally instructed of whose deaths it is not certain whether they died by the course of nature or by the violent hand of the Emperor Olympia Fulvia Morata was the ornament and glory of our later times the daughter of Fulv. Moratus Montuanus who was tutor in the Arts to Anna Pâ—ince of Ferrara she was the wife of Andreas Gunthlerus a famous Physitian in Germany she writ many and elaborate works in either tongue at length in the year of our Lord 1555 in the month of October being of the age of twenty nine years she died of Hedelburgh Saint Helena may amongst these be here aptly registred for thus Stow Harding Fabian and all our modern Chroniclers report of her Constantius a great Roman Consul was sent into Britain to demand the tribute due unto Rome immediately after whose arivall before he could receive an answer of his Embassie Coil who was then King died therefore the Britains the better to establish their peace dealt with the Roman Embassador to take to wife Helena the daughter of the late deceased King a young Lady of an attractive beauty adorned with rare gifts and endowments of the Mind namely Learning and Vertue the motion was no sooner made but accepted so that Constantius having received the Brittish tribute returned with his new Bride to Rome and was after by the Senate constituted chiefe Ruler of this Kingdome After twenty years quiet and peacefull government which was thought her wisedome Constantius died and was buried at York in his time was Sâ— Albon married at Verolam since called St. Albons as John
their former losses at 〈◊〉 were utterly desperate Having thus conspired together with all possible expedition the ships in this exploit one Roma is reported to be chiefe which being done they can to meet their husbands making to their Navy to quench it fearing their anger for their rash enterprize some of them embracing their husbands others their friends and acquaintance they tempered their amorous kisses with such perswasive rhetoricke that soon allai'd the angry tempest of their husbands fury From these as some have writ the custome of kissing at salutations by the Roman women to their kinsmen first took Originall The Trojans now tied by necessity and likewise finding the inhabitants so loving and courteous they much applauded this deed of the women and dwelt there with the Latins The Phocides AFter an implacable war betwixt the Thessalians and the Phocenses which had long lasted with much slaughter on both sides those of Thessaly bringing their Army through the Locrenses invaded the men of Phocis on all sides making a decree to kill all that were of age and the women and children to beare away captive Diaphantes the son of Bathillius with his two colleagues then governing the City he perswaded the besieged boldly and valiantly to issue out and give the enemy battell but with this caution That all their wives daughters and children even to one soule should be brought into a place circled and compast in with all manner of dry wood and matter combustible and the dores by which they entered to be shut after them and so guarded and if the day were lost and they perisht in battell the pile to be kindled and all their bodies to be burned at once This being not only proposed but confirmed by the men the resolution of the women was demanded who all with one consent applauded the decree not one amongst them having will to survive her husband son or father to fall into the captivity of a fierce and bloody enemy This concluded the Phocenses issue and encounter the enemy and fought against them a noble and victorious battell in which they returned conquerors The Edict made they called Aponaea as signifying A bold action arising from a desperate foundation On the day that battell was fought and so remarkable a victory atchieved they yearly celebrate a feast to Minerva which they call Elaphebolia The women of Chios IN Chios a Gentleman of a noble family riding through the City with his contracted Lady in a chariot as the custome was then amongst them King Hippasus being a familiar friend of the bridegrooms meeting him in the streets with no pretence of injury but rather as a testimony of their former familiarity leapt up into the Chariot betwixt them which act being mistaken by the Citizens he was violently assaulted and cruelly murdered in their fury Nor long after their affairs on all sides succeeding but ill they perceived they had incurr'd the anger of the gods and therefore sent to consult with the Oracle who returned them this answer That nothing could expiate the butchery of Hippasus till all the Regicides were to one man exil'd the City But when all of them confest themselves guilty of the fact the god imposed on them all an equall doom of banishment so that as well the murderers themselves as the abettors and accessaries howsoever many and mighty were forced to transport themselves with their wives and families into Leuconia where they had not long so journed but growing distastfull to the Leuconians as fearing their power who began to encrease both in wealth and number they were commanded by such a day to depart the City and bound by oath to bear nothing forth the gates saving a coat close gift to them and a loose mantle or cloake over them The Chii distrusting their own strength as no way able to affront them in power and number were forced to submit themselves to the present necessity binding themselves by oath to observe the covenants before rehearsed The day comming on and the women seeing their sons and husbands thus meanly accoutred demanded of them Why unarmed they would passe by the face of a publick enemy They excused themselves by the strictnesse of the oath injoined them to whom the women with a joint acclamation thus replied Shew your selves worthy the Nation from whence you are derived and gird your arms about you if they exact from you the strict conditions of an oath answer them thus That to a souldier and a man magnanimous his spear is instead of his cloak and his Target in the place of the garment which he should buckle about him To whose counsell they assented and at their departure appearing so strongly arm'd and their countenances menacing and daring It strook such a terror into the hearts of the Leuconians that as men amazed they suffered them peaceably to dopart with honour who but by the noble and brave counsell of their women had left the place with shame and infamy As noble an act worthy memory was not long after done by the women of Chios what time Philip the son of Demetrius opposed the City who published a proud and barbarous Edict to insinuate the slaves of the City to his aid promising them not only free manumission but to marry them to their mistresses and possesse them of their masters fortunes which kindled such an unquenchable wrath in the Ladies and Matrons of the City that fired with rage and disdain they together with their servants assisting them with incredible faith and honesty maintained the breaches defended the wals guarded the ports casting stones darts fighting exhorting and incouraging one another even to the beating on the enemies back raising their shamefull siege and pursuing them flying with their weapons till Philips army was quite discomfited In all this troublesome war notwithstanding the proclamation not one servant amongst so many had the lest suspition much lesse aspersion cast upon his fidelity Persides CYrus having alienated the Persians from King Astiages was overcome in battell his souldiers flying towards the City for refuge insomuch that the enemy was ready to enter with them the women this seeing issued from the gates and holding up their cloaths a◠high as their breasts met them running and said Whither flye you O you cowards and basest of men have you any hope to hide your selves in these places from whence you came Which object cast such a shamefull blush upon them that renewing the battell the conquerors were defeated and they obtained a glorious victory In memory of which Cyrus made a law That what Persian King should ever after approach that City so often as he entered it should bestow on every woman a peece of gold It is said of Occhus his successor a covetous King that he often past by it and compast it but would never enter the gates only to spare his purse and to defraud the women of their reward But ever-renowned Alexander visited the City twice according to the custome
a presumptuous security They shew it to the chiefe Commanders of Naxos who uniting themselves give the affrightned and unweaponed Miletians a sudden and unexpected aâ—laule and having slaughter'd many possesse themselves of the Castle But by Polycritas intercessive intreaties surprised Diognetus scapes with life And for this noble exploit of hers the glad Citizens running to meet her with shouts and acclamations every one bearing in his hand a Garland to receive her with those wreaths of honour Polycrita was so far extafi'd that her sudden joy asheâ—ed a sudden death for as she stood amased at the gate she instantly tell down exanimated in which gate she was buried and her sepulchre called The Tomb of Envy because it is supposed that Fortune grew so envious of her merits that thus she robb'd her of her life that so she might 〈…〉 of her deserved honours And thus much speaks the history of the Naxians Aristotle affirms Polycrita was no captive but only that Diognetus having seen her he grew so far enamoured of her that to enjoy her he pâ—oâ—eâ—ed her any thing that was in his power to give She promises to yield to his desire if he will grant her the fruition of one boon which when he had confirmed to her by oath she demanded Delium to be surrendered up for the Castle was so called Diognetus being so much inchanted with her beauty and â—oreover bound by the religion of his vow delivered up to her and the Citizens the Castle Delium Of Queens and other Ladies for divers vertues memorable VVE read of other women for divers noble actions Illustrious Dominica the wife of the Emperor Valens when the Goths had threatned the utter subversion of Constantinople by her wisedome and discretion mediated with the enemy and was the sole means of the safety both of the people and City Sâ—x Aurelius reports of Pompeia Plantina when her husband Julian the Emperor had with intollerable exactions oppressed the people insomuch that their discontents were ready to break out into rebellion this vertuous Princesse so far temporised with the Emperour that by her means they were released from all exactions and tributes Diaconus makes mention of Placidia the sister and wife of Honorius who in the yeare 412. when Ataulphus King of the Goths presented himselfe with an invincible army before the wals of Rome threatning utterly to subvert the City and after rebuild it again and instead of Rome to call it Gothia so wrought with the barbarous King by perswasions and promises that she turned his pride to pity and his immanity to mercy so that he departed thence without any assault made against the City or the least spoile doâ—e unto the Countrie Vollateranus speaks of Inguldis the sister of Childebert who being married to Hermagellus son to Lemigildus King of the Goths perswaded her husband then an infidell to be a true and constant professor of the Christian faith The like we read of Cleotilda Q of France who did the like good work upon her husband Clodoneus the son of Childerick Nor hath our own Nation been barren of good examples since Helena the mother of Constantine may in that kind claim equality if not precedâ—â—cy before any As Rome afforded a Volumnia moâ—her to Martius Corinlanus so England yeelded as eminent a Lady in all points the mother to Brennus and Belinus The first whâ—n her son had worthily deserved of his Country even to the attaining of all military honours and as an addition to the rest for his 〈◊〉 service against the City of Coriolorus had the denomination of Coriolanus bestowed upon him by the publick suffrage of the Senate yet notwithstanding for all his merits and unmatchable exploits by which he purchased to himselfe the honour to be called Pater Patriae yet after by the ingratefull multitude who were ever emulous of any mans deserved greatnesse he was not only degraded from all his titles of dignity but had the doom of everlasting banishment denounced against him in revenge of which ingratitude having raised an army and invaded the Towns of the Roman Empire ready to invest himselfe before the quaking and affrighted City when they had first sent to him to make their attonement their Priests who by reason of their sacred offices were held in much reverence next their Augurers and South-sayers then the Aeditiae which were the Keepers of their Temples and last their Prophets but none of these prevailing as their last refuge the Roman matrons presented themselves before Volumnia the mother of Martius humbly intreating her to make intercession betwixt her sons rage and the imminent calamity This reverend Lady mov'd with their tears and acclamations accompanied with Virgilia the wife of Coriolanus and many other Noble matrons and damosels having before promised to plead in their behalfs as far as a miserable mother could claim interest in an injured son repaired to his Tent and casting themselves down at his feet humbly besought him of compassion the rear exprest in their faces and the sorrow in their habits cast upon the enemy a sudden reverence and silence when Volumnia with such feeling accents and moving Oratory mixed with tears besought the peace of the City that they made a reverent impression in the heart of Coriolanus who supporting his mother and advancing his wife from the earth brake out into this extasie Vicistis you have overcome me Thus by these excellent women all combustions of war were appeased a threatned misery prevented and a generall and safe peace setled in the commonweale Of no lesse remark was the wife of Mulmutius Dunwallo the son to Cloten Duke of Cornwall who as Fabian remembers of him having in great peace and tranquillity governed the Kingdom for the space of forty years and was after buried in a place by him before erected called the Temple of peace leaving the land equally divided betwixt his two sons Belinus and Berennus to Belinus the elder was allotted England Wales and Cornwall unto Brennus all the North parts beyond Humber who being a young man and desirous of honour not content with the Principality appointed him commenced against Belinus a fearfull war But as the two brothers were ready to joine battell the mother presented her selfe betwixt the armies exposing her bodie to their opposite weapons shewing the breasts that gave them suck and with noble admonitions and motherly perswasions so mollified the hearts of the incensed Princes that all civill and seditious war laid aside they entered a friendly and brotherly league which was so established in the reverend vertues of the mother that it was never after violated in all their life times after With what condign honours is Queen Marcias memory worthy to be celebrated who being the wife to Guinthetinus King of Britain the son of Gurgunscius was in those daies of that excellent learning and knowledge that she devised many profitable and wholsome lawes to the benefit of the Common-wealth which
a City of Cipria others amongst the Argives Aristarchus and Dyoâ—isius Thrax derive him from Athens c. But I may have occasion to speak of him in a larger work intituled The lives of all the Poets Modern and Forreign to which work if it come once againe into my hands I shall refer you concluding him with this short Epitaph An Epitaph upon Homer the Prince of Poets In Colophon some think thee Homer borne Some in faire Smyrna soâ—e in Ius isle Some with thy birth rich Chius would adorn Others say 〈◊〉 a first on thee did smile The Argives lay claim to thee and aver Thou art their Country man Aemus saies no. Strong Salamine saith thou tookest life from her But Athens thou to her thy Muse dost owe As there first breathing Speak how then shall I Determine of thy Country by my skill When Oracles would never I will try And Homer well thou give me leave I will The spatious Earth then for Country chuse No mortall for thy mother but a Muse 〈◊〉 the sister of Nereus the Sea-god was by him stupratedâ— of whom he begot the Nymphs called Nercides Ovid in his sixt book Metamorph telleth us of Philomela daughter to Pandion King of Athens who was forced by Tereus King of Thrace the son of Mars and the Nymph Bâ—stonides though he had before married her own dear and naturall sister Progne the lamentable effects of which incest is by the same Author elegantly and at large described as likewise Beblis the daughter of Miletus and Cyane who after she had sought the embraces of her brother Caumus slew her selfe Mirrha daughter to Cyniras King of the Cyprians lay with her father and by him had the beautifull child Adonis Europa the mother and Pelopeia the daughter were both corrupted by Thyestes Hypermestra injoied the company of her brother for whom she had long languished Menephron most barborously frequented the bed of his mother against whom Ovid in his Metamorph. and Quintianus in his Cleopol bitterly inveigh Domitius Calderinus puts us in mind of the Concubine of Amintor who was injoied by his son Phaenix Rhodope the daughter of Hemon was married to her father which the gods willing to punish they were as the Poets feign changed into the mountains which still bear their names Caeleus reports of one Policaste the mother of Perdix a hunts-man who was by him incestuously loved and after injoied Lucan in his eight book affirms that Cleopatra was polluted by her own brother with whom she communicated her selfe as to a husband Nictimine was comprest by her father Nictus King of Aethiopia Martial in his twelfe book writing to Fabulla accuseth one Themison of incest with his sister Plin. lib. 28. cap. 2. speaks of two of the Vestals Thusia and Copronda both convicted of incest the one buried alive the other strangled Publius Claudius was accused by M. Cicero of incest with his three sisters Sextus Aurelius writes that Agrippina the daughter of Germanicus had two children by her brother Claudius Caesar Cornalius Tacitus saith that she often communicated her body with her own son Nero in his cups and heat of wine he after commanded her womb to be ripped up that he might see the place where he had laien so long before his birth and most deservedly was it inflicted upon the brutish mother though unnaturally imposed by the inhumane son Ansilaena is worthily repoved by Catullus for yielding up her body to the wanton imbraces of her uncle by whom she had children Gidica the wife of Pomonius Laurentius doted on her son Cominus even to incest but by him refused she strangled her selfe The like did Pheora being despised by her son Hippolitus Dosithaeus apud Plutarch speaks of Nugeria the wife of Hebius who contemned by her son in Law Firmus prosecuted him with such violent and inveterate hate that she first sollicited her own sons to his murder but they abhorring the vilenesse of the fact she watcht him sleeping and so slew him John Maletesta deprehending his wife in the arms of his brother Paulus Maletesta transpierc'd them both with his sword in the incestuous action Clepatra daughter to Dardanus King of the Scythians and wife to Phinaeus was forced by her two sons in law for which fact their father caused their eies to be plucked out Plutarch reports of Atossa that she was doted on by Artaxerxes insomuch as that after he had long kept her as his strumpet against the Laws of Persia and of Greece to both which he violently opposed himself he made her his Queen Curtius writes of one Si simithres a Persian souldier that had two children by his mother Diogenian also speaking of Secundus the Philosopher saith that he unawares to them both committed incest with his mother which after being made known to them she astonied with the horror of the fact immediately slew her selfe and he what with the sorrow for her death and brutishnesse of the deâ—d vowed never after to speak word which he constantly performed to the last minute of his life Manlius in his common places reports from the mouth oâ— D Martin Luther that this accident hapned in Erphâ—rst in Germany There was saith he a maid of an honest family that was servant to a rich widdow who had a son that had many times importuned the girle to lewdnesse insomuch that she had no other way to avoid his continuall suggestions but by acquainting the mother with the dissolute courses of the son The widdow considering with her self which was the best course to childe his libidirous purpose and divert him from that lewd course plotted with the maid to give him a seeming consent and so appoint him a place and time in the night of meeting at which he should have the fruition of what he so long had sued for she her selfe intending to supply the place of her servant to school her son and so prevent any inconvenience that might futurely happen The maid did according to her appointment the son with great joy keeps his houre so did the mother who came thither on purpose to reform her son but he being hot and too forward in the action and she overcome either by the inticements of the devill the weaknesse of her Sex or both gave her selfe up to incestuous prostitution the young man knowing no otherwise but that he had enjoied the maid Of this wicked and abominable congression a woman child was begot of whom the mother to save her reputation was secretly delivered and put it out privately to nurse but at the age of seven years took it home When the child grew to years the most infortunate sonne fell in love with his sister and daughter and made her his unhappy wife what shall I think of this detestable sinne which even beasts themselves abhor of which I will give you present instance Aristotle in his history Animal who was a diligent searcher into all naturall things affirms that a Camel being bliâ—ded
season till he found an opportunity to strumpet the others wiâ—e which was the cause of of a bloody and intestine war almost to the ruin of the whole City The like combustion was kindled betwixt Pardalus and Tyrrhenus upon semblant occasion Livy in the tenth book of his Decades relates that Q. Fabius Gurges son to the Consul amerced the matrons of Rome for their adulteries and extracted from them so much coin at one time as builded the famous Temple of Venus neer to the great Circus So much of the same in generall now I come to a more particular survey of the persons Of many great Ladies branded with Adultery amongst the Romans and first of Posthumia THis Posthumia was the wife of Servius Sulpitius as Lollia the wiâ—e of Aulus Gabinus Tertullia of Marcus Crassus Mutia the wife of C. Pompâ—ius Servitia the mother of Marcus Brutus Iulia the daughter of Servitia and the third wife of Marcus Crassus Furies Maura the Queen of King Bogades Cleopatra of Aegypt and after beloved of Marcus Antonius and of the Triumviraâ—e all these Queens and noble Matrons is Iulius Caesar said to have adulterated Livia the wife of Augustus Caesar was by him first strumpetted and being great with child to recompence her wrong he hastned the marriage This was objected to him in an oration by Antonius Tertullia Dâ—usilla Salvia Scribonia Tilisconia with all these noble matrons he is said to have commerce Likewise with a great Senators wife whose name is not remembred Augustus being at a publike banquet in his own palace withdrew himselfe from the table in the publick view and before the cloth was taken up brought her back again and seated her in her own place with her haire rufled her cheeks blushing and her eies troubled Messalina the wife of Claudius Tibezius first privately then publickly prostituted her selfe to many insomuch that custome grew to that habit that such as she affected and either for modesties sake or for fear durst not enter into her imbraces by some stratagem or other she caused to be murdred as Claudian saith her insatiat desires yet stretched further making choice of the most noble virgins and matrons of Rome whom she either perswaded or compelled to be companions with her in her adulteries She frequented common brothel houses trying the abilities of many choice and able young men by turns from whence it is said of her she returned wearied but not satisfied if any mâ—n refused her imbraces her revenge stretched not only to him but unto all his family And to crown her libidinous actions it is proved of her that in the act of lust she contended with a mercenary and common strumpet which in that kind should have the priority and that the Empresse in the 25 action became victor Of her Pliny Iuvenal and Sex Aurelius speaks more at large a strange patience it was in an Emperour to suffer this I rather commend that penurious fellow who having married a young wife and keeping her short both in liberty and diet she cast her eies upon a plain Country fellow one of her servants and in short time grew with child the old churle mistrusting his own weaknesse being as much indebted to his belly as to his servants for their wages for his parsimony made 〈◊〉 gâ—d to both and now fearing a further charge would come upon him he got a warrant to bring them both before a Justice They being convented and he having made his case known the Gentlewoman being asked upon divers interrogatives modestly excused her selfe but not so cleanly but that the complaint sounded in some sort just and the case apparant The Country fellow was next call'd in question to whom the justice with an austere countenance thus spake Syria 〈◊〉 resolve me truly saith he and it shall be the better for thee Hast thou got this woman with child yea or no to whom the plain fellow thus bluntly answered Yes Sir I think I have how quoth the justice thou impudent and bawdy knave shew me what reason thou hadst to get thy mistresse with child to whom the fellow replied I have served my master a very hard man so many years and I never got any thing else in his service How this businesse was compounded I know not certainly only of this I am assured that our English women are more courteous of their bodies then bloody of their minds Such was not Roman Fabia who as Plutarch in his Parallels relates was the wife of Fabius Fabricanus and gave her selfe up to a young Gentleman of Rome called Petroniuâ— Valentianus by whose counsell she after slew her husband that they might more freely enjoy their luxuries Salust and Valerius Maximus both report of Aurelia Oristilla who suffered her selfe to be corrupted by Catalin against whom Cicero made many eloquent Orations who the freelier to enjoy her bed caused her son to be poisoned Comparable to Fabia saving in murder was Thimen the wife of King of Agis who forsaking the lawful bed of her husband suffered her selfe to be vitiated by Alcibiades of Athens Martial in his Epigrams writes of one Nevina who going chast to the Bath returned thence an adulteresse of her thus speaking Incidit in Flammam veneremque secula relicto Conjuge Penelope venit abitque Helena Which is thus Englished She fell in fire and followed lust Her husband quite rejected She thither came Penelope chast Went Hellen thence detected Paula Thelesina Proculina Lectoria Gellia all these are by some authors branded for the like inchastities An Egyptian Lady I Have heard of a young Citizen who having married a pretty wanton lâ—sse and as young folke love to be dallying one with another set her upon his knee and sporting with her and pointing one of his fingers at her face now my little rogue saith he I could put out one of thine eies to whom with her two longest fingers stretched forth right and aiming at him in the like fashion she thus answered If with one finger thou put out one of mine eies with these two I will put out both yours This was but wantonnesse betwixt them and appeared better in their action then in my expression and though I speak of a blind King he lost not his eies that way Herodotus relates that after the death of Sesostris King of Egypt his son Pherâ—nes succeeded in the Kingdome who not long after his attaining to the principality was deprived of his sight The reason whereof some yeeld to be this Thinking to passe the river Nilus either by inundations or the force of the winds the waters were driven so far back that they were flowed eighteen cubits above their wonted compasse at which the King inraged shot an arrow into the river as if he would have wounded the channell Whether the gods took this in contempt or the Genius of the river was inraged is uncertain but most sure it is that not long after he lost all the use of sight
To whom the Prince in derision thus spake Basâ— Negromancer how canst thou be my father seeing that to the mighty King Philip here present I owe all filiâ—ll duty and obedience to whom Nectenabus rehearsed all the circumstances before related from the beginning and as he concluded his speech so ended his life How the husband upon this information behaved himselfe towards his wife or the son to his mother I am not certain this I presume it was a kind of needfull policy in both the one to conceale his Câ—coldry the other his Bastardy so much of Olympias concerning the birth of her son Alâ—xander I will proceed a little further to speak of her remarkable death being as majestically glorious as the processe of her life was in many passages thereof worthily infamous Justine in his history relates thus Olympias the wife of Philip and mother of Alexander the Great coming from Epirus unto Macedonia was followed by Aeacâ—dâ—â— King of the Molossians but finding her selfe to be prohibited that Câ—untry whether annimated by the memory of her husband encouraged with the greatnesse of her son or moved with the nature of the affâ—ont and injury as she received it I am not certain but she assembled unto her all the forces of Macedoniâ— by whose power and her command they were both slaâ—â— About seven years after Alexander was possessed of the Kingdome neither did Olympias reign long after for when the murdeâ—â— of many Pâ—iâ—ces had been by her committed rather after an effâ—minate then â—egall manner it converted the favour of the multitude into an irreconcileable hatred which â—eaâ—ing and having withall intelligence of the approach of Cassander now altogether distrusting the fidelity of her own Countrymen she with her sons wife Roxana and her Nephew young Hercules retired into a City called 〈◊〉 or Pictuaâ— in this almost forsaken society were Deidamia daughter to King Aeacidus Thessalonice her own daughtâ—â— in law famous in her father King Philip's memory with diveâ—â— other Princely matrons a small train attending upon them â—ather for shew and state then either use or profit These things being in order related to Cassander he with all speed possible hastens towards the City Pictua and invests himselfe before it compassing the place with an invincible siege Olympias being now oppressed both with sword and tamine besides all the inconveniences depending upon a long and tedious war treated upon conditions in which her â—aâ—e conduct with her trains being comprehended she was willing to submit her selfe into the hands of the conquerour at whose mercy whilst her wavering fortunes yet stood Cassander convents the whole multitude and in a publick oration desires to be counselled by them how to dispose of the Queen having before suborned the parents of such whose children she had caused to be murdered who in sad and funerall habits should accuse the cruelty and inhumanity of Olympias Their tears made such a passionate impression in the breasts of the Macedonians that with loud acclamations they doomed her to present slaughter most unnaturally forgetting that both by Philip her husband and Alexander her son their lives and fortunes were not only safe amongst their neighbour nations but they were also possessed of a forrein Empire and 〈◊〉 from Provinces 〈◊〉 their times scarce heard of but altogether unknown Now the Queen perceiving armed men make towards her and approach her to the same purpose both with resolution and obstinacy she attâ—â—ed in a Princely and majestick habit and leaning in state upon the shoulders of two of her most beautifull handmaids gave them a willing and undanted meeting which the souldiers seeing and calling to mind her former state beholding her present majesty and not forgetting her roiall off-spring illustrated with the names of so many successive Kings they stood still amazed without offering her any 〈◊〉 violence til others sent thither by the command of Cassâ—nder throughly pierced her with their weapons which she 〈…〉 with such constancy that she neither offeâ—â—d 〈…〉 avoid their wounds or expresse 〈…〉 by any 〈◊〉 clamour but after the manâ—◠〈…〉 men submitted her selfe to 〈…〉 her 〈…〉 expressing the invincible spirit 〈…〉 Alexander in which she likewise shewed a singuâ—â—r 〈◊〉 for with her disheveled hair she shadowed her 〈◊〉 leâ—t in sâ—rugling between life and death it might 〈…〉 and with her garments covered her legs and 〈◊〉 lest any thing aboâ—â— her might be found uncomely 〈…〉 Cassander took to wife Thessalonice the the daughâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Aridaeus causing the son of Alexander with his 〈◊〉 Roxane to be keep prisoners in a â—ower called â—â—â—â—phipositana 〈◊〉 ABout the time 〈◊〉 the Huns came 〈◊〉 into Italy and expoiled the Longâ—hards 〈◊〉 laid 〈◊〉 to the City 〈◊〉 and in a hot assault having slain the Duke Oysulphus his wife 〈…〉 Râ—milda 〈◊〉 the Town defensible bravely and resolutely mainteined it against the enemy But as Cacana King of the Anes approached neer unto the wals encouraging his souldiers to hang up their scaling ladders and enter Romilda at the same time looking from a Cittadel cast her eie upon the King who as he seemed unto her with wondrous dexterity behaved himself and with an extraordinary grace became his arms This liking grew into an ardency in love for she that at first but allowed of his presence now was affected to his person insomuch that in the most fierce assaults though her self danger of their crosse-bows and slings she thought within the secure so she had the King her object This fire was already kindled in her breast which nothing could qualifie insomuch that impatient of all delay she sent unto her publike enemy private messengers That if it pleased the King being as she understood a batchelor to accept her as his bride she would without further opposition surrender up the Town peaceably into his hands these conditions are first debated next concluded and lastly confirmed by oath on both sides The Town is yeelded up and Cacana according to his promise takes Romilda to wife but first he makes spoile of the Town kils many and leads the rest captive The first night he bedded with his new reconciled bride but in the morning abandoned her utterly commanding twelve Huns and those of the basest of his souldiers one after another to prostitute her by turns that done he caused a sharp stake to be placed in the middle of the field and pitched her naked body upon the top thereof which entring through the same made a miserable end of her life at which sight the Tyrant laughing said Such a husband best becomes so mercilesse an harlot This was the miserable end as Polycronicon saith of Romilda But better it hapned to her two beautifull and chast daughters who fearing the outrage of the lustfull and intemperate souldiers took purrified flesh of chickens and colts and hid it raw betwixt their breasts the souldiers approaching them took them to be diseased as not able to come neer them by reâ—son of the
pity as grieving she should be so dismembred he thought rather to make shipwrack of her honour then her life since the one might be by an after-truth restored but the other by no earthly mediation recovered And to this purpose presents himselfe before the Altar openly attesting that she was by him with child and therefore not only an unlawfull but abominable offering in eies of Iupiter No sooner was this charitable slander pronounced by the young man but the father more inraged at the losse of her honour now then before commiserating her death bâ—ing full of wrath he usurps the office of the Priest and wash his sword hewes the poor innocent Lady to peeces But not many nights after this bloody execution the Idaea of his daughter bleeding and with all her wounds about her presented it selfe to him in his troubled and distracted sleep with which being strangely moved he conveied himselfe to the tombe where his daughter lay buried and there with the same sword slew himselfe Herodotus in Euterpe speaks of one Pheretrina Queen of the Bâ—cchaeaus a woman of a most inhuman cruelty she was for her tyranny strook by the hand of heaven her living 〈…〉 up with worms and â—â—ce and in that languishing misery gave up the ghost Propert in his third book speakâ— of one Dyrce who much grieved that her husband Lycus was surprized with the love of one Antiopa caused her to be bound to the horns of a mad bull but her two sons Zâ—â—bus and Amphtoa comming instantly at the noise of her loud acclamation they released her from the present danger and in revenge of the injury offered to their mother fastned Dyrce to the same place who after much affright and many pitifull and deadly wounds expired Consinge was the Queen of Bithinia and wife to Nicomedes whose gesture and behaviour appearing too wanton and libidinous in the eies of her husband he caused to be worried by his own dogs Plin. lib. 7. Pyrene the daughter to Bâ—brâ—x was comprest by Hercules in the mountains that divide Italy from Spaine she was after torn in pieces by wild beasts they were called or her Montes Pyreneae i. The Pyrenean mountains Antipater Tarcenses apud Vollateran speaks of one Gatis a Queen of Syria who was cast alive into a moat amongst fishes and by them devouted she was likewise called Atergatis Sygambis was the mother of Darius King of Persia as Quintus Curtius in his fourth book relates she died upon a vowed abstinence for being taken prisoner by Alexander yet nobly used by him whether tired with the continuall labour of her journie or more afflicted with the disease of the mind it is not certain but falling betwixt the arms of her two daughters after five daies abstinence from meat drink and light she expired Semele the mother of 〈◊〉 a Thebâ—n Lady and of the roial race of Cadmus 〈…〉 thunder Pliny in his second book writes of one Martia great with child who was strook with thunder but the 〈◊〉 in her womb strook dead only she her selfe not suffering any hurt or dammage in which place he remembers one Marcus Herennius a Decurion who in a bright and cleare day when there appeared in the skie no sign of storm or tempest was slain by a thunderclap Pausanias apud Vollâ—teran saith that Helena after the death of her husband Mentlaus being banished into Rhodes by Megapenthus and Nicostratus the sons of Orestes came for rescue to Polyzo the wife of Pleopolemus who being jealous of too much familiarity betwixt her and her husband caused her to be strangled in a bath others write of her that growing old and seeing her hairs grown gray that face grown withered whose lustre had been the death of so many hundred thousands she caused her glasse to be broken and in despair strangled her selfe The like Caelius lib. 6. cap. 15. remembers us of one Acco a proud woman in her youth and grown decrepit through age finding her brow to be furrowed and the fresh colour in her cheeks to be quite decaied grew with the conceit thereof into a strange frenzy some write that she used to talk familiarly to her owne image in the myrrhor sometimes smile upon it then again menace it promise to it or flatter it as it came into her fancy in the end with meer apprehension that she was grown old and her beauty faded she fell into a languishing and so died Jocasta the incestuous mother to Aeteocles and Polynices beholding her two sons perish by mutuall wounds strook with the terror of a deed so facinorous instantly slew her selfe So Bisalâ—ia a maid despised by Calphurnius Crassus into whose hands she had betraied the life of her father and freedome of her Country fell upon a sword and so perished Zoe the Empresse with her husband Constantius Monachus both about one time died of the Pestilence Gregorius Turonensis writes of one Austrigilda a famous Queen who died of a disease called Disenteria which is a flâ—x or wringing of the bowels Of the same griefe died Sausones son to Chilperick Serena the wife of Dioclesian for very griefe that so much Martyrs blood was spilt by her husbands remorselesse tyranny fell into a feaver and so died Glausinda daughter to the King of the Goths and wife to Athanagildus was slain by Chilperick the son of Clotharius at the instigation of the strumpet Fredegunda so saith Volateranus Sextus Aurelius writes that the Emperor Constantius son to Constantius and Helena caused his wife Fausta by whose instigation he had slain his son Crispus to die in a hoâ—scalding bath Herodotus speaks of Lysides otherwise called Melissa the wife of Periander who at the suggestion of a strumpet caused her to be slaine which makes Sabellicus amongst others to wonder why for that deed only he should be numbred amongst the wise men of Greece 〈◊〉 Cecilius in his seven and twentieth book upon Pliny accuseth Calphurnius Bestia for poisoning his wives sleeping Pliny in his fourteenth book nominates one Egnatius Melentinus who slew his wife for no other cause but that she had drunk wine and was acquitted of the murder by Romulus Auctoclea the daughter of Sinon and wife of Laeâ—â—es King of Ithaca when by a false messenger she heard that her son Vlysses was slain at the siege of Troy suddenly fel down and died The mother of Antista seeing her daughter forsaken by Pompey the Great and Aemâ—lâ—a received in her stead overcoâ—e with griefe slew her selfe Perimela a damosell was vitiated by Achelous which her father Hippodamus took in such indignation that from an high promontory he cast her headlong down into the sea Hyppomanes a Prince of Achens deprehending his daughter Lymone in adultery shut her up in a place with a fierce and cruell horse but left no kind of food for one or the
Lapithae genus Heroinae Centaurâ—s mâ—dâ—o grata rapâ—â—a meâ—o Such as Iscomache that was Of the Lâ—â—y 〈…〉 She whom the Centaurs would have rapt Amâ—dst their cups of wine Perâ—â—les for his love to Aspasia made was against the Samians For Chrysaeis the daughter of Chryses Priest to Apollo 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 a plague was sent amongst the the Greekish host which ceased not till she was returned back to her father for so writes Tortellius Lavinia's beauty the daughter of King Latinus and the Queen Amata was cause of the combâ—â—ion betwixt Turnus and Aeneas so saith 〈◊〉 lib. 4. de Sâ—â—llis Lysimachâ—â— the son of Agathocles poisoned his own son Agathocles by whose fortunate hand he had received the honour and benefit of many glorious victories at the instigation of his wife Arsinoe the sister of Prolomaeus 〈◊〉 Iphis a youth of exquisite feature stranglâ—â— himselfe because he was despised by the fair but cruell Anaxarite Archelaus King of Macedon was slain by a young man called Craâ—â—na because having first promised him his faire daughter he after bestowed her upon another The Poet Archilocus called Iambographus because Lycâ—â—bes denied him his daughter in marriage writes against him such bitter Iambicks that he despaired and hanged himselfe therefore Ovid thus writes Post modo si pâ—ges in te mihi liber Iambus Tincta Licambaeo sanguine â—ela dabit If thou pursu'st me still my book Just vengeance shall implore And in Iambick weapons yeeld Dipt in Lycambes gore Justine in his twenty seventh book relates That Seleucus Callinicus King of Syria for exiling Berenice his step-mother sister to Ptolomaeus was by the same Ptolomaeus invaded and prosecuted by armes Deipâ—â—bus after the death of Paris having married Hellâ—n to which infortunate match her beauty had invited him was by her treachery not only murdered but his body hackt and mangled being almost made one universall wound Tortellius reports of one Evander the nephew 〈◊〉 Pallâ—s King of the Arcadians at the perswasion of his mother Nicostrate slâ—w his own father Orestes the son of Agameâ—â—â—n slew Pyrrhus the son of Achilles being surprised with the beauty of Hermione daughter to Meneâ—eus and Helena 〈◊〉 King of the Thebans was slain by King Crâ—eon being betraied by his own Polydices Cleopatra was the cause of that bloody war betwixt Ptolomaeus Philâ—pater and her own father Alexander King of Syria Idas and Lyncaeus the sons of Aphareus and Arbarne fought a great battel neer to Sparta about the two fair daughters of Leuâ—ippus Phebe and â—â—aira against Castor and Pollux both which were slaine in that battell and perisht not by shipwrack as some write in the pursuit of Paris by sea for the rape of their sister Hellen. Liâ—y lib 36. writes of Antiochus who warning against Rome was so taken with the beauty of a 〈…〉 that neglecting all warlike discipline to spend his 〈…〉 with his wanton he became a 〈…〉 to the enemy Octavia the sister of Augâ—lius being repudiâ—ted by Anthony was the 〈◊〉 of a civill and intestine war The Poet Lucretius growâ—â—◠〈◊〉 for the love of a 〈◊〉 damosell drank poison and so died Tullia incited â—â—rquinius Sâ—perbus to kill her own father Servius Tullius Martia the strumper caused Antonius Commodus the Emperor whose Concubine she was to 〈◊〉 slain by a souldier with whom she had many times lustfull congression Titus Corrancanus being sent on Embassie to Teuca Queen of the Illyrians because he spake to her â—reely and boldly she caused him to be put to death against the lawes of Kingdomes and Nations Livius and Florus Vollaâ—eranus writes of one Rhodoricus King of the Goths who because he stupâ—ated the daughter of Iulianus who was Prefect in the Province or Tingitana the father of the ravisht virgin brought in the Mooâ—s and raised a war which before it was ended was the death of seven hundred thousand men Chilpericus the son of Clothâ—rius was slain by the instigation of his wife Fridegunda in his return from hunting Luchinus a Court of Italy waâ—ied upon Vgolinus Gonzaga because he had adulterated his fair wife Isabella Vollaâ—â—ran Otratus King of Bohemia accused of sloath and cowardise by his wife Margarita for entring league with Rodulphus Caesar raised war betwixt them in which her husband was defeated Gandulphus the martyr for but counselling his wife to a more chast and temperate life was murdered betwixt her and the adulterer Of wars and many other mischiefes of which faire women have been the originall Ovid elegantly delivers in 2 Eleg. thus concluding Vidi ego pro nivea pugnantes conjuge tauros Spectatrix animos ipsa 〈…〉 For a white Heâ—fer I have seen 〈◊〉 â—ight Both gathering rage and couâ—age frâ—â— her sight At the building of Rome Râ—mâ—lus to people the City and get wives for his souldiers caused them to ravish the Sabin women and demosels for which waâ— grew betwixt the two Nations Of which Proper lib. 2. Cur exempla 〈◊〉 Graecum Tu criminis author Nutribus 〈…〉 lactâ— lupae c. What need I from 〈◊〉 Greekâ— example ask Thou 〈◊〉 by 〈…〉 she-woâ—fe nurs'd To rape the 〈◊〉 mâ—d'st thy souldiers task Rape Rome still loveâ— because thou taught'st it fiâ—st Since men the form at best 〈◊〉 â—oon fades and thâ— beauty hath been the came of so much blood-shed Why should women be so proud of that which rated 〈◊〉 the highest is no better then in excellent evill or a wretched wonder that had beginning therefore subject to end created from earth and therefore consequently transâ—â—â—ry but on the contrary since the vertues of the mind â—â—ely acquire after 〈◊〉 and glory conquer oblivion and survive envy and Phâ—nix-like recover fresh youth from forgotten ashes To such I yeeld the first place and so begin with the Amazons Of the Amazons AND first of their Country Cappadocia is a land that breedeth goodly and brave horses it hath on the East side Armenia on the West Asia the lesse on the North Amazonia on the South Mount Taurus by which lieth Sicilia and 〈◊〉 as far as the Cilicke Sea that stretcheth towards the Island of Cyprus The lesse Asia called Asia minor joineth to Cappadocia and is closed in with the great sea for it hath on the North the mouth and sea that is called Euxinus on the West Propontides on the South the Aegyptian sea This lesse Asia conteineth many Provinces and Lands 〈◊〉 the North side Bythinia butting upon the sea against Thracia and is called Phrygia the greater The chiefe City of Bythinia is Nicomedia Galathia takes name of the 〈◊〉 that assisted the King of Bythinia in his wars and therefore had that Province given them to inhabit It was first called Gallograecia as being people mixt of the Gals and Grecians but now they be called Galathians and these are they to whom Saint Paul writ his Epistles Ad Galatas The third part of
at the upper end of a long gallery which when the Embassador should enter the great Ladies of either side richly attired were placed through the middest of whom as he passed along he as amazed at the state or admiring at their beauties cast his eie first on one side then on the other and that not without some pause as if he had been to take a particular survey of all their features but by degrees comming up towards the Queen who sate like Diana amongst her nymphs or Ariadne in her crown of stars instated above the lesser lights to give him entertainment and observing his eies still wander she thus bespake him Averte oculos ne videas vanitatemâ— Turn away your eies least you behold vanâ—ty to whom he suddenly replied Imo potius miribilia opera Deiâ—â—â— Nay the wonderfull works of God Since then you are such rather let your vertuous actions beautifie then your vitious deeds any way disgrace his so great and glorious workmanship Of Faire Women OF these Herodica shall have the first place Niceus in his book de Rebus Arcad. relates That one Cypselus purposing to raise a new Colony erected a faire and goodly City in a spacious Plaine bordering upon the river Alphaeus to which place multitudes of the Parrhasians came to inhabit At the same time was a Grove and an Altar celebrated with much pomp and solemnity to Elusina Ceres with annuall feast at this publike meeting was a contention Which of all the women was censured to be the fairest The first that had the priority and Palm for beauty bestowed upon her was Herodica the wife of Cypselus Zenophon apud Coelium lib 7. cap. 53. speaks of one Panthaea the wife of Abraditus a Noble man of Persia whom Cyrus having defeated the army of the Aslyrians and spoiled their tents took captive Abraditus at that time being absent as not long before emploied upon an Embassie to the Bactriaus in which interim Panthaea was in the custody of a Noble man of Media called Araspes who affirmed of her to the King with great admiration of her feature and beauty That in all Asia her like was not to be seen or found Pâ—ulus Dâ—aconus writes of Theodole a Roman Lady of that admirable splendour that she attracted the eies of all men that but glanced that way to dwell upon her with wonder her haire was bright and yellow which when she pleased to unloose and leâ— fal about her shoulders it covered her from the crown to the heel A large description he makes of her perfections howsoever most certain it is that the King Cambeâ—les was exâ—â—eamly entangled in the snares of her beauty Saxo Grammaâ—icus in his Danish history commemorates one Suabilda a Queen in 〈◊〉 the lineaments both of body and face to be of that rare pulchritude that being doomed unto a wreâ—ched and miserable death and bound with thongs of leather to be trod upon by the hoofs of wild horses her beauty strook such an impression even in those unreasonable creatures that they could not be forced with their rude 〈◊〉 to leave the least character of violence upon lambs so fair and exquisitely fashioned The same Author remembers us of Seritha and Signis the first a virgin of incomparable splendour to whom one Otharus was a 〈…〉 the other was the daugher to one Sygarus who paralleld the first and was importunately sollicited by 〈…〉 Brysaeis was so faire that she endeaâ—ed 〈…〉 of all the Greeks Achilles 〈…〉 or handmaid yet he 〈…〉 of her above all his other women of whom Horace 〈◊〉 Insolentem Serva Brysaeis niveo colore 〈…〉 His 〈…〉 with her colour white Iasolent 〈◊〉 moved to delight Of 〈◊〉 Ovid likewise speaks lib. 2. de Arte Amandit 〈◊〉 ut in capta Lyrnâ—side magnus Achilles Cum premeret 〈◊〉 lossus ab hoâ—te torum This 〈…〉 of his Love 〈◊〉 When with the slaughâ—er of his enemies tired He doff'd his Cushes and unarm'd his head To 〈◊〉 with her on a soft day bed It did rejoice Bryseis to embrace His braised arms and kisse his blood stain'd face Those hands which he so often did imbrew In blood of warlike Trosans whom he slew Were now imploâ—'d to tickle touch and feel And shake a Lance that had no point of steel Thargelia Molesia was of that excellent aspect that as Hyppias the Sophist testifies of her she was married by course to fourteen severall husbands for so he writes in a Treatise entituled De inscripta Congregatione in which besides her character of beauty he gives her a worthy attribute for her wisedome in these words Perpulchra sapiens Anutis was the wife of a noble person called Bogazus and sister to Xerxes by the fathers side She as Dinon writes in his Persick history in the chapter entituled De prima Coordinatione in these words Haec ut pulcherrima fuit omnium mulierum quae fuerant in Asia c. She saith he as she was the fairest of all women in Asia so of them all she was the most intemperate Timosa as Philarchus in his Lib. 19. contends was the mistresse of Oxiartes who in the accomplishments of nature anteceded all of her age she was for her beauty thought worthy to be sent as a present from the King of Aegypt to the most excellent Queen of King Statyra but rather for a wonder of nature then a president of chastity Theopompus in his fifty sixth book of History records That Zenopithia the mother of Lysandrides was the fairest of all the women in Peloponnesus She with her sister Chryse were slain by the Lacedemonians at the time when Agesâ—laus in an uprore and mutinous sedition raised gave command That Lysandrides as his publick enemy should be banished from Lacedemon Patica Cipria was born in Cyprus Philarchus remembers her in his tenth book of history She attending upon Olympias the mother of Alexander was demanded to marriage by one Monimus the son of Pythioa But the Queen observing her to be of more beauty in face then temperance in carriage O unhappy man said she that chusest a wife by the eie not by counsell by her beauty and not behaviour Violentilla was the wife of the Poet Stella she for all accomplishments was much celebrated by Statius of her lib. 1. Syll. thus speaks Al tu pulcherrima forma Italidum tantem casto possessa marito Thou of our Latium Dames the fair'st and best Of thy chast husband art at length possest Agarista as Herodotus cals her was the daughter of Clisthenes the Syconian she was of that unexpressable form that her beauty attracted suitors from all parâ—s of Greece amongst whom Hypocledes the son of Tisander is numbred From Italy came Smyndrides Sibarites Syritanus and Damnasus From the Coast of Ionia Amphimnestrus Epidamnius Aetolus and Meges From Peloponnesus Leocides Amianthus Aâ—â—has Hâ—leus Laphanes and Phidon son to the King of the Argives From
second son Ochus the Prefectship over the Hircanians Likewise Parisatis to wife daughter to Xerxes and naturall sister to Ochus This Ochus was â—â—ter called Dariaeus who in all his counsels and projects â—â—er did any thing without the advice of his sister Queen â—â—fore his aspiring to the Empire he had issue by his wife â—â—risatis two children a daughter called Amistris and a 〈◊〉 Arsaca who after changed his name to his grandfaâ—â—â—rs and was called Artaxerxes after his instalment she â—â—ght him a son called Cyrus after him Artostes and so the â—â—â—ber of thirteen of all which only the fourth son called â—â—â—dras survived the rest perished in minority These 〈◊〉 concubins of Persia Julia. IT is remembred of Augustus Caesar whose daughter this Julia was that he established a Law which was called 〈◊〉 Julia concerning adulteters after what processe persons so offending should be punished being convicted and â—ound guilty It hapned that a young Gentleman of Rome being accused of the same fact with the Emperors daughter Julia before named Augustus grew into such a fuâ—y that not able to come in himselfe he fell upon the Gentleman and gave him many violent and sound buffeâ—s till the supposed offender cried out O Emperor where is your Justice you have made a law concerning these matters why am I not then judged by that At which words it so repented him of his rashnesse that all that day and night he forbore to tast any food At a certain sword-playing of such like pastime solemnized in the great Roman Theater Livia the mother and Julia the daughter had turned the eies of the multitude upon them twain and that by reason of the difference of their habits and their attendants Lyvia being matron-like attired was accompanied with aged Senators and Ladies of approved modesty and gravity Julia on the contrary loosâ—ly and wantonly habited had in her train none but butterflie-pages wild fashion-mongers and fantastick gallants which observed by Augustus he the next day admonished her by letters To observe what difference and ods there was in the appearance of two such high and noble persons which having read she returned him only this short answer Well and these people about me shall be old likewise when I am This Julia to a noble Senator of staâ—ed gravity giving her counsell to frame her selfe after her fathers grave and sober behaviour she presently replied Though my father doth not remember that he is an Emperour yet I cannot forget that I am an Emperours daughter It is further remembred of her that beginning to have gray hairs with the soonest and before she was old as her maids and gentle women were kembing her head the Emperour came in suddenly upon her and espi'd them picking and plucking the white hairs up by the roots which still stuck upon their garments the Emperor for that present said â—â—â—ning 〈◊〉 â—ut long after amongst many other discourseâ— taking occâ—siâ—n to speak of old age he demanded of his daughter Whether she had rather in the processe of a few years have a reverent white head or to be directly without any hair at all she answered She had rather to have a white head Why then said he do thy damosels all they can to make thee clean bald before thy time Augustus much grieved with her licentiousnesse and seeing it subject to no reformation he banished her the Court and with her her daughter Julia his grandchild who took something too much after the mother and after that Agrippa whom he had once adopted his heir but after for his intemperance and brâ—tish and luxurious riots cast out of his favour Whensoever mention was made of any of these three he would recite a verse out of Homer which imports thus much What 's now my sorrow would have been my pride If I as some might issuelesse have di'd He used not to call any of those three by any other names then Ulcers or rotten Imposthumes Cankers and such like for he used much more patiently to take the deaths of his friends then their dishonours He further provided by his last will That whensoever either Iulia his daughter or Iulia his grandchild expired their bodies should not rest beneath his monument One thing of her I had almost forgot Upon a time comming to visite and do her dutie to her father she perceived his eies to be much offended with the gawdinesse of her attire as savering of immodestâ— the next day taking occasion to revisi him she changed her habit into a comely civill and matronly garb and in that sort came to embrace her father Caesar who had the day before suppressed his griefe was not now able to contein his joy but brok out into these terms O how much more decent and seemly are these ornaments for the daughter of Augustus to whom she instantly replied Indeed this day I apparelled my selfe to please the eies of a father but my yesterdaies habit was to content the eies of a husband She when some that knew of her frequent inchastities demanded how it was possible she should bring forth children so like her husband considering her so often prostitution with strangers answered Because I never take in passenger till my ship have her full fraught and lading Macrob. l 2. cap. 5 Satur. And so much for Iulia. Phileterus speaking of those wantons that lived afore his time and were now dead scoffs them thus Nonne Câ—â—cope jam egit annorum tria millia c. i. Hath not Cercope already lived three thousand years and proceeding and rough haired Diopethâ—â— and a second Telesis ten thousand for Theolite none knowes or can remember when she was born Was not Thais dead when she should have prostituted her selfe and come under Ioâ—nas and Neaera are now dead and rotten so is Philaâ—e Or Siphas Gâ—linas and Coronas I speak not Of Nais I hold my peace because her teeth are now no grinders Sinope and Phanostrate with others are remembred by Demosthenes in his Oration against Androtiones Herdicus Crateticus speaks of this Sinope in his Commentaries and saith That when she grew into years she was called Abâ—dus she was no question of a famous strumpeâ— in her youth for Antâ—phanes speaks of her in many of his Comedies in Arcade in Horlicomo in Medicatrice in Piscante in Neottide in Neottide So likewise Alexâ—s in Cleobulina and Calicrates in Moscione Of Phanostrate Apollodorus writes That she was a prostitute in Athens and that of her rank were many others and was called Phttherophile of Phther Pediculus and Paele Porta Propter quod pediculos cum staret in limine Portae queritâ—bat Menander in Aâ—â—ulatore he numbers these wantons Christs Coronis Antâ—cyâ—â— Ischades and Nanniculum whom he cals Formâ—suâ—â— vaâ—de Exceeding faiâ— Quintius Curtâ—us in his tenth book of the life of Alexander the Great writes That after many honourable Conquests having already subjected sundry Nations to his jurisdiction being now in India where all his attempts were prosperous and his
thought that for no criminall cause he was put out of his place and dismist his office that he desired an annuall fee from the treasury to whom Augustus replied Do thou then report openly that thou hast a pension and if any shall ask me about it I will not deny but that I have given it The same Augustus going into a shop to buy Purple or Scarlet for in those daies the Emperours were not so curious as some gentlemen are now he cheapning a piece of cloth but not liking the colour of it because it was not bright enough and the Draper having it seems a dark shop such as are common amongst us in our daies saith the Draper to him So please your Majesty but to hold it up into the light and you shall the colour more perfect Gramercy for that saith he so when I purpose to shew my selfe amongst my subjects to shew the true colour of my garments I must lâ—kewise be tied to walk upon the Tarresses and tops of houses Many other things are remembred of him worthy to be commended to posterity Philip the father of Alexander the Great had a custome when his army was in the field to leave his own Tent and come into the private Hals and Cabbins of his souldiers and observe how they spent their idle hours The Poet Calliniad then following the Camp to whom the King had a particular love he stole upon him one day and found him busily seething a Conger stirring up the fire skimming the Kettle and doing other such Cook-like offices for his particular diet the King clapt him upon the shoulder and said I never read O Poet that Homer when he was writing his famous work called the Iliaâ—ls could ever find so much spare time as to kindle a fire set on water and skimm a Conger To whom he presently answered Neither remember I O King that I ever read in Homer the Prince of Poets that Agamemnon in all the time of the ten years siege of Troy had such vacancy as thou hast now to prie into the Booths of his souldiers and neglecting the publike affairs to busie himselfe to know how every private man cookt his own diet This was a modest passage betwixt him that contended to art noble deeds and him that the King knew could give them full expression Erasmus lib. 6. Apoth speaks of the Orator Crassus That when one Piso being accused by Sylus for some words speaking had incurred a Censure and Crassus being then the advocate of Piso found that Sylus his testimony proceeded meerly from malice and envy after the Sentence was past Crassus thus spoke to Sylus It may be saith he this Piso notwithstanding this accusation was moved or angry when he spake those words who answered as reverencing his authority Sir It may be so It may be too Sylus said he thou didst not at that time rightly understand him who again answered It was like enough And it may be said Crassus again somewhat hastily That Piso never spoke those words which thou saiest thou heardest who answered unadvisedly and it may be so too At which the auditory fel into a great laughter Piso was acquit and Sylus punisht by the reversement of judgement It pleased a King of France who had heard a great fame of the learned Scotus to send for him and to seat him at his Table which was a grace not common with expectation it seems to hear from him some extraordinary rare discourse answerable to the fame was given him The scholler seeing such rarity and variety set before him only intended that for which he came and eat with a good â—ound stomak Which the King a pretty while observing interrupts him thus Domine quae est dâ—sserentia inter Scotum Scotum i. Sir What is the difference betwixt a Scot and a Scot To whom he without pause replied Mensa tantum i The Table only the King playing up in his name and be taxing the Kings ignorance A great Earl of this Kingdome was sent over by Queen Elizabeth to debate concerning State-businesse and joined with him in commission one Doctor Dale a worthy and approved scholler to meet with these froÌ„ the Spaniard were sent amongst other Commissioners Richardetti that was Secretary to K. Philip. These meeting about State-affairs question was made In what Language it was most fit to debate them Richardetti standing up and belike having notice that our Embassador was not well practised in the French tongue thus said In my opinion it is most fit that this businesse about which we are met be discoursed in French and my reason is because your Queen writes her selfe Queen of France At which word up start the Doctor and thus repli'd Nay then rather let it be debated in the Hebrew tongue since your King writes himselfe King of Jerusalem These may appear digressions I wil only because this is a womans book end this argument with the answer of a woman remembred by Petrarch Azo the Marquesse of Este was eminent for many extraordinary blessings both of Nature and Fortune But as these were never perfectly enjoied without some difficulty and trouble so it proved in him for having a beautiful to his wife he grew extreamly suspitious of her faith and loialty He having by her a young son and heir then in the Cradle looking earnestly upon him he 〈◊〉 a deep sigh of which she demanding the cause he thus said I would God wife this child were as certainly mine as it is assuredly thine to confirm which to mine own wishes and desires I would willingly part with the greatest moity of my means and fortunes To whom she answered Let this be neither griefe to your heart nor trouble to your mind for of this doubt I will instantly resolve you and taking the infant from the Cradle and holding it in her arms she thus said No man Sir I hope makes question but this child is mine to which words he assenting she thus proceeded Then to clear all former doubts and suspiâ—ions Receive him freely from my hands as my giâ—t and now you may presume he is only and absolutely yours Whether she equivocated or no I am not certain only this I am most sured of That she hath left a precedent behind her to all succeeding wives how their jealous husbands may be best confirmed in their suspected issue I fear I have been somwhat too long in the Preamble I wil therefore now proceed to the matter And first of Filial piety ascending from daughters to their Parents Of Pious Daughters OF Sons that have been remarkably grateful to their Parents for their birth and breeding the histories are 〈◊〉 and the examples infinite as of Coriolanus to his 〈…〉 in Lelio Dionysius Haâ—icarnâ—ssru◠〈…〉 Appianus c. as likewise of 〈…〉 of M Cotta Caius Flaminius Cimon remembred by â—ustine lib. 2. Cleobis and Bithon Amphinomus and Anapus recorded by Herodotus and Solinus the son of Croesus c. Yet should I undertake to
he is no sooner dead but they all contend together which of them was of him in his life time best beloved and if it cannot be determined amongst themselves they bring the controversie before the Judges and plead as earnestly to accompany him in death as for some great fortune and honour she amongst the rest that prevails exults with joy as having attained a great victory when being led by her best friends and neerest of kindred partakes with her in the same triumph unto the place where her husbands body is to be consumed with a pleasant and merry countenance she casts her selfe into the fire and is there burned with him together the rest that survive and were deprived of this last honor consume the remainder of their lives in great discontent sorrow and anguish Of this custome Cicero remembers us Tusâ— Quaest lib. 5. Valer. Maxim lib. 2. cap. 1. Alex. aâ— Alex. Alianus Egnatius and others This funerall ceremony as Fulgos lib. 2. cap. 6. is continued amongst them unto this day alluding to this purpose is that of Propert lib. 3. Foelix cöâ—s lex funeris una maritis c. Which I thus paraphrase in English You Eastern Husbands in your funerall Lawes Most happy and their first inventors wise In which you are more famous then because On you the blushing morning first doth rise When Death hath with his last mortiferous wound The Husband struck his last Rites to prepare A pious troop of wives engirt him round Drying their moist cheeks with their scatt'red hair Who strive which shall associate him in fate And bed with him together in the flame To live beyond him is a thing they hate And he once dead life is to them a shame She that can die with him hath her desire And leaps with joy into the funerall fire The like is observed by a people of Thrace that inhabit a little above the Crestonaeans They likewise are delighted with plurality of wives who after the decease of their husbands enter into the like contention as the women of India and she that is Victoresse as if glorying in some great conquest adorned in her best and richest ornaments is with great ceremonious pomp amongst all her kindred and allies conducted unto the place where his body is to be interred where being slaine by her next of Kin as the best office he can do her she is buried in the same grave with her husband Herod lib. 5. The wives amongst the Geates repair to their husbands sepulchre and holding al life tedious and burthensome without them other their bodies willingly either the sword or to the fire The Custome of the Catheoreans was That when the Bride choose her husband she made a covenant with him at his death to be burnt in the same Pile Alex. ab Alex. lib. 1. cap. 25. The women amongst the Herulians a people that inhabit beyond the river of Danubius repair to the graves of their husbands and just over against them strangle themselves Which marriage-love appears the more strange because the men are of that barbarous and inhumane incontinence that they hold it no shame to leave the society of their women and have congression with brute beasts Bonifacius in his Epistle unto King Ethelbalaus as Gaâ—â—elm Masmsbur lib. 1. cap. 64. de Anglia relates it saith That the Winedi are the worst and the most nasty people among the Germans yet their wives are of that incomparable zeâ—i and piety toward their husbands that she is held to be the most laudable and praise-worthy that with her own hand kils her selfe to burn with him to his last funerall fire From the generality of women I descend to particulars Admirable was the love of Phila towards her husband King Demetrius and haughty and magnanimous her spirit who receiving newes of his defeat in battel and that his whole army being dispersed and scattered he was retired into Cassandria drank poison and so died The wife of Straton Prince of Sydonia when the City was straitly besieged by the Persians her greatest care was lest the person of her husband should fall into the hands of the mercilesse enemy which she purposed to prevent by death When therefore she heard they had scaled the wals and were ready to be instantly possest of the Town and seize upon the person of her husband she snatcht from him his sword with which she first slew him and then laying out his body with as much comlinesse as the shortnesse of the time would permit after fell upon the same sword thus by voluntary death preventing the dishonour of captivity Fulgos lib. 4. cap. 6. Fannia the daughter of Arria the younger wife to Poetus Patavinus before remembred in her brave and heroick death with her husband was the spouse of Helvidius Priscus who followed him in all his exile even to his unfortunate and most unjust death she was the third time confin'd from the reign of Tiberius Nero. to the death of Domitian Pliny with infinite praises applauds the incomparable vertues of this Fannia with both the Arrias in Lib. 9. in his Epistle to Quadratus and in his seventh to Genitor and Priscus Triaria was the noble and chast wife of L. Vitellius brother to Aul. Vitellius the Emperor who as Hypsicrataea followed Mithridates in all his combustious wars so she never forsook her husband but was present with him in all those civil dissentions against Vespasian And the night when Vitellius her Lord with a great army of Souldiers invaded and entred the City Terecyna she presented her selfe in the middest of the slaughter not only daring but doing equally with the most valiant killing on all sides till she had hemmed her selfe in with dead bodies slaine by her own hand so bold and magnanimous a spirit had the conjugall love to her husband imprest in her Her memory is made famous by the same Author Antonia Flaxilla by some called Archona when her husband Priscus was found guilty of the Pysonian Faction and for that cause exiled by Nero and when she might have enjoied all the plenty and abundance in Rome left all the pleasures and delights of the City to accompany her desolate Lord in his penurous and uncomfortable banishment Her example Egnatia Maximilla imitated who likewise associated her husband Gallus guilty of the same conspiracy with Priscus Fulgos lib. 6. c. 7. From Jacobus the son of Vsson Cassannus amongst many other Captains that revolted there was one eminent in that rebellion called Pandoerus who had a most beautiful young wife her age exceeded not sixteen years to whom he was ardently and in conjoined love affected He being by her often earnestly entreated to forbeare all conflicts with the enemy but by no means either moved by her tears or perswaded by her intercessions and praiers persisting resolute for a present encounter she then begged of him That before he hazarded himselfe to the extremity of danger he would first take away her fears
by transpiercing her with his sword which when he likewise denied he presently left her and gave signall of battell in which conflict he was vanquished and slain his Tent rifled his wife surprized and committed into the hands of one of the chief Captains belonging to the King who pitying her tears and sorrow to which her feature and beauty gave no common lustre made instant suit unto her to make her his wife She whilst she could put him off with all possible delaies but after perceiving that what he could not compasse with her good will he purposed to attain unto by compulsion and force she craved only some few hours of deliberation privately to her selfe which granted and being retired she first writ in a short Scedule these words Let none report that the wife of Pandocrus harboured so little love as to out-live him Which Note leaving upon the table she took a sword then hanging in the chamber with which she immediately dispatcht her selfe of life and so expired following him in death with whose life she could be no longer delighted Ibidem Equall in all Matrimoniall piety with this Lady was Cecilia Barbadica Veneta who after the death of her husband Philippus Vedraminus by no counsell comfort or perswasion could be won either by her kindred or friends to taste the least food whatsoever or give answer to any word that was spoken to her in which silence and consumption she after some few daies of unspeakable sorrow breathed her last Egnat lib. 4. cap. â— Petrus Candianus after the decease of his first wife espoused a second called Walberta the daughter of Vgon one of the Princes of Italy who lived with him in all obedience with a religious observation of true love and piety never forsaking him in any disaster but attending him with her young son in law Vitalis The Duke her husband being after slain by the Venetians in a seditious mutiny Vitalis escaped the fury of the 〈◊〉 and fled but she staied to abide the utmost danger with the body of her dead husband meditating all possible means to revenge the death of her husband upon the conspirators but her womanish inability not prevailing she likewise secretly left the City and followed her son Vitalis in whose society she fled to Adeleta the wife of Otho the German Emperor who at the same time resided in the City Placentia but after long vain intercession seeing her hopes and purposes quite frustrate she retired again into her own City where she lived a sad and solitary life still invoking the name of Petrus Candianus with whose name in her mouth she not long after deceased Egnat the remembranceâ— of the former History speaks likewise of Franâ—scus Fosâ—arus another Duke of Venicewho married a second wife out of the Noble Family of the Nanae with whom he conjoinedly lived long and had by her hopefull issue But the Senat in his age depriving him of the Principality with the gâ—iefe thereof he retired himselfe into the most ancient house of his own family and there after three daies died Whose body when the Fathers would have had brought forth to a solemn and Princely Funerall because he had once been their Duke and Soveraign she shut her gates against them blaming their former ingratitude alledging she had both wealth and will sufficient without them to bestow upon him the latest â—â—tes due to a worthy and to all husband And though the Fathers were instant upon her first with entreats and after menaces yet she constantly 〈◊〉 in her resolution not suffering them once to approach the place much lesse to take thence the body 〈…〉 carefully bestowed it still exclaiming on the Senates 〈◊〉 and the Commonweals 〈◊〉 gratitude who to 〈…〉 wrongs 〈…〉 new injury not 〈…〉 whom they had so perjuriously 〈…〉 forsaken Notwithstanding these exclamations they 〈◊〉 her up in her chamber and peâ—fore took thence the body all the Fathers attending upon the Hearse upon which they bestowed a solemn and a pompous funerall The greater their counterfeit sorrow was outwardly the greater was her essentiall griefe still more and more weeping every succeeding day adding to her tears to think that her Princely Husband should in his death be for any courtesies at all beholding to his enemies desiring that he whom for his principality they had degraded and compelled to a private life might only by her and from her have had a private Funerall with whose choice affection and rare conjugall piety I have broke off to enter upon a new Project De Laenis Or of Bawds FRom the honor of Women I now come to the disgrace and shame of their Sex in which I will be as briefe as I know the very name to be to all chast minds odious Sotâ—des Marionites Cinedus that is one abused against nature or addicted to preposterous Venery was a Poet and writ most bawdy and beastly Iambicks in the Ionian tongue which he intituled Cinaedi in which were described the forms and figures of severall new devised Lusts and before that time unheard of prostitutions Of whom Martial thus â—aies Nec retro lego Sotadem Cinaedum Neither do I read Sotades Cinaedus backward For as Voleterran lib. 17. Antropoph relates his verses were all to be read backward lest their included nastiness might appear too plain and palpable Tranquil reports of Tiberius Caesar That he built Cellars and Vaults in which all kind of lusts and monstrous congressions were practised in his presence which would offend modest ears but to hear related The Emperor Domitian succeeded if not exceeded him in those detestable and devilish abominations He as Suetonius affirms devised that which was called Clinopales i. The wrestling in the bed he was often seen to bath himselfe and swim in the company of the basest and most common strumpets he stuprated his brothers daughter yet a Virgin after she was contracted to another man Cratinus Atheniensis the Comick Poet was so dissolutely addicted both to Wine and Venery that he hung his chamber round with Glasses the better to discover himselfe in his own unnaturall and beastly prostitution The like some of our scandalous Grammaâ—â—â— most falsly would asperse upon Horace Suet. confers the like upon Tiberius as likewise Gyrald Dial. 6. Historiae Poctarum Elephantis Philaenis and Astianassa writ books of the severall waies of Congression with the pictures of them inserted but of them I shall speak further in the title of the Poetesses but before I come to these she-monsters in particular I will remember some few men infamous in the like kind Erasmus in Chiliadâ—b speaks of one Clobulus a most wicked He-bawd who kept in his house two most infamous strumpets whose bodies he prostituted for money to all strangers and what the whores could not extort from them he himselfe would râ—b them of from whence came the Proverd Clebuli ignum which was still in use when two knaves of like dishonesty were seen to have friendship and society together Timaeus
she caused Ludimillia much devoted to Religion to be slain by her instigation her son Bolesâ—aus was the murderer of his brother Wenceslaus Volaterran The nymph Lara was of that loquacity that raising dissention betwixt Jupiter and Juno by telling her of his escapes that in revenge thereof he pluckt out her tongue Talantia Spartana having intelligence that her son Pedaretes tyrannized over the men of Chius writ to him in this or the like language Or govern there better or remain there if thou returnest to me thou art not safe thus admonishing him of better government or menacing him with death Damariana was a woman of Sparta and with her own hands slew her son because she found him of a timorous condition and would not be drawn to the warres Amastris was the wife of Xerxes and did prosecute the wife of Massissa the President with that inhumane and barbarous cruelty that having first slain her she caused her breasts to be cut off and cast unto the dogs dismembring her of her Nose Ears Eies Lips and Tongue Ravis Textor Cisenis the daughter of Diogerides King of Thrace was of that savage inhumanitie that she took pleasure to see living men dismembred and cut in pieces causing young children to be drest after commanding them to be served in to their parents and to be by them eaten Solinus Tullia the wife of Tarquinius Superbus she caused her Chariot to be drawn over the face of her dead father Servius Tullius presently before murthered by her husband in the Capitol Livy Irene the Empresse was wife to Leo the fourth and caused her own son Constantius Sextus to be first cast in Prison and after to have his eies digged out because before she had by him been expelled the Empire Fulvia was the wife of Marcus Antonius and how the excellentest of Orators M. Tulliâ—â—s being dead was tyrannized over by him many Authors have commended to posterity whose sacred hands and head being cut off were nailed unto that Pulpit where he had often most learnedly declaimed His head was first brought to Anthony which he caused to be set upon a table and scarce in a whole day could he satiate his rancorous malice with so sad and pitifull a spectacle but at length as Applanus Alexandrinus reports he commanded it to be took thence And as it is gathered out of the collections of Dion Prusius and Suidas when Fulvia the wife of Antoninus came to the sight of it she took it in her hands and after the breathing of many fearfull maledictions execrations and curses against it spit in the face thereof then taking it into her lap with a Bodkin or Penner which she wore in her hair for an ornament pricked his tongue which she had caused violently to be forced out of his jawes lest there should be any thing wanting that might add to an undiscreet womans hate and inhumane cruelty This murther and horrid act against so worthy a Senator hath been deploted by many as well in Prose as in Verse as Portius Lacro Albutius Sylo Caestius Murrhedius and others but none more elegantly then Severius Cornelius in these Verses of his which we have by tradition from Annaeus Seneca Oraque magnanimum spirantia pene virorum In rostris facuere sui c. As they were at large remembred in Crinitus Euridice the wife of Amintas King of Macedonia who had by him three sons Alexander Perdicas and Philip father to Alexander the Great as likewise a daughter called Euryones This Euridice not only polluted the bed of her husband but sought his life to transfer the Principality into the hand of the adulterer and lest her daughter should discover either her whoredome or treason she likewise plotted against her life The old man in the middest of these dangers died leaving the Kingdome to his eldest son Alexander she after caused him to be slain A president of strange and unheard of cruelty in a mother Justin Histor lib 7. Spitaâ—enes a puissant Captaine that bad long opposed Alexander the Great in many battels and conflicts with his competitor Dahae so dearly loved his fair wife that he drew her to be a partner with him in his wars and lodged her in his Tent But being put to many affrights and distresses the common casualties belonging to warre shee grew so tired with alarums tumults mutinies affrights slaughters and such like that she daily importuned him being before only used to feasts banquets and effeminate delicacies to submit him to the Macedonian Conquerour So long and so urgently she sollicited him to peace both by her children her friends and her self in person that being a blunt and plain souldier traded in combustion and to whom the very thought of submission was more odious then death though he entirely affected her yet upon a time he advanced his hand to have struck her and had done it had not his brother come in by accident and supprest his incensed futy yet he concluded That if ever after she perswaded him to peace or troubled his eares with that base word of submission that Hand which so long had opposed Alexander all Conjugall amity set 〈◊〉 should be her sudden and assured ruine The Lady affrighted with the name of death thought it no safety to interpose so â—obustious and setled a constancy especially in a souldier daily and hourly enured to blood and 〈…〉 therefore considering with her self what was best to be done in meditating for her own safety she thought it better by yielding to conquer then by contending against power and advantage to be overcome After submission therefore made and a new reconcilement established betwixt them she invited him to a banquet in her Tent which was furnished with all the dainties the Camp would yeeld and whatsoever variety remote places could affoâ—â—d where she carried her selfe with all humility and obedience At this feast she caused him to be plied with Healths and lavish Cups till the Wine having got the preheminence of his better â—â—nces he grew drowsie and retired himselfe to his Pallat. The Tables were then withdrawn and every man that was invited repaired either to his charge in the Army or to his rest They having disposed of themselves and the place now private she had confederated with one of her servâ—nts by whose assistance she in his depth of sleep cut off the head of her husband and gave it to him This done having the Word they past through the Watches and Guards and by the break of day came unto the Camp of Alexander desiring to have conference with him about affairs which concerned him neerly The Prince understanding it was a woman commanded she should be admitted into his Tent which was accordingly done and she appeared before him all stained and sprinkled with blood for she had not yet changed her habit at which he grew so amazed demanding the cause of her repair thither She desired her servant might be likewise admitted who attended 〈◊〉 the door of his Tent
for be that about him by which he should be better 〈◊〉 His entrance was granted but being suspected by the guard because they perceived him hide something fâ—lded up in his garment they searched him and found a head cut off but by reason of the palenesse of the face which was disfigured with the clottered and congealed blood the countenance thereof could hardly be discerned The servant was brought in with the head still dropping blood in his hand At which the King more wondring desired by her to be better satisfied concerning the Novel to whom she boldly replied Lo here O Alexander the end of thy many troubles and fears the head of the great Captain Spitamenes who though my husband yet because he was thine enemy I have caused his head to be cut off and here present it unto thee At the horridnesse of these words the King with all that stood by were abashed every one glad of the thing done but in their hearts detesting the manner of the deed The Lady still expecting an answer Alexander after some pause thus replied I must confesse Lady the great câ—urtesie and infinite benefit received from you in presenting me the head of an out-Law a Traitor and one that was to me a great obstacle and an hinderance in the smooth passage to my intended victories but when I understand it to be done by the hands of a woman nay a wife the strange horridnesse of the fact tâ—kes away all the thanks and reward due to the benefit I therefore command you instantly to depart the Camp and that with all speed possible for I would not have the savage and inhumane examples of the Barbarians contaminate and infect the mild and sort temper of the noble Grecians With which words she was instantly hurried from his presence As noble a president of Justice in a Prince as it was an abhorred example of cruelty in a most unnaturall wife Q. Curt. lib. 8. de Alexandri Hâ—stor From a remorselesse wife I come now to as obdurate a stepmother Pelops having married Hyppodamia the daughter of Tantaâ—us and Eurianassa had by her two sons Thiestes and Atreus and by the nymph Danais a third son called Crisippus to which he seemed outwardly better affected then to the former on whom King Laius of Thebes casting an amorous eye at length stole him from his father But Pelops with his two sons by Hyppodamia made war upon Laius took him prisoner and recovered Crisippus and when he truly understood that love was the cause of his rape he was attoned with Laius and an inviolable league of amity combined betwixt them Whilst the Theban yet sojourned with Pelops Hyppodamia perswaded with Atreus and Thiesles to conspire against the life of Crisippus as one that aimed at the succession of the Kingdome but not prevailing she meditated with her selfe how to despoile him of life with her own hands when having conveied the sword of Laius out of his chamber when he was fast sleeping she came to the bed of Crisippus and transpierced him as he lay leaving the sword still in his body and left the place still undiscovered accusing the Theban for his death but the youth not fully dead recovered so much spirit as to discover the murtheresse for which King Laius was acquitted and she from her husband received condign punishment for her immâ—nity and murther Dosythaeus in Pelopedâ—s Progne to revenge the rape of her sister Philomela upon her husband Terâ—us King of Thrace feasted him with the body of his own son Ilis of which you may read at large in Ovid's Metamorphosis Some women have been so unnaturall as to betray their fathers After Troy was utterly subverted and despoiled King Diomede one of the most valiant amongst the Kings of Greece in the return towards his Country being by storms and tempests violently cast upon the coast of Thrace where Lycas the son of Mars 〈◊〉 reigned and according to the bloody custome of the Country sacrificed all such strangers as landed upon his Continent his daughter Callirhoe surprised with the love of King Diomede not only released him from durance but betraied the life of Lycus her father into into his hands notwithstandingâ—â—ne most â—â—eâ—cherously left her for which ingratitude and urged with remorse of conscience for proving so unnaturall to him from whom she had her being by strangling her selfe she despairingly expired Juba lib. 3. Libicorum Paralleld with this is that which we read of Calphâ—nius Crassus an illustrious Roman and sent by M. Regulus against the Massilians to take in a most defensible Castle called Garaetium but by the crosse disaster of fortune being surprized in the siege thereof and reserved the next day to be sacrificed to Saturn being in despair either of rescue or life Besaâ—ia daughter to the King who was then possest of the Fort falling in love with Calphurnius not only delivered up unto him the Keies of the Castle that he might freely escape with life but betraied unto him the liberty and life of her father but after being degenerately forsaken by him she desperately slew herself Hegesinax lib. 3. rerum Africarum I am weary with setting down these immauities in women and Polyhymnia invites me to a new argument Of Women strangely preserved from death and such as haue unwillingly been the death of their fathers NIceas Maleotes as Plutarch in his thirteenth Parallel testates reports that when Hercules for the love of Iâ—le the daughter of Cacus invaded Occhalia and she abhorring the embraces of him who had before slain her father retired her selfe for safety into the strongest Cittadell in her Country in which being straightely besieged by Hercules and the Fort ready to be surprized and taken she having no way to escape and unwilling to stand to the mercy of so loving an enemy mounted up into the highest Turâ—et of the Castle and from thence cast her selfe headlong down towards the Earth but the wind gathering under her loose garments so extenuated the fall that she came the ground without any hurt at all by which miraculous fortune she enjoied a desperate life and Hercules a most desired mistresse Answerable to this is that which Theophilus Italicorum tertio relates The Romans in the Etrurian war instituted Valerius Torquatus Generall of their forces he having beheld Clusia the daughter of the Tusoan King grew enamoured of the Virgin and sent Embassadors to demand her of her father but she not willing to make any contract with her Countries enemy and her father as loth to contradict his daughter the motion and offer of Torquatus was peremptorily denied at which inraged he begitt the City with a strong and fearful siege ingaging the defendants to all dangers and difficulties insomuch that Clusia timorous of surprisall and pâ—â—ferring death before captivity threw her selfe from the highest part of the wall to destroy her selfe in the open view and face of the enemy but either as the former late mentioned favoured by the winds or as
rest or the weary Traveller to come to his Inne To this purpose Seneca speaks in his Tragedy of Agamemnon Qui vultus Acherontis atri Qui Stygia tristem non tristis videt Audetque vitae ponere finem Par ille Regi par superis erit Fearlesse who dare gaze upon Black and grisly Acheron He that merrily dare look On the gloomy stygian Brook Who so bears his spirit so hie That he at any hour dares die A King he is in his degree And like the gods in time shall be Some may wonder why I have took this occasion to speak of death I will give them this satisfaction The Muse Calliope under whom I patronize this last book being no other then a redundance of sound or one entire Musick arising from eight severall instruments and therefore as she participates from every one so she exists of all therefore in this succeeding tractate I purpose by the help of the divine assistance to take a briefe survey of what hath passed in the eight former books to shew you the punishments belonging to all such vices as I have discovered in the frailty of the Sex to deter the Vicious and expose unto the eies of the Noble Chast and Learned the honour and reward due to their excellent gifts thereby to encourage the Vertuous Then since besides the Shame or Honour in this life the one is punished and the other glorified in the life to come what more necessary meditation then that we may live the better hourly to think of death and that is the scope I aim at but before I can arrive so far I purpose to deliver to you the dispositions conditions and qualities of divers sorts of women by me not yet remembred Of Women Ravished c. MArpissa the daughter of Euenus was ravished by Apollo she was the wife of Idas So Proserpine the daughter of Jupiter and Ceres by Pluto therefore he is called by Claudian Ovid and Sylus lib. 14. the infernall Ravisher Perhibea by Axus the son of Oceanus as Europa by Jupiter and Auge by Hercules Castor and Pollux who for their valour were called Dioscuri which imports as much as the issue of Jupiter they from Messene raped the two daughters of Leucippus Phoebe and Ilaira whom they after married of Pollux and Phoebe was begot and born Mnesilius of Castor and Ilaira Anagon They with their associats Idas and Lynceas the sons of Aphareus had driven away a great prey of Cattel when they came to divide the booty a motion was made that an Ox should be divided into four according to the number of the brothers with this condition that he which could devour his quarter first should have the one halfe of the Cattell and he that had next made an end of his part should possesse the remainder This was no sooner agreed upon but Idas suddenly eat up his own portion and presently devoured that which belonged to his brother by which he claimed the whole herd and being stronger in faction then the Dioscuri drave the prey back to Meffene With which injury the two brothers incensed they levied fresh forces invaded Meffene and took from thence a much greater booty then the former the spoil being safely disposed of Castor and Pollux awaited the pursuers ambushed themselves beneath a broad spreading Oak quick-sighted Linces espying Castor shewed him to his brother whom Idas slew with an arrow whom Pollux pursuing transpierced Linceus with his javelin and unadvisedly chasing Idas was brained by him with a stone for which Jupiter stroke Idas with a thunderbolt and translated the two Princely brothers the Dioscuri into stars Of these Propert lib. 1. thus saith Non sic Leucippi succendit Castora Phoebe Pollucem cultu non Ilaira soror Fair Phoebo did not so inflame Her Castor with desire Nor Ilaira Pollux brest Deckt in her best attire Theseus rapt Ariadne daughter of King Ninus as also Hellen the daughter of Tindarus and Laeda and sister to Castor and Pollux long before Paris but returned her back unvitiated Achilles forced Diomeda the daughter of Phorbas from Lesbos as Boreas the fair Orithea daughter of Erisicthon from Athens Hercules ravished the Nymph Pyrene of Bebritia from her the Pyrenaean Mountains took name of whom Syllius Nomen Bebricia duxere à virgine colles Hospitis Alcidae crimen c. From the Behrician maid these bils took name Of her guest Hercules the fault and blame Pyrrhus surnamed Neoptolemus the sonne of Achilles and Deiadamia rapt Lanissa the Niece of Hercules Ajax the son of Telamon did the like to Tâ—â—messa of whom Horace Movit Ajacem Telamone satam Forma captivae dominum Teâ—mâ—ssae Captive Teâ—messas beauty gaz'd upon Insnar'd her Lord the son of Telamon Ajax Oilaeus ravished Cassandra Nessus the Centaur Deineira the wife of Hercules sister to Meleager and daughter to Oeneus and Althea King and Queen of Calidon Tleoptolemus stole Axiothia from Ephira a City of Peloponnessus he was the son of Hercules and Astioche he waâ— first a suitor to Hellen and came to the siege of Troy with nine ships and was after slain by the hand of King Sarpedon Hypodamia the daughter of Atracius and wife of Perithous suffered the like violence by the Centaurs being heated with Wine and Lust especially by Euritus of whom Ovid lib. 12. thus speaks Euritus Hyppodamea alii quam quisque probabat Aut poterat rapiunt Euritus rapt Hyppodame and after him the rest By his example did the like and snatcht where they lik'd best The great enmity betwixt the Grecians and Barbarians though it might seem to arise by reason of the distance of Countries and difference of manners yet most probable it is that their inveterate hate and irreconcilable malice took first originall from divers rapes committed on either part for first the Phoenician Merchants exposing their commodities to publique sale in the City of Argis when Io the Kings daughters amongst other damosels came down to the Key to take a view of what Merchandise she best liked to furnish her selfe according to her womanish fancy the Merchants being extreamly surprized with her beauty seized both her and the rest of her attendants and stowing them under hatches hoised sail and transported them into Aegypt Not long after the Cretenses awaiting the like opportunity stole away Europa the daughter of the King of the Tyrians and bore her into Creet in requitall of the former rape The Heroes of Greece next sailed in the great Argoe to Cholcos pretending their journie for the golden fleece and raped thence Medea the daughter of Areta after whom sending Embassadors into Greece to redemand his daughter they returned him answer That the barbarous Phoenicians had made no restitution nor satisfaction at all for the rape of Io neither would they for Medea After that Paris the son of Priam rather to revenge the injury done to his Aunt Hesione then for any love or affection to Spartan Hellen stole her from Lacedemon and brought her
113 Sybilla Cumaea and her Prophesies 114 Sybilla Samia and her Prophecies 116 Sybilla Cumana and her Prophesies 118 Sybilla Hellespontiaca and her Prophecies 121 Sybilla Phrygia and her Prophesies 122 Sybilla Europaea and her Prophecies 124 Sybilla Tiburtina and her Prophesies ib. Sybilla Aegyptia and her Prophesies 126 Sybilla Erithraea and her Prophecies 127 A discourse of the Virgin Vestals 128 Of Oppia Claudia Fonteia Martia c. 131 Of the Prophetesses 134 The History of a great Magician 136 Of the Hesperides 141 The Pleiades or Hyades and why of the seven Stars but six appear at once 143 Of the Graces 145 Of the Hours 148 Of Aurora or the Morning 149 Of the Night 153 Of Sleep 155 Of Death 159 The Contents of the third Book inscribed Thalia Treating of Illustrious Queens famous Wives Mothers Daughters c. A Discourse concerning Illustrious Women 161 How kissing first came up ibid. Of three Gentlemen and their wives 166 Of Illustrious Queens 167 A Funerall Ode upon the death of Anna Panareta 169 Of divers Ladies famous for their Modesty 171 The wife of Fulvius 174 Of Aretaphila 176 Of Pieria Aspasia c. 178 The memorable History of Odatis 184 Of Aristomache Hyppo and Chiomara c. 185 Of Tertia Aemilia Turia Sulpitia Julia and Portia 187 Of Horestilla Artimesia and Hormisda 188 Of Queen Ada and Zenocrita 190 Of the wise of Pythes 192 Of the wise of Nausimenes 192 Of Ciano Medullina and Erixo ib. A Woman of the City Pergamus 195 Of Stratonica Valeria and Cloelia 196 Of Olympias and the Troades ib. Of the Phocides and women of Chios 200 Of the Persides Celtae Melitae and Tyrrhaenae 202 Examples of Modesty and Magnanimity 204 Of Dido Caesara Gumilda and Ethelburga 209 Of Policrita 213 Of Queens and other Ladies for divers Vertues memorable 214 Of women remarkable for their love to their husbands 220 The Contents of the fourth book inscribed Melpoment of Women incestuous Adulteresses and such as have come by strange deaths A Discourse perswading to good life 225 Of Women incestuous and first of Queen Sâ—miramis 228 Of Tagenna a woman of seventy Cubits high 231 Of Pasiphae 232 Of Canace Canusia and Valeria Tusculana 233 Of Iulia the Empresse 234 The sisters of Cambyses 235 Of Livia Horestilla Lollia Paulina Cesonia c. 237 Of Iocasta 238 Of Crythaeis the mother of Homer 240 An Epitaph upon Homer Prince of Poets 242 A strange Incest 244 Of Cyborea mother to Iudas Iscariot 245 Of Veronica 247 A discourse concerning Adulteresses 248 Of many great Ladies branded with Adultery amongst the Romans 251 A Country fellow and his mistresse 252 The water of a chast woman excellent for the eie-sight 254 Of Laâ—dice an unnaturall wife 255 The birth of Antoninus Commodus 256 Of Phedima and a notable Imposter ibid. Of Beguâ— Queen of Persia 259 Of Queen Olympias and the birth of Alexander 261 The death of Olympias 264 Of Romilda with â—are examples of Chastity ib. Of Ethethurga with her Epitaph 266 A merry accident concerning an Adulteresse 267 A true modern History of an Adulteresse 268 The wife of Gengulphus and divers others 274 The history of Elphritha 276 Of Guâ—â—â—ra with other intermixture of History 280 Of Women that have come by strange deaths 283 Women that died golden deaths ibid. Women that died in Child birth 285 Women that suffered Martyrdome 286 The strange death of Aristoclaea Democrita c. 289 The Hostlers Tale. 292 The Contents of the fifth Book inscribed Terpsichore Entreating of Amazons and other women famous either for Valor or Beauty A Discourse whether Valor or Beauty may claim priority 302 Of the Amazons their originall c. 310 Of other warlike women and those of masculine vertue 316 Examples of Fear ibid. Of Helerna Camilla Maria Puteolana and others ibid. The race of Hyppomanes and Atlanta 322 Of other warlike Ladies 323 A description of the Messagers 325 Of Zantippe and Mirho 327 Of a Sheep and a Shrow 329 A trick of an English scold c. 330 Of English Virago's and of Ioan de Pucil 330 A discourse of Fair women 337 Of Fair women ib. The fair Mistresse of Pisistratus 349 Of Niâ—â—tis 350 Of Bersane 352 Of the wife of Candaules ibid Rowan and Estrilda 355 The fair Lady of Norwich 356 Of Calirrhoe daughter to Boetius 361 Of the wives of Cabbas and Phaillus c. 362 The daughters of Danaus and the sons of Aegyptus 365 Of Manto 366 The wife of Agetus c. 36â— A Vicars daughter 369 A fair witty wench 376 Of women deformed 371 The Contents of the sixt Book inscribed Erato Treating of Chast women and Wantons A Discourse concerning Chastity and wantonness 375 Of Mary the blessed Virgin 380 Of Petronilla the daughter of St. Peter and other chast Virgins 383 Of chast wives and first of Penelope 388 The History of a woman of Casa Nova 393 Of Edeltrudis Editha and others 355 Of wantons 398 Of common Strumpets Concubines and private Mistresses 402 Of such as merited the name of Honest Whores 403 Of Lais. 405 Of Glicerium alias Glicera and others 411 Of Agathoclea 413 Of Cleophis 415 Callipigae Alogunes Cosmartidenes Audia c. 416 Iulia the daughter of Augustus Caesar 418 Harlotta the mother of William the Conqueror 421 Of divers Wantons belonging to sundry famous men Poets and others 422 Of famous Wantons 426 Of Mista and others 427 Of Wantons converted 432 The Contents of the seventh Book inscribed Polihymnia or Memory Entreating of the Piety of Daughters Mothers Sisters and Wives A Discourse concerning Lies Jeasts witty Sayings 439 Of Pious Daughters 447 The love of Mothers to their children 451 Friendship betwixt women 453 The love of Sisters towards their Brothers 456 Of Matrimony and Conjugall love 458 Ceremonies before Marriage 461 Times forbidden in marraige 461 Of Contracts 462 Of Nuptiall Dowers 463 Of Nuptial Gifts or Presents ibid. Of Nuptial Ornaments Pomp Feasts and Epithalamions c. 465 A description of the bride comming from her chamber 467 The bridegroome first appearing 468 The Nuptiall Oâ—â—ering ibid. The Nuptiall Song 469 The entranâ—ce into their Bedchamber ibid. 〈◊〉 Anguries and Nuptiall Expiations 472 〈…〉 of Women to their Hubands 475 Of Bawds 480 Of Age. 483 Of women addicted to Gluttony or Drunkennesse 484 Of women beloved of divers creatures 488 Of women excellent in Painting Weaving c. ibid. Of women contentious and bloody 494 Of women strangely preserved from death and such as have unwillingly been the deaths of their Parents 501 Of Clamorous women commonly called scolds 504 Of Tullia and her sister ibid. Examples of Patience in women 506 Variety of discourse concerning women 510 The daughters of Apollo ibid. The Syrens ibid. Women that have dissembled their shape to good purposes or to bad 511 Women that have changed their Sex 512 The Contents of the eight Book inscribed Urania Entreating of Women every way Learned Of Poetesses and Witches A Discourse of Astrology
and others infinite besides fourescore whose names are remembred there are others scarce to be numbered for as Zetzes saith in his History Elatos animo enim omnes omnes strenuos Filios amicos dicunt amatos à Neptuno All that are high minded and strong men were esteemed as the sons and friends and beloved of Neptune Amphitrite signifies nothing else but the body and matter of all that moist humour which is earth above below or within the earth and for that cause she is called the wife of Neptune Euripides in Cyclope takes her for the substance of water it self Orpheus cals her Glaâ—cae and Piscosa that is blew and ful of fish being attributes belonging solely to the goddesse of the Sea And by the Dolphins soliciting the love of Neptune to Amphitrite and reconciling them is meant nothing else but to illustrate to us That of all the fishes that belong to the sea he is the swiftest the most active and apprehensive Thetis or Tethies HEsiod cals her the wife of Oceanus who is stiled the father of all the floods creatures and gods because as Orpheus Thales and others are of opinion all things that are bred and born have need of humour without which nothing can be beget or made corruptible Isacius hath left recorded that besides her he had two wives Partenope and Pamphoâ—â—â—e by Parâ—â—nope he had two daughters Asia and Libia by Pampholige Europa and Thracia and besides them three thousand other children for so many Hesiod numbers in his Theogonia This Thetis was the daughter of the earth and heaven and therefore as Oceanus is called the father of the 〈◊〉 so is she is esteemed as the mother of the goddesses 〈◊〉 cals one Thetis the daughter of Chiâ—on the Câ—ntaure and Homer in his hymn to Apollo the child of Nereus which 〈◊〉 confirms as also Euripides in Aphigema and in 〈◊〉 she was the wife of Peleus and of all women living the most beautiâ—â—ll of whom Apollodorus thus speaks They say Iupiter and Neptune contended about her Nuptias but she not willing to incline to Iupiter be-because because she was educated by Juno therefore he in his rage allotted her to be the bride of a mortall man Homer writes that she was angry being a Marine goddesse to be the wife of a man therefore to avoid his embraces she shifted her selfe into sundry shapes and 〈◊〉 but Peleus being advised by Chiron notwithstanding all her transformations as into 〈◊〉 into a Lion and others never to let go his hold till she returned into her own naturall form in which he vitiated her and of her begot Aâ—â—illes the last shape she took upon her was a Sepia which is a fish called a Cuttle whose blood is as black as ink now because this was done in Magnesia a City of Thessaly the place as Zertzes in his history records is called Sepias Pithenaetus and others say that she was not compelled or forced to the marriage of Peleus but that it was solemnized in the mountain Pelius with her full and free consent where all the gods and goddesses saving Discord were present and offered at the wedding for such hath been the custome from antiquity Pluto gave a rich Smaragd Neptune two gallant steeds Xanthus and Ballia Vulcan a knife with an hast richly carved and some one thing and some another By Peleus she had more sons then Achilles which every night she used to hide beneath the fire that what was mortall in them might be consumed by which they all died save Achilles who was preserved by being in the day time annointed with Ambrosia therefore as Amestor in his Epithalamium upon Thetis 〈◊〉 relates he was called Piresous as preserved from the fire additur hinc nâ—men Piresous She was the sister of Titaa and brought forth Ephire who was after married to 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 who as Ovid relates in his book de Fastâ— was the 〈…〉 Atlas These are likewise numbred amongst the daughters of Oceanus and Thetis Acaste Admete Asia that gave name to a part of the world till now called Asia Climâ—ne Idyâ—a Ephire Eudora Eurâ—ome Jamra 〈…〉 Plexame Primno Rhodia Thea Thoe 〈…〉 who was beloved of Apollo but being jealous or his affection to Leucothoë she had discovered it to her father Orchamus Apollo therefore left her in griefe of which she vowed an abstinence from all sustenance whatsoever onlâ— with fixt eies still gazing upon the course of the Sun which the gods commiserating changed her into an Helâ—â—aropiâ—n which is called the Suns flower which still inclines to what part soever he makes his progresse But whether she be Tethies or Thetis she is no other than the reputed goddesse of the Sea her name importing that huge masse of water or element as Virgil in his Pollio saith necessary to the generation of all creatures whatsoever Towards the East she is called Indica towards the West Atlanticaâ— where she divides Spain and Mauritania towards the North Pontica and Glaciatis as likewise Rubra and Aethopica for so Strabo relates as also Rhianus in the navigation of Hanno the Carthaginian Stiphilus in his book de Thessalia hath bequeathed to memory That Chiron a wise and skilfull Astrologian to make Peleus the more famous consulted with the daughter of Acloris and Mirmidon and betwixt them published abroad that he by the consent of Jupiter should match with the goddesse Thetis to whose nuptials all the gods came in great showers and tempests for he had observed a time when he knew great store of raine would fall and from that the rumour first grew That Peleus had married Thetis But Dailochus and Pherecides report that Peleus having purged himself of the murder of his brother Phocus murdered Antigone others say that he first took Antigone and after her death Thetis and that Chiron being an excellent Chirurgeon was so called for the lightnesse and dexterity of hand which is an excellent gift in the searching and dressing of wounds in any of that profession Apollodorus saith that Thetis after many windings and turnings and transhapes to preserve her virginity was at length comprest by Iupiter The Nymphs called Dorides were her Ministers and handmaids Nereides THey were the daughters of Nereus and Doris he is said by Hesiod to be the son of Oceanus and Thetis he is stiled a Prophet or South saier who as Horace tels us did predict to Paris all the calamities that were to succeed at Troy Apollonius tels us that his chiefe mansion or place of residence is in the Aegean sea The same is that Hercules being sent to fetch the golden apples of the Hesperides and not knowing where abouts they grew went to the Nymphs that dwel by the banks of Eridamus to be resolved by them they sent him to demand of Nereus who thinking to delude him by shifting himselfe into sundry shapes was notwithstanding held so fast by Hercules that he was forced to assume his own
form againe and tell him for so Oâ—pheus in his Aâ—gonauticis informs us He is said to have a principality in the sea to be delighted in the company of Nymphs and Damosels as also to be the beginning and end of waters of whom Oâ—pheus in one of his hymns thus sings Tu fundamen aquae tu terrae Finis Idem Principium es cunctis Euripides in one of his Tragedies saith he was educated and noursed by the waters and cals him the father of the Nereides He had daughters by Doris the Nymphs Halia Spio Pasitaea and Lygaea Hesiod in his Theogonia reckons of them to the number of fifty Doris was the sister of Nereus Horace and others describe her with green haire Theocritus in Thessaliis saith that the birds called Halciones were to them most gratefull some say that they use to dance and revell in the waters and play about the chariot of Triton as nimbly as fishes Homer in his Iliads reckons of that ranck Glauce Thalia Cymodoce Nesea Spio Thoe Halie Cymothoe Actaee Melite Agane Amphithoe Iaere Doto Proto Pherusa Dinamione Doris Amphinome Panope Callianira Dexamine Galaâ—aea Amathaea Callianassa Climine Ianira Ianassa Mera Orithia Hesiod besides these reckons up Euerate Sao Eudore Galene Glauce Pasithaea Erato Eunice Doro Pherusa Nesaee Protomedea Doâ—is Panope Hippothoe Hypponoe Cymatolege Cimo Eione Halimeda Glanconome Panto Pautopenia Liagore Evagore Laomedala Pâ—lâ—nome Anâ—onoe Lasianassa Evarne Psamathe Menippe Neso Eupompe Themito Pronoe Nemertes Apollodorus Athentensis adds to these Glancothoe Nonsithoe Halia Pione Plesrure Calipso Crante Neomeris Deâ—aneâ—ra Polinoe Melie Dione Isaea Dero Eumolpe Ione Ceto Limnoraea and all these are held to be most beautifull it is therefore thus fabled That Câ—ssiope wife to Cepheus King of Aethiopia gloried so much in her beauty that she held her selfe to be the fairest woman in the world and did not onely compare but preferre her selfe before the Nymphs called Nereides for which their indignation was kindled against her and in that high measure that they sent into those seas a Whale of an incredible greatnesse the people consulting with the Oracle how to appease the goddesses and free themselves from the monster answer was returned That it could not be done but by exposing their only daughter Andromeda fast bound to a rock that overloked the sea to be a prey to the sea-Whale but she was thence released by the vertue of Perseus and Cassiope by this means as a perpetuall example that all such rashnesse ought to be avoided translated amongst the stars for so much Arataeus hath left to memory in certain verses interpreted by Cicero This Nerius is for no other reason said to be the son of Oceanus and Tethis than to denote unto us the counsell judgement and cunning in guiding and directing ships by sea and therefore to have many daughters which are nothing but inventions new devises stratagems and changes belonging to navigation He is therefore said to be a Prophet because in all arts and disciplines there is a kind of knowledge by which we foresee and divine of things to come for he is held no skilfull navigator that cannot foretell by the weather the changes of winds and certain signs of tempests thereby to use prevention against them before they suddainly come He is also said to change himselfe into many figures to give us to understand that it is the part of a knowing and understanding man to arm himselfe against all chances and varietie of things whatsoever It is therefore required of such a man to use providence and care in all his affairs and actions and not to accuse the gods if any thing sinisterly happen unto him through his own temerity and rashnesse since with a prudent and well governed man their help and assistance is alwaies present The daughters of Triton ACesander cals Triton the son of Neptune Numenius in his book de piscatoribus derives him from Oceanus and Tethis Lycaphron in those verses wherein he tels of a cup presented unto him by Medea cals him the sonne of Nereus The Poets ascribe to him the invention of the trumpet and that it was first used in the Gigomantichia the great battel betwixt the gods and the gaints for in the midst of the skirmish when the event of the battell grew doubtfull Triton blew so shrill a blast that the giants thinking it had been the voice of some dreadfull and unknown monster that undertook the party of the gods turn'd their backs and sled by which accident they obtained a more sudden and safe victory Pausanias cals Tritia the daughter of Triton who was at first one of Minerva's Priest who being comprest by Mars brought forth Menalippus but that he had more then her I have not read Ino. She was the daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia who with her son Melicerta were enterteined into the number of the Sea-gods he by the name of Palaemon she of Leucothea both these are said to have predominance over sailers and power in navigation That she cast her selfe headlong into the sea I have before related in the tractate of Juno She was a stepmother and so prosecuted the children of Nephetes that she would have sacrificed one of them to the gods for which as Polizelus saith her husband Athanas did prosecute her with such rage that flying to Gerania a mountaine amongst the Megarenses from a rock called Maturides she cast her selfe and her son into the sea and of the same opinion is Pausanias some think it hapned at the same time that the Nereides were dancing there and that his body was transported by the waves to Sisiphus from Exhaenuntia where the Ithmian pastimes were first celebrated to his remembrance They of the City Megaera affirm her body to be cast upon their shore and by Cleso and Tauropolis the daughters of Cleson took up and buried She was afterwards called Matuta as Cicero in his Tuscul disputations saith Ino the daughter of Cadmus Is she not called by the Greeks Leucothoe and by us Latines Matuta And that she is taken for the morning is manifest by Lucretius lib. 5. Pausan in his Messanaicis saith that she was first named Leucothoe in a small village not far from the City Corone and that she had clemency in the securing and preserving of ships and pacifying the violent and troubled billowes of the Ocean Palaemon is also called Portunus or the Key-carrier as one that keeps a key of all the ports and havens to exclude and keep out all forrein enemies and the son of Matuta or the Morning in that time commonly the winds begin to breath and rise with the departing of night and because that from the land they rush upon the waters they are therefore said to cast themselves head-long into the sea for the morning is the most certain interpreter either of succeeding winds and tempests or of the countenance of a serne skie and faire weather Strabo cals Glaucus the son of Anthedon a Boeotian but Theophrastus will have
him the issue of Polybus the son of Mercury and Euboea Promothidas Heraclâ—ota derives him from Phorbus and the Nymph Pampaea born in Aothedon a famous City of Boeâ—tia Thelytus Methimnaeus in his Bacchick numbers brings his progenie from Nopaeus Epicus in one of his hymns from Evanthes the son of Neptune and Maedis He is said to have ravisht Syma the daughter of Iclemis and Doris and to have transported her into Asia and was after married to Hidua the daughter of Sydnus Scioneus one that used to dive and fetch things up from the bottome But of his issue there is nothing left remembred It is commented of him that being a fisherman and having taken more fishes then he could carry upon his back with ease and laying down his burden to rest him by the shore there grew an herb which the dead fishes no sooner touched or tasted but they instantly recovered life and one by one leapt into the sea he by tasting the same herb to prove the vertue thereof was forced to leap after them and so was made a Sea-god Others are of opinion that wearied with the tediousnesse of his age hee willingly drowned himselfe The wives and daughters of Proteus ZEtzes in his foure and fortieth history cals Proteus the sonne of Neptune and the nymph Phenica who travelling from Aegypt into Phlegra there took to wife Torone by whom he had three sonnes Toronus Timilus and Telegonus all wicked and bloody minded men who for their cruelty perisht by the hands of Hercules Euripides speaks of one Psamethes a second wife by whom he had Theonone and Theolymenus He had moreover these daughters Cavera Rhetia and Idothaea This was she that when Menelaus doubted of his returne into his countrey having sojourned somewhat long in Aegypt counselled him to apparell himselfe and his followers in the fresh skins of Porposes and counterfeit themselves to sleep amongst these Sea-cattell and that about the heat of the day at what time Proteus used to come out of the deeps upon the dry land and there take a nap with his Porposes then to catch fast hold on him sleeping and notwithstanding all his changeable shapes and figures not to dismisse him till he had reduc'd himself to his own naturall form and then hee would predict to him whatsoever was to come This counsell given by Idothaea Homer excellently expresseth in his fourth book of his Odyssaea It is said of him that he could change himselâ—e sometimes into water and againe to fire to 〈…〉 birds trees or serpents c. Neither did this mutability of shape belong to him onely for we read the like of Thetis and Mestra or Metre the daughter of Eresicthan the Thessalian Periclemenus the son of Neleus and Polymela and brother of Nestor obtained the same gift of Neptune of him Euphorâ—on and Hesiod speaks more at large Empusa is remembred by Aristophanâ—s to have the same faculty and dexterity in changing her shape so likewise Epicharmus Empusa planta bos fit atque vipera Lupisque musca pulchra illa semina Quicquid cupit vel denique ille conferat Empusa is made a plant an â—xe a viper A stone a flie and a fair woman too What she desires that she doth still resemble The Poets in these changing of shapes and turning themselves into so many sundry sorts of creatures importing nothing else but the wisdome of such persons who have searcht into the hidden mysteries of Philosophy and acquired the natures and properties of water fire herbs 〈◊〉 and plants beasts birds and serpents in which being perfect they may be and not altogether unproperly said to change themselves into the similitudes of so many creatures The daughters of Phorcis THis Phorcis whom the Latines call Phorcus was the sonne of Terra and Pontus the Earth and the Sea as Hesiod in his Theogonia makes him But Varro will have him to be the issue of Neptune and the Nymph Thosea He had besides those daughters begot one Ceto the Phâ—rcidae namely the Gorâ—ons and Thoosa who lay with Neptune and brought forth the Cyclops Polyphemus as Homer witnesseth He is called also the father of the serpent that kept the Heâ—perides by Hesiod But I will forbear the rest to speak something of his daughter Medusa Medusa She for her lust and immoderate appetite to inchastity incurred the ire of the gods being so impudent as to suffer the imbraces of Neptune in the â—emple of Minerva There were divers of that name one the daughter of Priam another of Sthenelus and Niciope Paâ—sanias in Corinthiacis cals her the daughter of Phorhus others of 〈◊〉 sea-monster which I take to be Phorcus before mentioned Minerva for the prophanation of her Temple being grievously incens'd thought to punish her in those hairs which a little before were so wondrous pleasing to Neptune and turned them into hissing and crawling snakes giving her this power that whosoever gazed upon her face should be in the instant converted into stone Isacius is of opinion that that was not the cause of her calamity but relates it another way That Medusa was of Pisidia and the fairest of all women who glorying in her feature but especially the beauty of her hair dared to contend with Pallas which arrogant impudency the goddesse heinously taking her hair in which she so ambitiously gloried she changed into filthy and terrible snakes and then gave her that killing look before mentioned but pitying at length so generall a mischiefe incident to mortall men by that means she sent Perseus the son of Jupiter and Dana or rather as some wil have it he was imploied by Polydectes King of the Seriphians to cut off her head who having before received a hooked skein called Harpe from Mercury and a shield from Pallas came to the â—en called Tritonides amongst whose inhabitants she exercised her mischiefe and first approaching Pephredo and Aenio two of the Phorcidae and of the Gorgonian sisterhood who were old and wrinckled crones from their nativity they had betwixt them but one eie and one tooth which they did use by turns and when they went abroad or when they had no occasion to imploy them laid them up in a casker for so Ascilus relates He borrowed of them that eie and tooth neither of which he would restore till they had brought him to the Nymphs with winged shooes which taking from them and being armed with the Helmet of Pluto the sword of Mercury and the mirrour of Pallas he fled to Tartessus a City of Iberiae where the Gorgons then inhabited whose heads crawled with adders whose teeth were like the tusks of a boare their hands of brasse and their wings of gold and there arriving found them asleep and spying her head in Minerva's glasse in which he still looked it directed him so that at one blow be cut it off out of whose blood Pegasus sprung forth The other two sisters Sthumo and Aeuryale awaking and this seeing with the loud hissing of these innumerable
appear in these words Sponte fores Coeli patuerunt c. The gates of Heaven did of themselves stand wide Those which the virgin hours are set to keep As their great charge The Poles they likewise guide With all the upper regions From the deep The showers exhal'd they store and when they please The borrowed raine pay back into the seas They are called Horae of the Greek word which signifies Custodire or to keep and therefore said to be the guardians of heavens gates as having power to admit of our devotions and give them accesse unto the gods or otherwise if they be not faithfull and sincere to exclude them at their pleasures having moreover alwaies been and still continue great favourers and prosperers of all such as are laborious and studious They are called the daughters of Jupiter and Themis because as the Graces import nothing else but the hilarity and gladnesse that ariseth from the increase of the earth so these Houres signifie the fruit it selfe for the Greek word Carpo is Fructus properly then they are said to be the attendants of the Graces as the Graces are still the handmaids of Venus for the fruits of the earth are the increase as that plenty still followes delight and therefore they all equipage together as being by the Poets never separate Besides the names of the Hours are thus properly Englished Law Justice and Peace The abundance of all things is the companion of Vertue and Honesty but Scarcity and Dearth are the pages to Irreligion and Impiety for there is not a clearer mirrour in which may trulier be discerned the malice or gratitude of men towards the gods and consequently of their punishment and pity towards men then in the alterations of the Seasons which the ancient writers the better to signifie unto us made the Hours the Porters to heaven gates and gave them power over the clouds both in the mustering of them or dispersing them And so much for the Houres Aurora or the Morning HEsiodus in Theog tearms her the daughter of Hyperion and the nymph Thya and sister to the Sun and Moon Others derive her from Tytan and Terra they call her the way leader to the Sunne as Luciser the day-star is stil'd her henshman or usher for so saith Orpheus in an hymn to Aurora Homer in an hymn to Venus allowes her roseat fingers a red or ruddy colour and to be drawn in a golden Chariot Virgil sometimes allowes her foure horses sometimes but two and those of a red colour Theocritus describes them white or gray according to the colour of the morning Lycopheon in Alexandra brings her in mounted upon Pegasus Pausanias in Laconic wrâ—tes that she was doatingly besotted of the faire young man Câ—phalus as likewise of Orion in which Homer agrees with him Apollodorus makes her the mother of the winds and the stars Hesiod is of the same opinion that by prostrating her selfe to her brother Astraeus the son of Hyperion and Thia she brought forth Argâ—stre Zephyrus Boreas and Notus with a daughter called Jadama She was married to Tythonus the son of Laomedon and brother to King Priam but by divers mothers Priam being the son of Leucippe Tython of Strimo or as others invert it of Rhaeo daughter to the flood Scamander It is commemorated by the Poets that this Aurora begged for her husband Tython Immortality which was granted her by the gods But for getting in her pâ—tition to insert that withall he should not grow old in processe he grew to that extremity of decâ—epit age that living to be twice a child he was swath'd and crudled Tython had two sons by Aâ—â—ora Memnon and Aemathaeon of whom she 〈◊〉 the name Aemathia Pausanias cols Memnon the King of Aetheopia and from thence or rather as some more approved will have it from Sâ—sis a City in Persia he came to the wâ—rs of Troy for he before that expedition had subdued and subjugated all the nations neer or adjacent to the river Chaâ—â—â—â—â— Strabo relates that in the City of Abidus not far from Pâ—olomais in Aegypt he had a magnificent Palace all built of stone then which the Eastern would afforded not a more miraculous structure in which there was a labâ—rinth of the same stone and erected by the selfe same work master which was called after his name 〈◊〉 He died in a single Monomachia valiantly by the hand of 〈◊〉 in a battel fought betwixt the Greeks and the Tâ—ojans In the place where he was slain a fountain presâ—â—â—ly issued which yearly at that day â—â—stâ—wed nothing but blood which Calaber commemorates his Sâ—pulchre was in 〈◊〉 in Syria neer to the river Bada for so saith the Poet Simonides Some have held argument that Auâ—oâ—a made suit to Iupiter and when Memnons body was committed to the funerall fire he would transhâ—pe him into a bird which accordingly hapned as his Metamorph most lively expresseth in these words Memnonis orba mei venio qui fortia fâ—ustra c. Depriv'd of my sweet Memnon who in vaine Took arms for his deer Vncle and now slaine By great Achilles in his prime of years For so you gods would have it Loe appears Before thy throne oh Jove thou chiefe and rector Of all the gods their patron and protector A weeping mother begging to assure Honours to him by which my wounds to cure To this great Jove assents The funerall fire Is kindled the bright sparks towards heav'n aspire And like so many stars they make repaire Through the thick smoak which clouds and duls the aire Darkning the cleer day as when damps and fogs Exhaâ—'d from rivers or from marish bogs Before the Sun hath power In such a mist Vp flâ—e the obscur'd sparks till they subsist Above all in one body which assumes First shape then face next colour from the sumes Thus from that Pile the Memnian bird first springs Fire gave it life and lightnesse lent it wings It is said that many of these birds which still beare the name were seen to arise from his ashes which dividing themselves into divers squadrons fought so long amongst themselves till they fell dead into the fire sacrificing their own lives to his obits But Theocritus in his Epitaph upon Bion speaks of none but Memnon only who himselfe was changed into a bird and was seen to flie about and soare over his own funerall fires Lucian in Philopseudo speaks of a prodigie or rather a miracle which was most frequent where his statue was erected in the Temple of Serapis no sooner did the rising Sunne begin to shine upon his monument and seem'd to touch it but his statue yielded a most sweet and melodious sound but when he took his leave to rest himselfe in the West as if it mourned the Suns departure it breathed an army so sadly passionate that oft times it drew teares from the hearers which was thus interpreted That he still rejoiced at his mothers approach and presence but
when th' one is fail'd And the other not yet perfect duls the sight No wakefull dog or clamorous cock hath rail'd Vpon the drowâ—ie Morn early to dight The Suns steeds Here the bird that sav'd of old Romes Capitâ—l is never heard to scold The brawling Crane nor yet the pâ—ating Crowe Or tatling Parret to dâ—sturb the eaâ—â— No bellowing Bull swift Hartâ—or Asse more slow Is heard to bray we have all silence here Only a murmuring river which doth flow From Lethe with his streams mongst pebbles cleer Luls the dull sense to soft and feathered rest Charming the cares and sorrowes in the brest Before the gate the drowsie Poppy springs With thousand plants and simples without number Not one but to the brain a numnessi brings Inviting all the powers of man to slâ—mber Whose milkie juice the Night on her black wings Beares t'wart the earth and scatters Who dares cumber This universall whistnesse where none come But taciturnity and silence dumbe Vpon the door no ratling hammers stroke Is heard without to startle those withn No creeking â—hinge by which oft sleep is broke Than to speak loud there 's held no greater sin Midst a vast room a bed hew'd out of Oke That had of late some ancient relâ—que been Fring'd with thâ—â—kâ—â—st and lasie â—obwebs stands Not in an age 〈…〉 with carefull hands Vpon this easie couch with 〈◊〉 hung Of duskie coloured silk you may behold The god of slâ—ep in carelesse fashion flung Stretching his drowsie limbs whom nâ—ne 〈◊〉 so bold To â—og or 〈◊〉 where snortings are heard sung Th' are pincht to softer breath Some dream of gold Of trâ—stes some his Court here Morpheus keeps Which no man sooner enters then he sleeps And this description begins to make me drowsie already But lest speaking too much of sleep I may be taxed and so taken napping my selfe I leave the brother fast sleeping to find out the sister who to the worlds end shall ever be waking Death is said to be educated by her mother Night Pausanias puts us in mind that in a Temple amongst the Eleans there was a woman poâ—tâ—aied leading two sleepy children that in her right hand White that in her left hand Black both with 〈◊〉 legs and mishapen feet the inscription upon the one Sleep upon the other Death the woman that cherâ—sht them Night This death of all the powers that are is most impartiall and implacable and because by no praiers nor intercessions she is to be moved therefore there are no Altars nor Temples nor sacrifices celebrated to her honour her impartiality and implacability Orpheus hath signified in one of his hymns Nec prece muneribus nec tu placabilis ullis She is attired in a sable garment spotted with stars The wise men of the former ages extold her with miraculous praises calling her the portand only secure harbor of rest she frees the body from a thousand pains and diseases delivers the subject from the cruelty of the tyrant and makes the begger equall with his Prince She to all good men is acceptable and welcome only dreadfull to the wicked who have a presage and feare of punishments to come Alcidamus writ an excellent book in the praise of Death having a large and copious argument in which he strove to expresse with what an equall sufferance and modest patience she was to be enterteined Of the same argument writes Plutarch in Consolator for life is nothing else but a light lenâ— us by the Creator of all mankind which if it be redemanded of us ought no more grudgingly to be paid back then comming to a friends house to be merry in the morning and having feasted there all the day to return to our home at night or to pay back what we borrow to the owner For there is no injury done to us if God demand that back at our hands which he hath before but lent us Now from the daughter to come back to the mother and know what is allegorically meant by Night These pests and mischiefes before commemorated are therefore said to be her sons and daughters because the ignorance and malice of man which is indeed the night of the mind is the parent and nurse of all calamities incidents to us yet may some of their violences by wisedome be mitigated though not frustrated of their ends namely Age Love Fate Death and the like who though they be in perpetuall motion their speed may be slackned though not staied and their pace slowed though not quire stopt She was called the most Ancient because before the Heavens and the Sunne were created there was no light extâ—nt which is said to proceed from the lower parts of the earth in regard that the Sunne compassing the world when he lights the Antipodes with his beams the earth shadowes them from us which shadow is nothing else then Night She is called the mother of all as being before the birth of any thing The word Nox is derived à Nocendo of hurting or harming the reason is as some Physitians hold opinion because the corrupt humors of the night are infectious and dangerous especially to men any way diseased of which there is continuall experience in all such as have either wounds or aches or agues or feavers or the like to all such weaknesses or imperfections the humours of the night are still most hurtfull and obnoxious And so much briefly what morally can be gathered by that which hath been fabulously commented of Night That Sleep could not fasten on the eies of Jupiter it is intended not to be convenient for him that hath the charge and protection of the whole Universe to whose care and foresight the administration and guidance of all things are committed should so much as slumber or wink at all neither doth the divine Nature need any rest to repaire and comfort his troubled spirits when he is not capable of either labour or discommodity And Lethe is called the sister of Somnuâ— in regard that by our naturall repose we for the time forget all paine anguish or trouble Because he comes to many creatures and at the same time he is said to be winged in regard the humour of the Night encreaseth the vapours of the stomack ascending to the higher parts of the body which after by the frigidity of the braine descend againe lower and more cool by which Sleep is begot he is therefore not unproperly called the son of Night which Night cals me now to rest with the finishing of this second book called Euterpe Explicit Lib. 2. THE THIRD BOOK of Women inscribed THALIA Treating of Illustrious Queens Famous Wives Mothers Daughters c. Containing the Histories of sundry Noble Ladies GOrgias held opinion that Women were not to be honoured according to their form but their fame preferring actuall vertue before superficiall beauty to incourage which in their sex funerall orations were allowed by the Roman Lawes to be celebrated for all such as had been either presidents of
appeared in the eies of all men the fairest of women especially in the Kings much surprised with her extraordinary beauty still perswading her to raze out the memory of Cyrus dead and in his room to admit of Artaxerxes living which slowly and at length though late he obtained respecting her above all other his wives and concubines Soon after his Eunuch Toridates died more then a child and scarce full man the most beautifull youth in Asia and of the King the most beloved who so much lamented his death that all the pricipalities and nations under him seemed to participate of his griefe yet none that durst be so bold as to come into his presence or minister to him any words of comfort Three daies being past in these lamentations and sorrowes Aspasia in a funerall habit and with her eies fixt upon the earth appeared before the King who no sooner espied her demanded the cause of her comming To comfort thee said she O King if thou beest so pleased else to return to the place of sorrow from whence I came At which seeming to rejoice the King intreated her to her chamber whither he would presently repaire to whom she obeied And having put on a robe of the Eunuchs so much bewailed and in that casting her selfe upon her bed she gave the King such content that he commanded her till the daies of mourning were past never to appear to him but in that habit she more prevailing with him then all his Princes wives subjects and servants about him stil living in his most especiall grace and favour And so far Aelianua The Matrons of Lacedemon in all battel 's sought against the common enemy as many of their husbands sons or allies as they found slain they used to search what wounds they had about them if the greater number were in the face or breast with great joy and solemnity they bore them to be intombed in the monuments of their ancestors but it on the contrary those on their backs exceeded the number of the former surprised with shame and sorrow they either left them to the common buriall or gave them such private interment as if they wisht their memories to have perisht with their bodies This history Aelianus in his twelfth book records This discourse for the rarenesse of it I hold not impertinent to insert amongst the women most illustrious Chares Mitylenus in his tenth book of Histories thus writes Zariadres the younger brother of Hystaspes both of them being so naturally beautifull that they were said to be the sons of Adonis and Venus The elder reigned in the lower parts of Media the junior kept his principality in the higher Countrie as farre as the river Tanais not many leagues distant from thence there lived the King Homartes who had one onely daughter called Odaâ—â—s whom as divers authors affirm seemed in a dream to have seen this Zariadres and of his person to be much enamoured The liek in a vision hapning to him insomuch that he was ardently affected to her whom as yet he had never seen This Odaâ—â—â— was the fairest Princesse in that time living in Asia and Zariadres no whit to her inferior who sent to the King Homartes to demand her in marriage he would by no 〈◊〉 yeeld to the motion because not having any â—ale issue he was â—oth to transfer the succession of 〈◊〉 Kingdome upon a stranger purposing rather to bestow her 〈…〉 Prince of his Countrie though a subject Not long 〈◊〉 caused to be assembled all the Friends 〈…〉 and Gentry of his land inviting them to his daughâ—â—â—s 〈◊〉 but not yet knowing or having 〈…〉 on whom to confer her His subject 〈◊〉 assembled he invited them all to a solemn and high Priest 〈…〉 having called his daughter in the hearing of all his gueste 〈…〉 bespake 〈◊〉 We are now â— Princeâ—ly daughter 〈…〉 thy nuptials take therefore this golden 〈…〉 with rich Greekish wine and having throughly and advisedly perused all this Noble 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉 shal◠〈…〉 to drink he is undoubtedly thy husband 〈◊〉 having viewed and reviewed them all and 〈…〉 like that person presented to her in her 〈…〉 some few daies respite which 〈…〉 word to Zariadres bow her affairs stood 〈…〉 her marriage and withall much 〈…〉 in his army neer 〈…〉 conceived himselfe 〈…〉 or auendâ—nt saving 〈…〉 into the City of 〈◊〉 having 〈…〉 this done 〈…〉 his Chariot and driver and withall 〈…〉 he came to the place where this marriage was to be celebrated and 〈◊〉 in amongst the rest he behold the beautifull 〈…〉 countenance and tempering her draught with all 〈◊〉 unwilling hand to whom approching more 〈◊〉 he thus whispered Behold Odatis thy 〈…〉 for whom didst lately send ready to do thee all service She casting an advised eie upon him and receiving him to be a stranger beautifull and in all semblance so like the person of whom she had dreamt in a great extasie of joy drank to him and gave him the cup and whilst â—â—â—rest were amazed at the novel he snatcht her up and carried her where his Chariot stood ready and so transported her into Media This their love was so famous amongst the barbarous people that the history was portraied in all their Palaces and Temples nay even in their private houses many of the Nobility in memory of her calling their daughters by the name of Odatis 〈◊〉 the Tyrant banisht Dâ—on out of Sicily taking into his own custodie the exiles wife Aristomache and her daughter but after at the great intercession of one of his servants Polycrates â— man by him much affected he compelled the Lady who still lamented the absence of her Lord 〈…〉 second marriage with this Polycrates who was by 〈…〉 But Dâ—on having gathered fresh forces and expelling Dionysius from Syracusa unto the Locrenses 〈◊〉 his sister meeting him and congratulating his famous victory made intercession for Aristomache who with great shame had kept her selfe from the presence of her first husband not daring to look him in the face howsoever her second nuptials were made by force and compulsion But the necessity of the cause the wondrous submission and modest excuse of Aristomache together with the mediation of Arete so much he prevailed with Dion all confirming her innocence that he received his wife and daughter into his family still continuing their former love and society Hippo a woman of Greece travelling by sea with her husband and being surprised by Pirats finding the chiefe of them to be enamoured of her beauty rather then yield to his lustfull desires she voluntarily threw her selfe into the sea and was drowned leaving behind her a remarkable president of chastity her body was driven upon Ericheon or as some will have it the Erythrean shore in memory of whom a sacred monument was raised which was many years after yearly celebrated with many condign honours Valer. Max. lib. 7. cap. 1. Chiomara of whom Livius Frontinus Florus and others have written was the
Cumani there is but one only man and that is Aristodemus These words touching all to the quick it imprest in the minds of the more generous a true feeling of their basenesse and slavery with a shame thereof and withall an apprehension of the recovery of their pristine liberties which perceiving she thus proceeded I had rather to purchase my fathers repeale from exile to play the labourer and bear burdens as you do then live the Tyrant in all the surfetting riots and delicacies on the earth and so left them These last words gave confirmation to what they had before scarce apprehended which after brought the embryons of their thoughts unto a timely and full-born action For with the Prince Timotoles they conspired against Aristodemus and Zenocrita had made their entrance free at such time as he was secure and his guard negligent when with great ease and small danger they rusht upon him and flew him Thus by her means her Country recovered their ancient liberties and honours But when great and magnificent gifts were presented her for this good service she refused them all only making one request unto the people That it might be lawfull for her to take the body of Aristodemus and give it a solemn and roiall buriall to which they did not only with great willingnesse condescend but they instituted her the Priest of Ceres supposing it to be an honour no lesse acceptable to the goddesse then worthily becoming her This Pythes lived in the time of Xerxes who had to wife a Noble and wise Lady whose temperance and humanity shall outlive posterity He in his Countrie finding a Mine of gold from whence he had gathered by the industry of his subjects in insinite masse of treasure which he used with no moderation for all his study industry and imployment both of his subjects and servants were in this Mine either in digging Oâ—e or drawing it up or fining and refining it all other actions 〈◊〉 affairs and businesses quite neglected many having died in the Mine and many ready to perish for want of food by reason the earth lay neglected The women came to make a petitionary complaint to the wife of Pyches who understanding their griefs with faiâ—e language returned them back somewhat pacified though not altogether satisfied yet putting them in good hope that their griefes should shortly be redressed They thus dismist she sent for all the Goldsmiths that were known to be exquisite workmen and requesting them into 〈…〉 place 〈…〉 had â—itted them with 〈◊〉 and all 〈◊〉 necessâ—â—y for the purpose she 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 all kind of fruits as Apples 〈…〉 and such like with whose â—ast her husband was much 〈◊〉 and to 〈◊〉 them all of gold 〈…〉 Mine with a good stomack as 〈…〉 called to ear His Lady served him in a gold 〈◊〉 but with no meat that could be eaten 〈◊〉 very dish 〈…〉 gold Being at the first 〈◊〉 with 〈…〉 as pleased that art should so imitate 〈◊〉 after being much delighted with the object he demanded meat again and calling for such a dish And such a 〈◊〉 as his appetite was best inclined to 〈…〉 whatsoever was brought to the table caused it to be all gold he â—â—ll growing more hungry and very angry withall she made him this modest and effectuall answer O Sir consider with your selfe of these and such like dishes you have provided for your selfe and your subjects plenty but of other viands no plenty at all we have store of artificiall but the use of naturall things hath utterly forsaken us no man tils plowes sowes or manures the fields plantation or hope to reap from the earth is now forgot only we study things unprofitable and as you see unnecessary to please the eie and not the palate the fancy and not the stomack such indeed as to your subjects bring sorrow but no satisfaction great molestation but no meat at all to suffice the necessities of nature This short but pithy speech took such impression on Pythes that though he would not altogether desist from his Mines yet upon her urgence he only peculiarized to himselfe a fifth part of the people and the rest were imploied in agriculture and tillage planting and such things most usefull for mans sustenance This Pythes after many disasters as rich men are seldome without some or other as the death of his children who all came to violent and unexpected death by the means of Xerxes he fell into a wondrous deep melancholy for he hated life and yet was loath to die and like a foolish rich man as this age affords many griefe stil would have killed him had not the thought of his wealth still recovered him therefore he proposed this farewell betwixt the wearinesse of life and the rediousnesse of death There was in the City a great heap of gold by which a river softly glided which was called Pythopolite within the midst of this great magazin he had provided himselfe a Sepulchre and had so turned the channell that the water might come just to the brink of the shore where his monument was ready prepared The work being finished he committed the sole government of the State and Empire to his wife with this charge That none should dare to approach his Tomb but daily send him such a quanty of victuals in a boat by the river and when they found the meat untoucht to forbeare to send any more for they should then imagine him dead And such was the covetous mans end in the middest of his treasure His wife after managed the State with great wisedome and policy and to the generall good of the subject The wife of Nausimenes HErodotus reports of one of the sons of Croesus that he was born dumb and never spake word from his birth being in all things else compleat of an able body and a spirit undanted to supply which defect he used all means possible that art or humane skill could devise but all failing as his last refuge he consulted with the Oracle which returned him this answer Lyde genus Rex multorum c. Thou of the Lydian off spring and the King Of many Nations if such be thy care To know this secret and effect that thing Which divine work no mortall can or dare Be thus resolv'd His tongue shall accent give When save by it thou canst no longer live Croesus being besieged in Sardis and the City taken as first entered by one Mardus Hyreades a Persian that had disguised himselfe of purpose of murder Croesus in his Palace who insinuating into his pâ—esence and now lifting up his hand to strike the fatall blow the King by reason of his present distresse not apprehending the danger which his son comming in at the instant and espying the strings of his tongue were unloosed on the sudden and he cried out Oh man spare the King Croesus and from that time forward his imprisoned voice was ever at liberty More disastrous was that which befell the wife of Nausimenes
presenting himselfe to the block it hapned on that time that he had a rich and precious garment of purple embroidered with gold of which the executioner being greedy and carefull to keep it from blood thereby to make the better sale of it he spent so much time this and that way not for the prisoners case but for his own advantage till the messengers appeared from the King and called aloud to make stay of justice by which means Bepolitanus his garment was as much beneficiall to his life as the Kings mercy and covetousnesse that hath been the destruction of many was the means of his unexpected safety The executioner in his greedinesse making good the old English Adage All covet all loose To leave circumstances and come to the matter The body of Toredorix was cast out and by the Kings edict denied all rites of buriall with a grievous penalty imposed upon any such as should contradict the Kings writ This notwithstanding dismaied not a faire Pergamaean damosell with whom Toredorix had been in familiarity to accomplish the vowed office of a lover and a friend who in the night watched the opportunity to take thence the body and bestow on it a fair interment but being taken by the souldiers in the performance of this last memorable duty and brought before the Tyrant either her beauty so much moved him or her rears so far prevailed with him as that his body was not only left freely to her dispose but to recompence her love and loialty she had a fair and competent dower allotted her out of the lands and goods of the trespasser Stratonica OF Stratonica Galatia may boast as breeding a Lady scarce marchable before her time or since in her condition she being the wife of King Deiotarus and barren and knowing how desirous her husband was to have issue from his own â—oâ—ns to succeed in the Kingdome sollicited him and that with great importance to select some beautifull Lady whom he best fancied and by her to raise his posterity which the King overcome with so unexpected a curtesie and therefore unwilling to wrong her bed refusing she of her own accord out of many captive virgins chused one who seemed to excell all the rest in feature and modesty and suiting her in all respects like a Princesse presented her to the King as a jewell to be received from her hand This virgins name was Elâ—ctra by whom Deiotatarus had faire and fortunate issue to whom Stratonica was a second mother and saw them educated with as much magnificence and state as if they had been born of her body and she given them suck from her own brests Her example is memorable but since her time by few that I can read of imitated Valeria and Cloelia TArquinius Superbus being expulsed the Kingdome because his sonne Sextus had stuprated the faire Lucretia wife to Collatine to reobtaine his principality he insinuated unto his aid Porsenna King of the Tuscans These with an infinite army besieged Rome insomuch that the Citizens were not only wearied with long war but opprest with famine therefore knowing Porsenna as well in war as peace to be a Prince eminent both for justice and humanity they made choice of him to arbitrate and determine all controversies betwixt Tarquin and them This motion being offered by the Romans Tarquin refused to stand to any such comprimise not allowing Porsenna a lawfull judge in regard of their late league commenced This Porsenna not well relishing treated with the Romans about a peace conditionally that they should restore back certain lands before taken from the Etruscians and of them put him in peaceable possession and till this were performed to send him ten young men and as many virgins of the noblest families for hostage which was accordingly done and he dismist his army These virgins walking by the river side which parted Camp and City for though he had sent away the greatest part of his army he had not yet raised his Tents two of the chiefe the one Cloelia the other Valeria daughter to the Consul Publicola perswaded the rest and by perswading so far prevailed that they were all resolved to passe the River when stâ—ipping themselves naked and holding as well as they conveniently could their cloaths above their heads they ventured over that unknown passage full of whirlpools and wheâ—e there was no stedfast footing and what by wading and swimming to all mens wonders got safe to shore and presented themselves to their fathers and friends who though they admired their boldnesse and commended their resolutions yet disallowing the act it selfe as those that in their faith and honour would not be outbid by any they sent them back to King Porsenna and submitted their rashnesse to be punished at his pleasure These Virgins being presented before him he demanded of them Which she was that first animated and encouraged the rest to so rash and dangerous an enterprize When Cloelia beckning to the rest to silence took all the injury contempt or whatsoever they pleased to call it upon her selfe protesting the rest innocent and she of what would be objected the sole author Porsenna observing and withall admiring her undanted courage caused presently a horse furnished with trappings to be brought which he gave to Cloelia in recompence of her magnanimous attempt sending them all in his regall curtesie back to their friends and parents Upon this horse given to Cloelia by Porsenna some have grounded that she first past the river on horseback sounding the way for the rest which others denie only that the King thought to gratifie her manly courage with the meed of a souldier Her statue on horseback is erected in Via sacra this some confer upon Cloelia others on Valeria Olympias ALexander having caused himselfe to be called the son of Jupiter writ to his mother in this manner King Alexander the son of Jupiter Hamon to his mother Olympias sends health to whom with great modesty she thus rescribed Dear son as you love me instead of doing me honour proclaim not my dishonour neither accuse me before Juno besides it is a great as persion you cast upon me to make me a strumpet though to Jupiter himselfe A great moderation in a woman who for no swelling title or vaine oftentation could be won to lose the honour to be called a loyall and chast wise Troades AMongst those frighted Trojans that fled from the fearfull ruines of subverted Troy some by the violence of outragious tempests were driven upon the coasts of Italy where landing at certain Ports neer to the river Tygris they made up into the Countrie the better to acquaint themselves with the conditions of those places In which interim the women began to apprehend that they had better far to take up an abiding place in any land then again to commit themselves to the mercilesse furie of the seas Wherefore with one joint consent they agreed to make that their fixed habitation seeing all hope of
the best How much then is it to be underprized when it is contaminated and spotted with lust and unlawfull prostitution since it is a maxime That things common are so far from begetting appetite and affection that they rather engender the seeds of contempt and hatred for how should any thing festered and corrupt please the eie or that wich is rotten and unsound give content unto the palate But to return to my first Apology needfull it is that to the Tragick Muse Melpomene I should suit Tragicall history wherein if any women be personated for Inconstancy Intemperance Adultery Incest or any such vile and abominable action she hath in that disgraced her selfe not her sex as stretching no further then the delinquent It any man object and say they are bad presidents to him I answer they are examples of horror to be eschewed not imitated which in their own natures beget a loathing not liking and for placing them next to and so neer to the women Illustrious I will excuse my selfe in this short Epigram A skilfull Painter having limm'd a face Surpassing faire of admirable feature Sets by the same to give it the more grace The pourtrait of some foule deformed creature No doubt as much art in the last is shown As in the first albeit that pleaseth most How ever to the workman 't is 〈…〉 They both to him arâ— of likâ— care and cost 'T is so with me I have set before you many Bâ—ave Ladies of theâ— all to take full view Pleasing to th' eie 〈…〉 Whom a more willing workman 〈…〉 Should these appeare rough hew'd or of bad savour And whose aspect cannot so well 〈◊〉 you Perhaps the next of more delight 〈…〉 And grinding other colours I 'll preâ—â—â— you A smoother piece and liâ—â—â— if I be able A fairer face in a more curious fable Of women incestuous and first of Q. Semiramis IT is questioned by some authors concerning this potent and mighty Queen whether she be more renowned for her brave and magnanimous exploits or notorious for her ignoble and infamous actions some willing that for her vertues sake her vices should be utterly buried in oblivion others in regard of what was bad in her that nothing good or commendable might of her to posterity be remembred I purpose to give you a taste of both Some say she was called Semiramis of the birds named Semiramides by which it is said she was fostered in her infancy but that bearing no shew of truth others derive her denomination from Samir which in the Hebrew and the Syrian dialect imports as much as Adamant because her noble and brave atchievements attracted the hearts of that barbarous rude Nation to her admiration and love as the Adamant drawes iron Plutarch in libro Amator saith she was a damosell of Syria and concubine to the King of that Country with whose love Ninus being after besotted took her to his wife of whom she had that predominance that though before he had conquered all the Eastern parts subjugated his neighbour Kings and subdued Zoroastres Monarch of the Bactrians he that was the first inventor of the Art magick that devised the principles of Astrology and found out the true motions of the stars notwithstanding she so far prevailed with him that for one day she might sit in the roiall throne and for that space have the regall jurisdiction in her full power with intire command over the whole Empire In the morning of her soveraignty she imposed upon the subjects such modest and mild injunctions that ere noon she had insinuated into their bosomes so far that she found them so pliable and conformable to her desires that she presumed there was nothing so difficult and impossible which for her sake they would not boldly and resolutely undertake Upon this presumption she stretched her usurpation so far that she commanded them to lay hands upon the King her husband before night and committing him to prison caused him within few daies to be put to death She had by Ninus one son called Ninus junior who should have succeeded his father that for fifty two years space had swaied the Babylonian Empire but whether in her own ambition desirous of the principality or finding her son too effeminate to be Lord over so great a people and uncertaine withall whether so many men and of so many sundry Nations would submit themselves to the soveraignty of a woman all these suppositions being doubtfull certain it is that instead of the mother of Ninus she assumed the person of Ninus her son changing her womans shape into the habit of a mans for they were of one stature proportioned in lineaments alike semblant in voice and in all accomplements difficultly to be distinguished insomuch that never mother and child could have more true resemblance having therefore lull'd her son in all effeminacy and atâ—iâ—â—d him in her Queen-like vesture the better to shadow her own proportion she suited her selfe in long garments and commanded all her subjects to do the like which habit hath been amongst the Assyrians Bactrians and Babylonians in use even to this day Upon her head she wore a Turbaâ—â— oâ— Myter such as none but Kings used to adorn their heads with so that in the beginning she was known for no other then the Prince in whose name she accomplisht many notable and noble atchievements at whose amplitude Envy and Emulation stood amazed confessing her in all her attempts supereminent neither did her heroick actions any way derogate from the honour of the Empire but rather add to the splendour thereof admiration in regard a woman had not only excelled all of her sex in valour but might claim a just priority over men She built the mighty City Babylon and the stately wals reckoned amongst the seven wonders She not only conquered all Aethiopia and made that Kingdome to her state tributary but invaded India being the first that durst attemptie and saving her no 〈…〉 but Alexander who was the second and the last Thus 〈◊〉 Justin out of the history of Trogus Pompeius Berosus affiâ—ms as mâ—ch these be his words Nemo unquam huic seminae comparandus est virorum tanta in ejus vita scribuntur cum ad vituperationem tum maxime ad laudem No man was ever to be compared with this woman such great things have been written of her partly to her disgrace but chiefly to her praise He proceeds further She was the fourth that reigned in Assyria for so it is approved Nimâ—oâ— was the first being father to Belus and grand-father to Ninus which Ninus was the first that made war upon his neighbours and usurped their dominions in whom began to cease the Golden world whom his widdow Queen succeeded counterfeiting the shape of man She was after slain by her sonne Ninus the second of that name who as Eusebius writes after her death swai'd the Scepter thirty and eight years One memorable thing is recorded of her by Diodorus S. culuâ— lib. 3.
having learned certaing problems and aenigmas of the muses disposed her selfe in the mountaine Phycaeus The riddle that she proposed to the Thebans was this What creature is that which hath one distinguishable voice that first walkes upon four next two and lastly upon three feet and the more legs it hath is the lesse able to walk The strict conditions of this monster were these that so often as he demanded the solution of this question till it was punctually resolved he had power to chuse out any of the people where he best liked whom he presently devoured but they had this comfort from the Oracle That this Aenigma should be no sooner opened and reconciled with truth but they should be freed from this misery and the monster himselfe should be destroied The last that was devoured was Aemon son to King Creon who fearing lest the like sad fate might extend it selfe to the rest of his issue caused proclamation to be made That whosoever could expound this riddle should marry Jocasta the wife of the dead King Laius and be peaceably invested in the Kingdome this no sooner came to the ears of Oedipus but he undertook it and resolved it thus This creature saith he is man who of all other hath only a distinct voice he is born four footed as in his infancy crawling upon his feet and hands who growing stronger erects himselfe and walkes upon two only but growing decrepit and old he is fitly said to move upon three as using the help of his staffe This solution was no sooner published but Sphinx cast herselfe headlong from the top of that high Promontory and so perished and Oedipus by marrying the Queen was with a generall suffrage instated in the Kingdome He begot of her â—wo sons and two daughters Eâ—eocles and Polâ—nâ—ces Ismâ—ne and Antigone though some write that Oedipus had these children by Rurigenia the daughter of Hyperphantes These former circumstances after some years no sooner came to light but Jocasta in despair strangled her selfe Oedipus having torn out his eies was by the people expulsed Thebes cursing at his departure his children for suffering him to undergo that injury his daughter Antigone lead him as far as to Colonus a place in Attica where there is a grove celebrated to the Eumenides and there remained till he was removed thence by Theseus and soon after died And these are the best fruits that can grow from so abominable a root Of the miserable end of his incestuous issue he that would be further satisfied let him read Sophocles Apollodorus and others Oâ— him Tyresias thus prophesied Neque hic laetabitur Calibus eventis suis nam factus c. No comfort in his fortunes he shall find He now sees clearly must at length be blind And beg that 's now a rich man who shall stray Through forrein Countries for his doubtfull way Still gripping with his staffe The brother he And father of his children both shall be His mothers son and husband first strike dead His father and adulterate next his bed Crithaeis SHE was wife to one Phaemius a schoolmaster and mother to Homer Prince of the Greek Poets Ephorus of Coma in a book intiteled the Cumaean Negotiation leaves her story thus related Atelles Maeones and Dius three brothers were born in Cuma Dius being much indebted was forced to remove thence into Ascra a village of Boeotia and there of his wife Pâ—cemedâ— he begot Hesiodus Atelles in his own Country dying a naturall death committed the pupillage of his daughter Crithaeis to his brother Maeones but comming to ripe growth she being by him vitiated and proving with child both fearing the punishment due to such an offence she was conferred upon Phaemius to whom she was soon after married and walking one day out of the City to bath her selfe in the river Miletus she was by the stood side delivered of young Homer and of the name thereof called him Mâ—lesigines But after losing his sight he was called Homer for such of the Cumaeans and Ionians are called Omouroi Aristotle he writes contrary to Ephorus that what time Neleus the son of Codrus was President in Ionia of the Collony there then newly planted a beautifull Virgin of this Nation was forced and deâ—â—oured by one of the Genius's which used â—o dance with the Muses who after remâ—ved to a place called Aegina and meeting with certain forragers and robbers that made sundry incursions into the Country she was by them surprized and brought to Smyrna who presented her to Meonides a companion to the King of the Lydians he at the first sight inamoured of her beauty took her to wife who after sporting her selfe by the banks of Milâ—rus brought forth Homer and instantly expired And since we had occasion to speak of his mother let it not seem altogether impertinent to proceed a little of the son who by reason of his being hurried in his childhood from one place to another and ignorant both of his Country and parents went to the Oracle to be resolved concerning them both as also his future fortunes who returned him this doubtfull answer Foelâ—x miser ad sortemes quia natus utramque Perquiris patrians matris tibi non patris câ—â—tat c. Happy and wretched both must be thy fate That of thy Country dost desire to heare Known is thy 〈◊〉 clime thy father 's not An Island in the sea to Creet not neer Nor yet far â—ss in which thou shalt expire When 〈◊〉 a riddle shalt to thee propose Whose dark Aenigma thou canst not acquire A double Fate thy life hath thou shalt lose Thine eies yet shall thy lofty Muse ascend And in thy death thou life have without end In his later daies he was present at Thebes at their great feast called Saturnalia and from thence comming to Ius and sitting on a stone by the water port there landed some fishermen whom Homer asked what they had taken but they having got nothing that day but for want of other work only lousing themselves thus merily answered him Non capta afferimus fuerant quae capta relictis We bring with us those that we could not find But all that we could catch we lâ—ft behind Meaning that all such vermine as they could catch they cast away but what they could not take they brought along Which riddle when Homer could not unfold it is said that for very griefe he ended his life This unmatchable Poet whom no man regarded in his life yet when his works were better considered of after his death he had that honour that seven famous Cities contended about the place of his birth every one of them appropriating it unto themselves Pindarus the Poet makes question whether he were of Chius or Smyrna Simonides affirms him to be of Chius Antimachus and Nicander of Colophon Aristotle the Philosopher to be of Ius Ephorus the Historiographer that he was of Cuma Some have been of opinion that he was born in Salamine
and in that darknesse remained for the space of ten years After which time in great melancholly expired he received this comfort from the Oracle which was then in the City Butis That if he washt his eies in the urine of a woman who had been married a full twelve month and in that time had in no waies falsified in her own desires nor derogated from the honour of her husband he should then assuredly receive his sight At which newes being much rejoiced and presuming both of certain and sudden cure he first sent for his wife and Qu. and made proofe of her pore distillation but all in vain he sent next for all the great Ladies of the Court and one after one washt his eies in their water but still they smarted the more yet he saw no whit the better but at length when he was almost in despaire he hapned upon one pure and chast Lady by whose vertue his sight was restored and he plainly cured who after he had better considered with himselfe caused his wife withal those Ladies saving she only by whose temperance and chastity he had reobtained the benefit of the Sun to be assembled into one City pretending there to feast them honourably for joy oâ— his late recovery Who were no sooner assembled at the place called Rubra Gleba apparelled in all their best jewels and chiefest ornaments but commanding the City gates to be shut upon them caused the City to be set on fire and sacrificed all these adulteresses as in one funerall pile reserving only that Lady of whose loialty the Oracle had given sufficient testimony whom he made the partaker of his bed and Kingdome I wish there were not so many in these times whose waters if they were truly cast by the doctors would not rather by their pollution put out the eies quite then with their clearnesse and purity minister to them any help at all Laodice JVstine in his 37. book of History speaks of this Laodice the wife and sister to Mithridates King of Pontus After whose many victories as having overthrown the Scythians and put them to flight those who had before defeated Zopyron a great Captain of Alexanders army which consisted of thirty thousand of his best souldiers the same that overcame Cyrus in battell with an army of two hundred thousand with those that had affronted and beaten King Philip in many oppositions being fortunately and with great happinesse still attended by which he more and more flourisht in power and increased in majestie In this height of fortune as never having known any disaster having bestowed some time in managing the affairs of Pontus and next such places as he occupied in Macedonia he privately then retired himselfe into Asia where he took view of the scituation of those defenced Cities and this without the jealousie or suspition of any From thence he removed himselfe into Bythinia proposing in his own imaginations as if he were already Lord of all After this long retirement he came into his own Kingdome where by reason of his absence it was rumour'd and given out for truth that he was dead At his arrivall he first gave a loving and friendly visitation to his wife and sister Laudice who had not long before in that vacancy brought him a young son But in this great joy and solemnity made for his welcome he was in great danger of poison for Laodice supposing it seems Mithridates to be dead as it before had been reported and therefore safe enough had prostituted her selfe to divers of her servants and subjects and now fearing the discovery of her adultery she thought to shadow a mighty fault with a greater mischiefe and therefore provided this poisoned draught for his welcome But the King having intelligence thereof by one of her handmaids who deceived her in her trust expiated the treason with the blood of all the conspirators I read of another Laodice the wife of Ariarythres the King of Cappadocia who having six hopefull sons by her husband poisoned five of them after she had before given him his last infectious draught the youngest was miraculously preserved from the like fate who after her decease for the people punished her cruelty with death succeeded in the Kingdome It is disputed in the Greek Commentaries by what reason or remedy affection once so devilishly setled in the breast or heart of a woman may be aâ—ered or removed or by what confection adulterous appetite once lodged and kindled in the bosome may be extinguished The Magicians have delivered it to be a thing possible so likewise Cadmus Milesius who amongst other monuments of history writ certain tractates concerning the abolishing of love for so it is remembred by Suidas in his collections And therefore I would invite all women of corrupted breasts to the reading of this briefe discourse following A remarkable example was that of Faustina a noble and illustrious Lady who though she were the daughter of Antonius Pius the Emperor and wife to Marcus Philosophus notwithstanding her fathers majesty and her husbands honour was so besotted upon a Gladiator or common fencer that her affection was almost grown to frensie for which strange disease as strange a remedy was devised The Emperor perceiving this distraction still to grow more and more upon his daughter consulted with the Chaldeans and Mathematicians in so desperate a case what was best to be done after long consideration it was concluded amongst them that there was but only one way left open to her recovery and that was to cause the fencer to be slaine which done to give her a full cup of his luke-warm blood which having drunk off to go instantly to bed to her husband This was accordingly done and she cured of her contagious disease That night was as they sad begot Antoninus Commodus who after succeeded him in the Empire who in his government did so afflict the Common-weal and trouble the Theater with fensing and prizes and many other bloody butcheries that he much better deserved the name of Gladiator then Emperor This that I have related Julius Capitolinus writes to Caesar Dioclesianus Were all our dissolute matrons to be cured by the like Phisick there would no question be amongst men lesse offenders and among women fewer patients that complained of sick stomacks Phaedima CAmbyses having before unnaturally slain his brother Smerdis by the hands of his best trusted friend Praxaspes but after the death of the King for the horridnesse of the fact the Regicide not daring to avouch the deed to the people lest it might prejudice his own safety one Smerdis a Magician whose ears Cambises had before caused to be cut off took this advantage to aspire to the Kingdome and being somewhat like in favour to the murdered Princes who was by the Souldiers generally believed to live it purchased him so many abettors such as were deluded with his impostures that he was generally saluted and crowned Emperor This was
smell by which means they preserved their honours for the present and they for their vertues sake were after bestowed upon Gentlemen of noble quality The â—ame Author puts me in mind of another Adulteresse who to 〈◊〉 guilt of inchastity added the bloody sin of murder Our modern Chroniclers remember us of one Ethelburga daughter to King Oâ—â—a and wife to Brithricus King of the West-Saxons who aiming at nothing so much as her own libidinous delights that she might the more freely and securely injoy them by many sundry treasons conspired the death of her husband but having made many attempts and not prevailing in any the devill to whom she was a constant votaresse so far prevailed with her that she never gave over her dammable purpose til she had not only dispatcht him of life by poison but was the death also of a noble young Gentleman the chiefe favorite of the King and one whom in all his designs he most trusted These mischiefs done and fearing to be questioned about them because she had incurr'd a generall suspition she packt up her choicest jewels and with a trusty squire of hers one that had been an agent in all her former brothelries fled into France where by her counterfeit tears and womanish dissimulations she so far insinuated into the Kings breast that the wrinckles of all suggestions were cleared and she freely admitted into the Kings Court and by degrees into his especiall favour so rich were her jewels so gorgeous her attire so tempting her beauty being now in her prime and withall so cunning and deceitfull her behaviour that all these agreeing together not only bated the hearts of the Courtiers but attracting the eies of the great Majesty it selfe insomuch that the King sporting with her in a great Bay window the Prince his sonne then standing by him he merrily demanded of her If she were instantly to make election of a husband whether she would chuse him or his son to whom she rashly answered That of the two she would make choice of his son The King at this somewhat moved and observing in her a lightnesse of behaviour which his blind affection would not suffer him before to look into thus replied Hadst thou made election of me I had possest thee of my son but in chusing him thou shalt injoy neither So turning from her commanded her to be stripped out of her jewels and gay ornaments and presently to he shriven and sent to a Monastery where she had not long been cloistered but to her own infamy and the disgrace of the religious house she was deprehended in the dissolute imbraces of a wanton and lewd fellow for which she was turned out of the cloister and after died in great poverty and misery In memory of whom there was a law established amongst the West Saxons which disabled all the Kings wives after her either to be dignified with the name of Queen or upon any occasion to sit with him on his regall throne yet this woman though she died poorly yet died as it is said penitently therefore methinks I hear her leave this or the like memory behind her En Epitaph upon Ethelburga Queen of the West Saxons I was I am not smil'd that since did weep Labour'd that rest I wak'd that now must sleep I plai'd I play not sung that now am still Saw that am blind I would that have no will I fed that which feeds worms I stood I fell I bad God save you that now bid farewell I felt I feel not followed was pursu'd I warr'd have peace I conquer'd am subdu'd I mov'd want motion I was stiffe that bow Below the earth then something nothing now I catch'd am caught I travell'd here I lie Liv'd to the world that to the world now die This melancholy is not amisse to season with a little mirth In some other Country it was for I presume ours affoords none such but a common huswife there was who making no conscience of spouse-breach or to vitiate her lawfull sheets had enterteined into her society a swaggering companion such a one as we commonly call a Roaring boy This lad of mettall who sildome went with fewer weapons about him then were able to set up a trade-falne cutler had to maintain his mistresses expenses and his own riots committed a robbery and likewise done a murder and being apprehended for the fact judged condemned and according to the law in that case provided hanged in chains the gibbet was set neer to the common hiâ—-way and some miles distant from the City where this sweet Gentlewoman with her husband then inhabited who because in regard of the common fame that went upon them she durst neither give her Love visitation in prison be at his arraignment or publike execution her purpose was as affection that breeds madnesse may easily beget boldnesse unknown to her husband or any other neighbour to walk in the melancholy evening and to take her last leave of him at the gallowes Imagine the night came on and she on her journie It hapned at the same time a traveller being a footman whose journy was intended towards the Town as purposing to lodge there that night but being alone and darknesse overtaking him he grew doubtfull of the way and fearfull of robbing therefore he retired himselfe out of the road and lay close under the gibber still listning if any passenger went by to direct him in the way or secure him by his company as he was in this deep meditation the woman arrives at the place and not able to contain her passion breaks out into this extasie And must I needs then go home again without thee at which words the traveller starting up in hast No by no means quoth he I shall be glad of your company and with what speed he can makes towards her away runs the woman thinking her sweet heart had leapâ— down from the gibbet and followed her after speeds the man as loath to be destitute of company still crying Stay for me stay for me but the faster he called the faster she ran fear added to both their hast down they tumbled often but as quickly they were up again still she fled still he pursued But contrary was the issue of their fears for she never looked back till she came to her own house where finding the doors open and her husband set at supper for hast tumbled him and his stool down one way and the table and meat another he rising with much adoe askt what the pox she ailed and if she brought the devill in with her at her taile long it was ere she could make him any answer or come to her right sences how she excused it I knew not the traveller when he found himselfe neer the City and saw light slackned his pace and went quietly to his Inne whether they ever met after to reconcile their mistake or no I know not neither is it much pertinent to enquire A Modern History of an
a chain of Diamonds which gave a wondrous addition to that beauty when 〈◊〉 of it selâ—e without any ornament was not to be 〈◊〉 A contrary effect it wrought in the King and 〈◊〉 husband To Edgar she seemed some goddesse at least a miracle in nature to Ethelwold in regard of his fear a fury or what worse he could compare her to O frail woman in this one vanity to appear beautifull in the eies of a King thou hast committed two heinous sins Adultery and Murder for accordingly it so fell out Edgar was as much surprised with her love as incensed with hate against her Lord both which for the present he dissembled neither smiling on the one nor frowning on the other In the afternoon the King would needs 〈◊〉 the stag in the forrest of Werwelly since called 〈◊〉 wood In the chase by the appointment of Edgar Earl Ethelwold was strook through the body with an arrow and so slain the King after made Elfritha his bride and Queen The Earl had a base son then present at the death of his father of whom the King asked how he liked that manner hunting to whom he answered Roial Sir what seemeth good to you shall be no way offensive from that time forward he was ever gracious with the King And Elfritha 〈◊〉 to make attonement with heaven for the murder of her husband or â—â—ther as Ranulphus saith for causing Edward 〈◊〉 whom she was step mother to be slaine 〈◊〉 her own son Egelredus might reign builded an Abby for Nunnes at Worwell where she was after buried Gunnora IN the time that Agapitus was Pope Lewis King of France the son of Charls caused William Longa Spata the Duke of Normandy to be treacherously slain this William was son to Rollo The Lords of Normandy with this murder much incensed watched their advantage and surprised the King in Rhothemage where they committed him to safe custody till he had promised and sworn to yeeld up Normandy to Richard son and immediate heire to William the late murdered Duke and moreover in what place soever the King and the young Duke should have meeting to confer that Richard should car his sword but King Lewis neither to have sword nor knife about him This Richard being young was called Richard the Old he had besides another attribute given him which was Richard without Feare because he was never known to be dismaid at any thing but a third above these was that he pretended to be wondrous religious He was Duke two and fifty years and took a Lady to his bed from Denmark whose name was Gunnora by whom he had five sons and two daughters the eldest of which was married to Etheldredus King of England her name was Emma and she was called the flower of Normandy Concerning this bold yet religious Duke it is reported by Marianus lib. 2. Henricus Ranulphus and others that besides many other testimonies of his sanctity this one made him most eminent A Monk of Andoenus in Rothomage a Town in Normandy going one night to meet with his Sweet heart his way lay over a bridge and under that bridge was a deep foord or river it so hapned that mistaking his footing he fell into the water and there was drowned He was no sooner dead but there came to carry away his soul an Angel and a Fiend these two contended about it the one would have it so would the other great was the controversie betwixt them at length they concluded to put the case to Duke Richard and both to stand to his arbitriment much pleading there was on both sides at length the Duke gave sentence That the soul should be restor'd again to the body and be placed again upon that bridge from whence he had falne and if then he would offer to go from thence to his Sweet heart the Devill should take him but if otherwise he because he was a Church-man should be still in the Angels protection This was done and the Monk left his way to the woman and fled to the Church as to a sanctuary whither the Duke went the next day and found the Monks cloths still wet and told the Abbot every circumstance as it fell out therefore the Monk was shriven did penance was absolved and reconciled This I have read which I perswade no man to beleeve This Duke lived with the faire Gunnora long time dishonestly and without marriage had by her those children aforesaid but at length by the perswasion of the nobility and intercession of the Clergy he took her to wife The first night after the marriage when the Duke came to her bed she turned her back towards him which she had never done till that time at which he marvelling demanded of her the reason why she did so To whom she answered before I was your strumpet and therefore as a servant was tied to do your pleasure in all things but now I am your wife and made part of your selfe therefore henceforth I claime with you an equall soveraignty and will do what me list bearing my selfe now like a Princesse not like a prostitute This I am easily induced to beleeve for how soon do honours change manners Juvenall in his sixth Satyr speaking of marriage thus saith Semper habet lites aeternaque jurgia lectus c. The marriage bed is seldome without strife And mutuall chidings he that takes a wife Bargains for mighty trouble and small rest Sleep growes a stranger then whilst in her brest She lodgeth Passion Selfe-will Anger Feare And from her 〈◊〉 drops many a feigned teare c. Somewhat to this purpose spake Terentius in his Adelpâ—â—s Duxi uxorem quam ibi non miseriam vidi c. I made choice of a wife with judgement sound What miserie have I not therein found Children are born they prove my second care They should be comforts that my corfives are For her and them I study to provide And to that purpose all my time 's apply'd To keep her pleas'd and raise their poor estate And what 's my meed for all but scorn and hate And so much for Gunnora It seems the Emperor Valentinianus was neither well read in Juvenal nor Terence He when his wife commended unto him the beauty of the Lady Justina took her to his bed and for her sake made a law That it should be lawful for any man to marry two wives It is read of Herod the Great that he had nine wives and was divorsed from them all only for the love of Mariamnes niece to Hirâ—anus for whose sake he caused himselfe to be circumcised and turned to the faith of the Jewes he begot on her Alexander and Aristobulus on Dosides Antipater on Metheta Archelaus on Cleopatra Philip and Herodes Antipas he that was afterward called Tetrarch one of the four Princes Aristobulus that was Herodes son begotten on Beronica the daughter of his own Aunt called Saloma he begot the
rather a corrupter of their chastities then any way a curer of their infirmities blaming the matrons as counterfeiting weaknesse purposely to have the company and familiarity of a loose and intemperate young man They prest their accusations so far that the Judges were ready to proceed to sentence against her when she opening her brest before the Senate gave manifest testimony that she was no other then a woman at this the Physitians being the more incens'd made the fact the more heinous in regard that being a woman she durst enter into the search of that knowledge of which their Sex by the law was not capable The cause being ready again to go against her the noblest matrons of the City assembled themselves before the Senate and plainly told them they were rather enemies then husbands who went about to punish her that of all their Sex had bin the most studious for their generall health and safety Their importancy so far prevailed after the circumstances were truly considered that the first decree was quite abrogated and free liberty granted to women to employ themselves in those necessary offices without the presence of men So that Athens was the first City of Greece that freely admitted or Midwives by the means of this damosell Agnodice Of women that suffered martyrdome ANd of these in briefe Corona was a religious woman who suffered martyrdome under the Tyranny of Antonius the Emperor Her death was after this manner she was tied by the arms and legs betwixt two trees whose stiffe branches were forced and bowed down for the purpose the bowes being shackned and let loose her body was tossed into the aire and so cruelly dissevered limb from limb Anatholia a virgin by the severe command of Faustinianus the President was transpierc'd with a sword Felicula as Plutarch witnesseth when by no perswasion or threats promises or torments she could be forced to renounce the Christian Faith by the command of Flaccus Comes she was commanded to be shut up in a jakes and there stilled to death Murita had likewise the honour of a Martyr who being banished by Elphedorus a certaine Arrian opprest with cold and hunger most miserably died Hyrene the virgin because she would not abjure her faith and religion was by Sisimmius shot through with an arrow The like death suffered the martyr Christiana under Julian the Apostata Paulina a Roman Virgin and daughter to the Prefect Artemius was with her mother Candida stoned to death by the command of the Tyrant Dioclesian Agatho virgo Catanensis was strangled in Prison by the command of the Consul Quintianus Theodora a virgin of Antioch was beheaded by the tyranny of Dioclesian Julia Countesse of Eulalia suffered the same death under the President Diaconus Margarita a maid and a martyr had her head cut off by Olibrius Zoe the wife of Nicostratus was nailed unto a crosse and so ended her life partly with the torture of the gibbet and partly with the smoke that the executioner made at the foot of the gallowes suffocated Julia Carthagensis because she would not bow to idols and adore the falâ—e heathen gods but was a constant professor of the Christian Faith was martyred after the selfe same manner Emerita the sister of Lucius King of England who had the honour to be called the first Christian King of this Country she suffered for the Faith by fire Alexandria was the wife of Dacianus the President who being converted to the Faith by blessed Saint George was therefore by the bloody murderer her husbands own hands strangled Maximianus the son of Dioclesian with his own hands likewise slew his naturall sister Artemia because that forsaking all Idolatry she proved a convert to the true Christian Faith Flavia Domicilla a noble Lady of Rome was banished into the Isle Ponâ—ia in the fifteenth yeare of the raign 〈◊〉 Dâ—nâ—tian for no other reason but that she constantly professed her selfe to be a Christian These two following suffered persecution under Antonius Verus in France Blondina who is said to weary her tormentors patiently enduring more then they could malitiously inflict insomuch that before she fainted they confessed themselves overcome she ready still to suffer and beare when they had not blowes to give for as oft as she spake these words I am a Christian neither have I committed any evill she seemed to the spectators of her martyrdome to be so refreshed and comforted from above that she felt no paine or anguish in the middest of her torture and in that patience she continued without alternation even to the last gaâ—â— Biâ—â—is one that before through her womanish weaknesse had faiâ—â—ed for fear oâ— torments comming to see her with others exâ—â—uted was so strengthened to behold their constancy that as it were awakened out of her former dream and comparing those temporall punishments which lasted but a moment with the eternall pains of hell fire gave up her selfe freely for the Gospels sake Dionysius in an Epistle to Fabius Bishop of Antioch reckons up those that suffered martyrdome under Decius the Emperor Quinta a faithfull woman was by the Infidels brought into a Temple of their Idols unto which because she denied divine adoration they bound her hand and foot and most inhumanely dragged her along the streets upon the sharp stones but when that could not prevaile with her they beat her head and sides and bruised them against Milâ—stones that done she was pitiously scourged and lastly bloodily executed The same Lâ—ctors laid hands on Apollonia a Virgin but something grounded in years and because she spake boldly in the defence of her Faith first with barbarous cruelty they beat out her teeth then without the City they prepared a huge pile threatning to burn her instantly unlesse she would renounce her Christianity but she seeming to pause a little as if she meant better to consider of the matter when they least suspected leapt suddenly into the fire and was there consumed to ashes Ammomarion a holy Virgin after the suffering of many torments under the same Tyrant gave up her life an acceptable sacrifice for the Gospell Mercuria a vertuous woman and one Dionysia a fruitfull and child-bearing martyr after they were questioned about their faith and in all arguments boldly opposed the Judges were first rackt and tortured till they were past all sence of feeling that done they caused them to be executed Theodosia was a virgin of Tyrus about the age of eighteen years she comming to visit certaine prisoners at Cesarea who were called to the bar and because they stood stedfastly in the defence of the Gospell prepared themselves to hear the most welcome sentence of death pronounced against them which Theodosia seeing gently saluted them comforted them and perswaded them to continue in their constancy withall humbly desired them to remember her devoutly in their praiers which she knew would be acceptable to him for whose love they so freely offered up their lives The Officers this hearing dragged
other insomuch that the horse opprest with hunger devoured her hence came that Adage 〈◊〉 upon Diogineanus More cruel then Hyppomanes Gregorius Turonensis remembers one Deuteria fearing lest her young daughter now grown ripe and marriageable who might be deflâ—ured by King Theodebertus cast her headlong into the river that runs by the City Viridunum where she was drowned Orchamus finding his daughter Leucothoe to be vitiated by Apollo caused her to be buried alive Lucilla the daughter of Marcus Antonus and Fausta as Herodian reports was slaine by the hand of her brother Commodus against whom she had before made a conjuration Lychione the daughter of Dedalion because she durst compare her selfe with Diana was by the goddesse wounded to death with an arrow at the celebration of whose exequies when her body was to be burnt her father likewise cast himselfe into the fire Hylonome the she Centaur seeing her husband Cillarius slain in the battell betwixt the Centaurs and the Lapithes fell upon his sword and so expired Anmianus and Marcellus lib. 16. have left recorded that Mithridates King of Pontus being overcome in a battell by Pompey committed his daughter Dyraptis to the safe custody of the Eunuch Menophilus to be kept in a strong Cittadel called Syntiarium which when Manutius Priscus had straitly besieged and the Eunuch perceived the defenders of the Castle dismaid and ready to submit themselves and give up the fort he drew out his sword and slew her rather then she should be mode a captive to the Roman General Sextas Aurelius writes of the Empresse Sabina the wife of Adrian who having suffered from him many grosse and servile injuries gave her selfe up to a voluntary death when she considered she had supported so inhumane a tyrant and such a contagious pest to the Common weal. Pontus de Fortuna speaks of a virgin amongst the Salattines called Neaera who grieving that a young man to whom she was betrothed had forsaken her and made choise of another caused her veins to be opened and bled to death Cleopatra after the death of Anthony lest she should be presented as a Captive to grace the triumphs of Augustus gave her arm to the biting of an Asp of which she died for in that manner was her picture presented in Rome of whom Propertius lib. 3. thus speaks Brachia spectavi sacris admorsa colubris Neaera and Charmione were the two handmaids of Cleopatra These as Plutarch and others report of them would by no perswasion survive their Queen and mistresse who perceiving as they were gasping betwixt life and death the Crown to be falne from the temples of their dead Lady raised themselves from the earth with the small strength they had left and placed it right again on her forehead that she might the better become her death which they had no sooner done but they both instantly fell down and breathed their last an argument of an unmatchable zeal to the Princesse their Lady Monima Miletia and Veronicha Chia were the wives of Mithridates who understanding of his tragicall fall and miserable end gave up their lives into the hands of the Eunuch Bochides Monima first hanged her self but the weight of her body breaking the cord she grew somewhat recovered and fell into this sad acclamation O execrable power of a diadâ—â— whose command even in this small sad service I cannot use which words were no sooner spoke but she offered her 〈◊〉 to the sword of the Eunuch who instantly dispatched 〈◊〉 both of life and torment Veronica drank oft a 〈◊〉 of wine tempered with person which dispersing into her veins and keeping her in a languishing torment her death was likewise hastned by the Eunuch Bochides A strange madnesse possest the Virgins of Milesia these as Aeltanus and others have writ gave themselves up to voluntary deaths many or the most strangling themselves this grew so common amongst them that scarce one day past in which some one or other of them were not found dead in their chambers To remedy which mischiefe the Senators of the City made a decree That what maid soever should after that time lay violent hands upon her self the body so found dead should be stript naked and in publick view dragg'd through the streets freely exposed to the â—ies of all men The impression of which shame more prevailing then the terror of death none was ever after known to commit the like outrage upon themselves Phaedra the step-mother to Hippolitus her son in law and wife of Theseus when she could not corrupt a young man her son in law to make incestuous the bed of his father despairing hung her selfe yet before her death she writ certain letters in which she accused Hippolitus to his father of incest which after proved the speedy cause of his death Amongst many strange deaths these of two mothers are not the least remarkable most strange it is that sudden joy should have much power to suffocate the spirits as the power of lightning The rumour of the great slaughter at the Lake of Thrasimenes being published one woman when beyond all hope she met her son at the City gate safely returned from the generall defeats cast her selfe into his arms where in that extasie of joy she instantly expired Another hearing her son was slain in the battell after much sorrow for his death sitting in her own house and spying him unexpectedly comming towards her safe and in health she was so overcome with sudden joy that not able to rise and give him meeting she died as she sate in her chaire Most strange it is that joy should make speedier way to death then sorrow these mothers Zoe remembred by Valerius Maximus lib. 9. cap. 12. So much I hope shall suffice for women that have died strange deaths for I had rather hear of many to live well then that any one should die ill I only intreat patience of the courteous Reader that as I have begun this book in sadnesse so he will give me leave to conclude it in jest Some no doubt though not justly will tax me for my too much intermixtion of history and say there be many things inserted not pertinent to my project in hand which might better have been left out then put in They in my conceit do but dally with me and put such a trick upon me as a Gentleman did upon a Country hostler My tale is but homely but it hath a significant Moral This traveller often using to a thorowfare Inne was much annoied by reason that betwixt his chamber and the stable where he commonly used to see his horse drest and meated there lay great heaps of pullens dung in his way which much offended him and being willing either to be rid of that inconvenience or punish him that might remedy it he took occasion to ask the hostler what dâ—nghill that was which was so offensive He answered him his
〈◊〉 talk and discourse that tended to immodestly she refreined all affected habit 〈◊〉 favoured of pride or might be imputed to lightnesse she detested she was only addicted to Câ—ivalry to be accounted valiant and vertuous that was her honourable aim and such her memorable â—nd Bona was a Lady of Lombaâ—dy and was sirnamed Longabarba and not 〈◊〉 â—anked with these she was a woman warriour and lived in the year of grace 1568. she was the wife of Bâ—unorius Parmensis a worthy and rerenownâ—d souldâ—er her viâ—gin youth was continually exercised in hunting and the chace she attended her husband in all 〈◊〉 expeditions not as a partner of his pleasures but a companion in his dangers she kept not the City when he was in the camp nor lodged in tent when he lay in the field noâ— crept she more close to him in bed then she stood last by him in battell after many great services performed and glorious victories atchieved he fell into the displeasure of Alexander King of Sicily who cast him into prison But this noble Lady Bona good both in name and conditions never lâ—ft soliciting the Emperor and other Christian Princes both by petitions and friends till she had purchased him a safe an honourable release The next Virago that comes in place is Atalanta Apollodorus Atheniensis lib. 3. de deorum origine thus compiles her history Of Lycurgus and Cleophile or as some will have it Eurinome were born Ancaeus Epochus Amphidamus and Idaeus of Amphidamus Melamian a son and Antimalâ—e a daughter whom Euristhaeus married of Jasus and Clymene the daughter of Mimia was Atalanta born whose father desirous of masculine issue cast her out to a desperate fortune whom a she-Beare finding fed her with her milk till certain â—untsmen coursing that way and chancing upon so sweet and beautifull an infant took her home and saw her fairly and liberally educated She being grown to mature age notwithstanding she was sollicited by many suitors took upon her the strict vow of virginity and arming her selfe after the maner of Diana solely devoted her selfe to hunting and the chace and increasing in beauty as she did in years she was ambushed by two Centaurs Rhaecus and Hyllaeus who insidiating her virgin chastity she with two shafts transpierc'd them and left them dead in the place The next heroick action which made her famous she came with all the noble youths of Greece to the hunting of the Calidonian Boar and was the first that drew blood of the beast in the presence of Meleager Prince of Aetolia and all the other brave Heroes of whom Putanus lib. 3. de Stellis thus speaks Qualis in Aetolum campis Meleagria virgo Stravit aprum c. As did the Meleagrian girle Who in the Aetolian plain Laid flat the foaming Boare and was The formost of the train That gave him bold encounter and As ignorant of feare Noct her sharp arrow and the string Pluckt close up to her care The first that day in field that blood From the stern monster drew Bearing the honour spoile and palme From all that Princely crew Of the love of Meleager to her and of his death I either have or shall find occasion to speak elsewhere Her next aâ—chievement by which she purchased her selfe honour was her contention in the sports of Peleus It shall not be amisse to tell â—ou what these sports and pastimes were They were the twelve in number that were celebrated amongst the Greeks Acastus the son of Peleus instituted them in honour of his father Zâ—thas the son of Aquilo overcame in that which was called Doliâ—hodromus which signifies a race of twelve furlongs Calais his brother had the best in the Diantus which was a race of two furlongs Castor the son of Jupiter was victor in the Stadium which was a place of running or exercise as well for men as horse the word signifies a furlong or a measure of ground there be of them three sorts one of Italy containing 615 feet which amounteth to 125 paces the second is called Olympicum which exists of 600 feet which is an hundred and twenty paces the third Pythicum conteining 1000 feet which comes to 200 paces About these Stadia â—liny and Diodorus differ in the description of Sicily eight of these furlongs make an Italian mile conteining 1000 paces and every pace five feet Polluâ— carried away the prize called Cestus which signifies a married belt or girdle which the husband used to tie about the wast of his bride and unloose the first night of their wedding Telamon the son of Ajax had the praise in Disco or casting the bullet or the stone Peleus in wrestling Meâ—â—ager the son of Oereus in casting of the dart Cignus the son of Mars slew Pilus the son of Dâ—odatus Bellerophon was the most eminent for riding the horse And Iolaus the son of Iphicles for managing the Chariot Hercules overcame in many things but Atalanta in all Noâ— long after this comming to the knowledge of her parents and being by them perswaded to marry to prevent the loathed embraces of a husband trusting to her own incomparable swiftnesse she devised a race in which she proposed her selfe the prize of the victor but the vanquished were mulcted with the loss of their heads after the slaughter of many Princes Melanion before spoken of inflamed with her love received of Venus three golden apples which he let fall one after another in the swiftnesse of their course she by stooping to take them up slackned her speed and by losing the race became his prize and bride Some write that they ran in Chariots and armed trusting to the swiftnesse of their steeds not the velocity of their own feet The manner of their running is elegantly described in Ovid of which I will give you present expression Hesiod Naso and others will not allow Atalanta to be the daughter of Jasus but Schoeneus Euripides derives her from Menelaus making her the bride of Hyppomanes the son of Megaraeus grand-child of Neptune not of Melamion The manner of their course is thus set down Metamorph lib. 10. Signa tubae dederunt c. The signall given whilst both prepared stand Now on they go their heels but kisse the sand And leave no print behind you would suppose They might passe seas and yet their nimble toes Not mingle with the billowes or extend Their course o'r ripe ears yet the stalks not bend On all sides the young men spectators cry Well run Hippomenes who seems to flie More swiftly then their voices if thy meed Be worth thy toile now now 't is time to speed Clamour and shouts encourage both her pace She sometimes slacks to look back on his face His labour made it lively on the way Which forc'd her oft when she might passe him stay She outstrips him though but halfe against her will And feels his drie breath on her locks play still Which her speed cast behind The course
and feature they were most frequent amongst the inhabitants of Tenedos and Lesbos Heraclius Lembus writes That in Sparta with great admiration and reverence they observe the fairest man or woman and commonly the Spartane beauties are the most illustrious Therefore of the King Archidamus it is left registred That being to make choice of a Queen when one singularly beautifull but of small doweâ— and another wondrous rich but extraordinary deformed were placed before him he cast 〈◊〉 upon the goods of Fortune and neglecting the treasures of Nature preferred bondage before beauty For which the Ephori which in Athens were the same Officers that The Tribunes were in Rome called him to account and put him to an extraordinary great 〈◊〉 saying This man in stead of Soveraigns would beget subjects and for Princes leave peasants to succeed and raign over us Euâ—ioides saith That beauty hath the first place in the claim of Empire therefore those that in Homer were admirers of Helens beauty spake to this purpose Indignum nihil est Troâ—s sortes Achivos Tempore tam longo perpessos esse labores Ob talem uxorem cui praestantissima soâ—ma Nil mortale refert superisque simillima dâ—vis The Greeks and Trejans who can say were base So long and so great labours to endure For such a wife whose most excellent face Shewes nothing mortall but all God like pure This made the Spartans the place from whence Helen was ravished as the greatest 〈◊〉 to entertain a stranger to shew unto them their Virgins naked A custome they had likewise in the Isle of Châ—os in certain times of the yeer after the same manner to behold the young men and maids in publick wrastle together Nitetis CAmbyses hearing that the Aegyptian women did much differ from other nations in manners and behaviour especially from the custome of the Persians sent to Amasa King of the Aegyptians to demand his only daughter in marriage The King something troubled at this Embassie as fearing he would rather keep his daughter as a concubin then to give her the right of her birth and to honor her with the titles of a Queen and Bride he devised this policy to delude Cambyses and still to conserve her chastity he had there in his Court a young Lady called Nitetis the daughter of Aprias an Aegyptian whom because he had been defeated in a battel against the Cyrenaeans Amasa had caused to be slain This Nitetis being the prime and choice beauty of the Court in all her lineaments so exquisite that he presumed she would not only content but much delight the King he instructed her how to take upon her the name of his daughter and in every circumstance and complement how to demean her selfe so with a Princely train accommodates her for the journie Being arrived in Persia she was reially enterteined by the King her behaviour and beauty more pleasing him then any of his choice damosels selected out of his many Provinces insomuch that he hastned the marriage which was with no small pomp according to the manner of the Persians Nitetis lying in the Kings bosome and knowing how much she was endeared to him as now not casting his eie or affection upon any other began to call to remembrance her fathers death and what a plain and smooth way lay open to her to be revenged on him that slew him and forgetting the honours she had received by Amasa's means in preferring her to be Queen of Persia not rating that good equall with the ill she received in the shedding of her fathers blood she opened to Cambyses all the whole imposture withall importuned him to revenge the death of her father Aprias The King as much pleased with her plain and seeming simplicity as incensed with so great an injury done to him by Amasa as well to revenge her father as his own wrongs with an invincible army invaded Aegypt Dinon in his book of the Persian History and Lynceas Naucratica in his Aegyptian History they agree that Nitetis was sent to Cyrus and that by him she was the mother of Cambyses and that after the death of Cyrus the Army with which he went against Amasa and invaded Aegypt was to revenge the wrongs of a mother and not a wife Bersane SHe as Curtius and Gellius both assent was the widdow of one Daâ—aseus of that singular aspect that Alexander the great became enamoured of her above all other so that when neither the rare beauty of Darius his wife and daughters could tempt him nor the whorish blandishments of Thaâ— and others corrupt him indeed where his in desty and temperance is preâ—â—rred before many other Princes almost all yet with her he was intangled For those that write of him affirm that he was never known to enter into the familiar embraces of any save his own wife and this Bersane whom he made one of the Queens women It is not to be questioned but that Berseba she was a goodly faire woman and of extraordinary fâ—â—rure which pierced so deep into the brest of that wise King and Prophet David that all religion and sanctity set apart he for her love committed the two most heinous and horrible sins of adultery and murder for he caused her husband Vriah to be slain and after married her a great blemish to his former holinesse of whom Strozzâ— Pater thus writes Ille sacri vates operis Jessâ—â—a proles Prafecit populo quem Deus ipse suo Bersabeae captus forma The Psalmisl born of the Jesseian Line The famous Author of that work Divine Whom God made Ruler 〈◊〉 his people he Dotes on the feature of faire Bâ—â—sabe Lycaste one of the daughters of Priam. was faire above measure insomuch that Polydamus the sonne of Anthenor whom he begor of Theano the sister of Hecuba of a Concubine made her his wise There was another Lycasle that we read of who for her perfection in all degrees of comliness had the name of Venus bestowed upon her The wise of Candaules THis Candaules whom the Grecians call Myrsilus was King of the Saâ—dians and descended from Alcaeus the son of Hercules having a wise whom he affectionatly loved and therefore judging her to be the fairest of women could not contain his pleasures but comming to one Gyges the son of Dascylus a servant of his to whom he vouchsafed his greatest familiarity he to him exâ—ols the beauty of his wife above measure and because saith he I would have thee truly know that she is no otherwise then I have reported her and that mens ears naturally aâ—e more incredulous then their eies I will devise a means that thou shalt see her naked To whom Gyâ—es replied O roiall Sir What words be these you speake thee which rather â—avours of a man distract then well coâ—â—sulled and advised women that put off their garments with them put off their modesty therefore it was well determined and provided by our fathers wherein
they proposed unto us honest rules and examples among which this was one That every man should have inspection into his own and guide himselfe by that compasse I verily beleeve she is matchlesse above all other women and deservedly to merit that character you have given her but withall I beseech you that you will not perswade me to any thing which is not lawfull At these words the King seemed to be displeased and repli'd Be confident O Gygâ—s and neither distrust me in so perswading thee nor my wife who is altogether ignorant of what I intend since from neither of us any damage or detriment no not so much as the least displeasure can arise for first I have devised that she shall not know nor once suspect that thou hast beheld her for I will order it that thou shalt be secretly conveied into the chamber and unseen behold every passage of her making unready and comming to bed Now when thou hast freely surveied her in every part and lineament and spiest her back towards thee convey thy selfe out of the room only in this be carefull that at thy removing she cast no eie upon thee This done the next morning give me thy free and true censure Gyges that could by no means avoid his importunity was prepared against the time The King according to his accustomed hour conveys himselfe into his chambâ—â— and so to bed the Queen soon after entring â—â—poils her selfe of all her 〈◊〉 and ornaments even to her 〈◊〉 all which Gyges was spectator of who no soner spied her back 〈◊〉 to go towards bed but Gyges slips from the place where he was hid which was not so cuâ—â—ingly done â—ut he 〈◊〉 espied by the Queen she demanding the reason of it from her husband and ne certifying the truth but 〈◊〉 what modesty he could excusing it she neither seemed to be angry nor a â—rogether well pleased but in her silence meditated revenge for amongst the Lydians and almost all those barborous nations it is held great incivility and immodesty to behold a man much more a woman naked The next morning by such servants as she best trusted she caused Gyges to be sent for who misdoubting nothing that had past as one that had many times free accesse unto her instantly came she causing her servants to withdraw themselves thus bespake him Two waies are proposed thee O Gyges and one of them instantly and without least premeditation to make choise of Either thou must kill Candaules and that done be possessed of me and with me the Crown of Lydia or instantly die for thy doom is already determined of because thou shalt know that in all things it is not convenient to obey the King or search into that which thou oughtest not to know There is now a necessity that either he that counselled thee to this must perish or thou that obeiedst him against all Law or Justice to behold me against reason or modesty naked Gyges at these words was first wondrously amazed but after recollecting himselfe entreated her not to compell him to so hard an exigent as to the choice of either But finding that necessity that he must be forced to one or the other to kill the King or to be slain by others he rather made choice to survive and let the other perish and thus answered her Since generous Lady you urge me to an enterprize so much opposite to my milder nature and disposition propose some safe course how this may de done Even saith she in the selfe-same place where he devised this mischiefe against himselfe namely his bed-chamber where to thee I was first discovered Therefore providing all things necessary for so determinate a purpose and the night comming on Gyges who knew no evasion but to kill his master or die himselfe awaited his best advantage and having notice when Candaules was asleep followed the Queen into her chamber and with a Ponyard by her provided for the purpose stabbed him to the heart by which he attained both the Queen and Kingdome Of this history Archilochus Parius makes mention in his Iambicks who lived about the same time affirming that Gyges was by the Oracle of Delphos confirmed in the Kingdome after the faction of the Heraclides had opposed his soveraignty Rowan and Estrilda ROwan was a maid of wonderfull beauty and pleasantnesse daughter to Hengest a Captain of the Saxons Of this Lady Vortiger then King grew so enamoured that for her sake he was divorced from his wife by whom he had three sons for which deed the greatest part of the Brittains forsook him therefore he by the instigation of Rowan still caused more and more Saxons to be sent for under pretence to keep the Land in subjection But the Brittains considering the daily repair of the Saxons came to the King and told him the danger that might ensue entreating him whilst it was yet time and to prevent a future miserie to expell them the Land But all in vain for Vortiger was so besotted in the beauty of his fair wife by whose counsell he was altogether swaied that he would in no wife listen to the counsell of his subjects Wherefore they with one united consent deprived him of his Crown and dignity making Vortimerus his eldest son King in his stead Who was no sooner Crowned but with all expedition he raised an army and pursued the Saxons and in four main battels besides conflicts and skirmishes became victorious over them The Saxons and their insolencies thus supprest and the King now governing the Land in peace after he had reigned seven years was by this Rowan in revenge of the disgrace done to her King deposed and her Countrimen disgraced most trecherously poisoned Locrin the eldest son of Brute chased the Huns which invaded the realm of England and so hotly pursued theâ—â— that many of them with their King were drowned in a river which parteth England and Scotland and after the name of the King of the Huns who there perished the river is to this day called Humber This King Locrin had to wife Guendoline a daughter of Corineus Duke of Cornwall by whom he had a son called Madan He kept also a Paramour called the beautifull Lady Estrilda by whom he had a daughter called Sabrina Locrine after the death of Corineus of whom he stood in awe divorced himselfe from his lawfull wife and took to his embraces his fair concubine moved with this injury Guendoline retired her self into Cornwall where she gathered a great power fought with her husband slew him in battell and after caused him to be buried in Troy-novant That done she caused the fair Estrilda with her daughter Sabrina to be drowned in a river that which parts England and Wales which still bears the name of the young Virgin and is called Severn These her designs accomplished for so much as Madan her young son was but in his pupillage and not of capacity or age to govern the Land by the
Lady with her son to King Polydectes He surprized with her beauty married her and caused her son Perseus to be educated in the Temple of Minerva and after made attonement betwixt them and Acrisius But Polydectes dying at the funerall games celebrated at his death in casting of a mighty stone being one of the exercises then used Perseus whose hand failed him cast it unawares upon the head of Acrisius and slew him against his own purpose making good the will of the Oracle Acrisius being buried Perseus succeeded his grandfather in the City Argos Helena was first â—avished by Theseus and afterwards by Paris she had these suitors Antiochus Ascalaphus Ajax Oeleus Antimachus Aeceus Blanirus Agapenor Ajax Telamonius Clyrius Cyanaeus Patroclus Diomedes Penelaeus Phaemius Nyraeus Polyâ—â—tes Elephenor Fumetus Stâ—nelus Tlepolemus Protesilaus Podalyrius Euripilus Idomâ—naeus Telioâ—es Tallius Polyxeâ—us Protus Menestaeus Machaon Thoas Vlysses Philippus Meriones Mâ—ges Philocletes Laeonteus Talpius Prothous but she was possessed by 〈◊〉 Auge was the faire daughter of Aleus and comprest by Hercules and delivered of her son in the mountain Parthenius at the same time Atalanta the daughter of Jasius exposed her son begot by Mâ—leager unto the same place these children being found by the Shepherds they called the son of Hercules Telephus because he was nursed by a Hart which sed him with her milk they called the son of Meleager Parthenopaeus of the mountain Auge fearing her fathers displeasure fled into Moesia to King Teâ—thrus who for her beauties sake having himselfe no children adopted her his heire These following are the fiâ—ty fair daughters of Danaeus with the fifty sons of Aegiptus whom the first night of their marriage they slew Idea killed Antimachus Philomela Pantheus Scilla Pâ—oteus Philomone Plexippus Euippe Agenor Demoditas Chrysippus Hyale Perius Trite Enceladus Damone Amintor Hypothoe Obrimus Mirmidone Mineus Euridice Canthus Cleo Asterius Arcania Xanthus Cleopatra Metalces Philea Phylinas Hyparite Protheon Chrysothemis Asterides Pyraule Athamas her name is lost that slew Armoasbus Glaucippâ— Niavius Demophile Pamphilus Antodice Clytus Polyxena Egyptus Hecabe Driantes Achemantes Echominus Arsalle Ephialtes Monuste Euristhenes Amimone Medamus Helice Evideus Amoeme Polydector Polybe Iltonomus Helicta Cassus Electra Hyperantus Eubule Demarchus Daplidice Pugones Hero Andromachus Europone Atlites Pyrantis Plexippus Critomediâ— Antipaphus Pyrene Dolychus Eupheno Hyperbius Themistagora Podasiâ—us Palaeno Ariston Itaea Antilochus Erate Endemon Hypâ—â—â—â—nestra was the only Lady that in that great slaughter spaâ—ed her husband Lyncaeus What should I speak of Antigona the sister of Polynices Electra the daughter of Clytemneâ—tâ—a Hermâ—â—ne of Heten Polyxena of Hecuba Iphigenia of Agameniaon Erigone Merope Proserpina Amimone Oenone Calisâ—e Alope the daughter of Cercyon and Theophane of Bysaltis both stuprated by Neptune Theonoe and Zeutippe the daughters of Thestor Chione otherwise called Philâ—nide the daughter of Dedalion Coramis the daughter of Phlegia adulterated by Apollo Nictimine comprest by her father Epopeus The very Index or Catalogue of whose names only without their histories would ask a Volume For their number I will refer you to Ovid in his first book de Aâ—te Amandi Gargara quot sâ—getes c. Thick as ripe ears in the Gargarian fields As many green boughs as Methimna yeelds Fâ—sh Foule or Stars in Sea Air Heaven there be So many pretty wenches Rome in thee Aeneas mother is still lov'd and fear'd In that great City which her son first rear'd If only in young girls thou do'st rejoice There 's scarce one house but it affoords thee choice If in new-married wives but walk the street And in one day thou shalt with thousands meet Or if in riper years but look before Where ere thou go'st thou shalt find Matrons store If then one City and at one time could affoord such multiplicity of all ages and degrees how many by that computation may we reckon from the beginning amongst all the nations of the world I doubt not then but this draught of water fetch'd from so vast a fountain may at least cool the palate if not quench the thirst of the insatiate Reader Manto ZEbalia a man whose birth ranked him in the file of nobility being emploied upon service in the Turkish wars brought with him his most estimated and greatest treasure his deerest spouse stiled Manto But he dying in the crimson bed of honour the sinister hand of war gave her into the captivity of Bassa Jonuses who beholding with admiration a creature of so divine a feature was though her conqueror taken captive by her beauty who having put her vertue to the Test found it to parallel if not out shine her form Wherefore being covetous to engrosâ— so rich a booty to himselfe he took her to wife bestowing on her a more honourable respect then on his other wives and concubines and she likewise endeavoured to meet his affection with an answerable observance and obedience This fervent and mutuall love continued long inviolate betwixt them insomuch that they were no lesse honoured for their eminence of state then remarkable for their conjugall affection but that cursed fiend Jealousie envying at their admired sympathy stâ—aight usurpâ— the throne of reason and sits a predominant tyrant in his fantastick brain for he grew so strangely jealous that he thought some one or other to corrivall him but yet knew noâ— whom to â—aint with any just suspicion nay he would confesse that he had not catcht the least spark of loosenesse from her that might thus fire this beacon of distraction in him Briefly his wife as beautifull in mind as feature wearied with his daily peevish humours and seeing all her studies aimed at his sole content were enterteined with neglect and insolent scorn she resolved to leave him and secretly to flie into her native Country to further which she unlocks this her secret intent to an Eunuch of the Bassaes giving him withall certain letters to deliver to some friends of hers whom she purposed to use as agents in the furtherance of her escape but he proving treacherous in the trust committed to his charge betrai'd her to her husband shewing her letters as testimonies to his allegations The Bassa at this discovery swoln big with rage called her before him whom in his desperate fury he immediately stabbed with his dagger thus with the cause of jealousie taking away the effect But this bloody deed somewhat loosened him 〈◊〉 the peoples hearts where he before grew deeply and â—â—st rooted nor did he out-run vengeance for at the last her leaden feet overtook him and in this manner Selymus the first at his departure from Cairo his soldiers whom he there left in garrison made suit unto his Highnesse That in consideration of the great labours they had already undergone together with the many dangers they were hourly in expectation of that their wages might be enlarged which he granted and withall gave this Bassa Jonuses the charge to see the performance thereof At last the
bid themselves to feast A dolefull song to a sad tune recited Of th' Argive fleet in their return distrest And cast in sundrie exiles on what coast Such men miscarry where such Princes perish Vpon what rocks and shelves such ships were tost Him whil'st Penelope bold suitors cherish The discontented Queen with Prayers and Tears Wils him desist the Harper soon forbears But to leap from the first to the seventeenth book and to omit all Vlysses travels and adventures till his meeting with his son Telemachus who brought him into his own Court in the disguise of a begger to see what revels were kept there in his absence Known only to his son and his friend Eumaeus and not yet to Penelope Jam Caelum roseis rutilat Tritonia bigis Telemachus unto the Queen relates The processe of his long peregrination Eumaeus brings Ulysses ' mongst those states That sought his bed where they in courtly fashion Were sate at a rich banquet with his wife There he begs meat Antinous ' mongst the rest Threats with injurious words to seise his life But the mild Queen invites him as her guest Ulysses for that time forbears their sight But sends the Queen word he will come at night Irus adest populi per mendicabula notus In his own Palace whilst Ulysses craves Their Charity Irus that was indeed One of that rank and begg'd ' mongst ragged slaves Boldly thrusts in amongst the rest to feed From words these grow to blowes the suitors they Encourage both parts to maintain the Fray Proposing him that shall â—â—â—ome for prize The intrails of a Goat Ulysses he Proves victor in his beggers base disguise And halfe dead Iâ—us of the place doth free For which he 's guerdon'd at the Queens request With a rich Gift from every unbid guest At parte 〈◊〉 domus secretus Vlysses Ulysses with Telemachus conspires The death of all those suitors both devising How to release the Queen to her desires And free the Palace from their tyâ—annizing And that they neither may offend nor stand Complâ—â— by night their weapons how to steale Now by Humaeus to the Queeâ—s fair hand Her Loâ—d is brought who will not yet reveal Himselfe to her but saith he is of Creet To whom her husband 〈◊〉 had been a guest They part The Queen commands to wash his 〈◊〉 And for that night betakes her to her rest That 〈…〉 takes his Nurse before She 〈…〉 upon his flesh espies Oâ— mount Parnassus given 〈◊〉 by a Bore It was no sooner seen but out she cries Ulysses Are you come Beâ—ng thus descâ—i'd He praies and brikes that she his name will hide Iamque procos genua amplexus orabat Ulysses The guest at banquet Eresippus casts To 〈◊〉 Ulysses but he mist his aim 〈…〉 both time and banquet wasts 〈…〉 to the place Theoclemenus came Expeâ—t in Divination who sore-spake At table to them all their eminent ruine But at his words they strange derisions make Abusâ—ng all that speak of things ensuing They 〈◊〉 the high â—owers and contemn the fates And thrust at length the Prophet forth the gates Vnto Eumaeus and Philetius too In whom he trusts the Prince himselfe makes known And what that night he had intent to doe And how to make safe seizure of his own which croft must doe be cals for that strong bow In which what time he woo'd his beauteous Bride All that were Rivals must their vigors show Yet he atchiev'd what many suitors tri'd This was propos'd a second marriage prize And now the selfe-same Bow before them brought All prove their strengths save he in his disguise But much unable they prevailed nought The Bow the son unto his father gave Which they deriding no way would admit That such a needy and penurious slave It being a Kings should once lay hand on it The rather they being in their prime of years And he so aged yet he needs must try And now his ancient potency appears They shame to see it done and they stand by Squalentes Hâ—meris habitus rejecit Vlysses Ulysses drawes the string up to his ear The keen shaft flies and stern Antinous pierces At this the boldest stand amaz'd and fear Whilst he enrag'd strewes all the room with Hearses The Palace gates are shut no man can flie Eumaeus and Telemachus proceed With bold Philetius and aloud they crie Kill all spare none for now the bold'st must bleed The harmlesse Phemius that but came in sport Skilful in th' Harp their ruthlesse furies spare And Medon that did ne'r offend the Court Or ' gainst Penelope the least thing dare But stern Melanthius one of her own Train That did the suitors in their riots cherish He by their swords amongst the rest is slain Twelve strumpets likewise in their furies perish Chalcidicum gressu nutrix superabat anili From sleep Euriclia soon awak'd the Queen Relating all that had that night been done What valour in her husband she had seen And what in her just servants and her son In her distraction to beleeve or no. By this Ulysses to the Queens fair bed Approacheth whom at first she did not know Till by some tokens he 's acknowledged Receiv'd and lodg'd be makes a full Narration Of his Wars Travels Acts and Navigation And so much the better to illustrate the History of Penelope Capanaeus being dead at the celebration of his funerals his wife Evadne cast her selfe into the flames of whom Martial Aâ—serit Evadne flammis injecta mariti Of no lesse fame was Laodamia her husband Protesilaus under whose jurisdiction were Antron Philaca and Larissa Cities of Thessalie was the first Greek that was slain in the siege of Troy and some write by the hand of Hector which sad newes when his wife understood to comfort her sorrow she only desired of the gods to see his ghost or shadow which she supposing to be granted her in the imagination thereof she expired Of no lesse memory is Panthaea the wife of Abratidas a noble Persian who no sooner heard that her husband was slain in battell but with a poniard stabbed her selfe to the heart and so died Sophronia Romana by some called Christiana by others Lucretia when she could no longer put off the importunities of the Prince Decius having before besought the consent of her husband slew her selfe As great an honour to her family was Antonia who in the prime and flourishing time of her beauty having buried her husband to prevent the temptation of suitors married her selfe to the strictnesse of one chamber to which her younger sister being a vowed Virgin had confined her selfe thus in one bed the heat of youth in the one was extinct and the solitude of widdowhood wasted in the other Q. Curtius lib. 1. remembers us of one Timoclea a Lady of Thebes who being forcibly adulterated by a Prince amongst the Thracians dissembled for a time both her hate and purpose not long
after she insinuated with him and told him she would conduct him to a place in which was hid much treasure of which he being covetous she brought him to the brink of a deep Well being in a remote place of the house to which he presenting himselfe and bending his body downwards to satisfie his expectation concerning the treasure she apprehending that advantage thrust him headlong into the Well and casting huge stones after him revenged her selfe upon the ravisher Brasilla Dyrrachina a prime Lady as Ludovic Viues lib. 1. de Instit Tem. Christian relates being taken prisoner and seeing an immediat shipwrack of her chastity threatned by her cruell victor she covenanted with him that if he would but reprieve her honour for the present she would give him an herb with whose juice if he would annoint any part of his body it should preserve it wound-free The souldier accepts of the condition she from a neighbour garden plucking up the weed that came next to hand with the sap or moisture thereof annoints her own neck and throat bidding him to draw out his sword and make triall of her selfe whether she kept not with him faithfull covenant The souldier giving crâ—dit to her words in regard of her constancy and courage with one strong blow dispatched her or life O resolute and Noble Lady saith Nicephorus lib. 7. cap. 15 to prefer death before the losse of her honour Francis Sforza Prince of Mediolâ—num being Generall of the Florentine Army having taken the City Casanova certain souldiers brought befoâ—e him a beautifull captive who with great vociferation called out Bring me to your Prince Bring me to your chiefe Generall The souldiers moved with her earnest clamour brought her before him who demanded of the woman Why she was 〈◊〉 importunate to be conducted into his presence to whom she answered For no other reason but to submit her selfe wholly to his pleasure conditionally he would secure her from the injurie of the souldiers to which he willingly assented and seeing her of such exquisite feature and so tempting a presence he purposed to make use of her libeâ—all and free proffer that night therefore he commanded a bed to be made ready in which she was lodged thether he presently repairs and being unclothed casts himselfe by her naked side but reaching his arm to embrace her her eies being full of tears and her heart of sorrow she humbly besought him before he touched her body but to grant her the hearing of a few words at which the Prince making a sudden pause she pointing with her finger to the picture of the blessed Virgin for Sforza was never without that or the like in his bed chamber she intreated him even for the remembrance he bore to the person whom that Table presented for the honour due to her Son and his Saviour and for the dignity of his goodnesse and for the sacred memory of his noble ancecestors not to infringe her matrimoniall Vow nor violate her conjugall Chastity but deliver her back an unspotted wife to her unfortunate husband who was then a prisoner amongst many other wretched captives Her words took such impression in the noble General that notwithstanding her tempting beauty the motives to inchastity his present opportunity and absolute power over her as she was his vassal and prisoner yet to shew his miraculous temperance he preferred a name of a chast and continent Prince before the imputation of a Tyrant or an Adulterer and instantly leapt out of the bed and left her to her modest and more quiet test In the morning he sent for her husband to whom after a great character of her Chastity given he delivered her not only freeing them both without ransome but from his own coffers bountifully rewarding her vertue in the subduing of his own affections gaining more honor then in the conquest of so great a City In this act not only imitating but exceeding Scipto For that incomparable Lady that was presented unto him was of high linage and princely parentage besides he lived in a free City and to have dishonoured her he had not only incurred censure but being then in a forrein nation purchased to himselfe the 〈◊〉 of tyrant and hazarded a new revolt of the people but that was nothing to oppose Prince Sforza in the satisâ—ying of his lust save his own goodnesse for what conqueror hath not power over his captive Fulgos lib 4 cap. 3. Anastatia Conflantinopolitana when Theodora Augusta was jealous that she was not beloved of her husband Justinianus Augustus and having to that purpose received some taunting words from the Emperesse to approve her innocencie she fled both to Court and City and retired her selfe into Alexandria where she lived obscured in the society of certain chast Virgins But after hearing of the death of Theodora her fears were not diminished but augmented for the Emperors love appeared to her a greater burden then the hate of the Empresse therefore to avoid that which many would have sought with greedinesse she changed her habit and taking the shape of a young man upon her fled into the furthest part of Aegypt called by the name of Anastasius where she lived privately austerely and ended her chast life in great sanctity Hieronym writes that Paula Romana after the 〈◊〉 of her husband was so far from being perswaded to a second that she was never known from that time to eat or drink in mans company Of a contrary disposition was Barbara the wife of Sigismund Emperor Aenaeus Silus relates of her that her husband being dead when divers perswaded her to continue still in her widdowhood proposing unto her that wamen ought to imitate the Turtles who if one be taken away by death the other will never chuse other mate but devote her selfe to perpetuall chastity thus answered If you have none else to bid me imitate but birds that have no reason why do you not as well propose me for example the Doves or the Sparrowes As contrary again to her was the daughter of Demotian Prince of the Areopagitae who no sooner heard that her husband Leosthenes was stain in the Lamick warre but instantly slew her selfe lest she should survive a second marriage Others there be that have kept a viduall chastity even in wedlock The Virgin Edeltrudis as Sigilbertus and Beda both witness was the daughter of Annas a Christian King of the East-Angles she was first delivered by her father in marriage to Candibertus a great Prince who were no sooner married but by mutuall consent they vowed lasting virginity at length he dying she was by her father compelled to a second nuptials with King Câ—phordus with whom she lived twelve years yet never as they could adjudge it unloosed her Virgin girdle After which time by her husbands consent she took upon her a religious life and entred a Monastery where as Marullus l. 4. cap. 8. saith she lived a more secure but not a more
chast life Infinite to this purpose are remembred by Fulgosius Marullus Albertus Cranzius c. as of Maria Desegnies Margarita Aegypta Cecilia Virgo Kâ—nâ—gunda Augusta wife to Henry of that name the first Emperor 〈◊〉 espoused to Julianus Antiâ—chenus Stamberga the Niece of cloâ—ovius married to Arnulphus a noble Frenchman 〈◊〉 and others without number which is somewhat difficult 〈…〉 wedded bended boarded lien and lived together yet went as pure Virgins to their graves as they came first to their â—â—adles Of these I may say as Ovid 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 Sh' abhorr'd the nuptiall bed and held it sin With modest blushes did the tender skin Of her fair cheek then to her father growes And her white arms about his neck she throwes And saith Deer Sir this one thing grant your child That I may live from lustfull man exil'd A voteresse 〈◊〉 Diana this desired And from her father had what she required I will produce one history or two at the most from our modern Histories and so cease further to speak of our married Virgins It is reported in the Legend That after Editha the daughter of Earl Godwin was married to King Edward otherwise called St Edward they mutually vowed betwixt themselves perpetual chastity and therein persevered to the end of their lives There continued in them saith the Legend a Conjugall love without any conjugall act and favourable embraces without any deflowring of Virginity for Edward was beloved but not corrupted and Editha had favour but was not touched she delighted him with love but did not tempt him with lust she pleased him with discourse and sweet society yet provoked him to no libidinous desire It is moreover in that Treatise recorded That they used to call marriage a shipwreck of Maidenhead comparing it to the fiery furnace of the Chaldaeans to the Mantle that Joseph left in the hâ—nd of a strumpet the wife of Potiphar to the lascivious outrage of the two wicked Elders who would have oppressed and vitiated Susanna the wife of Ioachim and lastly to the enticements of drunken Holoâ—ernes towards faire Judith one of the deliverers of her people And so much for the Legend But Richardus Davisiensis saith That being awed by Earle Godwin â—nd for the feare of hazarding his life and Kingdome Edward was compelled by threats and menaces to the 〈◊〉 of Editha Moreover Polidore 〈◊〉 That for the haâ—e he bore her father who had not long before most trâ—iterously slain his brother Alphred he caused himselfe to be divorced from her seizing her goods and dower to his own use and pleasure Ranulphus and one that 〈◊〉 himselfe Anonymos as willing to conceal his name say That she was disrobed of all her Queen-like honours and confined into the Abbey of Warnwel with only one maid to attend her and so committed to the strict custody of the Abbâ—sse William of Malâ—sbury and Marianus Scotus have left remembred That he neither dismissed her his bed nor carnally knew her but whether it was done in hatred to her Kindred or purpose of chastity they are not able to determine Robert Fabian confesseth as much in his Chronicle Part. 6. cap. 210. Howsoever the effects of that abstemious life were not only prejudiciall but brought lamentable effects upon this distracted Kingdome namely Innovation and Conquest for Edward dying without issue England was invaded and opprest by the Normans and the people brought to that miserie that happy was that subject that could say I am no Englishman And in this agree Matthew Paris Capgrave Fabian and Polydore As I hold it not necessary for married folk to tie themselves to this strict kind of abstinence so I hold it not convenient for any such as have to themselves and in their souls taken upon them the strict life of Virginity to be compelled to an enforced marriage as may appeaâ—â—y this discourse following recorded by Gulielm â—â—â—sburien Simeon Danelmens Matthew Paris Roger Hovedâ—â— Capgrave c. Henry the first of that name King of England and crowned in the year of Grace 1101 was by the instigation of Anselm once a Monk of Normandy but after by William Ruâ—us constituted Archbishop of Canterbury married unto Maud daughter to Malcolm the Scottish King she having taken a Vow and being a profest Nun in the Abbey of Winchester Much ado had the King her father the Queen her mother her Confessor Abbesse or the Bishop to alienate her from her setled resolution or perswade her to marriage but being as it were violently compelled thereunto she cursed the fruit that should succeed from her body which after as Polydore affirms turned to the great misfortune and misery of her children for afterwards two of her sons William and Richard were drowned by Sea Besides her daughter Maud who was afterwards Empresse proved an untortunate Mother and amongst many other things in bringing forth Henry the second who caused Thomas Becket to the slain it thus hapned All forreign wars being past and civill combustions being pacified in the year of our Lord 1120 Henry the first with great joy and triumph left Normandy and came into England But within few daies following this great mirth and jollity turned into a most heavy and fearfull sorrow for William and Richard his two sons with Mary his daughter Otwell their 〈◊〉 and Guardian Richard Earl of Chester with the Countesse his wife the Kings Neece many Chaplains Chamberlains Butlers and Servitors for so they are tearmed in the story the Archdeacon of Hereford the Princes play-fellowes Sir Geffrey Rydell Sir Robert Maldvyle Sir William Bygot with other Lords Knights Gentlemen great Heirs Ladies and Gentlewomen to the number of an hundred and forty besides Yeomen and Mariners which were about fifty all these saving one man which some say was a Butcher were all drowned together and not one of their bodies ever after found Many attribute this great Judgement to the heavy curse of Queen Maud others censure of it diversly Howsoever in this King as Polydore saith ended the Descent and Line of the Normans Of this Anselm before spoken of there are divers Epistles yet extant to many women in those daies reputed of great Temperance and Chastity as To Sister Frodelina Sister Ermengarda Sister Athelytes Sister Eulalia Sister Mabily and Sister Basyle To Maud Abbesse of Cane in Normandy and Maud the Abbesse of Walton here in England He writ a Treatise about the same time called Planctus amissae Virginitatis i. e. A bewailing of lost Virginity So far John Bale And so much shall serve for Chast wives in this kind being loth to tire the patience of the Reader Of Women Wantons DIon the Historiographer in Tiberio saith that Livia the wife of Augustus Caesar beholding men naked said to the rest about her That to continent and chast matrons such objects differed nothing from statues or images for the modest heart with immodest sights ought not to be corrupted The unchast eie more drawes
power then the King himselfe who long sleeping in this dream of majesty having given away all that was essentiall in a King he fell sick and died leaving behind him a child of five years old by his afore murthered wife and sister Laodice But his death was by these favourites long concealed whilst they had by all covetous Rapine snatched what they might out of the Kings treasurie by this to strengthen a faction of the most base and dissolute subjects that by monie thus ill got and debauch'd souldiers thus levied they might set safe footing in the Empire but it fel out far otherwise for the Kings death and their design was no sooner discovered but in the rude Concourse of the multitude the Minion Agathocles was first slain and the two women the mother and the daughter were in revenge of murthered Laodice hanged upon gybets being now made a scorn to every man that was before a terror to all the pupillage of the infant and the sâ—feâ—y of the Realm to his use the Romans most nobly after took to their protection Cleophis ALexander the Great after many conquests entring into India that he might contermine his Empire with the Ocean and the utmost parts of the East and to which glory that the ornaments of his army might suit the trappings of his horses and the armor of his souldiers were all studded with silver and his main army of their Targets of silver as Curtius writes he caused to be called Argyraspides In processe by gentle and pleasurable marches they came to the City Nisa the Citizens making no opposition at all trusting to the reverence due to Liber Pater by whom they say the City was first erected and for that cause Alexander caused it to be spared passing those fruitfull Hils where grapes grow in abundance naturally and without the help of aiâ— or hand of man he thence passed the Dedalian mountains even to the Provinces and Kingdome of the Queen Cleophis who hearing of his victories and fearing of his potency thought rather to affront him by fair means then by force by policy then power for knowing her self to be a woman of extraordinary state and beauty the by her Embassadors sollicited an enterview which Alexander granting she appeared before him of such a Queen-like majesty and her accomplishments of nature so helpt with the ornaments of art for she was adorned with the richest and best shining stones of India that her glory so captivated the heart of the conqueror that they came to treat of composition she proposing to him That it were no honour for so magnificent a victor so famous through the world for his conquests over men to insult upon the weak spoils of a woman inured to no other arms then the arms of a sweet and loving bedfellow yet if for the ransome of her Empire he would accept of her love and service in that kind she was there in person at his command his subject and servant Her beauty with this submission wrought such impression in the King that it was concluded betwixt them and by both parties agreed That at her honour should be the ranson of her Empire In conclusion they lovingly lay together and so ended these threatned hostilities in an amorous peace her body he left tainted but her Kingdome untouched She was that night with child by him of a son whom after his fathers name she called Alexander he inherited the Kingdome after her but by the Indians from that time forward in regard of her prostitution she was called the Kings whore Callipyge SO much were the Grecians given to all voluptuousnesse and pleasure that amongst others divers Chappels and Temples were dedicated to Venus Callipyga the word importing Quasi pulchras habens nates i. She that hath faire buttocks the originall of that superstition as Aegenaeus relates was this A Countrey Farmer being the father of two beautifull young Virgins these two concluded betwixt themselves which should have the priority in beauty But modesty forbidding them to dispute it with open faces they concluded between themselves to come to a place adjoining to the high-way and there to expose their back-parts naked to all such as passed by and so by the most voices to be censured Amongst many others a noble young young Gentleman of the next City by accident passing that way and somewhat astonished at so unwonted an object enquired the reason thereof and by one of the spectators being presently resolved â—e as suddenly gave the Palm to the elder and intimating by that he saw what the rest might prove grew greatly enamored and returning to his fathers house surprized with melancholly was of his brother demanded the cause he after some few bashful denials stil urged with the others importunacies discovered to him the whole circumstance of the businesse The brother desirous to be further instructed was by the lover conducted to the place and object which made him first grow enamoured whither he was no sooner brought but he grew presently inflamed with the love of the younger and gave his censure on her part These two had an old Senator to their father who much observed his children of him they demanded these virgins in marriage but he proposing to themselves matches more honourable they would no way assent But won at length with their importunacies he sent in their behalfe to the Farmer to demand his daugters in marriage An enterview was granted the parties agreed a marriage concluded and after comsummate with satisfaction on all sides From which time ever after the two young married wives were called Callipyga Of these Cercidas Megapolitanus in his lambicks to this purpose speaks These two lived in Syracusa who by their marriage having attained to wealth sufficient erected a famous Chappell to Venus whom they stiled Dea Callipyga These divers other Cities of Greece after them imitated This History Archelaus likewise in his Lambicks records Alogunes Cosmartidenes Andia YOU shall read in the History taken out of Ex Ctesiae Persicis That Artaxerxes being dead Xerxes his sonne succeeded the legitimate heir by his wife Damaspia who died the same day with her husband therefore to be registred amongst the women most illustrious after their deaths the Eunuch Bagorazus caused both their bodies to be born into Persia and there to be entombed amongst their ancestors It is remembred of this Emperor Artaxerxes that he had by severall concubins seventeen bastards amongst these was Secundianus born of Alogunes he by treason succeeded Xerxes having before slain his brother this Alogunes was born in Babylon By another concubine in the same City called Cosmartidenes he had two sons Ochus and Arsiâ—es this Ochus by supplanting his brother Secundianus reigning some few months succeeded him in the Empire Xerxes had issue likewise by one Andia a Lady of the same Nation Bagapaeus and Parisatis who was the mother of one Cyrus and another Artaxerxes Xerxes the Persian Emperour yet living gave to his
Sirobyla by the name of Phano acknowledging her to be their own But lest with this multiplicity of Hâ—stories I shovld grow tedious here though abruptly I will pawse for the present Of Famous Wantons OF some of these something more at large It is a Maxim Amor ubique in natura Love is every where in Nature The Poets as Euripides and others called him The Great and most mighty of the gods and grave Aeschilus in Danais introduc'd his mother Venus thus saying Ferire purus Aether arva concupit Amorque terrae consequi vult Nuptias c. The pure air ever loves to stroke the fields And to the nuptials of the air th' earth yields The shours drop from the clear heavens and rain down To kisse the Earth and give her a fresh Gown Whose garments were late thred-bare even these prove In senslesse things congresse and marriage love Whose birth we look for where the Countrie Swain The Mid-wife plaâ—es and Apples Fruits and Grain Returns us in their time Then Ceres takes These infants to her charge nor them forsakes But whilst she can from all corruption saves Till being ripe for death we find them graves If you would know who first prescrib'd these lawes Of this free birth I Venus am the cause The like Euripides speaks in Hyppolitus If then this universality of Love be in senslesse creatures no marvel if it be so frequent in such as pretend to understand Herodotus lib. 1 saith it was a Law amongst the Babylonians That all women free-born and Denizens of the City were enjoined once in their life times to make repair to the Temple of Melitta for by that name the Assyrians called Venus and sitting in the Porch to subject themselves to the embraces of any stranger But some of the noblest and richest not willing to publish themselves to open prostitution were drawn thither in Chariots covered leaving their train and attendants behind them many sitting in the Temple in Pues or places allotted them with garlands upon their heads of which whilst some are called apart others still return for their passages to and fro are distinguished by small cords or strings which direct strangers unto such woman to whom they are most addicted But of these not any return to their houses after they have once took up their seats till some client hath cast some coin or other into her lap be it never so small or great and have had carnall company with her in a sequestred place of the Temple which done he is to say So much I did owe thee O goddesse Melitta Nor was any woman to refuse the monie that was offered her whatsoever it were because it was to be emploied in their supposed pious uses Neither was it lawful for a woman to refuse any man but she was compelled to follow him that cast the first coin into her apron This being done it was lawfull for her to mingle her selfe in prostitution with whom she pleased The fairest and most beautifull were for the most part soonest dispatcht but others that have been ugly and deformed have been forced to sit in the Temple some one some two some three years and upwards before they could meet with any by whose help they might give satisfaction to the Law return to their own houses and make use of their free liberty The like custome though not in every particular was in Cyprus Amongst the Caâ—nians a people in Coria there was a yearly convention of young men and women to the like purpose as the same Author in the same book affirms Aelianus de var. Histor lib. 4. saith That the Lydian women before their marriage presented themselves for gain till they had purchased to themselves a competent dowrie but having once selected a husband they from that time lived in all continence and chastity From this generality I come to particulars and first of Thau She was a strumpeâ— of Corinth whose beauty bewitched all the Attick youth Her the Greek Poet Menander in his works most celebrated of whom she was called Menandraea Clitarchus specifies unto us That she was much beloved of Alexander the Great at whose request after the conquest of Cyrus all the Imperial Pallaces of Persepolis with the greatest part of the City were â—et on fire and burned down to the earth This strumpet after the death of Alexander was married to the first Ptolomey of Aegypt by whom she had two sons Leontiscus and Legus with one daughter called Irene whom Solon King of Cyprus after took to wife Lamia was a Courtizan of Athens and entired to Demetrius a Lord of many Nations insomuch that in his Armour and Crown with his Imperial Diadem he was often seen publikely to enter her roof to converse with her and eat at her Table It had been lesse dishonour for so great a person to have given her meeting more privately In this one thing Diodorus the minstrel was preferred before Demetrius who being divers times sent for to this Courtizans house refused to come This Lamia was wont as Aelianus lib. 1. reports to compare the Greeks to Lions and the Ephesians to Wolves Gnathaena was of the same Countrie and born in Athens of whom it is thus remembered A noble fellow drawn as far as the Hellesport by the attractive fame of her beauty she gave him both meeting and entertainment of which he growing proud and somewhat insolent using much loquacity and superfluous language being in the heat of wine and lust she asked him Whether as he pretended became from the Hellespont To whom he answered He did She replied And do you know the name of the chiefe City there He told her Yes She then desired him to give it name He told her it was called Sygaeum By which she ingeniously reproved his verbositie since Sygae of which Greek word the City takes denomination signifieth silence and taciturnity Of her prompt and witty answers the Poet Machon sets down many for she was held to be wondrous facetious and scoâ—â—ing and exceedingly beloved of the Poet Diphilus Lynceus likewise remembers many things concerning her Pausonius Lacus being dancing in her presence in doing a lofty trick above ground and not able to recover himselfe he fell headlong into a vessel that stood by See saith she Lacus in cadum incidit i. The Pool hath powered himselfe into the Vessel Lacus not only signifies a Pool but a Vessel which receiveth the wine when it is pressed Another offering her a small quantity of wine in a great and large bowle and told her withall That it was at least seventeen years old Truly answered she it is wondrous little of the age Two young men in the heat of wine quarrelling about her and going to buffers to him that had the worst she thus said Despair nor youth Non enim Coronarium est certamen sed Argenteum i. This was a prize for monie only not for a Garland When one had given her fair daughter who was of the same
write them all at large they cannot exceed that piety of which I have read in women Suetonius and Cicero in an Oration pro Caelio speaking of Claudia one of the Vestall Virgins thus report of her She seeing her father in his triumphant Chariot riding through the streets of Rome and by the Tribunes of the people who envied his glory pluckt and haled from his seat she with a wondrous dexterity and a masculine audacity freed him from the hands of their Tribunes and their Lictors and maugre all their opposition lifted him up into his chariot nor sook him till she saw him in all magnificent pomp received into the Capitol insomuch that it was questioned amongst the Romans which of them merited the greater triumph he for his vertue and valour in the Forum or she for her zeal and piety in the Temple of Vesta nor can it yet be decided which may claim a just prioritie the Father for his victory or the Daughter for her goodnesse Plin. lib. 7. cap. 36. and Solinus speak of another Roman Lady of a noble Family who when her mother was condemned at the judgement-seat by the Praetor and delivered up to one of the Triumviri to be committed to strait prison and there for her offence to be privately executed But the keeper of the Goale commiserating the Matron so sentenced either because he pitied her gravity or suspected her innocence did not cause her to be instantly strangled according to the rigour of her sentence At the importunacy of the daughter he gave her leave to visit and comfort her mother but narrowly searcht before her entrance into the prison lust she should carry with her any food or sustenance to her relifefe rather desiring she should perish by famine and die that way then himselfe to have any violent hand in her execution The daughter having daily accesse to the mother who now had past over more daies then the keeper thought was possibly by nature and wondring in himself how she should draw her thred of life out to that length without any means to maintein it he casting a more curious eie upon the young woman and watching her might perceive how she first drew out one breast and after another with her own milk relieving her mothers famine At the novelty of so strange and rare a spectacle being amazed he carried newes to the Triumvir he to the Praetor the Praetor related it to the Consuls they brought it before the Senat who to recompence what was good in the daughter pardoned all that was before thought ill in the mother For what will not love devise or whither true zeal not penetrate What more unheard or unexpected thing could be apprehended then for a mother to be fed from the breast of her daughter Who would not imagine this to be against nature but that we see by proof true naturall piety transcends all bounds and limits The like of this we may read â—f in Pliry of another young married woman who when her father Cimon was afflicted with the same sentence and subject to the like durance prolonged his life from her breasts for which she deserves equally to be memorised Our parents in no danger or necessities are to be by us abandoned and that by example of Aeneas in whose person Virgil thus speaks as to his father Anchises Aeneid 2. Eia agâ— chare pater cervici imponere nostrae Ipse suâ—â—bo numeris nec me laboriste gravabit c Come my dear father and get up for see No burthen to my shoulders you can be No weight at all and hap what can betide One danger or one safety we 'll abide Sabellâ—â— lib. 3. cap. 6. remembers us of Rusticana a noble Matron of Rome and the daughter of Synnarchus who with his brother Boetius the famous Philosoher being put to death by Theodoricirs King of the Gotâ—s She after the Tirants miserable end was the cause that all his Statues in Rome were demolished and ruined purposing utterly if it were possible to extirp his memory that was the imhumane murderer of her father for which fact of hers being called in question before King Totila who succeeded him she was so far from excuse or deniall that she approved the deed with all constancy whose not le magnanimity and resolution proved more available to her safety then any timorous evasion could have done for he not only dismissed her unpunished but highly applauded and commended Fulgos Sabellicus and Egnâ—tius writing of Alboinuâ— King of the Longobards who at his first entrance into Italy having subdued and slain Tâ—rismundus whom some call Cunimundus son to Cunimundus King of the Gepidanes and after taken his daughter Rosamunda to wife the History faith he made a bole of her fathers scul in which one night having drunk somewhat lavishly he caused it to be filled with wine and sent to Rosamunda then in her chamber with this message Commend me to thy Queen aâ—d â—ay I command her to drink with her father 〈…〉 though she knew him to be slain by the 〈◊〉 gobards receiving his death by a common casualtie and chance of 〈◊〉 by this assuring her selfe that he â—ell by the â—and oâ— her husband betwixt 〈…〉 and conjugall love being for a time distracted the bond of her affectiâ—n towards her father prevailed above those nuptial setters in which she was tied to her Lord insomuch that to revenge the death of the one she resolved to take away the life of the other to bring which about she devised this project she had observed one Hemegâ—ldus a noble man amongst the Lambard to be surprized with the love of one of her waiting Gentlewomen with whom she dealt so far that when her maid had promised to give this Hemegildus meeting in a private and dark chamber she her selfe supplied the place of her servant after 〈◊〉 congression she caused lights to be brought in that he â—iâ—ht know with whom he had had carnall company and what certein prejudice he had the 〈◊〉 incurred protesting 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 he would join with her in the dear 〈…〉 she would accuse him of rape and outrage The Lambâ—â—d to prevent his own disaster undertook his soveraign â—eath which was accordingly betwixt them performed The murder done they sled together to Ravenna she preferring the revenge of a slaughtered father before the life of a husband the title of a Queen State Sovereignty oâ— any other worldly dignity whatsoever Something is not amisse to be spoken in this place concerning the love of mothers to their children which as Plutarch in his 〈…〉 saith was excellently observed in 〈…〉 Prince of the Athenians who was wont to say That he â—new no reason but that this young son whom his mother most datâ—ngly affected should have more power and command thâ—n any one man in Greece whatsoever and being demanded the reason he thus answered Athens saith he commands all Greece I Themistocles have predominance ever Athens my wife over swaies me and my
Almighty that she might not so vively love so their chast bodies might not be separated in death As she earnestly praied so it futurely hapned 〈◊〉 died in one day and were both buried in one Sâ—pulchre â—â—ing â—ellowes in one House 〈◊〉 bed and Graâ—â— and now no question 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 Kingdome Thus 〈…〉 But now to return 〈…〉 have been kind to their parenâ—◠〈…〉 Sicilia when the mountain Aetna began first to burn Damon snatcht his mother from the 〈◊〉 Aeneas in the fatall massacre of Troy took his father upon his back his son Ascanius in his hand his wife Câ—â—usa following him and pasâ—ed through the sword and fiâ—e We read like wise in Hyginus of Cleops and Bilias whom Herodotus cals Cleobis and 〈◊〉 who when their mother Câ—dâ—ppe the Priest of Juno Are you should be at the Temple at the appointed hour of the Sacrifice or failing to furfeit her life but when she came to yoke the Oxen that should draw her Châ—rior they were found dead her two sons before named laid their necks under the yoke and supplying the place of those beasts dâ—ew her in time convenient unto the place where the sacred Ceremonies were according to the custome celebrated The Oblations ended and she willing to gratifie theâ—â— filiall duty besought of the goddesse That it ever with chast and undefiled hands she had observed her sacrifice or iâ— her sons had born themselves prouâ—ly and religiously towards her that she would grant unto them for their goodnesse the greatest blessing that could happen to any 〈◊〉 or humane creatures This Praier was heard and the two zealous sons drawing back their mother in her chariot from the Temple unto the place where she then sojourned being weary with their travell laid them down to sleep The mother in the morning comming to give her sons visitation and withall thanks for their extraordinary and unexpected pains and travel found them both dead upon their Pallers by which she conceived That there is no greater blessing to be conferred upon man then a fair death when Love good Opinion and Honor attend upon the Hearse These I must confesse are worthy eternall memory and never dying admiration But hath nor the like piety towards their parents been found in women I answer Yes How did Pelopea the daughter of Thâ—estes revenge the death of her father Hypsile the daughter of 〈◊〉 â—ave her father life when he was utterly in despair of hope or comfort Calciope would not lose her father oâ— leave him though he had lost and left his opinion 〈◊〉 the daughter of Harpalicus restored her father in battel and after defeated the enemy and put him to slight Erâ—gonâ— the daughter of Icarus hearing of the death of her father strangled her selfe Agave the daughter of Cadmuâ— slew the King 〈◊〉 in Illyâ—i and pastest her father of his before usurped Diadâ—m Xantippe fed her father Nyâ—onus or as some will have it Cimonus in prison with milk from her breasts Tyro the daughter of Salmoneus to relieve her father slew her own children Who will be further resolved of these let him search Hyginus And so much shall suffice for filiall duty towards their Pâ—â—eâ—ts Of Sâ—sters that have been kind to their Brothers THE Poets and Historiographers to impresse into us the like naturall piety have left divers presidents to posterity Innumerable are the examples of fraternall love betwixt Brother and Brother To illustrate the other the better I will give you 〈◊〉 of some few Volater lib. 14. cap. 2. dâ— Aâ—ropo relates how in that war which Cai. Cornelius Cinna Tribune being expelled the City with Calus Marius and others commenced against the Romans there were two brothers one of the Pompey's army the other of 〈◊〉 who meeting in the battel in single encounter one slew the other but when the victor came to rifle the deâ—d body and found it to be his own naturall brother after infinite sorrow and lamentation he cast himselfe into the fire where the sloughtered carcasâ—e was burned M. Fabius the Consul in the great conflict against the Heâ—rutians and Veâ—entians obtained a gloâ—ious victory when the Senate and the people of Rome had with great magnificence and cost at their own charge prepared for him an illustrious triumph he absolutely refused that honour because Q. Fabius his brother fighting manfully for his Countrie was slain in that battel What a fraternal piety lived in his breast may be easily conjectured who refused so remarkable on honour to mourn the losse of a beloved brother Valer cap 5. lib. 5. We read in our English Chronicles of Archigallo brother to Gorbomannus who being crowned King of Brittain and extorting from his subjects all their goods to enrich his own Coffers was after five years deposed and deprived of his roiall dignity in whose place was elected Elidurus the third son of Morindus and brother to Archigallo a vertuous Prince who governed the people gently and Justly Upon a time being hunting in the Forrest he met with his brother Archigallo whom he lovingly embraced and found such means that he reconciled him both to the Lords and Commons of the Realm that done he most willingly resigned unto him his Crown and Scepter after he himselfe had governed the Land five years Archigallo was re-instated and continued in great love with his brother reigning ten years and was buried at York after whose death Elidurus was again chosen King What greater enterchange of fraternall love could be found in brothers To equall whom I will first begin with the sisters of Phaeton called by some Heliades by others Phaetontides who with such funerall lamentation bewailed the death of their brother that the gods in commiseration of their sorrow turned them into trees whose transformations Ovid with great elegancy expresseth lib. 1. Metamorph as likewise Virgil in Cutice their names were Phaethusa Lampitiae Phebe c. Antigone the daughter of Oedipus when her brother Eteocles was slain in battel she buried his body maâ—gre the contradiction of the Tyrant Creon of whom Ovid lib. 3. Tristium Fratrem Thebana peremptum Supposuit tumulo rege vetante soror The Theban sister to his Tomb did bring Her slaught'red brothers Corse despight the king Hyas being devouted of a Lyon the Hyades his sisters deplored his death with such infinite sorrow that they wept themselves to death And for their piety were after by the gods translated into stars of whom Pontanus Fratris Hyae quas perpetuus dolor indidit asâ—ris Thus you see how the Poet did strive to magnifie and eternize this Vertue in Sisters No lesse compassionate was â—lectra the daughter of Agameâ—nâ— on her brother Oâ—estes and Iliona the issue of Priam when she heard of the death of young Polydore Stobaeus Serm. â—2 out of the History of Nicolaus de morib gentum saith That the Aethiopians above all others have their sisters in greatest reverence insomuch that their Kings leave their succession not to their children but to these sisters
sons but if none of their issue be leâ—e alive they chuse out of the people the most beautiful and warlike withall whom 〈◊〉 create their Prince and Soveraign Even amongst the 〈◊〉 M. Aâ—relius Commodus so dearly affected his sister that being called by his mother to divide their 〈◊〉 patrimony betwixt them he conferred it wholly upon her contenting himselfe with his grandfathers revenue Pontanus de lib. cap. 11. I will end this discourse concerning sisters with one History out of Sabellious l. â— cap. 7. the same confirmed by â—â—â—gosius lib. 5. cap. 5. Intaphernes was say they one of these confederate Princes who freed the Persian Empire from the usurpâ—tion of the Magician brothers and conferred it upon Darius who now being established in the supreme dignity Intaphernes having some businesse with the King made offer to enter his chamber but being rudely put back by one of his grooms or waiteâ—â— he took it in such scorn that no lesse revenge would satisfie his rage then to cut off his ears and nose of which the King having present notice his indignation exceeded the others rage for he gave commandment That for his insolence and outrage done in she Pallace and so neer his presence that not only Intaphernes the Dâ—linquent but all the male issue of his stock and race whatsoever should be laid hold upon and after to the dread and terror or the like offenders by mercilesse death cast the terror of the Kings incensement The sentence of their apprehension was performed and their execution hourly expected when the wife of Intaphernes cast her selfe groveling before the Court gate with such pitiful ejaculations and clamours that they came even to the ears of Darius and much penetrated him being uttered with such passionate and moving acceâ—ts able to mollifie the Flint or soften Marble Imprest therefore with her pitious lamentations the King sent unto her That her teares and clamours had so far prevailed with him â—hat from the condemned society they had ransomed one and one only to continue the memory of their Name and Family chuse amongst them all whose life she most favoured and whose safety with the greatest affection desired but further then this to grant her his sentence was unalterable None that heard this small yet unexpected favour from the King but presently imagined she would either redeem her husband or at least one of her sons two of them being all she had then groning under the burthen of that heavy sentence But after some small meditation beyond the expectation of all men she demanded the life of her brother The King somewhat amazed at her choice sent for her and demanded the reason Why she had preferred the life of a brother before the safety of such a noble husband or such hopeful children To whom she answered Behold O King I am yet but young and in my best of years and I may live to have another husband and so consequently by him more children But my father and mother are both aged and stricken in years and should I lose a Brother I should for evermore be deprived of that sacred Name At which words the King exceedingly moved to see with what a fraternall zeal they were spoken he not only released her brother but added to his unexpected bounty the life of her eldest son Of Matrimony or Conjugall Love IT was inserted in Plato's Lawes That what man soever lived a Batchelor above five and thirty years of age was neither capable of Honour of Office Alexand. ab Alex. lib 4. cap. 8. Licurgus the Lawgiver amongst the Lacedemonians as the same Author testifies to shew the necessity of marriage made a Decree That all such as affected singlenesse and solitude of life should be held ignominious They were not admitted to publike Plaies but in the winter were compelled to passe through the Market-place naked and without garments The Law of the Spartans set a fine upon his head best that married not at all next on him that married not till he was old and lastly on him they set the greatest mulct that married an evill wife or from a strange Tribe Stobae Sermon 65. Fuigosius cals the Judgements Cacogamia and Opsigamia lib 2. cap. 1. So laudable and reverent was Marriage amongst the Lacedemonians procreation of Children and fertility of issue That whosoever was the father of three children should be free from Watch or Ward by day or night and whosoever had four or upward were rewarded with all Immunities and Liberty This Law was confirmed by Q. Metellus Numidicus Censor after approved by Julius Caesar and lastly established by Augustus Memorable are the words of Metellus in a publike Oration to the people If we could possibly be without wives O Romans saith he we might all of us be free from molestation and trouble but since Nature excites us and necessity compels us to this exigent That we can neither live with them without inconvenience nor without them at all more expidient it is therefore that we aim at the generall and lasting profit then at our own private and moment any pleasure â—ruson lib 7. cap. 22. The Athenians the Cretans the Thuâ—â—ans all in their Statutes and Ordinances encouraged Marriage and punished the obstinary of such as took upon them the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and sollitaude either with amercement or disgrace To that purpose was the Law Julia instituted that incited young men in their prime and flourishing age to the marriage of wives propagation of issue and education of children and that such should be encouraged by rewards and the opposers thereof to be deterred with punishments Tiberius Caesar deprived one of his Quaestorship because he divorced himselfe from his wife having been but three daies married alledging That he in whom there was such lightnesse could not be profitable for any thing Claudius Caesar caused the Law Papia to be abrogated giving men of threescore years and upwards the free liberty to marry as at those years of ability to have issue Theodoretus lib. 1. cap. 7. and Sozomenus lib. 1. cap. 10. both write that in the Nicene Council when certain of the Bishops would introduce into the Church a new Decree before that time not known namely That all Bishops Prelates Priests Deacons and Spirituall or Religious men should be made uncapable of Marriage as also all such as in the time of their 〈◊〉 before they took the Ministry or any service of the Church upon them should be separated from 〈◊〉 wives of whom they were then possest One Paphnutius Confessor who was likewise Bishop of a City in the upper Thebats stood up and with great fervency opposed the motion yet a man of approved chastity and great austerity of 〈◊〉 who though he were mightily opposed yet at length so far prevailed with the Synod of the Fathers that it was definitively concluded That though the marriage of Priests were â—â—â—dicted and singlenesse of life in joined them yet all such as had wives were dispensed withall till
my Author tels me greatly supported by the hand of Venus or whether the pitious earth unwilling to hurt or harm such fair and wel-featured limbs and therefore with more then accustomed courtesie favourably received her into her into her lap I am not certaine but the Lady to the wonder of all the beholders was taken up whole and sound without wound or the least astonishment and from thence conducted to the Tent of the Generall who because he made but offer to violate her chastity the ever nobly minded Romans not only took from him the charge of the Army alledging that he that could not govern his own affections was not fit to command others but confined him into the Island Coâ—sica adjacent neer to the continent of Italy Not much lesse strange was that of Perhibaea the daughter of Accathous who when Telamon the son of Aeacus and Eudeides came into the City of 〈◊〉 where she then 〈◊〉 with her father and took her at that advantage that she was by him deviâ—gined and 〈◊〉 his name or person not being known by her oâ— any and so privily escaped and fled away by night 〈◊〉 after perceiving her by assured tokens to be grown big with child and suspecting it to be done by some one of his Citizens or Subjects he was thereat so incensed that banishing all piety or patenall pity he delivered her into the hands of one of his Captains commanding him either to kil her with his sword or cast her into the sea the souldier undertakes the imposition of his Soveraign upon him with many vowes and protestations to perform his pleasure with all strictness and severity but by the way commâ—â—â—â—ting her wretched fortune and loth to be the 〈◊〉 of such youth and beauty created for better use comming neer the Sea-shore and spying a ship there at Anchor he sold her to the chief merchant for a sum of monie returning to the father with an assured relation of his daughters death The 〈◊〉 presently with this fair purchase hoised saile and a 〈◊〉 and gentle gale favouring them they attained unto the Port of Salamine and there harboured where purposing to make sale of their merchandise they exposed them to the publique view amongst the rest they set a price on the Princesse Perhibaea Tâ—lamon who was Duke of Salamine and then resiant in the City took his attendants with him and hearing of this new Merchant went down to the 〈◊〉 to take the first view of his goods and provide himselfe of such things as he wanted amongst all the fair Perhibaea pleased him best whose face he well knew and still remembred what had past betwixt them he bargained for her paid down her price conducted her to his Pallace and there acquainted her with the true passage of all his former proceedings Within few months she brought him a son which he called Ajax and this was that Ajax Telamon who at the siege of Troy betwixt the two armies combatted with bold Hector in the plain of Scamander you shall read this History in Aretades Guidius in his second book inscribed Insulâ— The next that insues hath correspondence with this Lucius Trocius had a beautifull young daughter called Florentia she was stuprated by the Roman Calphurnius and when the act came to the knowledge of her father delivered to the trusty executioner to be cast into the Sea who in the same manner was by him pitied and sold to a Merchant his ship being then bound for Italy where she being exposed to publique sale was seen known and bought by Calphurnius by whom he had a son called Contruscus I proceed to such as have unwittingly been the death of their parents Evenus the son of Mars and Steropes by his wife Alcippa the daughter of Oâ—nnemanus had a beautifull female issue whom he called Marpissa who had vowed perpetuall virginity her Idas the son or Aphareus ravished and stole away which her father hearing prosecuted him even unto his own Country but in vain for not able to overtake them and returning without her in griefe of his lost daughter whom he so deerly loved he threw himselfe into the river Lycormus and was there drowned some think that by his death the stood lost his name and was ever after celled Evenus Dâ—sithae lib 1. rerum Italicarum Anius King of the Etruscious having a rarely featured damosell to his daughter called Salia whose virginity he had vowed to Diana and therefore admitted no suitors though many great and rich offers made unto her at length as she was spotting abroad amongst other Virgins she was espied by one Calthetas a hopefull young Gentleman and â—â—nobled by his family who at the stâ—st sight of her was so extasi'd with her beauty that maugre all tear of pursuit or danger he snatcht her up in his arms and used such means that he got her safe within the wals of Rome Her father following the ravisher but not overtaking him was struck into such a deep sorrow that desperate of all comfort or counsel he violently cast himselfe into the next Foord that parted Rome and his own Kingdome which ever since that time still bears the name of Anius Calihetus had by Salia two brave sons Latinus and Salinus who were famous in their noble and flourishing issue insomuch that some of the best and greatest Families in Rome were proud from them to derive their ancestrie This history is recorded by Aristides Milesius by Alexander and Polihistor lib. tertio Italicorum Of Clamorous Women commonly called Scolds GNeius Pompeius to make his faction the stronger by his friend Munatius sent to Cato that he would be pleased of his two Neeces to contract the one of them to himselfe the other to his son by whom Cato sent word back to Pompeius That though he as a friend took gratefully the free proffer of his friendship and allyance yet being a man he had ever kept himselfe from being intricated in the snares of women but he protested he would adhere unto him in a more firm league of amity than could be contracted by kindred if he would study any thing conducent and profitable for the Common-weal but against the publique good he would neither give nor take hostages calling his Neeces who as some write were his daughters given so in matrimony no better then pledges of much future inconvenience especially in matters of State where the Common-weal is distracted and divided Eras 5. Apophtheg Socrates was wont to say that he had patiently suffered three torments Grammer Poverty and a scolding Wife Xintippe two of which he had prettily well evaded namely Grammer and Poverty but the morosity of a scold he could never put off Anton. Parle 2. Meless Serm. 34. The like may be said of Sausarion the Comick Poet equally tormented with a bitter and railing wife Pittacus Mitelenus having married the sister of Dâ—aco the son of Penthilius a proud insolent and railing woman perswaded a deer friend of his to marry with the
at all only he could not sleep but spent the tedious night in 〈◊〉 and cold 〈◊〉 that there was despair of the Kings 〈◊〉 and safety There was at length a 〈◊〉 published That the Moravians certain inhabitants of Scotland once great rebels and enemies of the King but since made regular and reconciled to their faithfull obeisance had hyred certain Witches to destroy King Dussus upon which report one Dovenaldus was made Prefect to enquire after this businesse and had authority to pass into Morâ—via and if he found any such malefactors to punish them according to their offences he being carefull of the charge imposed on him had such good intelligence and withall used such providence that he came just at the instant when certain Witches were rosting of a Picture called by the name of the King and basted it with a certain liquor Dovenaldus surprising them in the act examined them who confessed the treason and were condemned to the stake at which instant by all just computation the King recovered and was restored to his pristine rest health After the same manner it seems Meleager was tormented by his mother the Witch Althaea who in the fatall Brand burned him alive as it is expressed at large by Ovid in his Metamorph. The like effascinations we have had practised in our memory even upon the person of Queen Elizabeth A woman of good credit and reputation whom I have known above these foure and twenty yeares and is of the same parish where I now live hath often related unto me upon her credit with many deep protestationâ— whose words I have heard confirmed by such as were then passengers with her in the same ship That comming from the Landsgraves Court of Hessen where she had been brought a bed to travel for England and staying something long for a passage at Amsterdam either her businesse or the wind detaining her there somewhat longer then her purpose an old woman of the Town entreated her to lend her some of a Kettle which she did knowing it to be serviceable for her to keep a Charcoal fire in at Sea to comfort her and her child When the wind stood fair and that she with her servants had bargained for their passage and they were ready to go aboord she sent for this woman to know if she would redeem her pawn for she was now ready to leave the Town and depart for her Country The old woman came humbly entreating her she would not bear away her Kettle notwithstanding she had as then no monie to repay of that she had borrowed but hoped that she was a good gentlewoman and would prove her good Mistresse c. she answered her again That she had lent her so much monie and having a pawn sufficient in her hand finding it necessary for her purpose she would make the best use of it she could a ship-broad The old woman finding her resolute left her with these words Why then saith she carry it away if thou canst Marry and I will try what I can do replied she again and so they parted The Master called aboord the wind stood fair the Sea was calm and the weather pleasant but they had not been many hours at sea when there arose a sudden sad and terrible tempest as if the winds and waters had been at dissention and the distempered air at war with both A mighty storm there arose insomuch that the Master protested that in his life time he had not seen the like and being in despair of shipwrack desired both sailers and passengers to betake themselves to their praiers This word came from them that laboured above the hatches to those that were stowed under their present fear made them truly apprehend the danger and betake themselves to their devotions when suddenly one casting up his eies espied an old woman sitting upon the top of the main mast the Master saw her and all those that were above being at the sight much amazed The rumour of this went down which the Gentlewoman heating who was then sitting with her child in her Cabbin and warming it over a Charcole fire made in the Kettle O God saith she remembring her former words then the old woman is come after me for her Kettle the Master apprehending the businesse Marry then let her have it saith he and takes the Kettle coles and all and casts them over-boord into the Sea This was no sooner done but the Witch dismounts her selfe from the mast goes aboord the Brasse Kettle and in a moment sails out of sight the air cleared the winds grew calm the tempests ceased and she had a fair and speedy passage into England and this the same Gentlewoman hath often related Nor is this more incredible then that which in Geneva is is still memorable A young wench instructed in this damnable science had an Iron Rod with which whomsoever she touched they were forced to dance without ceasing til they were tired lay down with wearinesse She for her Witchcraft was condemned to the fire to which she went unrepentant and with great obstinacy and since which time as Bodinus saith who records this history all dancing in memory of her is forbidden and held til this day abominable amongst those of Geneva Our most learned Writers are of opinion that these Inchantresses can bewitch some but not all for there are such over whom they have no power The same Author testifies That he saw a Witch of Avern in the year 1579. who was taken in Luteria about whom was found a book of a large Volume in which were drawn the hairs of Horses Oxen Mules Swine and other beasts of all colours whatsoever She if any beasts were sick would undertake their cure by receiving some number of their hairs with which she made her Spels and Incantations neither could she help any beast by her own confession but by transferring that disease or malady upon another neither could she cure any creature if she were hired for monie therefore she went poorly in a coat made up with patches A Noble man of France sent to one of these Witches to cure a sick horse whom he much loved she returned him answer That of necessity his Horse or his Groom must die and bid him chuse whether The Nobleman craving some time of pause and deliberation the servant in the interim died and the horse recovered for which fact she was apprehended and judged It is a generall observation That the devil who is a destroier never heals one creature but by hurting another and commonly he transmits his hate from the worse to the better For instance if a Witch cure a horse the disease fals upon one of a higher price if she heal the wife she harms the husband if helps the son she infects the father Of this I will produce one or two credible instances The first of the Lord Furnerius Aureliensis who finding himselfe mortally as he thought diseased sent to a Witch to
hand against him he retired himselfe into his Country and laying aside his victorious arms which won him fame and honour abroad he abandoned himselfe to ease and the private pleasures of his fathers house and now wanting other imploiment as idlenesse is the greatest corrupter of vertue he began to entertein such unusuall flames and unaccustomed cogitations as before he had no time to feel or leisure to think on for now he cast his incestuous eie upon his sister His passions much troubled him at the first and all possible means he used to shake them off but in vain he lived in the same house with her they dieted at one table had liberty of unsuspected conference and he having nothing else to do had only leisure to meditate on that which was fearful to apprehend but horrible to enterprize To this purpose Ovid with great elegancy in remed Amor. lib. 1. speaking of Aegistus who in the absence of Agamemnon adulterated his Queen Clitemnestra thus writes Queritur Aegistus quare sit factus adulter In promptu causa est desidiosâ—â— erat c. Doth any man demand the reason why Aegistus an adulterer was Lo I Can tell Because that he was idle when Others at Troy were sighting and their men Led stoutly on 〈◊〉 to which place were accited The Grecian Heroes with a force united He no imploiment had There was no war In Argos where he lived from Troy so far No strife in Law to which being left behind He carefully might have imploi'd his mind That which lay plain before him the man prov'd And lest he should do nothing therefore lov'd As Ovid of Aegistus so may I say of Leucippus whom rest and want of action in a stirring brain and body wrought this distemperature Ashamed he was to court his sister first because he knew her modest a second impediment was she was elsewhere disposed and contracted to a Gentleman of a Noble family besides she was his sister to whom he wishâ— all good and then to corrupt her honor he could devise for her no greater ill he considered that to perswade her to her own undoing would shew ill in a stranger but worse in a brother In these distractions what should he do or what course take the thing he apprehended was preposterous and the means to compass it was prodigious for he came to his mother told her his disease and besought her of remedy his words as they were uttered with tear so they were heard with trembling for they foavered her all over Being in to the knees he cared not now to wade up to the chin and proceeded That if she would not be the means for him to compasse his sister notwithstanding all obstacles whatsoever he would by speedy and sudden death rid himselfe out of all his miseries desiring her speedy answer or with his naked poniard in his hand he was as ready for execution as she to deny her assistance I leave to any mothers consideration but to imagine with what strange ambiguities his words perplexed her what convulsions it bred in her bosome even to the very stretching of her heart strings but as she knew his courage to dare so she feared his resolution to act therefore more like a tender hearted mother then a vertuous minded matron rather desiring to have wicked children then none at all she promised him hope and assured him help and after some perswasive words of comfort left him indifferently satisfied What language the mother used to the daughter to invite her to the pollution of her body and destruction of her soul is not in me to conceive I only come to the point by the mothers mediation the brother is brought to the bed of his sister she is vitiâ—ted and his appetite glutted yet not so but that they continued their private meetings insomuch that custome bred impudence and suspition certain proof of their incestuous consociety At length it comes to the ear of him that had contracted her with attestation of the truth thereof he though he feared the greatnesse of Leucippus his known valour and popular favour yet his spirit could not brook so unspeakable an injury he acquaints this novell to his father and certain noble friends of his amongst whom it was concluded by all jointly to inform Xanthius of his daughters inchastity but for their own safety knowing the potency of Leucippus to conceal the name of the adulterer They repair to him and inform him of the businesse intreating his secrecy till he be himself eie-witness of his daughters dishonor The father at this newes is inraged but arms himselfe with patience much longing to know that libidinous wretch who had dishonored his family The incestuous meeting was watcht and discovered and word brought to Xanthius that now was the time to apprehend them he cals for lights and attended with her accusers purposes to invade the chamber great noise is made she affrighted rises and before they came to the door opens it slips by thinking to flie and hide her selfe the father supposing her to be the adulterer pursues her and pierceth her through with his sword By this Leucippus starts up and with his sword in his hand hearing her last dying shreek prepares himself for her rescue he is incountred by his father whom in the distraction of the sudden affright he unadvisedly assaulted and slew The mother disturbed with the noise hasts to the place where she heard the tumult was and seeing her husband and daughter slain betwixt the horridness of the sight and apprehension of her own guilt fell down suddenly and expired And these are the lamentable effects of Incest the father to kill his own daughter the son his father and the mother the cause of all ill to die suddenly without the least thought of repentance These things so infortunately hapning Leucippus caused their bodies to be nobly interred when forsaking his fathers house in Thessaly he made an expedition into Creet but being repulst from thence by the inhabitants he made for Ephesia where he took perforce a City in the province of Cretinaea and after inhabited it It is said that Leucophria the daughter of Mandrolita grew enamored of him and betraied the City into his hands who after married her and was ruler thereof This history is remembred by Parthenius de Amatoriis cap. 5. Of incest betwixt the father and the daughter Ovid. lib. Metam speaks of whose verses with what modesty I can I will give you the English of and so end with this argument Accipit obscoeno genitor sua viscera lecto Virgeneosque metus levat Hortaturque timentem c Into his obscene bed the father takes His trembling daughter much of her he makes Who pants beneath him ' bids her not to fear But be of bolder courage and take chear Full of her fathers sins loath to betray The horrid act by night she steals away Fraught that came thither empty for her womb Is now of impious incest made
sister received with joy and of the people with loud acclamations and being now possessed of the Imperiall dignity the better as he thought to secure himselfe having power answerable to his will after the barbarous custome of the Turkish tyranny he first caused his eight younger brothers to be beheaded stretching his bloody malice to all or the most part of his own affinity not suffering any to live that had been neer or deer to his deceased brother so that the City Casbin seemed to swim in blood and ecchoed with nothing but lamentations and mournings His cruelty bred in the people both fear and hate both which were much more increased when they understood he had a purpose to alter their form of religion who with great adoration honour their prophet Aly into the Turkish superstition his infinite and almost incredible butcheries concern not my project in hand I therefor leave them and return to his sister whose name was Periaconcona who when this Tyrant was in the middest of his securities and the sister as he imagined in her sisterly love and affection upon a night when he was in all dissolute voluptuousnesse sporting amidst his concubines she into whose trust and charge he had especially committed the safety of his person having confederated with Calilchan Emirchan Pyrymahomet and Churchi Bassa the most eminent men in the Empire admitted them into the Seraglio in womans attire by whom with her assistant hand in the midst of his luxuries he was strangled an act though happily beneficiall to the common good yet ill becomming a sister unlesse such an one as strived to parallel him in his unnaturall cruelties Turkish History Equall with this was that of Quendreda who after the death of Ranulphus King of Mercia his young son Kenelm a child of seven years of age raigning in his stead whose roiall estate and dignity being envied by his sister she conspired with one Heskbertus by whose treacherous practise the King was enticed into a thick forrest and there murdered and privately buried his body long missed and not found and the conspirators not so much as suspected But after as Willielm de regib lib. 1. and de Pontificibus lib. 4. relates a Dove brought in her bill a scrole written in English golden letters and laid it upon the Altar of Saint Peter which being read by an Englishman contained these words by which the place where the body lay was discovered At Clent in Cowbach Kenelme Keneborn lieth under Thorn heaved by weaved that is in plainer English At Clent in Cowbach under a thorn Kenelm lieth headlesse slain by treason Some say it was found by a light which streamed up into the air from the place where his body lay covered His hearse being after borne towards his sepulchre to be a second time interred with solemn Dirges sung by the Churchmen Quendreda sitting then in a window with a Psalter in her hand to see the funerall solemnly pass by whether in scorn of the person deâ—ision of the Ceremony or both is not certain but she began to sing the Psalm of Te Deum laudamus backward when instantly both her eies dropped out of her head with a great flux of blood which stained her book and it was after kept as a sacred relique in memory of the Divine judgement What need I trouble you with citing antiquities how this sin ought to be punished on earth when we see how hatefull it is in the eies of heaven besides to insult upon the bodies of the dead is monstrous and even in things senslesse to be punished Ausonius remembers us of one Achillas who finding a dead mans scull in a place where three sundrie waies divided themselves and casting to hit it with a stone it rebounded again from the scull and stroke himself on the forehead his words be these Abjecta in triviis inhumati glabra jacebat Testa hominis nudum jam cute calvicium Fleverant alii fletu non motus Achillas c. Where the three waies parted a mans soul was found Bald without hair unburied above ground Some wept to see 't Achillas more obdure Snatcht up a stone and thinks to hit it sure He did so at the blow the stone rebounds And in the eies and face Achillas wounds I wish all such whose impious hands prophane The dead mans bones so to be stroke again Of Mothers that have slain their Children or Wives their Husbands c. MEdea the daughter of Oeta King of Colchos first slew her young brother in those Islands which in memory of his inhumane murther still bear his name and are called Absyrtides and after her two sons Macarâ—â—â— and Pherelus whom she had by Iason Progne the daughtâ—er of Pandion murthered her young son It is begot by Terâ—us the son of Mars in revenge of the rape of her sister 〈◊〉 Ino the daughter of Cadmus Melicertis by 〈◊〉 the son of Aeolus Althea the daughter of Theseus slew her son Meleager by Oeneus the son of Parthaon Themisto the daughter of Hypseus Sphincius or Plinchius and Orchomenus by 〈◊〉 at the instigation of Ino the daughter of Cadmus Tyros the daughter of Salmoneus two sons begot by 〈◊〉 the son of Aeolus incited thereto by the Oracle of Apollo Agave the daughter of Cadmus Pentheus the son of Echiâ—â— at the importunity of Liber Pater Harpalice the daughter of Climenus slew her own father because he forcibly despoiled her of her honor Hyginus in Fabulis These slew their Husbands Clitemnestra the daughter of Theseus Agamemnon the son of Atreus Hellen the daughter of Iupiter and Laeda Deiphobus the son of Priam and Hecuba he married her after the death of Paris Agave Lycotherses in Illyria that she might restore the Kingdom to her father Cadmus Deianeira the daughter of Oeneus Althea Hercules the son of Iupiter Alomena by the Treason of Nessus the Centaur Iliona the daughter of Priam Polymnestor King of Thrace Semyramis her husband Ninus King of Babylon c. Some have slain their Fathers others their Nephewes and Neeces all which being of one nature may be drawn to one head And see how these prodigious sins have been punished Martina the second wife to Heraclius and his Neece by the brothers side by the help of Pyrrhus the Patriarch poisoned Constantinus who succeeding in the Empire fearing left her son Heraclius should not attain to the Imperiall Purple in regard that Constantinus left issue behind him two sons Constantes and Theodosius which he had by Gregoria the daughter of Nycetas the Patritian notwithstanding he was no sooner dead but she usurped the Empire Two years of her Principality were not fully expired when the Senate reassumed their power and called her to the bar where they censured her to have her tongue cut out lest by her eloquence she might perswade the people to her assistance her son Heraclius they maimed off his Nose so to make him odious to the multitude and after exiled them both
into Cappadocia Cuspinianus in vita Heraclii A more terrible judgement was inflicted upon Bâ—unechildis whose History is thus related Theodericus King of the Frenchmen who by this wicked womans counsel had polluted himselfe with the blood of his own naturall brother and burthened his conscience with the innocent deaths of many other noble gentlemen as well as others of meaner 〈◊〉 and quality was by her poisoned and deprived of 〈◊〉 when he had made a motion to have taken to wife his Neece a beautifull young Lady and the daughter of his late slain brother Brunechildis with all her power and industry opposed the Match affirming that Contract to be meerly incestuous which was made with the brothers daughter she next perswaded him that his son Theodebertus was not his own but the adulterate issue of his wife by another at which words he was so incensed that drawing his sword he would have instantly transpierc'd her but by the assistance of such Courtiers as were then present she escaped his fury and presently 〈◊〉 plotted his death and effected it as aforesaid Trittenbemâ—â—s de Regib 〈◊〉 and Roberâ—us Gaguinus lib. 2. Others write that he was drowned in a River after he had reigned 〈◊〉 years Aventinus affirms That presently after he had slain his brother entring into one of his Cities he was struck with thunder Annal. Boiorum lib. 3. But this 〈◊〉 Butcheresse Brunechildis after she had been the 〈…〉 an infinit number of people and the death of 〈◊〉 Kings at length moving an unfortunate war against Lotharius to whom she denied to yield the Kingdome she was taken in battell and by the Nobility and Captain of the Army condemned to an unheard of punishment She was first beaten with four Bastoons before she was brought before Lotharius then all her Murthers Treasons and Inhumanities were publiquely proclaimed in the Army and next her legs and hands being fastned to the tails of wild horses pluckt to pieces and dissevered limb from limb Anno 1618. Sigebertus Trittemhemius Gaguinus and Aventinus And such be the earthly punishments due to Patricides and Regicides Touching Patricides Solon when he instituted his wholsome Lawes made no Law to punish such as thinking it not possible in nature to produce such a Monster Alex. lib. 2 cap. Romulus appointing no punishment for that inhumanity included Patricides under the name of Homicides counting Manslaughter and Murther abhorred and impious but the other impossible Plutarch in Romulo Marcus Malleolus having slain his mother was the first that was ever condemned for that fact amongst the Romans his Sentence was to be sowed in a sack together with a Cock an Ape and a Viper and so cast into the river Tiâ—er a just infliction for such immanity The Macedonians punished Patricides and Traitors alike and not only such as personally committed the fact but all that were any way of the comederacy Alex. ab Alex. lib 3. cap. 5. and all such were â—â—â—ned to death The Aegyptians stabbed them with Needles and Bodkins wounding them in all the parts of their body but not mortally when bleeding all over from a thousand small orifices they burnt them in a pile of thorns Diodor. Sicul. lib. 2. de rebus antiq The Lusitanians first exiled them from their own confines and when they were in the next forreign air stoned them to death Nero having slain his mother Agrippina by the hand of Anicetes had such terror of mind and unquietnesse of conscience that in the dead of the night he would leap out of his bed horribly affrighted and say when they that attended him demanded the cause of his disturbance That he heard the noice of trumpets and charging of battels with the grones of slaughtered and dying men from the place where his mother was interred Therefore he often shifted his houses but all in vain for this horror still pursued him even to his miserable and despairing end for so Xâ—philâ—nus testates the Abbreviator of Dion in Nerone The perfidiousnesse of Husbands to their Wives hath been thus punished By the Law of Julia all such were condemned as rioted and wasted the dowries of their Wives The Romans did not only hold such impious and sacrilegious that prophaned their Temples and despised the Altars of the gods but those also that were rudely robustious and laid violent hands upon their wives and children in such a reverent estimation they held fatherly issue and conjugal piety Alex. lib. 4. cap. 8. Almaricus having married the sister of the French King and using her most contumeliously and basely for no other reason but that she was a faithful follower of the true Religion and quite renounced Arianisme was by her brother Chilbertus vexed and tormented with a bloody and intestine war Michael Ritius lib. 1. de Regib Francorum M. Valerius Maximus and Cai. Junius Brutus being Censors removed L. Antonius from the Senate for no other reason but that without the advice and counsell of his friends he had repudiated a virgin to whom he had been before contracted Val. Maxim lib. 2. cap. 4. So Tiberius Caesar discharged an eminent Roman from his Quaestorship for divorcing his wife the tenth day after he had been married accounting him meerly void of faith or constancy that in a businesse so weighty and of so great moment in so small a time exprest himselfe variable and inconstant Alex. lib. 4. cap. 8. Rodulphus Veromandorum Comes forsook his wife to marry the sister of the Queen Petronilla for which he was excommunicated by the Church of Rome and the Bishop Laudunensis Bartholomaeus Noviocomensis and Simon Peter Sylvanectensis that were assistants to the Earl Rodulphus in that unjust divorce were all suspended by the Pope Robertus in Chronicis The revenge of these libidinous insolencies was most apparant in the Emperor Andronicus who after the death of Emanuel who preceded him caused his son the immediate heir to the Empire to be sowed in a sack and cast into the sea And being now securely installed in the Constantinopolican Principality besides a thousand butcheries slaughters and other insufferable cruelties he addicted himselfe to all luxurious intemperance as vitiating virgins corrupting Matrons contaminating himselfe with shamefull Whoredomes and Adulteries not sparing the religious Nunneries but forcing the Cloisters ravishing thence whom he pleased to glut his greedy and insatiate lust and when 〈◊〉 own desires were qualified would deliver them up to be stuprated by his grooms and vassals With whose unbridled appetites and insufferable madnesse the people being vexed and tired they invited Isacius to the 〈…〉 besieging the Tyrant took him and presented him before the Emperor elected who because he had so malitiously trespassed against every man devised for him a punishment that might give satisfaction to all he therefore caused him to put off his Imperiall Robes and to appear no other then a private man such as he had maliciously offended next caused one of his eies to be pluckt out the punishment devised by
altogether spent and wasted gave approbation touching the marriage which was accordingly publiquely and with great pomp solemnized These two now the only hopes of that future posterity had fair and fortunaâ—e issue males and females who were no sooner grown to any perfection and disposed of to liberall and vertuous education but which is remarkable in two so young they conferred together to this purpose that since Heaven had blessed them with that for â—â—ich marriage was ordained and the purpose for which the dispensation was granted namely issue and to revive a dying family that they would with an unanimous consent again enter into religious vowes and orders This motion was betwixt them resolved and having nobly disposed of their children he took upon him holy orders and retired himselfe to the Monastery of St Nicholas his wife Anna erected a Nunnery not far from Torcellus which she made sacred to Saint Adrian how great and almost miraculous was their abstinence and piety thâ—t abandoning all worldly pleasures and delights when they flowed about them in all abundance even then vowed themselves to solitude and heavenly meditations in which profession they both in a fair and ful age deceased Egnat lib. 4 cap. 3. and Marullus in Vita Vitalis Not much different from this is that which we read of Pharon Meliâ—nsis a noble Prelate who with his wife after some years of affectionate consociety passed betwixt them made by a united 〈◊〉 a strict vow of future chastity she be took herself to a Nunnâ—â—y he to a Monastry but after seven sollitary winters passed he was still troubled in his thoughts for often calling to remembrance the beauty of his wife he repented himselfe of his former vow and often solicited her for a private meeting which she still denying and he more and more importuning at length the yielded to give him visitation but the prudent and chast Lady had her face covered her eies dejected and presented her sâ—lfe in a base and sordid garment where with her entreaties mixt with tears she so far prevailed with him that without breach of their promise made to heaven they took their lasting leave he still remaining in his Covent and she repairing to her Cloister Marul lib. 4. cap. 7. Volaterran writes of Petrus Vrseolus Duke of Venice who after he had one son by his wife by their unanimous consent they vowed perpetuall abstinence from all venereall actions So likewise Aloysius de Caballis a noble Venetian with his wife a Lady derived from the blood of the Patritians these two agreed together never to have carnall congression but only for issue sake neither would they suffer any motion temptation or any word look or gesture that might tend to the least provocation insomuch that if we may beleeve report the very linnen which they wore next them was so interwoven and disposed about them that when they lay together with great difficulty one might touch the others naked body Egnat lib. 4. cap. 3. Now what meed these deserve I am not able to judge I leave it to his wisedome who is the rewarder of all goodnesse and is the searcher of the hearts and reins and knowes who are hypocrites who true professors who pretend devotion meerly for devotion sake and who professe it for sincere zeal and religious piety Of Beauty and the reward thereof TO the great and solemn marriage betwixt Peleus the father of Achilles and Thetis all the gods and goddesses were invited saying Eris i. Discord who taking it ill that she alone of the immortall deities should be either forgotten or neglected in that high and solemn convention and was not admitted to the banquet she casts in amongst them a golden Ball or Apple with this inscription Detur pulcherrimae i Let this be given to the fairest This was no sooner done but up start the then most potent goddesses every one assuming to themselves the excellency of Beauty insomuch that snatching at the Ball it had almost come to blowes till Jupiter was by them entreated to end the controversie But knowing how it would offend his wife to bestow it upon either of his daughters and again if on the one he must of force distaste the other he therefore rather then to sentence partially willing to be no judge at all commanded Mercury to conduct them to the mount Ida and there this dissention to be ended by Paris the son of Priam who then was a Neatherd and kept cattell in the mountains These suddenly appearing before him and the young man abashed Mercury cheered him up cold his message from Jupiter and withall delivered to him the golden prize to be disposed of at his pleasure to whom the bashful Neatherd thus answered How can I O Mercury that am but a mortall man and brought up in all â—osticie be a just and equall censurer of such divine Beauties such causes ought to be decided by those that have been trained up in the urbanity of walled Towns or the delicacies of Courts to both which even from my infancy I have been an alien and meer stranger I alas have only judgement to distinguish this shee-goat from that and which heifer or the other is the fairer but for these coelestiall beauties in my eies they are all infinitely absolute and alike equall insomuch that I look not upon one but my sight dwels upon her and if I transfer mine eies upon a second though I be refresht yet I am not benefited and if upon a third I am cloied with variety not disparaging any but still applauding the present if I cast my eie upon her she is fairest if upon the other she appears no lesse if on the last she equals both the other and stil that which is neerest seems the best as if succession bred excellency And now I could wish my selfe like Argus to be eies all over that the pleasure I receive from two might by taking these miraculous objects from an hundred at once be multiplied unto me according to the number to make my now saciety a surfeit Besides the one is Juno the wife and sister of Jupiter the other are Minerva and Venus his two daughters so that of necessity in gaining one uncertain friend I shall purchase two most unconstant enemies therefore saith he I entreat you O Mercury so far to mediate for me to these goddesses that since but one can conquer the two vanquished will not be offended with me but rather to impute my error if any be to the weaknesse of my humane sight then to any premeditated and pretended spleen or malice To which every one trusting to their own perfections willingly assented when Paris thus proceeded Only one thing I desire to know whether it be sufficient for me being a judge to censure of these features as they are paralleld or more accurately to prie into every lineament of their bodies it be behoofeful for me to see them naked To whom Mercury replied You being Judge and they now standing at the