recompences besides the Honour they would acquire of all the World by the good doctrine wherein they would instruct the Prince These Philosophers having with merry hearts taken this charge by reason of the Divine Spirit which they knew to be in the young Erastus which gave them hopes that they should attain to great honour in the execution thereof and that they might the better execute it they made choice of a place without the City of Rome which was very well scâ—tuated and enriched with all things necessary for the entertainment of man for in the first place the Air was there very temperate there was very pleasant walks enriched with fair Fountains the playn was very considerable for the great number of Springs and Rivers which running through it at last met in a little lake which was furnished withall sorts of fishes there might you see all sorts of trees as well Fruit-trees as others and all the Fields enameled with Flowers according to the season all accompanied with a World of Birds who by their various Notes rendred a continual Harmony both night and day In this pleasant place was a Pallace built for the Prince Erastus that he might be at some distance from the noise of the City of Rome where he so plyed his study that you could hardly distinguish whose affection was greatest â—ither his in Learning or his Masters in instructing him and although he very well knew the greatness of his quality yet however he esteemed of no other greatness but that which vertue should instruct him in in such manner that he not only surpassed the hope which had been conceived of him but he also astonished his Masters because they could not reach him any thing but what he soon learne with advantage He was excellent in all the seven liberal Arts for first he was a good Grammarian by that means learning to speak properly and correctedly By Logick he found out reasons to discern a false proposition from a â—â—ne one he also profited so well in Rhetorick and Oratory that by his well speaking he perswaded what he pleased diswaded what he had a mind should appear ill he was also a good Arithmetician ready to cast up any account by Geometry he not only understood the dimensions of the Earth but also many other pleasant propositions as for Musick he could by his voice make an entire and perfect Harmony In fine he learned by Astrology not only the course of the Stars but also their influences which foretel things to come furthermore he had the knowledg of all things requisite to the perfection of man in such manner that in ten years wherein he was under the tuition of the seven Phylosophers he was not only a good Schollar but surpassed in knowledg those Masters that had instructed him Finally there did shine in him all the good graces as well of Body as of mind for he abhorred all Vices and on the contrary exercised all sorts of Vertue passing his time in Disputations with his Masters in which he took very much delight About this time it was that the Empress his Mothe departed this life and Erastus being advertised of it although he had as tender a love for her as any Child could have for a Mother yet nevertheless knowing that Death is a Natural thing and common to all and that all the Lamentations in the World will not restore life to those that are Dead he spent but few sighs and tears upon her but concluded with the Poet in this manner The glories of our blood and state Are shaddows not substantial things There is no Armour against fate Death layes his Icy hands on Kings Septer and Crown Must tumble down And in the dust be equal made With the poor crooked Scyth and Spade All heads must come To the cold â—ombe Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossome in the dust CHAP. II. The Emperour Dioclesian being enduced by the Roman Senate took to Wife the Princess Aphrodisiâ— who having heard speak of Erastus became enamoured of him and acquainted him with her affection She also provided a looking-glass made of a pretious stone which represented all things as lively as any other looking-glass of Christal or Steel and was enchased with fine Gold so cunningly wrought and so artificially that it every where represented love stories these rich things being collected she likewise provided perfumes and essences that should be as agreeable to the scent as the others were to the sight and having locked them all up in a silver Cabinet so richly wrought that the workmanship was of more value then the materials she delivered all to her trusty Slave charging him to carry this present to Erastus as sent from the Emperour and herself and to recommend them both to him expresly commanding him to acquint him that she herself had wrought most of these works and above all to shew them to him one after another presenting her most affectionat commendation without forgâ—tting to declare to him the grievous pain she endur'd for his love praying him to have compassion on her and to find the means to come to Rome that she might enjoy the the fruit of her so much desired love The Slave being dispatched with his rich presents went directly to the Castle where Prince Erastus with his Masters resided by fortune he found him alone in the Garden contemplating on the secrets of Phylosophy he rejoyced at his good luck being of opinion that fortune had favoured him very much in regard he found the Prince so conveniently without Company whereby he might have the conveniency to let him see peice by peice the beauty and richness of his present and to have leisure to discharge himself of his whole message and although the sage discipline of the Prince and the great continence wherewith he was reported to be endowed might cause him to desist from prosecuting his design yet the gayety which he then saw him in and his Age being so propper for love affairs put him in hopes that he should perfect the desires of the Empress his Mistress however being cuning and crafty he purposed to manage the affair of her affections as he should find the young Prince affected to the beauty of the present which he brought him being thus determined having made his reverence he presented recommendations from the Emperour and Empress telling him he was expresly sent to him to visit him and to bring him certain presents as a remembrance which were for the most part wrought by the Empresses own hands who did bear as much affection to him as the Emperour himself and although by reason of her youthfulness she was not deserving of the name of Mother yet nevertheless she did assure him that she had as great an affection for him or more then if she had bore him of her body as in time she would make appear to him and having opened the Cabinet he took out the rich presents which the Empress
all dispatches and affairs to these seven Sages who acted all things as they were minded and gave the King what account they best thought for their purpose but above all thing they took care not to displease him so that in time they were in such high esteem and they were taken rather to be Lords of all England then Counsellours true it is that in the beginning they took so good order in the execution of justice that all things were done in good order but afterwards when they had tasted of the great gifts and presents that was usually made them they then were so desirous to heap up riches that they minded nothing else without respecting their honour or the zeal they should have to justice and among other inventions to raise mony they found out one than would raise them a world of riches at that time it was a custome in England for the Natives to give such credit to dreames that the believed the greatest part of their affairs and chiefly those of importance were divinely revealed to them in visions and dreams which they little or much understood according to to the goodness and sanctity of the persons who thus should dream so that when any one had dreamed of any thing that she could not understand they had recourse to the Sages whereof in England there was great plenty and for their advise carried great presents as if Gold and Silver would cause the true interpretation of dreams these seven Deputies or Governours of the Kingdome understanding of this that they might shew themselves the more knowing and more excellent in all things than any body else and more particularly in the interpretations of dreâ—ms under preâ—ence of takeiâ—g away the abuse which was done upon that account and that the people might not be decâ—ived in the interpretation of dreâ—ms tâ—ey published an Eâ—ict by which it was prohibited all persons to go to any to have interpretation of dreams but to them â—lves In persuance of which Eâ—â—ct a world of people came to them every dâ—y with great presents so that in short time these Lords were â—icheâ— in mony then the King himself who minding nothing but to take his pleasure fell into a vâ—â—y strange accident for having hiâ— Nâ—ts to be piâ—ched in a very pleasant Forrest to please the â—â—dies with a coâ—â—â— at hunting he was no sooner gone out of the gaâ—es of London to gâ— to this hunting but that his eye-sight was so troublâ—d that he could not see wherefore taking advâ—ce of his Physicians who looking on the Kâ—â—gs eyes found they were fair and without blemish and understanding that he had no pain in his head that he was not wounded that might occasion this blindness they knew not what to think of it but only advised the King to return to his Pallace and go rest himself and that in the mean time they would consult among themselves of this accident to remedy it as well as possibly they could according to this advise the King turned his bridle to return back but he was no sooner entered the City-gate but he recovered his sign without using any remedy whereupon being not only joyful but wondring with a merry heart he turned his bridle to go follow the company but he was no sooner out of the City but he was agen taken with his former blindness so that he was forced to turn back towards the Court and yet so soon as he was entred within the City-gates he recovered his former sight yet in regard the time was somewhat spent he put off the hunting untill aâ— other time The next day going to pass away some time at a garden that was without the City he was no sooner passed London Gates but he became blind as he had done the day before and no sooner was he returned in the City but he saw as cleerly as he had formerly done upon this account the Physitians were amazed they had many consultations but without any effect for in general it was thus the Kings sight was good so long as he was within the Citâ— but so soon as he was out of it he became blind and alâ—hough he went out at several Gates and had tryed them all yet he still continued blind so long as he was out of the City and when he returned he could see well enough In this condition this poor Prince remained for sometime and câ—â—â—d not finde any remedâ— which was a great â—ffliction to him to see himself confin'd to the City of London whereupon one day he called the seven Counsellors to whom he had committed the Government of the Kingdome remembring that they had given out that they could give a reason for all things and therefore he expresly enjoyned them that they should make known to him the cause of his blindness that he might finde a remedy without being thus confined within the walls of the City of London but these great Sages who knew as little of the causes as the King were so amazed that they could not speak answer a word to purpose yet however dissembling their ignorance they told the King that the case required to take some time of advice to consult well on the matter and to studdy on it that they might give him such an answer as might be to his content to this the King replyed I give you all this day to advise upon it and charge you that tomorrow morning you give me an answer but the Sages finding this time to be too precise and too short told him that the case was of thâ—t importance that it required a moneth of delay how a moneth said the King is this the great readiness which you boast to have by your â—kil presently to resolve all doubts and questionâ—â—gâ— and consult together and in fifâ—een dayes resolve me of what I desire and finde a remedy or I promise you I will make an example of you to all such as for the future shall he so bold as to abuse their Princes These poor unadvised Sages hearing this were much troubled yet since they had a terme of fifteen dayes they pluckt up their spirits hoping in that time to supply their ignorance by the knowledg of some other so that they assured the King that within the time prefixed they would give him the satisfaction he desired and having took leave of the King they each of them severâ—ly sent away messengers in Post to all parts to finde out some knowing person to whom they might apply themselves in this affair and their Messengers had good success they heaâ—d of the vertue and miraculous spirit of the child Merlin and of the sayings he used which surpassed all humain understanding This child was but young and was born miraculously so that it was believed that his Mother had conceived being a Virgin being with child by a Spirit or a Magician who it was reported had given her a great belly without touching her by means of a familiar Spirit but let it be so
Government of his Subjâ—ctâ— that they were very well contented and thus he continued for some time But in short time whither it was that his wickedness being hidden was so great that it could be no longer dissembled or whither it proceeded from the Imperuosity of youth which cauâ—ed him tâ— make a bad use of his freedome and power he began to loosen the Reins to his fâ—lly as it is usual for young men who know themselves to be free and out danger of punishment True it is that being very wary he so ordered his affairs that no complaint came to the eares of his adopted Father who having past away his time of mourning and being weary of a Solitary life he purposed to return to his house where he was highly welcomed by his Subjects but chiefly young Philemon appeared to be the most contented person in the world and gave so good an account to Archelaus of all matterâ— of importâ—nce that had pâ—ssâ—â— in his absence and thereby caused him to undâ—rstand hiâ— gâ—â—â—â—â—â— spirit that his Father alâ—hâ—ugh present remittâ—d all affâ—irs to his mannagement who acted all his busine s being held in his fathers presâ—nâ—s in greater reputâ—tion and a more absâ—lute Lord than in his fâ—thers absâ—nce in which mannagement he continued a cerâ—ain time with a very great inâ—deâ—â—y in appearance yâ—â— in private abandoning himsâ—lf to the saâ—â—â—â—ctâ—on of his disordinate appetite Archelaus then seeing young Philemon to be grown to mans â—state purposed to seek â—ut a wife for him which Philemon underâ—taâ—ding and fearing to be tyed to a wife by the bands of â—â—â—riâ—age when he could not so freely enjoy â—is accustomâ—d pleasures as he had done being to give an account in the night whereas now he â—cted what he luted and let loose the Reins to his vâ—lâ—pte usness of which liberty he should be deprived whâ—n â—e wâ—s â—ur ed he therefore went to his Father 〈…〉 him to let him continue in the condition hâ— wâ—â— in 〈◊〉 bridâ—ing him by marriage alledg ng that a Wife would disturb him frâ—m his study and the â—â—â—â—gement of his affairs â—old him several other reaâ—on◠〈◊〉 â—olour of zeâ—l which he had for 〈◊〉 good of hiâ— Subjects so well using his tongue that Archilaus who yet above all things desired tâ— see of the race of his beloved Philemon having firâ—t usâ—d all pâ—ssib e perswasions was in the end constrained to comply with him as well in respect of the zâ—al which Philemon shewed to his business as not to contradict him in that where he excused himself with some appearance of reason so that he intended not to urge it any further yet however purposing to cause him to condescend in time by other meanâ— Whereupon having considered the manner how he discovered his intent to his favourites telling them that since his Son would not consent to be married than he himself should be constrained to take a wife whereby so noble a family as his might not be lost having none to bear his Name and Arms but the young Philemon and this he gave out not out of any thoughts of being married but to invite Philemon to take a wife certainly believing that when Philemon should hear this news if nothing else should move him to be married yet at last the fear of being deprived of so great a succession as that of Archelaus by the Children which he might have of a wife if he should take one would induce him to consent to the will of his Father But all this did not divert Philemon from his oppinion knowing on the one side that Archelaus was already out of hopes of having Children and on the other side if he should have any he could not live to see them great by the course of nature so that by necessity he should always have the government of those Children and of the Lands and Lordships of Archelaus remaining by this means as absolute Lord of the said Lands as if Archelaus had no Children In conclusion Archelaus seeing that young Philemon regarded not the same that was spread abroad thought that by the greatness and vivacity of his spirit he had disovered his intention and therefore to make the matter seem more probable and real he began to seek out for a marriage for himself enquiring among all the Damsels that were marriageable to find one propâ—r and convenient for him not that he intended to be maâ—r ed but to induce Philemon thereunto seeing thaâ— there was no dissâ—mbling in the Case and that he might think his father would in good esrnest marry as it was the general discourse of all people But for all this Philemon still continued absolute agâ—â—nst marriage so that what was first intended for jest proved in earnest for a Damsel was found out for Archelaus her name was Eufrosena she was fair vertuous of a Câ—â—pâ—tenâ— age and of as good a family as he desired Archelaus seeing this and that this Damsel came freely to him and that Philemon wâ—uld not marry he therfore purposed to pâ—â—ceed in this marriage This was approved of by all and oâ— Philemon himself without whose advice he would not conclude thereon And so this Wedding was solemnized with all fit magnificence to the great content of every one Archelaus being very well pleased with his marriage having dâ—â—ly experience of the mild Spirit great prudence and vertue of his wife began to introduce her into the Rule and Government of all his Lands and houses yâ—t withâ—ut taking the mannagement of his affairs from Philemon but with this charge that in all eases of importance and which required counsel he should act nothing without Communicating thereof to his Mother-in-law This woman behaved her self so vertuously in her mannagement that in short time by degrees all affairs passed through her hands for on the one side Archelaus being striken in years would not trouble himself with business having more need of rest and on the other side Philemon minded nothing but his pastime and to enjoy all the pleasure that came into his fantasie sometimes to the prejudice of others remitting all dispatches to his Mother in Law who did expedite all the most dextruously that might be and with great equity The subjects seeing their Lady behave her self so virtuously in the Government of the Country took heart to complain to her of the great disorders and violence which Philemon committed so that from all parts complaints came to her ears yet she being mild and good natured endeavoured at first to excase and cover the faults of Philemon and then in private to câ—â—de him admonâ—shing exhorting and praying him so to deâ—â—an himself that he should use no violence towards the Subjects and to mind his business as formerly he had done shewing himself worthy of that quality whereto he had been called by the bounty of Foâ—tune and by the love which Archelaus had born him hereupon young Philemon very humbly thanked her with a promise from thence forwards to follow the good
her to a Pond in the middle whâ—re â—f he ty'd her fast to a Post thinking by that 〈…〉 â—hat heat that had occasioned her malady and hâ—â—â—â—â—siâ— The Soldier having worn out his patience with attendance went to the old womans who had been his broaker in this intended Merchandize and tells her of his fruitless attendance she wonders at it and presently goes back with him to the house where having a Key she enters the Gate and leaving the Soldier in an outer Court went towards the house where she saw the young Lady in the Pond in the manner her husband had left her After some small Dialogue whereby they both understood how the State of their affairs stood the young Lady having still a mind to enjoy her Gallant it was agreed that the old one should unstrip and stand in her stead whilest she went to her Lover The young woman being dressed in the Old womans cloathes went to the Soldier who at first took her to be the Matron but by her speech finding it to be otherwise he soon enjoyed those pleasures they had so long desired The old Gentleman who was gone to bed could not sleep for thinking of that nights adventure and believing that he was not sufficiently revenged on his wife he resolves on a further and leaving his bed goes down to the place where he left his wife and utters outragious speeches against her which the old woman who was there thought was best not to answer but to remain silent at which he was so enraged that having a Knife in one hand he took her by the nose and cut it off throwing it at her face and wishing her to present it to her Lover he returns to bed Soon after the Lady having taken leave of her young man returnes to the old woman who although almost dead with her wound gives her an account of her misfortune she hears this Story with admiration esteeming her self doubly happy in having enjoyed her friends love and escaped her husbnads fury and now she comforts the old woman by promiscing her a great reward This pacified her and the young woman believing that the worst was past that better was to come unty'd the old one and again took her place in the water where having contriv'd how to mannage her matter so as to come off with honour she thus plaid her trick Believing that her husband was within hearing as indeed he was She with a Low voice makes a heavy complaint against him that had so wâ—ongd his innocent and chast wife and then she Implores the Assistance of Diana and all the other Goddesses of Chastity and Marriage to vindicate her and that they would shew some example on her to demonstrate her Chastity and if they pleased to be so gracious to her to restore that former Beauty which her husband had deprived her of by rash unhumane cutting off her nose This was the sum of her complaint prayer then continuing for some time silent she at length brake forth into lowd exclaimations of joy thanksgiving to the heavenly powers for her restoration calling to her husband to come and see the token of her innocence He being amazed at this discourse was resolved to try the truth riseing out of his bed lighted a candle went down and comes to his wife and beholding her face finds it whole and sound whereat standing amazed he began to detest his rashness and fear heavens vengeance and deprecating the wickedness of his impious fury he looseth his most chast wife and brings her again to her bed she by this means recovering both her nose the affection of her husband And now Reader let this Story suffice as the first Dish of meat you are to have at this banquet which I hope will please your pallet wherefore I pray fall too and much good may it do you Yours Fra. Kirkman THE HISTORY OF PRINCE ERASTUS Son to the EMPEROUR DIOCLESIAN And those famous PHILOSOPHERS CALLED THE Seven Wise Masters OF ROME CHAP. I. The Emperor Dioclesian delivers his Son Erastus to seven Philosophers to be instructed in all the Arts and Sciences The Empress the Mother of Erastus dyes ONE Thousand and forty years after the foundation of the Citty of Rome the Emperour Dioclesian a wise and powerful Prince reigned in that Superb and Tryumphant City he being married to a very fair and virtuous Princess had by her a Son who was so well proportioned and of so exquisite beauty that every one concluded him to be more Divine than Humain in such manner that the affection which all the world had for the singularities and graces of this young Prince caused that the name of Erastus was given to him which is as much as to say amiable and although he was but yet in his very infancy yet in that tender age every one concluded that in time this young Prince would arrive to very great perfection and would not be in any thing inferiour to the other Emperours his Predecessors and moreover there was not any Mathematician Astrologer Diviner Physiognomist nor Chyromancer who did not every one respectively finde by his Art that according to the influences of the Caelestial Planets this Child should be of an admirable Spirit very singular in all Sciences and accomplished in all manner of virtue wherein the Emperor took so great content as the Majesty of his degree and the grandeur of such a Father did require purposing on his part not to frustrate so good a Nature but to use his endeavour to render his Son such as the opinion of the world had conceived of him And for asmuch as neither Illustrious blood good Constellations nor large Estates are not of themselves sufficient to render a man great if Nature be not helped and assisted by Sciences and Vertues therefore so soon as this Infant Erastus was of an Age fit for to learn the Emperour provided himself of the most knowing men that he could find whereby he might be instructed under whose tuition he so well profited that at the age of ten years he began to have a taste of the secrets of Phylosophy and the good Emperour very well knowing that the Wisdome and Prudence of the Son does ordinarily redound to the glory of the Father and therefore resolving to render his Son perfect in Phylosophy he from amongst all the Wise Men of his Empire made choice of seven Phylosophers of whose skill and knowledge he had sufficient experience that he might confidently commit the charge of such a Person who in time might succeed to the Government of the great Roman Empire The Emperour having thus delivered his Son to their charge commanded them to instruct him with the greatest dexterity as well in Vertue and good Manners as in Letters and all sorts of Sciences that all the world might know of what a Father this young Prince was Son and by what admirable Masters he had been instructed promising to these Phylosophers very great
mind told her that she must give no credit to Dreams being things without substance that vanish away whereupon she put on a mercy countenance and entertained the Emperour as she was wont until it was bed time which occasioned more pain to this poor Princess the Emperour for his part went to sleep but the Empress could not close her eyes for thinking of her affection to Erastus being of opinion that her affairs having had so prosperous a beginning she should lose noe time or occasion to bring it to that end so much desired by her and ruminating all the night on what means she should use to perfect her desires sometimes she doubted that the Slave was insufficient for an enterprise of so high a consequence otherwise she could not find any way possible to speak with Erastus because he was at Rome and alwayes accompanied with grave Phylosophers whose doctrine she very well knew was contrary to her appetite In conclusion she resolved to speak to him by Letters and Presents and so soon as the day began to appear that night in the opinion of the Empress being longer than usual she arose and being retired alone into her Cabinet she writ this Letter which followeth THE Empress Aphrodicia to her Friend Erastas health I doubt not but these presents will astonish you that I without respecting your grandeur have bin so bold to write to you without considering that I present to your fair eyes a thing so ill dictated as these presents and to cause your mouth so accustomed to all good learning to read this Letter destitute of all eloquence however I have not forborn putting Pen to paper being assured that your sublime spirit will measure my writeing according to the affection from whence it proceedeth and that you will have a greater esteem for it than if all the Oratory had been employed to assist me with Eloquence upon this occasion for according to the Poet Love hides many faults and to tell you truly how it is this God hath so fettered me that to obey him I have been forced thus to write to you praying you to receive and entertain it with a pleasant countenance believing that it is not simply paper but my self who with all my affection am transformed into it and I wish I were personally present with you assuring my self thâ—t I should enjoy the fruit of my desires which I hope are long by word of mouth to discover to you for it is impossible that your knowing spirit should not be acquainted with the secrets of my heart which is more yours then my own for you are Lord of it so as you will please to love that which with all her heart loves you However if your temper corresponds to your name for Erastus signifies amiable I hold my self assured that my recommendation shall be received which nevertheless I present to you with all possible affection and because I wondred at your absence at my Wedding with the Emperour I therefore pray you to take occasion to come and see me that you may let the World know that you are not dissatisfied with my alliance in doing whereof which I entreat of you you shall hear openly by word of mouth the rest of my secret which only tends to your profit honour and greatness In the mean time to testify the perfect love which I bear to you I send to you the most pretious things which I have being certain jewels which you shall find to be singular not only for their beauty and richness but also in regard they are peices of antiquity which my late Father gave particularly to me being the preciest things he was Master of and therefore I send them to you as better deserving to enjoy things so rare desiring you to accept of them with my heart And as you have the report to surpass iâ— every thing all other men that you not only permiâ— your self to be overcome by the force of a simple woman but let her know that your love is more ardent then hers if it were possible I wish you good health This Letter being written and sealed the Empress wrapped it up in fine cloath of Gold with many Jewels Pearls Diamonds Safers and many other pretious stones of inestimable value and enclosed all in a Cabinet of fine Gâ—ld which she delivered to her faithful slave charging him to carry it to Erastus advising him to find him alone and accompany the present with speeches proper to the intent of his message and the slave might perform this voyage with the more bravery she presented him with a horse and a good some of money The Slave thus dispatched in short time arrived at the Pallace where Prince Erastus studyed where by good Fortune he found him alone in his studdy and as to the matter of the present delivered his mesage as the Empress had commanded him without proceeding further but only to barâ— râ—commendations from his Mistress forbearing to deliver the rest of the message until he should understand how the Prince would accept of the pâ—eâ—ent being of the opinion that it would be impâ—ssâ—ble for a Prince of his age to sl ght such pretious Jewels as he had brought but Erastus having considered the richness of the present began to consider what might be the cause of the great liberallity of the Empress in regard that all women are naturally covetous But having found the Letter and read the contents of it he presently had some suspition although he could not absolutely believe love to be the cause but however in great anger he tore the Letter into prices and soundâ—y ratâ—ed the slave forbidding hâ—m upon his life never to come into his presence and that he should carry back the Jewels to his Mistress and use his endeavour to diswade her from her disordinate humours The slave being much troubled returned back to Rome and in his way thither he considered that if he should acquaint his Mistress of the truth of this affair his profit would be at an end and therefore being come into the presence of the Empress he spake thus Madam I do assure you that I have full and according to your intention executed the charge which you were pleased to give me and that the Prince Erastus is wholly at your dispose True it is that not thinking himself worthy of the great present which you sent him told me that your love was sufficient without depriving you of so great rarieties therefore he hath returned them only keeping the Letter which he read over and kissed more than a thousand times in my presence and he would willingly have returned an answer but that he doubted his Masters would return presently and surprâ—ze him wherefore he in short told mâ— that he would suddenly come to Rome where by word of mouth he would give you full satisfâ—ction beseeching you in the mean time to continue your good opinion of him The Empress was highly contented with the slaves discourse however she
up and destroyed What Pine was this said the Emperour and what happned about it to which the Empress answered A while agoe there was a Gentleman of Italy who had a very fair Garden wherein he took so much pleasure that he therein planted all sorts of Herbs and Trees and among others he had a very fair Pine so fair and so strait as any could be in the World so that this Gentle-man esteemed this Pine more than all the Trees in the Garden and thereupon he there made an arbour taking great pleasure to remain â—nder the shaddow of it for the most part of the day whether he had a mind to read or otherwise to pass the time It hapned as one often sees among other Trees that from the root of this Pine sprung a sucker which the Gentle-man seeing being very much pleased at it he commanded his Gardner to look carefully after it hoping by this means to get an other Pine as fair as the former and this young sucker finding the fresh Earth that was put about it grew very well at the beginning but being grown up so high that the branches of the first Pine kept the Sun from it it did not grow so well as at the first but became bent and crooked The Gentle-man being troubled at it asked the Gardner the cause who answered that the bowes of the great one gave so great a shaddow that the young one not having the Sun and air to make it grow strait up according to its Nature it therefore was crooked and did not thrive whereupon the Gentle-man commanded to lop the old one and take away the branches which hindered the Sun from the young one so the old one was lop'd all away on one side It hapned that this Gentle-man had a voyage to make for some moneths but before he went he recommended his young Pine to the Gardner above all things in this the Gardner did not fail so that the Sun coming to the young one it grew again as it had formerly done but however it still continued crooked on the contrary the great one began to wither on the side it had been lopped The Gentleman at his return seeing the great Pine half dead and knowing that these two Pines hindred one another and that there was little hopes of the great Pine in regard it was so decayed caused it to be cut up and thus was this Tree that had formerly been so well beloved destroyed for the young Pines sake which although it grew to be a great one yet it still kept itâ— ill and crooked shape which it had from the beginning and thus will it happen to you for having placed your Son if he may be called yours which I cannot believe to the government of these seven Philosophers you see in what case he is they have already lopt you on one side by the shame which they have caused you and which is worst being resolved to maintain and justifie it you will in short time see a rebellion in Rome and if you should pardon him for this out-rage in hopeâ— of his amendment assure your self that ere long he will a â—empt against your life as he hath already done against your honour to arrive to the Governmâ—nt so soon as he can and be assured that these Philosophers will put their helpinâ— hand to it in hopes that they shall have the management of the affairâ— of the Empire and so for want of forecast you will see your self ruined by your young sucker I shall prevent it replyed the Emperour for I promise you that justice shall take place and at once to revenge your honour and my own and thereupon he commanded that without delay the sentâ—nce of Erastus should be executed on his Person CHAP. X. The Philosâ—pher Dimurgus caused execution to be stayed for an another day by a discourse which he made to the Emperour of the great Hipocrates who out of anger did stay without cause a Nephew of his that was an execellent Physitian DAY brake was hardly come when those to whom the execution of Prince Erastus was committed dâ—d provide for all things necessary thereunto without loss of further time according to the precise command of the Emperour in the mean time the Philosopher Dimurgus who had undertook to defend the Prince for the second day lest he should be surprized had bethought himself of all that he had to say to the Emperour and so being ready in the morning he came to the Chamber where by Fortune he found him coming out sooner than ordinary by reason of the great trouble he was in both in body and mind for the causes aforescited and although the Emperour appeared to be angry yet he being satisfied in the innocence of Prince Erastus after he had made his usual reverence he took the boldness to say Sir having receâ—ved this favour of your Majesty to be long since admitted into the service of your house I ever knew you both of a rare spirit and very well advised whereby you have alwayes prudently governed the affairs of your Empire so that I have alwayes admired the great vertues which did respectively shine in you and a particular zeal which you alwayes had to do justice so that I never knew you guilty of one unjust action But considering you by I know not what extraordinary disaster to be about to exceed the bounds of reason and to be diverted from your good and antient custom I therefore made bold not out of hopes of reward or praise to come before you not to counsel you but to advertise your Majesty of a certain error into which as a man and not as so great an Emperour as you have alwayes been are now fallen you know Sir what you have purposed to do with my Lord the Prince your Son by reason of a wicked perswatition which has been imprinted in your mind But I humbly pray you and that for the reputation of your honour to suspend a while this your purpose and to take my counsel which being good as in truth you will know it you will prefer it before all that hath been said to the contrary and be not angry Sir at my advice for as the Proverb sayes and you very well know it He does deserve to be ruined that will not take advice The Emperour having heard this preamble and considered of what had been spoken by the Philosopher was contented to stay the execution of his Son however intimateing to him that if by good reason he did not make appear that he was in an error and that his defence of the Prince Erastus was just that both the Advocate and Criminal should be hang'd one after another to which the Philosopher consenting he began to say Hipocrates the Prince of Physitians had a Nephew with whom he took so great pains to instruct him in the Art of Physick that in fine this Nephew was in his Skil Experience and Practice equal to his Uncle it hapned that
advertisements which by her b uâ—ty she had given him yet nevertheless he acted quite contrary not omitting to do any thing that his wicked inclinations led him to and alâ—hough he endeavoured to act his lew'd tricks at privately as he could that his Mother in law might not discover him yet now it was not so as it had formerly been with his Father for he was acquainted with all his actions because the Subjects went more freely to make their complaints to Eufrosena than to Archelaus seeing the ready and quick dispatches which she gave to all affairs and now they did not fear that she should be transported with natural affection at the discovery of the disâ—rdinate life of Philemon as it may be Archelaus himself would have been who being neer of Kin to Philemon had taken so great a love for him that he had adopted him when a young child and had alwayes bred and entertained him as his own Son The wise Eufrosena seeing the advertisements which she had given to Philemon had not at all pâ—â—fited him she began to be more free with him threatning that in case he did not change his manners to acquaint her husband therewith that he might take course with him yet withal mildly telling him the great blame he would have when his lewd life should be discovered Whereupon Philemon promised that for the future he would so behave himself that she should hear no Complaints of him anâ—â—â—tâ—e was every day worse and worse so that the veâ—â—uous Eafrosena was constrained to acquaint her huâ—bâ—â—â— thâ—â—ewith earnestly entreating him to advise hiâ— Sâ—n to leave those wicked courses and to bring him back to his former vâ—rtuouâ— manner of living Archelaus hearing this newâ— of his Son thought 〈◊〉 very â—â—range to hear of â—uch dishonest â—ctâ—â—â—s so câ—ntrary to the good opinion which he had of his Câ—ntinâ—â—câ— and vertue wherefore â—e câ—id him â—veâ—ely and threatned him highly stâ—â—â—â—ly câ—mmâ—nding him from thence forwards not tâ— câ—mmit any exâ—â—â—s or violence Intimating to hâ—â— that for the first â—ault he should be guilty of he woâ—ld so Chastise him that his former câ—lmes and thâ—se which he should commit should not escape unpunished and that he should â—erve as an example to others who seeing that he had not spared his adopted Son should forbear offending for fear of punishment Young Philemon counterfeiting a Repentance and that he was very sorrowful that he had committed crimes to the displeasure of his Father begged his pardon promising to live so strictly from thence forwardâ— that he should never hear any just complaint against him Yet it was not long after this that he had a mind to a fair young Damsel daughter to a Gentleman of the most considerable quality of his fathers Subjects and not knowing how by fair means to get possâ—ssion of her â—e one day made a forceible entry into the house of this Gentlemâ—n and carryed away the Damsel This rude action coming to the knowledge of Archelaus he Commanded that Philemon should be suddenly seizâ—d on and being strictly guarded should be carried Prisoner to a strong Castle giving express commands to the Captain of the Castle that upon pain of his high displeasure he should put Philemon in the stronge Prison of the Castle that he might at all times render a good account of him Philemon being thus put into Prison conceived mortal hatred against his Mother-in-law believing all the anger of Archelaus did proceed from her and by her Instigation and from thencefâ—rth purposed to imploy all his power and wicked Spirit to ruine the good and innocent Lady And that he might accomplish his design he endeavoured all that in him lay to get the friendship of the Captain of the Castle which he easily performed the Captâ—in being a good fellow one who desired to please all and particularly Philemon whom he one day hoped to see Lord of all the Lands of Archelaus And therefore he often visited Philemon eating and drinking with him endeavouring to divert him by Playing singing and other recreation so that his liberty only excepted he knew nothing that would please Philemon but he suffered him to enjoy it This Captain had one only Daughter competently fair and marâ—iagable which he lovâ—d above all things Philemon having seen her resolved to make use of this means to accomplish what he most desired He seeing his keeper to be so much his friend that he might without any danger discover any secret to him he one day took him apart and having made a long preamble of the many traverses which his Mother-in-law had practised to his prejudice and that without cause so that she had by these means brought him tâ— a Prison him who was by right the true and Lawful Lord of the Countrey there to cause him to Languish in a condition worse than death had it not been for his kinâ—ness to him for which he reckoned himself vâ—ry much obligâ—d so that he should never forget it and being willing to begin to acknowledge the gâ—eat â—â—iendship and service which he had received of him and gave him assurance of what he mâ—ght hereafter expect when by the death of his Father he should be Master of his 〈◊〉 he therefore purposed to take his only daugh â— to wife â—on this condition that the said Câ—ptain would Aid and assist him in what he purposed to do And then he began to discourse of the probable cooâ—â—â— he would take to be revenged on hâ— Innocenâ— â—ufrosena and told him particularly how the design should be mannaged The affection which the Captain had to see his daughter so highly preferred and the Ambition to be Father-in-law to his Lord and Prince and by consequence Governour of the Countrey caused him to open his eares so that although he knew this to be an unjust undertaking yet however he resolved to be an Actor and therefore they having plighted their trothes to each other the marriâ—ge of his daughter and Philemon was secretly câ—â—â—â—nated The Captain of the Castle resolving to keep promise choosed out seven Sâ—ldiers Reformadoes in whom he could confide and after he had câ—njured them and received an oath from them for their fidelity and secresie he discovered his and Philemons enterprise to facillitate which he shewed them the proper means giving them great presents and greater promises to serve as false witnesses to testifiâ— and affirm that which should be requited of them This being done he dispatched one of these Reformadoeâ— to Archelaus to entreat him to come to the Galile about a business of very great Consequence and wherein consisted the quiet of his estate which wâ—s of so great importance that he durst not write least the Letter should miscarry and muâ—h less could be trust a third person to acquaint him by wâ—rd of mâ—uth While the Soldier was on hiâ— way â—o delivâ—r his Message the Traytor Philemon purâ—â—sing to act his wickedness cunningly laid his foundâ—tion on a Letter which he found whâ—ch the Sâ—ge