the Fee-simple of his Mill and within three days with a small Cord steals into her Chamber and strangles her when carrying her to the Mill-boat in the Pond he fastned a piece of a Mill-stone with a strong new Rope to her middle and sunk the body in the deepest part of the Pond The next morning away goes the Miller to tell his young Master what he had done who were both over-joy'd at the success of their Villainy A month was scarce past when Moreni La Valere's second Husband with some other Gentlemen his Friends had a mind to hunt a Duck and made choice of this very Mill-pond for their sport where the Duck and two Dogs are no sooner in but coming to the place where Lucia was sunk and tied they leâ—t the Duck and howl'd and bark'd at each other without stirring thence which the Gentlemen observing they presently imagined that some body was drown'd there but before they proceed to search they intend to make a second tryal after dinner and for that time call'd off their Spaniels At their return the Dogs do as they did in the morning which confirms their jealousie so they desired to draw up the Sluce and let the water out of the Pond which the guilty Miller refused to do upon which the Gentlemen seem'd to desist and went into the Mill to play at Cards for Wine which the Miller offer'd to fetch from the Town there being none nearer and when he was gone they drew up the Sluce and by that time the water was half out they saw the dead body float but the face was so mangl'd and disfigur'd by the Fish it was impossible to know the person They all concluded the Miller guilty whom they apprehended at his return and shut him up in his Mill till the body was own'd which not long after happened by her Father and Mother who knew her cloaths and affirm'd it to be their Daughter Lucia Mâ—reni rid to Roan and acquainted the Judges with this deplorable fact who sent for the Miller and examin'd him of the same murther which he deny'd and forswore whereupon he was order'd to the Rack at sight whereof he confessed himself to be the sole author and acter in this murther and spoke not a word of Pharamond whereupon he was adjudg'd to the Scorpions to know if any person was accessary with him but he not able to endure the cruelty of that torment confessed that his young Master Monsieur Pharamond hired him to strangle Lucia for which he gave him the Fee-simple of his Mill. Upon this Mercot was condemned to be broken alive on the Wheel but execution was deferr'd till Pharamond was taken who was then gon to Morleaux At his return he was suddenly apprehended and imprisoned and upon hearing his Indictment read and Mercot's Confession presently acknowledged the Fact for which he was condemned the next day to be beheaded when mounting the Scaffold he first publickly own'd the murther of Lucia and then confessed he hir'd Prochier to poyson his Brother De Bushie and had contracted with him for three hundred Crowns more to poyson La Valere which he had effected had not Providence preserved her by punishing him with so sudden a death For which he heartily craved pardon of God and then his Head was chopt off and his Body for his Brothers death burnt to Ashes Mercot was broken on the Wheel and Prochier's dead Body digg'd out of the Grave and in the Coffin burnt by the common Hangman and his ashes thrown into the Air. So strong is the deadly poyson of Revenge that it breaks through all ties of Friendship bonds of Relation and rules of Religion The desperate Pharamond to satisfie his malice murders his Brother and to please his unchast desires first râ—bs Lucia of her Virtue and then of her life for which his Body suffers the punishment of the Law and his Name perpetual Infamy HIST. X. Formoso and Almira Almira twice attempts to poyson her own Sister Corinna by the means of her waiting woman Doria but being both times disappointed she hires Nicon an Emperick to poyson Doria Almira is kill'd with a Thunder-bolt and Nicon hang'd Corinna to revenge her Lover Formoso's death murders her Brother Puteoli for which she dies immur'd AT Lisbon the chief City in Portugal liv'd Don Sebastian Florenzo a Nobleman great both by Blood and Revenues he married the virtuous Donna Andrada a Lady of eminent Quality and Perfections by whom he had one Son called Don Puteoli and two Daughters Donna Almira and Donna Corinna Don Puteoli whose Education was abroad in his travels acquaints himself with Don Formoso de Castello a Gentleman of refin'd conversation and courtly behaviour Puteoli that he might perpetuate the friendship which was thus happily begun with Formoso invites him to Lisbon to his Fathers house proposing a marriage with his eldest Sister Almira Formoso very courteously embraced his offer and went with him where he was generously receiv'd by Don Sebastian his Father and saw his two Daughters the stately Almira and matchless Corinna but with different sentiments for Corinna the youngest had already taken possession of his heart where the other had not made the least impression whereupon Formoso made his court to Corinna and desires her in marriage of her Father which he refuses but offers him the eldest alledging that he would give her the same preference that Nature had done who as she was his eldest should be first disposed of However Formoso persists in his love to Corinna and continues his sute to her Father which Puteoli earnestly but in vain sollicits for him so obstinately resolved was Don Sebastian in behalf of Almira that he was forced to take leave of his beloved Corinna when the faithful Lovers mutually express'd their kind endearments to each other and vow'd eternal constancy Formoso civilly took his leave of Sebastian and Puteoli and return'd to his Castle ten leagues from Lisbon at Villamont and in this recess made it his only comfort to converse with Corinna by Letters which were secretly convey'd to her and hers to him by his faithful Page Honorio who making love to Doria Almira's Woman passd unsuspected The frequent visits of Honorio at last raised jealousie and mistrust in Almira who suspected they were only pretended to Doria whil'st in reality they were design'd to Corinna whereupon she order'd Doria to sound him but Honorio would not make any discovery but at last an unhappy accident did that for her which all her artifice and cunning could not attain for one Sunday-morning when Corinna was walking in the Garden Almira went into her Chamber to see for a little Book which not finding where she expected she put her hand into her Sisters pocket of the Gown she wore the day before and instead of that pulls out Formoso's last Letter to Corinna which she shews to her Father who was very much concern'd at it and severely checkt Corinna for entertaining a private correspondence with Formoso
left leg and Paulina's right arm The furious Horses ran away with the Coach which was torn all a pieces At this instant came by Orlindo's Coach with his Page Varini in in it going to his Master who seeing the Lady Paulina whom he knew in so distressed a condition alighted and took her up into his Lords Coach and Curanto with her and so speedily returned to fetch his Lord whom he found in the same Grove dead Varini strangely amazed at this ruful spectacle cries out and tares his hair for grief not knowing what to say or do At last he resolves to stay by the body and send the Coach for his Lady and her Father Seignior Sterlin Paulina and Curanto went back to Florence in Orlindo's Coach where she had leisure to consider the mischiefs she had drawn upon her self by her violent passion and insatiable malice Seignior Sterlin and the Lady Lucretia are now arrived where they see and bewail the one his Son the other her beloved Lord with sorrows inexpressible The Criminal Judges being acquainted with the murther of Orlindo send out their Officers into the Fields to apprehend all persons they found there and bring them before them but they found no more but one poor ragged Boy who was keeping of Cows on the other side of the hedge and gave them this account That he saw the Gentleman walk alone at least an hour and then an old Fryar came to him who shot two Pistols at him and kill'd him and then the Fryar went away and he saw him no more but there was a fine Coach which stood a little distance from the Grove where a fine Lady came out and went into the Grove and after the Fryar had kill'd the Gentleman the Lady went back to the Coach and drove away They asked him what colour the Horses were and what Livery the Coach-man had on The Boy said The Horses were white and the Coach-man had a red Cloak with white Lace Varini observing this affirmed it was the Lady Paulina her Coach and Coach-man and so related in what a condition he had found them two hours before Upon this they were suspected of the Murther and the Officers at their return to Florence commanded to apprehend them which they did as they were going out in a fresh Hackney-Coach and brought them Prisoners to the common Goal of the City Two days after Orlindo had been solemnly interred Paulina and Curanto were brought before the Judges and charged with the Murther of Orlindo which they both stoutly deny'd The Boy is called to give in Evidence against them who stands to his former â—epositions but cannot think the Lady was the Fryar nor can he truly say that this was the Coach-man The next morning Curanto was rack'd but the torments could not make him confess any thing Presently after Paulina was put to the same torture which not being able to endure she confessed her self to be the sole Author and Acter in the Murther of Orlindo in all the circumstances as before represented and strongly affirmed her Coach-man Curanto was Innocent For which she received Sentence to be hang'd next morning and accordingly about ten the sorrowful Paulina was brought between two Nuns to the place of Execution where after a very penitent and religious Speech she was turned over Honest Curanto though he was thus cleared by Paulina yet by the sollicitations of Lucretia was adjudg'd to the double torments of the Rack which he patiently endured without confessing any thing The Judges therefore moved in conscience to make him some satisfaction for enfeebling his body and impairing his health decree the Lady Lucretia to give him three hundred Duckatoons which was paid him accordingly and he discharged May the reading of this Tragical History learn us all to hate from our hearts the Inconstancy and Ingratitude of Orlindo and from our souls abhor the Cruelty of Paulina who though at first she seems to triumph in sin and praise the success of her Revenge and bloody Enterprize yet the Iudgment of God immediately overtakes the bold offender and brings her to open and condign Punishment HIST. XIV Castlenovo and Perina Jacomo de Castlenovo lusts after Perina his own Sons Wife hires Jerantha to poyson his own Lady Fidelia and then his Son Francisco for which Perina murders him in his bed Jerantha ready to die confesses the two Murthers is hang'd and burnt Perina's right hand is cut off and she condemn'd to suffer perpetual Imprisonment where she dies of a Consumption BEyond the Alps not long since lived Seignior Antonio de Arconeto a rich and noble Gentleman who by his Lady lately deceased had a Son named Seignior Alexandro and a Daughter called Perina the Son the Darling the Daughter a Cast-away who bears her Fathers frowns with admirable patience but the Son building too much on his Fathers fondness grows Debauch'd and gets a Surfeit at a Banquet which cast him into a pestilential Feaver and that in three days into his Grave Perina is now sole Heiress to her Fathers Lands and Favour whom he yet looks upon with disdain which brought her into a melancholly and that into extreme sickness which was so ill resented by the Lady Dominica her Aunt that she prevailed with her Brother to let Perina be with her at which the Aunt was very glad but the Niece overjoy'd Perina being thus settled there her Aunt hath a Daughter who was suddenly to be married to a Gentleman of Nice where she was chosen Bride-maid and Don Francisco de Castlenovo a Native of Nice Knight of Malta and sole Heir to Iacomo de Castlenovo a rich and ancient Baron of Savoy Bride-man who is enamour'd of Perina and understanding that her Birth and Quality answer'd his during his stay there made his court to her and in fifteen days obtain'd her consent to be his Wife with which he acquaints the Lady Dominica desiring her assistance to obtain her Fathers which in a short time she effects Castlenovo posts away home to his own Father and speedily returns with his approbation whereupon they were married in great pomp and solemnity and Perina brought home to Nice where she was honourably receiv'd by his Father with great Feasting and Mirth at which the young Couple thought themselves in Heaven But old Castlenovo being threescore and eight years old forgetting both his Duty to God and himself lusts after his young Daughter-in-law Perina which makes him wonderful complaisant to her but not daring to express his beastly Desires whil'st her Husband is at home he tells him That his Honour and the service of his Prince and Countrey invite him to the expulsion of the Spaniards out of Piedmont His Son nothing suspecting his Fathers treachery notwithstanding all his Wifes tears and intreaties takes his leave of her for three or four months and fitting his Equipage goes to the Camp Now old Castlenovo plays the part of a young Lover is still with Perina and ever and anon kissing
to forsake his admired La Hay for the hated La Frange But she being doubtful of the worst and fearing that at some time the commands of the Father might take place upon the duty and obedience of the Son like an impious Wretch resolves to send her into another world and for that purpose hires Bernardo Michael an Italian Emperick for 400 Crowns to poyson her which he promised to perform Michael being now to consider what methods he was to take concludes to insinuate himself into de Clugny's acquaintance under the notion of a Chyrurgeon who by his great skill was able to reform the crooked body of the young Lady his Daughter and accordingly furnished himself with several plausible reasons to induce him to believe it This succeeded and de Clugny having had consultation with divers other Physicians and Chyrurgeons resolves to employ him and gave him 100 double Pistols in hand to attempt it with the promise of as much more when he had perform'd it Michael being thus employ'd betakes himself to his business applies Plaisters and Searcloths outwardly and inwardly Pills and Potions into which he infused the Poyson which he assuredly knew would in ten days send her into another world whereupon he secretly went to La Hay and bid her provide the rest of the money which she willingly gave him and again swearing him to secrecy they parted and just on the tenth day la Frange to the unspeakable grief of her Parents died not without suspicion of Poyson upon which Michael was apprehended when La Hay to prevent his discovery privately sent him 100 Crowns more and promised him a rich Diamond Ring which so wrought upon him that when he was upon the Rack to extort a Confession from him he out-brav'd his torments deny'd the Fact and so was acquitted Lae Frange being thus dead De Salez resolves to go to Paris to obtain his Fathers leave to marry La Hay but the old Gentleman to prevent the same had bought a Captains Commission for him and contracted with Monsieur de Brianson to marry De Salez to his Daughter whereupon he sent to his Son to make hast to him at Paris and upon his arrival discours'd his intentions to him De Salez obstinately refused both his Commission and his new Mistress and would neither accept the one nor see the other whereat his Father in a rage swore he would disinherit him if he would not comply with his commands in three days De Salez mad on the other side resolv'd rather to dispatch his Father than leave la Hay when two nights after he found an opportunity to perpetrate his villainous design Supper being ended his Father complain'd he was not well and ordered his Clerk next morning early to carry his Water to Dr. Salop an eminent Physician who liv'd at the other part of the City No sooner in the morning was the Clerk gone but de Salez stole privately into his Fathers Chamber and finding him in a sound sleep stifl'd him betwixt two Pillows went out undiscover'd and speedily hasted to St. Honories gate and so to St. Clow. The Clerk returning from the Physician entred his Masters Chamber found him dead and almost cold in his bed at which sight crying out the Master of the house came up who vow'd he saw no person enter his Chamber and that his Son departed as soon as himself The body was search'd but no wounds appearing it was concluded he died a natural death upon which the Corps was nobly interr'd by De Salez with all the outward expressions of grief and sorrow De Salez having with all pomp and decency perform'd the Obsequies of his Father within eight days returned to Tholouse where the old Gentleman was much lamented by all but the wicked La Hay who rejoyc'd at it and De Salez himself was so senseless and forgetful of his Fathers memory and his own Reputation that in six weeks he threw aside his Mourning and in the most gaudy Apparel solemnly married La Hay at which the whole City wonder'd Three months were hardly past after their marriage before De Salez discovered the lascivious Intrigues of his Wife whose Adulteries had now made him a Knight of the Forked Order to prevent which or at least conceal â—t he persuades her to reform her life complains to her Father but neither prevail'd for she was now grown so impudent she scorn'd her Husband and plaid the Whore before his face with open doors whereupon he resolves to divorce himself from her and took advice upon it which coming to her knowledge she vow'd not to lose her share in his Estate which was very great but to prevent him and satisfie her own malice by a present and bloody revenge To this end watching an opportunity when most of the Servants were abroad at the Vintage she stole into her Husbands Chamber and finding him soundly sleeping she drew out a Razor from her sleeve stept to him and cut his throat when throwing the Razor and her Taffata-gown which was all bloody into the house of Office she secretly got out to Church De Salez whose throat was not cut so fully through but he could cry and groan was over-heard by two of his Servants who hastily coming up heard him utter these fearful speeches That Strumpet my Wife hath kill'd me O that she-Devil my Wife hath murder'd me The Servants cried out at the Window and call'd in the Neighbours who sent for his Confessor and the Lieutenant Criminal to both which he said the same words confest the stifling of his Father and instantly died Search was presently made for La Hay who was found in the Dominican Fryars Church at Sermon from whence she was dragg'd to Prison and charg'd with her Husbands murther which she confessed upon the Rack upon which she was condemned to be hang'd and then burnt Being remanded to Prison some Divines who were sent to her so wrought upon her conscience that she confessed fuâ—ther how she hired Mâ—chaâ—l for three hundred Crowns to poyson la Frâ—nge of which the Judges having notice altered her sentence and judg'd her to have her right hand cut off and then be burnt alive De Salez his dead body was order'd to be hang'd at the common Gallows by the heels and then burnt Michael as soon as he heard of La Hay's Imprisonment fled disguised in a Fryars habit but being discover'd was brought back to Tholouse where for poysoning La Frange he was adjudg'd to be broken on the Wheel and there to remain till he was dead and his body to be thrown into the River Garrow which the same day was executed accordingly As he lived an Atheist so he died impenitently saying only this Because the World had had so much to say to Him he would have nothing to say to the World but bad the Executioner dispatch him quickly Thus do we see the Iustice of Heaven punishing the Disobedience of De Salez by the dishonesty of La Hay and the murther he had
repeated blows kills him stark dead not suffering him to speak one word only he shriek'd once or twice which his Servants over-hearing ran up to his Chamber where they met Perina coming out with the bloody Ponyard in her hand for which she was presently taken and imprison'd and two days after arraign'd where she freely confest it alledging for her reason That He and Jerâ—ntha had murder'd both her Husband and her Mother-in-law Fidelia as she had good reason to suspect But this not â—xcusing her fact she is condemnâ—d to be hang'd from which Sentence â—he appeals to the Senate at Chambray whither she is convey'd who moderate the former Sentence and adjudge her to have her right hand cut off and to suffer perpetual Imprisonment at Nice where in a short time she dy'd very penitent of a Consumption Ierantha being with child by old Castlenovo apprehensive of the danger she was in fled secretly to a Friends house where she fell in labour and her pains were so violent that the Women about her concluded she would die whereupon she began to repent and confessed the two former Murthers after which she was safely delivered of a Son The Judges being acquainted with her Confession on the second day she was apprehended committed to Prison and the third hang'd and burnt at Nice and her ashes thrown into the Air. Thus we see the Ruine of two Noble Families wrought by the wickedness of the Old and Leacherous Castlenovo who murdered his Wife and Son renounced all the hopes of Heaven despised the dreadful flames of Hell to gratifie one burning Lust on Earth HIST. XV. Muletto and Servia Muletto murdereth his Wife Servia and twenty years after unknown robbeth his and her Son Augustino who likewise not knowing Muletto to be his Father accuses him of the Robbery for which he is hang'd IN the Kingdom of Naples near the Arsenal dwelt a proper young fellow named Muletto by Trade a Baker who having both an Oven and a Shop of his own by his indefatigable pains and Industry grew exceeding rich and became one of the prime Bakers of the City This Muletto going one day to Cassan twenty miles distant from Naples he there saw and fell in love with a rich Vintners Daughter her Fathers name was Pedro Spondy and hers Servia a lovely and beautiful Maid exceeding virtuous and religious who tho' she had several Suiters yet fancied Muletto above 'em all Whereupon he sought her in Marriage and easily got her good will provided he could obtain her Fathers consent Muletto having thus won the Daughter applies himself to the Father but so averse is old Spondy that he will not by any means hear of it yet still Muletto continues his Sute and jointly with Servia intreat his consent but he proudly and disdainfully refuses swearing he will die before he will permit him to marry his Daughter At which answer Muletto went very discontentedly back to Naples and Servia remains at Cassan with her Father who now thinks to provide her another Husband and gives her choice of two to prevent her marrying Muletto but she utterly refuses both whereat old Spondy is mad and threatens to dis-inherit her Three years are now past since the young Couple first saw one another and since Muletto first ask'd Spondy's consent and still seeing it in vain he thinks it now high time to lay close siege to Servia that she would agree to marry him notwithstanding her Fathers refusal telling her That though he had not a Duckatoon in Portion with her he valued it not that he married her for Love and had Estate enough to maintain her in a prosperous condition By which sweet words she was prevail'd upon to leave her Father and go along with Muletto Thus agreed Muletto hires a Boat whereof having notice she goes out at the Garden-door That night they went down the River and early the next morning he hires Horses and brings her to Naples where they were privately married Spondy missing his Daughter rages extremely as doubting that Muletto had stole her whereof making secret enquiry at Naples and being assur'd of it he passionately swears That they shall never enjoy one penny of his Estate nor will he ever after see them Ten days after their Marriage Muletto rode over to Cassan to Spondy to labour with his best respects and duty for a reconciliation Coming to Spondy's house with intent to see and discourse him he bolts himself into his Chamber and charges his Servants to deny him for that he is resolv'd neither to see nor speak with him Muletto went back to his Inn and two hours after came again but Spondy was still deny'd when the next morning rising early he went to Spondy's house but received the same answer whereat very angry he took his Horse and rode home to Naples where he truly relates to his Wife the entertainment he had at her Fathers whereat she was exceedingly grieved but Muletto comforted her up with good words and was indeed very kind and loving to her Thus they lived very providently and managed their Trade to the best advantage both of them being very diligent and saving Six months after having not heard one word from Spondy Muletto prays his Wife to go over to her Father her self Servia accepted of the journey and comes to Cassan where she received the same entertainment her Husband had found before in all respects nay he caused his doors to be shut against her At which unkindness of her Father she wept bitterly and got her Aunt and her Fathers own Ghostly Father to intercede for her but finding all fruitless and to no effect she returned to Naples to her Husband Muletto asking what success she relates to him the unnatural discourtesie of her Father towards her which vexed him to the heart but he dissembleth his discontent which is aggravated by being known to his Neighbours who flout and jeer him in all Companies This makes him now to look untowardly on his Wife and slight her and turn ill Husband neglect himself and his Profession and follow lewd and evil Company spending and consuming his Estate with Whores and Strumpets which at length reduces him to great poverty and want for the relieving whereof she sends to Spondy her Father and acquaints him with her necessities praying his assistance to relieve her present distress but he is so hard-hearted that he will neither help her wants nor pity her affliction whereby her condition is grown so miserable that she is ready to despair In the midst of these her sorrows she was brought to bed of a fine Boy who was christned in a poor manner and named Augustino The charity of her Neighbours to her in this condition preserved her from starving for her wicked Husband took no care of her but was so wholly devoted to Drunkenness and Debauchery that he never thought of being better nor had she any reasonable grounds to expect his amendment After she was up again she work'd very
hard with her Needle to maintain her poor Babe and her self and if she got a little money to keep them from starving he presently tore it from her so that not knowing what to do in so great want and misery she sent a Letter to her Father in these words Servia to Spondy MY Husbands Vices do so increase my wants and miseries that I have not cloaths nor food left to preserve my self and my poor Son Augustino and considering that I am your Daughter methinks in Nature and Christianity you should relieve me in these bitter distresses especially since my sighs beg it of you with humility for Charities sake and my tears with sorrow for Gods sake If your heart will not relent in compassion to me at least let it towards the pretty young Child whom I beseech you with tears to take from me and maintain God will requite your charity to him and I shall the sooner forget your cruelty to my self And so may you live in as much prosperity as I fear I shall shortly die in want and misery Servia Spondy received this Letter and read it without any compassion or concern for his Daughter but his rugged and stubborn humour had some pity for poor Augustino and to let her know so much sent her this Answer Spondy to Servia I See thou art obstinate in disobeying my commands with thy Letters wherein I believe thou takest more glory than I conceive grief at the relation of thy wants which I am so far from pitying that I am only sorry that I am thy Father But since thy young Son is as innocent as thou art guilty of my displeasure I have sent this Bearer for him and I will see if it be the pleasure of Heaven that I shall be as Happy in Him as I am Vnfortunate in Thee Spondy Servia having read this Letter though she grieved at her Fathers obdurate heart to her self yet was joyful at his kindness to her Son whom she delivered to the messengers hands and next to Gods protection religiously recommends him to the affection and education of her Father but Muletto would not so much as kiss him at parting whose unkindness he will live to return Servia having thus sent away her Son the same night dreams she shall never see him more whereat awaking she wept bitterly while her Husband laugh'd at her fondness who now grows worse and worse so that her life was a meer burthen to her Five years hath she now lived in this misery having no consolation but in her Prayers and Patience Instead of mending Muletto if possible is more dissolute than ever grows weary of his poor virtuous Wife and thinks if she were dead he might get another which should enrich him for which reason he resolves to murder her and accordingly on a great Holy-day took her out with him to walk to a Vineyard out of the City pretending to recreate themselves which poor Servia took for a great kindness and gladly went along Muletto lies down upon the ground feigns himself asleep when she lying down by him slept soundly which he observing softly rises up and cuts her throat not suffering her to cry or speak one word So leaving her went back to Naples a contrary way to take off all suspicion The very same night her murther'd body was found by some who chanc'd to walk that way and brought to Naples where it is known to be Servia Muletto's Wife who was sent for and seems passionately affected at her untimely death requests the Criminal Officers to search for the Murtherers which he is very diligent and industrious in himself and with that cunning and hypocrisie conceals his own guilt that he of all men is least suspected Muletto his Wife being buried now sells her Cloaths to buy himself some and seeks many Maids and Widows in marriage but he is refused and scorned by all so that utterly despairing to raise himself at home he enrolleth himself a Banditti and for many years practiseth that theivish and villainous Profession Old Spondy trains up his Grandchild virtuously and industriously so that he becomes excellent in Painting Graving and Imagery and then chooses to be a Goldsmith and proves a singular workman in his Trade His Grandfather is very kind to him and intends to make him his Heir but Augustino desires to travel and see other Countreys particularly Rome To which purpose finding a Ship in Savona-road going to Civita Vecchia he privately packs up his Baggage and imbarques therein Being arrived at Rome he becomes a singular ingenious Goldsmith and expert workman thriving so well that he resolves to set up his abode there Four and twenty years are now past since Muletto left Naples and turn'd Banditti of which growing weary at last he went to Florence and set up his Trade of a Baker intending there to settle and marry but it happened otherwise for the Cardinal De Medices going to Rome to receive his Hat and intending to enter and continue there in great state and magnificence he took into his house double Officers to whom he gave rich and costly Liveries and amongst others Muletto was chosen Baker in that journey and at Rome flaunts it out gallantly and is more debauch'd and prodigal than any other of the Cardinals Servants So that at last growing bare both of money and credit he resolves to recruit himself by stealing some pieces of Plate out of a young Goldsmiths Shop in Rome with whom he had some little acquaintance From him he stole two fair rich gilded Chalices a curious small Gold Crucifix set with Saphyrs and Emralds all amounting to the value of 450 Duckatoons The young Goldsmith amazed at his loss knows not whom to suspect or accuse for this Robbery but Muletto the Cardinal of Florence his Baker who much frequented his Shop Upon which knowing that he lay not in the Cardinals Palace but in a Taylers house adjoyning he got an Officer and search'd his Chamber and Trunk where he found one of his Chalices but nothing else and as he was going out meets Muletto who is committed to Prison and by the evidence of part of the Goods found in his possession and his confession in hopes of mercy is condemn'd to be hang'd next day In the morning he was brought to the common place of Execution at the Bridge-foot near the Castle of St. Angelo where upon the Ladder he confesses the Robbery and that his name is Muletto and that 26 years ago he lived at Naples where he murder'd his Wife Servia Spondy in a Vineyard a mile out of Naples for which and other his sins he sincerely repented Augustino hearing the names of Muletto Servia and Spondy burst into tears and cry'd out that man upon the Ladder was his own Father and that Servia Spondy was his Mother and therefore desired the Executioner to forbear a while when at his descent from the Ladder Augustino threw himself at his feet and freely offer'd all his Estate to
may the Angels preserve thee and fill thy Sails with fair and prosperous Winds till they land thee safe in the Embraces of thy Imperia Mercario in three Weeks arrived at Constantinople found out Morosino and delivered the Letter which he perus'd and after a solemn Entertainment return'd him with this Answer Morosino to Imperia THy Health and Constancy makes me as joyful in the Receipt of thy Letter as thy Fathers disrespect to me and love to Palmerius makes me sorrowful Our Hearts are now sacredly united only live in two different Bodies which Love and Breath the same desires and I would now at thy câ—mmand return thee immediately that part of thy self I am fâ—rc'd to divide from thee would the necessity of my Affairs give me leave to 〈◊〉 Constantinople for Loretto The Seigniory of Venice have by their Ambassadour Landy here resident made me Consul of Aleppo but what this year cannot the next shall perform O thou my dear and sweet Imperia repute 〈◊〉 not ingratitude in me to send thee this Letter for I do dâ—clâ—re in the presence of Men and Angels my Excuse is as sincerely true and unfâ—igned as my Affection to Imperia which can never dye buâ— with Morosino Imperia receiv'd this Letter both with Anger and Joy with Anger because he came not in Person and with Joy that iâ— came from him whose Victim and Martyr she resolv'd to dye rather than live Palmerius his Wife But her Father one way and Palmerius another still haunt her at all times and places without intermission who finding after six months more elaps'd his Labour lost he resolves at once to strike at all and to that end proffers Bondino that if Imperia will become his Wife he will Endow her with the one half of his Lands and give up all his personal Estate into his Hands to purchase her more This offer so wholly won Bondino that in hast he told his Daughter the generous proâ—fer of Palmerius and bid her dispose her self to marry him speedily or else he would utterly renounce and for ever disown her to be his Daughter Imperia hears her Fathers cruel Commands which she only answers with Sighs and Tears but at last told him Sir You know I both saw and engag'd my Love to Morosino before I ever knew Palmerius nor can his Riches compare with Morosino 's Vertues Heaven that is Witness to those Vows I made Morosino will certainly punish my perfidiousness nor is it out of Disobedience to your Commands that I reject Palmerius but in respect to those Sacred Oaths I made Morosino Bondino after several Threats in a Chafe left her who presently resolv'd to send Mercario with a Gold Watch set with Diamonds and a second Letter to Morosino in these words Imperia to Morosino I Had little thought that Profit or â—râ—ferment had been dearer to thee than Imperia or that the Seigniory of Venice or their Embassador Landy had more power to have sâ—aid thee at Aleppo than I to have requested thy Return to Loretto judge now what a poor half I am of thee whâ—n by thy volâ—ntary absence thou wilt wholly resign me to another and that Palmerius must be my Husband when I desire nothing more than to live and dye thy Wife Come away therefore my dear Morosino and blame not me but thy self if thy absence and my Fathers Obstinacy bereave me of my sweet Morosino and thee of thy Dear Imperia Morosino receives this Letter and Presently blushes to see himself thus outstrip'd by her in Kindness when advising with his two Friends Astonicus and Donato after ten days feasting of Mercario and a generous Reward for his pains he sent him back to Imperia with a fair Chain of Gold and a rich Diamond Ring fastn'd thereto a pair of Turkish imbroydered Bracelets and this Letter Morosino to Imperia THy Beauty and Affection shall both command my Resolution and my Self I will therefore shorten the time of my Stay and convert a whole year into a few Months for to Right the life of my Heart I value the Affection and Company of my sweet Imperia above a Conâ—ulary Dignity the Treasures of Turky or the richer Indies O then my fair and sweet Imperia live my dear Wife and I will assuredly dye thy loving and constant Husband Morosino This Letter Imperia receives with no small Joy which is suddenly blasted by Bondino's Cruelty who to bring her to his Will debarrs her of all Liberty and takes away from her her Jewels and best Apparel and makes her more his Prisoner than his Daughter whereat she is so cast down that despairing of Morosino's Return and vanquish'd by her Fathers Tyranny and Palmerius his Importunity grants his Suit and three days after was solemnly contracted and married to him Palmerius after his Marriage prov'd so amorous and kind that he left no cost unbestow'd on her but this was not the conâ—ent she desir'd his age was too frozen and cold for her warm vigorous Youth While Affairs went thus at Loretto ten months after his promise Morosino with his two friends Astonicus and Donato land at Ancona where Mercario meeting with him salutes him with the News of Imperia's Marriage with Palmerius at which they both grieve and wonder By this time Imperia heard of their Arrival and Mercario is employ'd to beg a private Visit of her which is immediately granted and the next night in her own house they met At Morosino's first entrance into her Chamber she fell at his feet and beg'd his Pardon he took her up with all the passion and tenderness imaginable and then with mutual Embraces they reviv'd those Affections which their long absence might have buried in Oblivion and as he promises her that she shall be his sole and only Love so she willingly protests to him that he shall be more her Husband than Palmerius Thus for that night they part Next morning Morosino and his two Companions give a publick visit and are courteously receiv'd by Palmerius and in the afternoon Morosino and Imperia meet in the Garden remote from her House where she was not able to deny whatever he had courage to ask These unlawful Pleasures make her beg into slight her old Husband and in a short time so Bold and Impudent was she grown in the practice of her adulterous Embraces that they were now become Customary of which her own Family and Servants especially Richardo Nephew to Palmerius a youth of eighteen could not but take notice of it and make their Remarques upon it Morosino was not content only thus to enjoy Imperia but knowing that his Expences far exceeded his Estate and considering that Palmerius his Wealth would bear up his Port and Imperia so much his own that she was fit for any impression and capable of any Design that would advance his Fortunes and confirm their Contents resolves to Murder Palmerius To this end at their next meeting they consult on it and after divers wayes propos'd it was at last agreed to
and he that made them was best able to explain them Whereupon Monsieur Bertolin discovered the Secret telling her how happily he had over-heard their discourse and the advantage he had made of it and that if it was a Crime he hop'd that absolute Royalty of Love which encouraged him to the Trangression would pardon the fault Aurella heard him with Wonder and Astonishment and with a deep sigh answered Alas Monsieur Your mistaken suspition of my Dishonesty will prove your Unhappiness and my Ruine Our Loves were not unchast as you imagin'd I was yesterday privately married at Pontaret to Monsieur Chapee and the Signal I gave him to enter my Chamber was to compleat our Religious Vows in innocent Embraces you have for ever undon me your Friend and your self Oh Oh and with that swoon'd away Bertolin call'd her Maid to assist him by whose help they carried her to her Chamber where she continued all day extreamly ill Monsieur Chapee was presently acquainted with it who came to know the reason to whom Aurella with showers of Tears related all the passages of the last nights Transactions adding in the close since we are so unfortunate in our Love Heaven pardon me and comfort you I will rather choose to Sacrifice my Life to the Memory of my lost Honour and dye a Martyr to my Vertue than live with the Shame and Ignominy of a Strumpet and at that word struck a Ponyard to her Heart of which she immmediately dyed Monsieur Bertolin upon the first notice of Aurella's Tragical end took Horse for Paris where he continued some time and then travell'd into Spain and Italy and after three years return'd to Paris where he setled and married Orinta Monsieur Cardans eldest Daughter a Lady who had ingross'd all the perfections of her Sex in her single self Monsieur Chapee was for some time distracted with that torment of Grief which now seem'd to over-whelm him but after two years time recovered his Senses and vow'd a severe Revenge should only quit scores with so treacherous a Friend and degenerous an Enemy Monsieur Chapee after several inquiries at last heard Monsieur Bertolin was return'd to France and married at Paris where he lived in great State and Splendour this refresh'd his Memory with the heynousness of that injury he had formerly offer'd him and the loss of so Vertuous a Wife who suffered upon his Account which now whetted his anger to a sharp Revenge and exacted from him the Justice of as rigorous Punishment After several considerations in what proper method he should challenge a satisfaction he resolv'd to Pistoll him as cowardly as he had treacherously abus'd him but this not so well consisting with the Honour and Gallantry of Chapee to take a base and ignoble Revenge upon second thoughts he resolv'd to pay him in his own Coyn and make his abuse to Aurella the square of his Revenge on Bertolin to this purpose he went privately to Paris where after he had learnt where Bertolin liv'd he lodg'd himself hard by and narrowly watch'd his going abroad and at last by some Spyes he hir'd to that purpose understood that three days after he design'd to follow the Court to St. Germans where he intended to stay a Week and leave his Lady Orinta at home No sooner was Bertolin gone his Journey but in the Evening late he came to his House in the same Travelling Habit as Bertolin wore which rendred him so like that his very Servants receiv'd him as their Master but for fear of any Discovery he had brib'd Orinta's Woman with a Purse of Gold in which were a hundred Pistolls who was ready below to receive him and conduct him to his Ladys Chamber who was just gone to Bed Orinta no sooner saw him but believing him to be her Husband cry'd out O Lord my Dear I hope you have met with no misfortune I did not expect you so soon No said Chapee with a low voice I forgot a Paper I must give to the Secretary of State which was the occasion of my Return I must go back to morrow early and therefore I 'le make hast to Bed upon which he undrest and stept into Bed where no man had ever better Opportunity or Encouragement to the Sweets of Revenge than Chapee now had About twelve the real Monsieur Bertolin return'd having accidentally met with some Friends 3 miles out of Town who diverted his Journey for two or three days upon promise they would bear him Company if he would defer it till then and spend the day with them at Bowls which he accepted of Bertolin came hastily into his Chamber without the least suspition of finding a Gallant in Bed with his Wife whom he no sooner saw without distinguishing who he was but he pass'd at his Wife with his Sword who lay next and ran her deep into the left Breast Chapee suddenly stept out of Bed and catching his Sword which lay naked by prevented Bertolin's Revenge upon himself by running him through the Heart of which Wound he dropt down dead upon the place The next morning Orinta dyed with great Pity and Lamentation for her unnhappy end Monsieur Chapee was presently apprehended who voluntarily confess'd the Murther which he was forc't to in his own Defence and the reason of his Adultery with Orinta of which she was altogether innocent that he might satisfie the Injuries he had receiv'd from Monsieur Bertolin in a proportionable Revenge for which he was condemn'd to lose his Head before the Bastile in Paris which two days after was executed accordingly He that cherishes one Sin because is it but one entertains a Legion of Devils in the singular Number which like the seeming Viper is big with a poysonous Offspring of numerous Enemies Thus Monsieur Bertolin thought Lust but a weak Enemy which once admitted soon ripen'd into three Murthers two Adulteries and his own shameful and fatal Execution HIST. VI. St. Quintin and Cloissa The Count of St. Quintin commits Adultery with Lovisia Countess of St. Denis and kills her Husband in a Duell whereupon he flyes to Antwerp and there debauches Cloissa Wife to the Heer Van Zetken The House being accidentally fir'd Cloissa is supposed burnt in it but is preserv'd by the Count. They live in Adultery till he falling from his Horse is drag'd dead to her Door upon which she is discovered and dyes suddenly THe Count of St. Quintin was a Cavalier eminently known in the Court of France for his Intrigue with Madamoyselle Lovisia Wife to the Earl of St. Denis The Count her Husband growing sensible of the Injury and Disgrace he received from St. Quintin sent him a Challenge upon which they met in an adjacent Field to Fountain-bleau where St. Denis was mortally wounded of which in six Weeks after he dyed St. Quintin withdrew himself for some time and when he heard of the Death of St. Denis made his escape to Antwerp chief Town in the Marquisate of the Empire in
receiv'd intelligence by some of the Neighbours of this sad Misfortune of Mellinto and Valeria in respect of their great fidelity like a Noble Gentleman had taken Care for their Ransom but dying before he could have any account of their Arrival at Tunis bequeath'd his whole Estate to Valeria and left it in trust with her Father who upon their return to Brurdusium enjoy'd it and liv'd out the rest of their days in a pompous plenty and happy Tranquillity Such is the inestimable value of Friendship and Conjugal Affection that he that hath found a true Friend in a Loving Wife hath found a double Treasure more to be priz'd than all the Gold of Ophir HIST. IV. Venon and Teudas Teudas being in Prison is set at liberty by his Friend Venon who purchaseth his Freedom and in regard of their great Friendship Marrieth the Daughter of Teudas by whom he had one only Daughter Named Rosana Who went in disguise with her Husband and Prince Sapor to the Wars in Hungary where being slain with her Husband after many signal proofs of their Valour are both afterwards honourably enter'd by the Prince in regard of the inviolable Friendship contracted betwixt them and the Prince AT Breslaw Chief City in the Dukedom of Silesia a Province of Germany lived two Citizens of good quality who lov'd each other entirely the one was Teudas a Goldsmith and the other Venon a Merchant Venon being gone to Vienna in Austria to buy some Commodities staid three Months in his Voyage and at his return found himself welcom'd with two disasters viz The loss of his Wife whom he dearly loved and the misfortune of his Friend who was cast into Prison and past hope of ever getting out it was not any disorder but rather his goodness which had reduced him to this deplorable Estate for being bound in a great sum of Mony for one of his Friends who prov'd insolvent he was condemn'd to the payment of it himself whereupon all that he was worth being sold his body was attach'd and clapt up into prison for the remainder In this place which may very well be call'd the Center of Misery and the Tomb of the living Venon came to see him who grievously complain'd of Fortune accus'd her of Injustice for reducing him to that miserable Estate for well doing But that which most troubl'd him was that he lost the means to marry his only Daughter her Age now requiring it fearing necessity should bring her into some vain and lewd course of life Venon stood not to comfort him with many words but came to promises which he soon confirm'd by effects He told him that his Misery was a mark of his Vertue against whom Fortune had sworn a proâ—essed Enmity that he should possess his soul in patience and seeing Friendship had cast him into Prison Friendship should fetch him out again that he had means sufficient to relieve his extream necessity and redeem him out of this misery which by the sacred laws of Friendship he had an equal Title to And I am so far pleas'd with your misfortune said Venon as it gives me the Opportunity of showing the sincerity of my affection to you in this necessity and that I am truly your Friend As for your Daughter let not that trouble you seeing I have lost my Wife I am contented to take her for my second if you will but if her Affections are otherwise disposed of I have wherewithal to give her a good Portion What unexpected Consolation was this to the heart of Teudas to hear these speeches from his Friend whose words he knew were as true as they were free He would have used some Complements to him but the greatness of the benefit going beyond his Thoughts Words and Thanks vanished in his Mouth No says Venon who judg'd of his Interiour Thoughts by the Exteriour alteration of his Countenance we need not give thanks for that which is our own If I am yours much more are all my goods yours and either you had no need of them or else it was your own fault you did not dispose of them at your pleasure before without any longer discourse he went presently home and fetch money and paid the sum Teudas was detain'd for upon which he was presently discharg'd Not long after Venon married Ermige the Daughter of Teudas who notwithstanding the great desparity of their Years lov'd him affectionately not only as a Husband but a second Father and esteem'd her self happy to be a Recompence to him who had with so much goodness and liberality releas'd her Father out of Prison Of so Amorous an Union of these two Hearts and Bodies Rosana was the fair product a Creature destind to love honourably and generously and was but two Months old when her Grandfather Teudas overcome with sorrow and grief for the loss of his Estate left this life to enjoy a better Her Father Venon who had much weakened his Fortunes in delivering his dear Friend out of Prison daily felt necessity approaching but Heaven which guards the just and will not suffer such noble Acts of Friendship to go unrewarded provided for him beyond all hope and expectation Venons grief was much like that Teudas felt in Prison seeing himself old he much feard he should not leave his Wife wherewithal honestly to maintain her self and bring up and match his Daughter But Comfort thy self O Venon with good Tobias and be assur'd that though poverty overtake thee yet thou shalt have means sufficient hope with Iob and thou shalt have all things restor'd to the double The Dutchess of Signits of a Noble House in Silesia reckon'd in the Rank of Princes being ready to cry out a Nurse was sought for to give suck to the Child she expected and Ermige was chosen to be one of the best that could be found in all Breslaw this came in good time to preserve this poor Family from necesity which daily encreased upon them The Dutchess was delivered of a Son whose name was Sapor who was delivered to Ermige to Nurse and Rosana put to another Ermige and her Husband were now both made part of the Dukes Household and when time came that Rosana was weaned and of some stature she was put to rock the Prince and find him sport as the manner of Children is thus grew Rosana gently like a Vine by its Elme Tree Sapor was not above three or four Years old when Venon died leaving both his Wife and Daughter to the Dutchess who look'd for no other Fortune but what proceeded from her Bounty The little Prince affected his Nurse and Rosana in such a manner that although he was wean'd yet they both tended him and waited on him Although it is a grand Error to say that the Parents beget the Souls as well as the Bodies yet since the disquesition of the Temperature and of the Organs through which the Spirit exerciseth it Functions hath great effect in regard of the firm Union of Soul and