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
in heating and battering her about the mouth with the Silt of his Dâ—gger whereby she had not the least permission to utter one sillable and being more then half dead he railed at her in the most reproachfull manner imaginable and being unwilling to stain his hands with the blood of her he loved once so dearly he wisht she would dye of her own accord Having now pourâ—d out the poison into a glass which he had brought with him he took it in one hand and his Dagger in the other saying choose which of these two thou wilt have either this poison which will suddenly dispatch thee or shall I penetrate thy heart with this Dagger in recompence of those villanies thou hast perpetrated and acted agâ—inst me Dâ—spatch in the choice of one or the other oâ— I will dispatch thee instantly The poor Gentlewoman seeing her Husband firmly bene upon her destruction without doing him any wrong took the Glass of poyson and lifting her eyes to heaven said I call heaven and earth and all the creatures therein contain'd to testify my innocency and if there be a Providence above who ever casts a watchfull eye on things below I humbly supplicate that after my death my honour may not remain contâ—miâ—aâ—â—d or spotted either in respect to heaven oâ—â—â—â—â—h and that one time or other my innocencie may be so pâ—â—picuâ—us that the death which I am now aâ—â—â— to râ—ce â—e form my own hand may 〈◊〉 us plâ—â—sing to hâ—avenâ—â— it is 〈◊〉 way troublesome former â—â—de gâ—â—â—lly lifâ—â—inâ—â—g â—rvous for me to loâ—k as Gâ—â—â—nd be my witness but all my trouble is for th◠〈…〉 yâ—u have câ—st upon me but I hope in God who is a jâ—st jâ—dge that my inocencie will thine out the dishonour confusion of thâ—se are the cause of this my present woe I speak not this to you knowing that you are troubled in my behalf for I know 't is your mis-prision hath â—rove you to thiâ— sad enterprize the which when once clearly known I doubt not will make you willing to repair your present fault with the hazzard of your life to extenuate which I had rather dye by my own hand drinking this poyson than to charge you with this infamy of having shed the innocent blood of her who so ardently lov'd and loyally serv'd you having alwayes kept the tye of wedlock inviolable Thus saying and without fear she took the poyson and putting it to her mouth she withdrew not the glass till she â—â—ed swallowed all â—aving so done she addrest her self to her Huâ—band saying since by my death appâ—oaches which I feel stealing on my eyes your wrath and fury ought to be appeased seeing you have taken as large a revenge as the greatest fault in the world may require although I am innocent I beseech you do me this last favour as to tell me the occasion which put you into this passion to the ruine of her whom in times past you lov'd as your life to wch her husband thus replyed how is it posible thou thou canst be so impudent as to make me believe that I am deceived in a thing I saw with both mine eyes and toucht with both both these hands which caused this revenge but since before you dye you desire to see what thus inraged me here to see I am content to do you that kindness and so pulling her out of bed drag'd her to the place where lay the body of poor Henry the innocent throwing her down upon it saying solace thy self now in thy disloyalty with this Traytor and as you club'd together to the ruin of your honour and my reputation so now agree to dye miserably together in one place as a due punishment for your evill deeds and to serve as an Example to others who dare commit the like The poor Gentlewomen who had yet some little strength remaining for the poison had not yet seized her heart raising her self as well as she could cry out saying Oh God! the sin of my husband is greater and more enormous than I thought it was for I thought he aimed at my life alone but I see we are both Murtherers and have slain wrongfully the Innocent I pray thee O God be pleased to enlghten him and let him know our fidelity to the end our honour may endure unwrong'd blamless and immaculate turning thy eyes with justice on that wicked Chamber-maid making appear the treachery she hath here committed and hereupon she fell dead being unable to pronounce her last words for had she had more strength she had discovered all remembring her self what Henry said at the Chamber door whom the Chamber-maid had sent thither under the pretence of her Mistress calling for him and now she seeing them dead concluded thâ—â— the danger of the treachery was blown over but death stopt her in her full career The Gentleman seeing the great resolution and constancy in which his wife departed this life was in a miserable taking although he had too confidently believed his eyes by whom he thought to have found his wife faulty yet notwithstanding by the last words proceeding from his wifes mouth falling dead he began to suspect some treachery in this act on the Chamber-maids side and resolv'd to know whether it was so or no although too late Having then call'd the Chamber-maid who mistrusting some danger for the evil she had done came trembling but he began to ask her with a smileing countenance but within most desperately heavy by what means and in what manner she to finde out the loves of Henry and his wife came or whether it was long since that she discovered this amorous intreague and where was it that she first surpriz'd them in the fact asking many such like questions to which the Chamber-maid answered in tearms so intricate and contrary speaking sometimes things the Gentleman knew were impossible that he concluded to take this following course with her looking very pleasantly on the Chamber-maid he said to her thou now hast of thy Mistris that which thou desired'st for she evil treated thee but she will now be never more offensive to thy eyes for which cause I am now obliged to thee that thou hast given me the means to be rid of that offensive thing which enraged me so often under pretence of zeal to my honour for which I will assure thee I shall not dye in thy debt but since you have done me one kindness pray do me another and that is to tell me freely the truth of this business and how it stands in every particular for I know very well it is otherwise than I was made to beleive to have the colour and occasion to do what I have already done The Chamber-maid assuming courage from the words of her Master verily believing she had pleased him to the life assured her self any thing and therefore said to her Master if you will promise to pardon and not turn me out of doors I will tell you one thing you never
the perswasions of a woman contrary to the directions of him and the other Phisitians he took his knife in one hand and the peice of the Onion in the other saying with sighs and tears Ah poor and unfortunate Father you now see the great evil which you have caused this day it is just twelve moneths that by my own fault I lost my only Son and that I might know my misfortune the Heavens have this day made me see it who will not blame my sottishness knowing that I have caused the death of my only Son by following the directions of a foolish and distracted woman Now I know it but too late that Nature shewed her self as bountiful in preserving my Son as she was liberal in bestowing him upon me behold the sign behold the Christal dissolved by vertue of the white Onion which my poor Child so often desired to have but in vain whereat Nature being angry hath made me understand and know to take such vengeance of me as I deserve and to serve for a perpetual example to all men not to give credit to this sotteriâ—s malignities of their wives my Son being dead who otherwise by the course of Nature might have lived long shall I live I who have caused his death It shall not be so I cannot endure my self such a mischief shall not go unpunished and on a sudâ—in when he had spoken thus he thrust the kniâ—e which he held into his wives bâ—eaâ— aâ—d â—hen did as much to himself and that with such quickness that those who were present and who melted in tears thus to hear the poor Father complain did not mind him and much less had the means to hinder what he did This was the end of poor Polectetus who to his great prejudâ—ce found the danger of being governed by the counsel of a woman for if the counsel of a woman be bad when shâ— thinks to do well as it was with the poor Flaminia what is it then when she is moved with rage and fury The means which the Empress uses upâ—n this account I shâ—ll let pass because Sir your Majâ—sty is best acquainted therewith but I dare say and affirm that if you suffer your self to be over ruled by her and cause your Son to dye without well considering of the matter I doubt nor but it will happen to you as it did to Polictetus and it may be worse and yet I do not conclude that Prince Erastus ought not to suffer death if what he is accused of be found to be true and that the Philosophers escape death who instead of instructing him in vertuous courses and good learning have rendred him so unnatural and given to sensuallity Yet however I once again urge that in this point you do not depend upon the sole words of a woman nor to those who on this occasion are transported with passion as you your self are for the wrong you think you have received which if it should be true there should be no torment nor pain how great soever which should not be thought liâ—â—lâ— in comparison to such an excess But all those who know and are acquainted with the vertues and greâ—t continence of young Prince Erastus are of another mind And therefore not only to content your mind as belongs to so great a Prince as you are I pray Exhort and Counsel you to leave this affair to the Senate And in case Prince Erastus be found guilty of the fact that he dye miserably by the hand of justice and with him the seven Philosophers who have instructed him so wickedly and on the contrary if he be found Innocent that his Innocence he not oppressed And do not think Sir that I say this to prolong this cause and by this means escape death for I onely desire three days time for the Philosophers in which time if they do not cleerly make appear the Innocence of your Son and if he himself do not Justifie himself wi hin that time that he be put to death and with him the seven Philosophers beginning with me Lencus who have writ this present Letter not having at the beginning put the name of him who sent it lest considering the great hatred you bear to us you should refuse to read it seeing it directed by one of us therefore wonder not Sir at what I send you word that your son shall Justifie himself for the cause of his not speaking hitherto comes not by any natural default which he hath neither is it occasion'd by the accident for wch we are deteyned but it is caused by a certain great Mistery secret which you shall understand from him within two days if you have the patience to let him live so long Praying the Gods that your life be long and happy This is the Story or example which Lencus the Philosopher did write and send in a Letter to the Emperour and as I find it in the Originals Italian and French but others say it was an other Story which I thus relate to you A woman having buried her husband is resolved to dye in his Vault and will therefore stay with his body A Soldier who is appointed to Watch a Rogues body that was hanged on a Gibbet comes to the Vault to the woman perswades her to drink and eat and enjoyes her in the mean time the Rogues body is stolen from the Gibbet The Souldier is distracted being to dye for his neglect he therefore attempts to kill himself but the woman hinders him helps to hang her husbands body where the Rogues was A Gentleman of Rome who was blessed with a large estate had for his sole heir or Daughter of an incomparable beauty and Ingenious Soul and having been carefull to give her vertuous education she by that Addition had so honourable a fame that all the young men of quality in those parts became her Suitors but it being impossible for her to be the lawful prize for them all she at length was so importunatly courted by one that she was espoused to him He who was thus happy in her love enjoment was a Gentleman in whom nothing was wanting that could be reqâ—ired to make him accomplisht and amiable especially in her eye who loved him with equal ardours and thought of no felicity but in his mutual affections and Society so that all men his envous Rivals only excepted expected from so fare an Union would proceed all mortal happiness in perfection But observe the unconstancy of humane felicity these two Lovers had not long enjoyed each other when fate seldome long favourable to Lovers steps in and divides them by the Eternal divorce of death translating the husband into an other life and leaving the Widdow almost liveless for so had her grief made her and nothing kept her from using violence on her self that she might enjoy him in the Elizium shader but the desire of seeing him laid into his Tomb with such Funerall Pomp and solemne obsequies as were
incumbrance of hers that he may speedily effect it But good and tender hearted Creature her affection was too great to suffer her to yeild to any thing conducing to his death and the more he strives to dis-engage her breast from his the closer she clings to him vowing withal thaâ— if he wounded himself it should bâ— by forcing the sword first through her body to which she added that she would not live to be so miserable as to loose so dear a person so soon and in the same place where she had been so happy to finde him unexpectedly that very gratitude forbâ—de her to consent to the taing away his life who had lately and miraculously preserved hers and as she had some reason to believe infused a new life into her that it would be less affliction to her to die before him than to survive and behold at once the dead bodies of two persons each of which she had loved infinitely above her owne life and that the death he so much dreaded from the Hangman was not so unavoidable as his fears had made him imagine but there were other wayes of evasion besides self murder and would he but follow her advice she doubted not to put him upon such a course as should procure both his owne security and her content The Soldier more effectually wâ—ought upon by this last clause than by all else she had said and remembring the old saying that Women are alwayes more subtle and ingenious at Evasions in suddain Exigences than Men he easily promise h as who would not in his case to listen to her Câ—unsel and pursue it also if it appeared reasonable Well then saith this Good woman since the body of the best and greatest of Mortals is but a lump of clay after the departure of the Soul which gave it life sense and motion that all Relations are extinguished in death all Piety is determined in the gravâ— that it is but Charity to use the Reliques of the Dead in case of necessity to preserve the Living why should not I dispense with the formality of post hume-respects to the putrifying Corps of my deceased Huâ—band and make use of it for the preservation of my living friend with whose life my own is insepâ—rably bound up and whose danger therefore is equally mine come therefore my Dear and let us take my Husbands body out of his Coffin and place it upon the Gibbet in the room of the Malefactors which you say hath been stolen away Death you know doth so change and disfigure the Countenance as to disguise it from the knowledg of even the most familiar acquaintance Who then can distinguish his naked body from the other besides we will besmear his face with blood and dirt and rather than fail in any part of resemblance break his arms and legs and make the same wounds in him the Executioner did in the Rogue 's so that his nearest Relations shall not be able to find a difference much less shall strangers who come to gaz-upon such horrid spectacles out of a â—avage Curtâ—sity and commonly stand a loof off The Souldier quickly approves the woman's project how to excuse him and having no time for now day was approaching to insist upon acknowledgment either of her great love or of the felicity of her wit he joyns his strength with hers and removes the Husband's Corps out of the vault to the Gibbet whereon he placeth it in the same posture he had left the villains omitting no part of those resemblances she had suggested as requisite to delude the spectators Which cone He and his incomparable Mistriss secretly retire to consuâ—t further not only of their present safety but also how they might continue that mutual hapineâ—s which Fortune had so unexpectly begun betwixt them And thus did they put an end to this nights Adventures which had been admirable to them both and we may from hence learn the instability of all sublunary things but more particularly the Mutability and Levity of women so that there is no great heed to be taken of them especially when they are in their passions as I may conclude the Empress is now possest of which rageth so extreemly that nothing but the death of your Son the Prince Erastus will quallisy whether her passion be Love or Hate I know not but believe in the conclusion you will finde that it is both and that Hate at present is the product of former Love but let it be which or how it will I am sure it is not commendable in her to let it proceed so far as to take away the life and honor of a Prince so vertuous as is Prince Erastus and who I hope if you please to spare from executing at present will very suddainly make it appear to you and all the world that he is not in the least guilty of the crimes whereof he hath been accused I have already told you that some others say this was the story or example which Lencus the Philosopher did write in a Letter and send to the Emperour but some agen say that it was the former of the Physitian of Millain they are both to one purpose and efect to shew the weakness instabillity and passions of women and may be and are well applyed to the Emperour in this occasion about his Son Erastus for the satisfaction of the Reader that nothing may be wanting to make this book as compleat as possibly as I can I have given the Reader an account of them both he may give credit to which he pleaseth and therefore I shall thus proceed After the Philosopher Lencus had sealed and subscribed this Letter he delivered it to one of the Soldiers that was set to gard him charging him above all things to deliver it that morning early to the Emperour and to tell him that it was an advertisement of very great importance This the Soldier promised faithfully to do and thereupon he went directly to the Castle to execute his charge the Emperour seeing the day break and that the Sun did already gild the tops of the mountains that he might be distant from a spectacle so miserable as that of the death of his Son and of seven Persons esteemed and reputed to be the wisest of that Age he therefore purposed to ride out into the fields to divert his melancholly as well as he could and as he was about to mount on horseback the Soldier which the Philosopher had sent making his reverence delivered the Letter to him He instantly opening it read it but not without great alteration which was taken notice of by those that were about him seeing that he often changed colour from thence beleiving that it was something concerning the Prince Erastus The Emperour having then read this Letter remained for some time very pensive without speaking one word yet withal concluding that he could do no less than to communicate this advertisement to the counsel he returned in some pâ—ssion to the
Stars and the significations oâ— the Aspects of the Planets knew by one Star his going to Rome would in few dayâ—s be the cause of 〈…〉 and ignominious death whereupon not out of the consideration of death to which he knew all men were subject but for the shame which he should suffer he began to complain and lament so highly that all the Philosophers being amazed at it as at a thing which they had never seen in him ran to see what was the mater with this young Prince to whom he sighingly thus said do you not see the disposition of the Stars and with what they threaten me as for death I value it not although I am in the prime flower of my age being assured thâ—t in few years I must leave this world according to the course of Nature but I am troubled at the shameful manâ—â—r of my death that I am to suffer and of the infâ—my and ignominy that I must endure which iâ— thâ—â— which troubles me more then ordinary I pray câ—nsider this malign Star a little and with wâ—â—â—â—serable end it threatens me in this my vâ—yâ—gâ— to Rome The Philosophers being troâ—bled aâ— wâ—aâ— their young Master had told them began to consider the order of the Stars as they were at that instanâ—â— and to judge according to their aspects and confuâ—â—ed about the malevolent Star which their wise Master had shewed to them and having eâ—ectâ—d 〈◊〉 Scheme and calculated the revolutions of the Hâ—â—vens they found that what their Schollar had 〈◊〉 was certainly true and the effects of an ecclâ—â—â—â—â— which had lately hapned did demonstrate then by the concurrence of certain malignant Planâ—tâ— which appeared to the present sight that Prince Erastus went to expose himself to a death the most ignominious that could be imagined whereupon looking upon one another as lost and undone men not having the power to open their mouthes and speak one word they were so fully possessed with grief because there was no way toâ—â—rd the voyage of theâ— young Master by reason things were so far gone that the next day he was to make his entry intâ— Rome that in pursuance of this voyage they fore-saw an infamous death not only to their schollar but also to themselves being thus at a loss and not knowing what to say and less what to do the wise Erastus having well examined the revolutions of the Heavens and the Aspects of the Stars thus began to say to them what do you think my Masters there is but one only remedy in this which depends upon the influence of this Star which you see is in opposition to that which threatneâ—h me by which I comprehend that if I can remain these seven next ensuing dayes without speaking to any person whatsoever the malignity of this influence will pass over and I may avoid the infamy wherewith I am threatned by these Sâ—ars as for my remaining without speaking I shall take eare in it but all the difficulty remaines to find the means to resist during these seven dayes to the violence that shall be used against me and the cruel threatnings that a Person of very great power during these seven dayes shall practice against me the Phylosopher having heard this and truly knowing that their young Master had understood the truth thereof better than they they told him that if he had the heart and resolved to keep silent for seven dayes which they thought impossible in regard of the great violencies and ignominious usage that he must suffer wherein it was impossible for any man to pass by in silence that they would undertake to preserve him from death for those seven dayes for there was none of them who by a divine excellence wherewith they were respectively endowed that could not superceed not onâ—y for one day but for a longer time the execution of the most criminal and wicked man in the woâ—ld and therefore they undertook to defend with much ease the innocency of their Master so that each of them took the charge to preserve him from death and defend him by turns each of them one day in such manner that the pleadings of those seven should not be finished uâ—til the malignity of the influence of the stars should he passed over and there upon they all promised aâ—d swore to the Prince Erastus who thus replyâ—d â—f you think to perform what you have proâ—â—sed let us boldly goe to Rome for the maligne inflâ—â—nc◠〈◊〉 the Stars will have their effects as well in any â—â—hâ—r place as at Rome where upon they all promiâ—â—◠〈◊〉 defend him respectively every one his day 〈…〉 the other side the young Prince Erastus havâ—â—◠〈◊〉 off all fear promised to keep silence fâ—r thâ—se 〈◊〉 dayes the day being then come they bâ—gan their journey towards Rome with a firm resolution to vanquish the malignity and conjuration of the Heavens by the means aforesaid CHAP. VI. Erastur being arrived at Rome put the Emperour his Father and all the People of Rome in great trouble by reason of his silence The Empress Aphrodicia caused him to go into her Chamber undertaking to cause him to speak THE Emperour having given good order to all things requisite for the entry of his Son accompanied with many Princes and Barons that went to meet him to set down here the great Nobility that were assembled at this entry the rich Habits which were worn on this occasion and the Arches and triumphant Chariots it would be superfluous for you may be assured that all was done that a Roman Emperour could do to honour the entry of a person so worthy of respect as his only Son and that nothing was wanting on the other side in the appearance of the people who was as well pleased as the Emperour every one to his power endeavouring to doe honour to him who was to be their Prince after the death of the Emperour and therefore you might see people from all parts in their richest and best equipage who all accompanied the Emperour to receive the Prince Erastus the Empress for her part earnestly expected him who remained in the Pallace accompanyed with a great number of Princesses Ladies and Damsels and you may be sure that she omitted nothing that might enrich her natural beauty that she might have the stronger hold on the heart of Erastus who then began to enter the City of Rome whither he being come he was met at the Gate by the Emperour who kindly embraced his Son asked with a pleasant countenance of his good health and what he thought of the Senate the Nobility who were come to meet him The good old man hoping that his Son would make a pertinent answer according to the great wisdom that was reported of him but Erastus remembring what the Heavens threatned him and of the silence he was to keep to avoid the malignity of the caelestial influenceâ— anâ—wered not one word which occasioned great trouble not only to the Emperour but also to the Senate and
the whole Nobility for they had all great fancy to hear him speak expecting what he should say would be so much to the purpose that every word would be a sentence the Emperour then being moved with anger and incredible sorrow with a troubled and angry countetenance demanded of the seven wise Philosophers if this was the wisdom and great perfection which they had caused him to believe his Son was endowed with saying that he was compleat in all things and what doctrine they had taught him not to answer his Father being an Emperour what Philosophy is this quoth the good Emperour in what Aristotle or Plato have you found the doctrine for instead of being wise and well instructed as you informed me every one sees that he is ignorant a Sot and without understanding but I assure you by the words of a Prince that ye shall be punished according to your deserts The Philosophers seeming to be as much surpriz'd as the rest to see Erastus thus mute said to the Emperour know Sir that we have not informed you Majesty any thing touching your Son that is not true so that here is not any Philosopher modern nor antient to whom he may not be compared Being as well or better taught than any man whatsoever of this age to tell you wherefore he is at this present mute we know not but we can well assure your Majestie that it is not done without great cause which nevertheless is unknown to us for being Master of so much knowledge he well enough knows when he ought to speake and whâ—n â—o hâ—ld his peace But let the Philosophers sâ—y wâ—â—â—â—hâ—y would the Emperour could not be appeâ—sâ—â— but being transpâ—râ—ed with anger hâ— repâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 Erastus câ—uld have no reason to be 〈◊〉 in his pâ—eteâ—ce And thus being both angry 〈…〉 Sâ—n in this condition he left him 〈…〉 â—ed wiâ—h the Nobility that accompanied 〈◊〉 Thâ— Eâ—â—â— ss hearing the noise of horses went 〈◊〉 meet the Emperour being attended by all her â—â—â—yeâ—â—nd the Roman Princesses and having underâ—oâ—â—â— from him the small satisfaction he had took in seeing his Son and she beholding Prince Erastus To whom she was eâ—slaved without having seen him considering with her eyes that his beauty was beyond compare greater â—hen report had given of him she became wholy enâ—moured of him therefore with a merry cheerfull countenance she went to him and having very amorously embraced him she began to reason with him of many matters but the young Prince made her no answer whereupon the Empress was astonished yet however the fire that consumed her did not at all diminish but on the the contrary encreased in such manner that not being able to resist the violence of love which coâ—strained her she tooke occasion upon the Princis silence to encrease the flame of her disordâ—nate appetite and thereupon went towards the Emperour to whom she declared that every one very well knew that the silence of his Son was not because he was naturally mute as might appâ—are by what the Gentleman related who came frâ—m Erasâ—us â—uâ— the day before who affirmed that he had heard him dispute so ingeniously with his Masters tâ—at he rather judged him to be Master than the Scholler and therefore they might conclude that this silence was caused by some accident which she would undertake to discover and remedy having the young Erastus in her power in a place where they might be alone The Emperour believing what the Empress said was out of a good will to his Son not in the least suspecting her loyalty and being very desirous to discover the cause of his Sons silence and to give a remedy thereto He presently câ—maâ—ded that Prince Erastus should be led to the Chamber of the Empress and that they should be left alone the Empress seeing all thâ—ngs to fall out according to her expectations was very joyfull And promised the Emperour that she would use such meanes that his Son should speake â—n the other side the young Prince foreseeing the great attempts that should be made upon him was fearfull left he should be enforced to breake his resolution Nevertheless being resolved to vanquish the malignity of the stars by a strong and firm constancy he went cheerfully to the Empresses Chamber where in short time we may see by experience that hatred prevails more than love in the hearts of Ladyes CHAP. VII The Empress Aphrodicia being shut up alone with Prince Erastus endeavoured all she could to induce him to her appetite but seeing her self refused and disdained she made an outcry that he would hâ—ve foâ—ced her by which meanes the Prince was mâ—de Prisoner and condemned to Death THis cruell Tygress seeing her prey taken in the toylâ—◠〈◊〉 thouâ—â— losiâ—g one moment of time 〈◊〉 to her Chamber where being come she lookâ—d her self 〈◊〉 and having taken the young Prince by the hand she caused him to sit down by her and câ—lliâ—g her arme about his neck she embraced and kâ—ssâ—d him in a different fashion then what a mother uâ—es to her Son in fine after many kisses and embraces she asked the cause of his silence which held the Emperour and all the Roman people in so great trouble who in honour of him had caused his entry to be so magnificent She told him that every body had cause to thinke it strange that having lived a long time without seeing the Countrey his Father nor friends being came thither he did so apparently slâ—ghâ— them being a thing unhandsome in any person of understanding and much more in him who had bin accounted so discreet In this time the young Prince fixed his eyes on the ground without one word of answer knowing that to be his critical minute of holding his peace Whereupon the Empress being astonished she agen threw her self about his neck giving him an infin te of kisses but the more amorously she behaved her self the less regard he took of her The Empress seeing this spake to him in these terms What disdain is this or what other accident can have happened to you to cause you to be mute why do you not speak to me what do you fear remove all fear and tell me the cause of this silence and let me alone for I will carry it so both to the Emperour and all the world that every one shall be satisfied without imputing anything to you and if you have resolved to be silent to all others wherefore do you deny to speak to me to me who am so ravished with your love that I can enjoy no rest but when I think on you and now I see you and have meanes to speak to you I should be to happy if this unlucky silence did not at this time hinder me If you are beautyfull be not therefore cruell and if you are wise as report gâ—ves out of you wherefore do you grieve your father all the world if you have any discretion know who loves you if you are young I for
my part am in the flâ—wer of my age if you are fair I do not believe that thâ—re is any woman in Rome that can equall me for beauty What should hinder then from reaping the fruit which is prepared for you is that according to what you sent word by my slave is this the effects which I hoped from you where are now the great promises which you made me Oh! how much better had it bin for me to have believed my self loved by you when you were absent then to see my self slighted now you are present that you may know all it is I only that have occasioned your voyage to Rome to have the opportunity to see you and discourse with you and now I finde that you despise me wherefore do you not speak to me and why do yâ—u not remove your eyes from the ground to look on me Be assured that I will kill my self for I dye if you do not help me alas my dear it is easie for yâ—u to help me I beseech you then do not deny me and I assure you by the word of a Princess that none shall ever know of it Wherefore are you so cruell towards her who loves you dearer than her own life and if my kisses and embraces and my ardent prayers will not move you at the lest behold my two eyes which now serve me only as two fountains and let my poor heart move you which for your sake burneâ— in a continuall flame Is there any rock or marble that will not hearken to me Or any steel that would not be softened with my speeches I thought I might have molified the most savage and the most cruell beasts in the converse in fine I thought I might have overcome all the world and you alone make no reckoning of me Remove remove this Ice which thus freezeth your heart I beg of you not thus to despise me me who dye for you I lose my speech alas my heart failes me behold me at your feet beging of you to relieve me at least with one word be it what it will and that if I can receive no other shall very much content me These were the words of the Empress but let her discourse be what it would Prince Erastus took no notice of it whereupon she being desperate began to sigh and Curse her fortune which had forced her to love one who would not regard her and nevertheless resolving let what would happen to have her will with this young Prince seeing perswasions would do no good she thought to use force but he knew well enough how to defend himself from that for although speech waâ— prohibited him yet he might guard himself from violence whereupon the Empress began to be so outragious seeing her self so refused â—hat changing the unbridled love which she bore to Prince Erastus into a mortall hatred she thus spake to him I am resolved that you shall performe my pleasure in despight of you or I will â—eaâ— my Clothes and do violence to my self and with loud Clamours I will accuse you to the Emperour that you would force me and then the small esteem that you have for me shall bring you to an Ignomiâ—ious death Therefore choose one or the other for I am resolved no longer to be thus abused by you The young Prince hearing the speech of the Empress and not knowing what course to take went to the Chamber door and began to flye but the Empress tearing her Clothes and pulling off all her head attire striking her head and breasts with her fists and running after young Prince Erastus cryed out aloud Help help seize on him seize on him let not the Traytor escape you Oh me wretched woman Oh how is my life accused Come quickly my Lord and Husband come quickly I beseech you and stay not behold the wickedness and Treason of your Son who would have forced me behold how the wretch flies because he could not have his will on me See see the good doctrine which the Traytors hath learned not to vouchsafe to speak honestly to you and without shame to aske that of me which is not Lawfull for to speak or think of and indeed he would have forced me come then and revenge me and your self also of the great outrage which this wicked one who never was your Son would have done to me For if he had ever in the least belonged to you he had never had the heart to think much less to do an action so wicked The Emperour who had run with the greatest part of his Princes and Barrons at the cry of his wicked wife having hard what she said and seeing his Son Erastus making hast all pale and trembling being moved with great anger comanded him to be seized on and put in a dungeon absolutly believing the case to be such as his disloyal wife had represented it The poor young Prince was suddenly taken bound and manacled very strictly without speaking one word for defence or excuse but was in a manner confounded as it happens to those who are surprized in a wicked action which being seen of every one all the world was of oppinion that he was guilty of what the Empress had accused him and therefore there was none so bold as to open their mouths for poor Erastus but they had all great compassion for his fact for he was secured in the strongest and obscure Prison in all the Castle The Empress on her part required speedy justice against him In persuance whereof the Emperour resolving to be revenged not only for the outrage done to his wife but also to himself and that he might let the people know that he had a heart equall to the Emperours his predecessours not to spare his own blood in the execution of justice he therefore caused the Counsell presently to assemble where taking his place he passed sentence of death against his Son comanding that within three hours he should be executed with the most cruell and most Ignominous death that could be imagined the which sentence was pronounced and intimated to young Prince Erastus Yet nevertheless although he plainly saw the injustice done him and that it would not be very difficult to have sentence rewarded and to Justifie himself by relating all that had passed Yet however being very well informed of the threatnings which the Starâ— had given him if for the space of seven dayes he should speak one word he chose rather to hold his peace than to defend himself depending upon the promise which his seven Masters had made him whose knowledge and prudence was so well known and experienced that although he saw himself in eminent danger of death Yet nevertheless he had this hope that they would easily stop the execution of this cruell sentence untill the malignity of the influence of the Stars should be passed over which time being come he might freely speak and defend himself against the guilt and Ignominy whereof he was accused The sentence of
yet she might hear what was done at the Tilting having only shut the Dog into the Chamber where her Masters Son lay This Gentlemans house being old and out of repair there were many breeches in it even in the very room where the Child and Dog were and that one of these holes there at this time entered a great and horrible Serpent which the dog seeing and that he made towards the Cradle for the natural love which these Creatures bear to their Masters even to hazard their lives in their defence he slew upon the Serpent to keep him from hurting the Child But the one was not more furious in assaulting then the other was in defending and the Dog and Serpent strugling together nere the Cradle where the Child lay they over turned it so that the Child fell to the ground but without any harm for the clothes that were upon were by the tumbling now underneath and the Cradle standing on the four pomells the Child lay as safe and as well as it had done before it was overturned the Dog being enraged as well at the wounds he had received of the Serpent as at the wrong which he saw was done to his young Master threw himself with great fury upon the Serpent who knew well enough how to defend himself however in the end the dog remained victorious and tore the Serpent in the cruelest manner he could imagin so that he was all smeered with his blood Hereupon the Nurse coming into the Chamber to see how the Child did she had no sooner put her foot within the door but seeing the Cradle topsie turvy and the Dog all bloody with out looking any further and being very certaine that he who had saved the Childs life had killed him she began to tear her Cloathes and with outragious cryes went to entry this sad news to the Childs Mother who understanding of the death of her Child fell into such a passion as any one would for do the loss of such a Child and if the Nurse expressed her sorrow in tearing her cloaths it is to be supposed that the poor Mother did not forbear doing the same to her flesh not only she her self but all the women of the house who had accompanyed their Mistress encreased the lamentation and made an incredible noyse with their great cryes and lamentations not any of them having the wit to go into the Chamber and see how it had hapned but there they continued their out-cryes until the Gentle-man returned from the Tourney to whom they all with tears related not that which they had seen but that which they had imagined by the Nurses discourse The poor Father hearing these sad tidings more full of rage than tears for anger and sadness which are great passions had stopped his tears went directly into the Chamber where meeting the Dog and seeing him all bloody gave absolute credit to what the woman had told him and having his sword drawn in his hand â—e smote the Dog with such fury that off went his head and after he had spurned him with anger he began to curse his fortune and lament his Son using great threatnings towards his Wife and the other women of his house for the little care they had taken of his Child and being in despair he went towards the Cradle which he took up to see if there were yet any parts of his Child whole but he found him well and without any hurt whereupon all the Family were highly contented as you may judge and yet they were all astonished in that they had seen the Dog so bloody but as they sought about the Chamber they saw the great Serpent which the Dog had tore to peices whereupon they conjectured that the blood that was about the Dog came by reason of the combate which he had with the Serpent in defence of the Child which the Gentleman seeing and being enraged that he had in anger kill'd his good Dog he would have slain his Wife and all the other Women of the house who had been the cause of the Dogs death Ah poor Dog said he that thy friend-ship and loyalty have been so unfortunate to thee to cause thy death instead of a recompence which thou didst deserve for so well defending my little Child In fine this poor Gentleman could not be appeased for the loss which he had caused of so faithful an annimal as his Dog was so that every one that hard it had pitty and grief for the Childs loss was now converted into grief for the loss of the Dog all which sorrow hapned to this Gentle-man for having given too much credit to his Wife for if he had been wise he would first have examined the matter and accordingly have judged it without entring into such fury as to act a thing which caused perpetual sorrow to him without any remedy I shall conclude that this will be your case if you give credit to the words of a simple woman to put your Son to a Shameful death whose cause being heard deserves rather praise than punishment and perpetual infamy and therefore as your Majesties most humble servant I advise you that laying aside all anger before you proceed further you cause this action of your son to be consulted on by wise experienc'd men such as wil be faithful to you that you will revoke this sentence which your anger hath caused you to pronounce The Emperour took such notice of the Philosophers saying that he commanded stay of the execution of the sentence until he should take further order therein and thus was Prince Erastus defended the first day CHAP. IX The Emperor Dioclesian by an example being induced which the Empress Aphrodicia related of a fair Pine-tree which being old is lopped and then cut down to nourish a young one which was ugly and crooked commanded that Prince Erastus should be executed THE Emperour retireing when it was late according to custom found the Empress alone in her Chamber very disconsolate which much troubled him for he dearly loved her and endeavourâ—d by all means to comfort her but the more he essayed to please her so much the more she sobed so that the Emperour prayed her to be of good cheer and that she should be satisfied to which she replyed truly I have little cause to be contented for the shall care you take to revenge so great an outrage which hath not been committed against me only but against your self for upon this account you are as much injured as I am It is true I resent it more than you laying our honour more to heart than you who however ought to shew it more exemplarily as yesterday you made me believe you did but I know not who hath so suddenly caused you to revoke your sentence and I doubt to my great trouble if you do not take more heed to your affairs that it will happen to you as it did to a very fair Pine-tree which instead of being renewed was cut
Children he was â—â—ll â—â—r ken in years before he thought of marriage Iâ— so â—â—ll out one day that having good merry Company in his house after the table was uncovered from one discourse to another as it is usual for Gentlemen to talk after dinner they happened to fall upon this proposition of the natural affection that men have to have Children wherâ—by man â—enewâ— his blood and in a manner lives after his deaâ—h in his poâ—terity upon this discourse some of this Gentlemans friends pâ—rswaded him to marry whâ—râ—by he might have Children to inherit so many fair Caâ—â—leâ— and other riches which he was possessed of This Gentleman did not much regard it but seeing himself importuned sometimes by one and then again by others after he had sustained many assaults of his friends he in conclusion resolved to please them as he had always done His friends knowing his mind took much pains to find him out a wife fit for his quality and by whom he might have Children and they used such dilligence that in short time they betroathed him to a very fair young Damsell who was daughter to one of the greatest Lords of all Tuskany The wedding was solemnized as you may suppose suitable to the quality of their estates and al hough there was great difference in the ages of this Knight and his young Bride yet however he was so Gallant that his gallantry was enough to content a Damsell better than one that was younger so that for a while he and his wife lived very contentedly But after some time this Damsell having understood from other good wives how their husbands treated them in the night she began to wish for a young husband without regarding the gallantry of her own rather wishing for a good strong back than a gallantâ—y accompanied with a feeble breath and seeing that she could not have her desires and that notwithstanding all her endeavours her husband as he grew more in â—eâ—rs so he was less able to please her After she had fasted one year and knew that there was nothing in the house to satisfie her appetite she resolved to purchase her victuals in an other place but understanding that she was to make use of a third hand and that in an affair of so great importance there might be danger to discover it to a third person she propsed to make use of her own mother whom she thought had most reason to love her best therfore she went to her where being arrived after many other discourses she fell to the matter in hand that which most aâ—gred her letting her know as well as she could the necessity wherein she was and the purpose she had taken to provide otherwise for her self that she might not dye in that necessity praying and conjuring her for the natural love which she had always born to her that having pitty and compassion on her she would make provision against that evil which would be her death if she had no remedy and also to her honour governing her self after such manner in this affâ—ir that she might find her self re-restored and so as no person should know any thing The Poor mother thinking of what her daughter had said to her for a long time was amazed not bring able to beliâ—ve her own ears much less to believe what she had heard but in conclusion seeing by her daughters obstinacy how the matter was and that what she had said was true she first of all tried to direct her from her wicked purpose shewing her what offence she would commit puting her honor before her eyes alledging to her many other examples to this purpose but all was to no purpose for as to the offence the young woman answered that the Law could not give her a greater punishment then death and that continuing in the condition she was then in she knew her death was sudden As for the shame and infamy of the world said she I come to take your advice in that particular that my honour being saved you may provide me with what you know may be necessary upon this account and for examples she had enough that served for her purpose so that all that her mother couâ—â— say to change her mind from this wicked purpose was but to beat the aire whereupon the mother was so troubled that she thought she should be distracted The young woman seeing this began to colt's and flatter her saying Dear Mother have compassion of my youth You have been young and therefore know well enough what are the desires of the flesh which as I have always heard say and now I know by experience are greater and more vehement in women than in men and although the fire is not so great in men as in women yet however as often as they have a mind and they know where they give themselves the satisfaction they desire But if we miserable women are sruprized but once besides the shame we indure they make no matter of killing us So that for this cause we other women ought to put the change upon them to revenge our selves of the shame that men upon this account do to us To this the Mother made several replyes but all was in vain for so much the more that the Mother endeavoured to turn her from her purpose so much the more ardent and passionate she appeared to be Let what would happen to extinguâ—sh the fire which consumed her she did cleerly conâ—â—sâ— that it would be more for her honour to contain than to abandon her self but she could not imagin how she could live long so and that therefore the fault should not be imputed to her but â—o nature who did so constrain her further entreating her Mother to consider of some way to give her content and to save her honour protesting unto her that if she did refuse to assist her she would hazard her life and honour praying her once for all to put all other oppinions out of 〈◊〉 mind The poor Mother seeing her daughters obstinacy knew not what to say further seeing on the one side her daughter blinded with love and so resolved in her purpose that it was not pâ—ssible to alter her mind and on the other side she well knew the great wrong she should doe to her honour in satisfying the appetite of her daughter And although she well knew â—hat she lost time however she thus made further trial of her daughter saying Ah! how stronge a thing is it that I see you purpose to violate the bounds of marriage and count so great ill to your husband who as you know loves you as well or better then any man can love a woman and therefore I would not have you give such way to your appetite which I confess is great but not so but that you may overcome it if you will I have been young and as fair as you and have experienced love affairs and his fires but however I have resisted all with a constancy and firm
resâ—â—ution to love like a woman of honour so that I never wronged your father and nâ—ver had thoâ—ghts â—or any other besides him much less abandoned my leâ—f to any other wherefore then do nâ—t you do the sâ—me And Mother replyed the dâ—ughter your consequence is nothing to the purpose for when my father married you he was a young gentleman and as handsome as you so that he mâ—ght well enough furnish you with that which women desire above all things and that you had no occasion to look further and you had not done well if you had done him that wrong But my case is different for the husband you have given me may better serve for my father then my husband that he loves me I cannot deny but what does his love availe me when he cannot furnish me with that I have most occasion for I have endured so long that I cannot longer endure and yet I have not discovered my self to any body but you hoping as you are my Mother you will have compassion on me which I pray and conjure you to assuring you that if you do not help me I will yet help where I can find it let what will happen for I had rather dye contented than to languish in a life worse than death The poor Mother seeing the obstinatness of her daughter for some time was silent and then she said Seeing you in this wicked purpose to abandon your honour to satisfie a base and disordinate appetite rather then to see you fall into infamy which may happen matters being not wisely ordered I am content to assist you in what I may Yet however you ought well to consider one point for although men keep but little loyalty for their wives as you have said already yet however they will not suffer them to take the same liberty but the most part of men doubting that they wear the hornes they cut them off sometimes by poison sometimes with a Dagger and sometimes with a sword True it is that there are agen some good men who have a good stomoch to digest all and all goes down as sweet as milk to them though they find their wives in the very fact Now I cannot Judge of what Complexion your husband will be upon this occasion therefore I think it absolutly conversant to try his patience before yâ—u proceed further doing him some displeasure of little importance which will be a tryal of him 〈◊〉 it he takes it patiently come and tell me and I will take such order about you that you shall be contented so as you keep your self to one man for if yoâ— should abandon your self to many in the end it would be known and bad would come of it to you and to me also though your husband were never so patient so that we should both endanger our lives fear not that said the young woman for if I have had the heart to contain my self a year with my husband who is so old as you know without looking out any further although he was not able to content me I shall be well enough pleased when I may enjoy him that I have thought of who will give me full satisfaction to what I desire and will be very secret being as much concerned as my self to keep his honour and maintain himself in the reputation which every one hath for him And who is this said the Mother It is our Curate answered the daughter who as you know is a young man and accounted by every one for a holy person so that he may come often to our Castle and none will have any bad oppinion of him but on the contrary all will have the more esteem for me and so will my huâ—band who I have often heard discourse of the good conversation of the Curate with whom he will be well pleased to see me converse to keep me from other Company which it may be do not please him so well And by what I have several times observed it will not bâ— very difficult for me to work my ends upon thiâ— Curate so as you being a third peâ—son will assiâ—t me and I will have no assistâ—nce but yours And therefore if you desire my life and my honour I pray take such order as to bring us together if not I assure you that in short time you will see me â—â—â—ore your eyes dead or dishonoured Be of good â—â—art daughter said the Mother and make trial of that I have told you for if your husband does not resent the displeasure you shall do him provided it be such as as he ought to be angry at assure your self that I will render you content Upon this the young woman being very glad took leave of her Mother longing to be at home to make trial of her husbands patience upon some considerable matter She being come home understood that her husband was gone on hunting with other Gentlemen as he was accustomed to do wherefore she thought it a convenient time to perform that which she had in her fancy by the way This Gentleman had in his Garden a Lawrell which he himself had planted cultivated and it was become a great tree it had a very pleasant shadow under which the gentleman did often refresh himself with his friends pass the time away in discourse in the hotest time of the day The young woman very well knowing what esteem her husband had for this lawrel having a mind by this to try her husbands patience as her mother had comanded and therefore taking one of her husbands servants with a hatchet she went with him into the gaâ—den being come to the lawrel tree she commanded him to cut it up by the roots The poor country-man well enough knowing the pleasure which his Master took in this tree would not strick a stroak at it whereupon his Mistress being angry gave him many hard speeches threatning him with severe chastisment for the little respect obedience he gave to her comands And taking the hatchet out of his hand she her self fell to cutting the fair Lawrel to which she gave so many stroaks on every side that she put the poor Lawrel cut of possibility of growing and although it were then let alone the servant then seeing that took his hatchet and finished what she had begun whose branches by his Mistresses command being made into faggots and the body cleft in peices he put it into a Cart and carried them to his Masters house the Cart was hardly unloaden when the Gentle-man returned from hunting who went presently into his Chamber to refresh and shift himself when his wife counterfeiting the good huswife was not long ere she came with a faggot of the fair Lawrel under her arm which she put upon the fire aireing her Husbands linnen at it that she might the better play her project The Gentleman being astonished to see a fire made of Lawrel did suspect that some mischeif had bin done to his beloved tree but he
ever owed you and to pray you also that you will drink a glass of wine with me in that Vessel which is come on purpose to carry me off to the intent with better courage I may set sail The Governour praising much the Cordiality and Friendship of the Damsel which was come to find our Fabio promised him to go and dine with him in the Galley and following his hunting the young Gentleman in the mean time gave order for dinner after the best manner he could dinner time being come he went before the Governour with several Gentlemen his friends whom he also câ—nducted thither and being ariv'd near the Port he began to consider and amongst other things he declared that for the great love he had found in his friend in times past which she had sufficiently demâ—nstrated then and now in seeking him out he resolved forthwith to marry her beserching the Governour as he had ever found him affectionate to his service that in acknowledgment thereof it would please him to solemnize his marriage and that he might have the happyness to receive a wise from so good a hand as his The Governour readily agreed to the motion and being on the strand a Skiff presently carried them aboard the Gally where being come the Gentleman ordered her to cover her self to sit next the Governour who was no stranger but his own wife At it first was thought by the Governour and all present that she was his wâ—fâ— as indeed she was but by reason of her strange habit and her deportment knowing well how to counterfeit as in the case of the Ring and little Dog as aforesaid she remained undiscovered Dinner being ended the young Gentleman spake briskly to the Governour desiring him to bestow his Female servant on his Male to whiâ—h the good old man replyed that it was very reasonable and that he would do much more for his contentment hereupon taking the Damsel by the hand he gave her to the young Gentleman in the presence of all the company this being done he returned to the Castle but the Gentleman with his prey got as far off as he could The Governour having some little jealousie in his breast and that which encreast it more was the astonishment of the whole company to see a woman so proportion'd like the Governess in such manner that to clear all doubts he was no sooner arriv'd at the Castle but that he went straight to his Tower and having unlockt all the doors and search'd up and down he could not find his wife at which he was ready to run mad and not seeing any remdy for this calamity there being no hopes of overtaking the Gally which was now a good way at sea beside the confusion he was in eiâ—her to speak or be spoken to and silling his heâ—d with a thousand things he at length fell into dispair unimaginable inexpressible at length a disease seiz'd him which took him off Who think you Sir was guilty of his death but his wicked wife Wherefore all men ought to consider how to govern their wives rightly for there is nothing more difficult than to divert a woman from what she inâ—ends 'T is true if their designs were guided by reason I should not so much blame their subtleties by which they accomplish their conseptions but seeing the imperfection of the Sex which is more usually guided by passion than reason I can confidently say that the end of those designs they plot tends ordinarily to miâ—chief and danger as may be seen in the discourse of this our Greccian whose â—xample need not go alone for I can instance a thousand more and I wish to God that the Empress was not rankt among them as I am certain she is and you your self may easily discover it Wherefore it is necessary for you to take mature deliberation in this affair without giving more credit to the passions of any other then reason shall require The Emperour having given good attention to the Philosophers discourse thought good to meditate thereon but although he had no bad opinion of his wife yet he did abhor to think of the Death of his Son which could not but be a great vexation to him although he much desired that Justice might take place and the affection which he alwayes had to acquire the reputation of a just Prince and who would not be rash in any affair and this induc'd him to resolve to stay the execution of his Son until the case should be more fully and deliberately examâ—ned having understood by so many examples that all things ought not to be taken for truth which at the first seem to be so yet that he might somewhat please the Empress he purposed to return to Rome so that by his presence he might shew her some reason for his present delay and thereupon without any further stay or giving any other answer to the Philopher but that he would take care that justice should be done he instantly mounted on horse-back that he might the sooner perform his journy to Rome where being arrived he found the Empress very much enraged against the Officers of Justice who being abroad upon their particular occasions had been the cause of prolonging the life of Prince Erastus This very well pleased the Emperour finding it in his power to deliberate in the proceedings about his Son and therefore he gave command to the Officers to forbear any further proceedings until they had further commands from him This Story or example may serve to the same purpose as the Former There was a wealthy Burgess living in a certain City who kept a Pye the Bird he lov'd so well that he suffered none to feed him but himself and as he fed him taught him several Languages this Pye was so apprehensive and grateful to his kind Master that whatsoever he saw done in the house he told his Master This Burgess was married to a young wife who was much more beautiful than honest requiting her husbands love and affection with sâ—ight and disrespect because he was not a man of that lustful performance she expected but that she might not want means to satisfie her amorous desires she made choice of a man fit for her purpose whom she alwayes sent for when her Husband was abroad about his business that they might eat deliciously and wantonly toy one with another Now the Pye as she told her Master every thing she observed upon his return so particularly this junketting wantonness and was so open mouth'd as the report hereof did spread it self through the whole City her Husband hereupon much troubled and grieved upbraided her with disloyaly and charged her down right with adultry to which she said she was innocent and that he was to blame to belive his Pye and that as long as he continued so doing there would be nothing but variance and discord among them but he reply'd the Pye could not lye for what she saw or heard that she told him
began to brandish and flourish with both his vermillion swords so that the beholders supposed him to be in fight The Persians seeing this strange and dismal sights were terrified and dismayed not knowing what should occasion it In the midst of these passages the two other Philosophers who were in the Mountain came runing and crying into the Camp and going directly to the Kings Tent cryed out they were all dead men wherefore said the King do you not see Sir said they the God of the Caldeans who is descended from Heaven to defend them so that if we stay here any longer we shall be all lost and therefore it is necessary for us to flee lest we enrage this God any further and thereby loose our lives as our Companion hath done who having seen the apparition of this God and being desirous to appease his fury with certain new Sacrifices which he would offer was suddenly slain in the Mountain by a Thunder-bolt which we seeing made all possible haste down hither to acquaint you that if you do not this day depart the place none of your Camp will escape and thereupon they began to flee which caused several who gave as much credit to these Philosophers as if they had been a God to follow them and flye as well as they The King himself presently mounted on horseback so that in one hours time the Seige was raised The besieged who were in armes and who were ready to issue out seeing their enemies in a Rout fell on their Reer and charged them so briskly that they made as great a slaughter as they pleased and took so many Prisoners that it was wonderful for the poor Persians fled without any order thinking that the God of the Caldeans was still behind them so that a small number escaped they too hastening night day out of the Caldeans Country The pursuit being finished which lasted untill night the Caldeans returned to their City being all rich more contented for all the baggage of the Persians was left in the Camp whereby the Caldeans had the Pillage which was of an inesteemable value The Philosophers faceing about took the way of the Mountain and from thence returned to the City of Hur where they were highly welcomed and the King of the Caldeans kept his promise with them having by their cunning device and tricks defeated the King of Persia who was their Master and had turned the victory to the Caldeans side and that for covetousness of the Treasure which was delivered to them And thus Sir continued the Empress will it happen to you if you prevent if not For I foresee that you lending your ears to these Phi osophâ—rs and not taking heed to their device and following their wicked pernicious counsel as you dâ— they will occasion your death will enstall their Erastus with the Emperiall Crown that they may divide among themselves the Treasure of Rome but I beseech God to be so meciful to me to take me out of this miserable life before that happeneth so that I may not with my Corporall eyes behold that which with my Spiritual eyes I foresee with much regret And thus having finished her discourse she began to sigh groan and weep so that the Emperour himself could not refrain from weeping and after he had comforted her as much as he could he said take no care for this Madan for I am too well in Instructed to be over-reached with all their cunning and to give you the more satisfacton I have purposed that to morrow morning Erastus shall be executed without any further delay and he being dispatch justice shall soon after proceed to the punishment of these who have brought him to so pittiful an end by their bad Instructions At which speeches the Empress being somewhat appâ—ased they went to bed together but the Empress found this nighr to be as long as the precedent wherein she the next morning expected news of her son-in-laws death CHAP. XVIII The Philosopher Agathus put a stop to the execution of Erastus by his oppinion upon a Letter which a Queen of Germany had written to the Emperour to cause her husband to be put to death alledging in confirmation of his oppinion the Story of a Gentleman of Modena whose wife did cut his â—hroat that she might have a young man whom she loved she having before endeavoured to kill him by several ways and means wherein she had failed The Emperour having seen the contents of the Letter which required suddain consideration and yet mature deliberatiâ—n commanded that the cheif of the Senators shâ—uld be assembled in the mean time he arose for it wâ—s not long to day and went only habited in his night gown to meet the Senators in the Empresses Hall among others the Philosophers were alâ—o called to this counsel whose presence although it some what displeased the Emperour by reason of Erastus yet however he was very well contented that they should be present at this Counsel to see hâ—w much they would surpass the others in readiness of advice The Counsel being then â—ssembled all others being turned out but such as belonged to the Counsel the Emperour acquâ—inted them with the câ—use why he had caused them to meet and after he had spent some time in discoursing abâ—ut the present affair be commanded one of his Sâ—cretaries to read the Letter from the Qâ—â—en of Germany the contents whereof followeth HEliodora Queen of Germany to Dioclesiaâ— Emperour of the Romans greeting the horror which I naturally have against any thing contrary to my duty joyn'd to the faith I owe to the Râ—man Empire not only in respect of the general obligation which this kingdom hath as being a dependant on the said Empire but also by a particular affection of my Family which is antiently descended from the illustrious blood of the Romans hath constrained me to send you this Letter without respecting and having little regard to the great danger and hazard of my life in case of discovery that the advertisement which I send you should come from me preferring this advice which only tends to the preservation of the great Roman Empire before my own life Know then that the King Erastus my husband who at first shewed himself very affectionate to the service of the Roman Empire from whom he holds his Crown is so altered in his latter age that he endeavours nothing more than your ruin and the destruction of Rome and yet I am ignorant of the occasion To compass which ends he daily endeavours to draw to his opinion the most dexterously that he can the cheif and Governours of the Countries adjoyning to this Kingdom Nay hath many intelligences and secret practises in Italy by which means he may on a suddain raise a great and strong army to surprise you unprovided and by this means to abuse the granduer of the Roman Empire And this he may easily perform if you prevent him not by the great number of men
husband and understanding that her young Lover was as much troubled as her self she told him that if he had courage enough to do one thing which she would dâ—rect he might be assured to have a full and free enjoyment of that which they had so long and so earnestly desired and expectâ—d and therefore she pressed him to execute her desires The young man who little thought of the wicked purposes of his Mistress being willing to content her as it is usual for young men told her that there was nothing so difficult but he wound enterprize for her seâ—vice He making this protestation to his Mistress she made him swear to performe it after which she tooke him by the hand and led him into the Chamber where the good man was in a found sleep and being approached near the Bed she put a naked Dagger into his hand saying Behold him who hath so long hindred the accomplishment of our desires he is fast asleep and will be so for these four hours for so effâ—ctual is the sleepy potion I have given him you have therefore the means of dispatching him from troubling us both and therefore I pray keep promise with me and let this Dagger be instrumental in conveying him thither where long since he ought to have been The young man was startled and troubled at these words of his Mistress and although he loved her very well and above all things desired the death of the Gentleman that he might be married to her yet however he was seized with horror and compassion to see this antient Gentleman who was in great esteem throughout Modena to be thus cruelly dealt with by his wife sometimes in one manner and then after in an other so that the consideration hereof having seized on his Spirits being in amaze he let fall the Dagger which this wicked and obstinate woman tooke up saying since your weakness and Cowardâ—ze hinders you from executing what you ought you shall see that I am Mistress of mâ—re resoluâ—ion and courage than you and lifting up the Dagger she cut the poor mans throat who was so fast asl ep by vertue of the p â—tion that without waking he went to slâ—ep in the other World And not contented hâ—rewith she gave him diverse blowes with the Dâ—ggâ—r into his heart uttering so many outragious speeches against him tha the young man begin to be ang y wâ—th her Hâ—v ng thus dispatched her huâ—bâ—nd and being covered with blood thus amâ—zâ—d hâ—r lâ—ver she saâ—d to him nâ—w that is finish d wâ—ich câ—used all our mâ—â—chief we ought not to loose â—im bâ—t pâ—râ—â—e the rest and now we have â—â—ne and oppoâ—tunity and it will be long before it be day and any compaâ—y wâ—lk the streets let us wrâ—p up thâ—â— body in theâ—e bloody Clothes and caâ—ry them intâ— one obscure place withoâ—t the City wh â—e wâ— will bâ—â—y h m o â—haâ— nâ— knowleâ—ge shall ever b 〈◊〉 â—im wâ— ch being dâ—ne I will early in th◠〈…〉 our â—â—untry houâ—e attended by my Châ—â—â—â—â—nd wâ—o is acqâ—ainâ—ed with all my love prâ—câ—â—dâ—â—gâ— in â—â—â—â—ere we w ll repâ—rt that may husbaâ—d â—â—â—â—â—viâ—g into â—he Câ—uâ—try for change of Aire an â—ccâ—dent â—here happened to him which soon killed him 〈…〉 will â—e easily crediâ—ed for it is prâ—bable enougâ— that an old man after a lingering long distemper may dye This being dâ—ne I will cause a Câ—ffiâ— to be filled 〈◊〉 with a dead Câ—rps which I will reâ—use to see lest I should dye with grief and making an honourable Funerall according to his quality we will then at leisure consult how to finish our affairs The young man approved of the Counsel of this Murdress and thereupon they wraped the body in the bloody Clothes and carryed it unto an unfrequented place without the City where wery few persons passed and having digged a hole and buried him they concluded that for the future nothing could hinder them in their Loves but the young man was still somewhat doubtful and according to their agreement they went to the Country to prosecute their intentions which would certainly have taken the effect the lewd woman intended had it not been for an extraordinary accident which was not thought of and did discover all the treason This antient Gentleman had bred up a Dog which always attended him This dog followed the Litter wherein the woman was carried to the Country-house supposing that his Master was also with her But being come to the Village and nâ—t finding his Master there he returned to the City and having hunted and sought over all the house not leaving the least Corner untrodden he according to the nature of Dogs began to smell and sent out his Master and to find the place where they had conveyed his Masters body and in conclusion he hunted so long over all the fields that he came to the place where he was buried three he stayed putting his nose to the ground he scented his Masters body whereupon this poor Câ—rr began to howle for his Master and that in such pittiful manner that many who passed that ways stopped at this howling although this was the Common lestal for the whole city the dog did so scratch claw with his feet that having remov'd some earth he discover'd one corner of the bloody cloth wch he endeavor'd to pul out with his teeth forbearing to tear it as if he feared to hurt his Masters body and thus did he continue and encrease his howling This the Pâ—ssengers seeing and observing the pains which the Dog took with the bloody Cloath which be endeavoured to draw out they therefore resolved to see what it was the poor Dog looking sometimes upon one and then upon another as if he asked their assistance fawing on those that helped him to dig and flying on those who would hunt him away as if he had resolved to defend this Pit even to the death so that in conclusion people came with spades and shovels and digging found the body wrapped up in bloody cloathes The good Dog seeing his Masters body began to lick it so that he cleansed it from the blood wherewith it was besmeared and yet for all that none knew the body the news hereof being carried through Modena caused that many and some of the Chief of the Citty went to see it among the rest several of the Murthered Genâ—lemans Relations who first knew the body by the Dog before they knew the Dog by his Master whose body was very much disfigured The Governour of the place having notice hereof being a wise and understanding Person examined the particulars of all and being told that the Wife of the deceased was young and the man old he thereupon conjectâ—red the truth of the matter whereupon he sent Officers to the Place where the Woman had reported her Husband was gone for change of Air. The wretched Woman who was returned to Modena hearing the noise about the Dogs and the body that was found was about to
flee but the Officers came timely enough to seize on her and secure her and her wicked Chamber-maid she seeing her self taken and bound and knowing in whose custody she was freely confessed the fact saying she very well knew the cause why she was taken and particularly related how she had used her deceased Husband that she might be rid of him and how she had kill'd him with her own hands whereupon she was led to the Governour where she reiterated and confirmed her disposition further adding that she repented she had endured so much and that she had delayed his death so long and that if it were to do again she would do it The Governour hearing this being much troubled to see so fair a young woman so obstinate in her wickedness which she did not endeavour to excuse but rather to justifie he therefore condemned her to be burnt alive at the common place of Execution in Modena and that her Chambermaid who had not only kept her counsel but bin her assistant and companion should also suffer with and accompany her in death and this sentence was the next day executed this wretched woman not shewing the least repentance for so wicked a crime And this may be the very case of the Queen of Germany for I am very confident that no cause hath induced her thus miserably to calumniate the King her Husband but only an earnest desire to have him dispatched out of her sight True it is this woman is more cunning endeavours to have more assurance then she of Modena for she would be assured of the protection and safeguard of the Empire that she may with more safety execute her wicked design wherefore my opinion is that she ought not to be protected in so wicked an action but that in short an answer should be returned her that the Roman Empire is puissant enough not only to defend it self from those who shall dare to assault it but also for to punish those that shal attempt any unjust action whereby this perverse Princess may know that we well enough understand the reason of her writing this Letter and that therefore she should forbear acting of those things that deserve punishment lest she serve as an example to others who shall attempt the like And it is my earnest wish that there were none like her at Rome and then I should not have occasion to continue my discourse and then Sir you and wâ— that are your servants should not be put to the trouble we this day are at on the â—ccasion of Prince Erastus for certainly if the câ—use were searched to the bottom it would be found to be quite different than his mother in 〈◊〉 hâ—th iâ—sly imputed it to cause him to do so that she may with the more ease contrive the same against you and bâ— out of fear and danger of yâ—ur Sâ—ns heâ— g revâ—â—â—â—d on her this Sir or some such curse is the only râ—â—son whâ—ch at present is to me unknown but I can affiâ—â— as you will in conclusion sâ—â—d that Erastus â—â—â—nocâ—nt not only of this fact but of â—ll other vâ—i â—â—â—actions if the hasty execution of a rash sentence givâ—n against him dâ—â—h not hinder the knowledg of the truth to prâ—cure which I shall follow the Nature of the Gentleman of Modena's Dâ—g and the example of my Companionâ— who have noâ— ceased not do not yet cease to crye that order may be observed and if you are not pleased to open your ears to the advertisements which we give you have a care that our clamours be thought hereafter to be to as little purpose as the Howlings of the good dog were to his Master to discover the truth of the fact when there was no remedy Open your eyes and your eares Sir while it is yet time without precipitating on an action that may cause a too late vain repentance if you believe that Erastus is guilty of the crime wherewith he is accused we are of a contrary opinion yet none of us are upon certainties therefore if you put him to death you will be accounted throughout all the world to be a wicked unjust cruel Prince wherefore let me prevaile with you to do that which you have so often intended to remit the cause to the trial of the Senate to proceed according to right reason justice if it proves to be so as the Empress hath falsly alledged that Erastus be â—o dâ—â—â—â—ed thâ—n you may execute him and us also who 〈◊〉 been his â—â—â—tors without incurring any infamy And on the contrary if his Innocence doth appear as I believe it will you will not be deprived of a Son and the Empire of a Successor The Oration of good â— Igathus was pronounced with such earnestness thâ—â— all the Senate stood up entreating the Emperor to 〈◊〉 the advice of the Philosopher and 〈…〉 counsel could be given in a case so difficult 〈…〉 also by reason of the learned speeches which the Philosopher Agathus had made the Emperor was constrained to put a stop to the execution of the sentence of Erastus for that day but he was troubled to hear the Empress so openly blamed before the Senate And as for the Queen of Germany it was concluded to give her such an answer as the Philosopher had directed who gained very great honour in this Counsel for that he had discovered the intention of this Queen of Germany wch could be no other but what he had describ'd in regard there was no other advise if any rebellion in Germany whereupon the Counsel arose and every one retired to their houses expecting to hear the cause of Prince Erastus which had been left to the tryal of the Senate and it was the wishes and desires of all that the cause should prove as the Philosophers had averred and not according to the accusation and imputation of the Empress whose Tyranny was hated by many on the contrary every one admired the good carriage which they had only once seen in Prince Erastus who was esteemed and loved by all the world This History or example of the Philosopher Agathus is according to the original in the Italian and French but there being an other story to this purpose I shall thus relate it Our Gentleman understanding the resolution of the Mistress was as I told you married to the Maid by which action he thought to vex the Lady which slighted him and marry her who loved him and that he might make the Lady and all the World believe they were mistaken in him and that his Estate was as good as ever he lanched out all that he could to make a sumptuous wedding so that by such time as hâ—s and his Brides cloathes were paid for and the other expences defrayed not only his own Estate was consumed but all his new wives ready money which she had pickt up in her service was spent and besides one Citty house and some moveables all else was sold and the
resistance and which mastereth the greatest and wisest men in the world as may be proved by a world of examples which I shall omit and return to the Matron and her beloved Souldier who by this time had satisfied hers and his own desires and now after his pleasure in the Vault was desirous to know how his business at the Gibbet stood which although he found standing in the place he left it yet the body was removed this was a sight as unpleasing as that of his Mistress had been pleasant and he now becomes more despairing than she had been and he strives more to destroy himself than he had hefore to preserve her Being distracted with horror at the Gibbet he returns in a horrible posture to the Vault and there without speaking he falls to acting one while he casteth up his eyes that flame with fury beats his breast tears his hair stampeth upon the ground and useth all the gestures of a man transported to perfect madness which suddain and violent passion another while he stands unmoved and silent fixing his exeâ— upon the earth as if â—e were consulting the infernal spirits what to do with himself he exclaims against heaven despises fate to make him more miserable reproaches Fortune for her giddiness Curses his Malevolent Stars renounceth Providence sometimes he condemns his own negligence and then he reflects upon the innocent woman a the unhappy occasion of his wretchedness and thinkiâ—g he had met with the true cause of his mischeif he interpretates all the plagues in Nature upon the heads of the whole Sex and vomits out these blasphemies against them Ah Women women saith he why did Nature make you unless repenting the perfection she had given to man she found out you to lessen it For Man who otherwise would be more than half Divine only by being obnoxious to the corrupt temptations of Woman is made less than half Human What misery ever befel him in which Woman had not a hand What crime did He ever commit to which she did not incite him What Tragedy hath at any time been acted in the theatre of the world in which a woman had not her part what war what desolâ—tion what ruin hath not found its beginning in that mischeivous sâ—x How many mighty Nations flourishing K ngdomes prosperous Common-wealths populous Cities and noble Families have owed their destruction to either the Malice or Pride or Lust of Woman What are you Women but the poyson of Mans Innocence and Peace which Nature hath guilded-over with a splended out-side that we might swallow it down with the less suspition all your beauties all your châ—rms are but like the Apples of Sodom which have fair and inviting rinds and yet within are nothing but stinking dâ—â—â— you are the true Sirens that enchant us with the melody of your voice and then hold us captives in the chains of beastial slavery You are the true Hiena's that assure us with the fairness of your skins and when folly hath brought us within your reach you leap upon us and devour us You are the traiters to Wisdom the impediments to industry the obstacles to honour the softners of courage the perturbers of Tranquillity the cleg to vertue and goads that drive us all to vice impiety and ruin You are the Fool 's Paradise the wisemans plague and the grand Error of Nature What What shall I say I want words to express your pravity as I did my reason when I set my foot into this unlucky this fatal place Having thus belched out this virulent invective against poor innocent women who deserved much better language at his hands his wild imagination which catcheth at any thing wheels about and he thus vomits the remainder of his choler upon himself What damned spirit was it that conducted me into this Charnel-house made me quit my duty where was the care vigilancy of my good Angel when he left me to be seduced into this dismal vault would I had fallen into a den of Lions Tygres when I lighted upon this woman here then had dyed innocent without dishonour whereas now I have contracted a guilt whose punishment is an infamous death and that inevitable unless I prevent the stroke of justice and become my own Executioner Which being the only refuge my disaster hath left me why am I thus slow in addressing my self unto it why do I waste that time in weak and fruitless complaints which I ought to imploy in delivering my self from the extremity of misfortunes that is yet to come dye I must by sentence of the magistrate why then should I defer to fall by my own hand to vindicate ones self from extream and otherwise inevitable Calamity by Sui-cide is not certainly a crime but an act of Heroique Fortitude I am resolved therefore my sword shall prevent the ignominy of the Gallows and by forcing open the Gates of death I will stop up the way to publick shame Here he puts a period to his desperate Harangue and hasting to put one to his life also he suddainly draws his sword and beginning to set the hilt of it upon the ground that he may cast himself upon the point he is most seasonably prevented by the pious Matron Who being all this while ignorant of the cause of his fury hath been wholly possessed with amazement at the extravagant effects of it so that she minded not a word of all those bitâ—er reproaches he had cast forth against her whole Sex but quickly roused out of the stupifying fit of wonder wherewith she had been invaded by seeing him draw his sword she throws herself into his armes partly by grasping his hands pâ—â—tly by the charms of her kisses tears and entreaâ—ies she so far becalm's his rage as that he seems not unwilling to pâ—â—rouge at least the execution of that self-assasination he intended until he had convinced her of the necessity of it He tells her therefore in short that the body of a certain notorious villain which he had been appointed to guard was taken from the Gâ—bbet and conveyed away that the penalty of the like death ' denounced by the Governour against him and his fellows who had transferred the whole charge upon his care and vigilancy was certain and inevitable unless he hilled himself by way of prevention that if she could have any sentiments of kindness for so unfortunate a wretch as this sad accident had made him there was now no way left for her to express them but by permitting him qâ—ietly to pervert the infamy of a publick execution by a private with-drawing himself into the other world and that it was some content to him in this his Agony that he should leave his body to be dissolved into the same dust with that of her former Lover of whose singular worth fame hath defused so honourable a report And having thus hastily delivered to her the cause of his desperate resolution he begins again to free his hands of the
the King who knew it was modest and reasonable he therefore consented thereto and gave him leave to depart accordingly first furnishing him with a sufficient quantity of Money and Jewels and now in short time he arrived at the Court of the Emperour who received him with â—ll Immaginable kindness And there he behaved himself so well that the Emperour made him his Carver And soon after Prince Arthur Son to the King of England arriving there was kindâ—y received of the Emperour and him he made his Cup-bearer And these two Princes Entichus and Arthur were so like one another in face Proportion and voice that they could hardly be distinguished and as they were alike in bodies so they Loved each other with an entire and fâ—ithful affection The Emperour had only one Child and that was a Daughter who although she kept a Court by her self and had servants of her own yet every day did the Emperour send her a dish from his own table by Entichus his Carver who by that means had the opportunity of seeing her and the advantage to be esteemed by her but he being one day absent from the Emperours Table and the Emperour according to Custom intending to send to his Daughter Prince Arthur performed that Office on his behalf by this means he had the sight of the Princess Angelica for so was she named who perceiving that it was not Entichus enquired his name and quality and he having answered her departed but although he was well in body yet he was so sorely troubled in mind that not being able to hold up his head he retired and went to Bed His friend Prince Entichus missing him and doubting the matter to be as indeed it it was for he understood that he had supplyed his place in carrying a Dish from the Emperour to the Princess and he supposing that the sight of her had wounded his heart with love he therefore wâ—nt to his friend Arthurs Chamber and demanded the cause of his sickness which Prince Arthur being unwilling to discover made excuses but Entichus being confirmed in his opinion declared it to his friend Arthur who then could not deny but that the Love of the Princess Angelica was the cause of his distemper thereupon Entichus desired Arthur to be comforted and he would assist him in all that he might neither did he fail in his promise for the next day he having the opportunity of waiting on the Princess he presented her with a Rich Jewell of his own but delivered it as sent to her by his friend Arthur whose Love he recommended to her and â—me an humble Suitor to her in his behalf The Princess seemed to be offended with him for his boldness and charged him not to proceed in that manner but however he took all opportunities of presenting her with Jewels from the Prince Arthur and used all possible Arguments to induce her to pitty and love his friend whereupon she who had borne some affection to himself asked him why he had not spoken on his own behalf to this he replied that he did not esteem himself so worthy as the Prince his friend either in birth or otherwise and besides that his heart had not as yet been wounded with love as his friends was wherefore there being so great a friendship between him and Prince Arthur he thought himself oblieged to try all means to procure his satisfaction and therefore he was an humble Supplyant to her in his friends behalf The Princess understanding thus much and being enclined to love Prince Arthur accepted of those presents that Entichus had offered and at his entreaty was won to admit them both into her Chamber at a time appointed that evening This was good news to Entichus who soon carried tydings hereof to his friend Arthur who was in a manner ravished with joy at the recitall so that he left his Bed and was immeadiately so well that at the time appointed he went to visit his fair Princess who received him kindly at present and soon after was conquered with his Importunity and his friends courtship so that he had freedome to be with her when and as often as he pleased but this affair was mannaged very privately in regard the Emperoâ—â—s very cautious and vigilant over his Daughter and many Courtiers who perceived Arthers too much familiarity with the Princess were envious thereat and sought how to entrap him but they were frustrated and disappointed in their contrivances by the vigilance and valour of his friend Entichus who oftentimes put his person in great hazard on his friends behalf The case stood thus with these Princes when Letters came to Entichus of the death of the King of Candy and that he should return and take possession of his kingdom this newes he declared to them who were right sorrowful for his departure and so was the Emperor himself when he came to take leave of him but however knowing that it was necessary for his advancement he gave leave for his departure most of the Court attended him part of his way but particularly his friend Arthur and the Princess who were grieved for the loss of his Company he advised them to be very private in their meeting telling Arthur that some one in time would discover his love to the Princess if he were not very wary and circumspect and that would be his ruine to this be promised to take good heed and Prince Arthur taking a precious ring from his finger and giving it to Prince Entichus after strict embraces and a solemn but sorrowful fâ—rewell these friends and Lovers seperated he pursuing his journey and they returning to Court where not long after Pharamond Son to the King of France arrived and was admitted into the place of Pâ—ince Entichus which was much to the sorrow and trouble of the two Lovers for they were suspected and watched by Prince Pharamond who was so curious in his search after the truth of their love that he found it and discoveâ—ed them and having some designs upon the Princess himself and now finding all his hopes frustrated he through rage and anger resolved to be revenged on them both and therefore he publickly accused them both before the Emperor who so soon as he heard of it was very angry and sending for Arthur told him of what he was accused telling him that if it were proved he should dye a shameful death Arthur pleaded that he was innocent and that he would prove it in Battel against his Accuser to this the other consented and the Emperor assigned them the day of Combat This was very unpleasant to Prince Arthur but much more to the Princess when he acquainted her therewith but they seeing how their affairs stood advised how to prevent the ensuing danger for dangerous it would be for him to fight with Pharamond who was not only a very valiant Knight but had a just and true cause which commonly is the occasion of the victory whereas if he should fight in defence of
of so much vertue continue it and hope the best and I will endeavour your remedy if it may be done by the skill of any man I will give any reward nothing in my Dominions shall be wanting or spared that may do you good the good King thanked him and resolved to continue there unknown to all to see if there might be any remedy for his infirmity In order to his cure the Emperor imployed all Phisitians that he could here of setting out Proclamations that if any could cure this distemper they should have a large reward but when all was done they could do nothing and so they told him that it was not within the cure of Phisick and that if he were ever healed it must be by miracle The Emperor hearing this was very much afflicted and being resolved to try alwayes for the restauration of his friend he applyed himself to all religious Persons and their prayers neither was he wanting in his own for he did not only make frequent and daily prayers for his friend but he set apart several dayes whereon he fasted and prayed upon this occasion the good King Entichus was patient in this adversity and yet prayed also to be dedelivered from this evil if it might stand with the good pleasure of the Almighty who in the end was entreated of him and in a Vision told King Entichus how he might be cured but it was by so strange means that he resolved rather to continue as he was than attempt it for the Vision told him that there was other way for his recovery but to be bathed in blood of two Children of the Emperours which the Emperour must with his own hands kill and after bath him with their blood This was the only remedy prescribed for his malady wherefore he purposed to be silent accounting it unreasonable to kill two Innocents to preserve one Sinner but let him resolve what he pleases it was the pleasure of heaven to resolve otherwise and as he had given an Unparalleld proof of his friendship to the Emperour so the Emperour must retalliate and indeed exceed it in this great tryal of his naturall affection in preferring his friend before himself for his Children may be termed himself being the best part of him wherefore that I may proceed you are to know that the Emperour still continued his prayers to heaven neither was heaven silent but in a vision told him that his friend Entichus knew how to be cured he thereupon goes to him and desires him to tell him and that truly if he did not know of a remedy for his disease to this after much importunity Entichus not only told him that he did but also the manner now but withall disswades him from executing it to this the Emperour replyed that since heaven prescribed the remedy he would dispute no further but obey what was commanded and thereupon went and Cut the throats of the two Innocents and saving the blood and bathing his friends body therewith he became as cleer and fair as ever to the great joy of them both the Emperour rejoycing that he had so good an opportunity as to give proof of his friendship The King being thus healed it was thus agreed that he should leave the Court and go some few miles out of the Town wherein he should have attendants suitable to his quality and then he should send word of his approach and so should be met and entertained as to his dignity appertained accordinly there came a Messenger the next day into the Emperors Hall who gave the Emperor an account of the arrival of his friend King Entichus The Empress hearing of this news was joyful and told the Emperor that by all means they must entertain their good friend very splendedly and to that end said she you with your Nobles and I with my Ladies will go meet him to this the Emperor agreed and they rode together till they met him and received him with great reverence and attending him till they came to the Pallace where they gave him royal entertainment Although the Emperor was joyful at his dear friends company yet the Empress exceeded him in demonstration of her joye which the Emperor observing he told her that he was well pleased therewith wherefore said the Empress should I not express my joy to the heighth for his company is more precious than all the Treasure in the World for by his means you attained to this honoâ— and dignity and he hath often hazarded his life to save yours The Emperor hearing this desired her to take good notice of what he should presently say it is not long since continued he that a deformed Leaper was in my Court I well remember him said the Empress a most horrible creature he was indeed suppose said the Emperor this Leaper were our friend King Entichus and that there was no way to cure him of his loathsome Leaprosie but by the death of both your children in whose blood he must be washed could you for his sake suffer it It is a very strange question replyed the Empress but I thus resolve it that had I ten Children I would kill them all with my own hands rather than our dear friend King Entichus should continue so loathsome a Leaper for we might have more Children but never such a friend as he The Emperour hearing her constant speech was resolved to make full tryal of her constancy and told her how all had hapned and that her two Children were dead she bearing this notwithstanding all her eouragious speeches yet Nature so wrought with her that she sunk down in a swoun but remedies being used she recovered at the newes of the Emperours Childrens death the Nurses went to see after them when they came where they were and expected to finde them dead they saw the contrary for they were alive and singing and about their Necks where they were cut were Circles of Gold this joyful newes was brought to the Emperor and Empress who were exceeding joyful thereat give-thanks to Heaven for this Miracle Soon after the Emperour raiseing an Army went along with King Entichus to Candy and overcoming an Army which the Queen and her Husband had raised King Entichus was agâ—in put in possession of his Kingdome and the Queen and her Husband slain And now the King being a single man that these two friends might be allyed by marriage as well as affection the Emperour having one only Sister gave her in Marriage to his Friend King Entichus and then these two great friends were again seperated The Emperour returning to his Empire and the King remaining in peaceable and quiet possession of his Kingdom and now he began to think of his old friends especially his Foster father Sterifo whom he ennobled with Titles of honour and giving him an honourable and profitable employment at Court had him near him as a Counsellor in all his affairs and carrying himself courteously and justly to his Subjects he was beloved of all
them and feared of his enemies Thus affairs growing every day better and better it happened that in the Citty of Alexandria which was his naturall Country the great warrs unfruitful seasons and other bad influences had caused such a Scarcity of Victuals that the g eateâ—t part of the inhabitants dyed with famine so that the inhabitants of Alexandria were necessitated to travel into several Countries to get Corn for the poor and therefore they made choice of the most expert and the most knowing men that they could find amongst them who willingly accepted of the Imployment because they were well provided with every thing that from other parts they might relieve their Citizens passing their time at the charge of others Among the rest they made Choice of Europus the naturall Father of Entichus and who had thrown him into the Sea who having taken Povt in the Isle of Candy where the Stars had so long before prepared a Crown for him he desired leave to buy up in that Island a great quantity of Corn King Entichus being acquainted herewith caused enquitey to be made who they were that were in the Ship and from whence they came and being informed of the truth and knowing the necessity of his Country and the name of the Commander and of the Ship he did suspect that it was his Father and therefore he purposed before he departed to make himself known to him and to put him in mind of the great fault which he had committed Whereupon having sent for him to come to his Pallace pretending to discourse with him about other affairs he caused him to stay and Dine with him which invitation he knowing not how to refuse accepeted of wâ—th such honour and reverence as hath been accustomed to be used by those who speak with Kings Princes and other great Lords Being at the Table after that the King had sufficiently informed himself of the estate of the City of Alexandria in generall he questioned with his Father of his particular affairs of his name and how many Children he had Whereupon the Merchant having told his name answered sighing that he had no Children and that he never had but one who perished in the Sea by a miserable misfortune It may be said the King your Son is not dead for there is one here present who hath escaped from such a like misfortune as you speak of and as he saith he is the Son of a Merchant of the City of Alexandria and thereforâ— advised him to look about him upon all the Company there present for it may happen that he may know his Son before his Son did know him The Merchant observing what the King had said began to take notice of all those that were in the Hall and on the other side every one looked upon him believing that they should understand somewhat that was as yet unknown and after he had well looked upon and taken notice of every one he said to the K ng that he could not find that his Son was there present whereupon the King said if you had well considered the Spectacle which you had of the two white Birds and the interpretation that was made to you you would of your self have known that which I shall now tell you for it was I my felf whose way to greatness you would hinder instead of advanceing it as you ought The good man hearing him speak of two white Birds suddenly changed his Collour being confounded within himself with shame But when he heard this spoken to his face and in the presence of so many great Lords the occasion that had moved him to such an excess he gâ—ew pale and red both at once and knowing no other way to make amends for his faults he arose from the Table and cast himself at his Sons feet asking him pâ—rdon But the King who was no less generous then great and puissant took hold of him and raised him praying him that forgetting what was passed he would make use of that power which God had given him and that he would rest contented that he had made him know by effects that it is impossible to interrupt or hinder that which the pleasure of God hath once ordained and so having sent by others a sufficient quantity of Corn for his Country he caused his Father to remain with him taking order to bring the rest of his family to Candy to participate of that good fortune which had befallen him contrary to all humane thoughts and which he had well and wisely persued By this Example said Erastus and many others as admirable as this which I could relate we may assuredly conclude that whatsoever hath been once ordained and established above doth usually come to pass so that nothing here below can obstruct or hinder it being assured of this I and my Masters did expose our selves to very great hazard and danger in our coming to Rome and the only remedy that we had was for me to be silent for the space of seven days in doing whereof the heavens promised me a good issue and deliverance provided that some would defend my cause for that Term the which my seven Masters like prudent and valliant Champions have done I therefore resolved to follow the right remedy which had been prescribed me for the conservation of my life and honour the which otherwise I should have dishonourably lost as the heavens had let me know soon after my arrivall at Rome the shame whereof would have been much more grievious to me than the death wherewith I was threatned Behold then what hath induced me and indeed enforced me to be Dumb these seven days which I suppose hath been as much to your astonishment as my trouble to see my self constrained by a fatall silence to confirme the opinion that every one might have that I would commit an action so wicked and wretched as that which hath been falsly charged on me by the Empress who being a woman and naturally enclined to be fickle and angry and having been lately in love with me it is no wonder if she hath converted that love which she first shewed me into a mortal hatred endeavouring to make me dye who am her Son in Law as it hath frequently befallen others who without any reason have prosecuted their Sons in law either through hatred or anger As for hatred we may finde examples enough in antient Histories as that which Jur conceived against Phrisso and Helle and of the Modern Histories there are enough and of hatred we may read how the cruel Phedra treated the innocent Hipolitus whose companion I had certainly bin both in cause and miserable death if the evident danger wherein I was had not been manifested to me by Heaven and the means to escape it the which I have hitherto done by the good assistance of my Masters here present to whom I am indebted not only for the good instructions I have received of them but also for my life as for the crime
should be dispatched and with him the seven Philosophers who were the first that declared the Prince to be innocent casting themselves at his feet and asking him pardon and mercy most humbly entreating him that he would forget the prosecution which they had made against him for that they as well as the Emperor had bin cunningly seduced and for satisfaction if no others should they themselves would take a revenge according to the quality of the crime against her who by so great treason had abused them hereupon Prince Erastus received them very courteously with a free and cleer countenance and he and his seven Masters being unbound he went directly towards the Emperor who having retained all that his Son had said how every thing had passed he bethought him of his dream understanding the truth of the Vision that had the night before appeared to him and therefore ariseing from his Imperial seat he went to his Som imbraceing him so loveingly that the tears flowed from his eyes to see him in a manner raised from death to life as well in body as in honor which he esteemed more highly than life and being about to excuse himself for those rigorous courses which had bin used against him the young Prince interrupted his discourse saying that his fatal silence was the cause of all whereof having said enough before the Senate he should forbear to speak further only he intreated him to declare plainly if he yet had any scruple of his being guilty which was not cleered to him so that he might fully justify himself whereupon all the Senate unanimously answered him that they esteemed him sufficiently justifyed and innocent of that wherewith he had bin accused and after some further discourse the Emperor caused him to sit down by him to consult what should be done with the Empress whereupon the Emperor having learned by the pains trouble he had lately suffered speak aloud that by experience found it to be an unjust thing for a man to be a judge in the matter wherein he himself was concern'd and therefore he would not meddle with the proceedings about the Empress but remit all to the judgement of the Senate to proceed as they should finde cause without respect to any person and accordingly by order of the Senate the Empress was delivered into the Custody of some of the principal Senators until the next day when they would consider what way to proceed against her and if she should not at all justify her self as every one beleived it to be impossible that sentence should be justly executed on her that she would have unjustly caused to be executed on the Prince and that in the mean time all things should be taken from her wherewith she might offend or kill her self through despair CHAP. XXIV The Empress Aphrodicia understanding the desperateness of her condition being in Prison desperately killed her self SO soon as Prince Erastus was restored and confirmed according to his place and quality the fame thereof was presently spread through all the City by means of the great multitude who were assembled at the Pallace to understand how the Case would be with Prince Erastus which having had an honorable issue all the Romans both general and particular made the greatest feast in the World in such manner that there was no Man or Woman young nor old great nor small but laid aside all business though never so importunate and hastening to the Pallace endeavoured to see the face of the Victorious and Triumphant Erastus so that no triumphant entry that was ever made in Rome had caused so great a croud of people in all the streets nor no joy more general nor more common every one speaking so highly and advantageously as possibly could be of Prince Erastus who for his part received all the people and saluted them with an incredible modesty letting them understand that he knew how to keep a medium without being elevated in prosperity as his spirits had never failed him when he was in adversity but it was far otherwise with the unhappy Aphrodicia who finding her self in the night time locked up in her Chamber which those who had the charge of her had provided they having offered her two Damsels to keep her company which she resolving to be alone had refused she began to curse herself the Heavens and Nature and being enraged wished that before her death that it were in her power to ruinate not only her Son in law but also the Emperor himself the Senate the City of Rome the Empire and all the world together and having a long time continued in these wicked meditations and finding that this would be much more difficult than her former enterprize against the life of her Son in Law she converted all her rage towards her self and considering her self to be culpable not of the crime which she intended to commit against her Husband but that she enterprized a matter which she could not effect she attempted to be revenged on her self and to dye by her own hands And not finding any thing to make a cord to strangle her self much less any thing to stab her self withal she then found her self truly miserable in that she was necessitated to dye of a violent death and yet had not the means to execute her desires this consideration brought her into so great an Agony that she fell upon the floor in a swoon in which she continued a long time without any knowledge but in time she recovered wherefore out of despite that she was come to her self she afresh cursed ner self and her life through rage and anger tearing her garmentâ— in doing whereof she saw she had fetched blood on one of her fingers whereupon she search'd dilligently for that which had caused it to see if therewith she might make a larger wound whâ—reby her Soul might make its issue out of her miserable body Upon this curious search she found a bodkin wherewith she was used to prick out figures in parchment to divert her self and this she had stuck into her Clothes as women are used to do without being taken notice of by her Attendants they having been commanded to take from her every thing that might hurt her but this bodkin was so Cunningly hidden that it was impossible to be found Having found this bodkin she took it in her hand and casting her self on her bed she said see what I am enforc'd to Ah bodkin thou hast ere now when I us'd thee diverted me from melancholly thoughts but now thou must be instrumentall to deliver me from the sadest melancholly that ever any was possessed with This bring uttered with a firme resolution she fixed this bodkin under her left breast and with her finger thrust it so strongly that it entred up to the top so that having pierced her heart it was not long before death seized her yet she lay rather like a sleeping than a dead woman At the break of day those Lords who had
the charge and keeping of her sent several Damsels to see how it was with the Empress who opening the Chamber door very softly and seeing her lye on the bed thought that she had slept not immagining that it was her last long sleep as indeed it was and therefore that they might not awak her they returned to those that had â—ent them telling them that the Empress was fast asleep whereupon those Senators that had the charge of her were amazed wondring that one in her condition could sleep so soundly The Sun being risen they went to the Senate which on that occasion was so early assembled where being come they advised how they should proceed in this affaire and they concluded that all manner of advantage allowed to Criminals should be permitted to the Empress that she might Justifie her self that she should have leave to choose one or more Advocates to plead her cause either in her presence or in her absence as she should think fit This being determined by the Senate those who had the Empress in Custody were sent to fetch her that she her self might see the fair means they would use in her cause notwithstanding the great rigour and precipitateness which she had used against Prince Erastus The Gentlemen being arrived at the lodging where the Empress was deteyned sent the same Damsels that had been there in the morning to see what she did who finding that she had not stirred carried back word to the Gentlemen that she was not yet awake Whereupon the Gentlemen wondring resolved to awake her and thereupon entring into the Chamber with the Damsels they opened the Windows and seeing that for all that she stirred not one of the Damsels called softly Madam Madam To which she not answering all who were in the Chamber seeing her so pale did believe that some accident had happened which was very likely in regard of her great trouble yet nevertheless seeing that for ought they could do by throwing water on her face she came not to her self they therefore sent for the Emperours Physitians who being come and having felt her pulse concluded that she was dead The Senate was advertised hereof but none could Imagine that any trouble of mind though never so sudden could have the power to kill for that griefs though never so great have not the porwer to oppress suffocate the vitall spirits as an excess of joy And therefore searching very dilligently over all the body of the Empress to see if they could find how she came by her death they found nothing but a scratch which the bodkin had made on her finger which gave little light to the Physitians they Judging it to be impossible that so little a scratch should cause her death in regard they could not find that it was envenomed In fine one of the Physitians observing a little blood to be under the Empresses left brest he put his finger there and feeling something hard he pressed his finger so that he felt the bodkin which being pluck'd out did plainly shew how it had happened Which being reported to the Emperour he was at first much moved Yet however being unwilling to hinder the course of justice he referred to the Senate to do what they thought fit to the body of the Empress considering the great Felony which she endeavoured to commit to the Emperour and the Treason which she had contrived against the life of the Innocent Erastus But the young Prince who above all things abhorred cruelty and vengance seeing his innocence fully and entirely justified to all the world which was the only thing he desired would in no wise permit that any shame should be done to the body of the Empress this he easily obtained both of the Emperour and Senate to the content of all so that her Funerall was câ—lebrated as belonged to an Empress as may be seen by the sumptuous Tomb that was made for her which remaineth to this day where the Emperor caused an Epitaph to be ingraved which in few lines contains the whole matter which is more amply specified in the Histories and Chronicles of the Romans The Emperor Dioclesian whether out of grief or otherwise did not long out live his wife having first elected his Son for his Copartner and successor who being come to the Empire changed his name governing his estates for a time with much prudence according to the great wisdom wherewith he was endowed and yet notwitstanding all his judgement he could not keep himself from giving too much credit to the speeches of his malignant wife although the Plots and contrivances which women had contrived against him should have fore-warned him but it is very difficult to avoid that which the Heavens have determined and since both the one and the other History have seemed to me worthy of memory I have committed them to writing for the profit of posterity This iâ— the conclusion of the History of the Prince Erastus and his seven wise Masters as I have translated it from the Originals Italian and french but in an old English book it is very different as well in several places as I have already recited as also in the conclusion being the manner of the Empresses death which is thus related The eighth day being come wherein the Prince resolved to be no longer silent but speak in his own defence and acqâ—ainting his Keepers with his intention he was carried before the Emperor and Senate after due reverence to his Father and excuses he gives his reasons for his silence and for a proof of his innocence of what the Empress had charged him with he chargeth her with incontinence and adultery and the Empress and her Damsels being sent for at the Princes request one of the supposed Damsels being stripped naked before the Court proves to be a man so disguised with whom the Empress was used to accompany and often lye this being a certain proof of the Empresses guilt The Emperor commanded that both she and the Ribauld her companion should be immeadiately burnt but the Son desired him to forbear judgement till she were reproved for her fact The Empâ—ror then committed the full judgement to his Son who particularly related how things had passed between him and the Empress she seeing her wickedness discovered fell at the Emperors Feet and crying for mercy but he wholly refused her relating the haniousness of the crimes which she was not able to deny wherefore the Son demanding justice of the Judges and Justices they pronounced this Sentence against her that she should be bound to a horses tail and drawn through all the streets of the City to the place of Execution and there burnt And that the Ribauld should be quartered and his flesh cast to the Hounds and Birds of the Aire to devoure him and this was executed upon them This is the Conclusion of the Empress as it is related in that former Book now the Reader having read what both conclude are left at liberty to