scruple of Religion how they could be dispensed from their Oath of Allegiance Pepin assuring himself of good Friends at Rome sends thither two Bishops to Pope Zachary to represent to him the present State of France who being truly informed of the weakness of Childerick who was hated and contemned of all men and of the general resolution of the French to receive Pepin but chiefly moved with hopes of great Assistance from him against the Lombards his Capital Enemies He discharged the French from their Oath of Obedience to Childerick and all his Race Being thus freed from their Allegiance they Assemble the General Estates where it was concluded That to avoyd that Confusion in the Realm which was apparently grown by the negligence of former Kings Childerick should be rejected and Pepin chosen The one unworthy to reign by reason of his Vices and the other most worthy to be K. for his Royal Virtues But lest the Fundamental Law of Succession should be directly infringed and broken they derive the race of Pepin from Clovis the great King of France to whom he was acknowledged next Heir both by Succession and Virtue The Assembly hereupon commanded Boniface Archbishop of Mentz to declare to Pepin That in regard of his Virtues and their future hope of his worthy Goverment the French had by a free and gener al consent elected him King. And in prosecution of this Decree Pepin was instantly Crowned by the said Archbishop and then being raised upon a Target or Shield he was carried about the Assembly according to an ancient Ceremony of the French And by Virtue of the same Decree Childerick was deposed as unworthy of the Crown and afterward degraded shaven and confined to a Monastery there to pass the remainders of his days This Pepin called the Short the Twenty third King of France having reigned eighteen years with much glory and the great love and affection of his Subjects the strongest Foundation upon which a Prince can build his Authority died in the year 768. After his death the Estates of France being assembled concluded to divide the Realm between his two Sons Charles or Charlemagn the Elder and Caroloman the Younger Charles being Crowned at Worms and Caroloman at Soissons Writers have not set down the bounds of their Dominions since three years after their Fathers death the whole Kingdom came to Charles Brothers they were of different humors who by equality of power endangered the ruin of the Monarchy had not divine Providence united it in the Person of this great Prince Charles He was indued with excellent gifts both of body and mind of a Virtuous conversation and above all carefully educated in the Christian Religion for which he had much reverence all his life Charity Temperance Equity and Justice in relieving his People Fidelity to all and Modesty in using Victorles were the admirable effects of his knowledge and as remarkable in him as in any Prince whatever He naturally loved Learning and Learned men having been instructed in the Greek and Latin Tongues and likewise in Philosophy and the Mathematicks which Sciences he term'd his Pastimes and the Companions of his Sword wherewith he oft diverted himself He took delight in Poetry as some of his writings witness but especially in Histories wherein he was exceeding well read In Arms his Father Pepin was his School-master under whom he had great Commands which he discharg'd with such reputation that he well deserv'd the name of Great both for his Valour and Virtue There appeared in his Countenance a grave sweet Majesty in Personage he was Tall Strong and Patient of labour of a clear Spirit a sound Apprehension Memory and Judgment which never failed him in difficulties terrible to some and pleasing to others according to the occasion These Virtues gain'd him so much Repute that he was Beloved Respected and Obeyed of all men and having received a great Kingdom from his Father he inlarged it with wonderful success Charles â—â—rtel Pepin and this Great Charles seeming to have been raised up after each other to preserve the Christian name amidst the deluge of barbarous Nations and the ruin of the Roman Empire Caroloman was exceeding jealous of his Brothers greatness whom with grief he saw honour'd obey'd and belov'd by all the French which caused him to endeavour as much as possible to countermine his designs who had his eye upon Italy as the most proper Theater for his valour For after the death of Pepin the Church of Rome fell into great confusions by the practices of Didier King of Lombardy who having corrupted some of the Clergy caused Constantine brother to the Duke of Nepezo his creature and trusty friend to be chosen Pope and Phillipicus already elected to be violently deposed The other party resolving not to be imposed on by Didier by common consent chuse Stephen the Third a Sicilian to the Popedom who resolves to call in the King of France to his assistance upon which Charles first sends twelve Prelates to Rome to strengthen his party who unanimously confirm the Election of Stephen and depose Constantine raised by force and disorder Though Didier resolved not to be controlled yet cunningly dissembling his thoughts he sends to congratulate the Election of Stephen and renounces Constantine and pretending to desire the continuance of friendship proposes to come to Rome and confer with him in private The Pope who only made use of the French for necessity was easily perswaded by Didier to consent thereto who coming makes many Protestations of Obedience Paul Ephialte a Graecian was then Governor at Rome for the Emperor whom Didier so corrupted that having the Execution of Justice in his hands he causeth him to seize upon Christopher and Sergius the Popes two Secretaries in the presence of Stephen whom accusing of supposed crimes he infamously hanged their greatest offence being for favouring the French yea he proceeded to banish all the Citizens of Rome who were noted to be of the French Faction resolving to be Master of Rome in sâ—â—ght of the Pope Stephen observing the falshood of the Lombards flies again to Charlemagne for help who resolving to assist him Didier had so wrought with Caroloman his Brother that he found means to hinder him by raising a dangerous War in Guienne Though the County of Guienne depended on the Crown of France yet many Rebellions happened by the practices of the Noblemen who abusing the bounty of the French Kings that allowed them their ancient Priviledges were ambitious to be absolute Soveraigns themselves to cast off their dependance upon France Hunalt at this time was the principal Person in this Countrey whom Caroloman finding to be very desirous of being a Duke or Prince resolves to imploy him against his brother Charles Hunalt not doubting but to have credit enough with the People to make himself absolute if he were favoured by one of the Kings of France against the other Guienne was part of Charlemagnes Territories against whom Hunalt
The History of the Nine Worthies OF THE WORLD Three whereof were Gentiles I. Hector Son of Priamus King of Troy. II. Alexander the Great King of Macedon III. Iulius Caesar First Emperor of Rome Three Jews IV. Ioshua Captain General of Israel V. David King of Israel VI. Iudas Maccabeus a Valiant Commander Three Christians VII Arthur King of Brittain VIII Charles the Great Emp. of Germany IX Godfrey of Bulloign King of Jerusalem Being an Account of their Glorious Lives Worthy Actions Renowned Victories and Deaths Illustrated with Poems and the Picture of each Worthy By R. B. Licensed and Entred according to Oâ—dâ—â— London Printed for Nath. Crouch at the Bell in the Poultry near Cheapside 1687. BY Arms and Virtue these to Honour rose By both they Conquer'd and ore'came their Foes Whereby of Worthies they obtain'd the name Whose Acts are registred in the Book of Fame Though they are Dead their Deeds will never But still be Famous to Posterity TO THE READER HAving often heard and read of the Nine Worthies and not meeting with any particular Relation of them I thought it might be worth my while to search out who they were and found that the Ancients celebrated the memory of nine Renowned Persons for the most Worthy Hero's in the Ages wherein they lived Three whereof were Gentiles Hector Son of Priamus King of Troy Alexander the Great King of Macedon and Conqueror of the World and Julius Caesar the first Emperor of Rome Three were Jews Joshua Captain General and Leader of the Hebrews into the Land of Canaan David King of Israel and Judas Maccabeus a Valiant Jewish Champion against the Tyranny of Antiochus And the last three were Christians Arthur the famous King 〈◊〉 Bâ—â—â—â—ain who valiantly defended his Countrey against the Saxons Charlemaign or Charles the Great King of France and Emperor of Germany and Godfrey of Bulloign called King of Jerusalem so memorable for his Gallant Atchievements in recovering the Holy Land from Sarazens and Infidels Having discovered their names I next endeavoured to collect from the most credible and Authentick Authors what I could meet with of the Worthy Actions and exploits whereby they obtained the Great Title of Worthies which I have done in as brief a method as such notable Deeds could be contained in which I now present to my Countreymen both for their Information and Delight not doubting but it will be acceptable especially since a Couragious Prince of our own Nation has been dignified with this mighty Honour If it please as I hope it may I shall be very well satisfied with the pains I have taken in gathering these Remarks out of other Voluminous Histories R. B. The History of Hector of Troy the First Worthy of the World. REnowned Hector Priams Valiant Son Deservedly the Name of Worthy won His Countries miseries he did foresee And therefore first ingag'd unwillingly But when his Fathers Glory call'd him forth He then displaid his Gallantry and worth His Thundring Arm no Graecian could withstand All fled and trembled where he did command At length at unawares he lost his Life Achilles thus betwixt them ends the strife Troy and his Fathers House soon after fell As Hellon and Cassandra did foretell THough the Poets have mingled and corrupted the History of the Destruction of Troy with their Fictions and Fables as they have most other true Storys of former Ages yet it is most certainly related by Ancient Historians of undoubted veracity that the Ruin of this famous City was occasioned by means of a Wooden Horse as is commonly believed And that Hector the Son of King Priamus of whom we now write the Life was a renowned and Valiant Captain and lost his Life in defeâ—ce of his Father and his Country But for the better understanding the Story we will look farther back and consider the original of this once Magnificent City Troy was hertofore one of the most Noble Câ—our of Asia Minor as well for its Largeness and â—iches as for that renowned War which it managed against the Armies of Greece It was scituate in Phrygia a Province stretching it self upon the Coast of the Aegean Sea near the Hellespont called now the River of Constantinople over against the Chersonesus of Thracia and the Island Tenedos which was not far distant from it The River Scamander which proceeded from Mount Ida ran by the Walls thereof and joining with the Râ—ver Simois they both together empty themselves into the Sea near the Promontory called Sigeum The first who built this City and commanded there in Chief was Dardanus the Son of the King of Corinth When his Elder Brother was dead a dispute arose between him and his other Brother about the Succession part of the People favouring one and the rest the other but Dardanus having at length defeated and killed his Brother Jasius He with his Favourites were forced for their security to take Shipping and fly into Phrygia where he married the Daughter of King Teucer with whom he jointly reigned in that Countrey which was then named Teuoria and afterward Dardania by which name also the City of Troy was then called This happened about the time that Moses left the leading of the People of Israel to Joshua about seven hundred years before the building of the City of Rome and six hundred and fifty years after the first foundation of the Assyrian Monarchy Dardanus left his Kingdom to his Son Erichthonius who begat Tros When he was possest of the Kingdom he called the City after his own name Troja and the Countrey round about Troas This Tros had several Sons the eldest was named Ganimedes and having War with Tantalus King of Phrygia he took his Son Ganimedes Prisoner and sent him as a present to Jupiter King of Crete now called Candia and this gave occasion to the Fable that Ganimedes was ravished by Jupiter His second Son was Assaracus who was Father of Capys of whom came Auchises the Favourite of Venus who had by him Aeneas born upon the banks of the River Simois But the Heir of his Crown was Ilus who altered the name of Troy to Ilium which he mightily inriched Laomedon succeeded his Father Ilus he fortified Troy with Walls by the assistance of Apollo and Neptune who being both fallen into displeasure with their Prince and seeing themselves reduced to extream poverty in a strange Countrey far from their possessions which were in Crete they resolved to enter themselves into the service of King Laomedon to help to build the Walls of his City They wrought long for this ungrateful King but when they saw no hopes of the reward promised them with an Oath for their labours but that he was so unworthy to refuse it he was afflicted with many diseases so that to be delivered he was forced to expose his own Daughter Hesione to be devoured by a Sea Monster it being required of them to deliver up a Virgin every year to be destroyed by them The King was extreamly
concerned that the Lot should fall upon his Daughter but Hercules travelling that way came to Laomedon and offered to deliver her by destroying the Monster if the King would give him for a reward some Noble Horses called for their excellency The Horses of the Sun then in his Stables in Troy. The promise was made but perfidious Lâ—omedon stood not to it after Hesione was set at liberty which so much incensed Hercules that he besieged the City of Troy took and plundred it kill'd Laomedon and carryed his Son into Captivity who was afterward redeemed by the Trojans and for that cause was named Priamus which in Greek signifies Redeemed To effect this Hercules had the assistance of his Friends and Allies especially of Telamon the King of Salames and Father of Ajax He carryed away all Laomedons wealth with Hesione his Daughter who was married to King Telamon Priamus being redeemed by his Subjects and established in the Kingdom began to inlarge his Dominions and to render the City of Trey far more famous than ever it was before for he rebuilt all the Walls adorning them with Forts and Bastions which were then called Pergama His Wives name was Hecuba Daughter of the King of Thracia She had by him many Sons as Hector Polites Deiphobus Helenus the Southsayer Troilus Paris and Polydorus and three Daughters named Polyxena Cassandra and Creusa His Court and Pallace were full of pomp and glory and he lived in this prosperous Estate many years but when he espoused the quarrels of the Asian People against Greece thereby ingaging himself in the publick enmity of his Country and suffered Paris to affront the Grecians he brought up on himself and his subjects utter Ruin and Destruction and was at last so unhappy to behold with his own Eyes the total desolation of the City of Troy which had lasted only three hundred years as Herodotus a faithful Historian hath related When Hecuba was with Child of Paris she dreamed she was bringing into the World a Firebrand that should kindle the flames of War in that Countrey and cause a general Destruction therein It was the custom of the Heathens when any strange accident happen'd to consult the Oracles and enquire from them what they ought to do When Priamus therefore understood his Wives Dream he sent to take advice with the Oracle who informed him that this Child would be the cause of the Ruin of his Countrey To prevent this as soon as he was born the King delivered him into the hands of a Souldier named Archelaus that he might cast him into the woods to be devoured of the Wilde Beasts and thereby avoid the mischief which threatned his Kingdom But the Mother seeing the Child so beautiful and well shaped was moved with compassion sent him to Mount Ida to the Kings Shepherd where he was brought up as his Son this mean education did not take from him the generous qualities and inclinations which he had received from his illustrious birth for on every occasion he made appear to all the World a great Courage Prudence and Justice and all other virtues worthy of a Prince so that he proved as Valiant as he was handsome Insomuch that the Poets feigned Juno Pallas and Venus agreed to chuse him sole Arbitrator and Judge of their Concerns in a difference between them which was this At the Marriage of Peleus and Thetis whilst these Goddesses were merry at the Feast the Goddess of Discord cast into the middle of the Company a Golden Apple with this Inscription For the Fairest and most Beautiful Each of these Ladies claimed it as their own and because they could not agree they resolved to leave it to the judgment of Paris who was corrupted with the Charms and Promises of Venus For she had ingaged to procure him the handsomest Lady in the World whereupon he despised the Riches of Juno and the Wisdom of Pallas and pronounced his sentence in favour of Venus whereby he provoked the Wrath of these Goddesses against himself and all his Nation This is the Fable After in a Publick Assembly he declared who he was for the Nobles and Gentry of the Countrey being met near the City to see the sport of Wrastling when every one strove to express his Strength and Courage he likewise went forth and threw to the ground many who undertook to ingage with him Hector the Son of Priamus among the rest did try his strength and was also overcome But this disgrace so inraged him against Paris that he resolv'd to kill him esteeming him no better than a Countrey Clown In his Anger he had taken away his Life had not Paris to prevent it shewn him certain small Jewels which Queen Hecuba his Mother had delivered to the Shepherd his Tutor and thereby declared himself to be his Brother King Priamus who had already admired his Address and Courage in the Combats was ravished with joy to understand the strange preservation of such an Excellent Son He therefore imbraced him brought him to his Pallace and gave him a Train of Attendants suitable to his Quality having forgot the Oracle foretold he was to be ruin of his Kingdom and Country He was at first renowned for his Justice and Civil behaviour but vice overcame his Generous Disposition and the Pleasures of the Court and sudden change of his condition altered his Temper and Carriage so that he had two natural Sons by Oenone Daphnis and Ideus who were as obscure as their Father was Famous King Priamus thinking himself now strong enough to encounter his old Enemies the Graecians assembled his Nobility to Court to whom he spake to this purpose My Lords You cannot forget the cruel injuries we have undeservedly received from the Greeks who lately invaded our Countrey and barbarously murdered your Parents and Friends as well as mine Having likewise carried away Captive Hesione my most Fair and Beloved Sister whom they still retain among them as a common Strumpet You must needs remember how they battered down this Famous City overthrowing and ruining the Walls Houses and Pallaces thereof even to the very ground and robbed us of all our Riches and Wealth wherewith Troy did then abound I therefore think it very just and reasonable that by the assistance of the Gods who resist the Proud and Insolent we ought to join together and endeavonr to take vengeance of them for those many wrongs we have received since our City is now so well peopled with valiant Soldiers and that we have Arms and Riches enough to furnish a compleat Army You know likewise we have made Alliances with divers great Princes our Neighbours who no doubt will assist us if we should have occasion for their help So that my opinion is we ought now to seek Redress for all our wrongs But since the fortune of War is uncertain and none call tell the Event thereof and though the dishonour of my Noble Sister be a very great Affront to me yet before I begin the
War I will send some Prudent Person fairly to demand the Restitution of Hesione which if granted I will be content to remit all their other Affronts The whole Council approved of this his Resolution and Anthenor one of his Princes was instantly dispatcht to Salamine to King Telamon and being admitted into his presence he thus Addressed him Sir Priamus King of Troy hath sent me to your Highness to desire you would please to restore him his Sister Hesione whom contrary to the Laws of Honour you detain as your Concubine it being no way proper to your glory thus to abuse the Daughter and Sister of a King who issues from a more Noble Family than your self Yet if you please to send her back my Master is willing to pass by all other Indignities and Damages which he hath received from you or yours King Telamon upon hearing this Message fell into an extreme Passion and fiercely replyed Friend whatever you are I cannot but much admire at the weakness of Priamus with whom I have no Correspondence nor Amity and whom I have not the least cause to fear nor grant his request Thy King ought to remember that I and others my Confederates came into his Country to revenge an injury which his Father Laomedon offered to some of our Allies and because I was the first who entered the City of Troy with great danger of my Life and Effusion of my Blood Hesione of whom thou speakest was bestowed upon me as the recompence of my Victory to use her at my pleasure and since she is so Noble and Beautiful a Lady I am very unwilling to be deprived of what is so delightful to me and whom I obtained with so much pains and danger go therefore and tell Priamus that he is never like to recover her but with the point of his Sword Neither can I think that thou art a very discreet Person to undertake such a Voyage with so great peril of thy Life and to bring such an Errand into a Countrey where thou and thy Countreymen are mortally hated I command thee therefore to go hence with all speed as thou hopest to escape a severe and cruel death Anthenor instantly took Shipping and carried the same Message to King Peleus then to King Castor and Pollux and lastly to Duke Nestor all of them Graecian Princes who all defied Priamus with the utmost contempt and scorn especially Nestor who all inraged said Thou vile wretch were it not for my Nobility I would cause thy Tongue to be pluckt out of thy mouth for presuming to utter such things before me and in despight of thy King would see thee torn piecemeal by Wild-Horses Anthenor doubting he might be as good as his word returned immediately to Sea and sailed toward Troy where at length after many dangers he arrived in safety And then in the Company of several Noblemen he presented himself before King Priamus all the Barons of the Realm and all the Kings Sons being present to hear what Tydings he brought To whom Anthenor gave a full Account of his Embassy and of all that happened to him during his Voyage At the recital whereof Priamus was very much disturbed and by their opprobious Speeches he perceived that it was impossible to recover his Sister without bringing on himself the utmost force and fury of the Graecians Soon after he again assembled his Nobility to his Palace of Ilium to whom he thus spake My Lords you may remember that by your advice I sent Anthenor into Greece to demand the return of my Sister by all fair means possible you likewise are sensible what injurious answers they gave to my proposals and how little they value the wrongs we have received insomuch that they threaten us with new mischiefs which Heaven forbid should ever fall upon us But since we have a strong and well fortified City and several considerable Princes firmly confederate with us in my opinion we are in a Capacity to revenge these reiterated damages Therefore if you think fit we will send our Forces privately into their Countreys where finding them utterly unprovided of defence we shall be able in some measure to right our selves upon them Neither ought you to be discouraged because they have been lately so victorious against us since it often happens that the Conquerors at length are vanquished by the Conquered All present were satisfied with this determination and being all dismist he called all his Sons who were not present at the debate to whom he again declared his intention with tears in his eyes to this purpose Dear Sons you ought never to forget the death of your Grand-father Laomedon nor the servitude of your Aunt Hesione whom the Greeks our inveterate Enemies abuse at their own pleasure which methinks should stir up thoughts of revenge in your minds but if this do not move you yet you ought to endeavour it for my Satisfaction who have brought you up with the utmost care and diligence and who am ready to dye with sorrow and vexation in reflecting on the multiplied injuries I have received from them And thou my Wise and Valiant Son Hector thou who art the Eldest of thy Brethren I require thee chiefly to undertake this matter thou shalt be the Principal Commander in executing this my will and all the rest will gladly obey thee yea the whole Kingdom will willingly submit to thy Conduct whom they know to be so valiant and couragious and therefore upon thee I must lay all the burden of this War and discharge my self thereof not doubting but by thy prudence and valour all will be brought to an happy effect and thy Father be revived in his old Age with the reports of thy growing glory To this speech Hector returned this mild and discreet answer Dear Father and my Soveraign Lord I am satisfied that there are none of your Sons but are sufficiently inclined to require satisfaction for any wrongs offered us or any of our Family according to the quality of the Person abused so doth the injury appear greater It is natural to men to seek redress of injuries yea the very Beasts by nature strive to do the same Neither Most Dear Father is there any of your Sons who ought more sensibly to resent the Murder of our Lord and Grandfather than I who am the eldest But I beseech you before you undertake this enterprise to consider seriously what may be the Issue and Event thereof otherwise you may have cause to repent that ever it was begun I speak not this out of Contradiction or Cowardise but only to induce your Highness to take mature advice and deliberation in the matter You know that all Africa and Europe are Subject to the Greeks and that they abound with stout and valiant Souldiers so that our strength in men at Arms is not comparable to theirs Why therefore should we who live in peace and quietness disturb our own Welfare and Prosperity Hesione is not of so much value that
Philip that he did not care to have his own Countrey so much as mentioned being overcome with the same vices which were the overthrow of his Enemies yet he politickly permitted his Souldiers to marry those Women who were their Captives to make the War less tedious and their desires to abate of returning home and likewise that Macedonia might be the less exhausted with recruitâ— if young Souldiers born in the Camp should succeed their Old Fathers The Parthians being next subdued Andragoras a noble Persian was made their Govenor from whom the Kings of Parthia deriv'd their original In the mean time Alexander excercised his rage on his own men more like an Enemy than a King especially on those who upbraided him for subverting the Customs of his Countrey for which offence old Permenio next in dignity to the King and his Son Philotas though upon other pretences were put to death upon which murmurs rose throughout the Camp in compassion to these innocents and secrets whispers that they could hope for little better to themselves which being told Alexander he declared he would send some into Macedonia to give an account of his Conquests desiring his Souldiers to write freely to their Friends who were glad of such an opportunity This done he commanded the Letters to be secretly brought him whereby having discovered every mans opinion of him he reduced those who had writ severely into one Company with an intent either to destroy or distribute them into Colonies in the furthest parts of the World. He then subdued the Dracans and divers other Nations inhabiting at the foot of Mount Caucasus when Bessus one of the Favorites of Darius was brought bound in chains who not only betrayd but kill'd his King whom Alexander delivered to the brother of Darius to be tormented in revenge of his Treason And to leave his name in those remote Countreys he built a City which he named Alexandria on the River Tanais within seventeen days making a Wall about it of six miles compass and transplanting thither the people of three Citys adjacent built by Cyrus He likewise built twelve Citys amongst the Bactrians and Sogdians wherein he placed all whom he found seditious in his Army After this one Holyday he called his chief Captains together to a Banquet where mention being made of the exploits perform'd by Phillip Alexander preferred himself above his Father and extolled his own Atchievements to the skies the greatest part of his guests assenting thereto but Clytus an Old Commander upon confidence of the Kings Friendship still persisted to magnifie the actions of Philip which so inflam'd Alexander that snatching a spear from one of the Guard he killed him at the Feast and insulted over his Dead body but his Passion being abated he heartily repented of that rash action lamenting his innocent Old Friend whom Wine and Gluttony had thus destroyed and would have done execution upon himself for the same had not his Friends prevented him Yet melting into tears he imbraced the dead Body handled his wounds and confessed to him his madness as if alive and taking the spear again into his hands he had certainly slain himself if the attendants had not interposed This resolution to dye continued with him several days after The remembrance of his Nurse who was Sister to Clytus still renewed his griefe for making her so cruel a recompence for the nourishment she had given him and that being a young man and a Conqueror he should requite her who brought him up in her arms with Bloud and Murder He then reflected on the disgrace this act would procure him both in his own Army and the Conquered Nations appearing now more terrible among his Friends at a Banquet than being armed in the face of his Enemies then Permenio and Philotas and all the Princes he had destroyed in Macedon represented themselves to his memory for which he abstained four days from eating a bit of meat till he was at last prevaild on by the Prayers of the whole Army desiring him not so much to resent the death of one as thereby to destroy them all nor to forsake those whom he had brought into the utmost parts of the East among barbarous and cruel Nations sufficiently provoked by his invasions The perswasions of Calisthenes the Philosopher and his familiar acquaintance prevailed much upon him being bred up with him in the School of Aristotle and whom he sent for on purpose to record his Conquests and Victorys Having therefore resolv'd to pursue the War he took several Nations who submitted to him into his protection Yet not long after to render himself still more hateful he commanded That he would not only be Worshipped but adored which was the only thing he had forborn in his proud imitation of the Persian Kings Calisthenes was the most resolute opposor of this innovation which ruined both him and divers other Princes of Macedon who were all put to death under pretence of Treason Yet would not the Macedons submit to adoration but retained their ancient custom of saluting their King. He next marcht into India to bound his Empire with the Ocean and the farthest East and to make himself and his Army more renowned he covered the trappings of their Horses and the arms of his Souldiers with Silver When he came to the City of Nysa the in habitants made no resistance because of their religious confidence in the assistance of their God Bacchus by whom that City was built which he commanded should be spared that he might follow the footsteps of their Deity He then led his Army to see the Holy Hill of Bacchus which was clothed with Vines and Ivy so naturally and elegantly as if adorned by the hand and industry of the Planter From hence he marcht to the Hills of Dedalus and the kingdom of Queen Cleophis who yeilding to him without resistance received back her Kingdom redeeming it by exposing her self to his pleasure and obtaining that by wantonness which she could never have recovered by force of Arms She called her Son then begotten by him Alexander who after enjoy'd the Kingdom of the Indians she was afterward called by her subjects The Royal Harlot Having marcht almost through all India he came at length to a Rock as wonderful for its bigness as ascent into which many Nations fled for security and understood that Hercules was by an Earthquake hindred from taking it Being thereupon transported with ambition to transcend the Actions and labours of Hercules he with almost infinite difficulty and danger became came Master of it and took into his protection all the Nations thereabout One of the Indian Kings named Porus was as admirable for his strength of Body as greatness of Mind who having notice of Alexanders advance prepared an Army to entertain him The Battles being joyned he damanded of the Macedons their King being resolved as a private Enemy to fight with him hand to hand Alexander made no delay to answer him and in the first
a Royal Feast to which he invites his Father and all his brethren David excuses himself and the other earnestly intreats that his eldest brother Amnon might supply his place to which his Father consents The brethren enter joyfully into the Hall where the Banquet was where Absolom had prepared a Bloudy Spectacle and horrible Sacifice he gives the word to his Servants that when his brother Amnon had drank plentifully they should take their opportunity to kill him without inquiring the cause since his Command was sufficient authority and security The Wine and good cheer having made them merry on a sudden drawn Swords glittered before their eyes Fear came upon all but the danger was only to Amnon who was suddenly Murthered his bloud leaping on his Brothers Table for a just revenge of his shameful lust The Brethren affrighted instantly fly and report brings the sad news to David that Absolon had slain all his Brethren The poor King casts himself on his face upon the ground weeping and all the Court tear their cloaths and put on Mourning when Jonadas certifies that none but Amnon was killed in revenge of the offence committed against Thamar David returns a little to himself and his other Children present themselves before him affrighted and weeping for that which had passed Absolon saves himself in the House of his Grand-Father by the Mother the King of Geshur where he remains three years without daring to see the King his Father who would no ways pardon this great Crime Joab labours to reconcile the Son to the Father by the mediation of a discreet Woman of Tekoah and at length prevails Absolon returns the King imbraces him gives him the kiss of peace and re-establishes him in the Court The Spirit of this Prince was high and tempestuous and being well made courteous liberal couragious and capable of great undertakings he entertained ambitious thoughts He saw his Father declining Adonijah his elder Brother too much a fondling and Solomon yet a Child unable to oppose him and therefore conceived the Kingdom could not slip out of his hands And the better to secure it he provided himself a guard of Souldiers and ceased not secretly to gain the hearts and good will of all his Fathers Subjects Never was any Prince more prodigal of his Courtesies whoever had any business with the King he called them to him imbraced them kissed them and enquired of their condition and suit and said There was no other mishop but that the King was old and tired with business and had not appointed any one to hear the Complaints of his Subjects and do them Justice but if one day he should have that charge due to him by his cirth he would give full satisfaction to every one By this means he made himself Conqueror of hearts and by the advice of Achitophel a great Politicion gets leave of David to perform a Vow in Hebron whither he goes accompanied with many of his Followers giving order to the rest of his Confederates that at the first sound of a Trumpet they should march to him which being done he caused himself to be crowned King in Hebron The news came quickly to David that his Son had revolted and got possession of Hebron and that all the Forces of the Kingdom ran to him This poor Prince at the tydings of this Rebellion thinks of nothing but flying and leaves his chief City to save himself in the by paths of the Wilderness He is the first that goes forth without a Horse to ride on upon his â—are feet with his head uncovered and tears in his Eyes marching thus like a true Penitent and adoring the Judgments of God which made him bear the enraged Tongue of Shimei with a deep patience and would not suffer him to be chastized for his horrid insolence Mean while Absolon entred Jerusalem without resistance where Achitophel to make the difference irreconcileable gave him the detestable Counsel to abuse his Fathers Concubines that were left in the Pallace After he had perform'd this Villany he contrives to surprize his Father at unawares which by Achitophels subtilty might have probably succeeded had not Hushai a secret Friend of Davids who joyn'd himself to Absolon on purpose to discover his designs prevented the Plot by this cunning speech That they should do nothing hastily since his Father was an old Captain and politick in War who had still in his Army men of Valour and Counsel and that it stood not with his honour to give Battle unless he were assured of the Victory for if at the first Encounter he should be repulsed it would be of dangerous consequence and might so discourage his men that his whole Army might be routed but if he would stay a while the People would gather to him as the Sand on the Sea shore and being in the midst of such a mighty Army nothing would be able to stand before him This Counsel being preferr'd before Achitophels he was so inraged that he goes instantly home and hangs himself by the most manifest Justice of God. After which Absolon thinking himself sufficiently strong passes over Jordan makes Amasa his chief Captain and designs to give Battle to his Earler David having had a little leisure to recollect and fortifie himself takes Courage again and dividing his Army into three parts appoints Joab Abishai and Ittai to command it He would have been present himself had not his Council disswaded him therefore encouraging his people and charging them strictly if they should gain the Victory to secure his Son Absolon without any hurt he retired out of the Camp. The Trumpets sound and the Armies approach Davids men having a good Cause ingage like Lions But the Rebels affrighted with their own guilt were soon disordered and put to flight so that one Party seemed to come only to kill and the other to be slain Twenty thousand falling dead on the place Absolon astonisht at this sudden change of Fortune gets on his Mule and flies through a Forrest where his head being caught within the branches of a Tree his Mule left him hanging between Heaven and Earth as a spectacle of the Vengeance of God for his ingratitude to so good a Father Of which Joab having notice struck him through with three Darts though forbidden by David and ten young Souldiers made an end of him the body was interred in a Pit under a great heap of Stones though he had built a stately Monument for himself which he called Absolons Place Behold the horrible end of an Evil Son and a Rebellious Subject sufficient to deter Posterity from such wicked practices to the end of the World. While this was doing David inclosed himself in a little Town expecting the Event and continually inquiring of the health of Absolon but when certain news came of his death he was pierced with so violent a grief that he could not be comforted losing all Courage and crying every moment O Absolon my Son Absolon Oh that this
continually crawling out so that he rotted above ground with such an intollerable stink that none could come near him neither could himself indure it And thus this vile Person who had insolently boasted he would make Jerusalem a common Burying place and the streets thereof run with the Bloud of Gods People by his just Judgment ended his life in extream misery Before his death he made Philip his Cheif Captain Governor of his Kingdom requiring him to be very careful of his Son Antiochus Then was Antiochus proclaimed King and Sirnamed Eupator About which time the Apostate Jews in garrison at Jerusalem did much mischief slaying those unawares who came to Worship and offer Sacrifices in the Temple Judas hereupon resolved to cut them off and accordingly besieged the Fort with his Army when some of the beseiged escaping by night went and desired Antiochus not to suffer those to perish who for his Fathers sake had forsaken their God and their Religion who thereupon sent a mighty Army of an hundred thousand foot twenty thousand Horse and thirty two Elephants under Lysias their Captain to relieve them who sate down before Bethsura a strong City but were valiantly resisted by the inhabitants who fallied out and burnt the Engines prepared for battery Whereupon Judas raising his seige before the Castle of Jerusalem marched toward the Enemy who preparing to meet him Antiochus then present caused his Elephants to march first through the narrow passage where Judas was incamped each Elephant having a thousand Foot and an hundred Horse for his guard with a Tower on his back furniâ—â—â— with Archers The rest of his Forces were ordereâ—â—â— march by the Mountains and with great shouts to aâ—â—â—l their Enemies and by uncovering their brazen and golden Bucklers to dazel the eyes of the Jews Yet was Judas no way disturbed but incouraging his Army slew six hundred of the Forlorn Hope Eleazer the Brother of Judas seeing a huge Elephant with Royal trappings and judging the King was on him having with a noble courage slain those about him thrust his Sword into the belly of the Beast who suddenly falling slew him with his weight Judas observing the great strength of the Enemy matcht back to Jerusâ—lem Antiochus following him and taking Bethsura by Treaty for want of provisions and dispairing of relief they having the Kings Oath that no violence should be offered them yet he thrust them out of the City and put a Garrison therein He lay long before the Temple of Jerusalem the besieged defending it gallantly only they wanted Victuals the Land not having been tilled for seven years before whereupon divers secretly fled and few remain'd to defend the Temple when by Gods providence Antiochus had news that Philip his Fathers Governor was coming out of Persia to make himself Lord of his Countrey Whereupon Antiochus sent an Herald to Judas promising the Jews peace and the liberty of their Religion Which Judas accepting and taking the Kings Oath for the true performance thereof he surrendred up the Temple to Antiochus who entring the same and finding it so impregnable a place he contrary to his Oath commanded the Wall that incompassed it to be levell'd and so returned to Antioch with Onias the High Priest whom by the counsel of Lysias be put to death because he had advised his Father to inforce the Jews to forsake their Religion A just reward for so wicked a Fact. Philip having Conquered much of his Countrey Antiochus marcht against him fought with him and slew him Soon after Demetrius Son of Seleucus took Tripolis in Syria and declaring himself King invaded the Kingdom of Antiochus to whom the people generally submitting seized on Antiochus and Lysias and bringing them to Demetrius he caused them to be slain To this new King divers Jews banished for their impiety together with Alcimus the High Priest resorted accusing Judas Maccabeus his brethren and the rest of the Nation for killing their Friends and banishing such as were for Demetrius Who much moved with these reports sent a great Army under Bacchides a Valiant and Experienced General to destroy Judas and his Confederates He marching into Judea sent to Judas pretending to make peace with him who observing him to have such strong Forces would not trust to his false promises though some of the people did having his Oath for their protection but paid dear for their credulity for he slew threescore of them at one time Then going from Jerusalem he seized and put to death many Jews commanding the rest to obey Aleimus the High-Priest who by his feigned and familiar deportment drew many wicked Jews to join with him and then marched through the Countrey slaying all who were for Judas who seeing many upright men thus causlesly killed he with his Army went through the Land and flew all the Apostates that were of Alcimus his Faction He thereupon going to Demetrius made grievous complaints against Judas and shewing how dangerous it would be to the State if he went thus on Demetrius thereupon sent an Army against Judas under Nicanor commanding him not to spare any one of the Nation of the Jews Nicanor coming to Jerusalem offered no act of hostility but endeavouring to intrap Judas by subtilty sent him a peaceable Message protesting he deâ—gned no injury but came only to express the good affections of Demetrius to the Jewish Nation Judas and his Brethren deceived with these fair pretences entertained him and his Army and Nicanor saluting Judas whilst they were in discourse he gave a sign to his Souldiers to seize him but Judas discovering the Treason escaped from him and got to his Army Upon which Nicanor proclaimed open War against him and fought him near Caper-Salama where â—e obtained the Victory and constrained Judas to reâ—etreat into the Fortress of Jerusalem where Nicanor â—esieged him a while and then retired At which time certain of the Priests and Elders met him and having given him reverence they showed him the Sacrifices they intended to offer to God for the Kings prosperity But Demetrius blaspheming threatned them if they did not deliver Judas into his hands at his return he would destroy the Temple Hereupon the Priests wept abundantly beseeching God to defend the Temple and his True Worshipers from the outrage of their Enemies Nicanor coming near Bethhoron received a great supply of Souldiers out of Syria Judas likewise was not far off with about a thousand men yet exhorting his Souldiers to trust in God and not fear the multitude of their Enemies he couragiously encountred Nicanor where the Conflict was doubtful yet at last Judas had the advantage killing a great number of his Enemies Nicanor himself fighting valiantly was slain whereupon his Army fled and Judas speedily pursuing made a great slaughter and by sounding a Trumpet giving notice to the Neighbouring places the Inhabitants armed themselves and killed those that fled so that not one escaped from this Battle though they were at least Nine thousand men
of the Greeks thâ— Empire was divided into the East and West That of thâ— West began with Charlemagne and remain'd in his Famiâ—ly while they continued Virtuous and was afterward removed to the Princes of Germany who acknowledgâ— the German Original of Charlemagne he being born a Worms Crowned at Spire and buried at Aix all Citie of Germany Charles lived fifteen years after he had united the Râ—â— man Empire to the French Monarchy Grimald Duke 〈◊〉 Benevent after endeavoured to disturb Italy for the Lombards but was timely prevented and about the same time the War in Saxony was renewed being always proâ— to Rebellion and likewise that against the Huns Boheâ— ans Sclavonians and Saracens As likewise a dangerouâ— War against the Venetians by whom the Emperor and hiâ— Frenchmen received a severe check and had reason to gloâ—ry that among all the People of Italy subdued by Charle magne they remained unvanquished and were able 〈◊〉 oppose themselves against him At length all things beinâ— quieted and Char'es finding himself old and broken witâ— cares and that his three Sons were Wise Valiant anâ— Obedient he resolved to divide his Empire among them To Pepin he gave Italy to Charles Germany at the Neighbour Counereys keeping Lewis his Eldest Soâ— at home to Inherit the Kingdom of France But in a shoâ— time after his two Sons Charles and Pepin the best supports of the Empire and true Inheritors of their Fatheâ— Valor both died leaving Lewis their Brother with large Territories and mean Virtues to succeed in so great aâ— Estate Charlemagâ—e secming hereby deprived of 〈…〉 Arms his Enemies the Saranens in Spain and the 〈◊〉 â—on aâ—s and 〈◊〉 in the Nâ—rth rose in Rebellion agâ—â—â—â— him â—ut as old and broken as he was he vanquisht theâ— all and reduced them again to Obâ—â—ience And his Aâ— fairs being thereby again setled his mind now woâ—n out with the toils and difficulties of his whole Life reâ—â—â—â—d nothing but rest and being well instructed in Religion and knowing how necessary it was that those who taught others should be well qualified themselves both in Doctrine and Manners he called five Councils for Reforming and Governing the Church and likewise a great Counâ—il at Frankford of the Bishops of France Germany and Iâ—aly which he himself honoured with his presence where by general consent The false Synod of the Greeks untruly â—alled the Seventh was condemed and rejected by all the Bishops who subscribed to the condemnation After this a new accident called Charles again to arms Alphonso King of Navar Sirnamed the Chast for his singular temperance sends to him that now there was opportunity utterly to root the Saracens out of Spain Charles extreamâ—y desirous to finish this work raises an Army and marches thither but though Alphonso meant sincerely the Chief of his Court who feared the Forces of Charles no â—ess than the Saracens doubting to be deprived of their Governments by a new Master created so many difficulties and dangers that he was obliged to return into France without acting any thing considerable and so concluded all his Enterprizes imbracing the care of Religion as a Subject only fit for the remaiâ—der of his â—â—â—ys He was Sixty eight years old when he left the Wâ—s and spent three whole years in his Closet reading the Bible and the Books of St. Augustine whom he admired above all the Doctors of the Church He resided at Paris to have frequent conference with the Learned where he erected a famous University supplyed with learned men and inriched with great Priviledges Thus Charlemagne spent three years happily only in the care of his Soul leaving an excellent example to Princes to moderate their greatness with plety and in the full enjoyment of Temporal things not to forget eternal nor their departure out of this life Then soreâ—clling the time of his Death he made his Will leaving Lewis his Son sole Heir of his mighty Deminions and causing him to be Crowned by the General consent of thâ— Estates where himself being present after having madâ— a long and fervent prayer prostrate before God with hiâ— dear Lewis he put the Crown upon his head and said thus to him My Dear Son it is to day that I die to the Empires of thâ— World and that Heaven seems to make me be born again in you Person If you will Reign happily fear God who is the foundation of Empires and the Soveraign Father of all Dominions Keep his commandments and cause them to be observed with in violable fidelity Take the care and protection of Religion anâ— Gods Church into your hands Love your Sisters render youâ— self good and officious to your kindred Honour Gods Ministers cherish tenderly your Subjects as your Children and be continâ—â— ally the Comforter and Protector of the Poor Chastice the vicious and recompence men of merit Establish Governors Judge and Officers that are capable and without reproach and whe you have chosen them do not deprive them of their charges with out very just cause Serve first of all for an Example to aâ— the World and lead before God and man an irreproveable life After this Action he survived about a year longer imploy'd in all kind of Religious Exercises and then fallinâ— sick continued so only eight days and died in the 71 yeaâ— of his age and the 47 of his Reign including the 15 year of his Empire and in the year of our Lord 814 Hâ— Corps was exposed in publick cloathed like a King witâ— a Sword and the Gospel lying by him which he had â—â—glor ously defended He was buried with a Stately magâ— nitiance in the Church of Aix in a Chappel himself he butle He was one of the greatest Princes of the Age His Virtue may be a pattern for Princes and his Forturâ— the Subject of their withes The greatness of his Mon â—â—â—chy is admirable for he quictly enjoy'd all Franâ— â—â—many most part of Hungary all Italy and part of Spaiâ— Yet his Virtues were greater thâ—n his Empire his 〈◊〉 mency wisdom courage Learning even in the Holâ— Serâ—â—â—res his 〈◊〉 Magnanimity and singular 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Pâ—aise He was universally lamened 〈◊〉 all the Wold as the Farner of the Univere and the Singular Oâ—â— mâ—â—â— of 〈…〉 and truly merited thâ—n aâ—me of one of 〈◊〉 Worthies of the World. The History of Godfrey of Bullen called King of Jerusalem The Ninth Worthy of the World. GOdfrey a Worthies Name doth well deserve Whom for his Valour All might wish to serve He for recevery of the Holy Land The Turks and Infidels did oft withstand Whereby at length he won Jerusalem That had a long time been enslav'd by them In which he so much Courage made appear The Christian Princes with one voice declare That he alone shall be Jerusalems King And th' richest Spoils they freely to him bring Which Honour all Men since him justly give And'mong the Great his Fame shall ever live the Princes of that fair Dutchy of Lorrain Godfrey of