up and destroyed What Pine was this said the Emperour and what happned about it to which the Empress answered A while agoe there was a Gentleman of Italy who had a very fair Garden wherein he took so much pleasure that he therein planted all sorts of Herbs and Trees and among others he had a very fair Pine so fair and so strait as any could be in the World so that this Gentle-man esteemed this Pine more than all the Trees in the Garden and thereupon he there made an arbour taking great pleasure to remain â—nder the shaddow of it for the most part of the day whether he had a mind to read or otherwise to pass the time It hapned as one often sees among other Trees that from the root of this Pine sprung a sucker which the Gentle-man seeing being very much pleased at it he commanded his Gardner to look carefully after it hoping by this means to get an other Pine as fair as the former and this young sucker finding the fresh Earth that was put about it grew very well at the beginning but being grown up so high that the branches of the first Pine kept the Sun from it it did not grow so well as at the first but became bent and crooked The Gentle-man being troubled at it asked the Gardner the cause who answered that the bowes of the great one gave so great a shaddow that the young one not having the Sun and air to make it grow strait up according to its Nature it therefore was crooked and did not thrive whereupon the Gentle-man commanded to lop the old one and take away the branches which hindered the Sun from the young one so the old one was lop'd all away on one side It hapned that this Gentle-man had a voyage to make for some moneths but before he went he recommended his young Pine to the Gardner above all things in this the Gardner did not fail so that the Sun coming to the young one it grew again as it had formerly done but however it still continued crooked on the contrary the great one began to wither on the side it had been lopped The Gentleman at his return seeing the great Pine half dead and knowing that these two Pines hindred one another and that there was little hopes of the great Pine in regard it was so decayed caused it to be cut up and thus was this Tree that had formerly been so well beloved destroyed for the young Pines sake which although it grew to be a great one yet it still kept itâ— ill and crooked shape which it had from the beginning and thus will it happen to you for having placed your Son if he may be called yours which I cannot believe to the government of these seven Philosophers you see in what case he is they have already lopt you on one side by the shame which they have caused you and which is worst being resolved to maintain and justifie it you will in short time see a rebellion in Rome and if you should pardon him for this out-rage in hopeâ— of his amendment assure your self that ere long he will a â—empt against your life as he hath already done against your honour to arrive to the Governmâ—nt so soon as he can and be assured that these Philosophers will put their helpinâ— hand to it in hopes that they shall have the management of the affairâ— of the Empire and so for want of forecast you will see your self ruined by your young sucker I shall prevent it replyed the Emperour for I promise you that justice shall take place and at once to revenge your honour and my own and thereupon he commanded that without delay the sentâ—nce of Erastus should be executed on his Person CHAP. X. The Philosâ—pher Dimurgus caused execution to be stayed for an another day by a discourse which he made to the Emperour of the great Hipocrates who out of anger did stay without cause a Nephew of his that was an execellent Physitian DAY brake was hardly come when those to whom the execution of Prince Erastus was committed dâ—d provide for all things necessary thereunto without loss of further time according to the precise command of the Emperour in the mean time the Philosopher Dimurgus who had undertook to defend the Prince for the second day lest he should be surprized had bethought himself of all that he had to say to the Emperour and so being ready in the morning he came to the Chamber where by Fortune he found him coming out sooner than ordinary by reason of the great trouble he was in both in body and mind for the causes aforescited and although the Emperour appeared to be angry yet he being satisfied in the innocence of Prince Erastus after he had made his usual reverence he took the boldness to say Sir having receâ—ved this favour of your Majesty to be long since admitted into the service of your house I ever knew you both of a rare spirit and very well advised whereby you have alwayes prudently governed the affairs of your Empire so that I have alwayes admired the great vertues which did respectively shine in you and a particular zeal which you alwayes had to do justice so that I never knew you guilty of one unjust action But considering you by I know not what extraordinary disaster to be about to exceed the bounds of reason and to be diverted from your good and antient custom I therefore made bold not out of hopes of reward or praise to come before you not to counsel you but to advertise your Majesty of a certain error into which as a man and not as so great an Emperour as you have alwayes been are now fallen you know Sir what you have purposed to do with my Lord the Prince your Son by reason of a wicked perswatition which has been imprinted in your mind But I humbly pray you and that for the reputation of your honour to suspend a while this your purpose and to take my counsel which being good as in truth you will know it you will prefer it before all that hath been said to the contrary and be not angry Sir at my advice for as the Proverb sayes and you very well know it He does deserve to be ruined that will not take advice The Emperour having heard this preamble and considered of what had been spoken by the Philosopher was contented to stay the execution of his Son however intimateing to him that if by good reason he did not make appear that he was in an error and that his defence of the Prince Erastus was just that both the Advocate and Criminal should be hang'd one after another to which the Philosopher consenting he began to say Hipocrates the Prince of Physitians had a Nephew with whom he took so great pains to instruct him in the Art of Physick that in fine this Nephew was in his Skil Experience and Practice equal to his Uncle it hapned that
her to a Pond in the middle whâ—re â—f he ty'd her fast to a Post thinking by that 〈…〉 â—hat heat that had occasioned her malady and hâ—â—â—â—â—siâ— The Soldier having worn out his patience with attendance went to the old womans who had been his broaker in this intended Merchandize and tells her of his fruitless attendance she wonders at it and presently goes back with him to the house where having a Key she enters the Gate and leaving the Soldier in an outer Court went towards the house where she saw the young Lady in the Pond in the manner her husband had left her After some small Dialogue whereby they both understood how the State of their affairs stood the young Lady having still a mind to enjoy her Gallant it was agreed that the old one should unstrip and stand in her stead whilest she went to her Lover The young woman being dressed in the Old womans cloathes went to the Soldier who at first took her to be the Matron but by her speech finding it to be otherwise he soon enjoyed those pleasures they had so long desired The old Gentleman who was gone to bed could not sleep for thinking of that nights adventure and believing that he was not sufficiently revenged on his wife he resolves on a further and leaving his bed goes down to the place where he left his wife and utters outragious speeches against her which the old woman who was there thought was best not to answer but to remain silent at which he was so enraged that having a Knife in one hand he took her by the nose and cut it off throwing it at her face and wishing her to present it to her Lover he returns to bed Soon after the Lady having taken leave of her young man returnes to the old woman who although almost dead with her wound gives her an account of her misfortune she hears this Story with admiration esteeming her self doubly happy in having enjoyed her friends love and escaped her husbnads fury and now she comforts the old woman by promiscing her a great reward This pacified her and the young woman believing that the worst was past that better was to come unty'd the old one and again took her place in the water where having contriv'd how to mannage her matter so as to come off with honour she thus plaid her trick Believing that her husband was within hearing as indeed he was She with a Low voice makes a heavy complaint against him that had so wâ—ongd his innocent and chast wife and then she Implores the Assistance of Diana and all the other Goddesses of Chastity and Marriage to vindicate her and that they would shew some example on her to demonstrate her Chastity and if they pleased to be so gracious to her to restore that former Beauty which her husband had deprived her of by rash unhumane cutting off her nose This was the sum of her complaint prayer then continuing for some time silent she at length brake forth into lowd exclaimations of joy thanksgiving to the heavenly powers for her restoration calling to her husband to come and see the token of her innocence He being amazed at this discourse was resolved to try the truth riseing out of his bed lighted a candle went down and comes to his wife and beholding her face finds it whole and sound whereat standing amazed he began to detest his rashness and fear heavens vengeance and deprecating the wickedness of his impious fury he looseth his most chast wife and brings her again to her bed she by this means recovering both her nose the affection of her husband And now Reader let this Story suffice as the first Dish of meat you are to have at this banquet which I hope will please your pallet wherefore I pray fall too and much good may it do you Yours Fra. Kirkman THE HISTORY OF PRINCE ERASTUS Son to the EMPEROUR DIOCLESIAN And those famous PHILOSOPHERS CALLED THE Seven Wise Masters OF ROME CHAP. I. The Emperor Dioclesian delivers his Son Erastus to seven Philosophers to be instructed in all the Arts and Sciences The Empress the Mother of Erastus dyes ONE Thousand and forty years after the foundation of the Citty of Rome the Emperour Dioclesian a wise and powerful Prince reigned in that Superb and Tryumphant City he being married to a very fair and virtuous Princess had by her a Son who was so well proportioned and of so exquisite beauty that every one concluded him to be more Divine than Humain in such manner that the affection which all the world had for the singularities and graces of this young Prince caused that the name of Erastus was given to him which is as much as to say amiable and although he was but yet in his very infancy yet in that tender age every one concluded that in time this young Prince would arrive to very great perfection and would not be in any thing inferiour to the other Emperours his Predecessors and moreover there was not any Mathematician Astrologer Diviner Physiognomist nor Chyromancer who did not every one respectively finde by his Art that according to the influences of the Caelestial Planets this Child should be of an admirable Spirit very singular in all Sciences and accomplished in all manner of virtue wherein the Emperor took so great content as the Majesty of his degree and the grandeur of such a Father did require purposing on his part not to frustrate so good a Nature but to use his endeavour to render his Son such as the opinion of the world had conceived of him And for asmuch as neither Illustrious blood good Constellations nor large Estates are not of themselves sufficient to render a man great if Nature be not helped and assisted by Sciences and Vertues therefore so soon as this Infant Erastus was of an Age fit for to learn the Emperour provided himself of the most knowing men that he could find whereby he might be instructed under whose tuition he so well profited that at the age of ten years he began to have a taste of the secrets of Phylosophy and the good Emperour very well knowing that the Wisdome and Prudence of the Son does ordinarily redound to the glory of the Father and therefore resolving to render his Son perfect in Phylosophy he from amongst all the Wise Men of his Empire made choice of seven Phylosophers of whose skill and knowledge he had sufficient experience that he might confidently commit the charge of such a Person who in time might succeed to the Government of the great Roman Empire The Emperour having thus delivered his Son to their charge commanded them to instruct him with the greatest dexterity as well in Vertue and good Manners as in Letters and all sorts of Sciences that all the world might know of what a Father this young Prince was Son and by what admirable Masters he had been instructed promising to these Phylosophers very great
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
mind told her that she must give no credit to Dreams being things without substance that vanish away whereupon she put on a mercy countenance and entertained the Emperour as she was wont until it was bed time which occasioned more pain to this poor Princess the Emperour for his part went to sleep but the Empress could not close her eyes for thinking of her affection to Erastus being of opinion that her affairs having had so prosperous a beginning she should lose noe time or occasion to bring it to that end so much desired by her and ruminating all the night on what means she should use to perfect her desires sometimes she doubted that the Slave was insufficient for an enterprise of so high a consequence otherwise she could not find any way possible to speak with Erastus because he was at Rome and alwayes accompanied with grave Phylosophers whose doctrine she very well knew was contrary to her appetite In conclusion she resolved to speak to him by Letters and Presents and so soon as the day began to appear that night in the opinion of the Empress being longer than usual she arose and being retired alone into her Cabinet she writ this Letter which followeth THE Empress Aphrodicia to her Friend Erastas health I doubt not but these presents will astonish you that I without respecting your grandeur have bin so bold to write to you without considering that I present to your fair eyes a thing so ill dictated as these presents and to cause your mouth so accustomed to all good learning to read this Letter destitute of all eloquence however I have not forborn putting Pen to paper being assured that your sublime spirit will measure my writeing according to the affection from whence it proceedeth and that you will have a greater esteem for it than if all the Oratory had been employed to assist me with Eloquence upon this occasion for according to the Poet Love hides many faults and to tell you truly how it is this God hath so fettered me that to obey him I have been forced thus to write to you praying you to receive and entertain it with a pleasant countenance believing that it is not simply paper but my self who with all my affection am transformed into it and I wish I were personally present with you assuring my self thâ—t I should enjoy the fruit of my desires which I hope are long by word of mouth to discover to you for it is impossible that your knowing spirit should not be acquainted with the secrets of my heart which is more yours then my own for you are Lord of it so as you will please to love that which with all her heart loves you However if your temper corresponds to your name for Erastus signifies amiable I hold my self assured that my recommendation shall be received which nevertheless I present to you with all possible affection and because I wondred at your absence at my Wedding with the Emperour I therefore pray you to take occasion to come and see me that you may let the World know that you are not dissatisfied with my alliance in doing whereof which I entreat of you you shall hear openly by word of mouth the rest of my secret which only tends to your profit honour and greatness In the mean time to testify the perfect love which I bear to you I send to you the most pretious things which I have being certain jewels which you shall find to be singular not only for their beauty and richness but also in regard they are peices of antiquity which my late Father gave particularly to me being the preciest things he was Master of and therefore I send them to you as better deserving to enjoy things so rare desiring you to accept of them with my heart And as you have the report to surpass iâ— every thing all other men that you not only permiâ— your self to be overcome by the force of a simple woman but let her know that your love is more ardent then hers if it were possible I wish you good health This Letter being written and sealed the Empress wrapped it up in fine cloath of Gold with many Jewels Pearls Diamonds Safers and many other pretious stones of inestimable value and enclosed all in a Cabinet of fine Gâ—ld which she delivered to her faithful slave charging him to carry it to Erastus advising him to find him alone and accompany the present with speeches proper to the intent of his message and the slave might perform this voyage with the more bravery she presented him with a horse and a good some of money The Slave thus dispatched in short time arrived at the Pallace where Prince Erastus studyed where by good Fortune he found him alone in his studdy and as to the matter of the present delivered his mesage as the Empress had commanded him without proceeding further but only to barâ— râ—commendations from his Mistress forbearing to deliver the rest of the message until he should understand how the Prince would accept of the pâ—eâ—ent being of the opinion that it would be impâ—ssâ—ble for a Prince of his age to sl ght such pretious Jewels as he had brought but Erastus having considered the richness of the present began to consider what might be the cause of the great liberallity of the Empress in regard that all women are naturally covetous But having found the Letter and read the contents of it he presently had some suspition although he could not absolutely believe love to be the cause but however in great anger he tore the Letter into prices and soundâ—y ratâ—ed the slave forbidding hâ—m upon his life never to come into his presence and that he should carry back the Jewels to his Mistress and use his endeavour to diswade her from her disordinate humours The slave being much troubled returned back to Rome and in his way thither he considered that if he should acquaint his Mistress of the truth of this affair his profit would be at an end and therefore being come into the presence of the Empress he spake thus Madam I do assure you that I have full and according to your intention executed the charge which you were pleased to give me and that the Prince Erastus is wholly at your dispose True it is that not thinking himself worthy of the great present which you sent him told me that your love was sufficient without depriving you of so great rarieties therefore he hath returned them only keeping the Letter which he read over and kissed more than a thousand times in my presence and he would willingly have returned an answer but that he doubted his Masters would return presently and surprâ—ze him wherefore he in short told mâ— that he would suddenly come to Rome where by word of mouth he would give you full satisfâ—ction beseeching you in the mean time to continue your good opinion of him The Empress was highly contented with the slaves discourse however she
all dispatches and affairs to these seven Sages who acted all things as they were minded and gave the King what account they best thought for their purpose but above all thing they took care not to displease him so that in time they were in such high esteem and they were taken rather to be Lords of all England then Counsellours true it is that in the beginning they took so good order in the execution of justice that all things were done in good order but afterwards when they had tasted of the great gifts and presents that was usually made them they then were so desirous to heap up riches that they minded nothing else without respecting their honour or the zeal they should have to justice and among other inventions to raise mony they found out one than would raise them a world of riches at that time it was a custome in England for the Natives to give such credit to dreames that the believed the greatest part of their affairs and chiefly those of importance were divinely revealed to them in visions and dreams which they little or much understood according to to the goodness and sanctity of the persons who thus should dream so that when any one had dreamed of any thing that she could not understand they had recourse to the Sages whereof in England there was great plenty and for their advise carried great presents as if Gold and Silver would cause the true interpretation of dreams these seven Deputies or Governours of the Kingdome understanding of this that they might shew themselves the more knowing and more excellent in all things than any body else and more particularly in the interpretations of dreâ—ms under preâ—ence of takeiâ—g away the abuse which was done upon that account and that the people might not be decâ—ived in the interpretation of dreâ—ms tâ—ey published an Eâ—ict by which it was prohibited all persons to go to any to have interpretation of dreams but to them â—lves In persuance of which Eâ—â—ct a world of people came to them every dâ—y with great presents so that in short time these Lords were â—icheâ— in mony then the King himself who minding nothing but to take his pleasure fell into a vâ—â—y strange accident for having hiâ— Nâ—ts to be piâ—ched in a very pleasant Forrest to please the â—â—dies with a coâ—â—â— at hunting he was no sooner gone out of the gaâ—es of London to gâ— to this hunting but that his eye-sight was so troublâ—d that he could not see wherefore taking advâ—ce of his Physicians who looking on the Kâ—â—gs eyes found they were fair and without blemish and understanding that he had no pain in his head that he was not wounded that might occasion this blindness they knew not what to think of it but only advised the King to return to his Pallace and go rest himself and that in the mean time they would consult among themselves of this accident to remedy it as well as possibly they could according to this advise the King turned his bridle to return back but he was no sooner entered the City-gate but he recovered his sign without using any remedy whereupon being not only joyful but wondring with a merry heart he turned his bridle to go follow the company but he was no sooner out of the City but he was agen taken with his former blindness so that he was forced to turn back towards the Court and yet so soon as he was entred within the City-gates he recovered his former sight yet in regard the time was somewhat spent he put off the hunting untill aâ— other time The next day going to pass away some time at a garden that was without the City he was no sooner passed London Gates but he became blind as he had done the day before and no sooner was he returned in the City but he saw as cleerly as he had formerly done upon this account the Physitians were amazed they had many consultations but without any effect for in general it was thus the Kings sight was good so long as he was within the Citâ— but so soon as he was out of it he became blind and alâ—hough he went out at several Gates and had tryed them all yet he still continued blind so long as he was out of the City and when he returned he could see well enough In this condition this poor Prince remained for sometime and câ—â—â—d not finde any remedâ— which was a great â—ffliction to him to see himself confin'd to the City of London whereupon one day he called the seven Counsellors to whom he had committed the Government of the Kingdome remembring that they had given out that they could give a reason for all things and therefore he expresly enjoyned them that they should make known to him the cause of his blindness that he might finde a remedy without being thus confined within the walls of the City of London but these great Sages who knew as little of the causes as the King were so amazed that they could not speak answer a word to purpose yet however dissembling their ignorance they told the King that the case required to take some time of advice to consult well on the matter and to studdy on it that they might give him such an answer as might be to his content to this the King replyed I give you all this day to advise upon it and charge you that tomorrow morning you give me an answer but the Sages finding this time to be too precise and too short told him that the case was of thâ—t importance that it required a moneth of delay how a moneth said the King is this the great readiness which you boast to have by your â—kil presently to resolve all doubts and questionâ—â—gâ— and consult together and in fifâ—een dayes resolve me of what I desire and finde a remedy or I promise you I will make an example of you to all such as for the future shall he so bold as to abuse their Princes These poor unadvised Sages hearing this were much troubled yet since they had a terme of fifteen dayes they pluckt up their spirits hoping in that time to supply their ignorance by the knowledg of some other so that they assured the King that within the time prefixed they would give him the satisfaction he desired and having took leave of the King they each of them severâ—ly sent away messengers in Post to all parts to finde out some knowing person to whom they might apply themselves in this affair and their Messengers had good success they heaâ—d of the vertue and miraculous spirit of the child Merlin and of the sayings he used which surpassed all humain understanding This child was but young and was born miraculously so that it was believed that his Mother had conceived being a Virgin being with child by a Spirit or a Magician who it was reported had given her a great belly without touching her by means of a familiar Spirit but let it be so
introduce a custom so inhumane and cruel as this If the authority of the Senate doth not at all move you or if you doubt that Prince Erastus shall escape while you proceed orderly are not your Prisons strong enough and well guarded with Soldiers is there any â—enatoâ—s Prince or Barron to whom you have been pleased 〈◊〉 spâ—â—k of this affair who hath not endeavored to divert you from tâ— is hasly execution and none hastens you therein but the venemous rage of a woman by whose counsel a Roman Emperono can get nothing but blame let the Counsel be never so good and therefore what infancy will you procure to your self to use contrary to all reason so great cruelty at the only perswasions of a woman Know Sir that women are made to serve men and not to counsel them and he who is ablutely governed by their counsel shall in the end to bis damage repent thereof for although a woman is desireous to give good counsel yet the imbecillity of the sex causes their counsel alwayes to happen to the worst as not long since it happened to a Physitian which story be pleased to read It is not long since that at Millain there was a Physitian named Polictetus in very great esteem of all as well by reason of his wealth as for the opinion which every one had of his knowledge so that he was esteemed the principal and most famous Physitian of Millain and indeed he deserved this title having performed many almost incredible Cures This Physitian had for wife a Damsel of Millain named Flaminia who was one of the principal families of that City by whom he had one only Son and no other Children But although nature had been niggardly in giving him but one yet in recompence she was very liberal having formed this Child so fair and of so gentle a spirit that it was pleasant to behold him for being but seaven years of age he gave hopes not onely to his Father and Mother but also to all that behâ—ld him that in time he would be a great personage and of reputation for which cruse his Father lâ—ved him more then his own life and caused him to beinstructed and exercised in all exercises as well of the body as the mind proper and convenient for that age finding him very well disposed to Sciences well formed in his body strong in his members as having never been sick It happened when he was nine years old he fell into a distemper which in the beginning seemed to be small which his father seeing would take the advice of other Physitians although he himself was esteemed the first for feâ—r his affection in his own case should deceive him Having therefore brought two of the most experienced Physitians of Millain to his house he recomended his Son to them however he himself took notice of what they ordered This disease of the Child which at the first was small and slight did daily increase so that instead of diminishing by means of the remedies which were given yet he every day grew worse and worse and thus it continued for a moneths time all which time the Physitians did all that was possible according to Art for the health of the Child without perceiving any amendment but or the contrary he was the worse for every thing they give him The poor father was almost desperate and so were the Physitians who now resolved to gâ—ve him no more Medecines but only to comfort and fortify nature by restoratives that he might live as long as he could being out of hopes of restoring him to his former health the Child finding himself as sick as his heart could hold desired them to give him a white Onion to eat to this the Physitians would not consent in regard an Onion is contrary to a feavour and yet all the while the disease encreased so much the more did the Child cry out for an Onion saying if they would not give him a white Onion he should dye The Physitians seeing there was no other remedy for him agreed that he should have an Onion more to content him then any thing else saying that that could not do him much prejudice considering the violence of his distemper and having sent for a white Onion to give him the Childs Mother another came into the the Chamber who seeing them about to give him an Onion fell into the greatest passion in the world saying that this was to kill her Child and that she could not endure it to be a Murdress of her own blood and she made such a noise to her husband and the other Phisicians that the Onion was not given to the Child whereupon the Child took it so to heart that he did not languish long before he dyed still even to death crying out after his Onion The Father and Mother were as much grieved aâ— can be imagined having no other Child but his wherein was all their comfort and being out of hopes of having any more afâ—er the death of the Child the Phsitians were desirous to opâ—n the body at this the Father was was well contented being desirous to know the cause of that distemper which no Phisick had pâ—wer to cure he being then opened there was found on the bâ—â—tom of his stomach neer to his heart a peice 〈◊〉 Ice hard as Christal at which they were all astonished to see water thus congealed in a humain body and they all agreed that there was no câ—â—â—â—g of him but by things proper to desolve the 〈◊〉 â—ol and that the Child dyed for want of such Remedies the poor Father who alwayes had his Son before his eyes in respect of the great love he had for him that he might have some mark and token caused this Christal to be enchased in the haft of a knife which he usually carryed about him upon all occasions and when he drew it he alwayes kissed the Christal in memory of his Son and thus it passed for a whole year but on that very day twelve moneth that his son dyed whether by chance or that Nature was willing to shew the greatness of its secrets this Phisitian being at the Table had a mind to eat a white Onion one being brought him hercut it in to peices with his knife and having tasted a slice or too he asked for drink and let his knife fall on part of the Onion that was on the Table but he had no sooner drank wheâ— going to take his knife he found it without a haft for the Christal that waâ— fixed thereon was dissolved and diligently searching the cause he knew that the vertue of the Onion had desolved the Christal into water wherefore being a wise man he conjectured that his Son by a secret instinct of Nature was so importunate before he dyed to have a white Onion as being the sole remedy and only expedient for his disease so that understanding that he had caused the death of his only Son by denying him an Onion only at
Castle The Senate being assembled he declared that as he could do no less than punish by the way of justice the detestable fellony which his own Son had câ—mmitted against him and the treason of those who having the charge to instruct him as well in good manners as in learning instead of rendâ—ing him eloquent and of good speech they had brought him dumb and distracted and instead of instructâ—ng him in good manners they had instructed him in the wickedness that was in question and yet these Philosophers had presumed to justifie him in an act so wicked and so apparent however he would not proceed of himself but had caused this counsel to be assembled to make them acquainted with the sentence which he had given on this occasion so that he did believe there was no reason to revoke it nor no occasion for further proof the matter of fact being so cleer and manifest unto all yet nevertheless to let all the world know that he would not nor did not intend to stop the mouths of any Criminals from justifying themselves alâ—hough in this case he could not see any way of justification he was content to wash his hands of this business to remit the whole cause to the consideration of the Senate with this proviso nevertheless that Erastus and the Philosophers should only have two dayes time to say and alledge before the Senate all that they could think off or speak for their justification and defence and that if in the same two dayes it did not appear to the Senate by evident proofs and manifest arguments that Erastus was innocent of that whereof he was accused to have acted against his honour that then without delay He and his Masters should be all publickly executed by the hand of justice the morning of the third day following and having finished his discourse he commanded that his Son the Philosophers should be brought before the Senate fettered and with a strong guard Prince Erastus hearing the door of his Dungeon opened supposed they came to fetch him to execution but when he perceived that they led him before the Senate he took heart and more especially when he saw his Masters there in whose wisdome he had so much assurance that he hoped to escape that day which being â—â—ce pass d he feared nothing Now it â—as that he was in most care and fear to to keep silence aswel in consideration of the many questions that were asked him as also in regard of the opâ—nion that had possâ—ssed many of the Senators that he wâ—s guâ—lty of the fact wherewith he was charged not using any manner of justification in a matter that concerned his life and therefore the most part of the Senators seeing him thus dumbe held him guilty of the fact but on the other side the Philosophers did so readily defend the cause of Erastus and their own and alledged so many examples to the Senate that they were divided in their Opinions and all that day was spent without taking any resolution to the great satisfaction and content of Prince Erastus and by order of the Senate the Prisoners were sent back to Prison and kept assunder with express intimation that if on the next day they made not better proof of their innocence than hitherto they had done they should proceed against them in real execution of that sentence which the Emperour had pronounced against them CHAP. XXI The Empress Aphrodicia found means to induce the Emperour to command that execution should be done immediately upon Erastus and the seven Philosophers by a discourse which she made of one Philemon that being adopted by a french Gentleman named Archelaus contrived how to kill his Mother in law conceiveing a hatred against her And being desirous to be Lord and Master of all by the assistance of seven of his Complices he caused his father in law to be secretly murthered The Empress hearing this nâ—wes was so troubled that if her Damsels had not taken greâ—t care of her she had fallen down in a swound but thâ—y seeing her faint away laid her on the bed wâ—ere having remain'd some time in a trance and being again come to her self she retired into her Cabinet where after after she had groaned and cryed she tore her cloathes and beating her self cursed her foolish mad love which had induced her to enterprize so rash an action and in conclusion seeing that tears and and complaints availed little in her designs and considering that if the Philosophers and Prince Erastus had so long time of respite the truth of the matter might come to light she therefore purposed upon new matter to take new counsel wherefore recollâ—cting her spirits the best that she could she sent for her Father and Mother and all her Relations who were many and all gâ—â—at Lords she bring descended from the most illustrious and principal Family in Rome they being all come tâ— her did every one perswade her to condiscend to the Emperours pleasure and attend till the terme of two dayes ordered for the Prisoners to justify themselves should be expired telling her that they could no more cleer themselves the sâ—cond time than they had done the first and that the more â—he cause was examinâ—d so much more would ner vertue and continâ—nce be manifested and that would fuâ— her 〈◊〉 â—he world against the wicked Erastus and agâ—inst thoâ—e who had undertaken to defend his wickedness But the Empress would not hearken tâ— this counsel but answered her Relations in gen râ—l that if they had any respâ—ct for her honor they would not thus slâ—ght her and thereupâ—n she sent to the Emperour to desire him to come to her chamber for she had matter of great importance to relate tâ— him in â—he pâ—â—sence of her Father and Mother and â—â—hers her Relations The Emperoor understâ—nding hereof went to the chamber of the Empâ—es whâ— immâ—diately â—egan to complain of the litâ— esteâ—m the Emperour had for her in that she had suffered the greatest outrage in the world from Erastus which he himself and others had seen having been publickly surprizâ—d in his flight and having promised to inflict such puâ—ishment as the enormity of the case required instead thereof he had admitted of justifications and against all reason had called her honor and fidelity in question remitted the matter to the judgement of the Senate where without publick blaming and calumniating of her it would be impâ—ssible to defend the care of Prince Erastuâ— yet for her own part she did not much care beinâ— assâ—red in her conscience that nothing could be proved against her But she was most concerned in the honor of the family from whence she was descended that injury would be done thereto in having a bad opinion of a woman descended there-from and that any dishonest actions should be mentioned of her as there needs must be in that case her honor being remitted to an ordinary Process as the Emperour had determined and being resolved
Government of his Subjâ—ctâ— that they were very well contented and thus he continued for some time But in short time whither it was that his wickedness being hidden was so great that it could be no longer dissembled or whither it proceeded from the Imperuosity of youth which cauâ—ed him tâ— make a bad use of his freedome and power he began to loosen the Reins to his fâ—lly as it is usual for young men who know themselves to be free and out danger of punishment True it is that being very wary he so ordered his affairs that no complaint came to the eares of his adopted Father who having past away his time of mourning and being weary of a Solitary life he purposed to return to his house where he was highly welcomed by his Subjects but chiefly young Philemon appeared to be the most contented person in the world and gave so good an account to Archelaus of all matterâ— of importâ—nce that had pâ—ssâ—â— in his absence and thereby caused him to undâ—rstand hiâ— gâ—â—â—â—â—â— spirit that his Father alâ—hâ—ugh present remittâ—d all affâ—irs to his mannagement who acted all his busine s being held in his fathers presâ—nâ—s in greater reputâ—tion and a more absâ—lute Lord than in his fâ—thers absâ—nce in which mannagement he continued a cerâ—ain time with a very great inâ—deâ—â—y in appearance yâ—â— in private abandoning himsâ—lf to the saâ—â—â—â—ctâ—on of his disordinate appetite Archelaus then seeing young Philemon to be grown to mans â—state purposed to seek â—ut a wife for him which Philemon underâ—taâ—ding and fearing to be tyed to a wife by the bands of â—â—â—riâ—age when he could not so freely enjoy â—is accustomâ—d pleasures as he had done being to give an account in the night whereas now he â—cted what he luted and let loose the Reins to his vâ—lâ—pte usness of which liberty he should be deprived whâ—n â—e wâ—s â—ur ed he therefore went to his Father 〈…〉 him to let him continue in the condition hâ— wâ—â— in 〈◊〉 bridâ—ing him by marriage alledg ng that a Wife would disturb him frâ—m his study and the â—â—â—â—gement of his affairs â—old him several other reaâ—on◠〈◊〉 â—olour of zeâ—l which he had for 〈◊〉 good of hiâ— Subjects so well using his tongue that Archilaus who yet above all things desired tâ— see of the race of his beloved Philemon having firâ—t usâ—d all pâ—ssib e perswasions was in the end constrained to comply with him as well in respect of the zâ—al which Philemon shewed to his business as not to contradict him in that where he excused himself with some appearance of reason so that he intended not to urge it any further yet however purposing to cause him to condescend in time by other meanâ— Whereupon having considered the manner how he discovered his intent to his favourites telling them that since his Son would not consent to be married than he himself should be constrained to take a wife whereby so noble a family as his might not be lost having none to bear his Name and Arms but the young Philemon and this he gave out not out of any thoughts of being married but to invite Philemon to take a wife certainly believing that when Philemon should hear this news if nothing else should move him to be married yet at last the fear of being deprived of so great a succession as that of Archelaus by the Children which he might have of a wife if he should take one would induce him to consent to the will of his Father But all this did not divert Philemon from his oppinion knowing on the one side that Archelaus was already out of hopes of having Children and on the other side if he should have any he could not live to see them great by the course of nature so that by necessity he should always have the government of those Children and of the Lands and Lordships of Archelaus remaining by this means as absolute Lord of the said Lands as if Archelaus had no Children In conclusion Archelaus seeing that young Philemon regarded not the same that was spread abroad thought that by the greatness and vivacity of his spirit he had disovered his intention and therefore to make the matter seem more probable and real he began to seek out for a marriage for himself enquiring among all the Damsels that were marriageable to find one propâ—r and convenient for him not that he intended to be maâ—r ed but to induce Philemon thereunto seeing thaâ— there was no dissâ—mbling in the Case and that he might think his father would in good esrnest marry as it was the general discourse of all people But for all this Philemon still continued absolute agâ—â—nst marriage so that what was first intended for jest proved in earnest for a Damsel was found out for Archelaus her name was Eufrosena she was fair vertuous of a Câ—â—pâ—tenâ— age and of as good a family as he desired Archelaus seeing this and that this Damsel came freely to him and that Philemon wâ—uld not marry he therfore purposed to pâ—â—ceed in this marriage This was approved of by all and oâ— Philemon himself without whose advice he would not conclude thereon And so this Wedding was solemnized with all fit magnificence to the great content of every one Archelaus being very well pleased with his marriage having dâ—â—ly experience of the mild Spirit great prudence and vertue of his wife began to introduce her into the Rule and Government of all his Lands and houses yâ—t withâ—ut taking the mannagement of his affairs from Philemon but with this charge that in all eases of importance and which required counsel he should act nothing without Communicating thereof to his Mother-in-law This woman behaved her self so vertuously in her mannagement that in short time by degrees all affairs passed through her hands for on the one side Archelaus being striken in years would not trouble himself with business having more need of rest and on the other side Philemon minded nothing but his pastime and to enjoy all the pleasure that came into his fantasie sometimes to the prejudice of others remitting all dispatches to his Mother in Law who did expedite all the most dextruously that might be and with great equity The subjects seeing their Lady behave her self so virtuously in the Government of the Country took heart to complain to her of the great disorders and violence which Philemon committed so that from all parts complaints came to her ears yet she being mild and good natured endeavoured at first to excase and cover the faults of Philemon and then in private to câ—â—de him admonâ—shing exhorting and praying him so to deâ—â—an himself that he should use no violence towards the Subjects and to mind his business as formerly he had done shewing himself worthy of that quality whereto he had been called by the bounty of Foâ—tune and by the love which Archelaus had born him hereupon young Philemon very humbly thanked her with a promise from thence forwards to follow the good
Eufrosena had with her own hand wriâ—ten to the Câ—ptain of the Castle whereby â—hâ— gâ—vâ— him some particulâ—r orders about governing the Country which Letter he found among the Captains 〈◊〉 â—nd bâ—â—ng well acquainted with his Mother-in-lâ—w haâ—â— hâ— prâ—ctised â—â—â—â— nterfeit it did it so artificially that it was not to be distinguished from her own proper writing This Letter being perfected he sealed it up at Eufrosena was used to do counterfeiting a Superscription which was addressed to the Captain of the Castle as he had done to the Letter it self and this he gave to the Captain concluding with him how to use it But to return to Archelaus as soon as he heard the Message from the Capâ—ain of the Castle he mounted on hors-back and rode with a small train to the Castle where being come the Captain retired with him into a private Chamber entring into a large discourse of the great obligation which he had for him and his service who from so low a degree as a private Geâ—tleman and Soldier had raised him to be a Captain of sâ— remarkable a place that indeed might be very well accounted to be the strongest of the Kingdom of France fâ—r which cause and also in regard he was his naturall Leige-Lord his duty Commanded him to think of nothing more than the peace and conservation of his estate and person which he â—â—s bâ—und to defend and maâ—ntain by hiâ— blood â—â—d wâ—â—â— his Lâ—fe And therefore he having the mâ—â—â—â— tâ— deliver hâ—m frâ—m a very great danger he had been so bold as to entreat hâ—m to come thither to give him pâ—ivaâ—e advertisement of that whâ—câ— was alâ—â—ady â—â— forwaâ—d that were it not for his great fidelity and others that belonged to him it m ght be concluded that hiâ— life was at an â—nd so forwards was the dâ—â—ign agâ—inst him And it woâ—ld be difficult to prevent it in regard it was contrived by a person in whom he put the greatest câ—nfidence and of whom he always had a good opinion And to make it more plain to you said the Captain it was your wife whom you and I and all men else have esteemed for the best and Loyalest Lady in the world But I very well know that this Sex is frail and Subject to Châ—nge which hath at all times been seen and now more then ever but I never heard of so wicked a design as this Fâ—r some days since whither it is out of hatred to you or love to some other person or any other occasion hath induced her for I cannâ—t â—mmâ—gin the reason she hath endeavoured to engage me to her by presents and great promises being more liberall than ordinary I was at first â—â—rprâ—zed yet in conclusion resolved that this was only the effects of her good nature of which she always gave sufficient proof And therefore without immagining any evil I endeavoured to do her all possible service and to insinuate further into her favour acknowledging her for my Lady and Mistress as indeed she is being your wife and I many times told her that thâ— greatest dâ—sire I had in this world was effectâ—allâ— to dâ—â—â—â—aâ—e the great affâ—ction which I had for her servâ—ce according to my duty praying her freely to command me and to imploy me as she should think fit as Lady and Mistress both of my goods and life putting all into her power tâ— dispâ—se of at her pleasure holding my life and goods very well imployed when they should be used in her service She hearing these off r whâ—câ— were in general did believe she had 〈◊〉 much pâ—wer over me that I would performe whâ—â—soevâ—r her bruâ—â—ish cruelty had possest her mind which till then she had covered with a cloak of mildness and courtesie without considering what my honor and duty oblidges me to being confident hereof not long since she wrote this letter to me which is of her own writing as he that brought it told me by which as you may see if you please to read she sollicites me to commit the treason therein contained to kill you privately one day when you should come to this place and give out a report that you dyed of age or some accident whereby she might have full possession of your land in recompence whereof as you may see she promises me the best of your houses this only excepted at my choice but God forbid that any such treason should enter into my breast for proof of what I say said the Captain behold the letter and thereupon after a due reverence he gave it him into his hand Archelaus hearing this newes of his wife was during the Captains discourse in great torment considering the great experience he had of his wives vertue he could not imâ—gine that she would have thought and much less have endeavoured so treasonable an action yet understanding thaâ— by the letter he mighâ— know the truth he pâ—rmittâ—d the Captain to finish his discourse which being ended he took the letter and having well vâ—ewed and considered it he did certainly belâ—ive it to be her own hand writeing And Hâ— having â—fâ—eâ— read this Letter was very mâ—ch â—â—v shed with admiration and even as a man who dâ—â—ames of something and not being able to discerne whether it be true or false so this poor Gentleman knew not what to think on the one side knowing it to be his wives hand and on the other side believing her to be so faâ—â—hful that he thought it unpossible any such treasonable action should enter into her heart this perplâ—xity of spirit being perceived by the Traytor who spake to him that he might the better compasâ— his design he thus continued his discourse to Archelaus Sir I doubt that this Letter is not the true hand of my Lady it is it is sighing said the poor Archelaus I know it too well suppose it to be so said the Captain it was only to make tryal of my fidelity for I cannot imagine for what reason she should attempt to murther one to whom she hath without the least distaste alwayes shewed all manner of dutiful love but I have discovered something else which cleers the truth of all for she hath subâ—rned with mony some my Soldiers and took an oath of them that they would kill me at her arrival here which should be soon after your death that she might be rid of us both and these very Soldiers have discovered this conspiracy after I had assured them of pardon and this they themselves will relate to you Having said thus he caused the seven Complices to come into the Chamber who when they câ—me thither fell down on their knees befoâ—e Archelaus begging pardon for the great fault which they had committed in harkning to so great a Treason as that wherein they had bâ—â—â— engaged â—nd for which â—hey had received reward and 〈◊〉 a parâ—â—câ—l â—â—â—â—on how Eufrosena had hyâ—â—◠〈…〉 theâ— Câ—ptain as the Captain had told Archelaus but â—fter that being sensible of the greatness
happened in respect of some enormous Sin which he had Committed And this was his affliction so often as he went out of his Chamber three Crowes would present themselves before him as if they had waited on purpose which flew round about him fluttering and Croaking in such manner that the poor Prince had his brains almost broken so that he was forced to return into his Chamber from this mischief being very desirous to be released as his last refuge he caused it to be proclaimed through all his Countries by Sound of Trumpets and through all the Isle of Candy that if there were any one who could remedy this Croaking of the Crows and deliver him from the trouble which they gave him he would give them the one half of his Kingdome for their reward and if it were a man he would furthermore give his onely Daughter in marriage to them This being Proclamed many went to try their skill thinking to deliver the King from the trouble of the Crows some by Negromancy and the Invocation of Spirits and others by certain Medecinal compotsiâ—ons and Ten thousand other experiments and yet there was none that could effect what they intended The young Entichus understanding this news of the Proclamation of the King of Candy bethought himself that it might happen to be he that should receive this great reward which the King had promised since all consisted in the Interpretation of the Gestures and Song of the Crowes in which knowledge he was very well skill'd and therefore he humbly entreated Sterifo without whose commands he would undertake nothing that he would please to give him leave to deliver King Gritorneus from the trouble of the Crowes assuring him that he could easily perform it to this the Old man consented and he himself presented him to the King who likewise promised him that so soon as Entichus should have delivered him from the trouble wherein he was he would perform the promise he had made and confirmed it with an oath whereupon young Entichus having made his Reverence to the King he humbly entreated that it would please his Majesty to take the Aire out of his Pallace assuring him that he would immeadiately acquaint him with the occasion of the Croaking of the birds and by that means free him from the trouble he was in The King very readily performed this but he was no sooner come out of his doors but the Crowes came fluttering and Croaking more then ever they had done The young Entichus said to the King know Sir that this Croaking and fluttering of the birds comes not by any evil that is in you nor any other in your house but these birds come to you to decide a difference which is between them This Crow which is known by his feathers to be older than the other took to wife this other which appears to be a Male but is a Female but when a scarcity of provision happened he hunted her away and would not keep her company so that she joyned her self to this young Crow which is that in the middle when there was victuals enough to eat then the old Crow would again have his Female but she seemed to be discontented and furtherfore the young Crow hoped to have some pleasure with the Female in that good season since he had provided for her in the time of scarcity this being in debate they not agreeing there upon are com to you that by your royal authority whereby you make Laws and ordinances that you would be pleased to put an end to their difference by your definitive sentence assuring you Sir that so soon as you shall pronounce sentence they will be gone and trouble you no further The King hearing what Entichus had said adjudged by his absolute sentence the Female to the young Crow and he had no sooner made an end of pronouncing his sentence but the Crowes flew away without ever returning again to the wonder of all the Spectators who much marvailed thereat but above all the King was astonished and being transported ran to embrace young Entichus telling him that from thenceforth he should take him and no other for his natural Father for said he I will perform my promise in giving you my Daughter and the half of my Kingdom Entichus making his due reverence to the King humbly thanked him and so they returned to the Pallace the good old Sterifo being joyful of his Adopted Sons advancement after he had given him his best instructions and blessing departed goeing home to his wife and leaving his Son Entichus at Court both beloved and admired at by the King and all his Nobility as well in respect of his Gallant deportment as of his kill and cunning for he frequented Jousts and Tournaments in short time became so Compleat a Practitioner that he excelled all others still bearing away the Prize At this time there was an Emperour of Germany whose name was Frederick who was so accomplished a Prince in all endowments both of body and mind that he excelled all the Princes Kings and Emperours in the whole world The same of this Emperours vertues flying abroad into all parts it came to the hearing of Prince Entichus for so I may now call him his vertue having procured him that Title who being desireous of procuring fame abroad as well as it home and therefore purposing to tâ—avell and no place being so fit as he thought as the Court of the Emperour Fredrick he asked leave of the King to go thither His request was not denied only the King advâ—sed him to stay some time till honourable provision were made for him that he might appear at the Emperours Court in an equipage befitting the Son of the King of Candy and that before he went he would perform what was at first intended and was indeed necessary in marrying his Daughter To this Prince Entichus replied Most renowned King and honoured Father I most humbly thank you for your great respect towards me in condesending to give me attendance and other equipage befitting your Son but I desire you to spare that charge and trouble for if my own vertues are not sufficient to to bespeak and make known my quallity it will be in vain to have any other Ornaments therefore I desire to go although not altogether unaccompanied and as a private person yet to have as few as may be and as little charge only your Letters Credentials that I may be received as your Son if I shall deserve that Title and as to your other desire of my present marriage I humbly and heartily thank you for your offer and above all things accept of your Majesties Alliance but desire the consumation thereof may be deferred till my return hoping then to bring so good a fame with me as may in part merit the Illustrious Title of your Son-in-law and thereby render me to your Daughter more acceptable for her husband Prince Entichus having finished his speech which was dilligently observed by