Andronicus, or, The vnfortunate politician shewing sin stoutly punished, right surely rescued / by Tho. Fuller ... Fuller, Thomas, 1608-1661. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A40648 of text R16036 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing F2403). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 144 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 87 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A40648 Wing F2403 ESTC R16036 13150043 ocm 13150043 98091 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A40648) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 98091) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 417:14) Andronicus, or, The vnfortunate politician shewing sin stoutly punished, right surely rescued / by Tho. Fuller ... Fuller, Thomas, 1608-1661. [173] p. Printed by W. Wilson for John Williams ..., London : 1646. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. Includes index. eng Andronicus -- I Comnenus, -- Emperor of the East, d. 1185. Byzantine Empire -- History -- Comneni dynasty, 1081-1185. A40648 R16036 (Wing F2403). civilwar no Andronicus, or, The vnfortunate politician. Shewing, sin stoutly punished. Right surely rescued. By Tho. Fuller. B.D. Fuller, Thomas 1646 26097 6 10 0 0 0 0 6 B The rate of 6 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-09 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-10 Rina Kor Sampled and proofread 2002-10 Rina Kor Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion ANDRONICVS , OR , The Vnfortunate POLITICIAN . Shewing , Sin stoutly punished . Shewing , Right surely rescued . ECCLES. 8. 11. Because sentence against a dull worke is not executed speedily , therefore the heart of the Sons of men is fully set in them to doe evill . BY THO. FULLER . B. D. LONDON , Printed by W. WILSON , for John Williams , at the Crowne in St. Pauls Church-yard . 1646. To the Reader . WE read of King * AHASHUEROSH , that having hishead troubled with much businesse , and finding himselfe so indisposed , that hee could not sleep , hee caused the Records to be called for , & read unto him ; hoping thereby to deceive the tediousnesse of the time , ( an honest fraud ) and that the pleasant passages in the Chronicles would either invite slumber unto him , or enable him to endure waking with lesse molestation . We live in a troublesome and tumultuous age ; and hee needs to have a very soft bed , who can sleep soundly now a-dayes , amidst so much loud noise , and many impetuous rumors . Wherfore it seemeth to Mee , both a safe and cheap Receipt , to procure Quiet and Repose to the Mind which complains for want of rest , to prescribe unto it the reading of History . Great is the pleasure and profit thereof . * Zaccheus , wee know , was low and little in stature , but when hee had borrowed some height from the Fig-Tree , into which he climbed , the Dwarfe was made a Gyant on a suddain ; last minute beneath the Armes , but now grown above the heads of other men . Thus our experimentall knowledge is , in it selfe , both short and narrow , as which cannot exceed the spanne of our owne life . But when wee are mounted on the Advantage of History , we can , not onely reach the yeere of Christs Incarnation , but , even touch the top of the worlds beginning , and at one view over-see all remarkable accidents of former ages . Wherefore , untill such time , as I shall by Gods providence , and the Authority of my Superiors , bee restored to the open Exercise of my profession , on termes consisting with my Conscience , ( which welcome Minute , I doe heartily wish , and humbly wait for ; and will greedily listen to the least whisper sounding thereunto ) it is my intent ( God willing ) to spend the remnant of my dayes in reading and writing such Stories as my weak judgement shall commend unto me for most beneficiall . Our English Writers tell us of David King of the Scots , that whilst he was Prisoner in a Cave in Nottingham Castle , He , with his Nailes , shall I say carved , ( or ) scratched out the whole History of our Saviours Passion , in the Wall . And although the Figures be rough and rude , yet in one respect they are to bee compared unto , yea , preferred before the choysest Pieces , and most exact Platformes of all Engravers , being done at such disadvantages ; cut out of a maine Rock , without any light to direct him , or Instruments to help him , besides his bare hands . The Application of the Story serves mee for manifold uses . First , here I learn , if that Princes , then meaner Persons , are bound to finde themselves some honest employment . Secondly , that in a sad and solitary condition , a Calling is a comfortable Companion . Thirdly , where men want Necessaries , fit Tooles and Materialls , the worke that they doe , ( if it be any degree passable , ) deserves , if not to bee praised , to bee pardoned . Which encourageth me to expect of the charitable Reader , favour for the faults in this Tract committed , when hee considers the Author in effect banished , & Booklesse , and wanting severall accommodations requisite to the compleating an History . Noah , to make an Essay * , whether the waters were abated from the face of the earth , before hee would adventure to expose the whole Fraught of his Arke to danger , dispatch'd a Dove to make discovery , and report unto him the condition of the World , intending to order himselfe accordingly . A deep Deluge hath lately over-flowed the whole Kingdome , to the drowning of many , and dangering of all . I send forth this small Treatise , to try whether the swelling surges , and boyling billowes in mens breasts , ( flowing from the distance in their judgments , and difference in their affection ) begin now to asswage , and whether there be a dry place for this my innocent Dove , safely to settle her selfe . If shee finde any tollerable entertainment , or indifferent Approbation abroad , it will give mee encouragement to adventure a Volumne of a more usefull Subject , and greater concernment in the view of the world . Thine in all Christian offices , THO. FULLER . The Index . A Book ▪ Parag. Alexius Comnenus most debauched , 1 1 Foolishly rejoyceth at the death of Andronicus . 2 15 Wanted rather Breeding than parts . 3 9 Stoutly refuseth to signe the warrant for his mothers death . 3 11 Yeelded at the last , conquered with importunity . 3 13 Hunted after himselfe , when sent a hunting 3 14 The cruell manner of his death 3 18 Anna , Widdow to Alexius , wooed by Andronicus 3 19 , 20 Married unto him some weeks after her husbands death . 3. 21 Compared to Anne , wife to our King Richard the third . Bemoaneth her miserable success . 4 9 Dispossest by an Harlot of her Husbands affections . 4 10 B Bo. Pa. Basilius , A Bishop , his Character . 2 8 His Speech to Andronicus , desiring him to be Emperour . 2 9 His rejoynder to Andronicus upon his refusall . 2 11 Made Patriark of Constantinople . 4 12 Reproved for his over-melding in temporall matters . 4 13 Proudly pleads in his owne defence . 4 14 Crowneth Isaacius Emperour . 6 11 Maketh a Sermon-like Oration unto him , touching the duty of Princes . 6 12 Continueth in safety and Honour , contrary to all expectation . 6 16 Dyeth in his bed . 6 17 Conjectures concerning Gods proceedings towards him . 6 18 Begger , Vnjustly accused for a Conjurer . 2 19 Delivered to the fury of the people . 2 20 By them miserably Massacred 2 21 Bow-string , mockingly call'd by Andronicus , the Medicine for all Maladies . 3 18 C Bo. P. Caesar , An Italian Lord , 1 7 Poysoned . 3 8 Combination , Of severall great Lords to fetch in Andronicus . 1 6 A Catalogue of their hard names . 1 7 Finde themselves too late deceived in Andronicus . 2 17 By whom they are slighted and neglected . 2 18 The vitiousnesse thereof described . 1 4 Constantinople conquered , as soon as entred by Andronicus . 1 14 Preserved by him from the rapine of his Army , how , and why . 1 18 The Walls thereof repaired by Andronicus . 3 24 Adorned by him with severall stately Structures . ibid. Conto-Stephanus , Admirall of the Gallies . 1 7 Betrayed the fleet to Andronicus . 1 13 By whose cruelty his eyes were afterward bored out . 3 27 Coronations of Usurpers , why more pompousin state , then those ▪ of lawfull Princes . 2 14 D. Devil , Why he coucheth his answers in Obscurity . 5 12 His Alphabet to be read backward . 5 13 Such as have his Text , still need his Comment . 5 14 Drexelius , His charitable opinion of Andronicus . 6 7 Ducas-Alexius , In vain praiseth himselfe as fit for the Empire . 3 31 E Franks , Many dwelling in the City of Constantinople . 1 17 Ingrosse all the Trade from the Natives . ibid. Cruelty exposed to bee spoyled and killed by the Paphlagonian Armie . 1 18 G Georgius Dysipatus . 1 7 Intended to be roasted by Andronicus .. 3 27 Grecians , No skilfull Mariners . 1 12 H Bo. P. Hermite , his Oration against Clergie mensmedling in civil affaires . 4 13 Husbandry much advanced by Andronicus . 3 26 I Jester , at the court neglected by Andronicus , as beneath his anger . 3 6 Jests of Andronicus on dying men . 3 18 Isaacius , Commended by Mamalus to be made Emperour . 3 30 In vaine opposed by Ducas . 3 31 Reasons rendred of his miraculous preservation . 5 5 Flyeth into the great Church . 5 4 By his Eloquence perswadeth the people to save him . ibid. He is solemnly crowned Emperour . 6 11 L Lapardus , His speech to the Lords of the Combination . 1 5 His Character . 4 6 Favoureth Andronicus too long , and yet deserteth him too soone . 4 7 Bo. P. His speech on the Scaffold , when his Eyes were bored out . 4 8 Library , Of Andronicus , full of rarities , plundered by the soldiers . 5 7 M Mamalus , With a milde answer pacifieth the passion of Caesarissa . 3 4 His speech to the Lords in the behalfe of Isaacius . 3 30 Brought naked to the stake . 4 3 There cruelly burnt . 4 4 Whilst Andronicus barbarously insulteth over him . 4 5 Manuel , the late deceased Emperor , hath his ashes derided by Andronicus . 2 45 Manuel Son to Andronicus . 3 15 Refuseth to execute Xene the Empresse ibid. Modestely answereth his Fathers Arguments . 3 16 Opposeth the bloudy Edict . 3 27 His eyes bored out by Isaacius . 6 19 Maraptica , an impudent harlot , her cunning carriage , & great wealth . 5 10 Maria Caesarissa , 1 7 Her Embassy to Andronicus . 1 8 Bo. P. Excessive passion . 3 1 Her Cholerick speech to the Lords of the Combination 3 3 Mutability of Peoples affection . 6 10 N Newters : their base temper . 1 11 P. Palace of Andronicus spoiled 5 6 Patience of Andronicus . 6 5 Popular tumults most dangerous . 5 7 Presages of Andronicus his death , 5 2 contemned by him . 5 3 Protosebastus Alexius , 1 2 Makes preparation against Andronicus . 1 11 Overcome , and despightfully used . 1 15 S Seth , A Famous Conjurer . 5 12 Scripture wrested by Andronicus to countenance his cruelty . 3 28 Sea , why offended at Andronicus . 5 15 Ship-wrackt goods preserved by Andronicus , for the owners . 3 25 Stephanus Hagiocristophorita , 1 7 Bo. P. Stifleth Xene the Empresse . 3 16 Out of malice contriveth the ruine of Trypsycus . 4 16 T Theodorus , The Patriarke . 1 3 Confounded with the Complements of Andronicus . 2 2 Retiroth to the Island of Teribynthus . 4 9 Severall reasons why hee left the Court . 4 10 His quiet death , & decent buriall . 4 11 Tortures , Used by Andronicus . 3 23 As extreame used upon him . 6 1. 2 Traitors , caught in their own subtlety . 5 5 Tyrant , His true description . 4 2 V Vertues of Andronicus . 3 23 X Xene , The mother Empresse her voluptuousnesse . 1 2 Even when nearest to greatest danger 1 10 Accused of high Treason , that shee would betray Belgrade to the King of Hungarie . 3 9 Stifled between two pillowes . 3 16 ANDRONICUS OR The vnfortunate POLITITIAN . The first Booke . 1. ALexius Comnenus , only Son of Manuel Comnenus , succeeded his Father in the Empire of Constantinople . A child hee was in Age & Judgment : of wit , too short to measure an honorable sport , but lost himselfe in low delights . Hee hated a booke , more then a monster did a looking-glasse , and when his Tutor indeavored to play him into Schollership , by presenting pleasant Authors unto him , hee returned , that learning was beneath the Greatnesse of a Prince , who , if wanting it , might borrow it from his subjects , being better stor'd ; for ( saith hee ) if they will not lend mee their braines , I le take away their heads . Yea he allowed no other Librarie , then a full stor'd Cellar , resembling the Butts to Folioes . Barrells to Quartoes , smaller Runlets , to lesser Volumns , and studied away his time , with base Company , in such debauchednesse . 2. Leave wee Alexius drowning his Care , or rather carelesnesse in wine , to behold Zene his mother the Regent Empresse . Surfeting also in pleasure with her husband Proto-sebastus , who had married her , Since the decease of Manuel her late husband . This Proto-sebastus a better Stallion , then warre-horse , was a perfect Epicure , ( so that Apitius , in comparison of him , was a Churle to starve himselfe , ) better at his palat , then his tōgue , yet better at his tongue , then his Armes , being a notorious Coward . He , with the Empresse , conspired to the dissolute Education of young Alexius , keeping him in constant ignorance of himself , their strength consisting in his weakenesse , who had he been bred to understand his owne power , might probably have curb'd their exorbitances . 3. The Bodie of the Grecian State , at this time , must needs be strāgely distempered , under such heads . Preferment was only scattered amongst Parasites , for them to scramble for it . The Court had as many Factions , as Lords , save that all their divisions united themselves in a generall vitiousnesse ; and that Theodorus the Patriarh , was scoffed at by all as an antick for using Goodneesse , when it was out of fashion and was adjudged impudent , for presuming to be pious alone by himselfe . 4. As for the City of Constantinople , the chief seate of the Grecian Empire ; she had enjoyed happinesse so long , that now she pleaded Prescription for prosperity . Because living in Peace Time out of mind , she conceived it , rather a wrong , to have constant Quiet denied , than a favour , from Heaven , to have it continued vnto her . Indeed , Shee was grown sicke , of a Surfet of health , and afterwards was broken , with having too much Riches . For instead of honest industrie , & painfull thrift , which first caused the greatnes of this City : now flowing with wealth , there was nothing therein , but the swelling of Pride , the boiling of lust , the fretting of Envie , and the squeezing of Oppression . So that should their dead Auncestours arise , they would be puzzl'd to see Constantinople for it felfe , except they were directed there unto , by the Ruines of St. Sophies Temple . True it was , some years since , upon agreat famine , some hopes were given of a generall Amendment . During which time , Riot began to grow thrifty , pride to goe plaine , Gluttons to fast , and wantons were starv'd into Temperance . But forced Reformation will last no longer , then the violent cause thereof doth Continue . For soon after , when plenty was again restord , they relapsed to their former Badnesse ; yea afterwards became fouler for the Purge , and more wanton for the Rod , when it was Removed . 5. Now there was an Antifashion in the Grecian Empire , maintained by some Lords of antient Extraction , who were highly offended at the great Power whch Proto-Sebastus , and L. Xene the Empresse usurped to themselves ; and meeting privatly together , Andronicus Lapardas , as prolocutor for the rest , vented his discontentment . Complaining , it was more then high time , that they now awake out of the Lethargie of Security , into which , by fooles lullabyes , they had cousened themselves . That they in the Empire , which have most at the Stake , are made only lookers on ; sometimes admitted to the Counsell , out of Complement , and for Countenance barely to concurre ; but for the maine kept in Ignorance of most materiall passages . That their names are all branded for Death , and that no love to their persons , but fear what might follow , had hitherto secured their lives . In a word ; that they must speedily resolve on some projects for their protection , or else they should approve themselves heirs to Epimetheus , who is not found to have left any Land unto his Sonnes , but only to have bequeathed an uselesse Sorrow unto them , for their Portion . Hereupon they entred into a strict Combination with themselves secretly , vowing that they would improve their utmost might to bring in Andronicus Comnenus , a Prince of the bloud , one of great parts and abilities , ( but lately banished out of the Empire ) to counterpoise the power of Proto-Sebastus , and to free young Alexius from the wardship of such as abused him . We wil present the Reader with a list of their Titles and offices , who were ingaged in this designe ; intreating him not to be offended with us , because of the hardnesse and length of their Names ; but rather with their God-fathers who Christened them . We have an English Proverbe that bones bring meat to Town , and those who are desirous to feast themselves on the pleasant & profitable passages of Historie , must bee content some time to stoope their stomacks to feed on hard words , which bring matter along with them . 7. First , Maria Prophyrogenita Caesarissa daughter to Manuel the late Emperour , by a former wife , halfe sister to Alexius the young Emperour . 2. Caesar her Husband , an Italian Lord , who was so overtopt with the high birth , and spirit of his wife , that in this Historie we find him not grown much above the bare mention of his Name . 3. Conto-Stephanus , the Great Duke , Admirall of the Galleys . 4. Camaterus Basilius President of the City . 5. Hagiochristophorites Stephanus , Captaine of the Guard . 6. Disypatus Georgius Lecturer in the great Church , ( an higher office , then the moderne acceptation of the word doth imply . ) 7. Tripsycus Constantinus one of the most noble extractions . 8. Macroducas Constantinus , no whit inferiour to him in pedegree , or power . 9. Andronicus Lapardas , formerly mentioned , together with the aforesaid 10. Theodorus , the Patriark , last named , because least interessed . For in matters of piety , hee was governed by his conscience , but in matters of Policy , by good Company ▪ being therein himselfe utterly unskilled : and strangers in unknowne waies commonly follow the most beaten Tract of others before them . All these joyn'd in a league to bring Andronicus home to Constantinople , who , what he was , and how qualified , we will not forestall the Reader , conceiving it , though something painefull , yet more healthfull for him to gaine his Character by degrees in the Sequell of his Actions , wherein he will sufficiently discover himselfe , without our description of him . 8. Now Maria Caesarissa was imployed unto Andronicus ( having ability in her selfe , and advantage by her Sex for the cunning carriage of the matter ) to acquaint him with their designes . She comming to Oenaeum , where he liv'd in Banishment , informed him of the generall discontent in the Grecian Empire : And how those which basely served Xene , did only command in the State . That , besides those great persons , ( whose names she presented in writing ) many others ( as yet scrupulous Newters ) would have their doubtes fully satisfied , and declare on his side when they saw him appeare with a powerfull Army . That it would be a meritorious worke to enfranchise his Kinsman Alexius from their slavery , where-under he , and the Grecian Empire did grone . 9. Welcom was this Invitation to Andronicus , to be requested to doe , what of himselfe he desired . How willingly doth the fire fly upwards , especially when employed to fill up a vacuity ; because then doing 3. good Offices , with one motion ; Namely , expressing its Dutifulnesse to the Dictates of Dame Nature ; and contributing in Case of Necessity , to the Preservation of the Universe ; and pleasing its owne peculiar Tendency , which delights in ascending : Such now the Condition of Andronicus , who in this undertaking , would show Courteous in granting the Request of his friends , appeare pious in promoting the generall good , and withall satisfie the Appetite of his owne Ambition and Revenge . Wherefore with treasure , whereof he had plenty , he provided men and Armes , and prepared with all speed for the Expedition . 10. But he could not be more busie about his War , then Xene was imployed about her wantōnesse , counting in life all spilt , that was not sport , who to revenge herselfe on envious death , meant in mirth to make herselfe Reparation , for the Shortnesse of her life . That time , which flieth of it selfe , she sought to drive a way , with unlawful Recreations . And though Musicke did jarre , and mirth was prophanesse , at this present time , wherein all did feele what was bad , and feare what was worse , yet shee by wāton Songes ( Panders to Lust ) and other provocatives , did awake the sleeping Sparks of her Corruption , into a flame of open wickednesse . 11. But it was a great and sudden abatement to her jollity to heare , that Andronicus , with a puissant Armie , was approaching the City . Alexius Protosebastus , her minion , did woe al people to make resistance . But he found abundance of Neuters , ( of that luke-warme temper ) which Heaven and Hell doth hate , ) who would not out of their Houses , but stay at * home and side with neither party , these did maintaine that the publicke Good was nothing but the result of many mens particular good , and therefore held ; that in saving their own they advanced the generall . Indeed they hop'd , though the great vessell of the State was wrackt , in a private fly-boat of Neutrality , to waft their own Adventure safe to the Shore . But who ever saw dauncers on Rops , so equally to poise themselves , but at last they fell downe and brake their Necks ? And we will take the Boldnesse to point at these hereafter , and to show what was their Successe . 12. The best thing wch befrended Protosebastus ( next to his owne Money ) was the obliging disposition of Xene . She had as many Nets as Gestures to catch affections in , and with her Smiles , did not onely presse , but pay all Carpet Knights , and amorous Persons to be of her partie . The City of Constantinople was thrice walled , with wood , stones , and bones , plenty of Shipping , artificiall Fortifications , and multitudes of men . The worst was , their Arsenall was a goodly Stable of gallant wooden Horses , but they wanted Riders to manage them , The Grecians ( at this time ) being very simple Seamen , though Nature may seeme both to woe and teach them to be skilfull Mariners , by affording them plenty of Safe Harbours . However the Grecians conceiving Navigation beneath their honour ( which indeed was above their Industrie , ) resigned the benefit of Trading in their owne Seas to the Italians of Pisa , Genoa , Florence , and Venice . Protosebastus hired Mercenary Mariners of these , and with them man'd his Ships , Stopping the passages of Propontis , by which Andronicus coming from Paphlagonia , out of the lesser Asia , was to passe . 13 But now an Admirall was to be provided for his Navie : Conto-Stephanus the great Duke , formerly mentioned , challenged the Place as proper to himselfe , scorning to be made a Stale to weare the Style in Peace , and not to execute the Office in warr , when occasion was offered to shew his valour , and serve his Countrie . What should Protosebastus do ? it is equally dangerous to offend , or imploy him . Yet he resolves on the latter , not willing to teach him , to be dishonest by suspecting him , and conceiving it to be an engagement , on a Noble Nature to be trusty , because he was trusted . But he no sooner received the Charge , but betrayed all the Galleyes to Andronicus , whereby in an instant he was made Master of all those Seas . The news whereof being brought to the City ; oh what riding , what runing , what packing , what posting ! happy he that could trip up his Neighbours heeles , to get first into the favour of Andronicus . Many that stak't their wives and children at home in the City , had laid good Betts abroad on the opposite Party . 14. Andronicus being easily wafted over , comes to the Gates of Constantinople . Here to oppose him , there was rather a Skirmish then a Fight , or rather a flourish then a skirmish , the land forces consisting of two Sorts . First old Souldiers , who formerly having been notorious Plunderers , had their Armes so pressed downe , with the weight of the peoples just Curses , that they could not lift up their Swords to any purpose , but having formerly preyed on their Friends , were made a prey to there Foes : Secondly Citizens ; vsed onely to traverse their Shops , and unacquainted with military Performances . The city once entred , was instantly conquered , ( whose strength was much overfam'd ) such populous Places , like unweildy bodies , sink with their owne weight . 15. Protosebastus was taken Prisoner , and was kept some dayes and nights waking , being pinch'd , when once offering to shut his eyes . A torment which we meet not with to be used to so high a person , though ( they say ) of late in Fashion , for the discovery of Witches . But to put him out of his paine , Andronicus is conceived by some , mercifull unto him , in causing his eyes to be bored out , seeing it was lesse torture not to see , then not to sleepe ; So much for this great Coward , though this his Character , cannot be guessed from his Demeanour herein , seeing a better Souldier might have been worsted in this Expedition againg Force , of open Foes , and fraud of seeming freinds , it being impossible to make them fight , who are resolved to flye . 16. The Army thus entring the City , some outrages , they must of Course commit , but those , neither for Number or Nature , such as might have been expected : For when a place is taken by Assault , the most strict Commanders are not able to keep the mouthes of their Souldiers Swords fasting , but may be commended for moderate , if they feed not to a Surfet . Besides , such was the infinite wealth of Constantinople , her treasures would tempt the fingers of Saints , much more of Souldiers ; the Paphlagonians , ( whereof the Army consisted , ) vowed , that seeing their Swords had done so good service , they would make hilts of Gold , for their Blades of Steele . 17. There was then inhabiting in the City of Constantinople , multitudes of Frankes ( understand French , Germanes , and principally Italians , ) so that well might this City be called new Rome , from the aboundance of Latins that lived therein , These first by Manufactures , and then by Merchandice , got great wealth , ( their diligence being more , and Luxurie lesse then the Greekes , ) insomuch that they ingrossed all Trading to themselves . This attracted the Envie of the Natives , that Strangers should suck the Marrow of the State , alledging , that in Processe of time , the Ivie would grow to be an Oake , & those prove absolute in their owne power , which , at first , were dependent for their Protection . Andronicus with some-thing more than a bare Connivance , though lesse then a full Command , freely consigned these Frankes over to the Rapine of his Army . 18. Such of them as related , by former Freindship or Alliance to the Grecians , fled to them for shelter , who , instead of preserving , persecuted them , their Company being Conceived Infectious , lest it should bring the Plague of the Souldiers fury along with it . And who findes a faithfull friend in Miserie ? All their goods were spoild , and most of there lives spill'd , save such as formerly had escaped by flight to their Ships . Thus Andronicus found a cheap way , both to pay his Souldiers , and please the People , who counted him an excellent Phisitian of the State , and this a great Cure done by him , in purging the superfluous , yea noxius Aliens out of the City . Indeed carefull he was to preserve the City it selfe from spoiling , as having then a squint eye at the Empire ; and knowing Constantinople , to be the Seat thereof , he would not deface that faire Chaire into which , in due time , he hop'd himselfe to sit downe . The Second BOOKE . 1. ANDRONICUS being thus peaceably possess'd of Constantinople , first made his humble addresse to the yong Emperour Alexius , and ceremoniously kissed his feet . The Spectatours variously commented on his prodigious humility therein , Some conceiving , he mean't to build high , because he began so low ; others thinking that their Toes had need beware the cramp , whose feet he kissed . 2. The next Stage , whereon his Hypocrisie acted , was the great Church it selfe , where , meeting Theodorus the Patriarke at the doore , he incountred him with transcendent Courtship , protesting , that in him , he beheld the pattern of of Chrysostome , his famous Predecessour , it being questionable , whether that worthy father , did more truly survive , in the learned Books , he left to posterity , or in the lookes and life of Theodorus . And whil'st the Patriark was meditating a modest Replie , Andronicus did powr Complements , so full and fast upon him , that stifel'd therewith , he could breath no Answer in returne , but only fell into a swound of Amazement . 3. Hence , he advanced into the Quire , unto the monument of Manuel his kinsman , and late Emperour . At sight whereof , the teares trickled downe his reverent Cheekes , as if they had run a race , which of them , should be the foremost : some interpreted this , the love which Andronicus bare to the memorie of the dead Emperour , and others feared , that as the moist dropping of stones is the foure-runner of foule weather ; so this relenting of his hard heart , presaged some storme to follow after , in the State . Then coming to Manuels Tombe , ordering his voice so low , as seeming he might not bee , and yet so loud , as certaine hee was heard , what he spake , he expressed himselfe to this effect . 4. Deare Manuel , my loyaltie stiles thee Soveraign , but my bloud calls thee cosin . I will not say it was thy fault , but my fate , not to have my love to thee understood , according to the integrity of my intentions . my Innocence , by thee , was banished into a farre Countrie . The Burthen did not greive mee , but the hand that laid it on ; not somuch to be an Exile , as an Exile made by thee . However , all my revenge vnto thee , shall be in advancing the honour and safety of thy sonne Alexius , to free whose Innocence , from the Abuse of his friend-pretended-enemies , I have embarked my selfe , in a dangerous and desperate designe : Yea my manifold Infirmities ( of which I am most Conscious ) grieve mee not so much , in my owne behalfe , as because thereby I am rendred dis-able , from being serviceable to your sonne , in so high a degree , as I desire . 5. Then sinking his voyce , past possibility of being overheard , he continued . Base bloudy Hound , which chasest me from place to place . I here arrest thy drowsie Ashes , it being now past thy power to breake this marble Chest . I scorne to ungrave thy dust , ( wishing that all my Enemies were as Sumptuously entombed , ) But thy Sonne , Wife , Daughter , Favourites , Friends , Name , Memory , I will utterly destroy . The Poets Phansie begat three Furies in Hell , and I will be the fourth on Earth . 6. Some will demand , how we came to the knowledge of this Speech , being so secretly delivered ? It is answered , it is possible some invisible Eare might lie in Ambush within the Earereach of his words . Besides , let not me be challenged for a libell , who can produce the party from whom I received it ; and amongst others , discharge my selfe on one principall * Author of Excellent credit . Though I believe that this Speech was never taken from the Originall of Andronicus his mouth , but was translated from the black Coppie of his wicked Actions , which afterward he committed . 7. His devotions ended , hee retired to his owne house , and there lived very privately , as renouncing all worldly Pompe and Pleasure , whilst his Engineeres , under-hand , were very active to procure the Empire for him , which was thus contrived : A Petition was drawne , in the name of all the People , requesting Andronicus , that hee would bee pleased , for the good of the State , to be chosen joynt Emperour with Alexius . This was subscribed by the principall men in everie place ; and then Herds of silly Soules did the like . They never consulted with the Contents of the Paper , whether it was Bond , Bill , Libell , or Petition . But thought it a sinne , not to score their Marks , where they were told , their betters had gone before them . At first they wanted names for their Parchmēt , but afterward , Parchment for their names . Here it would bee tedious to recount , what slights and forgeries were used herein . If any delayed to subscribe , they were presently urged with great mens Presidents ; that it was Superstition , to bee more holy than the Bishops : Rigour , to bee more just then the Judges : Malapartnesse , to pretend to more wisdome than so many States-men , who had already signed it . And thus , many fearefull Souls were compell'd to consent , by the Tyranny of others Examples . Indeed some few there were , which durst be honest , whose Soules did stand on a Basis of their own judgements , without leaning , with implicite faith , on others . These disavowed this State-Bigamie , protesting against the Co-Empireship of Andronicus , and boldly affirming , that Crownes take a Master if they accept a Mate . But then all their Names , were returned unto Andronicus , who registred them in his black Kallender , who , for the present , did remember , and for the future would requite them . The principall Agent , that openly promoted this Businesse was Basilius , a Bishop , one that professed Heaven , and practised Earth , much medling in Temporall matters , being both lewd and lazie in his owne profession : onely herein he had the Character of a good Church-man , that by his preaching and living he set forth his office accordingly . 9. And now the Scene being covertly laid , in a Solemne Assembly , on a high Festivall , this Bishop , as the mouth of the rest , ( whose names hee held in a Parchment Roll ) represented to Andronicus the sincere Intentions , and earnest wishes of the State . Most humbly requesting him , that he would be pleased so farre to ease the tender yeares of his dear kinsman , young Alexius , as to beare halfe the burthen of the Crowne , and to accept to bee joynt-Emperour with him : Presuming , that such was the Goodnesse and Humility of Andronicus , that he would not disdaine a Part , though hee did deserve the Whole . And after a long Oration concluded . Thus anciently the Roman Senate coupled old delaying Fabius , with over-hasty Marcellus , blending Youth with Age , the Swift with Slow : Wholsome mixture , when the one brought Eyes , the other Hands ; the one was for Advice , the other for Action . And thus alone it is possible that the distempered State of the Grecian Empire at this present , can be cured with this Cordiall , and sacred Composition , of the Gravity of your Highnesse , to temper the green yeares of Alexius . 10. Hereat Andronicus discovered a strangenesse in his looks , as if he had needed an Interpreter to understand the Language which was spoken unto him ; and after some Pause proceeded . Let me not be censured for unmannerly in not returning my thanks , having my soule for the present possest with an higher employment of Admiration , That so many Aged States-men , as rich in wisedome , as yeares , should bee so much mistaken in mine Abilities , as to conceive me in any degree fit for the Moity of a Crowne . Goe chuse some Gallant , whose very flesh is steele , can march all day , and watch all night , whose vast Atchievements may adde Honour unto your Empire . Alas ! my pale face , leane Cheeks , dimnte eyes , faint heart , weak legges , speake me fit for no Crowne , but a Coffin , no Royall Robes , bvt a winding-sheet . Nor am I ashamed to confesse , that my youth hath been exceeding vitious , wherein I spared the Devill the paines of courting me , by preferring my selfe to his service : And now it is my onely joy , with griefe to recollect my former wickednesse . O flate I have found out a small private place , ( call it , as you please , least of Cells , or greatest of Graves , ) wherein I intend wholly to devote the Remnant of my life to Meditation of Mortality . For seeing naturally our soules are too deeply rooted in Earthlinesse , it is good to loosen them a little before , that so by Death , they may be pluckt up with the more Easinesse : Not that wilfully , either out of Lazinesse , or Sullenesse , I decline to serve my Country , which claimes a Share in mee . But though I know I am not to live for my selfe , I am to dye to my selfe , and may now at this Age , iustly Challenge to my selfe a Writt of ease , from all wordly employment . 11. But Basilius perceiving that he did but Complement a denyall , pressed him with the greater importunity : Confessing it would torment the modesty of his Highnesse to be told how high the Audit of his vertues did amount , knowing that he desired rather to deserve then hear his own commēdations . But withall instantly intreated him to remember ( what he full well understood ) that the Intreaties of a whole State , had the power of Commands ; and that Heaven it selfe was not so impregnable , but that it might be battered open , by the importunitie of poore Petitioners , That from his acceptance of this their humble Proffer , they should hereafter date the begining of their Happinesse . That this day should stand in the Front of their Almanackes , and in Scarlet Text , as a leader , command over the rest , which followed it , as the new Birth-Day of the Grecian Empire . 12. How ever at that present nothing more was effected , & because it was late , the Assembly was dismissed , only some principall Persons were appointed with their private perswasions , to mollifie the stiffenesse of Andronicus , who prevailed so farre , that meeting next morning in the full Concourse of all Sorts of People , Andronicus , First loosned the Vizard of his dissimulation for a time , letting it fairly hang by , at last it fell off of it's owne Accord , and thankfully accepted their Shouts , and Exclamations , with GOD SAVE ALEXIUS AND ANDRONICUS JOINT EMPEROURS OF GREECE . 13. Then mounted on a high Tribunall , he made an eloquent Oration , as indeed he was not only sweet , but lushious in his Language , and with the Circles of fine Phrases , could charme any Stranger , both into love , and admiration of his person ; smiling , with a pleasant Countenance , he told them , that he conceived his owne Condition was represented in the Eagle , displayed in the Imperiall Standard : For as Naturalists report . that Soveraigne of Birds , renewes his Age ; so Hee seemed to himselfe growne young again : as if the Heavens had bestowne upon him , new Shoulders for new Burdens . And seeing it was their pleasure , to elect him to the place , he promised to rescue Right out of the Paws of Oppression , to be the only Master of requests : so that all complaints , should have free Accesse to him , and , if just , Redresse from him . But especially he would be Carefull of his owne Conversation , intending , ( Grace assisting him , ) to have a Law in his owne example . In a word , his speech was all excellent good in it selfe , save for this only fault , that not one syllable thereof , was either truly intended or really performed . 14. The Solemnites of his Coronation were performed in great State , with much Pompe and Expence ; And wee may observe , that the Coronations of usurpers , are generally more gorgious in their Celebrations , than those of lawfull Princes . For usurpers , out of excessive joy of what they have undeservedly gotten , care not what Cost they lavish . Besides , Ceremonies are more substantiall to them , to tell the world what they are , who otherwise would take lesse notice of them , as not intituled by any right to the place they possess . Wheras Kings , on whose Heads Crownes are dropt from Heaven , by lineall descent , often save superfluous Charges , at their Coronation , as being but a bare Ceremony , deriving or adding no right unto them , but only clearing and declaring the same to others . 15 The noise of the peoples Shouts , did allarm young Alexius , which hitherto was fast sleeping in some obscure Corner , and little dream't , that meane while , an Empire was stollen away from him . But now coming to Andronicus , he publickly congratulated His happinesse , & with a smiling Countenance , embraced him , as hartily glad , that he had gotten so good a Companion in so great an employment . Wee read , that in the Country of Lituania , there is a peculiar Custome that married men have Adjutores Tori , Helpers of the marriage bed , which , by their Consent , lye with their wives ; and these Husbands are so farre from conceiving either Hatred or Jealousie against them , that they esteeme them their principall friends . Surely the Beds in that Country are bigger than in other places : seeing amongst all other Nations , a wife is a Vessell , wherein the Cape-Merchant will not admit any Adventurers to share with him . It seemes , Alexius was one of this Lituanian Temper , that could accept a Partner in his Empire , tickled with joy at the Shewes and Solemnities of his Coronation , ( and well might hee laugh till his heart did ake , ) though some did verily thinke , that amongst all the Pageants there presented , he himself was the strangest , and most ridiculous spectacle . As for Xene the Empresse , shee appeared not at all in publike , being pensive at home , having almost wept out her owne Eyes , because Protosebastus had his bored out . 16. Next very day , in all Pattents and publick Receipts , their Names were transposed . First , Andronicus , and then Alexius , this reason being rendred , that it was unfitting that a youth should be preferred before so grave , and Reverent an old Man . Or rather , because , as in Numeration , the Figure is to be put before the Cypher . Here some of the friends of Alexius propounded , to stop the ambition of Andronicus , before the Gangrene thereof spread further ; seeing what he received , did not satisfie , but enlarge his proud breast , prompting new thoughts unto him , and widening his heart for higher desires . The motion found many to praise , but not to practice it ; none would doe , what all desired were done . The younger sort conceived , that this office , because dangerous , was most proper for old men to undertake , who need not to bee thrifty of their lives , seeing it was too late to spare at the Bottome . Old men were of the opinion , it best beseemed the Boldnesse & Activity of Youth : and such as were of middle Age , did partake of the Excuses of both . Thus in a Project that is apparently desperate , even those who are proudest on their termes of Honour will bee so humble , as in modesty to let meaner men goe before them . 17. As for the Lords of the Combination , ( who first procured Andronicus his comming to Constantinople , ) they found themselves , that they now had farre over-shot the Marke they aimed at . For they intended onely to use him for the present , to humble and abate the Pride and power of Protesebastus . Which done , they meant , either wholly to remove , or warily to confine him . But now what they chose for Physick must be given them for daily food : and wofull is the condition of that man , who , in case of necessity , taking hot water to prevent Swooning , must ever after drinke it for Beverage , even to the burning out of his Bowells . For Andronicus , thouhg he came in as a Tenant at will , would hold his place in Fee to himselfe and his Heires . And whereas the aforesaid LORDS promised themselves , if not Advancement to new Assurance to their old Offices ; they found themselves preferr'd to nothing but neglect and contempt : neither intrusted in the Advice , nor imployed in the Execution of any matters of Moment . 18. Indeed Andronicus did loath the sight of those Lords , as Debters doe of Bailiffes , as if their very looks did arrest him to pay for those Grand favours which he had formerly received from them , brought by their helpe from banishment , to power and wealth in the City . Nor would he make use of them , as too sturdy to bee pliable to his Projects ; standing on their former deserts and present Dignities ; but employed those Osiers of his owne planting , which might be easily wreathed to all purposes , being base up-starts , depending on his absolute Pleasure . And as he used these alone , so these onely in matter of Execution : who taking himself , ( and therein not mistaken ) to be sole friend to himselfe , would not impart his Counsells to any one , being wont to say , that Ships sinke as deep with one , as with onehundred Leaks . 19. Wee will conclude this Book with an Independent Story , hoping the Reader will take it as wee finde it . There was a noted Begger in Constantinople , well known to the people thereabouts , ( as who had almost worne the Thresholds of Noble mens doores , as bare as his owne cloathes ) an exceeding tall , raw-bon'd Body , with a meagre , and lanke Belly , so that hee might have passed for Famine it selfe . This man was found begging about the lodgings of Andronicus , very late at night , at an unseasonable houre , except one would say , that men of his profession , as they are never out of their way , so they are never out of their time , but may seasonably beg at any houre , when they are hungry . Being apprehended at the Guard , and accused for a Conjurer , ( his ugly face being all the Evidence against him , ) Andronicus delivered him over to the indiscreet discretion of the People , to doe with him as they pleased . These wilde Justicers , without legall proofe , or further proceeding , for Almes , bestowed on him a Pile of Wood , and a great fire , where they burnt him to Ashes , whose fact might justly have intitled him to a whipping Post , but not to a Stake . 20. Say not that this is beneath our History , to insert the Death of a Begger in the life of an Emperour . For all Innocents are equall in the Court of Heaven ; And this poore man , who , whilst alive , was so loud at great Mens doores , for meat to preserve his life , his bloud may be presumed to bee as crying and clamorous at the gates of Heaven to revenge his death . For herein Andronicus taught the People to bee Tyrannicall , a needlesse Lesson to such apt Schollers , who afterwards proved Proficients herein , to the cost of their Teacher , as , God willing , shall be shewed hereafter . The third BOOK . 1. THE newes of Andronicus his being chosen joynt-Emperour , no sooner arrived at the eares of Maria Caesarissa , but shee was drowned in a deluge of griefe : being beholden to nature that she could vent her selfe in teares ; seeing that sorrow , which cannot bleed in the eyes , doth commonly fester in the heart . And when her Nurse lovingly chid her , for excessive sadnesse , she pleaded her sex , which can scarce doe any thing without over-doing ; so that Feminine passions , must either not be full , or over-flow . 2. But Anger , soon after having got the conquest of her owne grief , with furious speed she repaired to the place , where the Lords of the Combination were assembled , & ther she abruptly vented her self in these Expressions . 3. Greece is growne barbarous , and quite bereft of its former worth ; not so much as the ruines of valor left in you , to reach forth unto posterity , any signes that you were extracted from brave ancestors . Time was when the Grecian Youth , adventured for the Golden-Fleece , you may now adventure for the Asses Skin , the dull Embleme of your owne Conditions : The merry Greek , hath now drowned the Proverbe of the valiant Greek . Tame Traytors all ! that could behold an Usurper , Mate and check your lawfull Emperour , and neither wag hand or tongue in opposition . Did my father Manuel for this , impaire his owne , to raise your estates ? He made you honourable and great : Oh that hee could have made you gratefull ! The best is , your very sin will be your punishment . And though your practice hath beene so base , your judgement cannot be so blinde as to believe , that your Channells of Nobility can have a stream , when the Fountaine of Honour is dammed up , by your unworthinesse . 3. The Lords , though by their Silence they seemed first to swallow her words , yet the expression of Tame Traitors would not goe downe their Throats ; the largest soules being narrowest in point of credit , and soonest choakt with a disgrace . Mamalus therefore in the behalfe of the rest ; Madam ( said he ) sufficeth it now for us , barely to deny your speech . Had you been a man , we should have proceeded to defie the Speaker . What your passion , now condemnes in us for base ; your judgement will not onely acquit , for right , and approve , for safe : but even commend for honourable , and advantageous for our Master Alexius . Our Lives and Lands , are at the sole dispose , and the cruell mercy of our enemies . We are instantly undone , if we whisper the least and lowest syllable of Loyalty , and utterly disabled from any future service to Alexius . We conceive it therefore better , for a time , to bow to our foes , rather than to bee broken by them : To spare in words , and spend what wee please , in thoughts . We want not a will , but wait a time , to expresse our Reallity to the Emperour , with most safety to our selves , and effect for him , in a season , least subject to suspition . 5. Pacified with these words , she was contented to attend the performance of the Promise , in time Convenient ; though never living so long , as to behold it , being prevented by violent Death . For now Andronicus began freely to rage in Innocent bloud , cutting off such Nobles as hee thought would oppose him . Something like truth was alledged against them , to stop the Clamours of the multitude . And Power never wants pretences , & those legall , to Compasse what it doth desire . They were indicted of Conspiracy against Andronicus ; and Knights of the Post , ( of the Devils owne dubbing ) did depose it against them . Yea , silence was not enough to preserve mens Innocence : some being accused that their Noses did wrinkle , or their Eyes winke , or their Fore-heads frowne , or their Fingers snap Treason against Andronicus . 6. In this his Epidemical cruelty , it was much , that a famous Iester of the Court escaped his furie . Of this Fellow , his body downwards was a Foole , his Head a knave , who did carefully note , and cunningly vent , by the priveledges of his Coate , many State-Passages , uttering thē in a warie twilight , betwixt sport & earnest . But belike , Andronicus would not break himselfe by stooping to so low Revenge , and made Conscience in breaking the antient Charter of Iesters , though wronging the Liberty of others , of greater Concernment . 7. Of such as were brought to Publicke Execution , it was strange to behold , the difference of their demeanour . Some , who were able to be miserable , with an undaunted minde , did become their afflictions , and by their Patience made their miseries to smile , not bowing their Soules beneath themselves , only appealing for Iustice in another world . Others did foolishly rage , and ramp , mustring whole Legions of Curces , as if therewith to make the Axe turne Edge . And then seeing no Remedie but Death , their Soules did not bow by degrees , but fell flat in an instant ; of Lions , turning Calves , halfe dead with feare , received the fatall stroake of the Executioner . So many were confusedly hudled to death , it is hard to ranke them in order , only wee will insist on some principall Persons , 8. First , Maria Caesarissa , and her husband ( whether it was Conscience or Manners , not to part man and wife : ) And because Andronicus durst not , for feare of the People , bringe them to publick death , their Physitian was brib'd with Gold , which he conceived cordiall for himselfe ; And thereupon he did quickly purge out both theire Soules by Poyson , ( an unsuspected way , ) which robs men of their lives , and yet never bids them to stand . 9. Next followed Xene the Mother Empresse being accused of high Treason for attempting to be tray the City of Belgrade , to Bela King of Hungarie . A pack't councell condemn'd her to death , which though otherwise vitious , was generally bemoaned ; as most innocent in this particular . But , Andronicus the Emperour , cunningly derived the whole hatred hereof , on yong Alexius ( whose Power he never used , or owned , but onely to make him the Cloak-father for odious Acts ) vrging him to signe the warrant , for her execution . In the stout refusall whereof , Alexius shew'd more Constancy then was expected to come from him , clearely answering all Arguments , herein shewing himselfe a childe in Affection , and more then a childe in Judgement . Whereupon some ground their presumptions , that his soule deserved better breeding , and that hee was not to bee censured for weaknesse of Capacity ; but rather his friends to bee condemned , for want of care , and himselfe to bee bemoaned , for lack of Education . Hee flatly told Andronicus , that Nero was recorded Monster to all Ages , for killing his Mother : And that hee would never consent to her death , that gave him life . 10. But he proceeded to aggravate the Crime of Xene , Belgrade being such a piece of strength , that it was a whole Province in effect . And though but a Towne in Bulke , was a Kingdome in benefit . All Greece awfully attending the fortune thereof . Hee minded Alexius , that Fathers of Countries , should know no Mothers ; but that Soveraignes affections are onely of kin to the good and safety of their Subjects . Besides , ( saith he ) you need not scruple so much at her death , who is dead whilst living , and hath been many yeares drowned in Luxurie . So that what was cruelty in Nero , will be Exemplary Justice in you . 11. Alexius rejoyned , that if his Mother Xene was so drowned in Luxurie , the more need she had to drowne her sins in penitent Teares , except it were conceiv'd Charity to kill both her soule and body . That Princes were not to owne private affections , where they were destructive to the Common good , but might and must , where they consisted with the publike safety . Or else to become a Prince , would be all one , as to leave off to be a man . Grant Belgrade a strong Place ▪ it was still in their owne possession , and her intended Treason succeeded not . And therefore he conceiv'd it a middle and indifferent way , that she should be depriv'd of liberty for Plotting of Treason , and yet be permitted to live because the Plot took no effect : A Cloister should be provided , whereto she should bee close confin'd , therein to doe Pennance for her former enormities . And in this Sentence , he conceived that hee impartially divided himselfe betwixt the affection of a Childe , and severity of a Judge . 12. But Andronicus who was resolved to have no denyall , highly commended him for his filiall care of his Mothers soule : Yet , said he , for the benefit thereof , fifty Friers at my own proper charges , shall bee appointed , which after her Death , Night and day , shall dauly pay their prayers in her behalfe , whose suffrages are as well knowne above , as her Prayers are strangers there : it being to bee presumed , that whilst shee is living , the Heavens will be deafe to her , which so long have beene dumbe to them . Speake not of her Project that it tooke no effect ; for had it succeeded , none would have called it Treason , but have beheld it under a more favourable Notion . He minded Alexius that hee had sufficient power of himselfe , being joynt-Emperour to put her to death , but that he would in no case deprive him of this Peerelesse Opportunity of Eternizing his memory to Posterity , and securing the State by his necessary Severity . For all hereafter would be deterred from attempting of Treason , as despairing of pardon , when they beheld the Exemplary justice on his own Mother . 13. Alexius still persisting in his denyall , Andronicus at last fell to flat menacing , yet so cunningly carryed it , that his threats did not seeme to proceed from any anger , but from love to the person , and griefe for the perversenesse of Alexius . Hee protested he would no more break his sleep , he would steere the State no longer ; Let even the Windes and the waves hereafter bee the Pilots to that crazie vessell . He call'd the Heavens to witnesse , ( before whom hee entred a Caveat to preserve his owne Innocence , ) how he had tendred happinesse to Alexius , but could not force it upon him , who wilfully refused it . In a word , so passionate he was , and so violent was the streame of his importunity , that the young Emperour , either out of weaknesse , or wearinesse to swimme against it , was at last carryed away with the Current thereof , and subscribed the Warrant . 14. To divert whose minde from musing upon it , a solemne Hunting in the Countrey was contrived , that there he might take his pleasure . In a Forrest not farre off a stately Stagge was lodged , ambitious ( as they told him ) to fall by the hand of an Emperour , or else to bee dubbed an Hart Imperiall , if chancing to escape . All things being ready , Alexius is carried thither ; but withall , those are sent along with him , which hunted this Hunter , markt all his motions , learnt the language of his looks , and hands , with the different Dialects of his severall fingers , so that hee could not speake a word , or make signe to any of his faithfull servants , but presently it was observed , and if materiall , reported to Andronicus . None of his friends durst shew any discontent . If any was seen sadly to wag his head , it was a certaine signe that that head stood but loose on his shoulders , and by the next returne , the newes would bee , ' that 't was fallen off : so miserable was the condition of this Prince , and of all his followers . But Andronicus had a Hinde to hunt at home , and must provide for the Execution of Xene . And now to enter the tender yeares of his sonne Manuel , for great Actions , he thought first to bloud him with an Empresse , in private delivering the Warrant unto him . Behold here an unexpected accident ! This good Childe of a bad Father , ( Grace can cut off the oldest , and strongest Entaile of Wickednesse ) refused the Employment , alledging , there was no such dearth of hangmen , that a Prince need take their Office ; and that it was against his Conscience , her Crime being rather pack't than prov'd , seeing shee was never brought to answer for her selfe : Here-at his Father mad with rage , rated and reviled him . Bastard , thou wert never true Eagles Bird , whose eyes are dazled at the Sunne of Womans Beautie . What ? doth thy Cowardice take Sanctuary at Conscience ? He never climbes a Throne that stands on such poore pretences . What if she never appeared to answer ? where the fact it selfe doth Cry , it is needlesse for the offendor to speake : Narrow-hearted foole ! A Cottage is fitter for thee than an Empire . Have I pawned mine owne soule , to found thy greatnesse , and am I thus requited ? and so abruptly brake off into weeping . 16. Manuel Modestly returned : I am sorry Sir , you should pawne your soule for my sake , but however I am resolved not to loose mine owne . Whosoever climbes a Throne without Conscience , never sits sure upon it . I had rather succeed to your private paternall possession , then to an ill-gotten Empire . Nor am I daz'led at the Lustre of her beauty , but at the clearenesse of her Innocence ; all men being generally Compurgators for her Integrity herein . Employ me , and trie my valour in any other service . Command , and I will fetch the Lions onely heire out of his Den , both insight and spight of Sire and Dam ; onely herein I desire to be excused , and I hope deserve not to be accounted a Coward for fearing to commit a sinne . How much Andronicus was bemadded here-at , may easier be conceived , than exprest , to receive a finall repulse from his owne Sonne , insomuch as at the last he was faine to make use of Hagio Christophorites Stephanus , Captaine of the Guard ( who alone of all the Lords of the Combination , stuck to him , and was respected of him ) and hee verie fairely tooke order to dispatch her , stifling her ( as some say ) betwixt two Pillowes . 17. The next Newes which tooke possession of the Tongues and Eares of People , was the cruell and barbarous death of young Alexius : whilst , the vulgar did wonder that he dyed so soone , and the wise did more admire that he lived so long ; and the difference was not great betwixt him that was now but a Ghost , and whilst living , but a shadow * Basilius went too far to fetch a fit Paralell out of the Roman Historie , to compare An-dronicus and Alexius with old Fabius and sprightfull Marcellus ; who might have met in the same Story farre nearer , ( because later by 100 yeares ) a more lively resemblance in the Consulship of Julius Caesar and Bibulus , whereof the one did all , the other drankeall . 18. The manner of Alexius his death was , that hee had his neck broken with a Bow-string ; the punishment in that place , ( as still amongst the Turkes ) much used : and in this Tyrants Reigne , the string did cruelly strangle more at home , than the Bow did valiantly kill abroad . This Bow-string ( to make a short digression ) was an Instrument whereon Andronicus used to play , and sportingly to make much Mirth and Musick thereon to himselfe , calling it his medicine for all Malladies . For whereas ( said he ) Purges were base , Vomits worse , Cupping painfull , Glisters immodest , bloud-letting Cruell ; this Bow-string had all the opposite good qualities unto them . And the same did quench the heat of Feavers , draine the moisture of Dropsies , cure Plurisies without piercing a veine , stay the Vertigo , heale the Strangurie , by opening the Urine , and onely stopping the breath . This being one base humour of Andronicus , ( unworthy Civility and Christianity ) to breake iests on men in miserie , just as they were to dye . As for the Corps of Alexius ( on whom he had practised with his foresaid Medicine , ) they were most unworthily handled , and dead Bodies , though they cannot bee hurt , may bee wrong'd , especially of such eminent persons . 19. Now to refresh the Reader a-mid'st so many murders , and Massacres ; it will not be amisse , to insert an unexpected Marriage . Alexius left Anna an Empresse Dowager . And some days after her husbands death , he addressed himself a Sutor unto her , being to encounter with invincible disadvantages . First he came reaking with the bloud of slaine Alexius . And what hope could hee have that shee would embrace that Viper , that had stung her other-selfe to death ! Secondly the disproportion of his Age , being past 70. and what motly colour'd Marriage , would it make to joyne his gray to greene ! his cold November being enough to kill her flourie May . Notwithstanding all this , he had formerly been so flesh't with fortune , he conceived he could never bee leane afterwards ; and knew that in matters of this nature , confidence in attempting , is more than halfe the way to successe . 20. First , He possess'd himselfe of her judgement , and made her beleeve , that all his former undertakeings , were in service to her , grieving that Alexius did not valewe the Pearle he wore . He protested there was nothing about him , but his haires , which were dyed white , not by his Age , but by his Carefulnesse for her preservation . Then , He assaulted her affection , principally pressing that Argument , which was never propounded to a meere woman , & returned with a deniall , namely , assuring her of power & greatnes , promising she should be the Conduit , through which al his favours should passe , and all his people under his command , should be blest or blasted by her Influence , neither were gifts wanting , & those of the largest size , bestowed on her servāts , ( who promoted his cause ) and the dullest Bodies worke on the most subtile Soules , by the mediation of such Spirits . 21. Now , whether it was out of Childishnesse , not being full fourteene , or out of feare , being farre from her friends , and her Person in his power ; or out of pride , loath to abate of her former State ; she assented to his desire . But to speake plainely , he sheweth him selfe to have store of leisure , and want of worke , who is imployed to finde a Root in Reason , for all the fruit that growes from Francie : Sufficeth it , she loved him , affirming it , it was no wonder , that he should take a poore Ladies Affections captive , whose valour in the Field , had subdued the most manly of his Enemies . 22. To make this story passe for probable , we may fellow it , with the like in our English Chronicles . RICHARD the , Third , though not so old , more ugly , then ANDRONICUS , obtained the love , and was matried to the Countesse of Warwicke , the Relictt of Prince Edward ( sonne to King Henry the sixt ) whom the same Richard had slaine at Teuxbury , she knowing so much , and he not denying it , They were Namesakes , both Ann's , and when they had cast up their Audit , both , I beleeve , might equally boast of their Bargains . 23. But Andronicus who was never unseasonably Amorous ( but had his Lust subordinate to his Ambition and cruelty , when they gave him leave , and leasure to prosecute his pleasure ) was not softned by the Dalliance of Marriage , to remit any thing of his former Tyranny . He protested that he counted the day lost , wherein he had not kill'd or tortur'd some eminent Person : Or else , so planett-struck him with his frownes , that he enjoyed not himselfe after . He never put two men together to death after the same way ; as not consisting with his state to weare one torture threed-bare , but ever appeared in exchange , & variety of new māner of punishments . And if any wonder , that there was not a generall insurrection made against this monster of mankind , to rend him from the Earth ; Know that he had one humour , that did much helpe him , in being sterne and cruell to Noble men ; but affable and courteous to poore people , and so still kept in with the vulgar . Besides , many stately Structures he erected , and sweetned his cruelties with some good acts for the Publick . Now , that we might not seem to have weeded the life of Andronicus , or to be a kin to those flyes , which travelling by many fragrant Flowers , onely make their residence , on some sore , or Dunghill , wee will recount some of his good deeds , and pitty it was , that they had not proceeded from a better Author . 24. Hee surveyed the Walls of Constantinople , and mended them , wheresoever the chinkes thereof did call for reparation . Hee pluckt downe all the buildings without ( yet so , that the owners sustained no losse thereby ) for feare in case of an enemies invasion , those houses might serve them for Ladders to scale the City with more ease . Thus all Constantinople was brought within the compasse of her Walls , ( as she remaines at this day ) not like many ill proportioned Cities in Europe , which groane under over-great Suburbs ( so that the Children over-top the Mother ) and branch themselves forth into out-Streets , to the impairing of the root , both weakning and impoverishing the City it selfe . Hee bestowed great cost in adorning the Porphyrie Throne , which an Usurper did provide and beautifie , for a lawfull Prince to sit upon it . Hee brought fresh Water , ( a Treasure in that place ) through a Magnificent Aqueduct , into the heart of the City , which after his death , was spoyled out of spight ( as private Revenge in a furious fit , oft impaires the publike good ) people disdaining to drink of his water , who had made the streets runne with bloud . His benefaction to the Church of forty Martyrs amounted almost to a new founding thereof , intending his Tombe in that place , though it was arrant presumption in him , who had denyed the right of Sepulture to others , to promise the Solemnity thereof unto himselfe . 25. But that which gained him the greatest Reputation far and neare , even amongst those that never saw his face , was , an Edict for the saving of Ship-wrackt goods . There was amongst the Greeks a constant practice , founded in Crueltie , and strengthned by Custome ; that if a Vessell was discovered in danger of drowning , those on the shore , like so many ravenous Vultures , flockt about that Carkasse , to pick out the eyes thereof , the wealth therein . These made all their Hay in foul weather , which caused them not onely duely to wait , but heartily to wish for a Tempest : And as the wicked Tenants in the Gospel concluded to kill the Heire that so the Inheritance might bee their owne , These remorselesse men , to prevent future Cavills and clamours about the goods ; dispatcht the Mariners , alwayes by wilfull neglecting their preservation , & too often by downe-right contriving their destruction . More cruell then the verie stocks and stumps of Trees , which growing by Rivers sides ; commonly hang over the water , as if out of pity , tendring their service to such as are in danger of drowning , & stooping downe to reach their hands to help them to the shore . Now , Andronicus taking this barbarous Custome into Consideration , forbad it , for the time to come , on most terrible penalties , ( and this Lion , if enraged , would by his loudnesse , roare Hearing into the deafe ) and enjoyned all to improve their utmost endeavours , for the preservation of their persons . Hence followed such an alteration , that shipwrack't goods , if floating to land , safely kept themselves without any to guard them . Men would rather blow their fingers , than heat their hands with a rotten Planke ▪ rather goe naked , than cover themselves with a rag of Shipwrackt Canvas : It was ominous to steale the least inch of of a Cable , lest it lengthned it selfe into an Halter to him that tooke it . All things were preserved equally safe , of what value soever , and untold Pearle , might lye on the Shore untoucht , like so many Oyster-shells . This dispersed the fame of his Justice and Mercy into forraigne parts : And as Sounds which are carried a-long by the Rivers side , having the advantage of hollow Banks , and the water to convey them , are heard sooner and quicker , then Sounds of the same lowdnesse , over the Land ; So the Maritim Actions of Princes , concerning Trading , wherein Strangers , as wel as their owne Native Subjects are interessed , report them to the world in a higher Tone , and by a quicker passage , than any Land-lockt Action of theirs , which hath no further influence , but onely terminates in their owne Kingdome . Yea this one ingratiating Decree of Andronicus , did set him up with so full stock with Reputation , that upon the bare credit thereof , might now runne on skore , the committing of many Murthers , and never have his Name once called to Accompt for any injustice therein . 26. And as the Sea-men by water , so the Husband-men by land ( and those wee know have strong Lungs , and stout sides ) cryed up the fame of Andronicus , because he was a great preserver of Tillage , and Corne was never at more reasonable rates than in his Reigne . Hee cast a strict eye on all Customers and Tax-gatherers , and ( as evill Spirits are observed to walk much about silver Mines ) so Andronicus did incessantly haunt all publique receivers of money ; and if finding them faulty ; oh excellent sport for the people to see how those Sponges were squeezed ! He allowed large and liberal maintenance to all in places of Judicature , that want might not tempt them to corruption . Thus , even the worst of Tyrants light sometimes on good actions , either stumbling on them by chance , or out of love ( not of vertue , but ) of their owne security . They are wicked by the generall Rule of their lives , and pious by some Exceptions , just , by fits , that they may be more safely unjust when they please . And hereby Andronicus advanced himselfe to bee tollerable amongst Man-kinde . 27. Wee could willingly afford to dwell longer under the Temperate Climate of his Vertues ; but Travellers must on their journey . Comming now to the Torrid Zone of his Fury , which indeed was not habitable : His Foes hee executed , because they were his foes ; and his friends , because they were his friends . For they that let out a Courtesie at Interest to a Tyrant , commonly lose the Principall : Witnesse Conto-Stephanus , the great Duke , Admirall of the Galleyes , who by betraying his trust , brought Andronicus to Constantinople , and now fairely had his eyes put out . As for Georgius-Dissipatus , Andronicus intended to roast him , being a Corpulent man , upon a Spit , affirming that such fat Venison wanted no Larding , but would baste it selfe , and meant to serve him up as a dainty dish in a Charger or Tray , to his Widdow , had not some intervening accident diverted it . He made a bloudy Decree , which had a traine of indefinite , and unlimited extent , and would reach as farre as the desire of the measurer : namely , that all such of the nobility which were , now , or should , hereafter , be cast into Prison ; should bee executed without any legall Triall , with their Children and Kindred . Prince Manuel , ( whose worst fault was , that Andronicus begat him ) in vaine opposed this Decree , alleaging this to be the ready way for his Father to un-Emperour himselfe , by destroying that Relative Title , and leaving himselfe no Subjects . 28. But Andronicus had found Scripture , whereby to justifie his Act , and brought St. * Paul for his Patron , whose practise and confession hee cited . For the Good that I would , I doe not ; But the evill which I would not , that I doe . Now if I doe that I would not , it is no more I that doe it , but sinne that dwelleth in me . God keep us from Apocrypha-Comments on Canonicall Scripture : send us his pure Text without the glosse of Andronicus , who , belike , conceiv'd hee could not bee a perfect Tyrant , by onely torturing of men , except also he did rack Gods Word , rending Text from Con-text , and both , from their true intent . 29. This Decree startles such Lords of the Combination as were left alive , together with Mamalus , principall Secretary to the late Emperour , and Alexius Ducas , the most Active , but not nearest , Prince of the bloud . These , meeting together , much bemoaned themselves , till Mamalus counting such puling passion beneath Masculine Spirits , thus uttered himselfe . 30. You late adorers of Andronicus , who did conceive it would pose the power of heavē to cure the State , save oncly by his hand , bee your owne Judges , whether it be not just that they should dye of the Physicke who made a God of the Physitian . Diseases doe but their kind , if they kill , and , an evill expected , is the lesse evill : But no such Torment as to die of the remedie : Onely one helpe is left us , if secretly and speedily pursued . We know , Isaacius Angelus by birth and merit is intitled to the Crowne . True , hee lives privately in a Covent , but worth cannot bee hid , it shines in the darke ; and Greatnesse doth best become them to weare it , by whom it is found , before it is sought for , as more deserved then desired by them : say not that he is of too milde a disposition ; for , his soft temper will make the beter Pultis for our sore necks , long gauled with the yoke of Tyranny . And seeing we have thus long been unhappy under the extremities , the childe-hood of Alexius , and old yeares of Andronicus , let us try our Fortunes under the middle age of Isaacius : And no doubt we shall light on the blessed meane and happy temper of Moderation . 31. The motion found entertainment beyond beliefe . And yet Alexius Ducas offer'd it to their consideration ; that so meek a Dove would never make good Eagle : Giving a Character , how a Prince should be accomplished with valour and experience , by insinuation designing himself . It is pleasant to heare a proud man speaking modestly in his owne praise , whilst the Auditors affect a wilfull deafenesse , and will not heare his whispering , and slenting expressions , till at last hee is faine to hollow downe-right Selfe-flattery into their Eares . Here it fared thus with Ducas , who thereby only , exposed himselfe to contempt : and perceiving no successe , zealously concurr'd with the rest for advancing of Isaacius . All necessary particulars were politiquely contrived , each one had his taske appointed him : some , to seize on the ships , others , to secure the Pallace , make good the great Church : and the whole modell was exactly methodized , considering the vast Volumne thereof , which consisted of many persons of qualitie therein ingaged . The Fourth Booke . 1. BUT , great designes , like wounds , if they take Arie , corrupt . This project , against Andronicus , could not be covertly carried , because consisting of a medly of persons , of different tempers , and un-suiting soules , having private intents , to themselves , not cordiall , uniting their affections , but only Freinds , for the time being , against the common Foe : So that , through the Riftes , and chinks of their severall aimes and ends , which could not be joynted close together , the vigilancie of Andronicus did steale a glymps of their designe , apprehensive enough to light a candell for himselfe form the sparke of the smallest discoverie . 2. And now , let him alone to prevent their proceedings , by cutting both them and theirs off ( that no mindfull heire might succeed to their spite ) and that with all posible speed ; for hee steer'd his actions , by the compas of that character , which one made of him , as followeth . I love at leasure , favours to bestow : And tickle men by dropping kindnesse slow , But my revenge , I in one instant spend , That moment which begings it , doth it end . Halfe doing undoe's many , 't is a sinne Not to be soundly sinfull ; to begin , And tire ; I 'le do the work . They strike in vain , Who strike so , that the stricken might complain . .3 Mamalus was the first who was brought to Execution , on this manner . A mighty fire was made , and to provoke the Tyrannie thereof ( as if that pure Element of it selfe had been too fine and slender , effectually to torment him ) they made the flame more stiffe , and stuffie , by the mixture of pitch and brimstone . Then Mamalus was brought forth starke naked , insomuch that all ingenuous beholders , out of a modest Sympathy , conceived , that they saw themselves naked , in seeing him : and therefore , ( as much as lay in their power ) they covered him , by shutting their eyes . When the Souldiers with Pikes , were provided to thrust Mamalus into the fire , whil'st many Spectatours durst not expresse their pittie to him , out of pittie to themselves ; lest commiserating of him , should be understood complying with him ; but were cautious to confine their Compassion , within the Compasse of their brest , that it should not sallie forth , into their eyes , and outward gestures . 4. Betwixt this Dilemma of Deaths , the sharpe Pikes of the Soldiers on the one side , & furie of the fire , on the other ; he preferred the former , not as most honourable , and best complying with a militarie Soule ; ( not being at leasure alasle , in time of torment , to stand on termes of credit , ) but as least painfull . But the Soldiers denied him this choyce , and forc'd him into the fire ; and then hearing his Shreekes , even those who refus'd , out of favour , to give any pitie to his person , could not , out of justice , denie the payment of some compassion , ( bound there-unto , by the Specialtie of Humanitie ) unto his miserable condition . 5. Meane time , Andronicus was a spectatour , tickling himselfe with delight , only offended , that the sport was so short , and Mamalus dead too soone . The stench of whose burning flesh ( offensive to others ) was a perfume to him , who had the Roman-Nose of Caligula , Nero , Domitian , and such Monsters of crueltie . And , as he pleased his owne Smell , with the Odour of Revenge ; his Sight , with beholding the execution ; his Eare with the Musicke of his enemies dying Groanes : So , there wanted not those that wish't , that his other Senses , were also imployed , according to his deserts , his Touch , and Tast , that they migh feelingly partake of the torture of the fire . Thus died Mamalus , scarce twenty four yeares of Age , before the Bud of his youth had opened into a flower ; having in his parts , not only promises , but some Assurance , that the hopes of his future worth , should be plentifully performed , had not this untimely Accident prevented it . 6. Lapardas acted next on the Scaffold , though not condemned todeath , but to have his Eyes bored out : His Extraction was Noble , State Greate , Pride greater ; to maintain which , he contrived the Advancing of Andronicus to the Throne : the under ground Foundation of whose Greatnes , was closely laid , by Lapardas , whil'st he left the vilible Structure thereon , to others . Like a Mole he conveyed his train , closly spurring on Basilius ( who posted of himself , ) to Act in odious Projects , whil'st himselfe sculk't unseen ; hoping , if matters held , to be rewarded by Andronicus , for his secret Service ; if they miscaried , to provide for his own safety ; seeing none could challenge him , of any appearing open ill Action , wherein he was engaged . 7. But quickly he fell off of his speed in serving Andronicus , whether , because he conceived his deserts found not a proportionable Reward : or , because he bare a love to the person of Alexius : or , because he was not perfectly bad , and fainting in the way of wickednesse , could not keep pace therein , with the fast and wide strides of Andronicus : or , which is most probable , he slowly perceived his Errour , that Tyrants plucke downe those staires , whereby they ascend to their greatnesse : and then , too late , began to unravell , what he weaved beforer . True it was , he had assisted Andronicus , so long , that he had offended all the side of Isaacius , and had deserted him so soone , that he dis-ingaged all the partie of Andronicus , and so was unhappy , not to have the cordiall Affections of either . 8. On the Scaffold hee spake little , expecting that the paine would kill him , confessing he ow'd a Death , to Nature , and a violent Death , to Justice , and forgave all the world , save his owne selfe . Beholding the Sunne ; Farewell ( said hee ) Life of my life , my night must bee at my noone ; and then laying his hands on his eyes : Must I loose you thus ? was it because I shot forth wanton Glances ? Or , beheld Rivalls , with envious lookes ? Or , adored the Shine of gold ; that I must thus lose you ? Or , was it , because I acted in a darke way , to advance the crueltie of a Tyrant ; that now all my endeavours are seene by the world , and I must be blinde ? However , Gods justice appeares clearest to mee , in the losse of my Eyes . Thus was Lapardas tortured : and though some may think that Andronicus swerved from his Principle , taking away onely light , not life , from him , and thereby rather more en raging him for , than wholly disabling him from , revenge ; yet wee may bee assured , that Tyrant did never so doe his workes by the halfe , but that hee strook out their Teeth , whose Eyes hee bored out , so securing their persons , that he put them past power of doing him mischiefe . 9. During this raging cruelty of Andronicus ; wee may commend , in Theodorus the Patriark , rather his successe , than Policie , ( his simple goodnesse being incapable of the later ) who seasonably withdrew himselfe from Constantinople , to a private place he had provided in the Isle of Terebynthus : here hee had built him an handsome house , equally distant from Envy and Contempt , Bravery and Basenesse , so that if Securitie and sweetnesse had had a mind to dwell together , they could not have found a fitter place for that purpose . Severall Reasons moved him to his speedy removall , besides the avoiding the fury of Andronicus . First , because Basilius undermined him at the Court in his Patriarkship , Theodosius being absent thence , when present there ; bearing onely the name and blame , when the other had the power and profit thereof . 10. Secondly , to avoid the sight of People , conceiving every Eye which did behold , did accuse him , as a principall cause of their miseries , for helping Andronicus to the Empire . In whom Theodorus had been strangely mistook , as the best men are soonest deceived with the painted Piety , and pensive looks of Hypocrites , counting all Gold that shines , all sooth , that is said ; betraid by their owne charitie into a good opinion of others . Lastly , it grieved him to see ignorance and impiety so rampant , base hands committing dayly Rapes on the Virgin Muses ; so that they might now even ring out the Bell , for dying learning , and sadly toll the knell for gaping Religion . Wherefore , as Divines solemnly observe , to goe off of the Bench , just before the sentence of condemnation is pronounced upon the Malefactor ; so this Patriark , perceiving the City of Constantinople , Cast , by her owne guiltinesse , and by the confession of her crying sinnes against her self ; thought it not fit for him to stay there , till divine Justice should passe a finall fatall doome upon the place , ( which he every minute expected ) but embraced this private opportvnity of departure . 11. Soon after his retiring , he ended his life : we not enquire into his decease , if wee consider his age , accounting now fourescore and foure Winters . And well might his yeares bee reckoned by Winters , as wanting both Springs , and Summers of Prosperity , living in constant affliction . And yet the last foure yeares , made more wounds in his heart , than all the former , plow'd wrinkles in his face . He dyed not guilty of any wealth , who long before , had made the poore , his Heires , and his owne hands , his Executors . After hearty Prayers , that Religion might shine when he was set , falling into a pious Meditation ; hee went out as a Lampe , for lack of Oyle : no warning Groane was sighed forth to take his last farewell , but even he smiled himselfe into a Corps ; enough to confute those , that they bely death , who call her grim and grizely ; which in him seemed lovely and of a good Complexion . The few servants hee left , proportioned the Funerall , rather to their Masters Estate , than Deserts , supplying in their sorrow , the want of Spices and Balme , which surely must bee so much the more pretious , as the Teares of men are to bee preferr'd before Gums , which are but the weeping of Trees . 12. The Patriarks place was quickly supplyed by Basilus the Bishop , so often mentioned , preferred to the place by the Emperour . A Patron and Chaplaine excellently met ; for what one made Law , by his List ; the other endeavoured to make Gospel , by his Learning . In stating of any Controversie , Basilius first studied to find out , what Andronicus intended or desired to doe therein : and then , let him alone to draw that Scripture , which would not come of it selfe , to prove the lawfulnesse of what the other would practice . Thus , in favour of him , he pronounced the legality of two most incestuous matches ; and this Grecian Pope , gave him a dispensation to free him from all Oathes of Allegiance , which hee had formerly sworn to Manuel or Alexius : for this was the Humour of Andronicus , to have Religion along with him , so farre as it lay in his way , courting the company of pious pretence , ( if possibly they might be procured ) to countenance his designes : But in case they were so foule , that no glosse of Justice could be put upon them ; hee disdained that Pietie which would not befriend him , and impudently acted his pleasure in open opposition of all Religion . 13. But whilst this Basilius was thus hot about his secular affaires ; there wanted not an aged Hermite , who took him to taske , and soundly told him his owne , though it made but small impression in him . Meeting him at advantage ; Hermites , you know , saith he , hate both Luxury & Complement . In plain truth , I must chide you , that seeing , earth is but your Inne , and heaven your Home ; you mistake the first , for the latter . Mans soule is so intent on its present object , that it is impossible , it should attend two callings at the same time , but must needs make default in the pursuance of one of them . Your temporall intermedling drawes the envy of the Laity , for whose love you should rather labour . Nor are you stor'd with forraign Observations , really to enable you for such undertakings . Say not that you may meddle with temporall State-affaires , and yet not entangle your selfe with them , seeing the world is such a Witch , it is impossible to doe the one without the other . Observe those Clergy-sticklers on the Civill Stage , and you shall seldome finde them Crowned with a quiet death . Remember your Predecessour Chrysostome , who did onely Pray , and Preach , and Read , and Write , thereby made happy in the despight of his Enemies : For though twice expell'd his Patriarkship , hee was twice restor'd with greater honour : so that it was not want of Policy , which lost , but store of Piety , which caused him to recover his place againe . I speake not this , out of any repining at the lustre of your preferment , who envy outward Honour no more than the shining of a Glo-worme , but meerely out of love to your person , and desire of your happinesse . 14. But Basilius , in some passion returned , I perceive you are lately broken loose out of your Cell , which makes you more fierce and keen , like Hawkes when they are first un-hooded , and newly restored to the light . Know , Sir , one may well attend two Callings , if they bee sub-ordinate , as the meanes and the end . All my secular Businesse is in order to the good of the Church . The love of the Laity unto us , without some awe mingled with it , can neither be long-lasting , or much serviceable . My Education hath admitted me into generall Learning , and made mee capable of any imployment . I deny not the World to be a Witch , but I know how to arme my soule with holy Spells against all her Inchantments . Whereas you say , one cannot meddle with worldly matters , but must intangle himselfe therewith , it is all one , as if you should affirme , that a temperate man cannot eate meate but he must surfet . Proofes from the event , argue not the justice or injustice of the Act ; and nothing can be inferred from the ill successe of our medling in secular affaires . To your instance of Chrysostome , I oppose the example of Augustine Bishop of Hippo , who set in full brightnes , and yet kept a Court in his owne house , where he umpir'd and decided all temporall controversies . You trample on that which you call pride in me , with that which is so in your selfe . And all this proceeds out of spight , because you cannot turne your Cowle into a Mitre . 15. But Basilius was deafe to all these perswasions , and joyning with Hagio-christophorites Stephanus , ( chiefe Enginier for Andronicus ) advanced all cruell designes . And now Mamalus and Lapardus being executed , all others were possest with a Panick feare : and no wonder when the string is broken , if the Beads be scattered . It being feared , that the Plot miscarryed , they strove to make themselves innocent , by first making others guilty . And yet it was vaine to take the pains who should start quickest , when they all met even at the Post : For Andronicus took order that they were all alike executed . 16. There were two of his Creatures , Trypsycus , and Hagio-christophorites Stephanus , who onely fell out , who should bee most officious to him : Each had the other in jealousie , fearing his Rivall would engrosse the Emperour unto him . Especially , Stephanus , was fearefull of Trypsycus ; understanding that Andronicus wrote private Letters unto him , stiling him , his Beloved friend , with other expressions , which spake more intimacy than Stephanus was willing to heare . This Trypsycus had been a dangerous Promoter in all company , Representing to Andronicus every syllable spoken against him , to the disadvantage of the speaker : and as one saith , ( I conceive rather in the Language of the times , than his owne ) Every man then was to give an account of every idle Word . It happened therefore that one was procured , who accused TRYPSYCUS for jeering of JOHN the Emperours eldest Sonne for Deformed , and that he scattered some loose expressions ▪ bewailing the Miserie of the Times . Now , though the great Service which TRYPSYCUS had done , might deserve to over-weigh so light an Offence ; it cost him his Life , Confiscation of his goods and Ruine of his Posterity . 17. Now hath STEPHANUS roome to Domineere alone in the favour of ANDRONICUS , sending him to seize on ISAACIUS , who for the present was got out of his Covent . It was past the skill of the Spannel to catch him , who dived for the instant , but we shall find him in due time above water , and that to purpose . The fift Book . 1. SECURITY is the Mother of danger , & the Grandmother of destruction . Let ANDRONICUS bee a proofe hereof , who now , nearest to his ruine , grew most confident , as conceiving he had stopp't every cranny , where danger might creep in , and therefore in a bravery , he sent a defiance to Fortune her selfe , which notwithstanding , was returned with his owne speedy overthrow . 2. Yet could hee not justly complaine , that he was suddenly surprised , seeing Nature might seeme to have gone out of her way , to give him warning , and Nemesis did not hunt him so fast , but that she allow'd him faire Law to provide for himselfe , by several Prodigies which hapned at that time . But Andronicus , not onely against the full intent , but almost visible meaning , of the same Accidents , did make a jesting Construction of them , and and was deafe to the loud language of all ominous passages , as not relating unto him . 3. Being told of the apparition of a Comet , ( no leiger-starre of Heaven , but an extraordiany Embassadour ) portending his death , as some expounded it ; he skoffingly replyed , that hee was glad to see the heavens so merry , to make Bone-fires , for his Triumphs : And what was a Comet , but the Kitchin-stuffe of the aire , which blazing for a while , would goe out in a snuffe : Adding , that that Starre might presage the fall of some Prince , that wore long haire , whereas , his was short enough . When another told him of an Earth-quake , which had lately happened ; I am glad , saith he , that the Mother-Earth , sicke of of the Collick , had so good a vent for a winde : Being informed that the Statue of Saint Paul , ( his Titulary Saint ) was seene to weep ; he evaded the sad presage thereof , by distinguishing on Teares , therebeing an Harmony in their language , as bearing not onely different , but contrary Sences , proceeding either from Mirth or Mourning ; and therefore , that weeping might probably fore-shew good successe . In a word ; All serious and solemne Omens , he tuned to a jesting meaning , keeping himselfe constant to his first principle ; That , Fortune ; when fear'd , is a Tyrant ; when , scorn'd , is a Coward . But , though hee unjustly perverted the sense of these Prodigies ; the event did truely interpret them in his destruction . 4. For Isaacius Angelus persecuted by the Executioner , fled into the great Church , ( in those dayes , the Sanctuary at large for Innocents ) where , making an Oration to the people , he exceeded Expectation , and himself ; as if hitherto he had thriftily reserved his worth ( a serious , others say , simple man ) to spend it more freely when occasion required it . He spake not like those mercenary people , which make their tongue , their ware , and Eloquence , their Trade ; but , he uttered himselfe so pathetically , that he did not court Attention , but command it . Hee made both his Innocence , and the cruelty of Andronicus , to appeare so plaine , that the people not onely afforded him , protection for the present ; but also , bestowed on him Soveraignty for the future , and instantly elected , and proclaimed him , Emperour of Greece . 5. Stand wee here still , and wonder what should be the Reason , that Andronicus should suffer this Isaacius , next Prince of the bloud , so long safely to survive , who had cut off other Persons of lesse danger , & lower degree . Wee cannot ascribe it to his incogitancy , as inconsistent with his vast memorie , to forget a matter of such importance ; lesse can we impute it to his Pitty , as if sparing him out of compassion : seeing that a Thred might sooner hope to be prolonged under the knife of of Atropos , than any to finde favour under his impartiall crueltie . Was it not then because he had him in his power ? and counting himselfe sure to seize on him at pleasure ; reserved him , as Sweet-meat , to close his stomack , when first hee had fed on severall Dishes of courser Diet : Or , because hee slighted him , as a narrow-hearted man , religiously bred in a Covent , unfit for a Campe , the object rather of his contempt , than feare ; for that his hands might seeme tied with his Beads , from being dangerously active , in the State . But , let us remove our wondring at this neglect of Andronicus , to make roome for our admiration of divine Providence , who confounded this Politician in his owne cunning . Thus the most expert Gamsters may sometimes over-see ; and , Traitors , though they be carefull to cut downe all Trees , which hinder their ambitious Prospect ; wil unawares leave one still standing , whereof their owne Gallowes may be made . 6. Immediately all the Prisons in the City were set open , and those petty sinks of dissolute people emptied themselves into a common Sewer , and became into a tumultuous Torrent . Headlong they haste to the Pallace of Andronicus , where , not finding him at home , they wreckt their spight upon that beautifull building , and sumptuous furniture therein . Should I insist upon particulars , all sorts of Readers would be sadded therewith . Ladies would lament the losse of so many Pearles and precious stones , whose very Cases were Jewells . Souldiers bemoane the spoyling of so magnificent an Armorie . But Schollers would be most passionate , to bewaile the want of that Librarie so full fraught with rarities , that nothing abated the Pretiousnesse , but the Plenty of them . Many Records , ( the Staires whereby Antiquaries climbe up into the knowledge of former times ) were torne in pieces , though wee need not believe them so old , as that some of them had escaped Noah's floud , and were now drowned in a popular Deluge . 7. Nothing was preserved whole and entire . Whether , because they pretended some Religion in Revenge , as not aiming , out of Covetousnesse , to enrich themselves , but , out of Justice , to punish the Tyrant ; or because they thought the very Goods of Andronicus , were become evill , guilty of their owners faults ; and therefore were all to be abolished as execrable : yea , as if the very Chappel it self , which hee had built , had been un-hallowed , by the Prophanenesse of the Founder ; with all the Utensils thereof , it was defaced . A stately Structure it was , ANDRONICUS not being of their opinion , who conceiving an holy horrour to live in darke and humble Cells ; fancie not Triumphant Churches , for feare that their Hearts bee there lost in their Eyes . But he professed his Devotion to rise with the roofe of the Church ; so that his soule seemed to anticipate heaven , by beholding the Earnest thereof in a beautifull Temple . However , now his Chappell was layd flat to the ground ; and , amongst other things therein , of inestimable value , the Letter , which , by tradition , was reported to bee written by Christs owne hands , to Abgarus King of Edessa , then was embezeled . So irresistable is the Tyrany of a Tumult ; and therefore , it may be all good mens Prayers , that the People may either never understand their own Power , or alwayes use it a-right . 8. Andronicus , as we said before , had secretly conveyed himselfe away . Who would not have thought , but that this great Fencer should have been provided of variety of Guards , against all the crosseblows of Fortune ; at least , to have had some impregnable place , neare hand , to retire unto ? Whereas hee had no other Policy to escape , than that poor shift , which the silly simple Hare useth against the Hounds , by flying before them . Indeed , had the Conspiracy against Andronicus , been but locall , or partiall , so that hee had had any sound part to begin on , he would probably have made resistance , ( as Physitians must have some strength of Nature in their Patient , to practice on ; ) but the defection from him was so generall and universall , hee found not any effectuall friend left him . Onely hee had scrap't together a masse of Coyne , more trusting in money , than men hoping , in forraigne parts , to buy some friends therewith ; knowing that Gold , if weight , is currant in all Countries . Then taking Anna his Empresse , and Maraptica his whore , with some few servants , he durst confide in , and the Treasure hee had formerly provided ; he made speede , in a Pinnace , through the black Sea , to the Tauro-Scythians , out of the bounds of his Empire , hoping there to liue in quiet . And because we have mentioned Anna the Empresse , wee cannot passe her by in silence . For if one would draw a map of miserie , to paire like yeares , with like mis-hap , 't is hard to finde a fitter Patterne . 9. Daughter shee was to the King of France , being married a childe ( having little list to love , and lesse , to aspire ) to the yong Emperour Elexius , whilst both their yeares , put together , could not spell Thirty . After this , shee had time too much , to bemoane , but , none at al , to amend , her condition , being slighted and neglected by her husband . Oft-times , being alone ( as sorrow loves no witnesse ) having roome , and leisure to bewaile her selfe , shee would relate the Chronicle of her unhappinesse , to the Walls , as hoping to finde pitie , from stones , when men prov'd unkind unto her . Much did shee envie the felicity of those Milk-maids , which each morning passe over the Virgin-dew , and Pearledgrasse , sweetly singing by day , and soundly sleeping at night , who had the priviledge freely to bestow their affections , and wed them , which were high in love , though low in condition : Whereas , Royall Birth had denyed her that happinesse , having neither liberty to chuse , nor leave to refuse ; being compell'd to love , and sacrificed to the Politique ends of her potent Parents . 10. But Anna , unhappy at her first Voyage , hoped to better her Condition by a second Adventure ; yet made more haste than good speed , marrying Andronicus some weeks after the death of Alexius . Surely there is an Annus luctus , A yeare of mourning , which the modestie of widdowes may doe well to observe , lest neglecting it in their widdowhood , it be required of them afterwards , with Interest , in the ill successe of their second marriage . For , Maraptica , a proud Harlot , but excellent Musician , justled with Anna in the Emperours affection : ( and halfe an old Husband was too much for a young Lady to spare ) and in processe of time , prevailed to obtaine violent possession . The Empresse , knowing her selfe honest , and amiable , stood on her Deserts ; not descending to beg that love , which shee conceived due unto her , but daring him to detaine it at his owne perill , seeing hee wronged himselfe in wronging of her , forfeiting his Troth , which he had publikely pledged unto her . But , the Curtizan , knowing that that love needs Buttresses in Cunning , which hath no foundation in Conscience ; applyed her self in all particulars to bee complizant to the desires of Andronicus . This Maraptica , though shee had faire fine finges to play on the Lute , had otherwise foule great Clutches , to snatch , graspe , and hold , whatsoever shee could comeby . And knowing that shee had but a short Terme in the Tenement of her greatnesse , ( subject both to the mortality and mutabilitie of Andronicus ) and withall , that shee was not bound to reparations , therefore cared not what waste shee made ; but , by wrong and rapine , scraped together a masse of money . Meane time , Anna was kept poore enough ; who , whilst Maid , Widdow , and Wife , ( twice a Bride , before once a Woman ) scarce saw a joyfull day ; though borne of a King , and wedded to two Emperours . 11. But to returne to Andronicus , who pursued after by his guiltie conscience , found no rest in himselfe ; so that for nights , sleep was a stranger him . Hee that had put out other mens eyes , could not close his owne ; and when Nature in him starv'd , for want of rest , did at last hungerly snatch at short slumbers : Dreams did more terrifie , than sleep refresh him . His active fancy in the night did descant on what hee had done before . Sometimes , the pale Ghost of Alexius seemed with glowing Pincers to torment him ; otherwhile , Maria Caesarissa stitcht hot burning Needles through his side ; and , not long after , two streames of reeking bloud seemed to flow out of the eyes of Lapardas , wherein Andronicus for a while seemed to swimme , till , beginning to sinke , to save himselfe , he caught hold on his Pillow , and so did awake . 12. When awaked , his minde was musing upon a Prophesie , which some dayes since was delivered unto him : For hee had employed an Agent , unto one Seth , an old Conjurer , to know of him what should be the name of his next successour in the Empire . Now , first a great S. was presented in a Bason of water ; and next that , an I. but , both so doubtfully delineated , that they were hardly legible : done on purpose for severall Reasons . Because , it stood not with the state of the Prince of Darknesse , to bee over-cleare in his Acts ; and those that vent bad Wares love to keep blind shops : Besides , obscurity added veneration to his Oracles , and active Superstitious Fancies , whet with the difficulty of them , would be sharpe-sighted to read more than was written . But the maine was to save his owne credit , taking covert of Mysticall Expressions , that in case Satan should faile in his Answers , hee might lay the blame on mens understanding him . 13. Put then these two Letters together , S. I. and read them backwards I. S. by an Hysterosis , & take a part of the whole by a Synecdoche ; ( all favourable Figures must bee used , to piece out the Devills short skill in future Contingents ) and then Andronicus was told by the Conjurer , hee had the name of his Successor . Aske mee not why Hells Alphabet must be read backward , let Satan give an account of his owne Couz'nage ; whether out of an apish imitation of the Hebrew , which is read retrograde ; or , because that ugly filthy Serpent , 〈◊〉 Crawls Cancer-like , or to make his Answers the more AEnigmaticall , for the reasons afore-said . Andronicus by this I. S. understood I Saurus Comnenus , who lately , by Usurpation , had set up a Kingdom in the Isle of Cyprus , and therefore alwayes observed him with a jealous eye , and now too late perceives his errour , and findes the Prophesie performed in Isaacius Angelus . 14. Thus , those that are correspondents with the Devill , for such Intelligence , have need when they have receiv'd the text of his Answers , to borrow his Comment too , lest otherwise they mistake his meaning . And , men may justly take heed of Curiosity , to know things to-come ; which is one of the kernells of the forbidden Fruit , and even in our Age sticks still in the throats of too many , even to the danger of choaking them , if it bee not warily prevented . 15. Hitherto , what disasters had happened to Andronicus , might partly be imputed to men , and second causes : Whereas now , divine Justice , to have its power praised in its punishmens , seemed visibly to put out a hand from heaven ; and he wants eyes , that cannot , or shuts them , that will not , behold it . See now the Gally , wherein he sayled , having having all the Canvas thereof , imployed with a prosperous Winde , when suddenly it was checkt in the full speed , and beaten back with fowle weather into a small Harbour , called Chele . Soon after , the windes serving againe , hee set forth the second time , and had not made many leagues , when Neptune with his Trident thrust him back againe ; such was the violence of the Seas against him . A third time he set forth with a faire Gale , when instantly , the wind changing , forced him to returne . Here , what tugging , what Towing , what Rowing ! nothing was omitted , which Art , or Industrie , Skill , or Will , could performe : Andronicus dropping a shower of Gold to the Saylers , to reward the Sweat that fell from them . All in vaine ; For as , indeed , hee had offended the Fire , with the Innocents hee burnt therein : angred the Aire , with hundreds of Carkasses , which therein hee had caused to bee hanged : provoked the Earth , by burying men alive , in her Bosome ; So , most of all hee had enraged the Water against him , ( now mindfull of his Injuries ) by him made a Charnell-house , and generall Grave , into which , the body of the young Emperour ALEXIUS was cast , with thousands of his Subjects . God , herein to prevent all mis-constructions of Casuality ( which otherwise men might fasten upon it , ) and knowing that men are slow in their Apprehensions , and dull in their Memory to learne the Lessons of his Justice , he re-iterated and repeated it three severall times , that the most blockish Scholler , might learne it perfectly by heart : This is the worke of the Lord , and it may justly seeme marvellous in our eyes . Thus ANDRONICUS was , the third time , sent backe to the place from whence hee came , and so to the place of Execution . For hee was no sooner come to the shore , but Servants , imployed by ISAACIUS , ( who had way-laid all the Ports on the Blacke Sea ) stood ready to Arrest him . The Sixt Book . 1. ANDRONICUS hahaving now left him neither Army to fight , or legges to flye ; ( being in the possession of his Enemies ) betook himselfe to his Tongue , bemoaning his Case , and with Teares begging their favour . But those Eyes , which , weeping in jest , had mock'd others so often , could not now bee trusted , that they were in earnest . The storme at Land was more implacable than the tempest at Sea . Two heavy Iron Chaines were put about his neck , ( in Mettle and weight , different from them he wore before ) and loaden with Fetters and Insolencies from the Souldiers ; ( who , in such Ware , seldome give scant measure ) hee was brought into the presence of Isaacius . Here the most mercifull and moderate contented themselves with Tongue-revenge , calling him Dogge of uncleannesse , Goat of Lust , Tygre of Cruelty , Religions Ape , and Envies Basilisk . But , others pull'd him by the Beard , twitch't the haire left by Age on his head , and proceeding from depriving him of Ornamentall Execrements , dasht out his teeth , put out one of his eyes , cut off his right hand ; and thus maimed , without Surgeon to dresse him , man to serve him , or meat to feed him , he was sent to the publike Prison amongst Theeves and Robbers . 2. All these were but the beginning of evill unto him . Some dayes after , with a shaved head crowned with Garliek , he was set on a scab'd Cammell , with his face backwards , holding the Taile thereof for a Bridle , and was led cleane through the City . All the Cruelties which he in two yeares and upwards , had committed upon severall persons , were now abbreviated and Epitomised on him , in as large a Character , as the shortnesse of the time would give leave , & the subject it selfe was capable of : they burnt him with Torches and Fire-brands , tortur'd him with Pincers , threw abundance of dirt upon him ; and withall , such filthinesse , that the Reader would stop his Nose , if I should tell him the composition thereof ; it is enough to say , that the worst thing that comes from Man , was the best in the mixture thereof . 3. Such as consult with their Credit will bee cautious how they report improbable Truthes , fearing they will not be received for . Truths , but rejected for improbable . Efpecially in this Age , wherein men resume their Libertie , conceiving it against the priviledge of their judgements , to have their Beliefe , ( which should be a Voluntary ) prest by the authority of others , to give credit to what beares not Proportion with Likely-hood . Could an old man ( such as Andronicus was ) passe the age of man , three-score and ten , who now onely lived by the curtesie of Death to spare him , endure such paine , three miles , through so populous a City ? The Poets onely feigned Atlas to be weary of carrying of Heaven ; but , must not our Andronicus be either stifled for want of breath , or back-broken with store of weight , under so much earth throwne upon him ? And was it possible , that Hee , who , before these times , had one foot in the grave , should have the other not follow after , when driven with such crueltie ? 4. To render this likely , we may consider ; first , that it was the intent of the People , not to kill , but to torment him . Secondly , when one Dish is to go clean through a Table of Guests , men are mannerly ; all , take some , though none , enough . Besides , he was one of a strong Constitution , whose Brawny flesh Nature had knit together with Horny Nerves . And yet , had hee been a weak man ; a Candle with glimmering light will burne long in a Socket , being thrifty of it selfe . Life was sweet to Andronicus , under all those noisome smells ; and he would not part with it , whilst hee could keep it . But what was the maine , it was possible God might support his life , either out of Justice , or mercie . ( And , wee read in * Scripture , of Men , that they shall desire to dye , and death shall flee from them . ) I say not of Justice , visibly to acquit himselfe , in the eyes of the world , by making such a Monster , the open Marke for Mans Revenge ; or out of mercy , giving him a long and large time of Repentance , if hee had the happinesse to make use thereof 5. Behold here a strange Conflict , betwixt the Crueltie of the People on the one side , & the Patience of Andronicus on the other ; and yet an indifferent Umpire would adjudge the Victory to the latter : No raging , no Raving , no Muttering , no Repining ; but swallowed all in Silence : Onely he cryed out , Lord have mercy upon me : And , Why breake yee a bruised Reed ! and sensible of his owne guiltinesse , hee seemed contented to passe his Purgatory here , that so hee might escape Hell hereafter . 6. After multitudes of other Cruelties , tedious to us to rehearse , ( and how painfull then to him to endure ! ) hee was hanged by the Heeles betwixt two Pillars : In this posture ; Hee put the stump of his right Arme , whose wound bleeded afresh , to his mouth , so to quench ( as some suppose ) the extremity of his thirst , with his owne Bloud , having no other moysture allowed him . When one ranne a Sword thorough his Back and Belly , so that his very Entralls were seen , and seemed to call ( though in vaine ) on the Bowells of the Spectators , to have some compassion upon him . At last , with much a-doe , his soul ( which had so many doores opened for it ) found a passage , out of his body , into another world . 7. Heare , how one of great * Learning , is charitably opinioned of his finall Estate , making this Apostrophe to his Ghost : Oh , ANDRONICUS ! Oh thou Emperour of the East ! how much wast thou bound unto God , whose will it was , that for a few dayes thou shouldst suffer such things , that thou mightest not perish for ever ! Thou wast miserable for a short time , that thou mightest not bee miserable for all eternity . I make no doubt , but thou hadst the yeares of Eternity in minde , seeing that thou didst suffer such things so constantly , and couragiously . 8. But doth not so strong charity argue a weak judgement ? Despaire it selfe may presume of salvation , if such an-one was saved . How improperly did he usurp that Expression , comparing himselfe to a * Bruised Reed , when , another Scriptureresemblance was more applyable unto him , of a * Bul-rush bowing downe his head ; onely top-heavy for the present , with sense of suffering , not inwardly contrited in heart , for the sinnes hee had committed . Must not true Repentance have a longer season to ripen it , and by workes ensuing , to avouch to the world the sincerity thereof ? Insomuch that , of late , some affirme that the good Theefe on the Crosse did not then first begin , but first renew his Repentance , lately interrupted by a fellonious Act. Allow Andronious for a Saint ; and we shall people Heaven with a new Plantation of Whores and Theeves . ( how volumnious will the Booke of Martyrs be , if Paine alone does make them ! ) 9. On the other side , we must be wary , how , in our Censures , wee shut Heaven-doore against any Penitents . Farre bee it from us to distrust the power of Gods mercy , or to deny the efficacie of true ( though late ) Repentance : the last groan which divorces the soule from the body , may unite it to God : though the Arme of his body was cut off , the Hand of his faith might hold . All that I will adde is this , if Andronicus his soule went to Heaven , it is pitty that any should know of it , lest they bee encouraged to imitate the wicked Premises of his life , hoping by his Example to obtaine the same happy Conclusion after death . 10. After his Execution , the tide of the Peoples fury did turne , who began to love his memory , and lament his Losse : Such as before were blinded with Prejudice against him , could now clearely see many good deeds he had done for the Publique , and began to recount with themselves , many Sovereigne Lawes , which hee had enacted : some bemoaned the misery which he had endured , as if his punishment was over-proportion'd to his deserts . Whether this pitie proceeded out of that generall humour of men , never to value things till they are lost ; or , because their revenge had formerly surfeted upon him , & now began to disgorge it selfe againe ; Or , which is most probable , this Compassion arose from the mutability and inconstancy of humane Nature , which hates alwaies to be imprisoned in one and the same minde ; but being in constant Motion through the Zodiac of all Passions , will not stay long in the same Signe ; and sometimes goes from one Extremity to another . 11. By this time Isaacius was brought by Basilius the Patriarch unto the Throne , and placed thereon with all solemnity : then the Crowne was put upon his head , on the top whereof was a Diamond-Crosse , ( greatnesse and Care are twins ) which Isaacius kissed : I welcome thee , said he , though not as a stranger , who have been acquainted with Crosses from my Cradle : Thou art both my Sword and my Shield ; for hitherto I have conquered with suffering . Then weighing the Crowne in his hand ; it is ( faith he ) a beautifull burthen , which loads , more than it adornes . 12. Here Basilius the Patriark made a Sermon-like Oration unto him , which , as it was uttered with much Gravity , so it was heard with no lesse Attention , and embraced by the Emperour , with great Thankfulnes . Not presuming , Sir , to teach you what you doe not know , I am incited by my Calling , and encouraged by your Clemency , to put you in minde , of what otherwise you may forget . This Crowne and Sceptre were sent you from Heaven ; onely we have done our duty in delivering them unto you . And now me thinks , that Divine Majesty perfectly shines in You his Image . These our Eyes upheld , & folded hands , and bared heads , and bended knees are due from us to God , and wee pay them to him , by paying them to you his Receiver . And wee doubt not , but you will improve the Power and Honour bestowed on you , for the protection of the people committed unto you . 13. In a mans body , whilst naturall Heat and radicall Moisture , observe their limits ; all is preserved in health : if either exceedes their bounds , the body either drownes , or burnes . It fareth thus in the constitution of the State , betwixt your Power , and our Prosperity ; whilst both agree , they support one another : but , if they fall out , about Masterie , even that which over-comes , will be destroyed in a generall confusion . And , if you should betray your Trust , though we bow , and beare , and sigh , and sob , armed with Prayers and Teares ; yet know , that our sad Mournings will mount into that Court , where lye the Appeales of Subjects , and the Censures of Soveraignes , which will heavily bee inflicted by him , whom you represent . Speake I not this , out of any distrust of your Justice , but out of earnest desire of your happinesse , wishing , that the greatnesse of Constantine , Founder of this place , the goodnesse of Jovian , the successe of Honorius , the long life of Valens , the quiet death of Manuel , the immortall fame of Justinian , and what soever good was singl'd on them , may joyntly be heaped upon you , and your Posterity . 14. Hereupon followed such a shout of the people , as the oldest man present had not heard the like ; and all interpreted it as a token presaging the future felicity of the new Emperour . And thus we have presented the Reader , with the remarkable intricacie and perplexity of successe ( as if Fortune were like to lose her selfe in a Labyrinth of her owne making , ) winding backward and forward , within the compasse of five yeares , with more strange varieties then can easily bee paralell'd in so short a continuance of time . 1. First , Alexius ; no Andronicus . 2. Then , Alexius ; and Andronicus . 3. Then , Andronicus ; and Alexius . 4. Then , Andronicus ; no Alexius . 5. Then , Isaacius ; no Andronicus . Thus , few strings curiously plaid upon by the cunning fingers of a skilfull Artist may make much Musick : and Divine Providence made here a miraculous harmony by these odd expected transpositions , tuneing all to his owne glory . 15. Here I intended to end our History , save that I cannot discharge my Trust , and bee faithfull to the Truth , without taking some speciall observation of Basilius . Wee cannot forget how Active an Instrument hee had been to serve the cruelty of Andronicus : and when first I looked wishly upon his hands ( so busied in wicked employments ) I presently read his Fortune , that hee should come to a violent death . The old * Hermite seemed to mee a Prophet , to confirme me in my opinion , ( when reproving him for stickling in temporall matters ) and my conjectures grew confident , that this Patriarke in processe of time , would either shake his Mitre from his head , or his head from his shoulders . And , perchance , if the ingenuous Reader would be pleased freely to confesse his thoghts therein , hee was possest with the same expectation . 16. How wide were we from the marke ? how blinde is Man in future Contingents ? How wise is God , in crossing our conceits , leaving the world amused with his wayes ; that men finding themselves at a losse , may learne more to adore , what they cannot understand ! See Basilius , as brave , and as bright as ever ; and whilst all his Fellow-servants had their wages paid them by Andronicus , ( some made longer in their Necks , others shorter by their Heads ) He alone survives in Health and Honour : which made most to admire , what peculiar Antidote of Soveraigne vertue hee had gotten , to preserve himselfe from the infectious fury of that Tyrant . 17. But that which advanceth this wonder into the Marks of a Miracle , is , that this cunning Pilot , should so quickly tacke about , when the winde changed , and ingratiate Himselfe with Isaacius . When times suddenly turned from Extreames ; those persons which formerly were first in favour , are cast farthest behinde , and they must bee very active and industrious to recover themselves . But Basilius by a strange Dexterity , was instantly in the front of Favourites , and , without any abatement , carryed it in as high a straine as ever before ; and , although ( being weary already ) I am loath to travell further into the Reigne of this new Emperour , to see in the sequell thereof what became of Basilius at last ; yet , so farre as I can from the best chosen Advantage discerne and discover his successe ; no signall Punishment , aboue the ordinary Standard of Casualities , did befall Him ; and , for ought appears to the contrary , hee dyed in his bed . 18. Of such as seriously consider this Accident , some perchance may bee so well stockt with Charity , as to conceive , that hee repented of his former Impiety ; and , thereupon , was pardoned by Heaven , and came to a peaceable end . Others may conceive , that as , when a whole Forrest of Trees is felled , some aged , eminent , Oake , by the high-wayes side , may bee suffered to survive , as uselesse for Timber , because decayed ; yet , usefull for a Land-marke , for the direction of Travellers ; for Basilius being now aged , and past dangerous Activity , was preserved for the Information of Posterity , and ( when all others were cut downe by cruell deaths , ) he left alone to instruct the insuing age of the Tragicall passage which had happened in his Remembrance . But the most solid , and judicious will expresse themselves in the language of the * Apostle , Some mens sinnes are open before-hand , going before to judgement , and some mens follow after . All notorious offenders are not publickly branded in the World with an infamous Character of shame or paine : but some carrie their sinnes concealed , and receive the reward for them in another world . 19. It onely remaineth , that wee now give the personall dedescription of Andronicus , so farre forth as it may be collected from the few extant Authors which have written thereof . I. His Stature . HEE was higher then the ordinary sort of Men . He was seven full feet in length ( if there be no mistake in the difference of the measure . ) And whereas , often the Cock-loft is empty , in those which Nature hath built many stories high ; his head was sufficiently stored with all Abilities . II. His Temper . OF a most healthfull Constitution , of a lively Colour , and vigorous Limbes , so that he was used to say , that he could endure the violence of any Disease for a Twelve-month together by his sole naturall strength , without being beholding to Art , or any assistance of Physic . III. His Learning . HEE had a quicke Apprehension , and solid judgement , and was able on any emergent occasion , to speake rationally on any Controversie in Divinity . Hee would not abide to heare any Fundamentall Point of Religion brought into question ; insomuch , that when once two Bishops began to contend about the meaning of that noted place , My Father is greater than I am ; Andronicus suspecting that they would fall foule upon the Arrian Heresie , vowed to throw them both into the River , except they would bee quiet , A way to quench the hottest Disputation , by an in-artificiall Answer , drawne from such Authoritie . IIII. His Wives . FIRST , Theodora Commenia , Daughter of Isaacius Sebabasto Crator , his nearest kinswoman ; so that the Marriage was most incestuous . The second , Anna , Daughter to the King of France : of whom , largely before . V. His lawfull Issue , both by his first Wife . IOHN COMNENIUS his eldest sonne . It seemes hee was much deformed , and his Soule , as cruell , as his body , ugly . He assisted Hagio Christophorita-Stephanus in the stifling of Xene . Manuel , his second sonne , of a most vertuous disposition . Let those , that undertake the ensuing History , shew how both had their eyes bored out by Isaacius . VI . His Naturall Issue . I Meet with none of their names , and though hee lived wantonly with many Harlots , and Concubines : yet ( what a Father observeth ) {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Many Wives make few children . And it may be imputed to the providence of Nature , that Monsters ( such as Andronicus ) in this particular , are happy that they are Barren . VII . His Buriall . BY publike Edict it was prohibited that any should bury his body ; however , some were found , who bestowed , though not a solemne grave , yet an obscure hole upon him , not out of pitty to him , but out of love to themselves ; except any will say , that his Corps , by extraordinary stinch , provided its owne buriall , to avoyd a generall annoyance . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A40648e-180 * Hest. 2. 6. * Lul. 19. 4 * Gen. 8. 7. Notes for div A40648e-2320 An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179 An. Dom. 1179 An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. * {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179 An. Dom. 1179 An. Dom. 1179. An. Dom. 1179. n. Dom. 1199. An. Dom. 1189. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. * Nicetas Coniates in vita Alexij numero . 16. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180 An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom. 1180. An. Dom 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181 An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dow . 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 lib. parag. 9. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181 An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. * Rom. 7. 19 , 20. An. Dom. 1181. An Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1181. An. Dom. 1182 An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182 An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1182. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183 An. Dom. 1183. An. Dom. 1183. An. 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