NEWS FROM PARNASSUS.  
The Political Touchstone, Taken From Mount Parnassus: Whereon the Governments of the greatest Monarchies of the World are touched.  
Printed at Helicon. 1622.   

THE PREFACE.  
THE truest and securest precepts of Policy are those, which either are drawn from the prudent resolutions, or unadvised errors of great Princes in the deliberations of their most important affairs, or from the study of Policy; all consisting in a severe, and judicious censure of the actions of the Great: and the studious in Histories, which have the gift to know how to examine them well, draw out of them most excellent rules, for the wel-governing of many people: which being very true, it is no marvel, if the best Writers of matters of State have grown extremely odious to those that reign; by reason, that as Princes willingly lend an ear to the praises which happen to be given them, although they come from the pen, or mouth of an impudent Flatterer, so likewise they have in exceeding abomination all censures which are made upon their actions: it being an insupportable misery unto them, that their imprudence, and calamities, should serve for instructions unto others, not to commit the like faults. This truth assures me, that these my present Advertisements from Parnassus, (where in a sporting manner the actions, interests, true ends, and defects of many Princes, not very just, coming to be censured, touched, discovered, and noted) would bring them infinite displeasure, if they should be openly published. Whereupon, I, that at any hand will not give disgust to any person private or public whatsoever, have fully resolved to keep them from the Press, as from the fire: for the length of time maturing things, that, which for infinite respects, in our Age is odious, the present Princes wanting, and those affairs growing old, which now live: and that in regard of their importance are held in great jealousy, I hope that these my Labours will then with particular liking be read of the Virtuous, whom I endeavour to please and delight: In the mean time I have presumed to hide these my Writings in your Lordship's Library, unto whom I present them, to the end they may be published to the world at such time as they cannot give distaste to any one. But then my desires shallbe accomplished, when these my Works, such as they are, may give unto your Lordship that satisfaction, which I so exceedingly desire, in regard of the infinite devotion I bear unto your Name, and the innumerable obligations, wherein I stand engaged unto you, which have created me a debtor unto you in so great a sum, that if I should spend my whole life in your service, yet I should think I had done nothing, but that still I should die ingrateful.   

THE CONTENTS.  
THe Spanish Monarchy arriveth at Parnassus; beseecheth Apollo she may be cured of an Issue in her arm, and by the Political Physicians dismissed.  
The Monarchy of Spain lamenteth for that her falsehoods are discovered.  
Maximilian the Emperor is advertised of the troubles begun amongst his sons.  
Most of the Princes, Commonweals, and States of Europe are weighed in a pair of Scales by Lorenzo Medici.  
The Spanish Monarchy goeth to the Oracle at Delphos, for to know whether ever she shall attain to the Monarchy of the World, and receiveth a contrary answer.  
Philip the second King of Spain, after some contestation about his Title, entereth with great pomp into Parnassus.  
Almansor, sometime King of the Moors, encountering with the Kingdom of Naples, they relate one to another the miseries they sustain by the oppression of the Spaniards.  
Sigismond Battor learneth the Latin tongue. The Cardinal of Toledoes Summa is not admitted into the Library of Parnassus.  
The French desire the receipt of the Spanish scent for Gloves.  
The Monarchy of Spain throweth her Physician out of the Window.  
Most of the States of the World are censured in Pernassiu for their errors.  
The Duke of Cuize his Secretary is punished for speaking amiss.  
Certain Persons for example unto others, are shown unto the people.  
The Monarchy of Spain inviteth the Cardinal of Toledo to be her Royal Divine in her Council of State, which he refuseth, and why.  
The Spaniards attempt the acquisition of Savoy, but do not prevail.  
The Duke d'Alva being arrived at Parnassus, in complementing with Prospero Colonna, they fall foul about defrauding the Colonesi of their Titles.   
NEWS from Parnassus.  

CHAP. 1. The Spanish Monarchy arrives at Parnassus: beseecheth Apollo she may be cured of an Issue in her arm, and by the Political Physicians is dismissed.  
ALthough the Majesty of Apollo had decreed unto the High & Mighty Monarchy of Spain immediately upon her arrival at this Court (which was some four months passed) not only a solemn entrance, but the public Consistory of the Learned in the Royal Hall of Audience, with the presence of the Excellent Muses: yet was it not executed, until two days since, by reason she consumed all those four months in according with the Princely Poets such Titles as she was to give, and receive from others: and in agreeing how to receive, and how to be received in Visitations: whilst the Virtuous stood amazed, and bitterly complained of the hard condition of these modern times plagued with the corruption of such vanity: but greater was the affliction of the Virtuous, because many Learned Princes openly refused to be visited by that great Queen, saying, That they suspected the receiving some affront from her, for that they had lately Letters out of Italy, wherein they were advised by their friends to stand upon their guard, it being the particular custom of the Spaniards, to go to visit persons more to injure, then to honour them; and that therefore it seemed to them a kind of exceeding madness, in stead of avoiding affronts, to attend them in their houses, and reverently to receive them with Cap in hand. And albeit so potent a Monarchy to the great wonder of all men had shown herself much more sparing, in giving to others satisfaction of Titles, then in bestowing her golden Pistolets; nevertheless she hath received from those Princely Poets, and from all the Virtuous Potentates, that more regard the substance, than the vanity of things, in this same titular business, as much content as she could desire. Howbeit, the reputation of so great a Queen hath been much blemished in this Court, by reason she is seen, notwithstanding the extreme necessity that lieth upon her for the acquisition of friends, to show herself too forward in alienating such from her, as desire nothing of her, but satisfaction of words. Further, it hath been observed for a particular of much note, how the Mr. of the Ceremonies advertised her, that that great punto she so stands upon, is an odious thing, only proper to barbarous Kings, and most unworthy so great a Lady, and such a Princess of Europe as she was: whereunto with much disdain she answered, How she wondered that he, considering the place he held, should have so little understanding, as not to know, that a Prince with out gravity, showeth like a Peacock without a tail. It is not possible to write, with what curiosity and desire this Princess was expected, nor what a concourse of people came from all parts of Apollo's State, to look upon this powerful Queen, that with such a monstrous course of felicity hath in so short a time united under her most spacious Kingdoms, and thereof framed an Empire so formidable, that there is not a Prince in the world, which for suspicion of her hath not armed himself. The Monarchy of Spain in comparison of those of France, of England, and other ancient Monarchies, is young in age, but of body fare bigger than any other whatsoever; and according to the proportion of years she is of, of an unmeasurable greatness: whence it is argued, that if she continue growing unto that term, wherein humane bodies are wont to come to their full perfection, she will become so great a Gyantesse, that she will arrive to that unmeasurable height of the Universal Monarchies, whereunto the Rom. Monarchy attained: but the accidents of matters of State affirm for certain, that she will never be bigger: and that she was as high in her tenderest years, as ever she will be in any time to come whatsoever. The which is plainly demonstrated by this apparent argument, that in these present times she hath grown more slowly half a finger's breadth, than she did two handfuls in times past. This mighty Lady is of complexion very tawny, much inclining to the Moor: therefore her customs are rather proud, then grave; and in all her actions, hath more of the cruel, than the severe: so that not having been able, nor desirous to learn that art (so necessary for a Prince) of pardoning, it is the firm opinion of many, that thereby her greatness is the more impeached: for placing her estimation upon nothing more, then to be called the Mistress of Nations, in the knowledge of being most resolute to strike off the heads of such odious Poppies, as in the gardens of her States overtop their fellows, she rejoiceth not a little, that she is said in that sort to have gone beyond that Tarquin the Great, who was the first inventor of such a secret. Being then so resolute in the execution of severities, she is much perplexed in conferring of graces, which are seen to proceed very seldom from her; and those too she doth, are granted with so much authority, as they are not very acceptable: Howbeit in appearance, she is all mildness, and wholly dissolved into Compliments: but he that with the political Spectacle knoweth how to penetrate into the inward of the heart, shall discover her to be all pride, all covetousness, and cruelty; in such sort, that they which have long negotiated with her, report; That there is not any Princess from whom come sweeter words, and bitterer deeds: whereby it happeneth, that as a friend she greatly allureth men, and as a Mistress exceedingly terrifieth them. Her hands be out of all proportion long, which she extendeth every where, as may be most for her profit, without discerning friend from foe, or a stranger from a kinsman: She hath the nails of an Harpy most rapacious; with fingers of so hard and strong a tenure, that she never letteth go any thing, which she once fasteneth on. Her eyes be black, and of a merveilous sharp sight: She looketh afquint, so that fixing her eye upon one, she attentively beholdeth another: (a matter of much danger to Princes for of late years, having set her face upon Argier, before any body was ware, she fastened her look upon 〈◊〉. And in those eyes is discovered a world of greediness, because she never beholds any thing, that she doth not earnestly covet with her heart; whereupon the Speculative affirm, That this Queen is inflamed with an immoderate thirst of others Estates; and she never had friend, whom in a short time with sundry devises she made not a slave. All which do manifest unto the world, that she is fit to govern slaves then freemen. She standeth so much upon the punto of State, that she will not vouchsafe to stir a foot for to encounter good occasions, which many times have gone home even to her own doors to find her out. She goeth beyond all other Queens whatsoever, either past or present, in the knowledge how to cover with the cloak of hypocrisy any interest of hers, though never so diabolical: and albeit she is seen daily to enter into actions that are none of the best, yet she maketh ostentation of nothing more, then of her Conscience. Whence the French, so often deceived under colour of most holy pretexts, have at length to their cost learned to arm themselves, and get to horse, as soon as they once hear her propound matters full of pretences of Religion, and blessed Charity towards her most beloved Neighbour. She is so excellent in the exercise of horsemanship, that she hath not only with good fortune tamed the generous Courses of Naples, but also made gentle even those most vicious mules of Spain, that by their natural instinct are so wild and unruly. She is above all other Ladies most suspicious, insomuch that, her own Nation excepted, she trusteth not any of all those that are subject unto her, though upon all occasions she hath proved them most faithful: a matter of such prejudice unto her, that the understanding part of the world plainly say, how for that only most important defect, it is not possible she should ever grow greater: And this happeneth, because no Prince living eareth less than she to be loved of her people, placing all her study how to make herself to be feared. Whereupon the Politicians: have observed it as a kind of very great madness in her, to be so confidently persuaded as she is, that she can draw people to adore her by oppressing them: Nevertheless, with these so odious Customs she allureth all men unto her service, for the infinite abundance of her treasures is that calamity, which with such violence haileth unto her even those minds, that are bound to abhor her. She is most accurate in petty things, but in great affairs no other Queen hath suffered herself to be more easily deceived. In discoursing of, and resolving important matters, she showeth admirable understanding and prudence; but either by her natural sloth, or the cunning of her ministers, most covetous Merchants of great businesses; or because it seemeth unto her, that no resolution is made with Decorum, if it be not a long time expected by the World, she executeth her resolutions with so much delay, that the face of affairs changing with the time, those resolutions which have been most prudently deliberated, have often proved infortunate. And therefore it is the opinion of all men, that she is more able in laying of Plots, then in the managing of Arms, wherein she hath great courage, exceeding constancy, unspeakable patience of all discommodities: but so little resolution, that her extraordinary circumspection hath many times the face of fear: whereupon she seemeth more apt to maintain, then conquer States. There are many singular men, that laugh at her, for ruling all her actions by such solid and mature counsels, without ever venturing any in the hand of that Chance, and Fate which have so favoured, and made glorious the French, when as on occasions they have been carried more by valour, than discretion: And some are of the mind, how that only proceedeth, from her being as sparing of her own blood, as she is thirsty after others: Whence it is, that the most understanding Captains in the Art of war, deride her, for aspiring to the Empire of the World, and yet will never fight: for this mighty Queen being resolved to make acquisition of great States by marriages, she abhorreth that dreadful custom of the French, to buy others Kingdoms with the price of their own blood. Being then more advised then courageous, she is more dangerous to her friend in peace, then to her enemy in war; wherefore the French, that hitherto have lived with her in a supine negligence, have at length, after so many calamities learned to double bar the door when once they have concluded a peace with the Spaniards. She is most careless of her own, but so greedy of others riches, that she careth not to waste her own patrimonial estates, so as thereby she may get another's. She is so close, so reserved, that it is not possible for any cunning of man to find out her ends: but he that will judge of the disposition and customs of such a Lady, must be fully persuaded, that in all the affairs which either she manageth herself, or others have to negotiate with her, she is within quite contrary to that she appeareth without. And albeit that amongst the aforesaid virtues, she hath so notorious vices, yet by the greatness of her fortune every thing in her is interpreted, and admired for Virtue: so that many wise Princes hold it an honour to imitate her, even in vices. She is of constitution very strong: whereupon it is concluded, that she is long-lived, only she suffereth in the indisposition of the distraction of her members; a matter that doth infinitely weaken so great a Body: and although with the aid of the liberty of Genoa, and the alliance she hath with the Duke of Savoy, she useth many devises to unite them: yet by the diversity of the interests of those Potentates, she prevaileth little. But such a Princess by nothing receiveth so much prejudice, as by her principal ministers the Spaniards, whose services alone she useth in the greatest Charges, exercised by them with so much insolency & odious pride, 〈◊〉 they will not be honoured as men, but adored as gods: an impertinence, that hath made the Spanish Dominion distasifull, not only to the Italians and Flemings, but even to the very Spaniards themselves.  
This mighty Princess then, appearing in the Royal Hall before the Majesty of Apollo, she caused her servants to unbind her left arm, and showing it naked unto Apollo, and to all the sacred College of the Learned, she spoke in this manner: Lord, and Father of good letters, this which you see, is that same stinking Issue of Flanders, which the French, the Germans, and some Italian Princes, which seem my friends, and that in bowelled beyond. Sea Renegada, made me so many years since, out of the suspicion they had of me. I grant, that the Princes I have named, had just cause to be jealous of my power, at such time, as after the death of Henry the second, they saw France fall'n into the calamity of infant Kings; and that in their minority, I sought to sow dissension in that Kingdom: But now that those suspicions are wanting, and that in the great contention which I had with the French; and particularly with that same unchayned Prince of Beaune, I was condemned in costs, I do beseech of your Majesty, that so fastidious an Issue may be stopped, since every one seethe, that by the great abundance of humours, which are there concurring, it is become so raging a Canker, that I pray God, it doth not end with the ruin of the whole. I did not pass into Italy through mine own ambition, nor had that ardent desire to possess myself wholly of it, as mine enemies affirm: it is well known, that I was called, nay, forethly ha●●●… thither by the Princes of Italy themselves, to deliver them from the great fear they were in, of the domination of the French. And happy had it been for my House of Spain, which I had covered with Slate of silver, and Tiles of massy gold, if I never had had any thing to do with the Italians; a double dealing Nation, full of deceits, and interests, and only good to embark men in dangerous affairs without Biscuit, and then to abandon them in the midst of greatest perils, making profession of nothing more, then to far well at other men's costs: And it seemeth marvellous strange to me, that Italy, which (as every man knows) hath suffered herself to be towzed by so many strange Nations, should now make such profession of chastity to me; that if she see me never so little to move, she entereth strait into a jealousy, that I will deprive her of the honour of her Liberty. And albeit the greatness, wherein the Kingdom of France standeth at this instant, secureth Italy, and all the Princes which I have named, from the fear they are in of my power; yet when it shall so seem good to your Majesty, I am ready to give security to every one, of not offending, so that this same fastidious Issue of mine may be stopped.  
By order then of his Majesty, the Issue then was diligently considered by the political Physicians; and having made an exquisite consultation thereupon, they delivered, That in regard the Spanish Monarchy was troubled with an ardent th●rit of Domination, that Issue was necessary for her, whereby those gross humours might be purged away; which from Peru distilled down into her stomach, and caused that unquenchable thirst. And those worthy Physicians considered, that if the said Monarchy had not that Issue, there was manifest danger, that the pernicious humours of Peru, would mount up into the head of Italy, with apparent ruin of the principal members, which now remain free in her; and that the said Monarchy of Spain would fall into the Dropsy of an Universal Monarchy: to avoid which inconveniences, nothing was so proper, said they, as that same Issue of Flanders, which was to be kept open, so long as Peru ministered those pernicious humours to the Monarchy of Spain.  
This resolution greatly displeased the Spanish Monarchy, whereupon being much incensed, she said thus; Sir, if through the malice of others I must so foully consume away myself in ministering ointments to the Canker, which my enemies call a divertive Issue, some peradventure, that little dream of it, shall have their share in it: This was presently apprehended by the English, the French, and Italians; who replied; That they cared not a rush for any thing she could do: for they sent but the refuse of their States in to Flanders, whereas the Spaniards consumed Gold, and vital blood there: And that to secure themselves from the formidable power, and ambition of the Spanish, which appeared to have no Horizon, the English, French, Germans, and Italians, were forced conformable to the Aphorism of the political Hipocrates, Tacitus: Consilijs & estu res externas moliri arma procul habere.   

CHAP. 2. The Monarchy of Spain lamenteth, for that her Falsehoods are discovered.  
I Know not whether it were by accident, or by the malice of some Frenchmen, or indeed (as many have grievously suspected) by the plottings of that nation, which is such an implacable enemy to the French: but so it was, that many years since, the Royal Palace of the Monarchy of France was set on fire, and so great was the Flame, and so terribly did it burn, that the neighbouring Monarchies were in extreme fear, lest that fire would end with the ruin of their States: in such sort, that for the preservation of their own, every one ran to the extinguishing of the flame of another's house. The English, though natural enemies to the French, brought thither the waters of their Thames; the Germans those of the Mose, and of the Rhine; the Venetians emptied almost all their Lakes. And in truth it was a marvelous thing to see, that even the Monarchy of Spain herself, (esteemed so cruel an enemy to the French) should labour amongst the chiefest friends, to extinguish that fire; whereas the common fame went, she would rather have rejoiced to have warmed herself at it: whereupon every one remained much astonished, when they saw, that with care, and unspeakable charity, she not only brought thither her waters of Tagus, and Iberus, but even the boundless Ocean itself; whereof, when the English, and Hollanders will permit her, she is absolute Mistress. Howbeit, some Politicians sinisterly interpreting the charity of the Spaniards, publicly affirmed, that it was a pernicious matter in the occasions of the French to admit the assistance of the Spaniards, who being eternal and capital enemies to France, were rather to be recounted Architects of every French ruin, then zealous of the greatness of that Kingdom as men, that measuring all the actions of those, which reign in the works of Princes, with the only Compass of their interest, many times do not admit even piety towards God, much less charity towards men. But these Politicians were so much the more held in abomination with the world, by how much it was most apparent, that the Spaniards in their diligence, and charity to bring water unto that fire, not only equalled, but went beyond any friend whatsoever of the French: And that which increased all marvel, and brought high reputation to the Monarchy of Spain with simple men, was, that Flanders, and Austria, her ancientest patrimonies, burning with the cruel flames of war, she had preferred the safety of the French, before the care of her own affairs. Now because neither humane labour, nor any quantity of water was sufficient to extinguish the least spark of such a dreadful fire, but rather the flames of those bloody civil wars, notwithstanding all diligence, and remedies, daily more and more increased; even good men, and the devoutest Simplicities began to lend an ear unto the advice of the Politicians, and to suspect, that the charity of the Spanish Monarchy was altogether interest, which indeed is right Spanish charity; so that they resolved no longer to give credit to apparences, but to look into them, and see what matter it was, that the Spaniards brought in their Barrels: and they found, that in stead of water, to quench the fire, they were filled with Pitch, Oil, Rozin, and diabolical dissensions, to increase it; which treachery also some French Barons were discovered to use, who more than others making profession of extraordinary charity, employed those Barrels, and the matter in them, lent them by the Spaniards: Whereupon, with just indignation they were slain by the French Monarchy, and burned in the very same fire, which with such sedition, and infidelity they had nourished in their Country. And the Spaniards were not only chased away from that Work, but with sound of Trumpet proclaimed and published for Hypocrites; and by a particular Edict of the French Monarchy, the World was made to know, that if ever in time to come, there were any one found, that could be induced to believe, how any kind of charity could fall into the minds of the Spaniards towards the French, he should be held, and reputed for a notorious Simplicity: and that, if after the first admonition he should persevere in his error, as malicious, and seditious, he should be tossed in a Blanket.  
It was strange to see, how the Spaniards, and those French beforenamed, had no sooner abstained from that Work, but that the inflammation of France, which before was so great, that even men of the best judgement affirmed, how it was not possible to be extinguished by any humane means, ceased of itself: Whereupon, the famous Flowers-de-luce of Gold so trampled on before, rose up more resplendent and flourishing, then ever they were; and France, that through the excessive ambition of many, had been cruelly tormented for forty years together and better, became (to the great marvel of all men) quiet, and pacified in the twinkling of an eye: so that then it evidently appeared, that the Spaniards were the first Authors of that fire in France, which with such fare pretences of Religion and charity, they have laboured to make the world believe they would so fain have extinguished. It is generally reported, that the Monarchy of Spain retired herself into her Royal Palace, and how for a long time together she would not suffer herself to be seen of any one, giving herself over to a deep Melancholy, and with abundance of tears freely acknowledging, that she would rather have lost two of the best Kingdoms she had, then see the world condemn, and deride those holy pretences of hers, with which she had so often, to her infinite commodity, sold even the most stinking Assafoetida for Musk, and Ambergriece: for now it seemed unto her that she remained without her richest treasure, and that she had lost the inexhaustible Ours of Gold and Silver of Peru, and of all the new World, seeing she was deprived of the benefit of being able ever after to make the simple multitude believe, that black was white; thinking it withal a very hard case to be driven to that fearful pass, wherein she had always seen the French, that she must be forced to make acquisition of Kingdoms, only with the point of the sword; whereas in times past, with the sole apparences of her holy pretexts, which had served her in stead of a most flourishing army, she had put the whole world into combustion: And that it exceedingly grieved her to be fallen into such an ill opinion with men, that she was in danger for the time to come, not to be believed any more in the truth; where before, the dissimulation of false pretences, and of the openest Hypocrisy that might be, carried the credit of most sacred Truth, and of most perfect Devotion.   

CHAP. 3. Maximilian the Emperor is advertised of the Troubles begun among his Sons.  
THere came three Posts very lately unto the Majesty of the Emperor Maximilian the second; and presently it was known, how they brought him advertisement, that the Archduke Mathias had taken Arms against the Emperor Rodolphus his Brother, seditiously requiring the Kingdoms of Hungary and Bohemia, and the absolute Dominion of Austria, and other Provinces. These ill news infinitely troubled the mind of the Emperor; for he well knew, that the discord risen up among his Sons, would give the enemies of the House of Austria that content, which they so much desired. Whereupon, yesterday morning very early, that Prince presented himself before Apollo, and with many tears demanded of him, when the evils of the House of Austria, so long before commenced, through the cruel combination of all Germany against it, should have an end; and for what demerit such fearful scourges were sent unto his House. Unto this demand Apollo answered in this sort: All the troubles and persecutions of your Family, great Emperor, shall cease, when it shall wholly abandon those ambitious thoughts of desiring to command over Hungary, and Transilvania; which hath given unto Germany such jealousies, that to secure her ancient Liberty from the power of your House, she bendeth all her study to nothing more, then to the depression of it: for the Germans, fearing greater prejudice from your acquests, then from the victories of the Turks, are fully resolved rather to lose Vienna, then recover Buda. And then also shall all Germany unfeignedly love your Archduke's, when deposing their present ambition, they shall make it appear, that they desire to be equal, and not superior to other Princes of Germany.   

CHAP. 4. Philip the second King of Spain, after some contestation about his Title, entereth with great pomp into Parnassus.  
THe mighty King of Spain, Philip the second, who (some two months since arrived at this Court, was not permitted before yesterday to make a public and solemn entry, because that on certain Triumphal Arches, which with a Royal magnificence were erected unto him by the Spanish Nation, these words were written: Philippo secundo Hispaniarum, utriussque Siciliae, & Indiarum Regi Catholico, Italiae pacis Auctori foelicissim●. Which distasting the greater part of the Italian Princes, they required them to be canceled, saying: That they would not at any hand acknowledge from the Spaniards that peace of Italy, which with ready money they bought of the Hollanders. This aromatical matter was a long time disputed, and albeit the Italian Princes had concludingly proved in judgement, that the present peace of Italy was not to be acknowledged from the good minds of the Spaniards, who would have seized on it all, had it not been for that great diversion, but altogether from the wars of Flanders, yet in the greatest heat of this contention, the Queen of Italy with her wont prudence pacified the matter; for having called all her Princes together, she advised them to leave ostentation, and vainglory to the Spaniards, and applying themselves to substantial things to continue feeding them with breath. The concourse both for number, and quality of Princes which assembled to grace, and serve so great a King, was the greatest, and the honourablest, that ever Parnassus had seen. And so powerful a Prince had place amongst those Monarches, which are famous in the world more for prudence, and advisedness used in peace, then for valour shown in war: and greatly did the Learned marvel at the Impreze, which he carried painted in his Standard general, of a writing pen, wherewithal, by the testimony of Historians it plainly appeared, that in the potent Kingdom of France, and other places, where good occasion had been presented unto him to employ it, he had caused greater batteries and ruins, than Charles the fift his Father had done, or could do with most part of the Cannons of all Europe. An Impreze, that was much commended by the sacred College of the Virtuous, it being greatly to the honour of all Writers, that a Pen in the hand of a man, who knew how to manage it, could work such memorable effects. So mighty a King was entreated in Parnassus, alla grande; for even the chiefest Monarches of Christendom thought it a great reputation unto them forto be able to serve him, insomuch that the day after his entry, being under the Barber's hand, the famous Queen of England continually held the basin up close to his beard; and the warlike King of France, Henry the fourth, counted it a great glory unto him to wash his head, the which he performed with such excellent dexterity, as if he had been borne for the Trade, although some malignants have published, that it was without Soap, and only with very strong and sharp Lye.  
This great Monarch was presented by all the Virtuous of Parnassus with sundry Presents of Poesy, and other most elaborate Writings; the which he exchanged with much liberality: And to a learned personage, that presented him with a most worthy and honest Discourse, wherein he shown the way, how the noble Parthenope, and the whole Kingdom of Naples, that by the robberies of Soldiers, corruption of judges, oppressions of Great-men, and by the general ransackings of the ravenous Viceroys, which from Spain are sent thither to be fattened, is now come to utter desolation, may be made to return unto the ancient greatness of his splendour, he gave twenty Ducats, and consigned the Discourse to his Confessor; charging him to yield him a good account of it, as of a Work, that was very holily written: But unto a sufficient Politician, that presented him with a long Discourse, howbeit clean contrary to the former, entreating of the means which was to be used, for afflicting the said Kingdom of Naples more than now it is; & how it might be reduced to such calamity and misery, that the generous Steed, which without Bridle and Saddle, the Seat of State doth (with ill fortune) carry for Impreze, should patiently endure both Packsaddle, and Burdens; yea, and quietly draw in the Coach too: because he held that to be understandingly written, according to the true terms of good Policy, he gave twelve thousand Crowns a year, and created him a Grandee of Spain.   

CHAP. 5. Most of the Princes, Commonweals, and States of Europe, are weighed in a pair of Scales by Lorenzo Medici.  
SEeing it is apparent, that the Roman Commonweal, after the acquisition it had made of the Empire of all Italy, could in a short time arrive to that Universal Monarchy, which is yet so famous to the World, and whereunto many ambitious Princes have since in vain aspired, it hath been a general received Opinion, That that Potentate, who in State and Forces is suffered to grow unto such greatness, that he findeth no other Prince able to counterpoise him, no more than the Roman Commonweal did, after it became Commander over Italy, cannot possibly be impeached from obtaining the Universal Monarchy. Whereupon those Empires and Kingdoms, which were afterwards framed out of the pieces of the Roman Monarchy, to avoid those calamities and dissolutions, which fell upon such Potentates as were oppressed by the Roman Forces, out of most wholesome, and almost divine counsel agreed together, that every fifteenth year, all the Princes of Europe should assemble into one place; where each one's Forces should be severally weighed; and thereupon fit counterpoyze, and due mortification be given unto him, that was found to be grown to any greatness, which might be odious and dangerous to his Competitor.  
Many great Wits were from time to time preferred to that honourable charge of governing the Scales; but for an hundreth years past or thereabout, they were managed by the Illustrious House of Medici, and in particular by Lerenzo the Great. Which prerogative, although to many it seemed prejudicial unto the Majesty of the Popes, and prudence of the Venetian Senate, who have always watched; if not more, at leastwise equally with Lorenzo, and the Florentine Commonweal, to maintain both in Italy and abroad, the Forces of the Potentates of Europe even-ballanced, yet with a marvelous consent of all the Historians the government of the Scales was given into the hands of Signior Lorenzo. The first day of August, than all the Princes and Potentates of Europe, assembled in Phocis, not only to meet with so important a business as the perfect knowledge of their own affairs, but that also of others, which in matter of State importeth much more. Whereupon, by an ancient and just prerogative, the first that came to be weighed, was the Aristocratical Monarchy of the Apostolic Sea, whose temporal State was put into the Scale; and because the weight of the last fifteenth year was but six Millions of pounds, and now was found to amount unto seven & an half, every one knew, that the addition of the noble Duchy of Ferrara had caused that increase. The next that was put into the Scale, was the State of the seven Prince's Electors of the Roman Empire, which by old Records appeareth to have weighed in times past seventy Millions of pounds; but since, by the indiscreet government and courses of many Emperors, that lusty complexion, which made it evermore redoubted, was so spoilt, that it fell into those dangerous and foul infirmities, which after a long Quartane, found end in an Hectic Fever, that hath now so consumed it, as our Age beholdeth it left with nothing but very skin and bone. Howbeit, though it be so much decreased in state, yet the great bulk it hath of body, maketh it in show very goodly to look upon; the rather, because the intrinsecall imperfections are not discovered: for many good persons with the ancient Titles of the Empire, and majestical Name of Caesar, have beautified it very excellently without, but when it came to be weighed, it was found quite empty within; a feather not being so light, as the name of a Prince without authority is vain: whence it is, that the Roman Empire proved so weak, as it weighed but 480 pounds. Then the famous Peers of France brought unto the Scale the flourishing and warlike French Monarchy; a square of five hundreth and fifty Miles every way, replenished with an infinite Noblesse, armed on horseback, which not only maintaineth peace at home, but maketh so great a King formidable to all the Nations of the earth; besides a world of learned men, which adorn it; Merchandise and Trades which every it; Tillage and Husbandry, which make it plentiful, and abounding with every good thing. The ancient weight of so famous a Monarchy was twenty Millions of pounds; but in the last fifteenth years weight, by reason of the horrible calamities, whereinto (by the disloyalty of some of her Barons) she was thrown, it did not arrive to twelve Millions; howbeit now it not only equalled, but went fare beyond the weight of the best ancient times; for it came to five and twenty Millions; a matter of such marvel to everyone, that the Spaniards got on their Spectacles, and very narrowly observed, whether the Weights were right or no.  
To the ancient Kingndome of France was added the acquisition of Bresse given up by the Duke of Savoy, which in regard it was so advantageous to the City of Lions, augmented the weight of it above a Million. Next were the many Kingdoms of Spain put into the Scale by the Spanish Grandes, and to the great wonder of those ancient men, that could remember, how an hundreth and twenty years since, they were held in a poor and vile account, the weight amounted to twenty Millions. The Spaniards remained exceeding well satisfied with this weight of their Spain: and assured themselves, that with the addition of so many other States, they had beside to put into the Scale, not only to equal, but fare to exceed the five and twenty Millions of the French Monarchy. Wherhfore instantly they put into the Scale the flourishing Kingdom of Naples, which every one thinking would increase the weight at least two Millions more; it appeareth, that then it weighed less by one and an half: at this strange accident the Spaniards being much amazed, said: That either Lorenzo had used some fraud in the weighing, or that of necessity the Scales were not even; because it was a monstrous thing, that the addition of matter should abate of the weight. Whereunto Lorenzo coldly answered; That his Scales were even; but that neither the Indias void of inhabitants, nor the Neopolitans, and Milanese, which were so fare distant from the Forces of Spain, and replenished with a people, which so unwillingly supported the command of strangers, weighed any thing at all: for it was the love and multitude of subjects, the fertility and union of States, that give weight, and turn the Scale.  
Hereupon the Spaniards added the Duchy of Milan into the Scale, which in like manner abated a Million of the weight; whereat also the Spaniards were so much astonished, that they would not put Flanders into the Scale, fearing to receive a greater distaste and affront. Howbeit some said, that if they had put in the Indias, they might have wrought some good effect, but not those miracles, which certain lavish tongues have delivered; who with the same facility talk of Millions of Crowns that the furnace-men make of very brick and tile. Then came the English Lords, who put into the Scale their Kingdom, so much redoubted for the strength of the wonderful scytuation thereof; for the continued Mountains, which compass it about serving for walls, made by the very powerful hand of God in form of bulwarks, and the Ocean for most profound ditches, make it a Kingdom feared, in regard of the commodity it hath to assail others; and the insuperable difficulties, which they shall find, that offer to attempt it. The weight of this Kingdom was answerable to that of the last fifteenth year, which amounted to sixteen Millions. But the English to give more weight to their Kingdom, would have put the Kingdom of Scotland into the Scale; when the Scottish Nobility with drawn swords in their hands opposed themselves; freely protesting, that they would never suffer their Country to be annexed to the Kingdom of the English; for yet fresh was the lamentable example of the miseries of Flanders, who when she saw her Earls become Kings of Spain, foolishly believed that she should command over the Spaniards; whereas soon after, not Spain was sacked by the Flemings, but Flanders by the covetous and cruel Spaniards; and that which made up their misery, Charles the fifth the Emperor, and King Philip his son, by their continual residence in Spain, of Flemings became Spaniards. The unfortunate Flemings by losing their Prince, of natural subjects, grew to be esteemed strangers, and men of little faith. And so Flanders, the natural Country of Charles the fifth, the Patrimony of King Philip, became (according to the terms of modern Policy) a State of five States, and began to be governed by strangers; with those jealousies, and with those oppressions of Customs, Taxes, Contributions, and Donatives, as begat those bad humours, those ill satisfactions, from whence since hath proceeded that civil war, which after an unspeakable profusion of Gold, an infinite effusion of blood, an incredible loss of honour to the Flemings, was converted into a covetous merchandise of the Spaniards. Therefore the Scots by such lamentable miseries have learned, not to permit their King upon any terms whatsoever, to abandon the Royal Seat of his ancient Kingdom, for to place it in a greater, newly fallen unto him: in which case the Scots should under their cruel enemies the English, be sure to suffer all the calamities, which inferior Nations are wont to endure at the hands of the superior.  
Some that were present at this Act report, how the Spaniards told the King of England, that those Scots which had spoken so arrogantly in the presence of his Majesty, were to be severely chastised; to whom the King of England answered, That the Spaniards ought not to give that counsel unto others, which had proved so pernicious to themselves: and thereupon having commanded the stay of weighing their Kingdom, he assured his Scots, that ere long he would give them all possible satisfaction.  
After this, the vast Ottoman Empire was put into the Scale; which the last fifteenth year arrived to the sum of two and thirty Millions, but now was found to be less than sixteen; the strangeness whereof made all the Princes very much to marvel; and particularly the Venetians, who could not believe such a fall; whereupon they desired, that with more diligence it might be reweighed; and it appeared, how in that little time running between the first and this second weighing, it had fallen eight hundreth twenty and two pounds; whereby it was manifest, that the Ottoman Empire, heretofore so terrible to the world, now consumed with luxury, covetousness, and idleness, runneth headlong to his ruin, which gave great contentment to all those Princes. Nevertheless, it was observed by some of the wisest there present, that the Spaniards were not so glad of it as the rest; out of a doubt they had, that the depression of the Turk, would be the exaltation of the Venetian State. Then came the Polach Senators, and put into the Scale their Kingdom, which in regard of the small authority the King hath there, and the too much command, which the Palatines arrogate unto themselves, made but a poor reckoning; for it did not amount to six Millions of pounds, whereas in times past it always exceeded twelve. After them, the Signory of the Council of Tenn put into the Scale the flourishing estate of the Venetian Commonwealth, most admirable for the greatness thereof, and opportunity of situation fitting for all great enterprises, which went beyond all expectation in the weight, for it came to eight Millions; the cause whereof was said to be the huge mass of Gold, which those wise Senators in so long a time of peace had gathered together into their Treasury. Next came the Swittzers, the Grisons, and other free people of Germany, and brought their Comonweales to the Scale. How beit the Princes required, that they might be weighed each one severally by itself, wherewith the Germans were well contented, so that it might be done. But Lorenzo having put the Commonwealth of Basil into the Scale, it appeared, that the greater part of the other Common weals of Germany were all so linked together, that it was impossible to separate them one from another, which put a many of ambitious Princes there in a sweat. Then the Duke of Savoy caused his State to be put into the Scale by his noble Knights of the Annonciata, which equalled the weight of the last fifteenth year; but Lorenzo, having added into the Scale that most noble prerogative of Title, which the said Duke Charles Emanuel enjoyeth of the Prime Soldier of Italy, it was seen to aggravate the weight a Million four hundreth and twenty pounds. After this, with a pomp and Majesty matchable to Kings, appeared the Duke of Lorraine; whose State, though little, equalled the weight of great Kingdoms; and it was considered that it fell out to be so by a certain good fortune which that Prince had, to have his States so happily seated, that he could easily put the Low-countries into grievous difficulties, by impeaching the passage of those succours, which the Spaniards conduct thither out of Italy, whereby he hath grown into such reputation, that to the most offerer he selleth for ready Gold the merchandise of that his adhering; in such sort, that after he had drained the Spaniards, as much as any the devoutest French Lord of the Holy League whatsoever, siding afterwards with the French, he knew so well how to change his copy, that a King of France, such as was Henry the fourth, the great Duke of Toscan, and the Duke of Mantova, were glad of his alliance. And fully to make up the Spaniards iealousye, the famous Venetian Commonwealth drew into her pay a Prince of that House with such affection, that if that great Lady had not made a vow of perpetual chastity, and her nature (according to the custom of some Indians,) had not been stitched up the first day she was borne by the Venetian Signory, most jealous of her honour, it was verily believed by many, that she would have taken him to husband. It was observed, that the Duke of Savoy envied much the felicity of this Prince; because he finding himself also seated between the French and the Spaniards of Milan, as the Duke of Lorraine was between the French and the Spaniards of Flanders, in stead of so many benefits, and so many commodities, as fell upon the Duke of Lorraine, he had received most cruel kicks, not only from the French then his enemies, but from the Spaniards his friends; so that it was evident, the Duke of Savoy did now plainly see, how that practice of his with the Spaniard, was most pernicious for him. Then came the Otto di Balia, and put into the Scale the flourishing State of the Great Dukes of Tos●●… which by reason of the excellent wits of the inhabitants, perpetual plenty, continual peace, and quiet security it enjoyeth, answered in weight to many Kingdoms. Lorenzo greatly rejoiced, when he saw how upon the foundations of those Churches and Hospitals, which he and his Predecessors in the time of the Florentine liberty had laid in their Country, their Successors, according to the model left them by Cosimo the Great, had afterwards found means to erect strong Cyttadels; whereupon Lorenzo, to make a glorious show of the worth and wisdom of the Princes of his House, added into the Scale the admirable understanding of Ferdinand the Great, with the excessive weight whereof it was so overcharged, that the huge chain whereby it hung brake in two, so that all went to ground. This accident of the Scales so broken, was an hindrance that other Italian Princes, which remained, could not be weighed; whereupon it was concluded, that coming, according to the ancient custom, to lay all the Princes and Potentates of Italy in balance against the Monarchy of Spain, out of the universal weight of the Italian Princes, each ones particular would easily appear. Into the midst of the great Hall then was brought an huge, and even pair of Balance, whereinto on the one part was put all the Kingdoms of the Monarchy of Spain, and into the other all the principalities of Italy; and it was seen that they stood in equal Balance; a matter of great trouble to all the Italian Princes: but whilst they continued in this agony, it was noted, how the mighty French Monarchy with one only loving look, which she gave to that Balance, wherein the Italian Principalities lay, made it suddenly to turn on that side. It may not be omitted, how to Spaniards seeing the Dukes of Savoy, who the last fift●●●… year refused to be weighed with the Italian Forces, 〈◊〉 to be put into the Balance, for to counterpoise theirs, threatened them by biting their thumbs at them; whereof those Princes being ware, with a generosity worthy their undaunted spirits, they say thus unto them: Signory of Spain, ye can no longer feed men with hopes, for now we are throughly possessed of your courses: Ye thought to have brought the Dukes of Savoy by the cunning of your hopes to such a madness, as to forgo that little bread, which they had in the mouth of their State; to reach at the shadow of those great inheritances of Spain, which they saw in the bottom in the water. And because the Spaniards complained for that the Dukes of Parma, Modena, Urbin, the Lords of Mirandola, and the famous Roman Barons, Gartani, Colonesi, and Orsini, which have the Fleece, and are in their pay, were weighed with the Italian Forces; whereas in regard of that Order, and the Pensions they receive, they were obliged to adhere to their designs, and to be the ministers of their greatness. They were answered by those Lords, that they received the honours of the Fleece, and enjoyed the profits of those Pensions, as honourable Ladies accept of gifts from their Lovers, only in a pure way of courtesy, and not with an intent any way to forget what appertaineth to their honour.   

CHAP. 6. The Spanish Monarchy goeth to the Oracle at Delphos, for to know whether ever she shall attain to the Monarchy of the world, and receiveth a contrary answer.  
YEsterday morning two hours before day, the renowned Monarchy of Spain departed with great secrecy, in a Caroche of six horses from Parnassus, carrying along with her only some few Confederates of her Court, which begat a world of jealousy; but in particular the French Monarchy was so moved, that to be ascertained of this voyage, she presently took Post, and following the Monarchy of Spain, she overtook her just as she was entering into the Oracle of Apollo at Delphos; before whom presenting herself, by report of them that by chance were then present, she made this ensuing request: O eternal, and clear Lamp of the world; thou right Eye of Heaven, that not only bringest day, but every good else to mankind: Thou knowest, that for a long time together, all my thoughts have aimed at that Universal Monarchy, whereunto the Roman people only arrived: Thou knowest what effusion of blood, what profusion of Treasure I have made, to attain unto the end of my intent: To thee only are known the watchings, the sweat, and those so artificial endeavours of mine which I have used, to bring so important a Design to pass: Thou knowest also, that by the valour of my Nation, by the dexterity of my wit, and by the power of my money, not many years since, at such time, as I had sown those turbulencies of civil wars in France, whereon I had grounded all my hopes, I was near unto the obtaining of my intent; nothing remaining for me to overcome all impediments, but to unite Naples with Milan; a difficulty, which if I can once surmount, I may then securely boast that I have gotten the day: But seeing that either by my fatal misfortune, or by the impossibility of the affair, or by the power of so many cruel enemies, which declared themselves against me, the scandals of those revolutions, which with such devises in the space of so long a time, I had sown amongst the French, over whom yet I could never prevail, were in one only day converted into such peace and tranquillity, as it breaketh my heart to behold it; and that after the wasting of so many of my people, whom in this enterprise, that I have propounded to myself, I have almost reduced to utter desolation, I am in the end become even the fable of the world: Therefore do I thus present myself before thy Majesty, whom I most humbly beseech, to let me clearly understand, whether that Universal Monarchy, which is so imprinted in my heart, and which is the only end of all my actions, be destinated by the will of Heaven to me, and my Nation: and this I desire to know, that either by the impossibility of the matter, I may be constrained to give it over, or by the possibility thereof, I may encourage my Spaniards to go on cheerfully in their attempts: for to confess the truth unto thee, that knowest the secrets of thoughts, in regard of so many crosses, which both by Sea and Land I have endured; in regard of so many Conspiracies and Counterplots which by my implacable enemies have been contrived, and now more than ever are contrived against me, I begin wholly to despair and saint.  
After this request, the Temple shaken, and the earth trembled, when from the mouth of Apollo's Minister came these words: The Universal Monarchy shall return anew to the noble Italian Nation, when it shall give over those intestine discords, which have made it a slave to Strangers. Upon so sad an answer, the Monarchy of Spain full of grief departed out of the Temple, and much she marvailed, when she saw the French Monarchy present herself before her; with whom having used her wont Compliments, she drew her aside, and declaring unto her, what answer she had received from the Oracle; she informed her, that if the Universal Monarchy should return again to the Italian Nation, France would quickly be as sure to feel a new julius Caesar, as Spain a second Scipio; and therefore to secure their affairs, there was no such way, as to divide Italy between them. She also offered to teach her the same Receipt, which she had so happily experimented in the Indias, wherewithal they might so assure themselves of the Italian Nation, that there should remain no more of that wicked race of men in the world, than the bare name. Let me first forget (answered then the French Monarchy) that unlucky division of the Kingdom of Naples, which my king Lewis the twelfth made not long since with you, and then we will talk of this business: For it is not so easy a matter to wrong the French a second time, as I perceive you persuade yourself it is. As for the receipt, which (to be secured of the Italians) you propound unto me, I pray you use it yourself; for to spoil the earth of people (as you have done in the Indias) and to reign over naked countries' void of inhabitants, is a certain politic Precept, which is not found in the French reason of State; for I have learned to my cost to content myself with a little, so it be good; and therefore I place my greatness more in the multitude of Subjects, then in the extent of Kingdoms; and so as my French may live commodiously in this world, I am well pleased that others shall do so too. Moreover, with that liberty, which is proper to my nature, I will freely tell you, that the subduing of all Italy, is not an enterprise so facile as you imagine; for when I was of your humour, I know how pernicious it proved to me; and therefore be warned by my experience, not to attempt that, which in the end will bring you nothing but loss, and disgrace.   

CHAP. 7. Almansor, sometime King of the Moors, encountering with the Kingdom of Naples, they relate one to another the miseries they sustain by the oppression of the Spaniards.  
THe famous King of Moors, Almansor; he that many years together reigned in Spain over the noble Realm of Granada, met yesterday with the Kingdom of Naples, and falling in talk with him, after he had for a good space observed the chain, which the said Kingdom of Naples wore fastened about his leg, he told him, that the manufacture thereof being Moresco, he verily thought that he had many times scene, and handled it some where else; and a little while after with a show of great marvel he affirmed, that he knew it well; and how it was the very same, wherewith all both he, and the Moorish Kings his Predecessors had for the space of seven hundreth years held many Kings of Spain in servitude; and therefore he earnstely entreated him, to let him understand, how, by whom, and when he was chained in that manner. A very good eye, and an excellent memory hast thou, Almansor; (answered then the Kingdom of Naples) for this unlucky chain, which thou seest about my leg, was brought out of Spain by Gonsalvo Corduba, called the great Captain, and therefore it is very likely to be the same thou speakest of. And now it is an hundreth years, since first I found myself in the miserable servitude, wherein thou beholdest me, and from which I know not whither ever I shall be freed; for in regard of the mighty power, whereunto I see the sources of the Spaniards arrived, having utterly lost all hope of assistance, that may be expected from men, I know, that my ancient liberty standeth wholly in the poewrfull hand of God, who had need to renew in me the miracles of the Red-Sea, if my deliverance shall follow. The years (replied Almansor) confront well; for a little before the time of thy servitude, the Spaniards undid this my chain from about the leg of the Kingdom of Granada, where withal afterwards they bond thee. But let it not displease thee, O Kingdom of Naples, to declare unto me, how it could come to pass, that the Spaniards should make themselves Masters of such a Kingdom as thou art, so potent, and so fare distant from their Forces. By fraud Almansor, (said the Neapolitan Kingdom) did the Spaniards get into Italy, for by open force they had never been able to make such notable acquests; and as thou saidst well, so disproportionable to their Forces, which were so fare off. But hear, and wonder at the large and gross conscience of a King of Spain in matters of State, although he used much art to seem unto foolish men a very Saint; for thou shalt come unto the knowledge of a Tragedy, according to the rules of my Christian Religion, most wicked and cruel; but according to the terms of modern Policy, the most advised, that ever any Nation represented upon the Stage of the world. Alfonso my King, to his utter, and my chiefest ruin, gave Isabel his Niece (for from this unhappy marriage did my displantation take beginning) to john Galeazzo, Duke of Milan for wife. The minortie first, and then the unspeakable silly weakness of so infortunate a Prince encouraged Lodovico Sforza to usurp the State upon his Nephew; Alfonso, as it behoved him, sought to hinder that Tyranny; where of Lodovico being ware, and knowing, that without the ruin of my Kings, it was not possible for him to arrive unto the end of his most injust desire, he fell into that resolution, which afterwards both to himself, to me, and to all the Princes of Italy proved so fatal, of drawing the French into Italy, to the conquest of me. My Kings to defend themselves from such mighty enemies, called to their aid that holy soul of Ferdinand King of Arragon their Cousin, who shown himself so kind a kinsman, and such a faithful friend, that in stead of chase away the French enemies, he divided me with them; and to show himself complete, a little after this unhappy division, he entered into wars against the French, and having overcome them, he forced them to return full of shame, and loss into their country; whereupon the good King Ferdinand without any scruple at all of conscience became my absolute Lord; and than it was, that he fastened this chain about my leg, which thou remember'st to be the manufacture, and work of thy Nation. And I do not think, that in all the Chronicles of the Saracens, Moors, or Turks, which it is likely thou hast read, there was ever a more wicked treachery recorded, done by a King, that desired to be reputed a man of a good conscience, and of an holy disposition; and that a little before had received of the Apostolic Sea that glorious title of the most Catholic King. Truly (replied Almansor) in the Chronicles, which thou hast named of my Nation, many foul actions committed by diverse Princes out of ambition to reign, may be read, but this which thou hast recounted of Ferdinand goeth beyond them all. But if thou, O Almansor, (said the Kingdom of Naples) didst with thy Nation keep the Kingdom of Granada, chained so many hundreth years, what course took the Spaniards for to free him? That Union of the Kingdoms of Castille and Arragon (replied Almansor) which followed upon the marriage between Ferdinand and Isabel, occasioned the liberty of the Kingdom of Granada: a most unhappy Union, the which, no less than I have done, and continually still do, the greatest Potentates of Europe, have lamented, do lament, and perpetually with unfeigned tears will lament; as that, which is the true and only root, from whence are sprung all those greatest subversions of States, which unto this day have been seen in many parts of Europe, but more remarkably in Italy. And believe me, Neapolitan Kingdom, that even till now might I have reigned happily in Spain, if this pestiferous Union had not overthrown my greatness; for the many jealousies that reigned between the Castilians and Arragonians, were my inexpugnable Citadels, which would have maintained my reign here for ever. Withal assure thyself, O Kingdom of Naples, that the aids which the Popes gave to Ferdinand, and Queen Isabel, greatly accelerated my taking in. Peace, peace, Almansor (said then the Neapolitan Kingdom) for after thou wert chased out of Spain by the ambitious Spanish Nation, the Pope's underwent such miseries, that it may be truly said, how with ready money they bought those extreme calamities, wherewithal afterwards they encountered; for though the Sea Apostolical were well contented to see the Moors driven out of Spain, yet that satisfaction was much dissasted with my servitude, which followed presently upon it, the Pope's having never had any thing in greater fear, then that I should fall into the hands of a mighty Prince, who might make them live in those perpetual jealousies, wherein finding themselves drowned even up to the very eyes, many of them, and particularly those, that have a greater knowledge of things of the world, do not always make quiet sleeps. A clear testimony of the truth which I speak, was the lamentable and wicked sack of Rome, perpetrated by the Spaniards a little after my servitude; with which ingratitude they paid the Apostolic Sea for all they were debtors unto it, aswell for the remission of the Tribute of Naples, as for the other succours, which they received in the war of Granada. A calamity, that having past the terms of most grievous miseries, hath in such manner opened the eyes even of men of the drowsiest understanding, that every one comes clearly to know, what it is to unchayne the Lion out of a zeal of piety; for the Spaniards no sooner saw themselves freed from the impediment of the Moors of Granada, but that through the ambition, which they shown in desiring to command over the whole Universe, not only in Italy, but throughout all Europe, most important jealousies of State, and most grievous interests of Religion discovered themselves, in so much, that I have often heard it discoursed by men of most understanding in affairs of the world, how peradventure it would have been less prejudicial for many Princes of Europe, that thou hadst reigned still in Granada, then that the Spaniards should have passed into Italy, to acquire such important States, as at this day they possess there.  
Hereunto may be added the prejudices both public and private, which my ruin hath brought, and continually doth bring unto the Italian Princes, and more particularly to the Popes, because the Kings of Spain had no sooner fastened this Chain about my leg, but presently they began to aspire unto the Dominion of all Italy; and the quicklier to arrive thereunto, they knew very excellently how to interest themselves in the differences, which at that time depended between the Princes of Italy, and the French, about the possession of the Duchy of Milan, wherein that top of man, Charles the fifth, carried himself in such sort, that he made himself to be known the worthy Nephew of his Grandfather by the Mother's side: for having with the Forces of the Italian Princes, chased the French out of Italy, instead of restoring the Sforzi to the State, as it was agreed betwixt him, and the confederate Princes, with the fraud of a thousand Turkish quarrels picked of purpose, which he well knew how to invent against the Sforzi, he made himself absolute Master of that so important a Duchy. Stay, Kingdom of Naples; and making a point here, (said Almansor) satisfy me in this: seeing the noble State of Milan was fallen into the hands of the Spaniards, what hindered them from running precipitously to the acquisition of all Italy? and seeing thy servitude doth manifest unto the world, that the aids and succours of Princes, serve more for the benefit of him that giveth them, then for the profit of him that receiveth them, why would not the Italian Princes rather suffer, that Milan should be under the Dominion of the French, then by receiving aid from the Spaniards, run the danger of letting that Duchy, (being so important a member of Italy) fall into the hands, as thou saidst it did, of the Kings of Spain? The power of the Kings of France (answered the Neapolitan Kingdom) defendeth that remnant of Liberty which remaineth in Italy, from the ambition of Spain: for those glorious Kings out of the interest of their greatness will not endure, that the Dominion of all Italy should fall into the power of the ambitious Spanish Nation, which cannot extinguish the ardent thirst they have of commanding, neither with the Conquest of all the new World discovered by them, nor with so great a part which they possess in the old.  
Besides, the Italian Princes, who know the great peril (wherein they find they are) of a dangerous and miserable servitude, have so united themselves together, that although they be many in number, yet make they but one Body; and the Spaniards, who have used, and do use all possible devises to dis-unite them, evidently perceive, that they wash a Black-Moore.  
But touching the State of Milan, thou must know, how it was judged more secure for the public Liberty of Italy, that that Duchy should fall into the power of the Spaniards, then that it should remain in the hands of the French; who for that they were joining to Italy, when therein they should possess any little part, there would have been manifest danger, that they would have made themselves absolute Lords of the whole: but in the Spaniards it would fall out clean contrary; for their Forces, albeit very great, are notwithstanding so fare off, that by so long a tract of sea, they could with much difficulty transport out of Spain into Italy Forces, that were able to maintain the acquests they had made, not that they could be sufficient to subdue the whole.  
Thou speakest the truth, (said then Almansor) but go on, and declare unto me the prejudices, which thy falling into the hands of the Spaniards brought unto the Popes. Know then, (replied the Kingdom of Naples) that whereas before, the Popes were the terror of my Kings, now it happeneth to be clean otherwise; for they live in a very great agony, lest the Union of Milan with Naples should one day follow; to which mark, they observe, the Spaniards have directed the scope of all their thoughts; whereupon the Spaniards, whose proper nature it is to make good use of the fear, whereinto they see they have put the Princes their neighbours, have arrogated unto themselves such authority in the Court of Rome, that they vaunt they are the true arbitrators of all the most important matters, which there are handled. Moreover, when the Kings of Naples were not Kings of Spain, the Popes with every little menace of denying the investiture, obtained of my Kings, Principalities, Dutchyes, Earldoms, and other great States in gift, buying their friendships also with marriages, and many other sorts of liberality; but now, the fear being ceased, if the Popes will make their kindred great with titles of important States, they must be glad to buy them with their ready money, and the advised Kings of Spain, besides the precious Gold of entreaties, which at any hand they will be sure shall precede for a first payment, sell them unto them thoroughly sauced. Important interests, and grievous disorders are these (said Almansor) which thou hast recounted unto me; but how cometh it that thou, Kingdom of Naples, which art the Magazine of Silks, the Granary of Italy, shouldest go so ragged, and be so lean? Seeing the Spaniards, that come naked out of Spain [answered the Kingdom of Naples] after they have been three or four days in my house, will needs cover themselves all over with gold, it is no marvel if I be spoilt, to cloth so many Raggedemuffins: beside, if thou sawest the rapacity of the Viceroys, that to recover themselves are sent unto me, or if thou knewest the rapines of secretaries, of thousand Officers, and other Courtiers, which they bring along with them, all thirsty of my blood, thou wouldst greatly marvayle, how it were possible, I should satiare the raging, and greedy swallow of so many hungerstarved wretches. As for the little flesh thou seest on my back, the Spaniards affirm, that in the book of a certain Florentine, who hath given rules of the cruel modern Policy, they find written, that being a Kingdom conquered, after the manner of those horses which are kept only for races, I ought to be maintained low in the flesh.  
I but (said Almansor then) the Milanesi how are they entreated? They also (replied the Kingdom of Naples) are bathed with the water, wherewithal thou seest me so wet; only this difference is betwixt us, that in Milan are drops, in my house, floods. The true occasion of the diversity of these entreat is the quality of the Lombard's dispositions, most unlike to my Neapolitans: for the Nobility of the State of Milan are naturally fantastical, free, resolute, and fare from that vice so proper to my Neapolitans, of flattery, and affectation; but so bold and hardy, that they dare say, how if one only Cremonese spirit had been found amongst my Neapolitan Barons, it would have hindered that same forced donative, that hath brought me to eat Bread and Onions; the which, although with great words, it hath been often demanded by the Spaniards in Milan, they have been as resolutely answered, that they should take care to live: Besides, the confining of the Grisons, of the Duke of Savoy, and Venetians, are the cause, that the Kings of Spain proceed with more diseretion in Milan: for when the Pope's managed Arms, I myself also was for their occasion greatly respected. But soft, Almansor, yonder cometh my most capital enemy Don Pedro de Toledo, wherefore I pray thee withdraw a little; for at any hand I would not have him take notice, that I lament my disgraces here with thee; and for this only, were it for nothing else, may I term my servitude most wretched, in that I am forced to call this miserable state, wherein thou seest me, the happy golden Age.   

CHAP. 8. Sigismond Battor learneth the Latin tongue.  
YEsterday about eight of the clock in the evening, the ordinary Post of Germany arrived at this Court, and brought very joyful news, how Sigismond Battor, Prince of Transilvania, was grown so enamoured of the graceful Latin tongue, that to his great glory he spoke, and wrote with the purity and eloquence of the Cesarean style; whereupon all the Virtuous earnestly besought Apollo, that for such good news there might be made in Parnassus all those demonstrations of joy, which (to encourage Great-men to the love of Learning) were wont to be made, when any Prince became learned: But his Majesty, that seethe into the uttermost secret of all things, denied those Virtuous their request, and told them, that then only there should be feasting in Parnassus, when out of the freeness of a noble mind, and mere election of studies, not constrained by any necessity, Princes applied themselves to Learning; and that they were to know, how Prince Battor had gotten the elegant Latin tongue, neither out of ambition to show himself to be learned, nor out of a virtuous curiosity to know many things, but only out of necessity for his reputations' sake, to correct the foolish and childish absurdity which he committed, in Gender, Number and Case, at such time, as in the war of Hungary he took that fatal resolution to arm himself against the Turk, for to adhere unto the Emperor of Germany, whom in regard of the strong and lively pretensions, which he hath to the Principality of Transilvania, he was to have in more horror, than seventy Ottoman Emperors.   

CHAP. 9 The Cardinal of Toledoes Summa is not admitted into the Library of Parnassus.  
THe illustrious, and reverend Francisco Cordova, Cardinal of Toledo, a personage of exemplary life, an exquisite Divine, and excellent Philosopher; he that in his own person honoured the Word of God in the Pulpit more than any other Preacher whatsoever of his time, some few days since arrived at Parnassus, having been received upon the confines of the State, by Alessandro d' Alice, and Cornelio Musso Bishop of Bitonto, and all the way entertained at his Majesty's charge. This honourable learned man presented his Writings unto the venerable College of the Virtuous; and those of Philosophy were not only commended, but admired; as also the Commentaries composed by him upon the divine passages of all the sacred Writers, were received with extraordinary applause, and shortly after they were carried in a precious Urn under a cloth of Estate, into the Delphic Library, and with the name of the Author consecrated to Eternity. Only his Summa, although very learned, was not received by those Virtuous, who freely told him, that there were so many Works already of that kind in his Majesty's Library, as some of them seemed superfluous: for an infinite many of great Divines had with such diligence handled matters appertaining to the consciences of private men, that they had put the salvation of souls into compromise, for the only regard of a shillings gain: And that the world very much desired to see a complete Summa, composed upon the consciences of great Princes; a matter most necessary for the quiet of the whole Universe, and altogether omitted by Divines; wherein those actions of Princes should be exactly discoursed upon, with which so often they put the world into confusion, filling it with robberies, assassinates, and such flaughters of men, that many of them blinded with the ambition to reign upon earth, have made rivers to run with humane blood.  
The College of the Learned, hearing these particulars, said, That they much desired to have these Questions disputed, and resolved: Namely, whether Christian piety will admit the special hipothesis, which the violence of the sword hath usurped over others States: Whether a Principality, that by Arms, and fraud, is forceably taken from another Prince, may be held by one that hath the true fear of God: Whether that course of ruling a Kingdom, which is conquered only to the end to impoverish and waste it, that so it may be governed without jealousy, may be practised by one that is borne in the Christian Faith: Whether the exalting of Reason of State to such an height, that it should trample under feet, as at this present it doth, all Laws divine and humane, be not a more detestable and execrable Idolatry, then worshipping nabuchadnezzar's Image, or the golden Calf. And lastly, the College said, That then their desires would be fully accomplished, when there could be found a Divine so much fearing God, that with his Writings durst fright Princes as much from doing evil, as many others with their great Volumes had terrified private men; for it seemed a strange thing unto them, that infinite learned Divines had so laboured to reason of the strict account, which Shopkeepers are to render, even for idle words, unto the Majesty of God, and in the mean time had omitted to make mention of those exorbitant errors, committed by great Princes; when with their Armies overrunning States, they send all things into perdition, both sacred and profane: And that with more benefit to mankind, and eternal reward to themselves, Divines might have discoursed upon the actions of Lewis the twelfth, and Frances the first, both Kings of France; of Ferdinand King of Arragon, and Charles the fifth the Emperor, whose souls departed out of this world with the heavy burden of half a million of manslaughters, all commited by their ambition to reign, and whereof they were to give a strict account to Almighty God: All which were matters exceeding necessary, to the end, that mankind so much afflicted by the ambition of Princes, might one day receive the consolation, which with such longing it desireth, when those that reign, should be terrified from doing amiss, and be made to know, that Hell was prepared aswell for the Great, as the small.   

CHAP. 10. The French desire the Receipt of the Spanish Sent for Gloves.  
THe emulation which is seen to reign between the two warlike and powerful French and Spanish Nations, is as great, as it is eternal: for there is not any virtue appearing in the French, which is not exceedingly coveted by the Spaniards; neither are the French ever quiet, till they have attained unto those rarities, wherwithal they see Spain endued. And because that sent with which Gloves are made so sweet, is a particular invention and gift of the Spaniards, the French have omitted nothing that might bring them to the perfection of making the like; and to their great charge they furnished themselves with Musk, Ambergriece, Civet, and all other the most odoriferous Drugs the East produceth, but all to no purpose; for neither charge, nor diligence were sufficient to make them attain to the end of their intent; howbeit, before they would give it over as desperate, the noble French Nation had recourse unto his Majesty, the productour of all Aromatickes, whom they earnestly besought that he would be pleased to teach the French the way how to make the right Spanish sent for sweet Gloves. Whereupon Apollo was never seen to laugh more hearty at the fall of the infortunate Icarus, than he did at the request of those French, whose hands, he commanded his Priests that stood by him, to smell unto, and tell him what they scented of: The Priests immediately obeyed, and affirmed unto his Majesty, that they scented well: Which Apollo hearing, he said to those French, that nature always used to countervail a defect with some rare virtue; and that therefore the gift of making Gloves so sweet, she had only granted to that Nation, whose hands stunk most abominable.   

CHAP. 11. The Monarchy of Spain throweth her Physician out of the window.  
THis morning the Monarchy of Spain having sent for her ordinary Physician, a little after with her own hands she threw him out of the window of her Royal Palace, whereupon the poor wretch, being all battered in pieces, died incontinently. An accident that seemed the more strange, in regard the Physician was held by all the Court to be a man of extraordinary honesty, and in the practice of his profession most admirable. Sundry were the discourses, that were made upon so remarkable a matter. But Apollo desiring to know of the Spanish Monarchy herself the true cause of so grievous a resentment, that mighty Queen told him, how above forty years since, upon occasion of some accidents that befell her, and other signs, which she had discovered, she feared that in process of time, she should catch some dangerous French disease from the Royal House of Bourbon, and therefore; to provide for the inconvenience which she foresaw, she had demanded counsel of her Physician, who prescribed her a long, fashidious, and chargeable purgation, compounded of diverse Oils of Holy Leagues, of insurrections of people, of rebellions of Nobility, of Cauteries, and other very bitter ingredients, whereby she had spoiled her stomach, weakened her strength, and altogether lost her appetite; and that the infinite quantity of Syrups, and the many medicines which she had taken with such anguish, had wrought no other effect, but the accelleration of the disease, which without that unlucky and unseasonable purgation peradventure she should never have had: Moreover, that the many Leeches which were applied to many parts of her body, had in such manner sucked the best vital blood of the Gold of that Spain, that through the weakness of her complexion, she was not able to evacuate those evil humours of Flanders, which had held her, and do hold her oppressed. By which disorders, all occasioned through the naughty counsel of that imprudent Physician, she was so exasperated against him, that she had solemnly sworn to throw him out of the window, if to free her from future infirmities, he ever after ordained her any purgation; And that perceiving, how the pain which she hath at this instant in the shoulder of Holland, was an apparent Lues Gallica, she had demanded counsel of the same Physician for to clear herself of it; who unmindful of his former errors, had foolishly ordained the second purgation, wholly and altogether like the former, and that therefore being overcome with pain, she had thrown him out of the Window; so punishing him at once for both the faults he had committed: for it seemed unto her, that he had well deserved the misfortune of that resentment, seeing that by the accidents following, with such infelicity of her Spaniards, he had not learned to know, that purgations made before their time for diseases that are feared, do not work those good effects, which either the Physician believeth, or the Patient desireth.   

CHAP. 12. Most of the States of the World are censured in Parnassus for their errors.  
APollo careful of nothing more, then to see that the Princes of the World, should in the upright government of their States, give the people such satisfaction as they ought, introduced into Parnassus (many ages since) this admirable Custom: That every year, the names of the chiefest Potentates of the earth, written upon little schedules, should be put into an Urn, and then being drawn forth one by one, the public Censor of Political matters should (in the presence of the sacred College of the Learned) record the disorders, which he had observed in the government of their States; whereupon those Princes were bound either incontinently with satisfying reasons to defend such things as were objected against them, or else within a Month to reform them.  
An institution no doubt very noble, and holy; for it hath effected, that in the progress of so many ages, since first it was used, Princes have corrected an infinity of errors: beside, knowing that they are to be called to so strict an account, it maketh them endeavour to live so virtuously, that in the presence of so many Princes they need not to blush. Upon the day appointed then, most of the Potentates of the World appeared before Apollo: And Count Baldazar Castiglione the Political Censor, said unto the reverend Lord Giovanni dalla Casa, Nuntio for the Sea Apostolical in this State, which was first drawn out of the Urn; That it seemed unto him a most scandalous matter, and indeed unworthy the Greatness, and Majesty of the Popes, that in Rome should be seen some potent Families, unto whom it served in stead of a rich patrimony to be dependant on foreign Princes, not very well affected to the greatness of the Apostolic Sea, which in every occasion were apt with the power of their Factions to give the Popes much trouble; And that he might truly say, how in all his time he had not seen a more foul and execrable thing, then that which the Emperor Charles the fifth did, when with the noble Charge of the Kingdom of Naples he rewarded the cruel seditions, and shameful treacheries, which the Cardinal Pompeo Colonna used against the High Bishop Clement the seventh. Then the Lord Giovanni demanded of the Count, how long it was, since he had conversed in the Roman Court; who answering, Some seventy years past: the Nuntio replied, that returning thither now, he should find, how by reason of the abundance of vertjuice, which the Pompey, Pabritij, Prosperi, Ascanij of the family of Colonna; the Virginij, and other more principal Barons of the House of Orsina had eaten; the teeth of their Nephews, and grandchildren were so set on edge, that they could hardly chaw their broth: for the Popes which had tied those exorbitances about their fingers, knew so excellently how to practise the Tarquinian precept, that they have reduced those Poppies, which heretofore were as high as Cedars, to the humble stature of ridiculous dwarfs.  
This answer satisfied the Count, who turning to the Roman Empire, next diawen out of the Urn, he said unto him, That the present disorders, which were seen not only in the great patrimony of the House of Austria, but in all Germany, proceeded from the negligence of the present Emperor Rodolphus, and therefore he much desired, that that Majesty would with more care embrace the government of his so many States; remembering, that Princes, rulers of mankind, bore upon their shoulders the heaviest weight, and had in their hands the most laborious work, that any the painefullest day-labourer whatsoever could exercise. The Censor was exceedingly thanked by the Roman Empire for this advice; whereunto with much gravity he answered, That it was a disgrace common with all Princes, to be accused of negligence, when scandals arose in their States, although it notoriously appeared, that in regard they were occasioned by the practices of more mighty enemies, they could not possibly be avoided by an understanding Prince.  
Wherefore it was to be considered, That the monstrous felicities, which the most mighty House of Austria have had by inheriting with their Matches, the States of Flanders, the Kingdoms of Spain, of Naples, Sicilia, Bohemia, Hungary, and Portugal, have given all the Princes of Germany, of Italy, and of Europe such diabolical jealousies, that they have caused both the passed and present ruins, now beheld in their ancient patrimony: Whereunto the Emperors, which have reigned since Maximilian the first of famous memory, albeit they were reputed most valorous & prudent princes, could never after apply any salve, that did not infinitely exasperate the sore of the disorders of Germany, wherein had concurred such abundance of malignant humours, that it might truly be said, it was immedicable. Further, it was to be remembered, what small authority, the modern Emperors have had in Germany, so that it were not only a discourtesy, but open injustice to will one, that hath his hands fast bound behind him, to perform the acts of Orlando. Moreover, the quality of the Empire was to be regarded, which being elective, they that served, had more authority in it, than they that commanded. Besides, the present weakness of the House of Austria in Germany, from whom (with the seditions of Religion) the hearts of their subjects are stolen; a theft so important, that they may well abandon those States as lost, wherein such dangerous seed is sown. Whereupon the present Emperor seeing himself deprived of the obedience of his subjects, desireth every one to reflect upon the quality of the Cousins, which the House of Austria hath in Spain, and they shall find, that the people of Almain borne for their liberty, to secure themselves from the monstrous power of such a Family, take impious and wrongful revenges even on those, which shall not be free from the servitude of the Spaniards, if for the sins of men they ever arrive to that point of commanding over the World; from which (by the mere goodness and mercy of God they are put off as fare, as by their many devices they have laboured to come near it. That also it was to be thought upon, how the first that in Italy, and abroad, disinherited with all kind of irreverence, and disrespect the Majesty of the Empire, were those their Cousins of Spain, as clearly appeared by the usurpation of Finale, and other Imperial feudes by them possessed. All which things, moving dangerous humours without dissolving them afterwards, do cause the House of Austria in Germany, to be cruelly scourged by most powerful enemies, whilst the Spaniards with their only menaces seek to put the whole world into suspicion and distaste. And for conclusion, he desired all the sacred College to consider, that to the miserable sterility of children, which is seen in the present Emperor, is adjoined a lamentable fertility of brethren; one of which incited by the most violent spur of ambition, hath not doubted at last to go about to overthrew his own House, which is ready to fall. All accidents so unhappy, that they would make even Solomon himself seem to the World a very fool.  
These replies, which to all the Assistants seemed very weighty, satisfied the Censor, who turning him to the warlike French Monarchy, said unto her, How all the Virtuous of Parnassus much desired of her, that she would rule the furious, unquiet, capricious, and exceeding impetuous dispositions of her French, reducing them to those terms of prudence, advisedness, and staidness of mind, which are seen in the noble Italian, and Spanish Nations; & how it much blemished her reputation, that the Kingdom of France, which holdeth a first place amongst the most principal Monarchies of the World, should be inhabited by men so infinitely rash. To this advert cement the French Monarchy replied, That the Censor not well informed of the interests of her Kingdom, had censured for defects the chiefest virtues, which she loved in her French. Folly, lightness, unadvisedness, and a precipitous nature were they, which had made her so feared, and formidable a Queen, because her French with unspeakable alacrity and forwardness, would upon the least nod of hers, expose themselves to those perils, whereunto other Princes could not with the rope, the cudgel, and the cruelest kinds of punishment compel their wise, advised, and circumspect subjects: And that in the many wars, which she had held with most valorous Nations, she had learned to know, how an army framed of soldiers, which had little brain, and much courage, so that they are led by a valiant, and discreet General, doth carry away the victory from those people, who profess more circumspection, and wisdom. This answer of the Monarchy of France, was so much the more commended of Castiglione, by how much, regarding the quality of a mighty Kingdom, he knew that the French possessed all those endowments and virtues, which were requisite in a Nation, for to found, amplify, and maintain a great Empire.  
Then the Censor turning to the powerful Monarchy of Spain, said unto her, how it was evident, nothing gave greater satisfaction to all people in general, but more particularly to those which were subject to strange Nations, than the humanity, and affable carriage of such as governed them; whereas she sending to the governments of Naples, Milan, and Sicilia, none but her own Spaniards, they with their ordinary Castilian stateliness, and insupportable Spanish pride, without all comparison fare exceeding that, which the Kings of Spain themselves either could, or would have used in those States, did so exasperate even their good and faithful subjects, that the Spanish Dominion was grown infinitely odious: And that further, both in weighty, and slight affairs he desired more quick expeditions from her, seeing that by her too much delay, and perplexity in the deliberation of important matters, she had lost many fair occasions, that had presented themselves unto her, for the enlarging of her Empire. The Monarchy of Spain, very much thanked the Censor for the advertisements he had given her, and in her excuse answered, how that honourable Gentleman, which had a young wife, beyond all expression fair, but of a disposition inclined to lasciviousness, should show himself very discreet, if he desired, that a proper handsome servant, whom he kept in his house, should be rather extremely hated, than any whit affected by his wife: and that unto the delay in the resolution of her affairs, which she knew to be virious and prejudicial, it lay not in her power to give remedy: for almighty God having not without important occasions created her Spaniards wholly, and altogether quite different in disposition from the French, whilst they in the deliberation of businesses were rather precipitous, then executive, she in her being so slow, and irresolute, obeyed the will of God, who would have it so.  
The next drawn out of the Urn was the Monarchy of Poland; unto whom Count Baldasar said, How all the Princes of Europe could have wished, that the present King Sigismond had used towards those seditious Nobles, which last rebelled against him, some severity worthy so grievous a fault, only to the end, that by their example, other Lords might have been deterred from committing the like. To this the Polach Monarchy answered, That those chastisements given to the Nobility, which in an hereditary State would be commodious, have always proved in her elective Kingdom prejudicial: And how that Kingdom, which another receiveth in gift from a Nobility, in whose power is the election of the King, cannot without evident peril of falling from his greatness, be governed with that rigour, which in other hereditary States is necessary; for that Senate, which out of an election of love giveth another a Kingdom, if it be provoked by the powerful passion of hate, knoweth also how to reassume it, in regard well-advised Senators are want to reserve unto themselves those necessary instruments, whereby upon every occasion of evil satisfaction, they may recall their used liberality: And that the present King Sigismond being the first of his House, which had reigned in Poland, he was to direct the aim of all his thoughts to no other scope so much, as by an extraordinary indulgence to win the hearts of the Nobility of his State, that so with a grateful memory of his clemency, he might perpetuate the succession of such a Kingdom in his Blood. An advertisement, most necessary for Sigismond his King, by reason the Polaches, although their King be elective, do never defraud the Royal Blood of the succession, if he that reigneth, can tell how to get the general love of the Nobility. For the Polonians being a Nation, that know not how to live in an absolute liberty, do so abhor all manner of servitude, that that King among them (a matter common to all elective Princes) shallbe most oculative, and vigilant in the matters of his State, that least seemeth either to see or know any thing. Not only the Censor, but the whole College of the Virtuous, admitted the justification of the Polach Monarchy for excellent.  
Hereupon, the Count turning hemselfes to the vast Ottoman Empire, said unto him, That the cruelty, which he used, only upon light suspicions, against his chiefest ministers, was held by all the world to be a bloody course; it being a received opinion, that men of extraordinary valour and merit, should not be laid hands on, but for great and proved offences: And that when the Ottoman Princes did even justly take away the lives of their ministers, the custom of seizing upon their Estates to their own use, and thereof utterly depriving the children, did scandalise all good justice, because it seemed, that with such cruel rigour, the Estates, rather than the faults of the delinquents, were hunted after. To this so open a correction, the Ottoman Empire answered with admirable gravity, That he was grown to that greatness wherein he was seen, by the only two most powerful means of reward without measure, and punishment without end: And that the sole foundation of he quiet of every State, being placed in the fidelity of the most important ministers, Princes were not to seek any thing with more care, then with immense rewards to allure them unto faithfulness, and with infinite punishments to terrify them from treacheries: That those ministers which have in their power the Forces, Command, and Governments of States, not being able to er●e, but in most important matters, it were the counsel of a foolish Prince, upon suspicions of that moment to arraign, accuse, and hear the justifications of the offendor; but in such a case, the Prince which will run no danger, aught to endeavour to surprise his minister upon the sudden, and to deal so securely, that the execution of the punishment may precede even the accusation itself: That many times it had fallen out, that he with a sudden chastisement had prevented the consummation of most foul treasons: Which resolution, though he acknowledged to be most severe, yet he knew it had so wrought, that there were never seen in his State any Count's St Paul, Princes of Orange, Dukes of Guise, d' Aumale, du Maine, de Mercure, and other foul monsters of disloyalty, which, with the shame of those Princes, that with halters, poniard, and axes knew not how to prevent such dangerous offences, have been seen otherwhere: It being a rule in matters of State as common, as secure, That that minister, which giveth to his Prince the least shadow of suspicion of his faith, incurreth a capital pain, because those Captains which have the care of Armies in their power, are bound, like the wives of Honourable personages, to live with such purity of mind, that they be free not only from blame, but from the least suspicion of a blame-worthy thought. That touching the seizure of his bashaws' estates after their death, he thought he might truly say, that the entertainments, gifts, and wealth, wherewithal other Princes rewarded their ministers, in comparison of those inexhaustible riches which he bestowed on his well-deserving Officers, were vile, and poor, as those Royal Treasures, which Ruften, Mahomet, Ibrahin, and infinite others left behind them after their decease, have fully testified: That the greatest regard, which a Prince ought to have in rewarding his ministers, consisteth in providing, that the unmeasurable riches, wherewith he bought of them infinite fidelity, may not possibly at any time be converted to the prejudice of him, that used the liberality: That from the grievous disorders fallen out in the States of other Potentates he had found it to be a matter most pernicious unto Princes, that the extraordinary riches left by a deserving minister should pass unto his children, not having first deserved it (by their virtue, valour, and fathers said fidelity) of the Prince: That he had not out of covetousness, as many misjudged, confiscated the great inheritances of his Basshawes, but that by the commodity thereof, those subjects should not be idle, & consequently vicious, which being descended of fathers of notable valour, gave the Prince assured hope they would imitate the virtues of their Progenitors: That the gate of his Treasure stood perpetually open to the heirs of his ministers, to restore them their father's inheritances twice doubled, when they with their fidelity, and valour should deserve them; and how much the riches of men vicious, and subject to ambition were apt to disturb the peace of any Kingdom how great soever, well appeared by the fresh examples, which he had seen both in France and Flanders.  
Whilst the Ottoman Empire spoke in this manner, he observed that the renowned French Monarchy with the shaking of her head, seemed to declare, that she no way approved those reasons, whereupon somewhat the more moved, he said thus: Mighty Queen, my custom in seizing upon the estates of my Basshawes, is profitable for the greatness, and quiet of my State; and in regard of the friendship that is betwixt us, I would to God, the same course were observed in your France; for you know full well, to what use Henry the Duke of Guise converted the exceeding riches, wherewithal the liberal Kings Francis the first, and Henry the second rewarded the merits of Duke Francis his father. You, and I, and all those that reign do know, how the sweetest bait that can allure men, is a Crown, and there being no man, which for to taste never so little of it, but would hold it a great pleasure for to expose even his life to manifest danger of losing it, Princes ought to be most vigilant in keeping with extremest severity the passages thereunto closed up against all men: nay, they ought to accommodate their aff●●●es in such sort, that no private man whatsoever should once hope to taste of so sweet a thing: And I tell you freely, that if your Duke of Guise had in my State but only thought that, which with such public scandal he boldly put in execution in your Kingdom of France, I would the very first day have given him that blow, whereunto your King Henry the third, although he were incited unto it by the greater part of the Princes of Italy, could never be drawn, until the very last hour of his shameful disgraces, and even at that instant, when the sore of the French uproars was become an incurable ulcer; for where ambition reigneth among Nobles, Princes are constrained to show themselves all severity, continually keeping scaffalds in readiness, and prepared, to punish the seditious, and rebellious; and their Treasury open, to reward the quiet, and the loyal; that Prince being unworthy to command, that hath not the understanding how to make himself be obeyed; neither can there be a more scandalous matter seen, or met withal in a State, then that the Prince should live in jealousy of an Officer, which ought to tremble before him. But it is the property of you the Princes of Christendom, making profession of Learning, and directing yourselves by rules of Policy, to call me Barbarous, and my secure way of proceeding, Tyrannical, whilst in the mean time ye suffer yourselves to be reduced by your heroical virtues of clemency, and gentleness, to shameful terms of enduring unworthy things.  
It is not possible to deliver, how much the Ottoman Empire offended all the Virtuous of the sacred College with his discourse, who standing up, told him in great disdain, how they could prove with present reasons, that all which he had said, were most wicked conceits, unworthy to be spoken by any person that had a soul, or to be heard of men, that made profession of honour. Whereunto the Ottoman Empire answered smiling, That others in the government of Kingdoms might have regard to Virtue, and I know not what, but for his part he would never be persuaded, but that the quiet and peace of States ought to be preferred before all other humane interests whatsoever.  
Then the Censor, to cut off so odious a dispute, turning to the great Duchy of Moscovy, said unto him, That the most noble prerogative of reigning over people, which were lovers of Learning, and excellently Virtuous, was the second amongst the greatnesses of a Prince: Whereas he by so endeavouring to bring up his subjects in a gross ignorance, reaped no small blame, if not much disreputation; because every one scorned him, for that, expelling the famous liberal Arts out of his State, he had only permitted his people to learn the benefit of writing and reading. To this Censure the Duchy of Moscovy answered, That the dreadful fire, which he had observed, Learning had ever kindled in those States, where it had been admitted, had made him resolve not to suffer in any sort, that so scandalous a a Cockle should be sowed in his Duchy; for men being the herds of Princes, as sheep the flocks of private persons, it were extreme folly to arm those gentle sheep their subjects with the malice, which Learning engrafteth into their dispositions, that attain unto it; whereas otherwise, in regard of that harmless simplicity, wherewith Almighty God hath creared them, they may be comodiously ruled and governed, be they never so many in number, by one Prince alone: And how he held for infallible truth, that if the Germans, and Hollanders had been maintained by their Princes in the simplicity of their ancient ignorance, and withal it had been prohibited, that the pure mind of those Nations might not have been contaminated with the plague of Greek and Latin learning, without all doubt they had never had the judgement, with such a ruin of their old religion, and destruction of many Princes, that before ruled over those Provinces, to know how to frame those perfect forms of Commonweals in their Countries, whereunto neither the wit of Solon, the wisdom of Plato, nor all the Philosophy of Aristotle could ever arrive.  
This answer so moved the Censor, and all the sacred College of the Learned, that with threatening looks they said, how the reasons alleged by the Great Duchy of Moscovy, were open blasphemies; and it seemed the Learned were ready to make good their words with deeds, when the greater part of the mightiest Monarchies were seen to betake themselves to their weapons, for defence of the Moscovite; who growing more audacious upon the forward assistance of so many Potentates, boldly said, If any one would deny, that Learning did not infinitely disturb the quiet, and good government of States; and that a Prince might not with more facility rule a million of ignorants, than an hundreth learned, that were made to command, and not to obey, he lied in his throat. The Virtuous upon this daring defiance grew extremely incensed, and stoutly replied, That the Moscovite had spoken with an insolence, worthy of an ignorant, and how they could also prove unto him, that men without Learning were asses and calves with two legs.  
Now were they almost ready to go together by the ears, when the Censor cried out, Forbear, and carry due respect to this place, where we are assembled to amend disorders, and not to commit scandals; whereupon such was the reverence every one bare to the Majesty of the Censor, that both the Princes, and the Learned, although they were transported with anger and disdain, became suddenly pacified.  
All being quiet, than the Censor said unto the famous Venetian Liberty, which next was drawn out of the Urn, That the hardest matter to be found in an Aristocracy, as she well knew, was to restrain the young Nobility, who with their licentiousness distasting the better sort of Citizens, had many times occasioned the ruin of most famous Commonweals; And that he to his great grief had heard, how the young Nobility of Venice with their proud demeanour had offended many honourable Citizens of that State; who exceedingly complained, that whilst the insolency of the Nobility increased, the chastisements for it decreased; And that therefore he remembered her, that it was a dangerous point in an Aristocracy, when those which were to glory for that they were fare from those dangers, whereunto such are subject, as are to obey the humour of a Prince, be heard to complain, that they are oppressed by many Tyrants. Hereunto the Venetian Liberty answered, That the disorder recounted by the Censor was true, and withal dangerous; but that the authority of commanding, was so annexed to pride and insolency, that they seemed to be borne both at one birth: And that the licentiousness, which the Nobility of all Aristocracies useth towards the Citizens, was by all the greatest men, that have discoursed of Commonweals, reputed a desperate cure; for although it was most necessary, that insolences should be restrained with severe pains, yet on the other side, an Aristocracy was to abstain as much as possibly might be from public punishments of Noble men, albeit seditious; to the end that their shameful suffering might not be an occasion to disinherit the whole Nobility itself of that respect which is due to them from the people; for having the government of the State in their hands, the interest of the public conservation thereof requireth, that they be held in highest reputation: And although in her Venice, disobedient, and insolent Noblemen were not seen to be so often punished, between the two pillars in the Piazza of St. Mark, as it seemeth many desired, yet by the great Council, the Pregadi, the College, and other supremer Magistrates, that dispense the public Charges, those seditious Noblemen, which were discovered to carry a tyrannical, mind, were cruelly afflicted with the torment of shameful repulses: And that many subjects of most noble Houses are seen in Venice, whose ancient reputation for their demerits was maimed by Arquebuses charged with bullets of paper; and that being strucken down with such kind of shot, they could never rise since to honours and dignities; things wherein consisteth the life of the Noblemen of an Aristocracy: And that to excruciate a body, a greater torture could not be devised, no not by Perillus himself, then that which once a Nobleman of Venice experienced, when in a concurrence of the Honourablest Charges, he saw one younger than himself pass before him, only because he was known to the Senate to be more deserving. Castiglione did not only admit the justification of the Venctian Liberty, but also did infinitely commend the circumspection, and severity, which she used in punishing her Nobility upon occasion of any demerit, or defect.  
Then the Censor said unto the Duchy of Savoy, That his State being seated in the Confines of France and Italy, he was necessited with all carefulness to maintain himself neutral between those Princes, with whom he confined; but in those last rumours of France, by discovering himself openly to be wholly Spanish, he had put, not only his own, but the States of all the Princes of Italy in great trouble: And that whilst with the bellowes of his forces he blew the fire of the French uproars, kindled by the Spaniards ambition, he ought to believe, that that flame was to burn up friends and kin●ed, before ever it could get to the other Italian Potentates that were enemies. The Duchy of Savoy answered the Censor very readily, That the adherence of his last Duke to the Spaniards, was true, but the fair occasion he had of three sevens in his hand, even forced him to set up his rest, hoping to encounter the most famous Primiera, that ever any other Prince whatsoever had at Cards; to which venture he was the rather carried, because he was assored he could lose but that money, which at that game he had won before: That afterwards, though by his ill luck the fourth Card, which was dealt him, proved to be a Coa●e of affront, wherewith he had made the worst hit, that could be encountered on the whole pack of Cards, nevertheless he knew, that the bravest minds would confess, that albeit the resolution was very dangerous, yet not to wrong the Cards, they would have played no otherwise themselves. The Censor apprehending the Metaphor, very much commended the magnanimous resolution of that Duke; who, for that he might from a small fever have received in gift the Empire of the greater part of the World, not only without any note of imprudence, but to his infinite glory, at such time as so resolutely he cast the die of all the greatness of his fortune upon the table of Chance, he might well speak those famous words anew, Or Caesar, or nothing.  
Then the Censor turned him to the noble Great Duchy of Toscan, and sharply reprehending him, for going with his Galleys, at it were provoking of Wasps, he recorded unto him, the misery and calamities, which the Knights of St. john suffered at Rhodes, at Tripoli, and the great danger, that lastly they ran at Malta, only because they would imprudently have tied squibbes to the Bull's tail; And that every wise Christian Prince ought rather to favour the present carelesnese of the Turks, then to waken them with injuries of little profit; nay, such as brought others much damage, and necessity them to apply their minds anew unto maritime affairs, which in these times they had even abandoned: Also he remembered him, how infinite people daily complained, for that, by his hindering Italy of the trade of the commodities of the Levant, all Drugs, that came from beyond the Seas, were grown to an excessive rate. To this correction the great Duchy of Toscan answered, That the power of a Prince could not be termed perfect, which with a number of armed Vessels had not some Dominion on the Sea: And that his Galleys were not only very necessary for the Toscan greatness, but also for the security of the Liberty of all Italy, as serving for a School of Mariners, for a Seminary of Captains, and soldiers at Sea: That he confessed the damage, which they did to the trade of merchandise, but withal, he desired it might be considered, that the mystery of War, either by Land, or Sea, could not be learned by soldiers, nor exercised by Princes without prejudice to others: And that Toscan breeding much filthiness of fantastical unquiet brains, and extravagant humours, he had therefore great occasion for those Galleys, that might serve, as it were, to carry forth all the filth of his State, and thereby keep it clean, employing such only for galleyslaves in them, as had done evil before, and that in regard of their unquiet nature, were like to do worse after.  
This excuse of the Great Duchy of Toscan was approved both by the Censor, and all the sacred College. Whereupon the Count said unto the Liberty of Genova, who was last drawn out of the Urn, That the excessive use of exchanges, which she permitted unto her Nobility, caused that great disorder of enriching the private, and withal of impoverishing the public, whose revenues would have risen to huge sums of Gold, if the real riches of her Nobility had been employed in a just trade of merchandise.  
The Genovese Liberty with a readiness, that gave a particular gust to all the Learned, answered, How it was true, that exchanges do work that effect, which the Censor had mentioned, and therefore were most pernicious in any Monarchy whatsoever; howbeit that notwithstanding they might be permitted in a well-ordered Commonwealth without any prejudice of the public interests; because the richest, and securest Treasures of a free State, are the riches of the Nobility, and Citizens together; a matter, which falleth not out in a Monarchy, where between the come in of the Prince, and the means of private men, there runneth a long wall of eight stories high built by Mine, and Thine: Further, that in a Monarchy the mutation of the State commonly followeth with little, or no prejudice to the people, only changing the name of Matthew, to that of Martin; but in the subversions of Commonweals, where liberty is changed into servitude, there the proper substance of private men is the public treasure; for than will they profusely spend all that ever they have, for to defend their own liberty even to the last gasp.   

CHAP. 11. The Duke of Guise his Secretary is punished for speaking amiss.  
SOme two days since my Lo: of Guise his Secretary, talking with certain French Barons, about the passed tumults of France, in making mention of his Master's party, he called it the holy League, which being reported to his Majesty, he presently commanded the Strappado to be given him thrice in public, and then willed him to be told, that for the time to come he should learn how to speak, when he named a diabolical Rebellion.   

CHAP. 14. Certain Persons for example unto others, are showed unto the People  
APollo, with much displeasure, came to know, how the greater part of modern Princes, to prevail over their enemies, do not according to the manner of the ancient Heroes, use open force of Arms, but (for the most part) fraud; in the practice whereof they are so understanding, that with that only powerful mean they have brought to pass most important enterprises; whence it is, that the first weapon, which they employ against their enemies is that same shameful corrupting the faith of their male-contented subjects, and stirring up the Nobility to rebellion. To remedy then such grievous disorders, about thirty years past his Majesty commanded, that the infortunate Count St. Paul, the Prince of Orange, and the Duke of Guise should be closely carried in a Caroche by Gio: Francisco Lottini, the secret Register of Moral precepts in this Court, unto the porch of the Delphic Temple; where those three great Princes, with their hands, without fingers, and all so foully torn, as if they had been gnawn with dogs, were showed by Lottini to the people, which came in and out at the Temple; unto whom with a loud voice he said: Ye faithful Virtuous, devoted unto Learning, and holy Moral precepts, by this so miserable calamity of these unhappy Princes, deprived of the use of their hands, which God preserve unto you, take example, and learn what it is for a man to suffer himself to be carried to such simplicity, as to pluck Crabs out of their holes with his own hands, for the benefit of another.   

CHAP. 15. The Monarchy of Spain inviteth the Cardinal of Toledo to be her Theologian, which he refuseth, and why.  
THe report goeth in this Court, that the Mighty Monarchy of Spain, by her chief Secretary in vited the worthy Cardinal of Toledo, with allowance of a large pension, to assist as her Theologian in the Royal Council of State, to the end that no hang should be determined there, which might be against his conscience: This matter filled the whole Court with marvel, in regard every one knew how little that Prelate in the rebenediction of the most Christian King Henry the 4. favoured the affairs of his Prince; for which cause no man could imagne the occasion, wherefore so wise a Queen in a business of such weight, should use the service of so diffident a subject. Those which make profession best to understand the manner of proceeding of the advised Spanish Nation, even in this resolution acknowledged the inveterate prudence of the Kings of Spain, whose proper custom it is never to be at quiet, until that with pensions, with honourable Charges, with all kind of loving demonstrations, and humane devices, they have drawn unto their party all such great subjects, as they see to be alienated from their Interest, and from whom they know, that one day yet they may receive services. The chiefest Confidents of so great a Cardinal, deliver, that his Lordship very gladly accepted the noble Charge propounded unto him; howbeit with this condition, (which by the Spaniards was presently rejected) that whensoever with the authority of the sacred Scriptures, with the Doctrine of the holy Fathers, with the ordinances of the Cannons, he should make the Royal Council capable, how the resolutions made in it, were disagreeing from the Laws of God, and men; he alone then would have power to hinder the execution of them; and all to the end, the World might know, That the Royal Theologian in that Council was only to help the conscience of his King with the will of God, not to serve for a mask to establish the Dominion of Kingdoms over men; for it seemed too shameful a matter unto him, that such a one as he should be employed to authorize the diabolical impiety of the modern reason of State, and to make most stinking Assa fetida appear unto simple people very excellent Musk.   

CHAP. 16. The Spaniards attempt the acquisition of Savoy, but do not prevail.  
SEeing that for to draw the French nail out of the table of Milan, where it was fixed, the ill-advised Italian Princes had made use of the Spanish pickaxe, which entered in such manner into the very table itself, that it was never possible since to draw it forth with any kind of pincers whatsoever, all the Potentates of Europe, and especially the Italian Princes, which perceived, that the Spaniards after the servitude of the Milanesi, openly aspired to the absolute Dominion of all Italy, to the end they might secure that remainder of liberty, which is yet resting in her, agreed amongst themselves, that every five and twentieth year, the Chain which the Spaniards have forged for the Italian servitude, should with exact diligence be measured by persons thereunto deputed. And coming (a few days since) accordingly to measure it, the Italian Princes to their infinite amazement found, that so odious a Chain was increased with five most prejudicial links; presently whereupon the Political Smiths were called, who very carefully made an aslay of the iron added to the Chain, and they found that the first link was forged at Piombino, the other at Finale, the third at Correggio, the fourth at Porto Lungone, and the last at Monaco. Greatly did the Princes marvel at the strangeness of this accident, and many of them were ashamed, that through their careless simplicity the Spaniards had increased the Chain of the Italian servitude, much more in peace, than they could have done in war with four Armies. With these strange exorbitances, the Italian Princes were so incensed against the Spaniards, that they told them freely, how if they did not contain themselves within the bounds of honesty, and modesty; if the Italian files would not suffice to reduce that miserable Chain to his due measure, they would make use of the French; and if with them neither they could obtain their intent, they would procure enough from England, and Germany; yea, and in case of desperation they would not stick to furnish themselves with those excellent damasked ones, that are made in Turkey. Whilst the Italian Princes were in this contestation, there arrived a Post, which in all haste had been dispatched out of Italy unto them with this certain advertisement, That the Spaniards were forging another link in Savoy, to be added unto the Chain of their servitude: in regard of which news, the renowned Venetian Liberty instantly opened her famous Arsenal, and all the Princes of Italy ran to arm themselves; the warlike French Monarchy commanded her Nobility to horse, all Germany put themselves in order to pass the mountains, and the numerous Fleets of the English, and Hollanders, set sail towards the straits of Gibraltar; when just in the nick, even as all the World was in Arms, a new Post arrived, who pacified the minds of men with this intelligence, that indeed it was true, how the Spaniards had laboured with all possible industry to forge that most important Link of Savoy, but that they had sweat in vain, because in the soldering, it broke.   

CHAP. 17. The Duke d'Alva being arrived at Parnassus, in complementing with Prospero Colonna, they fall foul about defrauding the Colonesi of their Titles.  
Done Hernando de Toledo Duke d'Alva, a few days since, arrived at Parnassus, and by express order from Apollo, a diligent examination of his actions being made by the military men, he was found worthy to be admitted into Parnassus amongst those famous Captains, which without effusion of blood, knew how to vanquish an enemy, more by patience, and art, then by open force; or valour; that durst hazard the fortune of Kingdoms upon the doubtful chance of a Battle. But because Lodovico Guicciardino, an understanding Writer of the affairs of Flanders; had preferred a Complaint, how that for certain matters not very pleasing, which he had written of the Duke, he had been ill entreated by him, therefore he stayed a long time to clear himself of such an imputation; for there was an Edict of Apollo very rigorously observed in Parnassus, whereby that Prince, or private man, was declared to be infamous, which durst offer any wrong to any Historian, or other Writer, for things written by him not very honourable, but yet true: Howbeit, of such power were the Duke's friends that Guicciardino was contented to revoke his complaint, whereupon withal the greatest solemnity he was admitted into Parnassus, and had a place in his Majesty's Company of men at Arms, which was commanded by that famous Quintus Fabius Maximus; who for the excellency of his well-advised wariness, was surnamed Cunctator. And it happened, that amongst the other Princes, and Captains, which the said Duke visited, one was the most excellent Lord Prospero Colonna, by whom he was received with all kind of honour; and so much the more, because he understood that the Duke made a public profession of being the disciple, follower, and imitator of his slow, but sure way of making war. Howbeit, a strange and troublesome accident fell out in this visitation; for at the first meeting, the Duke having given the Lord Prospero the Title of your Honour, he was so incensed with disdain, that taking himself to be highly wronged by so vile a title, with an angry voice he said; Duke, I had thought thou wert come hither, to honour one that is greater than thyself, not to undervalue him; but because it is the fashion of the Colonesi to answer the injuries of words with deeds, go out of this house, and in the street (with my sword in mine hand) I will prove unto thee, that all those, which use such base terms to men of my rank, deserve not to be admitted into the Company of honourable persons. The Duke remained much astonished to see that great Captain take the matter so heinously at his hands; and going to withstand the Lord Prospero, who offered to thrust him out of the chamber, they fell to grapple one with another: And because the Spaniards, which were in company with the Duke, seeing him in such terms with Colonna, entered into the chamber to assist him: the Italians which belonged unto the Lord Prospero did the like; whereupon in regard of the number of persons in so strait a place, there ensued a cruel frey; the noise whereof coming into the street, was the cause that the news of so dangerous an accident was suddenly carried to Apollo; who in all hast dispatched thither the Regent of the Vicaria with the guard of Archers, who freed the Duke out of the Lord Prosperoes' hands: and the uproar being quieted, he commanded the Spaniards, that had been very ill handled, to return home to their houses; Thereupon the Lord Prospero, to prevent any sinister information that might have been given against him, presented himself before Apollo, unto whom (the fame goeth) with a troubled countenance he used these words: Sir, it is well known, that men of the family of Colonna, of the quality I am of, have always enjoyed the title of Excellency, antequam Abraham fieret, and ere the Spaniards were in rerum natura; Wherefore for that Nation to abuse a man of my rank, as the Duke d' Alva did me but now, is most insupportable; for if the vileness of him that offendeth, doth infinitely aggravate the injury with him that is offended, how is it possible, that an Italian Baron of my quality, should contain himself within the bounds of modesty, seeing himself undervalewed by that Nation, whose miseries, not above four days ago to speak of, so moved the whole World to compassion, that throughout all Churches they were recommended to the charity of well-disposed Christians, of whom alms were gathered, to free them from the miserable servitude, wherein they were so grievously oppressed by the of Moors of Granada. The Spaniards enjoy the dominion of the greater part of Italy; where, by such as I am, notwithstanding that daily they threaten it with a cruel, and universal servitude, they are loved, honoured, and even served. With their prodigious avarice they have deprived us of out wealth; and in that lamentable sack of Rome with their unexpressable lust they violated the honour of our chastest Matrons. And now, in exchange of so abject a patience, they would also take from us this little honour of breath we enjoy, and these miserable Titles, the unhappy remains, and deplorable relics of the Italian reputation: Which is a matter so hard to be digested, that by every honourable Italian Baron it ought to be revenged, not with complaining words, as I do, but with daggers points.  
It is reported by them that were then present, how all the while the Lord Prospero was speaking, Apollo did nothing but smile, and that when upon his conclusion he burst out into those words, how the Spaniards abuses towards the Italians were to be revenged with daggers points, he fell to laughing outright, and said, Prospero, thou art, and ever wert too much given over to choler: and I am enforced to tell thee, how it infinitely mislikes me, that such a one as thou, who hast always made a particular profession of prudence, shouldest marvel, that slaves, which for twenty years together have been fed in the Galleys with course, and mouldy Biscuit, when they light upon a batch of new white Manchet, should fill their bellies till they are ready to crack again: Whereas that raging appetite of theirs, and every other dishonest act, which they use, to assuage their hunger, aught to be so fare from seeming odious unto honest men which behold it, that it should rather move them to pity. Therefore do ye Italians likewise permit, that the Spaniards, men but new in this World, and lately got out of the servitude of the Moors of Granada, may glut themselves with meat so delicate to their taste, as are the honourable Titles, which they have found in Italy: for I assure thee, that when they shallbe cloyed with such vanities they also will become, as the French are, such courteous Gallants, that they will willingly give the Title of Excellency even to their horse-boys, much more to such as thou art. And I tell thee, that if thou hadst that prudence, and that perfect knowledge of the World, as I wish thou hadst, thou wouldst very well perceive, that those exorbitances, and that so odious manner of proceeding, which the Spaniards use in Italy, whereof thou so complainest, is even as so much sweet sugar for you Italians, and bitter poison for the Spaniards; who if to their valour, to their advisedness, and unspeakable ambition which they have to reign, they had affable and courteous manners annexed, with the utter destruction of that remnant of Liberty, which is yet out of the Lion's jaws, they would soon become absolute Masters of the World. All which are insolences, that with daggers points, not by you Italians, but by the Monarchy of Spain herself, aught to be revenged with all kind of cruelty on her Spanish Ministers, who with their vanity distaste the good servants of so great a Queen, and make her government nothing acceptable to her subjects: A disorder that bringing much difficulty to the substance of that Universal Monarchy, whereunto it is not possible she can arrive with the public hatred of all Italy, hath high need of remedy.  
With this answer Apollo returned the Lord Prospero exceeding well satisfied to his house, after whom the Duke d'Alva appeared before his Majesty with all his family wonderful melancholy, which cast such milk in their faces, that the Spaniards seemed not so black, as ordinarily those Moores that come out of Granada use to be. Then Apollo interrupting the complaint which the Duke was about to make against the Lord Colonna, said; Duke, I am much displeased with the disorder, which I understand hath happened, and so much the more, by how much the cause of such an uproar is not very just, nor withal very honourable on thy side: And upon this occasion it pleaseth me to remember unto you Spaniards, that to be not only niggards, as to all men ye are known, but not to use prodigality in giving unto others those Titles, which are desired, is a manifest sign of malignity, because the ingenuous nobility of a Baron is known, by showing little covetousness in receiving Titles, and much liberality in giving them: For even by over much, not by due honour, doth greater reputation accrue to him that giveth, then to him that receiveth it. And you Spaniards, that use such austerity in desiring great Titles only for yourselves, are not awhit increased in reputation, but rather are become so odious, and ridiculous to all men, that the Italians in their Comedies, have deservedly introduced the personage of the Spaniard to represent unto the World a perfect Braggadochia. I wonder ye should not preceive, that in thinking to arrive unto the Dominion of the earth by abusing men, is the wrong way to the wood; The minds of men (Duke) are taken with the bait of humanity, with the whistle of gratitude, of courtesy, of gentleness; and that Fowler would show himself very ignorant, that should go with a drum into a Dove-house for to take Pigeons, as I see you Spaniards, foolishly do. Moreover, I tell you, that if ever any Nation were to make a bait of dignities, for to allure the Italians to fall into the nets of your Dominions, and light upon the Limebush of your servitude, it is you Spaniards, for the ends which ye have upon Italy: Withal ye are to consider, that the States, which ye possess, of Naples, and Milan, are fastened unto you with Wax; for ye shall command over those two members no longer, then till the Italians resolve to chase you from thence; who if they could be assured, that after your ruin, they should not fall into the power of the French, ye should quickly know, that only with a little disturbance, which they could give you in the Port of Genova, they would put you into a thousand intricate difficulties: all matters, that should admonish you to give satisfaction, at leastwise in words, to them, whom in regard of your Interests in Italy, ye are obliged to respect. As for the injury, which you say you have received from the Lord Prospero, I tell you plainly, that whatsoever affront shallbe done you upon any such like Titular occasion, I will not only be insensible of it, but I will think you have desirously sought it. Then the Duke would have excused himself with saying, that from his King he had instruction how to carry himself towards the Italian Barons in the particular of Titles, when Apollo told him, that the Spanish abuses to the Italians were not to extend but only to the Neapolitans, and Milanesi; and his Majesty also added, That if much passion did not blind the Spaniards, they might easily see, how their Grandes, whom Spain itself could not contain, and that in Italy, would play the Giants, compared with the Roman Barons; and those of mean stature would prove but dwarsses. Hereupon a cloud, as white as snow, beginning by little and little to cover the person of Apollo, the Priests that were about him perceived how his Majesty would prophesy; so that every one falling prostrate on the ground, and with the rest, the Duke and his followers; out of that hollow cloud proceeded the divine voice of his Majesty, which with a pleasing sound spoke in this sort: I foretell unto you, Spaniards, that with your rough and odious manner of proceeding, ye will one day compel the Italian Nobility; which is the Mistress of the cruel Sicilian Vespres, to plot some bloody Neapolitan Evensong against you; it being the proper custom of the Italians, with greater rage to revenge the abuses of words, than the offences of blows; as they that having short patience, and long hands, are borne not only with an heart most inclined to great resolutions, but that do not use to revenge injuries with all kind of cruelty, before they are quite forgotten by those that did them. And with your own ruin, you will then find them, with swords in their hands, to be Paladine Orlandoes, when ye shall persuade yourselves, they are become most suffering Asses.   

The Post of Parnassus to the Reader.  
THese Papers coming by chance into my hands, I perceived there was something in them that I could not perceive; wherefore I thought best to communicate them with better understandings: for my part I could see no hurt in them, but did imagine by that little good which I saw, there was much more that I could not see, and therefore judged them fit for all men's eyes. Yet finding the names of Spain and Austria, or Austria and Spain, (pardon me, politic Reader, for I am not certain which should have priority; and I know in such Catholic points, a little error is deadly) so often inserted, I durst not be too bold with sacred things. For I well saw those two names jointly considered, are now grown of such estimation, as all Nations and Kings bend their knees, and doff their Bonnets at the naming of them; more superstitiously for destroying, then reverently at the Name of jesus for saving. Therefore I could not resolve, whether it were treason or sacrilege, or I wots not what greater sin, to touch sacred things profanely with common and unwashed hands; especially when I saw all such as had done the like, or less than thus, made miserable examples of disobedience, as if they had offended Adam himself, or a house miraculously raised up by God, or rather originally created in nature, to rule over all the world in Adam's stead; and that to be the son of a King, could not protect an offendor in this kind from punishment, yea, from being cast out of his Paradise. O (thought I) when I saw this, how worthy is he, that doth thus to be counted only the Catholic King: for he is a King of kings indeed, fit to be the executioner of his Holiness divine Decrees, and to consume all with Lightning, where the sacred fulminations went before. Tremble all Princes, and look to your Crowns; especially you perty once in Germany, that are but fatted to be swallowed one after another, as his stomach can digest, or your turn comes to be served up. You see it is safer being his servant, than the son of any Potentate beside. Therefore strive for place and preferment there, and help with all the speed ye may, to betray one another to ruin. You that are Protestants or Lutherans, it is no matter for Religion; hold some the stirrup, and let others lift Spain into the saddle, to ride one another like Poste-horses by turns. You see how honourably he deals with that Prince, whose peaceable patents made him easy entrance; and how favourably with the Palatinate, whom he rides in blood, and spur-galls on both sides, whilst you stand laughing on, and see not that your day is coming.  
Thus I thought, and thought withal to be silent, and to keep these Papers from flying abroad, for fear of having my own wings clipped. But when I saw in defect of greater, God had raised up petty Princes to defend the Faith, and put that spirit into the Prince of Orange, the Count Man●felt, and the Duke of Brunswick, which he had taken from Saxony and Bavaria, and others, it made me resume courage, beholding the immediate hand of God in this work, and to think, surely God will have all the glory to himself, that he employs such instruments, whose estates, in comparison, are but drops to the Spanish Ocean: I will not therefore be guilty of so much cowardice, as to reserve myself, where these men fight, and seem prodigal of their own lives; or at least, not of so much dishonesty, as to conceal what God hath sent into my hands, perhaps to publish for the general information and benefit of all Christendom. Go out therefore, and prosper in God's Name.  
FINIS.