THE Newfound Politic. DISCLOSING THE SECRET NATURES and dispositions as well of private persons as of Statesmen and Courtiers; wherein the Governments, Greatness, and Power of the most notable Kingdoms and Commonwealths of the world are discovered and censured. Together with Many excellent Caveats and Rules fit to be observed by those Princes and States of Christendom, both Protestants and Papists, which have reason to distrust the designs of the King of Spain, as by the Speech of the Duke of Hernia, uttered in the Counsel of SPAIN, and hereto annexed, may appear. Written in Italian By Traiano Boccalini Gentleman of Rome, and privileged by sundry Princes of Italy, and also out of Italy by the most Christian King. And now translated into English for the benefit of this Kingdom.  
LONDON, ¶ Printed for Francis Williams, near the Royal Exchange. 1626.   

TO THE KING'S MOST Excellent Majesty.  
Dread Sovereign,  
THe kind welcome which these Raggualioes of Boccalini lately found among the French and in other Prince's Courts, who suspect the encroaching power of the House of Austria, hath moved me to collect and consecrate them in English weeds unto your Majesty. The First was translated by M. Florio, sometime Servant to your Royal Mother of blessed memory. The Second by one, unto whom the commonwealth cannot as yet be beholding for his name; And the Third part by me, although far inferior unto either of them for any knowledge which I dare arrogate to myself in the Italian Tongue, having discontinued the use thereof since my return out of Italy, being above 24. years past, until this present time. Yet nevertheless, when I had fully perused the novelty of the Author's strain, the pleasant conceits of the work, interlaced with some matters of consequence, which might serve for caveats and annotations to such as stand interessed in State-affairs, I was encouraged to renew that which I had so long neglected, and by compiling some of the choicest Observations, to present them to your judicious view. And because my chiefest cares for many years have been fixed upon that most hopeful Plantation in the Island commonly called The Newfound Land, I entitled this Work The Newfound Politic, as well in regard of my affection devoted to that place, as for the newness of the style and matter, wherein the Author poetically discovers some Mysteries of Policy, which may rouse up the Spirits of the State of Venice, and other Neighbouring Provinces, to watch with Argus Eyes, lest the deceitful show of Indian Gold, a fitter bait for Turks and Moors, might produce any sudden Innovation prejudicial to the liberty of Christendom, which ought to flourish in mutual love and charity, and not to live in continual jealousies to be surprised by any Prince that acknowledgeth Christ for their universal Head. The King is wise as is the Angel of God, and conceives more than it becomes a man of my rank to insinuate to so high a Majesty concerning the Affairs of long-handed Princes, whom Experience, and not the admonition of a contemplative Scholar, hath taught to remember that Verse of the Poet: 
Tunc tua res agitur paries cum proximus ardet:  
When the next wall unto your house doth burn,  
Look to yourself betimes; next is your turn.  The King of Kings long preserve your Majesty in all Earthly happiness, to his glory, our comfort, and the defence of the true Christian Faith. So prayeth from the bottom of his heart  
Your Majesty's most humble Subject, WILLIAM VAUGHAN.   


The Contents of the first Part.  
Chap. 1. THE Company or Corporation of Politicians, sets up a Warehouse or public Shop in Parnassus, in which are to be sold diverse kinds of wares useful for the Virtuous life of the Learned.  
Chap. 2. The most sovereign virtue Fidelity, being secretly fled from Parnassus, Apollo having discovered where she had hidden herself, dispatcheth the two most excellent Muses, Melpomene and Thalia, to persuade her to return.  
Chap. 3. Apollo perceiving the great disorders, that the flight of the sacred virtue Fidelity bred in all Mankind, by the mediation of the Sovereign Muses, and of the sublime Heroic Virtues, obtaineth her return into Parnassus.  
Chap. 4. justus Lipsius, to make amends for the fault he had committed in accusing of Tacitus, doth so passionately observe him, that before Apollo he is charged to idolatrize him: whereupon after a feigned, and but verbal punishment, he is in the end by his Majesty, not only absolved, but highly commended and admired.  
Chap. 5. The chiefest learned men of Parnassus are suitors unto Apollo, to enjoin Tacitus, to recompile those books of his Annals and Histories, which are lost.  
Chap. 6. Cornelius Tacitus, for some complaints urged against him by diverse great Princes, by reason of certain political spectacles, which he hath devised, most prejudicial unto their government, having been imprisoned, is by Apollo set at liberty.  
Chap. 7. The Duke of Laconia, for having advanced a most faithful Secretary of his, to the highest dignities of his estate, is accused before Apollo to idolatrize and dote upon a Mignon: but he doth most egregiously defend himself.  
Chap. 8. Apollo, bewailing the woeful wracks, which in the Courts of great Princes, his virtuous followers suffer, and fall into; for to assure their Navigation, commandeth some of the chiefest learned men in his Dominion, to endeavour to frame a Sailing-Card, to sail safely by land.  
Chap. 9 The Lord john de la Casa, having presented his acquaint Galateo, or book of Manners unto Apollo, meeteth with great difficulties in diverse Nations, about their promises to observe the same.  
Chap. 10. Apollo having highly commended the Statute, made by the most mighty Kings of Spain, that no Advocates, Lawyers, or Proctors, shall pass into the Indies, the Doctors of the Law finding themselves aggrieved, complain unto his Majesty.  
Chap. 11. An Apothecary, at the very instant, that he is taken prisoner by Sergeants, without being examined at all, is forthwith condemned and sent to the Galleys.  
Chap. 12. The virtuous people of Apollo's State, having consigned unto his Majesty's General Treasurer, the accustomed Donative of a thousand conceits, according to their custom they beg a boon or grace at his hands.  
Chap. 13. By letters intercepted, and taken from a Currier, dispatched by some Princes to the Lake of Averno, the common people come to know, that the rancours and hatreds now reigning among diverse Nations, are occasioned and stirred up by the artifices of their Princes.  
Chap. 14. Antonio Perez of Arragon, having presented the Book of his Relations unto Apollo, his Majesty doth not only refuse to accept it, but commandeth the same to be presently burnt.  
Chap. 15. The Monarchy of Spain is much aggrieved, that her falsehoods and treacheries are discovered.  
Chap. 16. The Spanish Monarchy arriveth in Parnassus; She intreateth Apollo to be cured of a Cautery: She is dismissed by the politic Physicians.  
Chap. 17. The Spanish Monarchy goeth to the Oracle of Delphos, to know whether she shall ever obtain the Monarchy of the world; she hath a cross answer.  
Chap. 18. Philip the second of that name, King of Spain, after long strife about his Title, makes his solemn entry into Parnassus.  
Chap. 19 The Dogs of the Indies are become Wolves.  
Chap. 20. The French are humble suitors unto Apollo, to know the secret, how to perfume gloves after the Spanish fashion.  
Chap. 21. Why the Monarchy of Spain is lately retired into her Palace.  
Chap. 22. How the ministers and officers of Spain are continually interessed in their private profit.  
Chap. 23. Apollo having used all possible means, and exquisite diligence, to have some one of the Court-Mignons, or Princes-Idols taken and apprehended, doth severely proceed against one lately fallen into the hands of the judges.  
Chap. 24. The whole Race or Genus of Sheep send their public Ambassadors to Apollo, by whom they earnestly entreat him to grant them sharp teeth and long horns: whose suit is by his Majesty scorned and rejected.  
Chap. 25. In a public Congresse or Assembly, contrary to the accustomed manner of the Phoebean Court, Force having pretended to precede Reputation; that illustrious Lady with an excellent resolution, maintaineth her reputation and credit which was in some danger.  
Chap. 26. The Province of Focides by her Ambassadors complaineth unto Apollo, that his Majesty's officers do not permit her to enjoy her privileges: whose request is not only rejected, but they have a most sharp and unpleasant answer.  
Chap. 27. Socrates having this morning been found dead in his bed, Apollo useth all possible diligence, to discover the true occasion of his so sudden death.  
Chap. 28. Natalis Comes the Historian, for having spoke something in a public congress of learned men, that grievously offended Apollo, is by his Majesty severely punished.   

The Contents of the second Part.  
Chap. 1. MAximilian the Emperor is advertised of the trouble begun among his sons.  
Chap. 2. Most of the Princes, Commonweals, and States of Europe, are weighed in a pair of Scales, by Lorenzo Medici.  
Chap. 4. 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.  
Chap. 5. Sigismond Battor learneth the Latin Tongue.  
Chap. 6. The Cardinal of Toledoes Summa is not admitted into the Library of Parnassus.  
Chap. 7. The Monarchy of Spain throweth her Physician out of the window.  
Chap. 8. Most of the States of the world are censured in Parnassus for their errors.  
Chap. 9 The Monarchy of Spain inviteth the Cardinal of Toledo, to be her Theologian, which he refuseth, and why.  
Chap. 10. The Spaniards attempt the acquisition of Savoy, but do not prevail.  
Chap. 11. The Duke d'Alva being arrived at Parnassus, in complementing with Prospero Colonna, they fall foul about defrauding the Colonesis of their Titles.  
The Post of Parnassus to the Reader.   

The contents of the third Part.  
Chap. 1. AFter an exquisite Examination and trial made of those Wits, which ought to have the charge of Provincial Governments, a rank of Governors are published in Parnassus, and wholesome avisoes for all Governors, judges, and under-officers of State.  
Chap. 2. The most Illustrious Monarchies resident at Parnassus, demand by what means the Venetian Lady got such exact obedience, and exquisite secrecy of her Nobility, whereof she gives them convenient satisfaction.  
Chap. 3. The Roman Monarchy demanding of Cornelius Tacitus the resolution of a Political Question, receives full satisfaction of the Shepherd Meliboeus, who casually was there present.  
Chap. 4. Many people having wasted their means by gluttonous feasts, prodigal fare, and pompous apparel, for the moderating of such lavish expenses, do desire a Statute of their Princes, but they miss of their purpose.  
Chap. 5. Terence the Comedian being imprisoned by jason the praetor of Urbine, for keeping a Concubine, is delivered by Apollo with very great dishonour to the praetor.  
Chap. 6. Domitius Corbulo for certain words spoken by him during the time of his government, which savoured of Tyranny, is called in question by the Criminal Magistrates, but in the end, to his greater glory, dismissed.  
Chap. 7. By the promotion of Diogenes the Cynic, unto a higher place, the honourable chair of the Tranquillity of a private life being vacant, Apollo prefers the famous Philosopher Crates to that charge, who refuseth it.  
Chap. 8. A Controversy happening betwixt the Governors of Pindus and Libethrum about matters of jurisdiction; Apollo punisheth them both.  
Chap. 9 The Virtuous of Parnassus do visit the Temple of the Divine Providence, whom they humbly thank for the great Charity which his supreme Majesty from time to time hath vouchsafed to show unto Mankind.  
Chap. 10. A Contention happening between many Learned men, which might be the most notable Politic Law, or most excellent Custom worthy of commendation in the flourishing State of Venice, the same is finally decided and determined by the Venetian State herself, to whose arbitrement the Question is referred by their general consent.  
Chap. 11. The Doctors of the Chair having admitted into their University some famous Poetical Ladies, Apollo commands them to be dismissed home to their Families.  
Chap. 12. The Lady Victoria Colonna entreats of Apollo, that the infamy which women incurred for cuckolding their Husbands, might likewise extend to adulterous Husbands. Apollo's answer.  
Chap. 13. A Poetaster for playing at Cards and devising the Game called Triumph or Trump, is brought before Apollo, who after he had deeply entered into the mystical meaning of the said Game, not only dismisseth him, but granteth him an yearly pension to instruct his Courtiers in that new Arte.  
Chap. 14. It being noted, that Petus Thraseas in the company of his son in law Eluidius Priscus did use commonly to frequent the house of the Lady Victoria Colonna, he is grievously rebuked by Apollo.  
Chap. 15. A learned Gentleman of Rome begs a remedy of Apollo, to make him to forget certain grievous wrongs, which he had received in the Court of a great Prince: for which cause his Majesty causeth him to drink a cupful of the water of Lethe, but with unfortunate success.  
Chap. 16. Apuleius his golden Ass, and Plantus his Ass do complain unto Apollo of the great severity which their Masters used in beating them. But they are sent away with no pleasing answer.  
Chap. 17. A general Reformation of the world by the seven wise men of Greece, and by other Learned men, is published by express Order from Apollo.  
Chap. 18. The Duke of Hernia his speech in the Council of Spain to a proposition, Whether it were expedient for his Catholic Majesty, to conclude a peace with his brother in law the Duke of Savoy.    

THE NEWFOUND POLITIC.  
THE FIRST PART.  
The Company or Corporation of Politicians, sets up a Warehouse or public Shop in Parnassus, in which are to be sold diverse kinds of wares useful for the virtuous life of the learned.  

The first Raguaglio of the first part.  
THe great business, which the Corporation of Politicians hath for so many months negotiated with these Exchequer-officers, that they might set up a public Warehouse, common to their Nation, in Parnassus, with large privileges for Politians, was the last week fully concluded and established. And even yesterday, in the great Marketplace, they made a most sumptuous show of all such wares, as men commonly do most stand in need of.  
And even as Menante will not think his labour ill employed to give you notice of the chiefest of them; so is he persuaded, that some honest man will not disdain to read them. First then, there is to be sold in that admirable Warehouse great store of stuffing, or (as some call it) quilting, which though it be of no esteem among the base and vulgar sort of men, yet is it valued and bought up at a very high rate of many wise and understanding men, namely, of Courtiers, who have discovered, that it is the shearings or nap of those rich clothes of Prudence, which wise men wove with the fine wool of Patience, and serves to bolster or fill up the pads of servitude, or pack-sadles of bondage, to the end they may fit the more easy upon the backs of wretched Courtiers, and hide those loathsome bloody gallings and festered sores, which seem most ugly in such men, who albeit they be known for capital enemies unto all pains and labour, are not notwithstanding induced to serve & follow the Courts, with an assured hope, there to live an idle merry life, and proudly to command others. It hath by diverse been observed, (as a thing regardful) that many young men, who though they may live well in their own Father's houses, have nevertheless bought up good store of that precious stuffing, and have therewith quilted certain petty bolsters, unto which they enure themselves in the service of private houses, only that they may not come into Courts, as unbroken colts, and in receiving the first time the boisterous heavy packsaddle of Court servitude, assure themselves not to commit those fond actions, and fantastic pranks, which enforce house-stewards, and hall-ushers (who are the rough house-breakers of young Courtiers) to give them some lashes of bitter distastes, thereby to bring them unto the patient toleration of that irksome and toilsome thraldom. There is also sold in the said Warehouse great store of most excellent Pencils for those Princes, who in their urgent occasions, are often enforced to paint white for black unto their people. And although this be a merchandise only fit for Princes, yet do those false-hearted men make great provision of them, that relying on the traffic of appearances, apply themselves to nothing more, than to the infamous profession to leer and laugh in ones face, and underhand craftily to deceive him, and to wind about the silly credulons people with fawning fair words, and foul tainted deeds. They have likewise an infinite quantity of spectacles of admirable and sundry virtues: Some of which serve to give light unto those salacious and beastly luxurious men, whose sight doth so fail them in the fury of their unbridled and libidinous lust, that they cannot discern Honour from Infamy, nor know a friend from a foe, a stranger from a kinsman, nor any other thing worthy of respect.  
So great is the riddance, that those Politic merchants do hourly make of such spectacles, as all may evidently perceive, that few or none are those men, that in carnal things have a good or clear sight.  
They have beside a kind of spectacles, which serve to dim all light, and shorten all sight: and the Politicians themselves affirm, that albeit these spectacles are more behooveful unto all sorts of men, than those that extend the sight far off, yet are they most needful unto Courtiers, by reason, that there do often present themselves most loathsome and nasty things unto the sight of honest men.  
And for so much as to turn one's back towards them may breed displeasure, yea and anger in mighty men or great Lords: and to look upon them is a torment and vexation unto an honest mind: And therefore for a man upon any such occasion to put so strange spectacles upon his nose, he is free from the troublous molestation to see the loathsome and abominable things of this fill the corrupted world, and the vulgar silly multitude is induced to think, that a man views them with more heedy curiosity.  
There are also other spectacles very good to preserve the sight of those unkind and unthankful men, which the very first day of any new dignity received, waxeth so dim and misty, as it reacheth even to the bounds of Ingratitude.  
The Politicians that keep the shop and fell them, say that they are made with the precious stuff of the fast-holding memory of benefits received, and of the remembrance of forepassed friendship.  
But most wondrous are those spectacles framed with such skilful art, that they cause to those that have them on, Pleas to seem: Elephants, and Pygmies Giants. These are greedily bought up by certain great men, who putting them upon the noses of their unfortunate attendants, do so alter and distract their sight, as if their Lord do but once lay his hand upon their shoulder, or look upon them with a smile, though artificial, and perhaps forced, they deem it as a reward of five hundred crowns a year.  
But the spectacles lately invented in the Low-countries are likewise bought up at a very dear rate by great Lords, and distributed among their Courtiers, which being used by them, they cause those offices and rewards, to which their sight shall never attain, not perhaps their age reach, to seem near at hand.  
Moreover, there are to be sold in the said Warehouse (but at a most excessive rate) humane eyes, which are of admirable virtue, since it is impossible to think, how infinitely a man bettereth his own things, when he views them with others eyes: yea the very Politicians themselves protest upon their consciences, that with no other, or better instrument, may a man sooner attain unto the happiness, to purchase that thrice excellent virtue, so ambitiously aimed at, and sought after by great men, of NOSCE TE IPSUM.  
There are also sold in that shop, certain Compasses, not made of silver, of brass, or of steel, but of the pure interest of the most fine reputation, that may be found in all the Mine of Honour: And they are most admirable to measure a man's own proper actions, since experience hath manifestly caused all men to know, that Compasses framed of the base stuff of fantastic conceit, of self-will, or of mere interresse, do seldom prove just and true to those, who in their own affairs desire to draw their life's parallel. Moreover, such Compasses prove most excellent to those, that do exactly possess the skill and art to use them, to take the just measure of the latitude of those ditches, which for their credit and reputation they are compelled to leap clean over, and not run in danger to fall or stumble in the middle of them, and ●●mefully bury themselves alive in the puddle of folly and unheedinesse: Nor can those lavish waste-goods, and spendthrifts, whose purses being but shallow and poor, will waste and spend like Princes, with any other instrument, better learn the most necessary virtue to make the step answerable to the leg, than with these Compasses.  
The said Politicians do likewise sell a numberless quantity of boxes or leather-cases full of Mathematical Instruments, such as Surveyors or Land-Meters do use, which are more than necessary, exactly to measure, and in all dimensions to square out those with whom a man is to treat about grave affairs, and important negotiations, or to confer and impart weighty secrets.  
The said warehouse hath also great utterance of certain Iron-tooles, which resemble those, that Surgeons or tooth-drawers use, and call Barbicans. They serve to open and dilate the chaps of those unhappy Courtiers, which being to make a virtue of necessity, are often compelled to swallow huge great pumpions in stead of small mastic pills.  
They have likewise great store of Beesoms, made of circumspection, whereof wary Courtiens make good provision aforehand, that they may every morning and evening diligently sweep from off the stairs, which they daily go up and down, perilous hard Peasen scattered upon them by certain envious and malevolent spirits, who taking greater pleasure in spoiling other men's affairs than in accommodating their own, do only exercise the shameless trade, and treacherous work, of breaking the neck of honest and virtuous men's reputation.  
Moreover, there is in th●● ●●shop to be sold (but for the weight in gold) a kind of most perfect and superexcellent Ink of the maker, far more precious than Bise of the most farfetched Azure, which by the quills of learned Writers (being virtuously and skilfully displayed on books) serveth to embalm the dead bodies of virtuous men, and to yield them most aromatically odoriferous unto after-ages; whereas those of the ignorant yield a most loathsome stench, and are soon turned into useless ashes. And with this ink● only is the name of the learned eternised in the memory of all Nations, which in the illiterate and ignorant doth suddenly die and vanish. A balsam (truly) of more than humane virtue, since those, that therewith anoint themselves, live, although they die, and departing out of the world, but with their bodies, abide perpetually therein with the memory of their learned works.  
An infinite sum of money do likewise those Politicians receive daily for a kind of Oil, which they sell, for so much as it hath often been experienced to be most exquisitely available, to comfort and corroborate the queasy stomaches of Courtiers, to the end that without enfeebling their constitution of Patients, the poor unfortunate wretches, may the more easily and speedily digest the bitter distastes, which so often and daily they are enforced to swallow and pocket up in Courts.  
They sell moreover in certain little viols of glass, (of which Menante, who writes these present news, hath been so fortunate as to get one at a reasonable rate) odoriferous humane sweat, most admirable to perfume those, who with the fragrancy of Musk and Civet's of honourable labours will endeavour with pen in hand to appear and rank themselves among learned men.  
The said warehouse hath also great dispatch of a kind of Penids, made of most fine paste-royall, very excellent to whet and stir up the appetite of certain wilful sour Stoics, to the end, that with an insatiate greediness, they may know how to eat and feed on those loathsome dishes of this world, which albeit they recoil and provoke vomit in some, and are wholly repugnant unto the taste and stomach of good men, nevertheless there be some, who because they will not purchase the displeasure of great men, and so overthrow their own affairs by pulling an old house on their heads, are forced to make show and pretence, that they greedily desire them, and with hungry ravenousness devour them.  
There are beside to be seen in that shop certain great boxes full of Musk-comfets, very excellent to make the breath of those Secretaries, Privy Counsellors, or Senators in Commonwealths (who are bound to let secrets putrify in their bodies) to yield a sweet savour.  
Then in a backroom and several Magazine, they sell certain horse-pasterns or fetters, made of the iron of considerate maturity, which, though by some foolish kind of men, they be scorned and rejected as implements for beasts, the wiser and more wary have lately brought them into so great credit, as they are daily bought up at an excessive price by those precipitate and foolhardy wits, that fearing, or scorning the judicious maturity of the ordinary Carrier, take pleasure rashly, and hand-over-head to address and compass all their affairs by Posts and Curriers.  
But no other merchandise of that rich warehouse hath lately had greater utterance, than certain Fann's, made, not of the feathers of Ostriges, of Peacocks, or of any other gay-coloured bird, but of herbs and flowers. And because Mr. Andrea Mathioli, the Delphic Herbalist, hath among those flowers and herbs found and known the dreary and infernal weed, Wolues-bane, the wary and foreseeing virtuous Inhabitants of Parnassus, have evidently discovered, that those mysterious Fann's, serve not to make wind in the h●at of summer, but to rid and drive away from men's noses those importunate flies, which certain ill-advised and unheedie spirits, having gone about to remove, by hitting them with their daggers, have shamefully slit and cut their own noses.   

The most sovereign virtue Fidelity, being secretly fled from Parnassus, Apollo having discovered where she had hidden herself, dispatcheth the two most excellent Muses, Melpomene and Thalia, to persuade her to return.  
Rag. 11. 1 Part.  
THE Royal Palace of the sovereign virtue Fidelity, which whilom was so frequented by the chiefest and most eminent Officers of Princes, and by an infinite number of Senators of the most renowned Commonwealths, is of late so little haunted, that it seemeth to be the house of desolation. Whereupon, on the 18. day of this present month, the honourable mansion of so excelse a virtue was seen to be clean shut up. Apollo was no sooner advertised of so important a case, but he commanded, that the gate of her famous Palace, should with violence be laid open; and that from the Lady Fidelity herself, they should understand the true occasion of so strange a novelty. His Majesty's behest was forthwith put in execution, and they, who most exactly searched each corner of the Royal Palace, found no creature therein, which the virtuous Inhabitants of Parnassus understanding, they presently put themselves into mourning weeds, sprinkled themselves with ashes, and showed diverse other signs of sad sorrow: yea and Apollo himself in particular did so grievously condole, that all the Court might evidently perceive in him those very same effects of inward sorrow, which he publicly made demonstration of, at what time the wailful and deplorable disaster befell his unfortunate Son Phaeton. His Majesty well knowing, that the government of Mankind would go to wrack, if the solid foundation, which upholdeth all this world's machine, should fail, caused presently certain Edicts to be proclaimed, wherein (both to the ignorant, and to all others incapable of the most noble prerogative, to live with honourable fame and good report in the memory of men) he freely granted a hundred years of immortality, to be delivered him so soon as he should find out, where that famous virtue had hidden herself.  
And to assure the payment promised, the Royal Exchequer-Chamber delivered bills of exchange, and letters of assignation, signed by Homer, by Virgil, by Livy, and by most wealthy Tacitus; all of them principal and most eminent Merchants in the factory of Paruassus, amongst those virtuous men, who with their praiseworthy studies, wholly apply themselves to the right noble and honest traffic, to eternize others names in the memory of all Nations. The greatness of the promised reward invited diverse to go seek her out. And after much pursuit and exact diligence, the Royal Majesty Fidelity was found in a stable, lying among the Hounds and Spaniels belonging to the famous hunter Actaeon, and of most lovely Adonis.  
Apollo being in all possible haste advertised of so strange a novelty, did immediately send thither the two Sovereign Muses, Melpomene and Thalia, to the end that removing so excellent a Virtue from so vile and loathsome a place, they should reconduct her to her wont habitation. But all endeavours proved vain: for that glorious Princess, bitterly bewailing her disastrous condition, cried out, Oh you Sacred Ditties, relate unto my Sovereign good Lord Apollo from me, that my eternal and most capital enemy Fraud, hath at last obtained a complete victory, touching the controversy, that she hath ever had with me: And how that infamous Interest, who in these dismal days, tyrannizeth over the minds of all the best Nations, hath rigorously banished me from out the hearts of men, which in former times were wholly mine.  
Let his Majesty likewise understand, that the whole Universe is so deeply plunged in the filthy mud of all abominable and brutish pollutions, that the constant Fidelity, honourably and faithfully to serve her Lord or Prince, even to the effusion of the last drop of her heartblood, and to the emmission of the last gasps of life, which erst was so admired, and ambitiously sought after, is now adays reputed no better, than a foolish and harebrained obstinacy. And tell him moreover, that if a man (so he may accommodate and fit himself to all times to all places, and to all persons) have a fraudulent heart, full-fraught with perfidious treachery, and readily disposed, to exercise whatsoever execrable Infidelity, or damnable perjury; the same is now adays commended and extolled, to be wisdom, sagacity, and wariness of an all comprehending and reaching wit. And tell him, that I, a poor abject creature, glutted, and even tired to see so filthy and opprobrious things, am enforced to embrace the resolution (as you see) to live among these dogs, in whom I now find that true Fidelity, which with so much toilsome cark, I have ever laboured, and wearied myself to insert and plant in the perfidious and interessed heart●● of all men.   

Apollo perceiving the great disorders, that the flight of the sacred virtue Fidelity, bred in all Mankind, by the mediation of the Sovereign Muses, and of the sublime Heroic Virtues, obtaineth her return into Parnassus.  
Rag. 30. 1 Part.  
NO tongue can fully express what anxiety and anguish Apollo fell into by the secret and sudden departure, which (as by our former Letters hath already been signified) the excellent virtue Fidelity (some weeks since) made from this state of Parnassus. For his Majesty could not possibly be at peace, or take any rest, to see the world deprived of so noble a Princess. And his afflictions were daily increased by the foul disorders, which continually were heard to multiply in all Principalities, between the common people, and thrice-sacred Amicitia (the only exquisite delight of Mankind) who seeing herself forsaken by that pre●ious virtue Fidelity; and fearing to receive some notable affront by Fraud, absolutely denied to inhabit any longer in the hearts of men, who freed from the oath of Fidelity or Allegiance, which indissolubly they owe unto their Princes; and likewise loose from the bond of that sincere love, with which they are fast tied unto their private friends, became so fell in perfidiousness, so brutish in seditions, as making every most detestable wickedness to seem lawful; they with treachery chased unspotted Faithfulness from all humane society, and with foul seditions, sacred Peace; defiling the whole world with blood, and filled the same with most villainous Larcenies, and with all manner of perfidious and execrable confusion. Besides, the just grievances and complaints of Princes did continually molest Apollo's mind; which Princes did openly protest, that by the damnable infidelity of their subjects, they were enforced to abandon the governance of Mankind: whereupon Apollo, to find out some convenient remedy against so notorious a mischief, thought it expedient to intimate the high Court of Parliament of all the general Estates, against the twentieth of the last month, unto which he summoned the Poet-princes, and the Deputies of all virtuous Nations. All which being in great diligence appeared on the prefixed day, there were discovered in many people great hatreds against their Princes, all which protested openly, that not by the vice of Infidelity, but urged and even compelled by desperation, they had for ever banished from out their hearts that Fidelity, which, as most hurtful and prejudicial to them, they were resolutely determined never to acknowledge and re-admit: forsomuch as she was most foully abused by many Princes. And whereas in former times, the Fidelity of Subjects, having ever served as an instrument to induce Princes, to counterchange the awe and service of their people with gentle and courteous usages, they now clearly perceived, that the virtue of a base and prostrate obedience, was reputed but the baseness of an abject mind, and the merit of a voluntary and untainted faithfulness, a necessity to serve; by reason of which manner of proceeding, public mischiefs and disorders were vncontroledly gone so far, that many people had been compelled to undertake the resolution, which the world now saw; only to the end, that humorous and capricious Princes should come to the perfect knowledge, that the authority to sway and command may easily be lost, when the outrages, ingratitudes, and misusages, daily used towards subjects, having surmounted all humane patience, brought all nations (naturally inclined to dutiful obedience) even unto desperation; and never any more to live in subjection of Masters; with an obstinate resolution, rather to wrach on a free government, than to be continually contemned, abused, flaied, hurried and molested under Principalities. Although the rage and disdain of Princes towards their subjects were great, and the distaste of the people greater, the sovereign Muses nevertheless, with the assistance of the thrice-excellent heroic Virtues, who effectually laboured to bring a business of so great consequence to some good end, with the dexterity of their wit, in the end they somewhat calmed and assuaged the minds of the angry Princes, and instigated the proud hearts of the enraged people: And the Court of Parliament was dissolved, with the capitulation of this atonement, that the people should solemnly vow and promise forthwith to readmit into their breasts the excellent virtue Fidelity, which they should swear to make absolute Mistress of their hearts. And that Princes should be strictly bound, to banish and expel from out their hearts, Avarice and Cruelty; and in lieu of them, yield the free possession of their minds unto the Sovereign Virtues, Liberality, Bounty, and Clemency, who were they, that perpetually held Fidelity and Obedience fast ●ettered in the hearts of subjects: Since that by an authentical testimony, subscribed by Caius Plivius, and other natural H●storians, it most evidently appeared, that the silly sheep, who are seen so gently and willingly to obey their shepherds, do notwithstanding shun and abhor all Butchers. And that it was impossible to induce Dogs (although naturally most trusty, loving, and kind to their masters) to wag their tail, or to leap, and faun on those, that gave them more stripes than morsels of bread.   

justus Lipsius, to make amends for the fault he had committed in accusing of Tacitus, doth so passionately observe him, that before Apollo he is charged to idolatrize him: whereupon after a feigned, and but verbal punishment, he it in the end by his Majesty, not only absolved, but highly commended and admired.  
Rag. 86. 1 Part.  
THE most curious learned of this State, have often observed, that whensoever any virtuous man, doth through humane frailty commit any oversight, for the dread which he afterward seeleth of wicked actions, doth in such sort (with falling into the other extreme) correct the same, that some there be who affirm, that Democritus did not so much for the benefit of contemplation, pull out his own eyes, as for to make amends for the error he had committed, laciviously gazing upon a most beauteous Damsel, than beseemed a Philosopher of his rank and profession. And the report yet goeth among the virtuous, that Harpocrates, to correct the defect of overmuch babbling, for which he was greatly blamed at a great banquet, fell into the other extreme, never to speak more: Nor ought the sentence of the Poet be accounted true,  Dam vitant stulti vitia, incontraria currunt. 
Since that, in a Dog that hath once been scalded with boiling water, it is held a point of sagacity, to keep himself in his kennel when it raineth. As likewise it is the part of awary man to avoid Eels, if he have once been deadly bitten by Snakes.  
This we say, for so much as so great was the grief, and so notorious the agony, that justus L●psius felt for the accusation, which he so unhappily framed and published against Tacitus, that to repair the fault, which of all the virtuous of this State was exceedingly blamed, not long after fell into that error, and went in person to visit Tacitus, and for the injury which he acknowledged to have done him, he most humbly begged pardon at his hands.  
Tacitus knowing what reputation the readiness of a free and genuine pardon yieldeth a man, with a magnanimity worthy a Roman Senator, not only frankly and generously forgave Lipsius the injury received, but (which by the unanimous report of all the virtuous of this State hath deserved highest commendations) he most affectionately thanked him for the occasion he ministered unto him, to make purchase of that glory, which sincerely to forget all injurious affronts received, doth procure and confer upon a man, unto the ancient and most affectionate devotion, which Lipsius (who had ever been most partially affected unto Tacitus) had ever borne unto so sublime an Historian; the wonder of so great indulgence being adjoined, and the facility of a p●rdon so earnestly desired, did so increase the love in his mind, and so augment his awful veneration towards him, that he more frequented Tacitus his house than his own.  
He now loved to discourse with no other learned man: no conversation did more agrade him: he commended no other Historian: and all with sooth partiality of inward affection, namely, for the elegancy of his speech, adorned more with choice conceits, than with words; for the succinctness of his close, nervous, and grave sententious Oratory, clear only to those of best understanding, with the 〈◊〉 and hatred of other virtuous men of this dominion, dependants of Cic●ro, and of the mighty Caesarean faction, who approve it not. And did with such diligence labour to imitate him, that not only with hateful antonomasia, he dared to call him his Auctor, but utterly scorning all other men's detections, he affected no other ambition, than to appear unto the world a new Tacitus.  
This so unwonted kindness among friends, never seen from inferiors towards their superiors, and which exceeded the most hearty love or affection that any can bear and express to the nearest of his blood, engendered such a jealousy in the minds of Mercerus, of Beatus, Rhenanus, of Fuluius Orsinus, of Marcus Antonius Muretus; and of diverse others, follower's and lovers of Tacitus, that, induced thereunto by mere envy, hatched in their hearts (but according to the custom of worldly dissemblers, which is, to palliate the passion of private hatred with the robe of charity toward their neighbour) under colour to revenge the injury, which not long since Lipsius had done unto their friend Tacitus, they framed an indictment against Lipsius, and presented the same unto Apollo, charging him with the same delict or crime of impiety, whereof he had accused Tacitus, giving his Majesty to understand, that he loved not Tacitus as a friend, that he honoured not him as a Master, and regardful Patron, but adored him as his Apollo and Deity. This accusation, which as in crimes of capital treason, by reason of its heinous outrageousness, needeth no other proof than the bare testimony of any one man, did enter so deeply into Apollo's mind, as he deemed himself offended by Lipsius in the highest degree, caused him forthwith to be brought before his Majesty, by the Praetorian band of the Lyric Poets, fast bound in chains and gyves; and staring on him with a fierce wrathful countenance, and with death-threatning gestures, demanded of him, What his genuine opinion or conceit was of a certain fellow, called Cornelius Tacitus, borne of an oyle-monger of Terni.  
Lipsius' undismaiedly answered Apollo, That he deemed Tacitus to be the chief Standard bearer of all famous Historians, the Father of humane wisdom, the Oracle of perfect reason of State, the absolute Master of Politicians. the stout Coripheus of those writers that have attained the glory in all their compositions, to use more conceits than words; the perfect and absolute form to learn to write the actions of great Princes, with the learned & apparent light of the essential source and occasion of them: a most exqusite artifice, and which was only understood by the sublimest master of the Historian Art, as that which greatly yielded him glorious, that knew how to manage it, and him truly learned that had the judgement duly to consider the same; the perfect Idea of Historical verity; the true Doctor of Princes; the Pedagogue of Courtiers; the superfine paragon, on which the world might try the alloy of the Genius of Princes; the just Scale, with which any man might exactly weigh the true worth of private men; the Volume which those Princes should ever have in their hands, that desire to learn the skill and knowledge absolutely to command: as likewise those subjects, who wished to possess the science dutifully and rightly to obey.  
By this so affected Encomium, and by so earnestly exaggerated commendations, Apollo easily perceived, and came to know, that Lipsius did manifestly idolatrize Tacitus, whereupon in mind enraged thus he bespoke him.  
In what esteem wilt thou then (Oh Lipsius) have me, that am the father of all good letters, sovereign Lord of the Sciences, absolute Prince of the liberal Arts, Monarch of all virtues, if with such impiety and shameless impudence, thou dost idolatrize a Writer, so hateful unto all good men? and an author so detestable unto the professors of the Latinetongue, both for the novelty of his phrase, for the obstruse obscurity of his speech, for the vicious brevity of his discourses, & for the cruel and tyrannous political doctrine which he teacheth? by, and with which, he rather frameth cruel Tyrants, than just Princes; rather wicked and depraved Subjects, than endowed with that untainted probity, which so greatly availeth, and facilitates in Princes the way how to govern their states mildly and uprightly. It being most apparent, that with his impious documents, and abominable precepts, he perverteth lawful Princes into cruel Tyrants, he transformeth natural Subjects (which should be as mild and harmless Sheep) into most pernicious Foxes: and from creatures, whom our common mother Nature, with admirable wisdom hath created toothless and hornless, he converteth them into ravenous Wolves, and untamed Bulls.  
Who showeth himself a ●lye cunning Doctor of false simulations, the only subtle artificer of treacherous tyrannies, a new Xenophon of a most cruel and execrable Tiberipedia, the wily forger of the ever to be detested mystery, how leeringly to smile and therewith deceive, how with facility to utter and affirm that which a man never meaneth or intends, effectually to persuade that which one believeth not, instantly to crave that which one desireth not, and to seem to hate that which one loveth; who is a sublime Pedagogue to instruct others in that most villainous doctrine to smother and suppress the conceits and meanings of a true-meaning heart, and yet to speak with a false-lying tongue: the ingenious Architect of fallacies and deceits, and so singular and excellent an author of rash and fond-hardy judgements, that he hath often most shamefully attributed holy interpretations to most impious and to be abhorred actions: And on the other side, hath cannonized sacred ones as Diabolical.  
And wilt thou (Oh Lipsius) among so many my liege and trusty virtuous men, even before my face, adore and worship as thy God, a man that in all his compositions hath manifestly declared, that he hath not known God?  
Who being composed of nought but impiety, hath sowed and scattered through the wide world, that cruel, prodigious, and desperate policy, which so infinitely defameth those Princes that make use of it, and so deeply afflicteth the people that feel it; who as well to Princes as to private men, hath taught the cursed way, and mischievous fashion, how to converse and proceed with false doubleness; and the treacherous Art, to do that which a man says not, and to say that which one meaneth not.  
A way which by some is practised only to become skilful in that abominable doctrine, how with the pencil of false pretences, to portray black for white; to circumwinde the simpler sort of people with the fallacies of fair sugared words, and of lewd and wicked deeds; to deceive all men with using laughter in anger, and weeping in joy; and only by and with the pernicious compass of private interest, to measure love, hate, trust, faith, honesty, and each humane or moral virtue, read and perused by good men, only to come to the knowledge of the new and hidden tricks and artifices, with which, in these days, wretched mankind with so evident calamity, is most miserably circumgired, and tossed to and fro: and to discover the most execrable hypocrisy, that diverse followers of so wicked an Art have used and practised, to be by the simpler sort of people reputed for men of upright conversation, and honest life; albeit, for to observe and obey the rules of Tacitus, they act, and daily perpetrate deeds, that by the ugliest Devils of hell, are deemed most abominable.  
Perceivest thou not (Oh Lipsius) since the Volumes of this thy Tacitus have past the hands of all people, diverse Princes have strayed and e●●onged themselves from the ancient course, to govern their subjects with humanity, mildness, and clemency: and what an infinite number are now clean parted & divorced from the genuine plainness and singleness of atruly-vertuous life?  
Know Lipsius, that so great a part of Tacitus his works (as some simple and shallow-brained men do affirm) were not lost in the violent deluges of the barbarous Nations, which with so rapid inundations passed into Italy, to overrun and subdue it, for they miscarried, and were lost before so great ruins; not through the ignorance of the people, who in those turbulent and embroiled times, were continually busied in the exercise of arms, but because those yet untainted ancient Nations, in which reigned equally the well-meaning simplicity of mind and heart, and the purity of the then new budding Christian Religion, abhorred that Author whom some ill advised do now so much love and cherish, that (as I perceive thyself hast done) many and diverse evidently idolatrizing him, have ereared him for their golden Calf. Tacitus is in every part of his most unworthy to be read of good or honest men, for so much as the villainies, and the impieties contained in his works, do far exceed in number his leaves, his lines, his words, his syllables, and his letters. But by the life of Tiberius, which he hath compiled, a Prince suitable and worthy the genius of such an Historian, all must acknowledge the same to be most intolerable and damnable; the which for a singular benefit of all mankind, having for many ages lain secretly hidden in the most secret and concealed parts of Germany, through the pestiferous and diabolical curiosity of a German, more dreary and fatal to all the world than his Compatriate, that was the first invented the deadly and dismal Bombard, whence it was drawn forth, at what time that most noble Province began to be infected by the modern heresy; only to the end, that with so horrid a prodigy, at the same time that execrable Luther began to molest and subvert the sacred rites, wicked Tacitus should embroile the profane. Compositions in the highest degree most wicked and pernitions, which for many years were lost, because they pleased not antiquity; and are now, to the great shame and reproach of this age, admired of those Politicians, who being followers of such impieties, have most completely learned from the Master of fallacies and tromparies, the doctrine to know, how to the utmost of a man's age, to entertainemen with fair words, to feed them with smoke, to fill them with wind, and with vaine-vaine hopes fairly to lead them to extreme beggary.  
A doctrine most assuredly infernal, which by Tacitus the the inventor and husband thereof, having been sown and dispersed abroad, only for the benefit of Princes, is now a days seen to be embraced and cherished with such insatiate greediness, by private and mean subjects, that Tacitus, who was herefore an Auth●● held only worthy of Princes, doth now so publicly pass from hand to hand among all men, that even Shopkeepers, fachius and base porters show not themselves more cunning in any profession than of State policy, to the great contempt and derision of an Art held in highest regard and reputation of great men, the whole universe is seen to swarm, and to be full of sharking and spoiltrade Politicians.  
At these ireful and exorbitant speeches of Apollo, Lipsius stood amazed, as one half dead and distracted, yet notwithstanding, even in the utmost abashment and consternation of mind, pulling up a good heart, and taking breath, most submissively begged pardon of his Majesty for any fault he might have committed; then boldly told him, that such and so infinite were his awful obligations towards his beloved Tacitus, and so great was the honour, which among his Countrymen the Flemings, the English, the Germans, the French, the Italians, and the Spaniards, his bosome-minion, and most dear beloved Author Tacitus had purchased him; whom though he acknowledged to love most entirely, and to honour as his terrestrial God; yet, to attain unto a superlative degree of due satisfaction of his bounden duty, and with exactness to accomplish the duty of true gratitude, he thought all he could do to be nothing, in respect of his unualuable merits.  
His reason was, that having published and left unto the world, diverse ordinary labours and compositions, his only works upon Tacitus were they, that had made him to merit an abode and mansion in Parnassus, and an honourable and immortal renown among many Nations: and that if he, who with other men's money exercised the traffic of trading and rich merchandizing, was easily pardoned his error, if he did even worship and adore him, that at his pleasure might make him break and turn beggar: How much more than did he deserve of his Majesty to be, if not commended, yet at least excused, if in loving and honouring his dear dearest Tacitus, he exceeded all bounds of duty, of decorum, or of dignity, sithence in & upon him only was grounded the whole fabric of all the credit and estimation that he had purchased among the virtuous. And that he, ever since his first ingress into Parnassus, had of all the learned been so beloved, cherished, courted, and reverenced, that his house was no otherwise frequented, then that of the most famous writers.  
But that after he fell into the error to make Tacitus his enemy, statim relictum illius limen, nemo adire, nemo solari: and therefore rather than he would any whit diminish his veneration, and awful respect toward that prime Author of his, he was well pleased to hate himself, and to lose his life, deeming the loss of the same far less, than the greatness of the fame, unto which by means of Tacitus he had attained.  
So highly did these words of Lipsius offend Apollo's mind, that more and more enraged with fierce wrath, he vehemently complained, that even before his awful presence with so impudent asseveration, he had rather manifestly made demonstration of a wilful stubbornness to persevere in his stiff opinion of so heinous an excess, than humility to yield unto penitence, and for his fault to crave p●rdon. And above any other demerit of so obstinate a man, his Majesty could by no means endure, that he had entitled the impiety of Idolatry, with the style of honourable gratitude; and wilful obstinacy, with the title of a constant and uncorrupted truth.  
Whereupon he suddenly commanded the foresaid Cohort of the Lyric Poets, presently to drag him out of his presence, as one most unworthy to look his Majesty in the face, whom he had so capitally offended to the quick.  
And that having stripped him of such good letters as he possessed, they should publicly proclaim him to be a most shameless ignorant Ass; and after burn him alive, as a most wicked and detestable idolater.  
Forthwith was poor Lipsius brought, and haled unto the place of so great infamy, where his friends most earnestly persuaded him to advise himself, and at once, humbly ●uing for mercy at his Majesty's hands, endeavour to save both his life and reputation.  
In the very moment of desperation of so horrible and lamentable a plunge, it was manifestly perceived, that at the apprehension thereof, there appeared in Lipsius such an undaunted constancy, and an undismayed boldness of a courageous mind against the terrors of death, that he thus answered Apollo.  
And let his will be done: for, he cannot die ignorant, that can perfectly demonstrate to possess Gratitude, which is the Sovereign Queen of all humane virtues.  
And therefore, the flames that were prepared to consume him, would yield a far brighter splendour of Glory, than of Fire: and that even in the last instant of his dying-life, he solemnly protested, that he would in no wise acknowledge the crime wherewith he was charged, to have overmuch loved or superstitiously honoured his beloved Tacitus to be true. And that by reason of the infinite bonds, wherewith he stood tied unto him, and for the respectful love he bore him; the grief and molestation that he felt in remembering, that he died ungrateful unto him, did more excruciate and torment him, than the rigour or pains or death: and that the agony, in which they all saw him, proceeded not from the fright or terror he felt, that he must die, but from the inward pangs, and hearts grief, which vexed him, in as much, that he had heard his Majesty, name and pronounce Tacitus, to be a wicked Atheist. An injury, which had it been uttered of so excellent and wise an Author by any other man whatsoever, then by his sacred Majesty (even in that last gasp of life) he would never have left it unrevenged, at least with the weapons of his tongue. And that with the same liberty, which is so proper unto such as care not to live, he made it known unto all men, that the real truth was, that Tacitus had so much knowledge of God, that he alone, among all the Heathen Writers, with his profound and exact knowledge, having attained perfectly to know of what worth and efficacy (touching matters of Religion) faith is of those things, which are not seen, or cannot by humane reason be proved, had boldly said, Sanctiusque ac reverentius visum de actis Deorum credere, quam scire: Words most sacred, and well worthy to be considered by those Divines, who in their writings had lost themselves in their Sophistical subtleties, and Logical niceties.  
Apollo having heard these things, as one possessed with wonderment, and full of admiration, presently caused Lipsius to be loosed, and most affectionately embracing him, he thus bespoke him; Oh my dear beloved and virtuous Lipsius, with what comfort to me, and availefull gain to thee, have I tempted thy patience, and made trial of thy most virtuous constancy? And by the bitter detractions, which I have uttered against Tacitus, which are but those with which they accuse him, that either never read him, or understand him not, I have throughly made proof of thy zealous devotion towards that most excellent Historian, whom I deem worthy my regardful admiration.  
And by that, which I have now heard from thee, I do evidently perceive, that thou hast read him with delight, studied him with profit, and learned him to thy great advantage; for I know that the stout defence, which to thy immortal glory, thou hast made in his behalf, is not thine own, but drawn from thine and mine Tacitus.  
This said and done, Apollo turned himself towards the virtuous, who for curiosity, and to hear the success of that great accident, were in great troops flocked into the Hall, he thus said unto them:  
Oh you my entirely beloved virtuous learned men, admire and perpetually imitate the renowned constancy of this my glorious virtuous Lipsius, and let the infinite dilection and sempiternal veneration of that Prince, be eternally imprinted in your hearts, who strongly supporteth your reputation: And never forget that the credit and power of him, who loseth the good grace and favour of his Prince, doth more easily ruin, and precipitate, than do the houses, whose foundations fail and decay. And therefore, you that follow Princes Courts, learn to know, that Nihil rerum mortalium tam instabile, ac fluxum est▪ quam fama potentiae non sua vi nixa. A most assured document, which teacheth all men, both in loving, in honouring, and in perpetually serving their Princes with a most constant trust, and steadfast faith to imitate my Lipsius. For, even as in sacred mysteries and holy rites, it is an unpardonable and gross impiety, to have or acknowledge any other God, than him, who hath created Man, the Heavens, and the Earth: So should you never admit into your hearts any other devotion of Princes, nor at no time expect commodity, or wish for preferment, except from that Lord, who by the trust and confidence, which he reposeth in your trust and fidelity, by the extraordinary affection which he beareth unto you, makes you to be known to all the world, not as his servants, but as his dear friends. And by the supreme and uncontrolled authority, which he suffereth you to exercise in his dominions, causeth you to appear and seem unto his other subjects (even as himself is) so many Princes.  
And for so much as the great wittiness and sagacity of Princes, by reason of the great jealousies and diffidences, that accompany those, who sway and reign, is commonly accompanied by suspicion, and favourites or Minions in Courts, being ever aggravated by envy, ever pried into, and observed by emulous competitors, and ever persecuted by the malicious or envious; to the end you may the more successfully overcome so many difficulties, and may ever prosperously maintain yourselves in the states and honours which you have acquired; love your Princes with all your hearts, observe them with all your best affections, and evermore serve them with all possible faithfulness and sincerity.  
And rather, then so much as to think, much less to do any thing, that may bring with it the least-least danger to diminish one jot of their good favour (as my Lipsius hath done) choose to yield unto death.  
And believe confidently, that then beginneth your downfall, when by some fatal mischief of yours, you suffer yourselves to be persuaded or entangled, that you may better or advantage the condition of your service, with, and by using with your Princes (who know so much, see so much, understand so much, and observe sa much, as more cannot possibly be known, seen, understood, or observed) simulation to seem that, which one is not; the falsehood at once to smile and deceive: all double dealing, and to chew with both chaps: all cloging dissimulation in straddling over ditches, the better to be able (if ever his Prince should fall into some disaster) to take part with the Conqueror.  
For, Princes, who, suppose they know not so much, yet have they ever so many whisperers about them, as one or other will bring them in tune. And when they sleep, they are never destitute of wicked Spirits to keep them awake.  
So that, they, who think it safe, and dangerless, to live and hold out long with falsehood and dissimulation, may rightly be compared unto those fools, that undertake to cant Gipzies, to cheat cozeners, or that hope to sell false balls unto Mountebanks.   

The chiefest learned men of Parnassus are suitors unto Apollo; to enjoin Tacitus, to recompile those books of his Annals and Histories, which are lost.  
Rag. 84. 1. Part.  
Yesterday the chiefest learned men of this State of Parnassus met together in the common Colledge-hall, where after diverse long discourses passed between them, they with one accord presented themselves before Apollo's Majesty, unto whom Petrus Victorius, a great learned man of Florence, in the name of all the rest, said, That those virtuous men, whom his Majesty beheld, did most humbly beg a favour at his hands, the most gracious, that ever he could confer upon his learned followers, who with continual brackish tears bewailed the disastrous loss of the Annals and Histories of Cornelius Tacitus; the father of humane wisdom, and true inventor of modern Policy, did most humbly conjure him, to command that excellent man to repair the damages, which the injury of times had caused, both to his reputation, and to the general commodity of his virtuous followers, by framing all that anew, which at this day is wanting in his most excellent works. At this request, which seemed both virtuous and reasonable, contrary to the opinion of all men, his Majesty was much offended, and with manifest alteration of mind, he framed this answer: Oh you my ignorantly-learned friends, doth it not then seem unto you, that the Princes of this world are already overcunning Statists, but that you wish them to be more perfect Doctors in that Science, in which for your last misery, they offend in being over-skilfull in the same? Since some of them with the practice of one truly Diabolical and infernal Reason of State; it evidently appeareth, that they have brought both Sacred and profane things into a manifest confusion: Have not as yet the common miseries of so many scandals, which by the harsh and wrested government of some Princes, are seen to arise in the world, opened your eyes so wide, as you may perceive and know, that all modern Policy is but the trash of your so beloved Tacitus, and as a contagious disease hath infected all the world?  
Are you not yet come to the knowledge, that the now present Reason of State, with which a number of people are rather flayed than shorn; rather sucked dry, than milked; and rather oppressed, than governed. A thing in itself so exorbitant, it is mere ignorance to desire the same to be more violent? And doth it not seem unto you, that from the cruel government of Tiberius, and from the prodigious life of Nero, so exactly written by your Tacitus, some modern Princes have drawn most exquisite precepts, how to gnaw to the bone, and how to shave to the brain? But that you would also have them to have the conveniency, to see whether in the lives of Caligula and Domitianus, which to the end that the loathsome obscenities, and the barbarous cruelties, which those two ugly monsters of Nature committed, should for ever lie hidden: the Majesty of the eternal God, for your incomparable benefit, hath exterminated from out the world, they might draw some secret precept, to make the fifth Act of the woeful and dismal Tragedy more funeral and wailful. A happy a●d beneficial gain (oh you virtuous) for the whole world, hath the loss been of the greatest part of Tacitus his labours.  
Oh how fortunate might men be reputed, if likewise those fatal relics, which for the last calamity of mankind are left unto us, were also lost for ever. And that the world were governed with the modesty and simplicity of the ancient Monarches, who esteemed men as reasonable creatures, and not with the bitterness of diverse modern Princes, who manifestly seem to believe, that they are but two-footed beasts, so created of God only for their benefit: even as his Divine Majesty, to no other end caused the earth to produce Mice, but to fatten Cats. But you Sir Peter Victorius, since I see, that you also are of the number of those good men, that wish Tacitus were entire; be pleased that I speak a few words with you in private, since you have spoken in behalf of the public.  
Do you not think, that your Princes with the only first leaf of the Annals of Tacitus, which they so diligently study, and know so well to put in actual practice, are become so skilful Medici's to cure the canker of the seditious Florentine people? Thrice happy were all the world, if Tacitus had ever held his peace.  
Therefore get you gone in the name of God, together with the rabble of your learned Copesmates; for my very heart is ready to burst, to see that men likewise are borne with the unhappy calamity of Thrushes.   

Cornelius Tacitus, for some complaints urged against him by diverse great Princes, by reason of certain political spectacles, which he hath devised, most prejudicial unto their government, having been imprisoned, is by Apollo set at liberty.  
Rag. 7. 2. Part.  
THe apprehending of the person of Cornelius Tacitus, which happened the last night by the express commandment of the Lords Censors, hath caused great amazement throughout all the University of the learned men; being a man so remarkable in Parnassus, so dear unto Apollo, prime Counsellor of State, chief Chronicler, and his Majesty's Master of Sentences. It was presently diuulged, that this hath happened by reason of some complaints exhibited against him by certain most potent Princes, who have grievously complained and aggravated, that Tacitus with the seditious argument of his Annals, and of his Histories, hath framed a kind of spectacles, that work most pernicious effects for Princes; for so much as being put upon the noses of silly and simple people, they so refine and sharpen their sight, as they make them see and pry into the most hidden and secret thoughts of others, yea even into the centre of their hearts: and they protest, that they nor can, nor will ever by any means endure they should make apparent demonstration unto all men of the pure essence and quality of the minds and purposes of Princes, what they are inwardly, and not what with their tricks and artifices (necessary for to rule and reign) they endeavour to appear outwardly. Yesterday morning the Attorney General of the greatest Monarches, now resident in Parnassus▪ appeared before the right honourable Lords Censors, among whom, in regard of the reputation of Tacitus his person, who was to be arraigned and adjudged, Apollo himself came and sat among them.  
This Advocate or Attorney General with exaggerated words gave them to understand, that it was full well known to all the best understanders of State-matters, that for the peace and tranquillity of kingdoms, Princes are often compelled to commit actions not greatly to be commended, which (to maintain themselves in the people's opinion, to be honest and upright Princes, in which conceit, he that reigneth must necessarily labour, and endeavour to keep himself) they were wont to shadow and blanche over with the specious and precious pretexts of an holy and undefiled intention, and of an honest, hearty, and affectionate zeal towards the common good. All which tricks, devices, and artifices, they can no longer put in practice or make use of, if the true sense or meaning of their designs shall at any time come to the knowledge of the vulgar.  
And that if it were possible, that the people (without being subject to others Empirie) might be governed of themselves, than would Princes most willingly renounce the Royal titles, and authority of commanding; forsomuch as they are now fully resolved, that Kingdoms and Principalities are but insupportable burdens, subjects full-fraught with crabbed difficulties, and of so infinite dangers, as at their own richly-sumptuous tables (so much envied them by Gluttons and greedy Gourmands) they should never taste morsel, that would not relish of Arsenike. But if experience had made the world to know, that the sway and government of humankind, without the presence of a wise and Politic Prince, to rule and direct the same, would ere long be filled and overrun with wailful and tragical confusions.  
It is likewise convenient, that all these just and lawful means be granted them as are requisite and behooveful uprightly to govern their subjects: For, if to manure and till the fields, the Husbandman is not denied to have his oxen, his plough, and his mattock: If the Tailor (to cut out and sew his garment) have allowed him, both needle, thimble, and shears; and the Smith, his hammer and his tongs; why shall Monarches be deprived of means, and barred of power, hereafter to cast dust in their subjects eyes, which is the readiest benefit, the most excellent, and necessariest instrument, that ever any Politician could invent, or find in all the volume of State-reason (though most excellent) rightly to govern Empires? All which things, Princes (by reason of the seditious invention of Tacitus) could no longer effect, or bring to pass: it being most evident, that the Diabolical spectacles, framed by that ever-factious and seditious man, besides the first quality (as hath been said, to subtilise and sharpen the sight of the vulgar people) they produce also a second most pernicious effect, that is, to be so well and fitly fastened to the noses of all men, as it is no longer possible for Princes, (as heretofore they have done, with no less facility, than profit to themselves) to cast dust into their subjects eyes, though it were of the most artificial, and superfinest, that possibly could be, without plainly discovering, that they are cheated, cozened and deceived.  
The complaints and grievances of the Monarchies seemed most true both to Apollo, and to the venerable College of the Censors. And therefore they deemed them worthy to be maturely considered.  
Now by the long discourses and debatements, that passed among them, concerning a business of so great consequence, it seemed, that their opinion was likely to prevail, who consured, that Tacitus together with his scandalous Annals, and his seditious Histories, should for ever be expulsed the society and conversation of all men.  
But his Majesty, unwilling so much to vilify or embase the Prince of all Political Historians, or to distaste honest Students, by depriving them of their bosome-delights, was contented, that Tacitus should be given to understand from his Majesty, how his pleasure was, that of those spectacles (in very deed prejudicial unto Princes) he should frame as few as possibly could be. And that above all things, he should vigilantly take great heed, not to disperse any abroad, except unto choice and excellent men, unto Secretaries, and unto Privy Counsellors of State to Princes, to the end they might serve to facilitate unto them the good and upright government of their people. And that above all, (even as he tendered or loved his Majesty's good favour) he should take especial care, never to impart or communicate any unto those turbulent or factious spirits, which in seditious and dusky seasons, might serve in stead of bright lamps, or far-seene beacons to that simple race of men, which is easily governed, as wanting the glorious light of letters, may be said to be blind and without a guide.   

The Duke of Laconia, for having advanced a most faithful Secretary of his, to the highest dignities of his estate, is accused before Apollo to idolatrize and dote upon a Mignon: but he doth most egregiously defend himself.  
Rag. 38. 1 Part.  
THE now regnant Duke of Laconia hath of late advanced one of his subjects (by him highly esteemed, and extraordinarily beloved) from a base and low fortune to the highest dignities, and supremest honours of all his Dominion. For he hath not only placed him in the sublime Senate of the Laconians (a degree by reason of its eminency ambitiously aimed at, and sought after by diverse great Princes) but having infinitely enriched him with great revenues, hath also made him to be as much honoured and regarded as any whatsoever most renowned subject of all his State.  
This so worthy Duke, by those who envy the greatness of that his servant, was before Apollo's Majesty denounced to be an Idolater of a Mignon, and a doter upon a favourite or darling.  
Apollo being highly moved against that Prince, for the heinousness of so horrible a delict (as his manner is in any outrageous excess) without taking diligent information of the truth of the accusation, presently caused Lewis Puloi, Provost-marshall of this State, to be called before him, whom he threatened to be rigorously tortured, if within the space of half an hour, with all manner of scorn and derision, he did not bring before him, fast bound in fetters, as prisoner, the Duke of Laconia. Pulci, with all exact diligence accomplished Apollo's behests: for immediately, all laden with heavy chains, he haled and dragged the poor Prince before his Majesty, who by an express messenger was presently advertised of his attachment, and forthwith commanded the Martelli, most virtuous Florentines, and public Bellringers of Parnassus, that by the ●olling of the greatest bell, the Criminal Magistrate should be called together, which was immediately done.  
Thus the Duke standing fort● before him, Apollo himself, after he had tauntingly upbraided him with the foul crime, whereof he stood indicted; all inflamed with wrath, he told him, that he allowed him but the space of half an hour to defend his reputation.  
And in the mean time (as if that poor Prince's case had been utterly desperate) he straight commanded, that whosoever had committed the indignity to have adored a servant of his, should be condemned to perpetual infamy, as unworthy to live among the virtuous Princes of the Phoebean Court.  
Then the Duke thus began his defence. Sir, and father of the virtuous; I have so armed my conscience with the fine, and proofe-cuirace of Innocence, and so am I assured to have lived virtuously, and uprightly in all my actions, as I am more than certain to have demerited nothing of your Majesty. Nor doth your indignation, nor this precipitous doom, to see, that the dreadful sentence of my infamy doth forego the cognition of the cause, any jot dismay or confound me.  
Only I marvel to see, what as yet I never believed, that the foulness of accusations, yea among the most just and uncorrupted Tribunals, as this is, is of power to call in question, and bring into so dangerous hazards, the reputation of men of my rank and quality.  
But I quiet myself in the will of God, who hath ever willed, that the gold of others innocence, should be refined in the fire of false calumnies, and in the test of persecutions. I freely confess unto your Majesty, to have exalted my friend more than my malevolent enemies have reported unto you. And in this my action, which to your Majesty hath been portrayed so heinous, this only grieveth me, that (in mine opinion) I have not throughly performed all that virtue of complete gratitude, which so dear a friend hath worthily deserved at my hands. And if those who accuse me, or other Princes my equals, of prodigality, of dotage, or of an abject mind, borne in the foul sink of sottishness, to serve servants, when they see a Courtier well-beloved or rewarded by his Lord or Prince, would not suffer themselves to be blinded by malice, by passion, or by envy, but with a mind void of phlegm or spleen, would impartially consider the true merits of Court-favourits, they would then name that a virtuous life, which they entitle vicious prodigality; duty of gratitude those gifts, which they call inconsiderate; and a virtuous affection, the infamy, wherewith they charge them to dote upon, or idolatrize Mignons: But it is not a profession fitting vulgar or ordinary men, to dive or pierce into Abditos Principis sensus, & si quid occultius parant: whence it happeneth, that the ignorant, with the infamy of great men, fall into so gross errors, as they style the virtuous proceeding of a grateful man, to be a vice of an abject mind.  
The Principality of the Laconians (as your Majesty well knoweth) is Elective, in which the confining Princes, have ever been of greater power, than he that ruled and commanded the same: not only for the end and scope, common to all elective Princes, after their death, to procure unto their blood and kinsfolks, potent friends, but for the adherences, which foreign Princes, for important respects, have with the Senators or Peers, that enjoy the prerogative to elect a new Prince: the dependence and train of whom they endeavour to acquire, and procure with those arts and tricks, as are already too well known to all men. Moreover, your Majesty knoweth, that the Prince of Macedonia, with his plots and practices had gotten so great authority in my State, and was so overgrown in forces above all the Grecian Princes, as he was not only the absolute arbitrator of all Greece, but openly aspired unto an universal Monarchy.  
Besides, it is not unknown to your Majesty, that the said Prince of Macedonia, under colour of amity, and the protection of the Dukes of Laconia, with undermining practices sought ever their ruin and overthrow. And forsomuch as the power of the Prince of Epirus hindered him from being able to compass so high ends, he, to remove, or at least, to frustrate, or to weaken so strong an obstacle, more with machinations of gold, and with secret conspiracies, than with open force of Arms, he caused those insurrections of the people, and those rebellions in Epirus, that have so much impaired the State thereof.  
And (as a thing too too well known to the world) I will not now call to your memories, how that my most prudent Predecessor, foreknowing that the depression of Epirus, was a manifest preparation for the ruin of the Laconian Empire; to assure the same from the ambition of so mighty an enemy, he resolved, openly with might and main to aid and support the afflicted State of Epirus.  
And how that good Prince died in the pursuit of his wise resolution, not without vehement suspicion of poison ministered unto him by express order from the Prince of Macedonia; as he, who neither could, nor would endure, that the division of Epirus (by him accounted so secure) should be hindered by him.  
In this unhappy state of things, I was advanced to the Dignity: And to avoid the disastrous end of my Predecessor, in the first months of my Principality, I showed myself to be of a remiss genius, and altogether incapable of great affairs of State.  
I did wholly apply myself to reform the Magistrates of my Dominion, and correct the abuses and vices of my subjects, openly professing to be a capital enemy to the Prince of Epirus; but in my heart, full well knowing whereunto the secret machinations, and plots of the Macedonian Prince aimed: and knowing also, that each loss of the Prince of Epirus, would prove my overthrow; I, to establish my State, reduced unto so apparent dangers, resolved with myself, to afford him all the aid I could.  
But, to assure mine own life for those disastrous mischiefs, in which my Predecessor perished, it behoved me, in so straight and difficult a deliberation, to proceed with wonderful caution and secrecy.  
And observing (as no doubt your Majesty, and all these Right Honourable judges know full well) that amongst the numberless imperfections incident unto Elective States, the greatest is, that, less than any whatsoever Principalities, they find or enjoy that most important, and unualuable benefit of secrecy in their Ministers: forsomuch as the customs of men are so depraved, as their Senators and Counsellors prove often greedy Merchants, or Brokers of their Dignities and Offices; out of which they labour and practise to extract and reap the greatest commodity, that possibly they can: Now therefore, even in the beginning of my Principality, seeing myself engaged, yea and engulfed in so many anguishs and perplexities: And knowing, that I must needs wrack, and utterly perish upon the rock of Infidelity, if in a business of so main consequence, I made use of those ordinary Secretaries, whom I knew to have long before forestalled and bribed by foreign Princes: The great God (from whose only benignity, and not from any else, I acknowledge this great benefit) enlightened my understanding. And he it was, that first proposed unto me, this mine, I will not say servant; for by the matchless virtue, which I have found and experienced in him, he deserveth not to be styled with so mean, or with so base a surname, but most deare-deare friend. And to him, who in the quality of a bosom servant, had most faithfully served me the space of full eight years, I freely unfolded that secret of my heart, which had it but fall'n into my imagination, I would have deemed it most dangerous for me. And then it was, that I perceived, how that the excellency and high worth of a Secretary consists not (as many think) in the speaking with elegancy, but in being secretly silent with fidelity. This I say, because with so happy success of the important business, which I had in hand, I used and employed this my trusty servant, as I most successfully came to beguile and countermine the wilie-wise Prince of Macedonia; which no subtle or crafty wit was yet ever able to do.  
And by the means of this my so faithful Secretary, my affairs have been so carried, as no man could ever dive into, or so much as guess at my designs. And I have underhand aided and supported that Prince my friend, whom I openly professed to hate and persecute: and have prosperously practised the trade, at once to laugh and to deceive, with those who make public ostentation to be the canonical Doctors of that Art. And with so virtuous a deceit have I reduced the affairs of Epirus (whilom so imbroiled, as they were generally held desperate) unto the state the world seeth. Since that from the most deplorable misery that could be, I have raised the same to be the sole Arbitrator of all Greece. And the Macedonians, who had chimeraed and ideated unto themselves universal Monarchies; and that in less than a month they should be able to swallow down all other men's states: from their highest hopes are so tumbled down into a precipice of lamentable desperations, as having utterly renounced their ambitious cepricios, to usurp other men's Estates, as with much ado they keep and maintain their own.  
Apollo, having attentively listened unto those things, all joyful ran to embrace the Duke of Laconia, and with tenderness of heart said thus unto him.  
Oh Duke of that thrice noble Nation, which in few words expresseth many things, right virtuously and honestly hast thou dealt with a man of so incomparable worth and virtue. And I tell thee plainly, that in thy most honourable Laconian Senate, there are but few other Senators to be found equal in merit to this thy friend, to whom hadst thou given all thine Estate, yet shouldest thou dye ungraceful to him, and in his debt; sith in these unhappy times, wherein even in the open market of the perfidiousness of many, the secrets of Princes are at port-sale, sold to him that offereth most. That Secretary, who in important affairs proveth faithful, and continueth trusty unto his Prince, cannot so highly be honoured, nor so bountifully be rewarded by him, but that he hath deserved much much more.   

Apollo, bewailing the woeful wracks, which in the Courts of great Princes, his virtuous followers suffer, and fall into; for to assure their Navigation, commandeth some of the chiefest learned men in his Dominion, to endeavour to frame a Sailing-card, to sail safely by land.  
Rag. 23. 2 Part.  
THE deplorable wracks, which diverse learned men so often suffer in the Courts of great Princes, grieving Apollo daily more and more to the very heart, who with continual labour and toilsome sweats, of the most famous Sciences (hoping by them to merit the good favour and grace of Princes) having freighted the Ship of their minds with them, are afterwards seen unfortunately to lose themselves on the quicksands of a beggarly hired Chamber, or to sink in the whirlpool of some base Hospital, and sometimes to split on some craggy rock of beggary.  
No riches of infinite virtues being of force to free them from so deplorable calamities: He, I say, would needs at last endeavour to find out some remedy for so great mischiefs, whereby he might rest assured, that in all Courts (but especially in that of Rome, placed in so tempestuous a Climate) the navigation of his beloved virtuous attendants might be reduced unto all possibe security; and all for the benefit of good letters, which do much impair their reputation, when others see that they so little advance or benefit those that spend most of their best age in learning them.  
Now Apollo seriously discoursing with himself, that if the English, the Portague, the Bretton, the Biscan, the Hollander and the Zelander Pilots, only with a little observing of the Stars, the Moon and the Sun, with a little stone in their hand, could and were able to curb and command the vast and dreadful Ocean, which they so freely, and every way, and at all seasons furrowed and waded through, as they had thereon plotted out highways and watlin-streets, towards and from all Coasts.  
How it could be that his virtuous, with the powerful help of Astronomy, of cosmography, of the Mathematiks, of the Meteors, but chiefly with their acquaint wits, sharpened on the whetstone of continual reading of Books, could not invent as easy and secure a navigation by land, as the Pilots of the forenamed Nations had found out by sea. Therefore to assure (as far as the virtue and strength of good letters can extend unto) the navigation by land.  
Apollo did not many months since institute a Congregation of men, selected out from all the Sciences necessary for so main a business, appointing as chief and precedent thereof, Ptolemy, the Prince of Cosmographers, unto whom he allotted great Aristotle, as companion in the Meteors, Euclid for the Mathematics, Guido Bonatti for Astronomy: And to these he added as coadjutor, Count Baltazar Castilion, a man well skilled and practised in the bottomless seas of the Courts.  
And for the better security of all that which he intended to establish for the happy success of a business of so important a consequence, his Majesty commanded, that famous Anon of Carthage, Palinurus, Columbus, Cortese, Ferrante Magellanes, Amerigo Vespucci, Vasco di Gama should be admitted in the Congregation, as they, who have been the prime & chiefest Pilots that ever the navigation by Sea had.  
First then (as it was convenient) there was by that right excellent man Ptolemy, framed a most exquisite Card to sail by Land, which with singular cunning was every way lineated.  
And to come to the perfect knowledge of the true elevation of the merits of Courtiers, and longitude of the rewards, with which their services should be acknowledged, there were not only invented diverse and most learned Astrolabs, but a new and most artificial Quadrant.  
True it is that that excellent man Guido Bonatti, with all his profound Astronomy, laboured exceeding hard to find out the true altitude of the pole of the Court of Rome; nor was it ever possible, either for him or for any other of the most sufficient of the whole Congregation, with any Astrolabe whatsoever, to even or level and adiust the course of the Sun of the fantastic brain, and giddy humour of a self-conceited Prince.  
For the genius of Princes being the true and safe North-star, which navigating Courtiers ought heedily to observe in the navigations by land.  
Those worthy men were much amazed, and wondered how a Star so certain and infallible in Sea navigations, should in Land navigation be found not only unstable and wavering, but was perpetually turned and gired about, by the two contrary motions of private interest, and selfe-passion: from which two difficulties, many most dangerous turbulencies arising, they were often the causes of foul and horrible wracks.  
But greater difficulties and incumberances were discovered in the most uncertain motions of the wand'ring Stars, of the Ministers and Officers of Princes, since (as it should have been) they were not so much rapt by the first impetuous Mover of the good service due to their Prince, unto which they were often manifestly seen to be retrograde.  
And that which exceeded all wonder, was the amazement whereinto the Congregation fell, when by a certain observation it perceived, that the inferior heavens of the Ministers, with the course of their private passions towards their own interest or self-respects, did often draw and rap the said primum mobile.  
So that by these strange accidents, the business was so intricate and full of confusion, as those Lords could never possibly come to the perfect knowledge of the regular and true motion of so many spheres, as was necessary to those that were to publish infallible rules of them. The rubs and impediments increased when they came to the act to note and set down the winds in the guide-ship compass, which they found to be neither certain, nor limited in number, as we see they are in all Sea-cards, but were little less than infinite; for, besides the four master winds of the Princes will, of his children's desires, of his brethren's prerogative, of other Princes of the blood's pre-eminence, and the several opinions of privy Councillors, there were discovered an infinite number of quarter-winds, or side winds, of the ministers and Officers of the Court, of Mignons and Fauourits to the Prince, of under-secretaries, of Buffoons, of Flatterers, of Parasites, of Fiddlers, yea, and of Panders, all so irregular, so voluble, so unconstant, and in some occasions, so stormy, so boisterous, so high and furious, as in the compass which they were a framing, they bred so inextricable difficulties, as made those famous Pilots to condole the miserable condition of navigating Courtiers, who in their land-sailing must be enforced to fit and adapt the sails of their wits to such a multitude of several winds as appeared unto them.  
All which difficulties notwithstanding (though insuperable) those notable Pilots never fainted or gave over. Nay rather, though they discovered the immense and vast Ocean of the Courts to be all over full of flats, shelves, shallows, quicksands, crags, rocks, gulfs, whirlpools, sirts, scylla's and Carybdis of envious, emulous, malicious, seditious, malevolent, spiteful, rancorous, clamorous, turbulent, froward, skittish, and diabolical, malcontents, detractors, backbiters, slanderers, railers, grudgers, persecutors, finde-faults, fantastick-humors, and heteroclit-wits, by so much the more did their courage increase to surmount so hard a task, and so intricate a business, and to bring it to some good pass.  
Their Astrolabs being framed, and the Quadrant finished, and the Ship-guide compass reduced unto the best perfection they could, the Congregation determined to come unto the act of experience, whereupon having made choice of eight acquaint, smug, and spruce Courtiers, all completely stored with patience (the most necessary biscuit, commodious provision, and needful sustenance for those that have the heart to launch into, and furrow the tempestuous Ocean of the Courts) who, whilst they diligently prepared themselves for their voyage, having hoist their sails, and only expecting a favourable wind, a chance befell impossible to be believed; which was, that a most propitious North-gale blowing, to which all the eight Courtiers, suddenly hoist and spread the sails of all their hopes, only those of one were seen to appear full swollen, and prosperously to follow his voyage, whilst the other seven never budged from their stations.  
Which the Lords of the Congregation perceiving, they were much distracted, especially when they observed, that in a Land-navigation the favourable winds of the Princes good grace and opinion did not blow equally in all the sails of his Courtiers, though all of equal merit and worth.  
And greater was their wonder, when the said favourable wind, blowing a new fair stiff gale, some Courtiers, who were prepared for a bon-voyage, speedily hoist, and spread all their sheeting, they might perceive one who had neither mast, nor sail, nor tackling, of any merit, but lay there idly hulling in the haven, to learn some practice of the Court, before he would adventure himself into the dangers of so troublous and hazardous a navigation, by the force of that propitious wind, was driven out of the port of his restful ease, and blown roomeward into the deep of managements beyond his skill or sufficiency; and with a most successful navigation, end the voyage, with the purchase of great revenues, of rich offices, of eminent honours, and of sublime titles: A novelty that seemed so rare and strange to all the Pilots, that Mag●lanes, as one confounded with wonder, said thus;  
My honourable good Lords, I would never have believed there should be so great a difference between the Sea-navigation, and the Land-sailing.  
And these extravagant novelties which now I see, seem so strange to me, as they make me greatly to doubt of any happy issue of this our enterprise. But, for as much as all arduous difficulties may at last be overcome with a constant patience in the pursuit of them, let us boldly proceed.  
By this time another right virtuous Courtier, displayed the sails of his faithful service, at a fair westerly gale of the good favour of his Prince, and by the quality of the sails full puffed, with the gracious demonstrations of words, which he received from his Lord, imagining that he had gone a far journey, after a long-long voyage, having calculated the course of his navigation, he found himself riding at Anchor in the very same place, whence he hoist sail in the long voyage of his assiduous service: The silly and unhappy wretch, having continually been fed with diverse hopes of fallacious expectations, without substance of any good.  
But a stranger accident presented itself unto those Lords, when they saw at one same instant a stiff gust to blow both South and North so ragingly, from the addle brain of a fantastic Prince, that the unfortunate Courtiers, tossed to & fro by two so contrary winds, could not resolve to which they were best to address their sails, so that diverse virtuous good men perished in that tempestuous storm. At which strange case Celumbus exclaimed and said; Now I plainly perceive (my Lords) that the navigation by Sea, wherein these extravagances are never seen, is a business so safe, as it may be compared unto such journeys as men go by land in Horse-litters Columbus had no sooner uttered these words, but the Lords of the Congregation perceived, that certain right virtuous Courtiers, who road in the haven, were in great danger to be cast away; the Sea of the Court wrought so, and was beyond its custom so risen, and the surges mounted so high, as they threatened a general naufrage. The biggest Cables of the most exquisite Court-patience, although right strong and tough, did rend in sunder; so that all was wrackful ruin. All which notwithstanding the sky of the Prince's countenance was calm, and his aspect clear, nor did any other wind blow, but the gentle Zephyrus, or West of the Prince's quietness. The mischief was apparent; the breath of the Prince's indignation was not felt, and yet the miserable navigating Courtiers perished in the harbour  
All this raging storm notwithstanding, an hardy and courageous Courtier, who dared to heave Anchor, & come out of the haven; and (as every man thought) was not only nor drowned nor overwhelmed; for, that blustering tempest which would have endangered or wracked any whatsoever best practised and skilful Seaman, served him in steed of so prosperous a gale, as in a short time it brought him unto an haven of high and honourable dignities.  
An accident (in truth) worthy of infinite admiration, and which caused great wonderment and amazement in all the Lords of the Congregation. It seeming very strange unto them, that in the Land navigation, those stormy tempests served some in lieu of favonrable winds, which in most safe and quiet havens were the dismal destruction of many.  
But another thing seemed more wondrous unto them, when in a calm sky, clear welkin, and fair season; no clouds, no lightning, no thunder, nor any sign of foul weather appearing, there were suddenly seen certain thunderbolts to fall, which utterly consumed and burnt two most unfortunate Courtiers. At which unwonted accident, the Lords of the Congregation were much affrighted, wondering how the thunder-darts, hurled by an ireful Prince, were not accompanied with those foregoing Lightning-flashes and thunderclaps, as those be, which by the All-powerfull hand of the great God are hurled at Mankind, and which forewarn all Courtiers to avoid them.  
A little while after, they saw a Courtier assailed by an outrageous storm of persecutions; who after he had long struggled, and stoutly defended himself against the muddy fury of the swollen Sea of his Princes wrathful indignation, and from the furious blasts of cruel and malicious detractions, lest he should sink and be swallowed up, he was forced to fling all his goods and merchandise overboard. And the miserable wretch had already lost the main mast of his hopes, and his merits had a great leak, and drew in abundance of water of desperation, when lo his vessel rushed and split against the marble rock of the ingratitude of a most unthankful Prince.  
Then followed a most strange thing, which was, that after so disastrous an encounter, the vessel of that Courtier's service being split, wracked and sunk, the storm of Court-persecutions ceased, the Sea of the Prince's indignation was calmed, and the rock (which had caused that miserable wrack) was converted into a most safe haven: the Courtier's vessel but erewhile overwhelmed, of itself start up out of the waves, more fair, more strong, and in better plight, than ever it had been before. And the merchandise of his merits of itself was laded again, which not long after, he uttered and vented at a very dear rate; trucking and changing the same for great dignities, eminent titles, and rich revenues.  
This accident seemed very strange unto the Lords Pilots, and unto all the Congregation, nor could they sufficiently wonder how it could be possible, that in the land-navigation the most unhappy wracks of some, might serve as great felicities to others.  
Now the Congregation continuing in trying of new experiments, enjoined a sly-witty Courtier to hoist and display the sails of his talon towards a wind that blew from South, and happily sailing, and keeping towards the North, after many days sailing the Pilot-courtier desirous to see where he was, he with his Astrolabe measured the altitude of the Pole of his merit; and to his great wonderment found, that having continually kept the prow of his faithful service towards the North of his Prince's interresse, he had made his voyage Southward. Of so strange a disorder, the Courtier at first accused himself, that (as he should have done) he had not steered the helm of his faithful mind towards the North of his Princes good service. But when both with his sailing-card, and with his ship-guide compass in his hand, he assured himself, that he had evermore guided the ship of his actions in an even and honest line, he plainly perceived, that the error or mistaking of his unlucky voyage proceeded so, because the North of his Prince's affection had suffered itself to to be turned towards the South, by certain wicked and malevolent whisperers, which he hath always about him.  
Then Vespucci, Gama, and other Pilots, besought the Lords of the Congregation, to give over the business, as a desperate cure: and said, that nothing yielded the navigation by sea more sure or safe, than the immutability of the North-star.  
And that by the last most unfortunate experience, it having evidently appeared, that the minds of Princes (which are the infallible North-star of land-navigation) suffering themselves so often and so easily to be turned, removed, and circumgired by lewd and wicked people of the Court: to adventure to sail the tempestuous Ocean of the Courts, was a resolution not fitting wise men, but desperate persons.  
In this interim the Lords of the Congregation might see a most elegant spruce Courtier, who for the space of more than threescore years had so happily sailed, both in the Court of Rome, and in others, that he had not only surmounted outrageous storms of ruthless blasts and boisterous winds of persecutions, but had even shivered and broken the very same huge rocks, on which he had split & wracked his vessel; but that afterwards, when with a most pleasant gale, and prosperous wind, on the height of his felicity, he pursued his course, only for that he unfortunately hit upon a rush of an impertinency of a base Catchpole, he was utterly cast away. An accident which caused such distraction in the Congregation, that the Lords jointly resolved, to have but one trial more made (and then be quiet) by a Courtier, that was ready to set sail; and him they commanded to hoist and spread all his sails: But so it happened, that whilst he held on his course in a coast, deemed of all men, most safe and dangerless, his ship unheedily, or by chance, hit upon a rock, and was wholly split and wracked, which the Lords of the Congregation seeing, they all bitterly bewailed the ignorance and unheedinesse of the Courtier; for so much as he could not avoid that rock. But he made manifest demonstration to them all, that it was not marked in the sailing-card. Whereupon all the Pilots casting their eyes upon great Ptolomey, as if they silently accused him of ignorance, having omitted that rock, which so well deserved to be marked in his Card, and had been the cause of so disastrous a mischief. But Ptolomey having first well viewed the place, and considered the country thereabout, did evidently demonstrate unto the Lords, that no man living had ever before that time seen any shelf or rock in that place, and therefore he had not marked it in his Card; but that it suddenly grew and started up in the very instant, that the upfortunate Courtier hit and ran upon it.  
Now the Lords of the Congregation perceiving, that in the navigation by land, huge rocks did every hand-while spring up and grow in a moment, even in the midst of fields and other places supposed most safe to be navigated in the darkest night, they concluded their business to be desperate, and their attempt impossible. And therefore dismissing the Congregation, they straight commanded, that in the perilous Land-navigation, no man should dare to go a journey, except at high noon, and withal, every man should carry a great Lantern of wisdom, with a burning Taper therein in the prow of his proceeding; morning and evening with his bare knees on the ground, and hands heaved up to heaven, humbly beseeching the Majesty of the everliving God, to send them good success, since that for one to bring the Ship of his hopes into a Court, as into a safe heaven, doth rather depend from the immediate aid and assistance of God, than from any humane wisdom whatsoever.   

The Lord john de la Casa, having presented his acquaint Galateo, or book of Manners unto Apollo, meeteth with great difficulties in diverse Nations, about their promises to observe the same.  
Rag. 28. 1 Part.  
THE Right Reverend Lord, john de la Casa, who (as we wrote unto you by our last) was with great solemnity admitted into Parnassus, where after he had visited these illustrious Poets, and complemented with all the learned Princes of this Court, he presented his right acquaint and profitable Book of Galateo unto Apollo, which his Majesty did so highly commend, that immediately, he strictly commanded, it should inviolably be observed by all Nations: And at the same instant enjoined the said Lord to compose a Galatea, since it was manifestly known, that the Ladies of these modern times, have as much need to be corrected in their evil and depraved manners, as men. Which Edict caused great alteration in the people subject unto Apollo's dominion: For, it was never possible, neither by entreaties, nor by menaces, to induce the Marquesans to be pleased to receive it; and they boldly protested, that they were rather resolved to renounce their Country, and forsake their children, than to leave their most laudable custom, to honour their Lords and Masters with all sincerity of heart: to love their friends with purity of affection▪ rather than with lou●ing coursies, and with such other Court-ceremonies learned by rote.  
There were also found greater difficulties among Princes, because the most mighty Monarchy of France would never subject itself to the nice observations of the strict rules of Galateo, Nisi si, & in quantum, her own taste and liking did accord unto, which (she said boldly) she would rather attend, than on affected fair creances, which she should never observe but with a certain outward appearance.  
The Sovereign Monarchy of Spain swore solemnly, that she would submit herself unto Galateo's rules, on condition the Lord De la Casa would remove but one Chapter out of it, which was, that being at a Table with other Princes, she would not have it counted ill manners in her, if seeing a good morsel in her companions dish, she did presently lay hold on it, and convey the same upon her own trenchar. Moreover she would not be noted to be over-gluttonous, if by chance she should eat and devour all her neighbour's part. The Venetian Magnificoes affirmed, that they would willingly allow of Galateo, provided always that the Lord De la Casa would declare therein, that with all diligence to pry into, and seek to know other men's matters, businesses, and secrets, was no point of ill manners, but a necessary point of State-policy.  
Then all the Princes of Italy applauded and embraced Galateo, only they said, that without being accounted unmannerly, they would be allowed to chew on both sides. But the Dutch mutined, and were like to cause some hurly-burly: for they did not only utterly refuse to bind themselves to the Italian sobricty in drinking, but did obstinately require, that it should be enacted and recorded in Galateo, that the Dutchman's excessive quaffing, and continual being drunken, and Cup-shotten, was one of the chiefest virtues could be found in men of their Nation, and one of the first requisits that Princes and Commonwealths, for the safety and welfare of their States, could wish for, or desire in their Subjects, which request of theirs was by all the learned of Parnassus rejected and impugned, as impertinent and abominable.  
And therefore touching that particular of sobriety in drinking, the Dutch were earnestly entreated and exhorted to submit themselves unto the rules of Galateo, since that by reason of their custom of immoderate bibbing, and so often being foxed, they were by the best Nations of Europe pointed at as gazing-stocks.  
To these objections the Dutchmen answered stoutly, that those sober men deserved rightly to be styled foul drunkards, who living under the bondage and servitude of Princes, by the fantastic humour, or toyish conceit of one man, strangely passionate and giddy headed, they were daily insulted upon, oppressed, hurried, and extortioned in lives, lands, and goods: And that those drunken Germans should be reputed perfectly sober, who had the wit to vindicate themselves; and had likewise the heart and grace to maintain themselves in liberty: adding moreover, that they accounted them bedlam fools, who did not believe, that the drunkenness of the German people was the true foundation and establishment of so many famous Republiks' as were now seen among them. For the safety of a State, and the universal peace of the people, depending only on the fidelity of the ministers of Princes and Republiks', and on the well-meaning plainness and sincerity of every man's mind: what other more precious jewel could be desired in the world, then continually to see in Germany by virtue of excessive quaffing of Wine, to vomit forth the inwardest secrets and most hidden cogitations of the minds of men.  
The Germans added moreover, that by long experience they had plainly discovered, that they did most exquisitely well advise & counsel their country, who by means of the good store of wine that they had drunk, having therein drowned all private interesses, and smothered all foul dissimulation, which sobriety is wont to beget in others minds; the open-hearted Dutch spoke always with a single free heart, and not as the Italians, and other Nations, yea, the sobrest are commonly wont, only with their mouth, ordinarily full of guile and leasings.  
They said likewise, that so ambitiously affecting the glorious name of brave men at arms, as was well known to all the world, they could not with patience listen unto the counsels and deliberations of sober men, who are commonly full of timidity, and of a vicious circumspection, vailed with the man●le of prudence; but because they would have them to be generous and courageous, they would not allow, that any man should undertake to counsel his Country being fasting, but after he had first swilled down good store of grape-liquor, and inflamed his heart with generosity, it being the proper quality of good wine rather to expel timidity from the heart, than remove judgement from the understanding.  
And therefore the Germans with great reason, De reconciliandis invicem inimicis, & iungendis affinitatibus, & adsciscendis Principibus, de pace denique ac bello, plerumque in convivijs consuitant, tanquam nullo magis tempore ad simplices cogitationes pateat animus, aut ad magnas incalescat.  
Furthermore they said, That if the Italian vicious sobriety were introduced among the Germans, that most faithful and sincere Nation, would therewithal begin to abound with those double hearts, false minds, secret thoughts, unseen sleights, handy-dandy, or turncoat spirits, fraught with treasons, treacheries, conspiracies, and machinations, full of untrue and forged affections, masked with secret hatred, with feigned and dissembled friendship, and with all manner of foisting, whereof those Nations that glory to be sober are most abundant Cicilies' and fruitful Egypt's, a thing so true, that the French, who for the unspottedness and purity of their free and single hearted minds, in the excellent virtue to be ever most faithful & loyal to their Kings, have at all times been most glorious and renowned in the world, since diverse of them have left the most commendable custom to quaff merrily, and to be drunken after the good Dutch fashion, have suffered themselves to be drawn into those most felonious actions that the world knows full well. And if that little window in a man's breast, was by the wisest of former ages deemed a thing so necessary, and esteemed as an unualuable benefit unto mankind, because through it a man might visibly see and view the hearts of certain sly coney catching companions, who, within being most ugly devils, employ the utmost of their endeavours to be reputed fair Angels; With what ground of good reason can any man blame the right laudable and precious custom to quaff merrily, and to be drunk? it being most palpable and evident, that drinking of much wine hath the virtue to make bodies diaphaned or transparent. For which solid reasons, which by Apollo were both allowed and commended for militant, it was resolved, that concerning the particular point of drinking moderately and soberly, the excellent and far renowned Dutch Nation should not be subject unto the strict precepts of Galateo.  
The use of drunkenness being among the Germans rather an artifice of the Public, than a vice of private men; It being manifestly known, that both in times of peace and of war, those nations are best advised that do as the Germans; Deliberant, dum fingere nesciunt: constituunt, dum errare non possunt.   

Apollo having highly commended the Statute, made by the most mighty Kings of Spain, that no Advocates, Lawyers, or Proctors shall pass into the Indies, the Doctors of the Law finding themselves aggrieved, complain unto his Majesty.  
Rag. 83. 1 Part.  
THe renowned Court and habitation of Parnassus may rightly be esteemed most happy, not so much for the right excellent government of Apollo's Majesty, nor because it is inhabited by the most acquaint, flourishing, choice, and sublime wits of the whole universe, as because the exquisiteness of a virtuous life, the perfection of all right honourable customs, and the exactness of all the best laws dispersed through the whole world, are therein with all precise diligence introduced, propagated, cherished and observed. The reason is, because those that inhabit or reside there, are bound to bring the most commendable fashions of their Countries.  
A custom, that hath brought so great commodity unto the Private, and so honourable reputation unto the Public, as all men may evidently perceive, that to be a right blessed and happy country, which liveth and subsisteth, not so much by her own proper laws, as by and with those judiciously selected from out all other most civil and best established Nations.  
Apollo having lately been informed, how the most potent Kings of Spain, having under great penalties prohibited, that no Advocates, no Lawyers, nor Proctors shall pass into the Indies, was pleased to approve and ratify the said Decree as most wholesome, as most holy. And did highly extol and commend the piety of those Monarches, who showed so great charity towards the new world, in seeking to preserve it from that mischievous infection, that hath filled and infected the old-one with so many deplorable calamities and wailful controversies. Whereupon his Majesty commanded, that the said holy and excellent Edict should forthwith be engraven, and enregistered in a fair table of metal, which to the perpetual memory thereof should be affixed near unto the twelve Tables of the most famous Roman Laws in Forum maximum. We must not omit to let you understand, that the Doctors of the Laws were greatly moved and vexed at this injunction, who earnestly recommended the indemnity of their reputation unto his Majesty, alleging, that if they should not obtain the favour to have the publication of that ordinance stayed, occasion would be given unto many to imitate those of Ancona, of Norcia, of Recanati, and of other people, who to the great dishonour of good letters, had chased and expelled from out all their counsels and consultations those Pettifoggers and Law-pleaders, which of all other people were held in so great admiration; for they verily believed, that without the PLACET of a man skilful in the Law, it was impossible for any man to say or do any thing well or honestly. And that by so much the more, they besought his Majesty to take their cause into his consideration, as there was question made of the indemnity of the thrice-sacred Liberal Arts, which all Students of the Laws, to their intolerable costs and charges, and with unspeakable toil, labour and sweat, did waste and consume themselves to learn.  
At whose strange instances, Apollo (against the opinion of all the bystanders) fell into a chafing passion, and with great indignation, answered those malapert Doctors, that he much wondered, how before his Majesty's sacred presence, they had dared to affirm, that they spent, and laboured, and sweat so much to learn the sacred Liberal Arts, as if the Delphic Edict were not known to all the world, in which the study of the Laws is especially declared to be no Liberal Science, but a base trade, and a mechanical occupation, brought into the world for the affliction of mankind, studied and plodded upon without any delectation to the mind, without any speculation of the intellect, and without the so materially-needfull help of the sovereign Muses in all perfect and commendable Sciences; and only exercised for mere covetousness of lucre, to fatten with pelf and crowns a piece of man with two gloating eyes in his sconce, or a slovenly fellow, who although he be altogether void of that vivacity of wit, which good and noble letters affect so much, nevertheless, to become an eminent Advocate, it sufficeth him to have a blockish brain, a porter-like gross complexion, a rustical behaviour, and a clownish demeanour, fit rather to draw in a cart, than to converse with civil or learned men.   

An Apothecary, at the very instant, that he is taken prisoner by Sergeants, without being examined at all, is forthwith condemned and sent to the Galleys.  
Rag. 65. 2 Part.  
THe Apothecary that dwelled at the sign of the two Crowns in the high Mercerie-street, was four days since apprehended by the Officers of the Criminal Court: and forsomuch as the poor wretch was suddenly hoodwinked, and muffled, and on men's shoulders carried to the haven, and put into a Galley, all Parnassus rested much amazed, to see the execution of that unfortunate man's condemnation, forego the framing of his indictment.  
It is reported, that this hath happened at the instant request of all the chief Monarches of the universe, now resident in this State, who think themselves offended to the quick by that Apothecary, forsomuch as he did openly sell Fine smoke: a merchandise, which Princes challenge and pretend to belong only to them; and that no private person whatsoever should dare to sell but they.  
Some suppose, that by the example of that unfortunate wretch they have gone about to terrify all others from troubling them in matters concerning their jurisdiction and prerogative. And although the shallow-headed and simple sort of people give out, that the Apothecary's fault deserved not so rigorous a resentment, yet those that will pry and thoroughly dive into the secrets and interesses of great Princes, affirm, that he hath very gently, and with much indulgence been dealt withal. Forsomuch as Fine smoke, serving Princes (in many and daily occasions) in lieu of fine coined gold, every treasure of theirs (though never so rich and great) would soon be exhausted, whensoever that so current money of Fine smoke, losing its credit and esteem among the vulgar sort of people; Princes should ere long be enforced (according to the Plebeian fashion) to pay their debts with ready money.   

The virtuous people of Apollo's State having consigned unto his Majesty's General Treasurer the accustomed Donative of a thousand conceits, according to their custom they beg a boon or grace at his hands.  
Rag. 81. 2 Part.  
THose that have exact knowledge of the passages of this State, know full well that the virtuous of Parnassus pay duly unto the Exchequer-Chamber, not only the tenth part of the fruits of their wits, but the quitrent taxed according to each man's talon: whence it is, that fertile Ovid doth yearly pay unto the public Receivers eight Elegies; Virgil fourscore printed Heroic verses; Horace five Odes; Martial eleven Epigrams; and so others according to their sessment or taxation.  
Besides that, the virtuous every three years under the name of a Donative or free gift (yet such a Donative, as if it be not paid with a genuine good will, without losing its modest name, it may be exacted, distrained, and levied by Bailiffs and Sergeants, who may distrain goods, take pawns, and sell them at Port-sale) pay into the Delphic treasury a million of conceits, which by the sovereign Muses are afterwards liberally distributed among those silly Literates and poor Scholars, who being deprived of all munition, only for the love and good will they show towards good letters, yield themselves worthy to be relieved.  
And the custom is, that upon the occasion of so large a Donative, his Majesty is ever wont to counterchange the bounteous liberality of his Virtuous with some suits or favours, which the learned may lawfully demand and challenge.  
So that the last week, after the collection of the Donative, in a general Congregation, the virtuous concluded to beg six graces at Apollo's hands, all which were set down in a note or memorial, that should be presented to him, when as the acquaint Classis or witty form of the Politike-vertuous advertised the Congregation, that in the occasions of begging suits, bones, or graces from Princes for any merit a man may pretend, it was necessary to avoid the error of demanding over many things at once, not only because the multitude of graces which Suitors crau●, do distaste and molest Princes, who commonly are easily distasted upon occasions to pay bonds or duties; but because he that beggeth plurality of requests, is commonly answered and satisfied with the slightest and worst of them: And therefore it would prove a wise resolution, in such a case, to be very earnest and circumspect for the obtaining of one only good suit. Always provided it be of good worth and consequence, and which without a note of much ingratitude may not be refused or denied by the Prince.  
This advertisement of the Politicians, was by the generality of the Virtuous, applauded, commended and followed. Whereupon the very next day, there were sent unto his Majesty the Right Excellent Bernardino Viperio, and Tiberio Serpentino, both Advocates for the University of the Virtuous, who having tendered and presented the Donative unto Apollo, they most humbly besought him, that in providing of judges for his Tribunals, and of other officers for public Magistrates, he would be pleased to make choice of men of mild and gentle natures, of a courteous and affable genius, of a plausible disposition, of a meek and lowly dexterity, of easy access, of a quick understanding, of a nimble apprehension, of a temperate patience, of a tractable conversation, and of a cheerful aspect. And that it might stand with his good pleasure to send certain eteroclit, irregular, arrogant, fantastic, wayward, peevish, insolent, passionate, self-conceited, humorous, proud, giddy-headed, and foully tainted Animals, who with their vntuned, undeclinable, unsettled, and distempered Calfe-braines put wretched suitors, and miserable Clients into greater troubles, and more harmful agonies, than the processes, or please themselves, and appoint them to be Botesons, Masters-mates, and Auditors in the Galleys, there to employ, and exercise their turbulent, seditious, litigious, mutinous, harsh, and quarrellous talon upon the Ging, Swabbers, and Rowing-slaves, which is, and proves so insupportable to free men.   

By letters intercepted, and taken from a Currier, dispatched by some Princes to the Lake of Auerno, the common people come to know, that the rancours and hatreds now reigning among diverse Nations, are occasioned and stirred up by the artifices of their Princes.  
Rag. 58. 2 Part.  
Between the confines of Pindo and Libetrum, on Monday night last, was an extraordinary Post robbed, whom certain mighty Princes had in great diligence dispatched towards the Lake Auerno. And forsomuch as the Currier had no hurt done him in his body; it is suspected, that the robbery hath been committed to none other end, than to seize on his letters, as indeed it followed: for they only took a packet from him, which he had about him, directed to the Infernal Furies, Allecto, Thesifon and Megaera, by which letters (and truly with great scandal) it hath been disconered, that certain Princes do wage and stipend the said Furies, to the end, that not only among diverse Nations, but often among the subjects of one same Prince, they may sow and nourish perpetual strifes, and never-ending discords. And to fill up the measure of distastes, there was a letter found in the said packet, of ten thousand ducats, to be paid them for the arrearages of six months past. The subjects of those Princes, that have written the letters, by their Deputies have caused them to be presented unto Apollo, to whom they have grievously exclaimed, and bitterly complained, that their Princes, who ought vigilantly to heed nothing so much, as the perpetual peace and unanimous concord, not only of their own particular subjects, but of all other Nations beside, should with ready money purchase ●editions to others, and mischiefs to themselves. And that until now, they never came to the knowledge, how by the mere artifices, tricks, plots, and machinations of Princes, those divisions, factions, grudges, unkindnesses, distastes, discords, and unnatural hatreds, were seen so to abound among diverse Nations; and to be the source and root of those calamitous and infinite mischiefs, that so much oppress and afflict mankind.  
All outrages, excesses, abuses, and pollutions of that nature, as if they were once clean rooted out of the world, men might securely enjoy the comfort, to see the French love the English, the Spaniard affect the French, and the Dutch embrace the Italian, and see a perfect peace and good concord to follow between all men.  
Whilst these Deputies were thus discoursing, it was observed that from Apollo's eyes, through the great compunction of what he heard, there gushed forth abundance of sad tears. Whereupon the by standers supposed verily, that his Majesty would in raging passion burst forth into some bitter terms against those Princes, that were charged and accused of so heinous crimes, when thus he said: Oh you my faithful friends, your complaints are as grievous, as they be true; but know, that the enormities whereof you complain, proceed not so much from the bad or wayward nature of Princes, as they are occasioned by the turbulent humours and seditious devices of the peevish people, who with their sickleness and instability do so work, as it is impossible to purchase and obtain the universal peace of mankind with any other instrument, than with sowing those discords, divisions, seditions, and factions among Nations, whereof you so much, and so grievously complain: for long experience hath made Princes to know, that the huge and unwieldy machine of reigning securely, is all built and reared upon the firm foundation of equally-contributing and iustly-distributing. And it is a thing most manifest, that the people without Princes to sway and govern them, would of themselves precipitate into more cruel seditions and bloody quarrels, than those, which for the public peace, and general good of all, others sow and breed among them. All mischiefs (oh you my most beloved) very necessary. Although it grievously grieveth me to see, that the infirmity of those universal jarrings, and discords, which now reign in mankind cannot be cured with any more sovereign remedy, and ready antidote, than with the bitter medicine, which you say is now so nasty unto you.   

Antonio Perez of Arragon, having presented the Book of his Relations unto Apollo, his Majesty doth not only refuse to accept it, but commandeth the same to be presently burnt.  
Rag. 60. 2. Part.  
ANtonio Perez, whilom principal Secretary to the most mighty King of Spain, Philip the second, knowing the bad opinion that that Secretary purchaseth unto himself among all Nations, who with distaste parteth from his Prince; within a while after he had recovered himself in France, for his own discharge, published unto the world those his unhappy Relations, which have so heavily laden him with infamy and blame. For, whilst he with all manner of art and skill should have procured to conceal them, upon Thursday morning last, dared to present them to Apollo; who, as soon as he saw the Book, and was informed of the contents thereof, fell into such indignation against him, that even then he caused the same to be burnt in the public & chief Marketplace, and said unto Perez, That he had given unto his Relations that place in Parnassus which he and they deserved. And that to the end other Secretaries, his equals, might take example, and learn to prefer secrecy, and faithfulness of silence before the charity to ones proper life itself; yea, and before the love of a man's own self: for, even as he deserveth the name of a treacherous and proditorious villain, that upon any casual distaste, or conceived unkindness, revealeth the secrets committed to his trust in times of former friendship; so a thousand times most shameful, infamous, and ever to be detested is that Secretary, who for whatsoever hard usage he may have received from his Prince, publisheth those secrets which by his Lord and Master have been imparted unto him in forepast confidence, not only voluntarily, much less by any kind of cruel rack or sharp torture, ought never to be published or disclosed to any creature whatsoever.   

The Monarchy of Spain is much aggrieved, that her falsehoods and treacheries are discovered.  
Rag. 2. 3 Part.  
IT is not yet well known, whether it were by chance, or by the malice of some Frenchmen, or (as many have vehemently suspected) by the machination of that Nation, which is so implacable an enemy unto the French, some few years since, a fire took hold of the Royal Palace of the Monarchy of France; and so great was the flame, and so dreadful the blaze, that the neighbouring Monarchies entered into fearful suspicion, that so huge a fire could hardly be quenched, but with the ruin of their states: so that every man, for the safety of his own, ran speedily to quench the fire in an others house. The English, albeit natural enemies unto the French, with all diligence brought thither the waters of their Thames. The Germans, those of Mose and Rhine. The Venetians did in a manner empty all their Fens and Marshes. The prudent Dukes of Tuscanie, in great haste ran with all sorts of weapons, to help to extinguish that consuming flame, which wise men greatly feared, was likely to end in an universal desolation.  
And truly it was wondrous strange to see that the Monarchy of Spain, known to be so deadly an enemy unto the French, she also among the chief friends of France laboured with might and main to extinquish that fire, at which most men supposed, that she would rather run merrily to warm herself, whereat all men stood amazed, especially when they saw, that she with all solicitude, and external charity brought unto it, not only the waters of her golden Tagus and Iberus, but also of the vast Ocean, of which when the English and the Hollanders please, she is absolute Mistress.  
Since those Politicians sinisterly interpreting the Spaniards charity, declared publicly, that it was a most pernicious thing in the necessities of the French, to admit the aids of those Spaniards, who being known to be eternal foes, & capital enemies unto France, ought rather to be esteemed the Architects of the utter ruin of the French, than zealous of the greatness and prosperity of their kingdom: as they who measuring all the Actions and proceedings of those which reign among Princes, by the only compass of private interest, do seldom admit any manner of piety towards God, much less of charity towards men.  
And so much the more were such Politicians become abominable to most Nations, as it manifestly appears, that the Spaniards in their forwardness, diligence, and charity, to bring water unto that fire, did not equal only, but exceed whatsoever best friend unto the French. And that which increased the wonder, and that among the simpler sort, caused great reputation unto the Monarchy of Spain, was, that Flanders and Austria her ancient Patrimonies, burning in a most cruel combustion of war, she had preferred the welfare and safety of the French, before the charity of her own preservation.  
But for so much as no humane endeavour, nor store of water was sufficient to quench the least sparkle of so frightful a fire: And that notwithstanding all the diligence and remedies that were used, the devouring flames of those most fierce and bloody civil wars, increasing daily more and more, the well-meaning and best affected simpler sort of men began to listen unto the Politician's advertisements, and to suspect, that the charity of the Spanish Monarchy was altogether private interest, and peculiar Spanish charity; which made them resolve, no longer to give credit unto outward apparences, but inwardly to view what matter the Spaniards brought in their Cask, and found, that in lieu of water to quench fire, they had filled them with pitch, tar, rosin, oil, and turpentine, and also with diabolical dissensions to foment and increase the same. Which treachery was likewise found to be favoured by certain French Barons, who more than others professing to be charitable, made use both of the barrels, and of the matter lent them by the Spaniards. Whereupon they were by the just disdain of the French Monarchy presently put to death, and burnt in the very same flames, which with so great sedition, and treacherous infidelity, they nourished in the heart of their own Country.  
And the Spaniards were not only chased from that work, but by sound of Trumpet publicly proclaimed to be a company of false hearted hypocrites. And by an especial Edict of the French Monarchy, all men were given to understand, that if ever there were any man found that would believe, that any spark of charity towards the French could lodge in the breast of a Spaniard, he should be held, esteemed, and reputed an egregious Gull.  
And that if after the first warning he should persist in his error, he should be tossed in a blanket, as a factious and seditious fellow.  
It was a thing worthy of admiration to see, that so soon as the Spaniards and the foresaid unnatural French gave over their work, that fire which before was so great, that the most judicious do affirm, it was in all humane reason inextinguible, on a sudden ceased of itself: Whereupon the eternal and far renowned Flower de Luce's, whilom so hurried and trampled under foot, sprung up again, more gloriously flourishing and resplendent than ever they were.  
And France, which through the immoderate ambition of some turbulent spirits, had most barbarously been tormented and molested more than full forty years, to the great wonderment of all, in the twinkling of an eye became quiet and in peace.  
Whereby all the world came to know, that the Spaniards had been the first Authors of that ever deplorable French combustion, which they under most specious shows and pretences of Religion, and christian Charity, had laboured to make the world believe that they sought to quench. Some report that the Spanish Monarchy upon this retired herself into her royal Palace, and that for many days, she would not admit any body to see her, having given herself over unto so great melancholy, that with floods of tears trilling down her blubbered cheeks, she loudly exclaimed, that she would much rather have lost two of her best kingdoms, than to see those her holy and hypocritical pretexts so scoffed at, so derided, and so laid open to all the world, wherewith she remembered to have diverse times (to her infinite profit) sold unto the world most stinking Assa-fetid●, in stead of Musk, Zivet, and Ambergris: It seeming unto her to be deprived of her richest treasure, and to have lost her inexhaust mines of gold and silver in Peru, yea, and of the new world beside, seeing herself so unluckily deprived of the hope and benefit, to be at any time more able to depaint unto the silly credulous people, white for black, or chalk for cheese; deeming it a very hard case to see herself brought unto the wretched and dreadful condition, in which she hath ever seen the French, to be enforced to purchase kingdoms and dominions with the only force of the point and dint of the Sword; and not as heretofore she hath done with the only semblances of her false-holy pretexts, which have sometimes stood her in stead of flourishing and strong Armies. She knows that she hath put the world into combustion, and hath ever loved to fish in troubled waters.  
And it grieveth her beyond measure, that she hath so lost the good opinion of most Nations, that she is in some danger that none will hereafter believe her though she chance to speak the truth; whereas heretofore the stimulation of false pretexts, and of most apparent hypocrisy were held in credit, and in lieu of thrice sacred verity, most absolute zeal and perfect devotion.   

The Spanish Monarchy arriveth in Parnassus, She intreateth Apollo to be cured of a Cautery: She is dismissed by the politic Physicians.  
Rag. 4. 3 Part.  
IT is now four months since the renowned Majesty of Spain arrived at this Court, unto whom Apollo forthwith assigned a day for her puklike & solemn entrance, which by the consent of the whole Consistory of the learned, was appointed to be in the royal Audience Chamber, in the presence, and with the assistance of the Sovereign Muses: which solemnity (for some urgent occasions) was not performed but two days since.  
The reason is, because she hath spent the full time of four months in consultation with the Poet Princes, about the Titles which she should mutually give and receive from others; as also in agreeing about the manner how to receive them, and how they would receive her in their reciprocal visitations.  
The consideration whereof hath made all the virtuous of this College, to stand amazed, and bitterly to bewail the hard condition of these modern times, infected with the contagion of so many complimental vanities. And the grievances of the virtuous were so much the more increased, for so much as diverse learned Princes openly refused to be visited by that great Queen, saying, that they feared to receive some insult or affront from her, for they had lately received letters from Italy, wherein they were by their loving friends forewarned to be circumspect, and vigilantly stand upon their guard, it being peculiar unto the Spaniards to go visit others, with intention rather to injury than to honour them. And that they thought it an egregious folly, in lieu of avoiding of affronts abroad, to expect them with bended knees and cap in hand at home in their own houses.  
And although that so potent a Monarchy (to the great admiration of all) hath showed herself much more niggardly, in giving others satisfaction of Titles, than in distributing of her ducats, she hath notwithstanding received from these Poet Princes, and from all virtuous Potentates (who concerning this titular circumstance, stand rather upon real substance than on the vanity of things) the greatest gust and contentment she could desire. True it is, that one thing hath much impaired the reputation of so great a Queen in this Court, which is, that albeit she stand in extreme need of trusty friends, she nevertheless showeth herself so proclive and forward to alienate those from her, who expect for nothing at her hands but satisfaction in words.  
Yea, some have noted (as a remarkable thing) that the Master of the Ceremonies hath forewarned her Majesty, that those precise punctilioes she so nicely stands upon, are most odious, and only proper to barbarous Kings, and right worthy her royal Majesty. And that a great Queen in Europe, her equal, hath in great passion and anger plainly told him to his teeth, that she much marvelled both at him and all his ceremonials, since he seemed not to know, how a Prince without gravity and State, may rightly be compared to a peacock without a train. It is impossible to set down with what longing curiosity and earnest desire, so renowned a Princess hath been expected by all the learned of this Court: for, from the utmost bounds of all Apollo's Dominions, an infinite number of all sorts and sexes, have flocked hither to view the countenance of that mighty Queen, who with a prodigious stream of happiness, hath in short time united & brought under her diverse potent Kingdoms, and with them framed an Empire so formidable, that there is no Prince in the known universe, but for fear & suspicion of her, hath at some time or other been driven to put on a lacket of mail, or a Cuirace of steel.  
This Queen not many months since, attended on by a numberless Fleet, with prosperous navigation, arrived safely in the Isle of Lesbos: and the most honourable Lady the Republic of Genoa, hath gratis lent her her most famous Port, although by reason of a certain ancient prerogative, the family of the Dorias draw a very great revenue out of it.  
The Spanish Monarchy, in comparison of that of France, of England, and of other ancient Monarchies of Europe, is but young in years, but in body and bulk far bigger than any other whatsoever: and to the proportion of her years, she is of an unmeasurable greatness, whereby it is argued, that if she continue to grow unto that age in which humane bodies are wont to receive increase and growth, she will prove an huge Giantess, and attain to that boundless height of universal Monarchies, unto which the Roman Monarchy came.  
But he accidents of matters, and secrets of State, affirm most assuredly, that she cannot grow much greater. And that in her tenderest years she is sprung up unto that height of body, unto which she may in any long time attain: which is evidently perceived by this infallible argument, that in these days, she groweth but half an inch with greater difficulty than in former times she did two handful.  
This potent Lady is of so swarthy an hue, that she draws near unto the Moor or African.  
And therefore are her comporiments rather disdainful and proud, than serious and grave and in all her actions she showeth herself more cruel than severe. And for as much as she could yet never learn the Art so necessary unto Princes, to pardon, it is the undoubted opinion of many, that it will prove some hindrance to her greatness: for glorying in nothing more, than to be called the Doctoresse of all Nations, in the Science to be implacably-resolute, in knowing how to cut off the tops of those haughty and luxurian Poppies, which in the gardens of her States do proudly overtop others, she greatly rejoiceth that it be said, how in this Art, she hath excelled that great Tarqvinius, that was the first inventor of so mysterious a secret.  
She being then so hardy and resolute in committing of severities, she is much perplexed in conferring of favours, which are seldom seen to proceed from her. And those few that she bestoweth come from her with such an imperious haughtiness, that they are not very acceptable. And yet in exterior semblance she is all affability, and wholly spends herself in compliments. But he that with the spectacles of state-policy can pry into the inmost of her heart, shall easily perceive, that she is all Pride, all Avarice, all Cruelty. So that all they that have any long time treated or negotiated with her, report, that none receive from any other Princes more milde-honied words, and more bitter deeds. Whence it is, that as a friend she doth greatly allure men, and as a mistress much insult upon, and terrify them.  
Her hands are beyond all due proportion long, which she extendeth far and near, as occasions serve, without distinguishing of friends from foes, or stranger from kinsman. Her nails are like an Harpies, and most griping. Her fingers are of so hard and fast-hold, that what once comes into her clutches, she never lets go again. Her eyes are black, and a most sharp piercing sight. Her look is squint, with which wishly beholding one, she fixedly looketh upon another.  
A thing of great danger unto Princes; for of late days, having bend her face towards Algiers, no man suspecting it, she had earnestly fixed her look towards Marseilles.  
In her eyes is plainly discovered a most greedy and insatiate desire, since that there is nothing that she fixeth them upon, but she most greedily wisheth and coveteth the same with all her heart, and that's the reason, that our observing Speculants say, that this Queen doth immoderately thirst after others goods, and that as yet she never had friend, but with her tricks, and wilie-beguilies, she hath in the end made her slave.  
All which things discover plainly unto the world, that she is rather fit to govern slaves than free men. For there is no other Princess whatsoever, that more ambitiously laboureth to engross and forestall all service into her hands, not only from her own subjects, but from her best friends.  
She observes so punctual a form of State, that she doth not so much as vouchsafe to go meet good occasions, which infinite times have sought her in her own house.  
She far excelleth all other Queens, both present and past in knowing, how under her rich robe of cloth of gold to palliate her private interest, be it never so diabolical.  
And although she be daily seen to commit most damnable actions, she makes no greater ostentation of any thing than of her conscience; whereby the French, who under colour of her holy and religious pretexts, have so often been overreached, have at last (to their no small cost) learned to arm themselves, and to get on horseback, when with a Crown in her hand, they see her propose, or treat affairs full of religious pretexts, and sacred charity, towards her best beloved neighbours.  
She is so cunning in the exercise of riding, that she hath not only successfully tamed and broken the generous Coursers of Naples, but also the rough and skittish Mules of Spain, which by a natural instinct are wont to kick, to whinze, and bite at all men.  
She is of all other Queens of so mistrustful a Genius, that, except her own Nation, she hath declared all others (though subject unto her) to be of no confidence, albeit she have diverse times, and in all occasions found them right trusty and faithful; which point is so prejudicial unto her, that the most skilful in the world's affairs, do probably conclude, that by reason of this one most important defect, it is impossible she should grow bigger. The reason is, because there is no other Queen, that careth less to be beloved of her people, than she, and that endeavoureth more to be feared.  
And therefore do our Politicians note this in her as a kind of notorious folly, that she confidently believeth, that with misusing and hurrying all men, she shall induce them to adore her, and with such hateful deportments, allure all Nations to serve her: For the great store of her treasures, is the forcible Adamant, which violently attracts unto it the minds of some, who utterly abhorring her, are bound to seek, and by all means procure her declination.  
She is most curious and accurate in matters of small moment, whereas in weighty and important affairs, no other Queen hath more easily suffered herself to be supplanted and overreached.  
In her discourses, and in resolving of most important businesses, she showeth admirable wisdom, and circumspection; but whether it be through her natural tardity, or artifice of her officers, who are all most greedy merchants of great negotiations; or because she is of opinion, that no resolution is done with decorum, that is not long a doing, and with tedious delays expected of all men.  
She executeth her determined resolutions with such slowness, that the face of affairs changing with the times, her resolutions determined with great wisdom, do often prove unhappy.  
And therefore do all conclude, that she is more courageous in the skill of plotting machinations, than in the exercise how to manage Arms, in which she showeth to have an undaunted heart, a resolute constancy, and an unspeakable sufferance of all crosses and inconveniences; but so weak in resolutions, that her extraordinary circumspection hath many times the semblance of timidity. Whence it followeth, that she seemeth more apt to maintain States, than to acquire them. divers notable men laugh at her, to see her address and govern all her actions by the compass of certain solid and mature Counsels, without ever referring them into the hands of that Fate or Chance, which hath so greatly favoured the French, and yielded them so glorious, when in their actions and managements, they have governed themselves with much valour and little brain.  
There be some that think this happeneth, only because she is as sparing of her own blood, as she is thirsty and insatiate of other men's. And therefore do the expertest Captains of war mock and gibe at her, to see her aspire at the Empirie of the whole Universe without ever fight.  
The reason whereof is, because this most potent Queen, being of long time accustomed to purchase great Estates by Alliances and Marriages, she abhorreth the dreadful custom of the French, to conquer kingdoms with the price and hazard of their own dearest blood.  
She being then more wittily-warie than boldly courageous, it followeth, that she is more mischievous unto her enemies in times of peace, than war: whence it is, that the French, who hitherto have lived with her in a supine or stupid carelessness, after so many calamities endured, have at last learned to double the bars of their doors, when they have concluded peace with the Spaniards.  
She is most careless and lavish of her own riches, but so greedy of other men's, that she careth not to desolate her Patrimonial Estates, so she may make conquest of others.  
She is of so secret and hidden thoughts, and of a mind so abstruse and unsearchable, that there is no wit, artifice, or skill of man able to look into her drifts. Nay, Linx himself with his through-piercing sight, cannot penetrate into them, no not so much as the outside of them: whereas men of a glimmering or short sight, may plainly see into the very bowels of the French and other Nations.  
For he that shall with with judgement go about to describe the Genius and customs of so great a Princess, must confidently believe, that in all the managements she hath in hand, and in all the affairs that others negotiate with her, she is inwardly clean contrary to that she appeareth without.  
And although that among the foresaid virtues, she be full fraught with so enormous vices, notwithstanding by reason of her prodigious fortune, all of them are interpreted and admired in her as virtues, whence it followeth, that diverse great Princes take it as an honour to imitate her in her vices.  
She is of a most sturdy and robust complexion, whereby all judge her to be long-lived.  
She only languisheth of the indisposition, to have her limbs much distracted, which doth much debilitate the forces of so huge a bulk.  
And although that with the help of the liberty of Genoa, and of the alliance she hath with the Duke of Savoy, she useth diverse means and artifices to contract them; nevertheless by reason of the diversity of the interesses of these Potentates, she makes no great use of them.  
This mighty Princess receiveth no greater damage from any, than from her chief Spanish Officers, whom alone she employeth in great charges, all which are by them exercised with such, and intolerable surquedry, as they will not only be honoured as men, but adored as Gods. An impertinency so great, as it hath stirred up a loathing, and nastiness of the Spanish Dominion, not only in the Italians, and in the Flemings, but in the Spaniards themselves.  
One thing hath caused great wonderment in all that behold so potent a Queen, which is, that her whole body is full of horse leeches (for the most part of Genoa) some of which are so big and fat, as they appear to be of those great Ecles that come out of Holland, or those big Lampreis that breed in Severne It is not known whether it be through impotency, or negligence, or through a destiny fatal unto great Princes, whose vital blood these noisome creatures seek evermore to suck, that she endeavours not to shake them off, and be freed from them.  
This most mighty Queen then, being entered into the Royal Palace before Apollo's Imperial Majesty, stretched forth her left arm, causing her servants to unswathe the same, and so naked, showing it unto Apollo, and to the whole sacred College of the learned, she thus bespoke.  
Imperial Sir, and gracious father of all good letters: This which your Majesty seeth; yea even this is that stinking cautery, and loathsome issue of Flanders, which the French, the Germans, and some Italian Princes, that now friendly faun upon me, together with the help of that formidable Virago, and transmarine Renegada made in this mine arm, for the distrust or suspicion they had of me. I acknowledge that the Prince's forenamed had just cause to be jealous of my power, when after the death of Henry the second, they saw France fall'n into the wretched calamity of Infant-Kings, and that I, in their minority, sought to sow discords in that goodly kingdom.  
Now that these suspicions are vanished, and that (ay me, why do I not blush to speak it?) the contention, which I have had with the French, and particularly with that undaunted limb of the Devil, the Prince of Bearne, is now ended, and that I have at last been condemned myself in all costs and charges: My humble request unto your Majesty is, that this grievous and fasheux causerie be healed, and closed up. For most men are of opinion, that for the infinite number of humours, that have run unto it, it is now become so festered and enraged a canker, as I fear (which God a●ert) it will prove the loss of my arm.  
I did not pass into Italy through mine own ambition, or unquenchable thirst, wholly to sway the same, as mine enemy's report. It is well known to all the world, that I was untimely called thereunto, and even haled unto it by the Princes of Italy themselves, to free them from the great fear they were in of the French. And there is no man living in Europe, but knows how that in the States that I possess in Italy, I employ so large a share of my stock and freehold, as they rather serve to further my weakness, and keep me still oppressed. And thrice-happy were my Spanish home, which I might ere now have covered with tiles of pure silver, and states of massy gold, had I never had intelligence, or dealings with the Italian nation, so double-hearted, so full of fallacies, so anxious of private interesses, and only good to embark her neighbours into dangerous affairs without biscuit; and then upon the least occasion, shake them off, and leave them in the lurch, or in the midst of their greatest danger; as she, that openly professeth the trick and skill to pluck crevices out of their holes with others hands, and not with her own.  
And I have often wondered, how Italy, which (as all the world knows) hath suffered herself to be broken, saddled, and backed, and ridden by all strange Nations, will now stand upon such nice punctilioes of chastity with me, who if she but see me stir (be it never so little) she presently entereth into suspicion, that I go about to ravish her of her honour and liberty.  
And howbeit, the greatness wherein the kingdom of France doth now find itself, may assure Italy, and all the forenamed Princes from the fear they have conceived of my power; I am nevertheless (if it be your Majesty's pleasure) ready to give all men good caution and surety De non offendendo: on condition, that this to me so loathsome and irksome issue be healed and closed up.  
By the express appointment of his Majesty, the cautery was with all diligence viewed and considered by the Politic Physicians, who after long and mature consultation of the whole College of them, they unanimously concluded, that it most evidently appearing, that the Spanish Monarchy is continually troubled with an uncessant thirst, to sway and domineer, she stands in need of that running issue, by which those gross and peccant humours, which from Peru distil into her stomach, may be purged and evacuated; for they are the cause of her unquenchable and hydropical thirst.  
Those excellent Physicians did likewise consider, that if the said Monarchy had not that Cautery, there were most evident danger, that the pernicious humours of Peru, might ascend into the head of Italy, to the manifest ruin of those principal members, which yet are left sound in her; and that the said Monarchy of Spain might easily fall into an incurable Dropsy of an universal Monarchy; against which dangerous inconveniences they affirmed, there is good provision made with the Cautery of the Low Countries, which ought to be kept open, so long as Peru (so stirring a member) doth subminister those pernicious humours unto the Spanish Monarchy. This resolution did mightily displease her, wherefore in great passion and perturbation of mind, thus she broke forth: Sir, if through the spite and malignity of others, I must so foully languish and consume myself in continual providing and applying unguent for this corroding canker, which mine enemies call a Divertive Font●ell, some, who haply think least of it, shall lay clouts and plasters unto it.  
Her quip was presently understood by the English, by the French, and by the Italians, who replied, that they nor feared, nor doubted of any thing; since they sent nothing into the Low Countries, but the garbage, the offals, the filths and sweep of their States; whereas the Spaniards did there waste pure gold and consume vital blood. And therefore, both the English, the French, and the Germans, to arm and secure themselves from the formidable power, boundless ambition, and secret machinations of the Spaniards, who have no Horizon, were forced, in conformity of the Aphorism or the Politic Hypocrates, Tacitus, Consilijs, & estures externas moliri arma procul habere.   

The Spanish Monarchy goeth to the Oracle of Delphos, to know whether she shall ever obtain the Monarchy of the world; she hath a cross answer.  
Rag. 10. 1 Part.  
YEster day morning, two hours before day, the renowned Monarchy of Spain, in great secrecy departed from Parnassus, in a Caroche with six horses, having taken but a few followers & confederates of her Court to art end her. Her departure hath ministered no small jealousy in all this Dominion, but more especially in the Monarchy of France, who was much moved thereat.  
And to find out what way she had taken, presently took post, and following her tracts, overtook her even as she arrived in Delphos before the Oracle of Apollo; unto whom the Spanish Monarchy presenting herself (as they report that were present) she proposed this question.  
Oh eternal and bright lamp of the world, the right eye of heaven, who art the bringer not only of the day, but of all goodness unto mankind.  
Thou knowest that long since, all my thoughts have been addressed unto that universal Monarchy, unto which none ever attained but the Roman people. Thou knowest the effusion of blood, and the prosusion of treasures that I have caused and spent, to reach unto the goal of my intention.  
Thou only knowest the teilsome vigils, the bloody sweats, the industrious practices that I have spent, suffered, and plotted, to come unto so important a design.  
Thou likewise knowest, that by the indefatigable dexterity of my wit, by the mighty virtue of my coin, and by the marchlesse valour of my Nation, I did not many years since sow so infinite seditions, and raised so turbalent wars in the very heart of France, on which I had laid the foundation of all my hopes, I had well nigh obtained the wished end of mine intention: And how for a final conquest of all lets and rubs I wanted but the means to unite Naples unto Milane: which difficulty if I can once surmount, I may boldly vaunt to have won the game. But since either by my fatal misfortune, or by the impossibility of the business, or by the power of so many cruel enemies that are risen up against me, the scandals of the revolutions, which with so many machinations, for the space of so long time, I had dispersed among the French, whom I could yet never vanquish, are in one only day converted into that peace and tranquillity, that my heart is aggrieved to see, and my mind abhorreth to remember; as loath to make an utter havoc of so many of my people I intended to employ in this enterprise, I have almost brought them unto a final desolation. And because I would no longer be a laughing stock unto the world, I here prostrate myself before thy sacred Majesty, most submissively beseeching thee to give me a direct answer, whether that universal Monarchy which I have so deeply riveted in my heart, and which is the only aim of all my actions, is by the will of heaven's destinated unto me; which I desire to know, to the end if there be no impossibility in the pursuit thereof, I may rouse up my spirits, and by the possibility of it, keep my Spaniards in heart. For, to tell thee the very truth, who priest into the secretest thoughts of all men both by Sea and Land; by the infiniteness of conspiracies, of countermines, and of complots, that by mine implacable enemies have been plotted and contrived against me, and now more than ever are practised to my detriment, I begin to faint and despair of any good success.  
At this exorbitant question the Temple did shake, and the earth trembled round about a great distance off, when from the mouthof the Minister of Apollo proceeded these words.  
The universal Monarchy shall again return to the far renowned Italian Nation, at what time it shall have banished those intestine jars, and civil discords which have brought her in bondage to foreign and strange nations.  
After so doleful an answer, the Spanish Monarchy, full of spite and anguish came forth of the Temple, but confounded with amazement when she saw the Monarchy of France present herself before her, whom (having first entertained with some ordinary compliments) she took by the hand, drew her apart, and friendly imparted unto her the answer that the Oracle had given her.  
And how the universal Monarchy was by divine providence like to return unto the Italian nation; which thing succeeding, France should find and feel new julius Caesar's, as Spain second Scipios.  
And that to secure and settle their affairs, she thought there was no better way than to share and divide Italy equally between them.  
Moreover she offered to teach her the secret that she most successfully had experimented in the Indies, by virtue of which, they might both assure themselves of the Italian Nation, in such sort as there should no memory be left in the world of so wicked a race of men but the bare name. Unto whom the French Monarchy framed this answer;  
Oh Spain, first suffer me to forget that most unfortunate division of the Kingdom of Naples, which my King Lewis the twelfth made with thee, and then we will confer of this matter. For, know Spain, it is not so easy a thing to consen and injury the French the second time, as I see you persuade yourself.  
Then as touching the secret you propose unto me, how we may assure ourselves of the Italians, I pray you do you attempt it and put the same in execution, since to desert and desolate the world of people (as you have done and practised in the Indies) and to domineer over a bare land void of inhabitants, is a certain politic precept that is not found in the Register of the French reason of State. For, I have (and that to mine own cost) learned to be contented with a little so it be good.  
And therefore do I found my greatness more on the multitude of good subjects, than on the wide extent of a Kingdom.  
And so that my French Nation may live at ease and commodiously in this world, I am well pleased to admit of other Nations therein.  
The negotiation of the concord of Italy is long and tedious; and you know by good experience, that purges given to assure a man from a disease he feareth, do many times hasten the same.  
I will not omit with the Genuine liberty, that is proper to my nature, confidently to tell you, how that the enterprise to subdue all Italy, is not so easy a task as I perceive you apprehend to yourself. For, when I had such toys in my head, which to me proved most pernicious, and I verily believe will prove no better to you, I thought as you think now: and I have manifestly discovered, that the Italians are a kind of creatures that are ever more warily vigilant how to escape our hands, and who can never be tamed, or brought under the yoke of stranger's bondage. And although as most subtle Apes, and crafty Monkeys, they easily transform themselves into the customs and fashions of those Nations that sway them, yet do they ever keep fixed in their hearts their ancient malice and hatred.  
They are great Merchants of their servitude, which they traffic and truck so cunningly, that if they but once put on a pair of Breeches after the cut of Madrill, they will induce you to believe that they are become true and perfect Spaniards; and if they wear but a great Folio ruff of Cambric, we presently think them to be turned into right Frenchmen.  
But come once to the close or upshot of any business with them, they will then show you more teeth than can be found in fifty bundles of handsawes, or a thousand combs.  
And Italy doth justly resemble those greedy and covetous Dames, who with the strong and sharp lie of their blandishments scald their unheedy lovers, but never let them come to the iovissance and fruition of that which they most desire.  
And therefore believe me (who have to my no small cost made trial of it) concerning the conquest of Italy, you shall in the end reap nothing but loss and shame.   

Philip the second of that name, King of Spain, after long strife about his Title, makes his solemn entry into Parnassus.  
Rag. 12. 3 Part.  
THE most Mighty King of Spain, Philip the second, who (two months since) arrived in this Court, could not before yesterday be admitted to make his public and solemn entrance. The reason hath been, because that in certain triumphant Pageants which the Spanish Nation hath with royal magnificence erected unto him, there were fairly written, these words;  
Philippo secundo Hispaniarum; utriusque Siciliae, & Indiarum Regi Catholico, Italiae pacis Auctorifoelicissimo.  
Which words, for so much as they were somewhat distasteful unto most of the Italian Princes, they instantly required that they might be canceled and blotted out, saying, that (upon no terms) they would never acknowledge that peace of Italy from the Spaniards, which themselves so dearly, and with such vast sums of ready money purchased of the Hollanders and Zelanders.  
This Aromatical contestation was long debated and canvased to and fro. And although the Italian Princes did concludingly prove in judgement, that the present peace of Italy did not directly proceed from any well-meaning sincerity of the Spaniards, who if they might have had their wills, would have enthralled the same, had not that great diversion been made to them, but ought wholly to be acknowledged from the wars in the Low-Countries.  
Now in the greatest heat of this controversy, the Queen of Italy, with her wont wisdom, interposing herself, appeased the same, who having convoked all her Princes, she exhorted them to leave all vain ostentations and spongy vaunt unto the Spaniards, and meditating on real and substantial subjects, continue to feed them with vapourous smoke.  
The Horse-troop, both for the quality and number of the Princes that concurred to favour, to court, to attend, and to serve so great a King, was the most numerous and the most honourable that ever was seen in Parnassus. So was this mighty King ranked among those Monarches, which in the world have been more famous for their wisdom and sagacity, than for their courage or valour in war. Moreover, the Impresa which he carried in his royal Standard made all the learned of this Court to wonder, which was a fair painted Writing-pen, by virtue of which it did evidently appear by the testimony of some Historians, that both in the most potent Kingdom of France and elsewhere, where any fit occasion had been offered unto him to make use of it, he had caused and stirred up more and greater ruins, spoils, rapines, wracks, and havocks, than ever his Father Charles the fifth could cause or effect with the greatest part of the Cannons of Europe.  
The Impresa was highly commended by the sacred College of the virtuous: All Writers taking it for a great honour unto themselves; that a Pen in the hand of one that had known how to use it, had archieued and effected so memorable and remarkable actions.  
This great King hath still been most royally entertained in Parnassus; for, even the chief and most eminent Monarches in Europe have held it as an honourable reputation, to be able to attend and serve him.  
So that even the next day after his ingress into this Dominion, being disposed to be trimmed, & to commit himself into the hands of a Barber, the great Queen of England disdained not all the while to hold the Basin under his Chin.  
And the most renowned martial King of France, Henry the fourth, surnamed the Great, took it for a matchless glory to himself to be admitted to wash his head, which he performed with so exquisite skill and artificial dexterity, as he seemed to be borne in that exercise, and brought up Prentice in that trade.  
Although some envious detractors have given out, that he did it without any Soap or Washing-ball, but with strong scalding Lie alone.  
This mighty Monarch hath been presented by all the virtuous of Parnassus, with diverse gifts of Poetry, and other acquaint and much elabourated Poems, all which he hath counterchanged with great liberality, and bounty.  
And to a certain learned man who presented him with an excellent discourse, wherein was demonstrated the way and means, how, and in what manner most noble Partenope, and all the most flourishing Kingdom of Naples, which by the unsufferable outrages of the Soldiers, by the robberies of the judges, by the tyrannous extortions of the Barons, and by the general rapines and ransaking, which the griping and greedy Viceroys that from Spain are sent thither, only to cram and fatten themselves, is now brought unto extreme misery and desolation, might be restored unto the ancient greatness of its splendour, he gave a reward of twenty ducats of gold, and consigned the said discourse unto his Confessor, commanding him to keep it safe, for that it was written very honestly and religiously; whereas unto a most cunning and sufficient Politician, who delivered him a very long Treatise, but altogether contrary to the first, as that which treateth of politic precepts, and showeth what course is to be held to depress and afflict the said kingdom of Naples, lower and more than now it is. And how it may with facility be reduced unto such misery and calamity, as that generous Courcer which the Seggio of State, without any headstall or saddle, hath hitherto (with no happy success) borne for an Impress or recognizance, may be compelled patiently to bear a Packsaddle or Panier, to carry any heavy pack or burden; yea, and to draw in a Cart.  
For so much as he was informed that it was judiciously compiled, and according to the right terms of modern Policy, he assigned a gift of twelve thousand Crowns rend a year, and moreover made him a Grand of Spain.   

The Dogs of the Indies are become Wolves.  
Rag. 22. 3. Part.  
ON the night of the twelfth of this present, about eight of the clock, arrived in post-haste a Curtier dispatched from Lisbon unto Apollo, who told his Majesty, that he had brought him most important news from the West-Indies. The next morning very early, all the learned ran to the Court, to hear some news. And the Spaniards were the first, who with great anxiety inquired, whether there had lately been discovered some other mount of Petofis, or a new Rio deal Plata in the Indies, which if it were, they would speedily haste thither, to plant the holy word of God.  
The French were very importunate to know, whether some new world had been found our, which with making the Spaniards more powerful, might help them utterly to subvert the old-one.  
Apollo had no sooner read the letters, but he fell into a ●●ance of sorrow; and having involved himself into a ●oggie mist, a shower of abundant brackish tears was seen to trickle down his cheeks; which was taken for a most disastrous presage: by which sudden alteration, all men judged, that the Post had brought very bad news.  
Now whilst all the Court was full of all sorts of learned and virtuous men, who in great anxiety longed to understand the cause of his Majesty's public sadness; after sundry clattring of thunder, and infinite flashings of lightnings, which they heard and saw, there was heard an horrible and dreadful voice, which said:  
Oh you, that inhabit the Earth; fast, macerate, and clothe yourselves with haircloth; sprinkle yourselves with ashes; eat your bread with tears; endeavour with humble prayers to assuage the wrath of God; and with contrite hearts, and penitent souls, suppliantly beseech him, that of his infinite mercy, he will vouchsafe, to deliver all humankind, inhabiting the old world, from those portentous and monstrous novelties, which we certainly understand to have lately happened in the new. At so unexpected, and prodigious advertisements, infinite of the Virtuous, by the wounding affliction that they felt in their hearts, fell down in a swoon, thinking verily that the West Indies had been utterly consumed by fire, or overwhelmed by the fury of merciless waters.  
In this terror and dismal plight, all the people in Par●assus, with showers of tears, with throbbing sobs, with groaning howl, with loud-shrill voices, as the like were never heard, cried for Mercy, Mercy: and with most submissive entreatings and groans besought Apollo, that he would deign to impart unto his devout subjects, what those mischiefs were, from which they should entreat the immortal God to be delivered.  
Then from the aforesaid Court of his Majesty was heard a second voice, which gave all men to understand, that the dogs which the Spaniards had transported into the Indies for the safeguard of their flocks of sheep, were all become such ravenous wolves, that in worrying and devouring of flecced cattle, they exceeded the voracity and cruelty of the greedy Tigers.  
After so dreary and unhappy tidings, all the learned in Parnassus burst forth into wailful cries, and lamentable skreeks, dolefully complaining, that if the dogs, which were placed for the guard & safety of the sheep, became wolves, so ravenous, as they devoured whole flocks; unto what Guardians night Shepherds hereafter recommend the keeping and safe custody of their sheep?  
And their flocks being now destitute of the protection of dogs, who have always been so faithful unto their Masters and Shepherds, how could it be possible, but that the whole Genus and kind of sheep must needs decay and perish through all the world, and become the most unhappy creatures of all others, since they must be a prey both to the Wolves their enemies, and to the Dogs their friends?  
Whilst all the Nations of Parnassus (surprised by so great terror) were all dismayed, fainting, swooning, and grovelling on the ground, only the Flemings and the people of the Low Countries, were seen all dreadless and undismayed, to run leaping up and down Parnassus, encouraging all men to pull up a good heart, to be of good cheer, and never droop or faint: for there was no calamity nor misery could or be threatened or inflicted on mankind, which by an undaunted resolution, and resolute mind, might not be or diverted or avoided.  
And with land acclamation they gave all men to understand, that even in their own Countries, those dogs and curs, which the Spanish shepherds had sent for the guard of the Flemish and Belgic flocks, were transformed into such ravenous wolves, as with their fierce immanity, and fell brutishness, they devoured all their sheep; and that ere this they would have woorried the whole race and flocks of the Low Countries, if by the resentment of that bold and courageous determination (now famous through all the world) they had not provided a sound remedy for it. And therefore, if those mischiefs should befall the old world, which (as the report was) were happened to the new, they wished all men to know, that the true and only remedy, to chastise those Curs, tainted with that foul fault, to woorrie, to rapine and devour harmless sheep, was, to give them some Holland-Nux-vomica, and (as they deserved) make them to vomit out their very heart, and burst and burst.   

The French are humble suitors unto Apollo, to know the secret, how to perfume gloves after the Spanish fashion.  
Rag. 9 3 Part.  
THE emulation that reigneth between the two most warlike, martial, and mighty nations, the French, and the Spanish, is as great as eternal.  
For there appeareth no virtue in the French, that is not most ambitiously sought after by the Spaniard. And the French is never quiet until he have attained unto all the rarities wherewith he seeth Spain endowed.  
Now forsomuch as the skill or sleight of the perfuming and tempering of Amber, with which they make their gloves so sweetly odoriferous, is the peculiar invention and mere endowment of the Spaniards; The French have omitted no manner of pursuit, to find out, and attain the perfection, how to make the like. For they have with anxious labour, and to their cost provided themselves of Musk, of Ambergreese, of Zivet, and of all the most aromatical drugs, that the Orient affordeth; but all proved vain and effectless.  
For neither their cost, nor all their diligence have been sufficient, to make them obtain the end of their wished intention: yet rather than they would give over their pursuit as desperate, the thrice noble French nation had recourse unto Apollo's Majesty, as the only producer of all Aromatikes and sweet gums, whom she hath most instantly besought to vouchsafe to reach her the true way, how to perfume gloves with Ambergreese, wherein the Spaniard is so cunning.  
It is most certain, that Apollo was never seen to laugh so heartily, no not when he saw the downfall of unhappy Dedalus, as he did at the impertinent request of those French suitors, whose hands he commanded his Priests, that were about him, to smell unto. And that they should make a true report what they smelled of, the Priests presently obeyed; and told his Majesty, that they had no ill savour, but smelled very sweet. Which Apollo hearing, he told the French, that Nature did evermore counterchange others defects with some rare virtue or other. And therefore had he conferred the gift, to make sweet-smelling gloves only unto that Nation, whose hands were so rank, that they did ever stink worse than any carrion.   

Why the Monarchy of Spain is lately retired into her Palace.  
Rag. 14. 3 Part.  
FOrsomuch as many days were past since the Monarchy of Spain had showed herself in public, and hath not only ever since, lived as a recluse in her own house, but hath continually kept all the doors thereof fast shut.  
The Italian Princes, and above all the Venetians, not only most diligent searchers into men's thoughts, but careful and studious observers of that great Queen's actions, seeing so strange an alteration, entered into anxious and great jealousies. And because it hath never been possible for them or any other to know, what her so sudden retiredness might signify, all men did argue, that it could not be without some secret mystery.  
The Venetians for jealousy of their own Estates, impatient of delays, by ladders set up against the walls of her palace, entered in at the windows thereof, and saw that she was very busy with one of her chief officers, called the Marquis Spinola, labouring hard with diverse rare and artificial engines, to stop all the holes, gaps, chinks, and crevices in and about her house. And wondering not a little, to what end she should do it; they presently advertised their friends speedily to arm and prepare themselves; for so soon as the Spaniards should have stopped all the gaps and holes of any supply, help, or succour, they would assuredly give chase to all the mice and rats, and make an universal slaughter of them.   

How the ministers and officers of Spain are continually interessed in their private profit.  
Rag. 20. 3 Part.  
THree days are now past, when about nine of the clock at night, there were seen to enter forty cart loads of hay into the Royal Palace of the Monarchy of Spain. And forsomuch as the strange and unseasonable hour, made the French, the Venetians, and other Potentates, who live in continual jealousy of the greatness of so formidable a Princess, to suspect some mischief, there was speedy search and diligent inquiry made, to know the mystery of so strange provision; and whether under that hay, the carts might be laden with any unlawful and forbidden goods.  
Whereupon many Spies were set a work about it, who found out, and reported, that under the hay there were hidden and stowed certain chests full of mattocks, spades, pick-axes, and shovels. And because these are instruments and tools belonging to pioneers, Sappers, Diggers, and labouring-men, the French presently resolved to arm themselves. And the Venetians were about to launch their Galleys from out their Arsenal into the Sea; when by some Politicians it was advised, before they should discover their intention, to find out, whether the Spaniards had at any time before made provision of such tools or implements, & whether they expected to receive any more else-whence. But they were undoubtedly assured, that before that time they had never received any, nor did hereafter look for any more.  
The said did beside certify unto them, that so soon as the said chests were unladen, they were not carried into the royal Armoury or common Magazine, but that all the Grandes of Spain, and the chief Officers of so potent a Monarchy, did presently divide those spades, mattocks, scoops, shovels, pick-axes among themselves; with which the very next day very early they began to dig ditches, to draw rills, to convey rivulets, to direct gullets, to rear banks, to frame scluses, and to fill the country with aqueducts, and water-pipes, with such labour, pain, and diligence (every man drawing all the water he could procure to his own mill) as they had brought all public matters, and the whole State to such misery, and calamity, that the mills of the community of Spain, for want of water, could nor go, nor work, nor grind.   

Apollo having used all possible means, and exquisite diligence, to have some one of the Court-Mignons, or Princes-Idols taken and apprehended, doth severely proceed against one lately fallen into the hands of the judges.  
Rag. 5. 2 Part.  
APollo (to his infinite grief) being come to a perfect knowledge of the most enormous disorder, which the shameful blindness of those Princes causeth, no less in great Empires, than in petty Principalities, who commit that unpardonable excess, to subject and enuassal themselves unto a base and new upstart servant of theirs, since neither his Majesty's continual exhortations, nor the frightful calamities, which for the said foul excesses an infinite number of Princes hath suffered and smarted for, hath been of force to remove them from that hard destiny, by which they seem violently to be drawn, to precipitate into the bottomless whirlpool of so outrageous inconveniences; forsomuch as he would not abandon the protection (a quality proper to his Majesty) of the governors of mankind.  
Some few months are now past, since he resolved with all rigour to persecute those servants, that with their prodigious ambition, and artificial tricks (altogether diabolical) undertake to rule and govern their Lord and Master. And therefore did his Majesty not many years since publish most grievous mulcts, and rich rewards, to be inflicted upon the offenders, and given to those that should reveal any such unto his judges.  
Two weeks are now past since one of these varlets, having been accused unto the Magistrate, was presently apprehended and laid up, who by many evidences being found foul and guilty, was laid upon the rack, where he confessed all the horrible tricks, shifts, wiles, circumuentions, masks, and detestable jugglings, that he had used and practised, not only to induce his Master to become his slave, but even to adore and worship him.  
Apollo having read and considered the process and indictment against that monstrous villain, fell into a strange amazement, how those Princes (who are so greedy of domination that they often fall into moody jealousies, and unnatural suspicions, not only of strangers, but of their own children) may or can (either through their own gullishnesse, or monstrous fraud of others) fall into that reproachful infamy, to become vassals, and even slaves unto a base rascally servant of theirs.  
And he thought it a most portentous case, that there should be found both Sons and Nephews unto Princes, who to obtain the goal, to domineer over their fathers, and to Lord it over their Uncles, had showed spirits full of ambition, and minds extremely thirsty, to sway and command, and by cunning policies, and politic mysteries, had attained the garland of their desires, the very same men shortly after, could themselves fall or decline into that abominable metamorphosis, to forgo their domination purchased with so great care, anguish, wiles, and sweat, and make one their superior, that is so far their inferior.  
A wonder so rare and extravagant, as humane wit can no more give a reason for, than of the hidden virtue of the Adamant stone.  
Apollo, to the end that by the exemplary punishment of that darling-Courtier, Princes might learn some so profitable document, as might in some sort terrify them from committing so hateful indignities; three days since he summoned all the Princes now resident in this Court, to appear before him in the great Audience-Chamber. In presence of whom, their greater confusion, with a loud and intelligible voice, uncaused the abominable indictment, framed against that villainous varlet, to be read by Bossius, his Majesty's Clerk of the Crown, who being demanded what tricks, course, or art he had used to reach unto the end, so absolutely to oversway & govern his Lord and Master, answered, that the very first day he came to the Court, he wholly applied his mind and wits, exactly, and with all diligence punctually to observe the Genius of the Prince, which having ●ound to be naturally inclined unto lust and luxury, he with gentle, plausible, and cunning artificial manners, did presently ●o apply himself to commend a vice so unworthy a man that hath the charge and government of a State committed unto him (as if lasciviousness had been an egregious and laudable virtue.)  
And how he used all possible industry to become his instrument or minister in them: which having easily obtained, he employed all possible industry to provide him with most obscene instruments to fulfil his filthy lust: and that afterwards, under diverse pretexts and sundry colours, he had industriously laboured, that all those virtuous, honest, and honourable servants about the Prince, whom he knew or suspected might reclaim him unto a debonair and virtuous life, should be removed or discharged from the Court as vicious and professed enemies to the Prince and State; yea, some he had put to open shame and disgrace, and others he had blinded with false and surmised offices, places, titles, and honours.  
And had in their places advanced and substituted some of his own creatures, dependants and confidents, who were all deeply plunged into all manner of carnal sensuality and brutish lasciviousness, by whose means and furtherance (he affirmed) to have employed all his study and care that his Lord and Master should be utterly deprived, and shake off some commendable and genuine endowment, which by nature, and from his former education he had attained unto▪ and had after that so wrought, that under colour of being false and disloyal, all the old Officers of the State, were or discharged or expelled the Court, whose just condoleances and grievances he had portrayed and represented unto him as seditious railings and petulant detractions: and had so prevailed with him that their important charges and offices were all conferred upon men without judgement, without wisdom, without honesty, or without charity towards their Prince's welfare, or private interest; having in recompense required nothing at their hands but confidence, secrecy, and a strict adherence to his own affairs; by whose means he had so beset, besotted, and circumgired his Lord and Master, that it was never possible afterward for truth (which as the shadow to the body should perpetually and inseparably be united unto a Prince) to come to his notice or ears, by the relation of any well meaning or faithful friend to him or, the State.  
And that afterwards to the end he alone might absolutely rule, and uncontrouledly sway the State, he had so fairly alured him to sloth and idleness, that he brought him to be plunged even up to the eyes in pleasures of Gardens, in recreations of country houses, and in sports of hunting and hawking: nay, he had so far prevailed with him, that he abhorred as things most hateful to hear of State-matters, or of his proper interesses.  
And had beside induced him to believe that his treacherous plots and practices to make him fall out with his own Son, and other Princes of his blood, was an unfeigned zeal of inward love and hearty affection towards him: a spotless charity towards the public benefit of his people: and that by his acquaint artifices and juggling tricks, he had brought him to be so stolide, so stupid, & so gullish, that the manifest and insolent tyranny of his base servant (known & abhorred by the simplest of his state) was by the unfortunate Prince, named to be a vigilant regard to his service, an easing of him from pains, a disburthening of him from cares, and a charity towards the Commonweal; and that sloth, idleness, lithernesse, and careless negligence was an honourable rest and quiet repose.  
And moreover, to the end his Prince might never awaken or rouse himself from out his drowsy and shameful laethe-sleepe, and by opening his eyes, come to the knowledge of his own stolidity, idiotism, and gullishnesse, and so discover others treacherous ambition, he had filled his Court with Flatterers, Parasites, and Sycophants, who with plausible blandishments, and infamous persuasions, extolled and commended his silly unaptness to be a matchless valour: the general hatred of his people, to be a loving and unfeigned affection: all public railings and detractions to be exaggerated praises; confusion and disorder to be a perfect government, the tyranny of a lewd villain to be honourable and careful service, extor●ions to be sacred justice, lavish prodigality to be virtuous liberality, his abject lithernesse, and craven timidity in having so basely neglected and abandoned the helm and government of his State, he commended to be right honourable labours, diligent endeavours, and politic government. All these perfidious treacheries being confessed by that false wretch, so amazed and terrified those Princes that heard them, that with a loud voice they all cried out, that, to become most rigorously cruel against so impious and wicked a villain, with Gallows, Gibbets, Racks, Wheels, Halters, Axen, Tortures, Flames, and bloody weapons, were true and charitable piety and pity. And therefore they should all jointly become Suitors unto Perillus, to devose some new kind of torment, as might dilaniate and tear in pieces that monster of nature, and yet not deprive him of life; to the end there might never more be found a man that durst dare to commit so heinous and outrageous villainies. And all the Princes were so moved with the foulness of that indictment, as unanimously they all besought his Majesty to show some extraordinary rigours against those, who by the fraudulent wiles and exorbitant tricks of their servants, suffer themselves to so vituperious and shameful a state.  
Now for so much as by this virtuous instance intimated by those Princes unto Apollo, his Majesty's mind was so moved to compunction, that tears were seen to trickle down his cheeks, some Idiots that stood by, deemed this to proceed from the excessive contentation which Apollo felt, to hear the great horror, whereby Princes had embraced and fostered that vice, which his Majesty so much desired they should shun and detest. But the wisest and best of the Virtuous that were present at that act, knew very well, that Apollo wept and bewailed the unhappy blindness of those inebriated and infatuated Princes, who abhorring their own excesses in others, did most instantly require, that those vices into which the greatest number of them were imperceptibly, and at unawares plunged over head and ears, might with some extraordinary and rigorous severity be punished. So mischievous and pernicious is that reproachful and detestable vice in Princes to idolatrize Mignons, which they exactly perceiving, and extremely blaming in others, they never see, but rather favour and commend in themselves. And whom do we see fall into this foul fault, and shameful error, but such as make most ostentation to be the Aristarcoes and reformers of the world?   

The whole race or Genus of Sheep send their public Ambassadors to Apollo, by whom they earnestly entreat him to grant them sharp teeth and long horns: whose suit is by his Majesty scorned and rejected.  
Rag. 88 1 Part.  
THE whole Race or Corporation of Sheep have sent four Ambassadors to this Court, which this present morning have been admitted by his Majesty to have a royal audience. Whereupon a great and goodly Magistral Ram of Lincolne-shire, in an articulate bleating voice uttered these words;  
That the Sheep knew very well, that that God, who had created all things, had used so great charity and impartial justice towards all sorts of living creatures, as he had recompensed the defects and imperfections of some with other equivalent endowments of use and virtue. So that in so infinite a multitude of bruit Animals, there was not one that might justly complain to have in its creation received any wrong at his divine Majesty's hands.  
But yet it seemed unto them that (as a step-sire) he had showed great partiality only with the Sheep, forsomuch as having created them with diverse imperfections, it did not appear that he had endowed them with any equivalent virtue by or with which they might (if not assure their state) yet at least be able to live in this world with that safety and quietness that other creatures did.  
For although his divine Majesty had created the Hare with wondrous timidity, with sharp teeth, and without a heart to bite, he had necerthelesse endowed her with so swift a foot as did assure her from the tusks or fangs of the fiercest beast.  
And that the Fox could not justly find herself aggrieved to have been created slow of foot, his Majesty having endowed her with such sagacity of wit, as she could with facility avoid the wiles, the snares or ambushes of any wild beast. And that he had so recompensed the slowness of the Wolves running with so hardy an heart, with so keen a tooth, with so circumspect a genius, as being a terror to all beasts, he makes himself to be awed and respected of men.  
Moreover it evidently appeared, that his Majesty had used the same charity unto the Fowl and birds of the air, since that unto those to whom he had denied the speedy use of their feet, he had in recompense given them larger wings, and a swifter flight, namely to Pheasants, to Partridges, and to Quails, who in requital of their short wings and train feathers had the nimbleness of their feet. And that the silly Sheep only, having been created with so blockish a stupidity of wit, heartless, slow-footed, and without those keen biting teeth, with which other beasts make themselves to be awed and respected.  
They thought themselves forsaken and rejected by that divine Majesty and charity that had manifested so great dilection and lovingness, even unto wild, fierce, and hurtful Beasts.  
The said goodly tall Ram added moreover, that to fill up the measure of the incomparable calamity of the harmless and disarmed sheep, his Majesty had allotted the Lions, the Tigers, the Bears, the Wolves, (being the most cruel and bloodthirsty Beasts that wander upon earth) to be their fatal and implacable enemies.  
So that it seemed that the poor Sheep were created only to feed and to be a prey to those enraged and furious beasts, that know not what satiety meaneth. He said moreover, that unto the unsupportable injuries which the Sheep received daily from their enemies, were likewise added the outrages and misusages which their own Shepherds continually heaped upon them; all which proceeded because they were so disarmed & weaponless: For, if they might be so happy, as but once in ten years, if not for revenge, at least for correction, upon certain occasions, to have teeth allowed them to bite certain cruel and indiscreet Shepherds, who milk them without charity, and shear them without discretion, peradventure they should be more kindly and better dealt withal. And their Shearers, or rather Shavers', would more gently handle their Shears, and not hurt or tear their skin.  
And therefore the whole kind or race of Sheep, that they may no longer be the loadstone or subject of most wailful oppressions, do most instantly beseech his sacred Majesty, to have long teeth and sharp horns granted them to bite & gore their enemies, that so they may become more respected and better esteemed.  
To this rammish request Apollo answered with a blithe and cheerful countenance, that the Sheep had made a request suitable and worthy their silly simplicity, since they know not how among all the fourfooted Creatures that live upon the earth, no one can be found more favoured and privileged than they; for, whereas others are with numberless cares and infinite dangers enforced to shift and shark for food, diverse of which are constrained to employ the night (ordained for sleep and rest) to feed and sustain themselves, as not daring to beseen by day; only for the Sheep, even by men (who are Lords over all wild beasts, and possessors of the earth) Pastures and Fields are provided, reserved, and with carefulness and labour hired, purchased, and manured at excessive and dear rates.  
And that in dark and stormy nights, in foul weather, and at all times, they alone were carefully provided for, charitably fed, tenderly watched, and diligently guarded in their folds, yea, and descended from their hurtful foes. And whereas other creatures were continually hunted, chased, and pursued by many sorts of other ravenous wild beasts, and entrapped by the wiles and devices of men; for whose destruction infinite people apply themselves to nothing more than to weave nets, to frame toils, to lay springs, to set traps, to hide gins, to dig pitfalls, and to breed, to teach, and to feed dogs.  
Only the Sheep by an especial grace and prerogative, enjoyed the noble privilege, to have men labour so industriously for them, and to shield them from so infinite dangers; and that the Creator of this universe had made demonstration of especial predilection towards the whole race of Sheep, who in lieu of ravenous teeth, goring horns, and swift legs, had graciously granted them the powerful and subduing weapons of rich wool, of nourishing milk, of dainty cheese, and of diverse other sorts of unualuable riches, with which they so forestalled and possessed the love of men, that for the endeared charity that they bear to all Sheep, they uncessantly hunt, chase, pursue, and destroy Wolves, Tigers, Bears, Foxes, Lions, and all other wild and ravenous beasts, which love not Sheep, with all manner of arms, rapine, or bloody cruelty.  
And how by reason of the singular gifts and incomparable benefits that Sheep bring to all mankind, being reputed the only deliciousness, delight, and wealth of man, it came to pass that they were the most numerous race or kind of creatures that live upon the earth; so that the Sheep being nourished, fed, cherished, guarded and defended by the vigilancy, care, cost, pains, & charity of their Shepherds, they showed themselves very simple and foolish in desiring to have devouring sharp teeth, and long goring horns. And at last Apollo said, That concerning the severity of some Shepherds in milking and shearing of them, they ought to use no other weapons to revenge themselves, than those of dutiful obedience and humility, with yielding them store of wool, plenty of milk, abundance of cheese; and 〈◊〉, co study fertility and fruitfulness.  
This being the supreme 〈◊〉 of the brood and race of Sheep, that those Shepherds who misuse and evil entreat their flocks, are in extremity cruel unto themselves; it being most certain, that a wound rashly given to a Sheep, hath the propriety to kill the Shepherd. And therefore he straight commanded them, to take greater heed to manifest the least inclination or show to bite their Shepherds, than they would do of Wolves keen teeth, since those Sheep cannot be accounted so happy, which with all humility and prostrate obedience, do warrant and guard their Shepherds from all harm and danger, as those most unhappy, that make a dismal profession, to terrify and make them afraid.   

In a public congress or Assembly, contrary to the accustomed manner of the Phoebean Court, Force having pretended to preceded Reputation; that illustrious Lady with an excellent resolution, maintaineth her reputation and credit which was in some danger.  
Rag. 15. 2 Part.  
THat the Lady Reputation in all public places and assemblies hath yet ever had the precedence and right hand of Lady Force, is well known in Parnassus. But it fortuned the other morning, that whilst Apollo made his solemn entrance into the sign of Leo, Force (according to her terrible genius, borne unto insolences) dared to presume to preceded Reputation, who, if in that occasion (making use of her admirable dexterity) she had not known to retort and put by so dangerous a rub, and unexpected stop, she had undoubtedly received some notable affront.  
She was nevertheless much offended at the foul petulancy offered her by her capital enemy, whereupon the virtuous, ever much devoted unto so excelse a Princess, ceased not to encourage her, exhorting her by no means to pocket up the insolency of her temerity. And moreover, bade her to remember, that she was the right arm of all Potentates, and the sole instrument wherewith Princes Lorded and swayed the world. And therefore willed her to pull up a good heart, and resolve to confront that fond rash Dame, whom with the only Majesty of her countenance she would at the first encounter so daunt and abate her pride, that (as a thousand times it had come to pass) she might with great facility suppress and bring under.  
With wondrous reposedness of mind, and gentle words, Reputation answered those virtuous men her loving friends who so comforted her, that she exceedingly valued and loved the ready good will, which she perceived in them all; but she could neither commend nor follow the counsel they gave her. And that they should call to mind, that the whole of the power of her authority and greatness being founded, not on the forces of strong-armed Armies, nor on the strength and security of inexpugnable citadels, but on the bare opinion of men; a thing most inconstant and variable. So as it behoved her, in this her adversity, to proceed with great caution, and admirable dexterity. And that between her, and Force, there was a monstrous great disparity: for if Force were once vanquished, she might easily recover herself, and with greater impetuofitie attempt a second battle, so much the more dangerous for her; for to her ordinary power she might join the violence of Disdain, and the shame of her first overthrow. But if it should happen, that at the first shock she did not quell her enemy, either with the majesty of her presence, or with the authority of her look, so that as an Elephant, which being once fallen to the ground can never rise again, she might destroy her, she should wholly be deprived of that greatness and awful respect, which the public veneration of the common people bred in her.  
Considerations so much the more necessary in her, as she had experienced, that nothing is more perilous for her, than by force of Arms to seek to maintain that authority great, and that reputation on foot, which she seeth to be founded but on the bare opinion of the vulgar popular. And that she hoped to provide for the indemnity of her authority with her wont remedies, and would with her accustomed weapons buckle with Force, not doubting but to conquer her.  
She said moreover, that Force did now use those extraordinary terms of insolency towards her, not because her power was any whit increased, but by reason of some disorders of hers, she perceived the ancient decorum, her wont majesty, and the people's veneration towards her to be greatly diminished.  
Reputation having uttered these kind words, went away, and shortly after retired herself into her lodging; whence for diverse months space she was never seen to come abroad, but with great severity gave herself to reform and correct herself, for ever banishing all self-respects and private interesses; to which, because she had yielded overmuch, and too openly abandoned herself, she evidently perceived her honour and credit to be much impaired. And then with the besom of a rigid reformation in herself, she wholly employed her time in cleansing her house and ●●milie from all manner of filthiness, pollution, and baseness; from which she also chased and expelled griping Avarice, daring Ambition, and all other private, dishonest, unlawful or scandalous passions.  
This Princess having thus reform her private disorders, being one morning to be present at some solemn and public Act, she extraordinarily embellished and adorned herself all over with honesty of mind, with uprightness of spirit, with singleness of heart, with ungrudging liberality, and with all her other most esteemed virtues. And having put on the rich robe of righteousness, and affectionate love towards all well-deserving creatures, and of public charity, she came forth with so awful a majesty, and comely a gravity, where she was expected by all the other most excellent Virtues, in whom she stirred up so great respect, and regardful veneration, that even the Lady Force herself (so great was the devotion that possessed her mind) was seen to tremble and stand amazed: and in that occasion, not only with her accustomed reverence, to grant her her due precedence on the right hand, but with a kind of servile submission, to beg, as a singular favour at her hands, the prerogative, in that solemnity, to carry up her train.   

The Province of Focides by her Ambassadors complaineth unto Apollo, that his Majesty's officers do not permit her to enjoy her privileges: whose request is not only rejected, but they have a most sharp and unpleasant answer.  
Rag. 1. 2 Part.  
THe most populous Province of Focides, which some years since rebelled from the Ignorant, and voluntarily did subject itself unto Apollo's Dominion, of whom she obtained so ample privileges and large immunities, as it might truly be said, that the Focenses lived in a kind of free liberty, hath now sent her Ambassadors to this Court, to complain against his Majesty's officers, that they will not permit them to enjoy those privileges, which by his sacred Majesty were granted them. And therefore do instantly require him, to command the due observation of them.  
This business, which somewhat distasted Apollo, was by him referred unto his Royal Council of State; from whom the Ambassadors two days since had for a final answer, that the Lords of the Council did greatly wonder, and rested much scandalised, that the people of Focides seemed to be so ignorant of the affairs of the world, as they knew not, that Privileges, Liberties, Franchises, Exemptions and Immunities granted unto people newly conquered, were like unto those cherries, that were given to children when they cried and puled, to make them hold their peace, but were afterwards taken from them when they lay still and quiet. To whom the chief of the Ambassadors stoutly replied, that if in Parnassus they used so foully to abuse silly well-meaning people, Focides would ere long fall to whining again, to the end it might be stilled with cherries of new privileges.  
To this companion, Francis Guicciardin, Lord Precedent of the Royal Counsel suddenly answered, that if the F●censes did well consider the present state wherein they were, they should find, that with the Citadels, which in times of peace they had suffered to be built upon their necks, they were reduced unto such terms of bondage and thraldom, as if they fell to whining again, they might very well, without any danger or prejudice unto Apollo's state, be stilled and made to hold their peace with smarting lashes and bloody stripes.   

Socrates having this morning been found dead in his bed, Apollo useth all possible diligence, to discover the true occasion of his sudden death.  
Rag. 32. 2 Part.  
THis present morning, great Socrates, who yesternight went to bed in perfect good health, hath been found stark dead in his bed: and forsomuch as his corpse was all swollen and puffed up, most men do vehemently suspect, that there hath been some machination of poison practised upon him. And the Peripatetics (cruel enemies to the Socratike Sect) have been much questioned and blamed for it. And so much the more, because it is well known to all men, that the most detestable arms of poisoning are very familiar unto Aristotle. Prince of that great Sect.  
All Socrates his household hath this morning been imprisoned, from whom no other light or confession can be wrested, but that some days before, Socrates was seen and observed to be much anguished, grieved, and perplexed, still seeming to feel some grief of mind; for he was diverse times heard lamentably to exclaim, Oh corrupted world! Oh depraved age! Oh most-most unhappy mankind!  
Apollo, who hath felt an extraordinary sorrow for the loss of so great a Philosopher, hath strictly commanded the body to be opened, to see whether his bowels and entrailes yielded any sign or likelihood of poison, which being done, all his interiors were open, whereby it was evidently perceived, that Socrates, by reason of the infinite filthy things, enormous abuses, and scandalous objects, which he was compelled daily to view and behold in this depraved and corrupted Age; and for having taken a great windiness of scandals, he was forced to burst. Most rich and sumptuous have the funerals been, that were celebrated for so great a man.  
And Marcus Tullius Cicero (a most affectionate favourer of the Socratike Sect) with an excellent and elaborated Oration, having highly extolled the verity of the doctrine, with floods of tears bewailed the calamity and miserable condition of these present days; in which with rigorous severity, all men are strictly forbidden to satyrize.  
And honest Gentlemen beholding continually things most worthy to be published by sound of horn and trumpet, are enforced to see, to hold their peace, and to burst.   

Natalis Comes the Historian, for having spoke some thing in a public congress of learned men, that grievously offended Apollo, is by his Majesty severely punished.  
Rag. 49. 2 Part.  
Whilst some few days since, Natalis Comes a Latin Historian, together with diverse other learned men of this Court, under Melpomenes Porch (as the custom of Historians is) discoursed of the glory of those great Princes, that have left any eternal memory of their honourable actions in the world, termed by the name of a glorious conquest the usurpation of a kingdom, made by a mighty Prince, without any justice, right, or lawful pretence.  
Which speech being presently reported unto Apollo by one of those wicked and makebate spirits, whereof the Ai●e, and the Earth is ever full: His Majesty fell into so passionate a rage against Natalis, as at that very instant he caused him to be put in prison, and at once used the rigour, straight to forbid him, for the space of three whole years, the ingress into any Libraries.  
And howbeit Apollo have most importunately been solicited by most of the chief Historians of this State, to proceed with some milder term of mercy towards so virtuous a follower of his, he nevertheless hath and doth still refuse to do it.  
And saith beside, that there is no greater wickedness in the world, than the impious and treacherous licence, which diverse Princes have usurped unto themselves, to rob and steal whole States and Kingdoms one from another.  
An action that hath filled the world with those lamentable mischiefs, and deplorable confusions and disorders, that so much afflict mankind. And he thinks it an iniquity extremely outrageous, that in his virtuous Dominion, there should be found any one learned man so perfidious, as durst dare to style those treacherous thefts, and unlawful robberies, which are committed with a million of aggravating and impious circumstances, by the title of glorious conquests.    

THE NEWFOUND POLITCKE.  
THE SECOND PART.  

CHAP. 1.  
Maximilian the Emperor is advertised of the trouble 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 Transiluania, 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, searing 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 Archdukes, 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. 2.  
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 Lorenzo 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 balanced, 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 and 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 far beyond the weight of the best ancient times; for it came to five and twenty Millions; a matter of such marvel to every one, that the Spaniards got on their Spectacles, and very narrowly observed, whether the Weights were right or no.  
To the ancient Kingdom 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 far to exceed the five and twenty Millions of the French Monarchy. Wherefore instantly they put into the Scale the flourishing Kingdom of Naples, which every one thinking would increase the weight at least 2 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, & Milanese, which were so far 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 million 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 situation 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 Dit●hes, 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 which 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 hundred 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, & 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 Te●● 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 Swissers, the Grisons, and other free people of Germany, and brought their commonweals to the Scale. Howbeit 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 Commonweals 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 jealousy, 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 born 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 fallen upon the Duke of Lorraine, he had received most cruel kicks, not only from the French, than 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 Toscan, 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 over charged, 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 the Spaniards seeing the Dukes of Savoy, who the last fifteenth year refused to be weighed with the Italian Forces, now to be put into the Balance, for to counterpoise theirs, threatened them by biting their thumbs at them; whereof those Princes being aware, 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 ma●ne, 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. 4.  
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 seen, and handled it somewhere 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, wherewithal 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 earnestly 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 Gonsaluo 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 whether ever I shall be freed; for in regard of the mighty power, whereunto I see the forces 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 powerful 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, wherewithal afterwards they bound 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 far 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 far 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 minority 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; whereof Lodovico being aware, 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 showed 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 Saracen●, 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 Aim●nsor) 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 Popes 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 distasted with my servitude, which followed presently upon it, the Pope's having never had any thing in greater fear, than 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, as well 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 cometh clearly to know, what it is to unchaine 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 showed 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, insomuch, 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, than 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 preiudices 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, in stead 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, than 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, than 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 devices to disunite 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, than 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 far 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 thought; 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 themselues 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, Duchies, 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 throughly 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 marvel, how it were possible, I should sa●iate the raging and greedy swallow of so many hunger-starved 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 Almonsor then) the Milanesi how are they entreated? They also (replied the Kingdoms 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 entreatings 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 far from that Vice so proper to my Neapolitans, of flattery, and affectation; but so bold and hardy, that they dare say, how ●f 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 discretion 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 Pedrode 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. 5.  
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 B●ttor, Prince of Transiluania, 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 seeth 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 pretensiors, which he hath to the Principality of Transiluania, he was to have in more horror, than seventy Ottoman Emperors.   

CHAP. 6.  
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 Alessandrod ' Ales, and Cornelio Musso Bishop of Bitonto, and all the way encertained 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 ma●ters 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 grea● 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 slaughters of men, that many of them blinded with 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 hypothesis, which the violence of the sword hath usurped over others States: Whether a Principality, that by Arms and fraud, is forcibly 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 Nabuchadnezzars 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 ●●d 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 Francis 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 committed 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 as well for the great as the small.   

CHAP. 7.  
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 fastidious 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 medicine● which she had taken with such anguish, had wrought no other effect, but the acceleration 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. 8.  
Most of the States of the world are censured in Parnassus for their errors.  
APollo careful of nothing more, than to see 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, than 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 Nuncio replied, that returning thither now he should find, how by reason of the abundance of vertjuyce, which the Pompey, Fabritij, 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 drawn 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 painfullest 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 diobolical 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 and 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 Or●ando. 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 far, 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 overthrow 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; and 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 advertisement 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 far 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 vicious 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, than 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 c●u●d 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-aduised Senators are wont 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) shall be 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 himself 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, we 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 the quiet of every State, being placed in the fidelity of the most important ministers, Princes were not to seek any thing with more care, than 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 err, but in most important matters, it were the counsel of a foolish Prince, upon suspicions of that moment, to arraign, accuse, and hear the iustifications of the offender; 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 Counts 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 Pasha's 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 Pashas, but that by the commodity thereof, those subjects should not be idle, and 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 Pashas, 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 affairs 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 Guiz● 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 sort 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 scaffolds in readiness, & 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, not 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 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 engraffeth into their dispositions, that attain unto it; whereas otherwise, in regard of that harmless simplicity, wherewith Almighty God hath created them, they may be commodiously 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 heremembred her, that it was a dangerous point in an Aristocracy, when those which were to glory for that they were far 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 Noblemen, 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 Saint 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 Venetian 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 kindred, 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 assured 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 Coat of affront, wherewith he had made the worst her, 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 Caes●r, or nothing.  
Then the Censer turned him to the Noble great Duchy of Toscan, and sharply reprehending him, for going with his Galleys as it were provoking of Wasps, he recorded unto him, the misery and calamities which the Knights of Saint 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 everywise Christian Prince ought rather to favour the present carelessness 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 L●vant, 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 by 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 Geneva, 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 Censer 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 comings 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. 9  
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 inviteth 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 nothing 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 imagine 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 Canons, 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. 10.  
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 assay 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 M●naco. 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. 11.  
The Duke d'Alva being arrived at Parnassus, in complementing with Prospero Colonna, they fall foul about defrauding the Colones● 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, than by open force, or valour; that durst hazard the fortune of Kingdoms upon the doubtful chance of a Battle. But because Lodouic● 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 with all 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-aduised 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 straight a place, there ensued a cruel fray; 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 haste 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 same 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 offended, 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 undervalved 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 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 our 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, shouldst marvel, that slaves, which for twenty years together have been fed in the Galleys with course and mouldy Biske●, when they light upon a batch of new white Mancher, 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 far 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 shall be cloyed with such vanities they also will become, as the French are, such courteous Gallanes, that they will willingly give the Title of Excellency even to their horse-boyes, 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 oth●rs 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 overmuch, not by due honour, doth greater reputation accrue to him that giveth, than to him that receiveth it. And you Spaniards that use such austerity in desiring great Titles only for yourselves, are not a whit 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 Braggado●hia, I wonder ye should not perceive, ●hat in thinking to arrive unto the Dominion of the earth by abusing m●n, 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 Napl●s, 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 least wise 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 shall be 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 too 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 dwarves. 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 & Kings bend their knees, & doff their bonnets at the naming of them, more superstitiously for destroying, than reverently at the Name of jesus for saving. Therefore I could not resolve, whether it were treason or sacrilege, or I wot 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 petty ones 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. Your 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 Palätinate, 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 Mansfelt, 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.    

THE NEWFOUND POLITCKE.  
THE THIRD PART.  

CHAP. 1.  
After an exquisite Examination and trial made of those Wits, which ought to have the charge of Provincial Governments, a rank of Governors are published in Parnassus, and wholesome avisoes for all Governors, judges, and under-officers of State.  
AFter a long time spent in expectation, yesterday, finally to the satisfaction of all men, the Distribution of this State's government was published. It is not possible to believe the diligence and exquisite circumspections, which were taken by his Majesty and his Ministers in the choice of those being exact and worthy of so great a business. For first, they took into their consideration to make choice of ancient men, experimented in State affairs, only to the end, that Colts should not be put to be tamed by knavish house breakers; and it is worth the observation, that in so great a number of concurrents for places, they had elected persons of a slow Genius, of cold constitutions, and in their actions perplexed, irresolute, and addicted to drowsiness, even almost to disability: and on the contrary, that they had excluded those which for the quickness and vivacity of their wits, appeared to be far fitter, and more worthy of employments than others. And it is thought the reason was, because that wise men, which are promoted to businesses of examinations and trials of wits do firmly believe, that those wits which are over lively, nimble, & fiery, prove very unapt to rule others, having great need themselves of a curbing-bit, and a head-strain to save them from falling down headlong into ditches; it being also manifest by long experience, that these by their fool hardy, and over-resolute spirits, do sooner disquiet people than become good instruments to maintain them in that sweet peace and correspondent satisfaction, which indeed ought to be the principll care of all those which should be admitted to manage the affairs of provincial Governments. And it is apparent to all men, how those Prince's Electors hold it for an irrefragable maxim, that, He makes a happier progress with very good success, who being of a slower genius, of a soft spirit, knows best to accommdate his passions to stand as still as a Sign at a Tavern; because the world, which requires good government, turns quickly seditious and embroiled with the fantastical Chimeras of certain hotspurres, which in all their affairs by seeking to become overwise in their own conceit, they do in stead of quenching and appeasing troubles and combustions, kindle them the more by unseasonable remedies. Intempestivis remediis delicta accendunt.  
Fifteen days since, by a most rigorous Trial, which was made for so great a business, not the ignorant (as many thought) but those capricious Proiectours were excluded, whose pates being full of or others and new inventions, are enemies to those ancient customs and ingenuous orders, whereto people have been enured as another nature, yet these subtle heads would better them with modern and new laws. 'tis true, they greatly laboured to find out pliable subjects of a mild and flexible disposition, which knew to apply their own nature to another body's nature conformable, as wives ought to be to their husbands. Nor did they admit at any hand an Officer, which had not studied for the space of four years continually, that most important point of Philosophy, to live as not to live: The very Basis and groundwork, whereon the quietness of people securely consisted, and the safety also of that good government, which might be hoped at the hands of an honest wise Governor, in whom they did not so much regard his insight and knowledge in the Laws and Statutes, as that he should be well seen in that prudent mystery, in that mild manner of proceeding, and in that dexterity of understanding, as is not as yet found registered in Books. A consideration so necessary, that some great Lawyers, which have had the charge of Provinces, lighted upon most simple success, as that lantern of the Laws Bartolus can bear testimony, who was forced to leap out of a window at the Palace of Todi, for all his rare judgement and skill in the Laws because he would not be taken and torn in pieces by some that could no longer brook the impertinent curiosities of one that was so wise of his tongue, and so imprudent in his brain. Likewise this is certain, that they rejected, even with the bastinado, those great Beasts, which with open ostentation, to Peacocke-wise used to look big with austere & terrible countenance, taking delight to threaten his Majesty's Subjects, made by the Creator of the same mould as themselves, more like tyrants, than civil judges, which many of them counterfeit for some other sinister respect, and above all things they had a care to exclude those tyrannical Butchers, who Busyris like, being bend to shed humane blood, would make men believe, that they went about to set the crooked World right again with Pillories, with Gibbets,, or at least with stupendious ●ines and mulcts worse than a Thunderbolt, such as were never imposed in more ancient times. Above measure they loved those judges which took more care to hinder misdemeanours, than to punish them, and which never subscribe to the sentence of Death, the Greek letter Θ, without the Ink of Tears.  
The next day after, all the Precedents and judges appeared before Apollo, who caused Sallust Crispus, chief Notary of the Collaterals, to minister the oath unto them, which was, That they should faithfully leave the world as they found it, and not alter any of the ancient Privileges.  
After the Oath thus ministered, the said Sallust took aside the Governor of Libethrum, a Favourite of his, and gave him these admonitions. First, to begin his Government with a kind of carelessness, and to continue it with diligence by degrees, entering in as a Lamb, and playing the Lion towards the end, but always generously inclined, remembering that Principle of Cornelius Tacitus, Acribus initiis incurioso fi●e.  
Secondly, that in all causes between the Common people he should do most exact justice without exception of persons: but in suits arising among the Nobler sort he should mingle with the rigour of justice the dexterity of a wary judgement, remembering always, that the accusations of great persons were so odious to Princes that they laid upon Officers Gowns an aspersion, like the tainting spots of corrupted Oil which could never be washed away with the purest soap of innocence. Therefore among those great spirited men, a judge had need with the sword of justice, to employ like a wise Fencer, the target of a nimble wit and a cautelous care, that neither of the one side nor of the other, he be exclaimed upon for any distasteful order. For Princes having cause to use their help for counsel, force, or purses, they desire to hold them well satisfied. And therefore in controversies falling out among them, a judge had need to learn some easy way to draw out rotten teeth, and with the hand of dexterity to fill up the place with the finest Cotten wool.  
Thirdly, a judge must enforce himself to know all things, but not to execute all which he knows. Omnia scire non omnia exequi. For to attempt needless and brabbling matters, were to go about to set strait the leg of a Dog, or to lose his brain in the Alchemy of Fools. And in this corrupt Age it is good counsel for an Officer to tolerate in people some stale disorder, then with any ill satisfaction to the generality to torment himself to seek to bring in that, which he cannot execute without commotions and heart-burnings.  
Fourthly, that with other judges and officers subject to the same Prince, he should not contend nor contest for matter of pre-eminence or right, nor look to be his own Carver, or to right himself in his Court by using any strict course with inferior officers for matters of prerogative of Courts, but either to acquaint the Prince himself, or to wink at the affront, if another Court seems to justify the subject, or else to take in hand the weapons of a gowned man, the pen. But if the judge's authority stretch to the Confines of another Prince, he must not seek differences, nor avoid them. But if they proceed from Soldiers or Pirates, he must defend his Borders and jurisdiction with Arms. Yet so, that towards all prince's subjects in league and amity with his Prince, he behave himself as temperately regardful, as zealously affected to his own Prince's honour.  
Fiftly, that in some occasions he prefer the public peace of his government before that strictness of justice, which is mentioned in Books.  
Sixtly, that for any impertinent thing, which he sees or hears, which be not extraordinarily altered in mind or countenance; and that if he cannot do this, yet that he refrain himself from speaking of it, and in any case to beware that he deliberate not, nor study for revenge or reformation in heat or anger, but in cold blood after a long times delay.  
Seventhly, that in supreme and weighty matters he take heed of making any show of undaunted, of a fiery, and resolved mind, but rather that he content himself to hunt Wasps and Hornets out of their holes, with the hand of the Prince armed with the gauntlet of a higher authority; for although an Officer finds that he hath ability and power enough to execute a greater enterprise, yet for fear of emulation in Court, or some casual block in his way, which the wisest man could not foresee, oftentimes it is not expedient to put in execution all that which his authority might warrant him.  
Eightly, that he deal in all ordinary matters concerning ordinary men, entering into strict friendship with no man residing within the precincts of his command, but to beware of that wresting and wiredrawing occasions, which might reach unto the hatred and hindrance of another, and to avoid domestical familiarity, which causeth contempt. Only let him use that decent gravity which may procure respect and an awful love. But in any case, that he shun the conversation of base and riotous persons, and that he keep company for the most with men of his own rank, yet so, that he make not any man so endeared and so bosom a friend unto him, who might afterwards by prying into his dealings, and diving into his secrets, turn to be his capital enemy. For sometimes contemptible persons, not suspected for craft, may in the twinkling of an eye, of low and earth creeping mushrooms, become tall Cedars at least in their own overweening conceit.  
Ninthly, that he force his noble nature to endure the stinking pride of Lawyers, although most odious to God and all good men, and to bear with their impertinent discourses, and wrangling bawling, who take upon them to become Lambs at home and Lions abroad, only to maintain the glory and reputation of the Bench, but commonly it is to fill their own purses with the ruins and spoils of honester men than themselves. Wherein I wish him to remember that golden saying of Tacitus, that it is a most profitable, as also most pithy in the choice and free will of Good and Evil things to consider, what thou thyself wouldst or wouldst not endure under another Governor or judge's power, Vtilissimus idem, ac●●r●uissimus bonarum malarumque rerum delectus, cogitare, quid volueris sub alio Principe, aut nolueris.  
Tenth, that he take heed with great circumspection he fall not into the other extremity in seeking to avoid the defect of his predecessor, as a certain Prince very heedlessly did, who perceiving that wise men fou●d fault with the late Prince for too much lenity, turned an odious Tyrant. The golden Mean is ever best.  
Eleventh, that with extraordinary severity he take more care to bridle the disorders of his own house, than the seditions of the common people; for the immodest and uncivil carriage of a Magistrates domestic gentlemen, whom some call Countrey-Courtiers, is a far greater blemish and scandal to their Master, than the brutish insolence of rude Clowns and ill-bred Swains.  
twelfth, that he hate, as the horror of Hell, all kind of forestalling and engrossing of commodities, and that he account as the Capital enemy of his reputation such detestable gains. But specially, that devilish gain, which is in these days much practised, and one of the chief causes of our Creator's anger towards many States, by the sale of Offices. A most perilous Charybdis, a rock so dangerous in the Sea of worldly business, that justice being fled back into Heaven, these petty Chapmen, who never dream of another world but this earthly one, turn all things topsie turuy to make themselves saviours for their dear-bought places. Whereas a noble spirit should firmly believe, that the Merchandise of a Christian is ingenuous simplicity and plain dealing, and being honestly called to bear office in his country, than his richest lucre worthy of an honourable Officer is to ingulfe himself in the Trade of honour and uprightness of justice, which being by the trumpet of Fame blown into his Prince's ears in a short time, God inspiring the heart of the Prince, he shall be preferred from Office to Office, until he arrive to a contented fortune correspondent to his Heroical worth and magnanimous mind.  
Thirteenth, that perpetually he have his eyes fix● on his under-iudges hands, and that he look as narrowly to them, as if he held a biting serpent in his own hand, that injustice being a very dangerous member which hazards his credit by the Devil's temptations to blur his master's honour by playing the base Mechanic in the sacred seat of justice.. And because no judge receives bribes but sinisterly by his wise, servant, or without witness, saving the party himself, his supreme judge or Prince ought to proclaim rewards to the discoverers, and upon the least evidence to remove such thieves of the Deity; seeing that justice is one of the prime Divine Attributes.  
Fourteenth, that he accommodate his Genius & Nature to the nature of his provincials, showing himself mild to the peaceable, and severe to the seditious. And to take special care to weed out idle persons; if they refuse convenient labour, which he ought to see them put unto; and if any Drones be found with honey, to examine them from whose hive they stole the same.  
Fifteenth, that to the end his Prince may conceive well of his worth, he acquaint not his highness with slight occurrences, nor trifling matters, which fall out in his government. Nor yet must he refrain to certify unto him all the most important affairs, chiefly, all projects tending to his honour or profit.  
Sixteenth, that he believe how the penalties and punishments in the power of a wary judge, consists more in threats then in inflicting of them, & that he never forget this lesson: How Officers govern men full of a thousand imperfections, subject to infinite errors, how they are not Angels of Heaven which cannot sin; and therefore in his government he affects more the report of a sweet natured judge, like his Creator, who bearing with our trespasses, Si quoties peecant homines, toties sua fulmina mittat, and not the repute of a tyrannising Minister.  
Seventeenth, that he frequent not Revels, Dances, or any public Feasts, mournful spectacles, and tragical in the end to wise Officers, as instruments, which vilify his fame, and bring his personal presence into contempt among the vulgar, and might bring his gravity into question among his equals.  
Eighteenth, that he know how the shameful acts of the Nobles and principal Gentlemen do wax more cruel against them, which debase themselves to commit them, without touching or blemishing the general reputes of their honourable families.  
Ninteenth, that he held it for a thing certain, that it is better to dissemble and wink at some common infirmities and frailties, then to show himself earnest to punish them, it not being the resolution of a wary man to enter into that naughty passage, out of the which he otherwise knows, that the horse cannot draw forth his feet.  
Twentieth, that he vary not in opinion with his equals in office or under Officers, but upon extremity, knowing that his Prince had rather he should use dexterity and nimbleness of wit in such actions, then rigorous justice..  
Twenty one, that with a pleasing sagacity he let the world see, how he had found all such as inhabit in his jurisdiction rather good people, then by any rigorous proceedings of his that he made them good, because whosoever glories and vaunts that he hath hanged and punished so many malefactors during the time of his office, he triumphs in their infamy and shame, which cannot redound to his honour, nor to that discreet carriage, which is required in a well foreseen Governor.   

CHAP. 2.  
The most Illustrious Monarchies resident at Parnassus, demand by what means the Venetian Lady got such exact obedience and exquisite secrecy of her Nobility, whereof she gives them convenient satisfaction.  
THe Monarchies of Great Britain, Prance, Spain and Polonia, wondering that the Venetians had gotten the start and fame for their gift of Secrecy, and that the Spanish Monarchy could by no cunning intelligences, nor rich pensions corrupt any of their Parliament house, called the Pregadi, never as yet to disclose any of their privy council, they went with one consent to the Palace of the Venetian Lady, earnestly importuning her to discover unto them by what means or policy of State she had arrived to that happiness, as to obtain such Secrecy and rare Obedience in so many mouths and hearts, which they could scarce meet withal in one or two of their trustiest servants. To this the Lady answered, that she had alured and won her Nobility to this virtue of Secrecy, with rewards and hopes of promotion, and for the crime of disobedience she scared them with punishment.  
To which the abovenamed Monarchies replied, that they also wrought and used the same means, but could never as yet obtain that wonderful effect and rare end. Then said the Lady that happened, because in comparison of those rewards, which are conferred upon well-deserving persons in a Commonwealth rightly ordered, the rewards of Monarchies were poor, and punishments more sparing. Whereto the Monarchies made answer, that with them it was clean contrary, and that the rewards of Free-States, to be paralleled with the wasteful liberality, which great Kings extended towards their Ministers, was but beggary. For they never heard, the Venetians had been so liberal as to recompense any of their Senator's service and fidelity with preferring them to be owners of Cities, Towns, Castles, Lieutenantships, or Lands in Fee, as Kings have diverse times advanced their Subjects unto: And that the greatest reward, which the Venetians accustomed to bestow at any time upon their Senators, was to prefer them to some Offices, which they were forced to labour hard for, and to pass many base and inferior Offices by degrees and steps, even from their youth up, before they could arrive to any supreme place of command or profit. Besides that, the most part of their Offices were rather hindrances than gainful: only they carried a colour of some reputation to them that knew no better, nor saw the glory and pomps of Monarchies.  
And for punishments, without any comparisons, those were far more terrible and cruel, which proceeded from the resolved will of a Prince incensed for some grievous cause, than the punishments of the Venetian Senate against any of their Senators, which ordinarily were more slow and wary, than sudden and quick. And that there was a great difference in proportion between a Prince, which judged his v●ssall, and a Senator which by his suffrage and voice punished his equal, his friend, and kinsman: That the Venetians knew not but banishment, and one kind of cruel punishment, called, Iltremendo Canal Orfano, to sow up their Traitors in a Sack, and to drown them in their Lake, which they seldom do but in desperate cases: Whereas in Monarchies, the judges sentenced some to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, some to be burnt, some to be racked and tortured, a thing common in Spain, practised under pretext of heresy towards other Prince's subjects; and if any of their Nobility were condemned for high Treason, they escaped not the axe, the kindest favour England affords to offenders, saving one only example in the Chronicles, of Queen Anne Bullen, for her greater grace and honour was beheaded with the sword of Calais.  
At these speeches the Venetian Dame smiled, and said, that in stead of those rewards of Honour and Estates in Fee, which Monarches bestowed upon their well-deserving Creatures, she also requited her best and wisest Nobles with places of great authority and command, with most absolute power and dominion; One with the Noble Kingdom of Crect or Candy; others with Corfu, and other Lands subject to her State: Some she preferred to be her Viceroys in Dalmatia and Istria; some she appointed Governors of her neighbouring Territories on the Continent, of Nova Palma, Forum julij, Harca Trevisano, Milan, Vincenza, Verona, Brescia, Bergamo, Crema on the Frontiers of Milan, and the rest of her Nobility she reserved perhaps to their far greater contentment in the Senate-house at home in Venice, which might be termed the Majestical Miracle of Cities. So that her Nobles might better be called Kings and great Princes, than private Gentlemen or Subjects, who in all affairs of moment, having every one a special interest, must needs be faithful to their own selves; whereas the servants of Princes were faithful unto them not as sons but as vassals. And the fear, which frights our Nobles of Venice from selling the Secrets of the State, to foreign Princes ariseth from this infinite disparity and disproportion, that is betwixt that which is lost with treachery, and that which is gained with fidelity; betwixt that remorse of conscience, which a Subject feels for betraying his Prince, and the fear which a Senator is possessed with for proving disloyal to a Free-State. There is great difference in the love of a Freeborn Senator, and the love of a cringing vassal, howsoever he be gilded with the bare title of a Nobleman. What will it then boot one of our Senators to bewray the secrets of our State to his own hindrance and perpetual dishonour? Finally, the Venetian Dame told them, that the rewards which Princes conferred upon their Counsellors and Secretaries, occasioned oftentimes pernicious effects clean contrary to their Master's meaning which trusted them; because those rewards so given not only cooled them in their good service, specially at that time, when they had no more, than they might hope for of him for their cares and pains: but the good will of the Prince being commonly mutable, and subject to change and novelty, the treacherous machinations and emulations of some Courtiers being frequent and rife, it sometimes falls out that the Ministers to assure themselves of their places and high commands, which they purchased by their honourable deserts, or perhaps by the help of their purses, or by other means, suspecting a removal from their Offices, or some disasters by their adversaries, they prove underhand false, and to make up their market, or perhaps to make themselves saviours; if they bought their places, they fell their Prince's secrets, and may be afterwards tempted to do him a worse mischief. But such is the ardent affection, which kindles in the hearts of all our Venetian Nobles, that they will hazard to live with poverty, shame, and disdain at home, than to be hired abroad by strange Princes, or to betray their native Country by revealing any secrets which might redound to the common hindrance: so that I may rightly liken a Nobleman of Venice to a Fish, which being bred in that Lake in the water of liberty, knows not how to live abroad out of Venice in the element of servitude.   

CHAP. 3.  
The Roman Monarchy demanding of Cornelius Tacitus the resolution of a Political Question, receives full satisfaction of the Shepherd Meliboeus, who casually was there present.  
THE ancient Roman Monarchy ever since she was ransacked by the Goths, Vandals, and other Northern Barbarians, lived near this Court under colour of going a hunting continually disguised for the same purpose the other day repaired to Cornelius Tacitus, who for his recreation had retired himself out of Parnassus into the Country. To whom she said, that she came unto him purposely to be resolved of one main doubt, which troubled her mind continually, the which she had imparted to many Politicians, but could never as yet be satisfied by any of them, and therefore she repaired to him, as to the prime and grand Statesman of all others. The matter which thus perplexed her was to know why the Kingdoms of Greece, Asia, Egypt, France, Britain, Spain, and the Commonwealth of Carthage, with many other great Provinces, before they became united to the State of Rome, were of themselves powerfull-enough and formidable, but being sithence subjected and united together in her proper person, they miss with all their forces to make her strong and durable. To this Cornelius Tacitus answered, that this was a difficult Question, and could not suddenly be resolved, but the next day after some pause and study he would return thither with his best resolution. The Monarchesse rested very well satisfied, and as she was ready to licence his departure, Meliboeus that famous Shepherd recorded by the Poets, who that morning had brought to Tacitus a present of fresh cheese and cream, and a couple of dainty cheeses, and stood all the while attentively listening to this Question, seeing them now ready to take their leave, he interrupted them, desiring Tacitus not to depart, for he would instantly without any study give the Lady sufficient satisfaction. The Lady and Tacitus laughed very heartily, and bade him not to beat his brain about such deep matters, but to go home and look to his sheep. Meliboeus replied very earnestly, that no Race among mortal men could better discourse of true and solid State-business than Shepherds; and that Princes should be most happy, if in governing their Subjects, they could imitate Shepherds in charity: And so should the people be, if they could obey their Prince, as sheep did their shepherd.  
The Monarchesse and Tacitus confounded with marvel at the sudden and extemporary words of the Shepherd, willed him freely to utter his resolution. Whereupon Meli●oeus began in this manner: Most mighty Princess, I am (as my Virgil well knows) his Mantuan Shepherd, and it were a great shame to these silver hairs, which you see on my head and chin, if I were not exactly experienced in my own occupation; I say then, that in so many years which I have spent in governing sheep, I have gotten this knowledge, that the greatness and power of a Shepherd doth not consist (as many ambitious and conetous men believe) in possessing of thousands of sheep, but that he be owner of so many sheep only, as a good Shepherd can watch with his eye, govern with his rod, and rule with his whistle. And the reason is clear, for in too small a number of sheep we see Shepherds poor, because their great poverty compels them with too much severity to milk their flock, and too often to shear them. In a moderate and mean number, where the true perfection lies, Shepherds become always wealthy and happy; whereas in the excess and overabounding number of sheep, by reason of the difficult and hard means to govern them, being thus from the golden rule of proportion so far remote, and indeed beyond the power of one man, they cannot choose but incur manifest danger. Whence it comes to pass, that the miserable sheep of his flock being too many in number, by the covetousness and carelessness of him, that undertakes to govern them, do pine away at first, and at last they dye of mere necessity and want. How is it possible, but that confusion should happen, where multitudes abound out of the Owners view and reaches: For it is the Masters own eye, which fattens and makes his flock to thrive. Right happy were many great Potentates and States, if our Creator had bestowed on them the property of Camels to bow and kneel down to the ground for the receiving of the burden of Governments, and had the discreet moderation to set meres and bounds unto their ambitious minds by rising and standing up (as is the manner of those beasts) when they feel themselves reasonably well laden; and to receive no heavier charge on their shoulders, though stronger than Atals, at such time as they know themselves sufficiently charged with states proportioned according to their abilities in true wisdom and prudence.  
There are passed now 1626. years, since I became a Shepherd in Arcadia, and ever since my coming and being here, I have contented myself with five hundred sheep in my flock, which have yearly yielded me five hundred Crowns, which is more than sufficient for my own maintenance, and my families. And this most fortunate gain is so sure unto me, that I am respected of all men in Arcadia, and reputed for the best Shepherd in all the Country. Yea, the wisest in Parnassus do hold me to be a happier man than Alexander the Great, who was not ashamed to wish for more worlds to conquer. That Shepherd, whose ambition provokes him to keep many flocks in hope of gain is much deceived, for where his own eye cannot oversee, he must needs commit the charge of them to others, commonly, to Louts, Knaves, thieves, and Villains, who as people borne altogether for their bellies, and other carnal and worldly pleasures, will not only shear but slay their Master's flocks. Besides, who knows not whether he must sometime or other undergo a greater charge than all his Flocks amount unto in warlike provisions and garrisons to defend them from Pirates and wild Tartars, or from his malicious neighbours?  
For example, I will instance in my neighbour Menalcas, who being my capital enemy, and bearing great envy and emulation in seeing me prosper with my five hundred sheep above him and others, and verily believing, that he should supplant me, if he could enjoy more flocks than I kept, not content with the like number of sheep as he formerly possessed equal unto me, but thinking to make himself absolute Monarch of all other Pastors in Arcadia, he took up money at use, and at the extremest interest, sold the greatest part of his Patrimony, and having got together a large mass of money, sent into England, Spain, and to strange Countries, where he understood the fairest wolled sheep were, and with excessive cost transported them hither, and made three several flocks of five hundred in each flock. But it fortuned so, that those sheep being foreign, and not acquainted with the language and whistels of our Shepherds, nor with our kind of pasture, they straggled here and there into unknown places. Whereupon Menalcas was forced to substitute Deputy Shepherds and many Dogs to look unto them and to fetch them in. But such was the natural hatreed of the sheep towards the Dogs, and the implacable moodiness which they conceived to be continually hurried up and down, that they fell into an inward conceit of languor and despair, and so into flat disobedience to abhor both their Shepherds and the Dogs, insomuch that when they were to be milked and shorn, they hid themselves in woods and deserts. And then it was known throughout all Arcadia▪ that Despair and strange usage can turn Coneys into Lions. Yea, it was sound, that at that time the Spanish sheep, which Menalcas had brought thither, proved so raving mad, that they attempto bite their Shepherds. Menalcas thus perplexed for the loss and escape of so many sheep, hired out of Spain and Swizzerland, the valiantest Dogs he could have for money, which considering the infinite charge he sustained in conducting them into Arcadia, and the nature of these Dogs being continually accustomed to hunt these sheep, they came at last, what for want of their due allowance, and what of a wanton and greedy disposition, they turned like Wolves, and preyed so long upon these silly sheep, that the rest which were left alive pined away with grief, rather to endure such continual hurrying and troubles under strange Pastors and ravenous Dogs.  
Poor Menalcas upon the report of this tragical event became the byword and subject of laughter to all Arcadia for this his ambitious enterprise; and was pointed at with the more fingers, even of very boys, when afterwards he was fain to turn a petty merchant of skins, the unlucky relics of a lamentable charge, and the presaging tokens of his own Funerals; for indeed the man's heartstrings broke of very sorrow and melancholy, leaving his house, that sometimes flourished among the best of us in Arcadia, now desolate and most miserable.   

CHAP. 4.  
Many people having wasted their means by gluttonous feasts, prodigal fare, and pompous apparel, for the moderating of such lavish expenses do desire a Statute of their Princes, but they miss of their purpose.  
SOme Nations subjects to certain Princes which are resident here at Parnassus, having tried, that superfluity of belly-cheer, excess of drinking, and the vanities of apparel and new-fangled fashions, are now a days besides the wrath of their Creator justly incurred for the breach of these vows, which were undertaken for them at their Baptism, many men were transformed into Swinish qualities, to their healths impair, the ruin of their estates, and soul's danger. And for their outside, they garnished themselves like peacocks, so gay and trim, that no patrimony how rich soever, can now supply the ambition of men, nor the vanities of women; & that they also observing in these proud times, how this excess proceeds yet further, that all the portion which is left unto young Gentlewomen, whom civil modesty heretofore was wont to be their chiefest ornament, how great soever the same might be, did not now suffice to buy them Carcanets and jewels, and embroidered petticoats, so that Fathers are not able to marry them according to their rank; and to match them with thrifty persons were almost impossible, for having known them for such vain creatures, they will not be troubled with their company, and to let them run headlong according to their unbridled fancies, they must either marry with unthrifts, like themselves, or live unmarried, to the hazard of their chastities: so that except some Law be enacted for the curbing of this excess, they may well be said to hold the Wolf by the ears.  
Upon these considerations, fearing their utter overthrow, with one consent they presented their supplications to their Princes, who seemed very glad to entertain their motion so much tending to the public good, and like good Politicians knowing how profitable it is to strike the iron while it is hot, & at that time to publish a Law, when the subjects themselves become suitors for it, must needs fall out very luckily, & with good fruit in the effect, they out of hand, while their subjects were in this humour of thirft, joined together to cut off all superfluous customs in feasts and drink, and all new fashions of attires, tying themselves to one fashion only, not to be altered for many years, allowing what is decent and comely to every several vocation.  
But the Evening before this most laudable Statute was to be signed and published, accidentally it came to the ears of the Princes, Farmers, and Officers of the Customs and Imposts, who being likewise backed and whetted on by the Mercers, Vintners, Grocers and other Tradesmen which lived upon the spoil of the richer sort, they repaired in all haste to their Princes, and very cunningly entreated to defaulke and abate a great part of those yearly sums which they were to pay them for such Wines, Spice, Sugars, and such other foreign commodities, as by way of Customs and Imposts, they were to receive to their use. The Princes stood confounded in their judgement, hearing speech of so great losses and defalkments, as they very craftily insinuated and pretended in Foxes habits to be most true, and although most of the stuffs were wrought in their own Countries, at least the most durable and best befitting every Nation, yet they made their Princes believe, that there came from Naples, from Genoa, from Milan, and from Spain, so many kinds of stuffs, silks, gold and silver lace, which if the Statute of thrift went currant, they could not but sustain exceeding great losses in the public Customs; whereupon the Princes sent for the Committees and Deputies of their People, and told them what their Customers had proved before them on their honest words, so that they could not hinder their own interest and profit, lest they should make themselves lean in going about to fatten them. With this answer savouring of the Prince's gain, the people departed much grieved and afflicted, and confessed all of them, that to heal any disorders with that medicine which might offend the public Customs and Imposts were desperate Cure, and incurable Cankers.   

CHAP. 5.  
Terence the Comedian being imprisoned by jason the praetor of Urbine, for keeping a Concubine, is delivered by Apollo with very great dishonour to the praetor.  
PVblius Terentius lived in a little house, but very well furnished, in the Comical quarter, with no more meni all servants about him, than Bacchis his maid & Davus his ancient attendant. And although Bacchis in the flower of her age, being then a very beautiful creature, had been graced with her Master's bed, yet now being aged, she continued in his house without scandal, and very modestly disposed, not ministering the least cause of murmuring or dislike to any of the neighbourhood. But it happened about ten days since, that jason the great Lawyer being praetor of Urbine, to get him some repute in his new Office, directed a Process under a penalty to Terence, commanding him in his Majesty's name, all excuses laid aside, immediately to put Bacchis out of his house, unless he would incur the danger of a Concubine-keeper. But Terence did not only disobey the contents of the Mandate, but other Writs of jasons' court. Whereupon the praetor forbore to send any more warrants of orders and injunctions; and yesterday without any more ado caused Terence to be apprehended and imprisoned; but with so great displeasure to Apollo, that in an extraordinary great chafe he publicly exclaimed, that by his officers, yea and that in Parnassus, men more malicious than ignorant, that wicked abuse of being quick-sighted in appearance and show, but blind in matters of substance was lately introduced and practised to the dishonour of his Court. Then commanding Terence to be discharged out of prison, he caused jason himself, for all his famous Books of the Law to be there shut up in his stead, and also to his greater affliction, appointed Philip Decius his Adversary, to be praetor in his room. Whereupon yesterday the Rod and the Standard, being the Praetorian Ensigns, were delivered to Decius, who going to Apoll●es presence his Majesty spoke these words unto him: By the correction inflicted on jason, learn to know that Reverend judges, which in the administration of justice, do more attend the true and real service of God, than by formal tricks and gibes to play upon their Inferiors, they ought first to hunt out of his own house malice and bribery, and then to chase out of other men's houses young harlots, as Thai●, before he proceeded to expel an aged Bacchis.   

CHAP. 6.  
Domitius Corbulo for certain words spoken by him during the time of his government, which savoured of Tyranny, is called in question by the Criminal Magistrates, but in the end to his greater glory dismissed.  
BEcause the City of Pyrrhus, and all that most populous Territory by the mildness and over much lenity of certain Governors, became more insolent then in former times, and full of Malefactors and perilous Factions, which disturbed the peace of the virtuous, Apollo's Majesty, to bridle with some exemplary punishment, the licentiousness of his seditious subjects, about two months passed sent into that government, the rigorous Domitius Corbulo, who in few days did so demean himself, that from a seditious State, he reduced the same to a peaceable course of living. Within a while after, it chanced, that Corbulo discoursing with some of his familiar friends, enquired of them, what conceit they had of him: they freely answered him, that the rigour and severity which he had lately used against many of the seditious, had terrified the whole City and Country, that all did hate him. At which answer, Corbulo rejoiced beyond measure, and told them again: There's no matter, Oderint dum metuant; let them hate, so they stand in fear of me. The which words were afterwards carried by some pickthanks to Apollo who taking in ill part the accusation, referred the same to his Court of criminal causes. And because by an ancient Decree published by his Majesty, it was known and declared, that whatsoever Prince legitimate, natural, and hereditary, presumed to utter such arrogant and rash words, he should incur this penalty, to be reputed a Tyrant, and if any Officer should let slip, though unawares, and by chance, any such dangerous words out of his mouth, he should be capitally punished. Corbulo was summoned to appear upon this Information before the judges, who according, came the next day to answer with all humility; where the case was throughly canvased, and while all men expected to hear some rigorous order to be taken with Corbulo, by extraordinary favour the cause was removed by a Certiorari before Apollo himself, where to all men's admiration he was pronounced clear and guiltless, and remaunded back into his government with far greater authority and grace then before. The sentence contained, that in a Prince which had the Honey of Grace in his power, those words were shameful, and expressly Tyrannical; most honourable in that Officers mouth, which had nothing in his hands but the odious sting of justice: that Prince being miraculous indeed, which causeth himself to be beloved and reverenced of his people, and that Officer most sufficient which hath the Genius and nature, to make himself to be feared and obeyed.   

CHAP. 7.  
By the promotion of Diogenes the Cynic, unto a higher place, the honourable chair of the Tranquillity of a private life being vacant, Apollo prefers the famous Philosopher Crates to that charge, who refuseth it.  
Diogenes' the Cynic, who for so many years with much fruit to the universal good, and his own infinite glory in particular had undergone the charge of commending in the Chair of the public Schools Poverty, Solitariness, and that contented quietness of mind, by whose persuasion Attalus himself the King of Treasure became of that admirable resolution to put away his riches, the easier to embrace the austere Sect of the Stoikes, which is much edified now in Parnassus, about two months past he was promoted for his singular great merits to a more sublime Dignity, even to be the Archcriticke of the sacred Muses. Whereby the noble Cynical place left vacant his Majesty bestowed it on the famous Crates, who yesterday morning went to Apollo, and contrary to all men's expectation refused to accept of this renowned Charge, freely affirming, that by the advancement of Diogenes to that late transcendent Dignity, the Chair of poverty and contentment of mind, being now become vilified and much hindered, his heart would not give him to exercise that Office with that candour, fervency, and ingenuous simplicity of mind, as the affairs of that place required: because the very first day, when he should settle himself to his mild Lectures & peaceable Meditations, of necessity he could not but be swollen with some ambition, and be possessed with the like ardent desire & glorious hope to be installed in the same or such another Dignity, as his Predecessor had obtained, who had cashired & cast out of his hart, though extraordinarily composed, that honest simplicity, which makes wise men to reason, and like a calm wind to breath with their harmless thoughts and not with the tongue, which oftentimes trips and delivers, like a clattering clapper, more noises and gall, than honeyed admonitions. To this he added, that the necessity of ambition and the violence of desire did arise and flow, not from vice but from that honourable zeal, which also Philosophers, yea, the most mortified of all others in Parnassus, do hold as the most earnest and intentive spur of their Reputation. The reason is, because when they should not receive in progress of time, the same or the like preferments at his Majesty's hands, as he had conferred upon Diogenes, the world would judge all that came to pass, not by their professed humility, nor because they with all their hearts and souls preferred the private life before public Offices, quietness before business, and poverty before riches: but because his Majesty had not found in them those abilities, worths and deserts, which he had known and found in Diogenes. Therefore Crates foreseeing these inconveniences incident to this Office, his conscience would not permit him with such a troubled mind, so subject to the violence of ambition, with any hope of doing good to read Lectures of humility, the contempt of riches, and the vanity of worldly greatness: it being a thing impossible to find any man so powerfully eloquent, which shall be able to persuade others to follow that kind of life, which the hearers know to be abhorred and misliked of the Preacher himself.   

CHAP. 8.  
A Controversy happening betwixt the Governors of Pindus and Libethrum about matters of jurisdiction: Apollo punisheth them both.  
IN the Territory of Libethrum, a heinous misdemeanure being committed, the Governor of the place pursued the Offender, that fled to a Country man's house adjoining to the Territory of Pindus, and threatened to burn the house, except he yielded his body. In the mean time the Governor of Pindus' understanding that this place was in his jurisdiction, hastened also thither. But before his arrival the Party had submitted himself prisoner to the Governor of Libethrun: whereupon he of Pindus required the prisoner as his due being taken in his Liberties: but the other claimed the place, where the prisoner was apprehended, to be in his Patent or Commission. After much debating the question and difference, both Governors not being able longer to contend in words, fell to blows, and their men so sided with their Governors, that there was much bloodshed on either part. Apollo hearing of these affronts sent for them both, and after long patience in examination of the difference, his Majesty finding that the Governor of Libethrum had proffered the first wrong in rashly disturbing the Government of his Fellow-subiect, the place appearing now to be clearly in the Government of Pindus, though before somewhat litigious, he deprived him of his Government, and declared him incapable of bearing any charge from thenceforward. And for the Governor of Pindus, whom his Majesty found to have most right to the Place and Prisoner, he condemned him for all that to the Galleys for ten years, aggravating this execution for example sake, to teach him and all other Officers, that they which serve the one and the same Prince or State, aught to defend the reasons of their jurisdictions with the Pen, and not with the Pike, reserving arms and force for strangers, which might invade their Country. A case remarkable, and to be regarded of all such Officers bearing charge on any Frontier Towns, if not of judges of Courts, who though they be subject to one Prince and the same Laws, yet for matter of jurisdiction do sometimes contend, punishing the poor Subjects for their ambition and oversights.   

CHAP. 9  
The Virtuous of Parnassus do visit the Temple of the Divine Providence, whom they humbly thank for the great Charity which his supreme Majesty from time to time hath vouchsafed to show unto Mankind.  
THis Morning according to the ancient style of this Court, the Temple of the Divine Providence was visited by all the Scholastical Princes, and learned Barons of Parnassus. And there jovianus Pontanus with an excellent prayer thanked our great Creator for the infinite charity and love he hath showed to Mankind, in creating Frogs without teeth; because it would have been an unprofitable benefit for Mankind, that this world covered with so many Heavens, full of so many Stars, had been created the chief and sovereign height of all the most delicious pleasures, and not also as abundant of things more necessary, when Gallants which should spend their time in defending themselves and us from the bitings of such fastidious and importunate creatures, were like to walk with an insupportable impediment of iron boots: whereas now against such troublesome vermin, which have no hurt in them saving their croaking noise, a rampart of a good pair of ears sufficeth, which will not care for that ill-pleasing noise, which they know to be without danger.   

CHAP. 10.  
A Contention happening between many Learned men, which might be the most notable Politic Law, or most excellent Custom worthy of commendation in the flourishing State of Venice, the same is finally decided and determined by the Venetian State herself, to whose arbitrement the Question is referred by their general consent.  
Worthy of Record is that virtuous Contention, which about six days past arose betwixt certain Learned men of this State; who while they discoursed of the notable orders, the most excellent Laws, and other mostrare Decrees, which maintained the famous Commonwealth of Venice in such height of greatness, they fell into sundry opinions, which of them ought to bear away the victory. And because every one of them did obstinately defend his own opinion as the best, to the end so great a difference should be decided without commotion of mind or passion, they unanimously agreed upon this resolution, to appear all of them before the State herself, to whom they should first declare their several reasons, and that she should afterwards adjudge which of them had aimed next unto the mark. This they made known unto the Sovereign Lady, who graciously undertook to give that satisfaction which they expected.  
Petrus Crinitus then was the first, who said, that it being a most assured rule, that all things whatsoever subsist under the Moon, do spring at first and then grow, and waxing old at last they fail: it seemed a thing unto him worthy of admiration, that the Venetian State alone did notwithstanding her years become more youthful and fresh every day than other, and that those Laws, Orders, and Decrees, which in other Principalities after long forbearing of their execution, were at length utterly forgotten, did only in Venice so flourish with severity, with greater observance, and exacter diligence, working that efficacy and benefit, that in this Commonwealth no such reformation, nor innovation ever happened, as heretofore we read have chanced with infinite tumults and hurliburlies in the ancient Roman State, and now of late in the Florentine Commonwealth; it being a peculiar virtue unto the Venetian Senate, perpetually to preserve their flourishing liberty, with a severe execution of their ancient Laws; whereby none of those defaults ever happened in this State, which other Potentates and Free States could no way shun for all their exquisite care and diligence, but that they fell into such careless negligence, that they lost both their liberty and lives. Therefore not without good cause he dared to affirm, as a thing most certain, that the Venetian Commonwealth for their prudent care in the rigorous execution of their ancient Laws ought to continue and prosper eternally, as long as the world lasteth.  
Next spoke Angelus Politianus, that he did truly admire both what Petrus Crintus had recounted, and a thousand other orders in that most prudent Commonwealth. But the rarest thing which he observed, was how an Aristocracy, the true foundation whereof, as the most understanding Writers have delivered, was the equality of fortunes among the Nobility, could have been able to maintain itself in such peace and greatness, consisting in that disproportioned inequality of wealth, wherewith the Venetian Nobility is endowed, wherein although there were two such dangerous extremes found, as immoderate riches with some of them, and much poverty with others of the same rank in Venice, notwithstanding there appeared not that defect, which in humane probability and according to the common course of the world, the best Laws could not prohibit, that the richer sort did not trample the pooror under their feet, who though they greatly envied the condition and state of the wealthy, yet notwithstanding either by reason of their affectionate charity, which reigned in the Venetian Nobility towards the public good, or else because those infinite riches, which some of them so possessed, were not abused towards their Inferiors; both poor and rich lived modestly, peaceably, and contented in this most Fortunate Country.  
After him followed julius Caesar Scaliger, and said, that the greatest wonder in the Venetian State, which amazed the world, was that the Nobility themselves which bore sway, did not only most patiently pay the usual ancient subsidies and tallages belonging to the Exchequer, but with incredible alacrity of mind and speedy performance, they assessed on themselves other new impositions of money, which with great diligence and rigour were afterwards exacted and called for at the public Receivers hands. Yea and oftentimes in important affairs concerning the Commonwealth, before they burdened the common people with any new Customs and Taxations, they have yielded supplies out of their own purses, and that so liberally and cheerfully, that this one act of theirs deserved place before all other wonders and remarkable orders in this State, as such a one, which every man must acknowledge to be an act of that excellent quality, which renders the Venetian Commonwealth for ever glorious; for having such a Nobility so dear enamoured of their Free-State, that they more readily preferred the public interest before their own private particular.  
Then succeeded Bernardo Tasso, and said, that he had for a long time sojourned in Venice, where he marvelled at nothing more than to see the Nobility, who glutted their minds with continual pleasures, delights, and idleness, governing the affairs of the Republic with such admired virtue, that they seemed unto others to be men of an exemplary and regular life, and also Rulers borne to perpetual cares and burdens.  
After the opinion of Tasso, Francis Berni, according to his manner, with a pleasing grace, which gave good content to the most Excellent Venetian Lady, said, that the most rare and wonderful thing, which great wits ought to admire in this State, that notwithstanding the marshes and channels did abound with crabs and crevices in all places about the City, the Venetian Senators took so few of them, that of all other Nations they were reputed, and that justly, to be the Salt of the Earth.  
Next unto him, said Sabellicus, that while he wrote the Venetian History, having most diligently observed the notablest Laws and Customs of this renowned State, he wondered at nothing more, than at the Public Treasure, which careful Senators managed with so great fidelity, that among the Nobility it was held not only a capital excess, but exceeding great infamy to defile their hands with one penny of their Patron S. Marks Treasury.  
After him spoke Sannazzarius, that the strangest thing unto him was, that seeing there were many among the Noblemen of Venice poor and ill provided of the Goods of Fortune, yet nevertheless they endured with unspeakable patience all their miseries and cross fortunes, without having the least thought of affecting any of the public goods to be gotten either by engrossing of corn, or by some unequal division of lands, matters which mightily perplexed the State of Rome. And that it seemed unto him a thing worthy of commendation to see a poor Nobleman in Venice so strive and force himself only by the help of Virtue to comfort himself in his miseries, hoping in time to deserve some honourable and profitable place of employment in his Country, whereby at last it chanceth, that the virtue, valour, and bounty of the mind do serve an impoverished Nobleman of this State in stead of a wealthy Patrimony.  
jovianus Pontanus said, that they which passed were great marvels, but in his opinion this surpassed all things in the Venetian State, that the huge estates and infinite wealth of some Noble persons wrought not those pernicious effects to puff them up with vainglory and pride, as have been noted in many other commonwealth. And that it was a most laudable custom to see these Rich Senators possessing Princely Treasures live very privately at home, and to show themselves abroad little differing from ordinary people. Whereby all men may conceive, that the Venetians only do know the true way and mean to distinguish and sever from great riches those inconveniences of Ambition, Pride, and Popularity, which the famous Roman State never knew, or could not hinder in Pompey, Caesar, and many other powerful Senators.  
Assoon as Pontanus had ended his discourse, Hannibal Caro said, that above all other wonders he thought it a matter worthy of greatest admiration, to observe the quality of the Duke of Venice, followed with obedience and reverence, with Regal Authority, with a great command: And for all that to see his Royalty and Princely sway moderated with a set Rule, and the power of his will joined with modesty were tempers unknown to the prudent Lawgivers of ancient times, and a kind of wisdom luckily practised among the Venetians.  
Bartholomew Cavalcanti, after him told his opinion, that as Pontanus had intimated, it was strange indeed, that their Senators wealth and great Estates did not cause some of them to be puffed with ambition: But it was a more strange thing to see that such were the Orders of this Famous State, such the sacred Laws of this everlasting Commonwealth, that the high places and supreme governments, which some of their Senators enjoyed as precedents in remoter Countries subject unto their Dominion, did not sometime or other prick them with ambition to rebel and usurp. And at that time when he lay there at Venice, he wondered not at the great Treasure of Saint Mark, nor at the Arsenal, nor at the Grand Canal, with the proud Palaces of the Cornaria, the Grimani, the Foscari, and other magnificent edifices built with such Royal expenses in this renowned City being miraculous things in the sight of ordinary persons. But far more miraculous in his conceit was, that he saw the Noble Signior Sebastian Venieri, a little after he had returned to Venice from that memorable victory at Sea, which he had gotten being General against the Turks, live retired at his private house, and when he walked abroad to the market place, he differed in nothing from these Senators, who had stayed behind at Venice, but went very plain and simple in apparel. And surely it is a most singular Custom, which they have, that their Nobility can use that civility and modesty in their own City, and being employed abroad in matters of import and of high command, that they can suddenly transform themselves into most costly garments, with such magnificence, and Princely liberality, to let the world know them for no Citizens of an ordinary State, but for men borne for great erterprises and for bra●e Commanders, as if they were subjects descended from Royal blood; and also to make themselves famous unto all other Nations by thus accommodating their affections and spirits to the nature of the place, and framing themselves as well to modesty, civility, and thrift at home, as to pompuous authority abroad. A thing so true, that whereas other States for the reputation and countenance of public Magistrates are wont to recommend to their Governors, that they maintain the Majesty of their sovereign places, with magnificence and stately comportments both of courage and gorgeous apparel. The Venetian State on the contrary have enacted Statutes to forbid any of their Citizens, which supply Offices or charge under them in any of their Territories to grace their presence with glorious shows, or to wear any costly suits of apparel. So great a care have those politic Senators of their City's thrift and prosperity.  
This spoke Cavalcanti, when Flavio Biondo said, that when he was at Venice, he became much astonished to find in a pure Aristocracy, that the Citizens and Common people lived with such contentment in this fortunate country, that in many years of his abode there, he could never learn, whether the public State were better beloved and respected of the Nobility which commanded them, or of the common people which obeyed.  
Next to him spoke Paulus jovius, that not only unto himself, but also unto many great Princes, with whom he oftentimes had conference, touching the wonders of Venice, it seemed a thing of great moment that the Senate of this most famous Republic, did altogether bend their endeavours unto Peace, and to no other end at all, withal their vigilancy and care, not studying to make perpetual preparations for the wars, as others did, whereupon they all concluded, that in this flourishing State alone, a man might find the Lady Peace armed withal exquisite appurtenances.  
After ●ovius ensued john Boccace, who said, that the true salt, which preserved the Venetian State from the purrefaction and corruption of abuses, was the sovereign Queen of all Laws, that most excellent Order, so inviolably observed of her, that for the advancing of a Senator to a higher place, not the glory of his Riches, not the merits of his Father, or Ancestors, nor the multitude of his Tenants or Friends, nor the favour of great persons, but his own worth and naked virtue were had in most consideration. From whence it comes to pass, that in Venice the vicious and ignorant Nobles were only accounted a number, as cyphers in Arithm●●ke, while the Virtuous alone, and the best deserving subject, bore the chief sway, detur Digniori, with that prudent care and circumspection, as is known unto all the world.  
But Leonardus Aretinus after he had extolled the opinion of Boccace, added, that the excellent usage of the Venetian State, in not granting to their Nobility, the charge and Offices at the first jump, but by degrees, was the true solid foundation, whereon their Greatness consisted most firmly built, & withal the eternity of their Liberty. For this is one of their most admired Precepts, That every Nobleman whatsoever, before he mount up into the highest Dignity, must from his youth upwards be forced, like an enfranchised Townsman, to begin from the lowest Offices, and not leaping wise and suddenly. A most safe Custom, as that, which justly distributed this important effect of upholding the true and substantial equality among the Nobility of an Aristocracy, which gives long life to a free State, because according to the certain and understanding policy of true government, the equality of goods made not Senators equal in a Commonwealth, but that all the Nobles should be first compelled to walk fair and softly to the most eminent places of command from the inferior steps, which I have formerly showed. The which if the Roman Empire had practised, it had not shortened the life of their liberty, nor wrought those dangerous and fatal infirmities of tyrannies and tumults. Their gross abuses in affording the Consular authority and the charge of armies unto Pompey, the Caesars, and to other wealthy and powerful Citizens in their green and unsettled youth, was no other than as if they had chosen some of the Blood-royal in a Monarchy, as Lords and Patrons of their liberty, rather than Senators of a well ordered Commonwealth. By which unwitting error all men may note, that the freedom of Rome got her mortal wound and utter desolation.  
Albeit that the most excellent Lady of the State of Venice gave apparent signs, that she seemed well contented with the opinion of Aretine, she commanded notwithstanding th●● her Virtuous Statesmen, who advanced themselves forwards, to proceed with their opinions. And then Benedict Varchi thus began: My Florentine State, which never knew the way of good fortune to bring in among her Noble Families, that Peace, Union, and mutual love, which makes the liberty of a Commonwealth everlastingly durable, in the end fell into the infirmity of servitude, puts me now in a great amazement, and I think it may surpass all other marvels in this State, when I consider with deliberation, that a Nobleman of Venice, although most grievously offended for the life of his sons, and for his own proper person, enforced more with a fervent charity towards the freedom of his Country, then terrified with the severity of Magistrates, had learned that difficult lesson of resolution, to forgive at the instant the wrong which he had received at his Adversary's hands, and that with a free heart. A resolution worthy of remembrance, and by so much the more wonderful by how much it is clearly observed, that a Nobleman of Venice refers the revenge of all received injuries into the Senate's hand with all willingness of mind, the which sensual and brutish men, yea & many of the wiser sort without the length time and much struggling of nature cannot yield unto God, to whom vengeance belongeth, and from whom we must all acknowledge our lives, living, and liberty to proceed. This Varchi spoke, when Lodovico Dulce began the delivery of his Opinion, that if that were true, which all confessed, that the rarest and most prized greatness that might be considered in a Prince, was to disarm with facility and without danger one of his warlike Generals, and to receive of him exact and conformable obedience, for all that that this General did aforehand know, and long before his return, how his Prince grew in suspicion of his loyalty, or in dislike of his service: Then this custom usual in the state of Venice, deserved more to be wondered at then any other, to be able to disarm with great ease, their Generals and Admirals at Sea. Yea, and at such time when they understood how the Senate was earnestly bend to punish them at their return, notwithstanding that they found themselves very strong, beloved of their soldiers, and powerful enough to offend the State, or to defend themselves from shame, it always fell out, that as soon as ever they were sent for, they readily and presently obeyed, voluntarily they resigned over their charge, and public command, and withal speed hastened to Venice, to be sentenced by their friends and Citizens, though with Capital punishment, which they willingly endured, rather than to hazard the loss of their Country by unnatural innovations, and civil wars. So dear unto them is the care of the Common safety.  
The most excellent Venetian Lady, who without answering any thing to the Virtuous abovenamed had attentively heard all these commendable Orders and admirable Prerogatives said to Dulce, that the matter which he related, was indeed of great consequence, yet not so rare, but that the Ottoman Emperors likewise participated of the like benefit. Howbeit nevertheless, there was one singular Prerogative, which she most exactly possessed, and wherein she excelled all other Principalities, as well of the ancient, as present times, whereto she acknowledged and ascribed all her Greatness, the which as yet she did not hear any of them as much as touch.  
Then spoke Hieronymus Mercurialis, that while he read the Physic Lecture at the University of Milan, he knew some of the Plebeian and common sort at Venice, that went in their Gundoloes to disport themselves upon the water with some young Courtesans, according to their common custom, and there being mightily misused by certain young Noblemen, whom they casually met, it chanced that these Plebeians slew one of them in the affray. For which offence upon complaint made by the party's friends, the Plebeians were sent for by the judges, who although they knew the power of the Law to be in the hands of the Nobility, whom they had offended, never fled, but trusting in the uprightness and integrity of the Senate and Magistrates, they doubted not to appear before them, and to yield themselves prisoners. Neither did their hopes fail them, for upon consideration of the cause given in evidence for their defence, how they were provoked first by those young Noblemen, they were enlarged and pronounced innocent to the honour of the Venetians uncorrupted justice: so that neither powerful parentage, greatness of friends, nor abundance of wealth can blind and divert the judges of Venice to wrong any man.  
Last of all, these virtuous Statesmen spoke the most learned Hermolaus Barbarus, that in a free State Tyranny begins then to usurp and work, when the most weighty secrets concerning the general good of the Commonwealth, are communicated to a few Senators. And for this cause the most Sovereign Lady of Venice, to avoid shipwreake on that dangerous rocky shelf, imparted her Secrets, and deliberated the designs and pragmatickes of greatest import, wherein her state was interessed in her highest Court of Magistracy or Parliament of the Pregadi, a number consisting of two hundred and fifty Senators and upwards; and to him it appeared to be a miraculous thing, how the Venetian State could find among so great a number of Senators that Secrecy, which many great Potentates for all their exquisite diligence and large entertainment of gifts and rewards, had bootless sought in one only Secrtarie, or in a couple of Counsellors of State.  
At these words, the most excellent Venetian Lady laid her hand on the shoulders of Barbarus, and pronounced this verdict: Now thou hast hit the nail on the head, and named that most precious jewel, wherein I most glory, and prise myself above all other States, and for which indeed I ought to be justly emulated and envied at, seeing that nothing else appertains for the true government and managing of State-business, more necessary than Secracie.   

CHAP. 11.  
The Doctors of the Chair having admitted into their University some famous Poetical Ladies, Apollo commands them to be dismissed home to their Families.  
THe famous Doctors of the Chair, about a few months past, admitted the most virtuous Ladies Victoria Colonna, Laura Terracina, and other learned Poetical Ladies of Parnassus into their Academical Corporation, where they used times to resort to their public exercises. But it chanced so that many Scholars enamoured with the beauty of these Ladies, did not only flock oftener than they were accustomed, into the Schools, whensoever they understood that these Ladies repaired thither, but also consumed their precious time and wits in composing of amorous Sonnets, which they dedicated unto these Ladies, as if they were Goddesses, with such rare conceits and lofty tunes, as eclipsed the glory of the Muses themselves. At length the savour of these Sonnets, though fragrant and sweet in the Scholar's apprehensions, offended Apollo's divine nostrils worse than the stink of a Blackamoor. For which cause before the end of these Lady's probationship and their matriculation, his Majesty charged the Cathedral Doctors to dismiss them out of the University. His reason was because he well saw out of his Divine knowledge, that the true poetry of women were the Needle, the Distaff, and the Wheel, and that the School exercises of Ladies among University men might well be likened unto the dalliance and playing of Dogs, which after some feigned snarling, catching, and gamesome tossing one another, do conclude their sport in riding and mounting upon their playfellows backs.   

CHAP. 12.  
The Lady Victoria Colonna entreats of Apollo, that the infamy which women incurred for cuckolding their Husbands, might likewise extend to adulterous Husbands. Apollo's answer.  
THe most Excellent Lady Victoria Colonna a Princess of exemplary chastity, about three days passed appeared in his Majesty's Court of Audience, and in the name of all womankind said, that they all loved the excellency of chastity, which was naturally given them for a most particular virtue, that they did not awhit envy Courage, a virtue attributed to man's sex, because they well knew, that a Lady without the soul of chastity, which renders her odoriferous to the world, was but a stinking carcase: yet notwithstanding it seemed unto them, that they had much cause to grieve and lament at the great inequality, which they saw betwixt the Husband and the Wife in the particular punishment of Adultery; so that women could not rest contented to see men in such wise free, that the punishment of shame, which alone was wont to terrify honourable persons, did now less serve to restrain them from committing against their wives these beastly and libidinous defaults. In which dissolute courses they said, that they proceeded so far, that many Husbands were not only not ashamed to keep openly Concubines in their houses, but had oftentimes presumed to make them partakers of the sacred bed of Matrimony. These abuses came to pass, by reason that the Laws had not provided the like punishment against the offending Husbands, as were thundered out and practised against adulterous Wives. And that in this case, the Laws showed too much favour unto married men, in allowing them to revenge the injury with their own hands at the time when they happened to take their wives in the adulterous act. By which notorious aggrievances the Sex of women being so much wronged, were now forced to repair unto the clear fountain of true justice, to the end that by publishing equal punishment in the equality of the selfsame fault, there might be some competent remedy ministered for their oppressions. And that if this did not stand with Apollo's good will and pleasure, there might be at leastwise the like liberty granted unto them in this particular of Adultery to keep amorous servants, or to marry again, as many men adventured to do. After which liberty granted them, they would not perhaps make use thereof, but only in terrorem tantùm, under colour of law to be enabled to bridle their loose and lustful Husbands.  
Unto this demand of the Lady Victoria, Apollo answered, that the Law of Fidelity betwixt the Husband and the Wife ought to be indeed equal, and that the defect and breach thereof aught to be punished no less in the one, than in the other: but that in the Wife a more exquisite and perfect chastity was required for the great and weighty respect to know the certainty of their children, to which end Nature had assigned them the noble virtue of Chastity, the which was so necessary for procreation of humane kind, that without it the children should both lose their inheritance and their father's affection. A thing so true, that Nature herself hath most providently allotted chaste wives to all living creatures of the earth, where the Male concurres for the industrious hatching of the Egg, or for the nourishing of their young ones; all to the end that the cark of the father's being employed for their children welfare should prove somewhat pleasing, and that their charge should redound to comfort, and to great gain in time to come.  
At these words the Lady Victoria's beautiful cheeks were stained with an honourable blush, who with a Roman ingenuity confessed unto his Majesty the simplicity of her demand, and said, that indeed it were a great shame and dishonour to the sex of women, if in the precious gift of chastity they suffered themselves to be overcome of those unreasonable living creatures, who although they pursue no other thing than pleasure, yet nevertheless do they very religiously observe Chastity, because they would not anger the fathers of their young ones by their wand'ring and inordinate lust. And for the important reason, that Husbands desired to have their wife's chaste, the laws against adulterous women were too favourable, because the wound which the unchaste Husband gives his Wife did only pierce the skin, whereas the Wife by her lascivious deeds doth stab and kill her Husband with the poniard of everlasting infamy, and also doth disparage her children.   

CHAP. 13.  
A Poetaster for playing at Cards and devising the Game called Triumph or Trump, is brought before Apollo, who after he had deeply entered into the mystical meaning of the said Game, not only dismisseth him, but granteth him an yearly pension to instruct his Courtiers in that new Art.  
TO the end, that the Ignorant with the filthiness of their most beastly minds should not profane the virtuous places at Parnassus, Apollo many years since caused two companies of Skeltenicall Poets, doggerel Rhymers, men that made verses at random, and very adventurous at ruffianly conceits to come out of Sicily, whose office was to scour the country and to clear the coast, of vagabonds. These, about eight days past, took prisoner a Poetaster, that had been capitally banished from Parnassus, who although he was forbidden the use of all books, and the exercise of his pen, notwithstanding as it were in despite of Apollo, and in contempt of the sacred Muses, he defiled paper with his dissolute rhymes, and at last proceeded so far in his audacious arrogancy, that he assumed unto himself the Sovereign name of a Poet. This exorbitant fault of his became aggravated with a pair of Cards, which those Catchpoles in searching him had found in his pocket, for which being likewise a notorious Vice and worthy of death they brought him incontinently with the said Cards before Apollo, who when he saw them was wonderfully amazed at the brutish invention, which the vicious had found out to cast away their precious time, to consume their reputation, and to spend their means. But much more was his Majesty astonished, when he understood, that men now a days were grown to such a height of folly, that they used to call that thing a Play or Game, whereat they dealt so cruelly in good earnest. And further that they esteemed it a delight, sport, and pastime to put in suspense and to doubtful compromise that money, which was gotten with so much toil and cares, and served so necessary for such great uses, that without it, this present world would take Aristotle to be an ignorant fool, and Alexander the Great a base Plebeian.  
Then Apollo asked the Prisoner, what game at Cards was most familiar unto him, and because he answered, that it was Trumpets or Triumph, his Majesty willed him to play it. The Prisoner obeyed, and played; which when Apollo had observed & penetrated into the magiste●iall lessons and secrets of the Game, he cried out, that this Game of Trump was the true Philosophy of Courtiers, the most necessary Science, which all men ought to learn, that would not be thought innocents or simple-witted. And showing how much the affront done unto the prisoner did displease him, he enlarged him presently, and honoured him with the title of a Virtuous man. And the next morning commanded his Officers to erect up a public School, where with a stipend of five hundred Crowns a year, that notable Person for the common good should read as a Lecture that excellent Game of Trump, and upon a grievous penalty to be imposed, he charged the Platonics, Peripatetics, the Stoics, and other Philosophers, specially the Moral; and to all other the Virtuous crew residing at Parnassus, that they should learn this most necessary Science, the which because they should not forget, he bound them to practise themselves therein one hour at least every day. Although it seemed strange to the Learned, how it could be possible, that out of a most vile Game devised by the off-scum rascals of men there might be drawn any profitable document for honest men: yet notwithstanding, they all knowing that his Majesty never commanded any thing, which did not afterward redound to their good and to a special purpose, they obeyed so willingly that this School was in as great request, and frequented no less than an University. But when the Learned had discovered the Magisteriall secrets, the hidden mysteries, and admirable cunning tricks of this triumphant Game of Trumpets, they extolled Apollo's profound judgement to the eighth Heaven, all of them with one voice celebrating and magnifying it in all places, that it was not Philosophy, Poetry; nor yet the Mathematics, nor Astrology, nor any other famous knowledge, but it was the most rare Game of Trumpets, which taught men, chiefly great men and Courtiers, that secret of most import, how every several Trump took up and got, as aprey, even the goodliest of all the Cards.   

CHAP. 14.  
It being noted, that Petus Thraseas in the Company of his son in law Eluidius Priscus did use commonly to frequent the house of the Lady Victoria Colonna, he is grievously rebuked by Apollo.  
IT was observed by those virtuous Censers, whose office and delight consisted in looking to other men's deeds, that Petus Thraseas, in the company of Eluidius Priscus his son in Law extraordinarily haunted the house of the Lady Victoria Colonna, and also of other learned Dames of this Court. And though the said Thraseas were reputed for a man of singular good parts, that one would hardly suspect any obscene or lewd action in so great a Senator, his usual and daily visits together with his continual abodes in these Lady's houses, occasioned so great a scandal, yea, among the virtuous themselves, that the smell thereof ascended even to his Majesty's nostrils; who to extinguish the flames of these slanderous murmurs, about two days since sent for Thraseas, and expressly commanded him to reveal what business he had in resorting so often to these Lady's houses. Thraseas answered, that he frequented them, only to exercise charity among these Ladies, by reading every day unto them a Chapter of Boetius his book of the Consolation of Philosophy. Upon this answer Apollo was so grievously moved against Thraseas, that in great anger he said: If with your talon and zealous office by giving office by giving comfort & consolations to the afflicted, you hope to merit grace at God's hand, and to obtain good will among men, go your ways to comfort those poor wretches, who die of mere necessity and pure want in the Hospitals, or those unfortunate people, who are condemned to the gallows or Spanish galleys. But to sit all day long closely among Ladies, as Sardanapalus used to do, thinking to make men believe, that you exercise Spiritual doings, they are such hypocrisies, as will move the veriest idiot to laugh at you, and will make them to burst with rage, that know, how these which go often to the mill become whited with meal. And a man of your wisdom ought to understand, that at such time as a woman conceives of two infants, which we call Twins, if both be male, they are enclosed within one membrane, the which likewise comes to pass, if both be female. But if it happens, that one be male, and the other female, most provident nature preserves the female in a particular membrane, severed from the male. Seeing that Nature thought good not to thrust a little brother and a little sister of that tender age to dwell together in one place, she teacheth all men, and especially men of your fashion to live more warily and securely; and in these doings, O Thraseas, whosoever trusteth his own power, I hold him to be more rash than wise.  
And for that these disorders, in regard of our reputation and yours, had need to be corrected, I do straight command you, that from henceforth you leave off such dangerous practices. The world is not so sottishly simple, as you more simply conceive it, but that they do well understand, how the visits which men of your quality use unto Ladies, do begin to smell after the second time, and specially in their noses, that know, how fair and beautiful things seem pleasing to all men, and that the provocation of the flesh is a natural vice in all men, the which they cannot cure and keep back with a more excellent remedy, than to stand a far off from such fair and goodly objects: There's no safer way to defend a man from error, than to shun the occasions. And all your Philosophy cannot produce such proofs, as will make any man of judgement believe, that a dainty bit of flesh doth not agree with every man's mouth, that is made of flesh.  
Lastly, I must put you in mind, that a man of your credit and condition, who makes profession above all things not to defile the white robe of your Reputation with the sports of lascivious oil, ought not at all to busy himself about lamps; it being not only great folly, but most insolent rashness, worthy of the whip and strappado, to think he can make gunpowder in a forge, where a smith works nails, and afterwards to persuade men, that he might go to the field without danger.   

CHAP. 15.  
A learned Gentleman of Rome begs a remedy of Apollo, to make him to forget certain grievous wrongs, which he had received in the Court of a great Prince: for which cause his Majesty causeth him to drink a cupful of the water of Lethe, but with unfortunate success.  
A Learned Gentleman of Rome, which some few days since arrived at Parnassus, was yesterday admitted to his Majesty's Royal Audience, unto whom he showed, that for many injuries, which he had received of diverse ill willers of his in the Court of a certain Prince, where the Lawyers persecuted him, and made him pay above three score several fees by their cunning tricks of Law, he hath sithence lived very much troubled in mind, and so much the more, for that he could not work his revenge upon them without incurring far greater troubles, than his Enemies had plunged him in. And on the other side, he found that he was not endowed with that generous resolution of forgetting and forgiving them. For which cause, and now to be freed from this hellish torment, wherein he perpetually lived, he repaired to his Majesty, whom most humbly he entreated to bestow upon him some present remedy to heal his mind, which was galled with the passions of hatred and revenge.  
Apollo did much pity this Gentleman's case, and commanded that one should give him a large cupful of the water of Lethe, prepared in such manner, that it might cause him to forget odious things, and not to take away the remembrance of benefits received. The Gentleman with great greediness drunk up the water, the which to all men's wonder was found to have only the virtue to blot and cancel out of his mind those injuries, which he had received of his inferiors in condition; and that the injuries which were done unto him, by greater persons than himself, had inflamed and exasperated his mind rather with an everlasting memory of them, than any way caused him to forget them. Whereat many began to murmur, that the famous water of Lethe had lost that precious virtue, which the Poets had blazed of it. But his Majesty gave them to understand, that the water of Lethe had evermore the same virtue, which it had in the beginning. And in that it did not work the expected effect in that Gentleman; the reason was, because persons nobly descended, and of great spirits, had ever this custom proper unto their natures, to write in the sand these injuries, which they received of base people; but in solid marble with eternal characters those above-handed blows, which were given them by their equals, or superiors; it being the property of a noble mind to remit wrongs by magnanimity, but not to pardon them of necessity.   

CHAP. 16.  
Apuleius his golden Ass, and Plautus his Ass do complain unto Apollo of the great severity which their Masters used in beating them. But they are sent away with no pleasing answer.  
ABout the eight of the Current Apuleius his famous Ass accompanied with Plautus his Ass, appear before Apollo's Majesty, who in the name of all the sort of Mules, Asses, and Packhorses, said, that if any kind of beasts subject to mankind, which were of small expense and of much profit, had deserved better usage than others; they had most reason above all other beasts, to grieve at their Master's rough and rigorous dealings. And although they bore the whole burden of their Lords houses, and maintained them both day and night by their perpetual labours, and were content to feed ordinarily on sedge, straw, and water, and to keep their Shrovetide with bran, and such poor provender; all this notwithstanding they were ingratefully, cruelly, and with great indiscretion entreated by their Masters, and being the most unhappy of all creatures, they were now become the miserable spectacle of all drudgery. For as much as they could not by their prostrate and humble services mollify the passionate minds of their Lords, they petitioned his Majesty in most lowly manner to commiserate their Asinine miseries, if not to conclude and end them, yet at least to order the matter so, that by his Majesty's command their Patrons would thenceforth use them, though not grateful respects for their great services, yet with moderation of passion, and with more hmanitie.  
Unto these Apollo answered, that the severity, which Masters used towards their packhorses, whereof they so bitterly complained, proceeded not out of their Masters natural cruelty, since that it is plain, that no man yet hated the utility and benefit of his heritage, but rather from their monstrous sloth, and stupendious stupidity of the packhorses, through which most brutish defaults, their Masters were enforced furiously with whips and goads to prick them on to do that labour, which otherwise for want of quickness they had not spirit enough of themselves to perform. And whosoever would exactly judge and determine of any man's cruel and rigorous dealings, he had need not only to have regard unto the genius and nature of him that exerciseth and useth this correction, as to the quality and manners of him, that complains he is hardly dealt with.   

CHAP. 17.  
A general Reformation of the world by the seven wise men of Greece, and by other Learned men, is published by express Order from Apollo.  
IVstinian the Emperor, that great Composer of the Codes and Pandects, some few days since brought a new Law unto Apollo, to have the same approved of his Majesty, whereby it was straightly forbidden, that any man should wax so cruel against his own person, as to be the Author of his own death. Apollo seeing this Law, had it in so great horror, that with a sigh, which proceeded from the bottom of his heart, he broke forth into these speeches: Is the good government of Mankind precipated into such disorder, O justinian, that they will now a days voluntarily attempt their own deaths, because they will not live any longer, as they ought? And whereas I have hitherto hired a great number of the wisest moral Philosophers, to the end that with their tognes and writings they should Minister under me grave and civil conceits unto others, which might make Death seemed less terrible, are things now reduced to that great calamity, that men will no longer live, not yet learn to accommodate themselues to die well? And do I carelessly sleep, while these disorders abound among my learned Fraternity? To these words of Apollo, justinian answered, that this Law was very necessary, and that many notorious effects having happened by these desperate courses, more inconveniences would yet ensue, if his Majesty did not in time provide some convenient remedy to salve the wilful disorders of these Frantic fellows. Whereupon Apollo took diligent Information of that manner of life, which the world lead, and found that it became extraordinarily depraved with evil customs, the which to reform he resolved to create a Congregation of some notable Personages, the most prudent and ingenuous Politicians of his Empire. But in the very beginning of this serious talk he met with invincible difficulties, for being come to the point, to appoint a number of subjects among his Moral Philosophers, and those innumerable Virtuous Spirits which attended his Court, he could not light on any to his absolute liking, sufficiently enabled for so great a business, by reason that his Majesty knew, that the sanctity of life, and the good example of the Reformer wrought a greater force and power in them, which were to be reform, than the best Rules, which the wisest State could enact and publish. In this penurious exigent, Apollo referred the charge of the World's universal reformation to the seven wise men of Greece, men that are held and reputed to be in the chiefest credit at Parnassus, was those which in all men's conceit have learned the receipt and way to make strait the Dog's leg, which with so much pains (yet always in vain) Antiquity hunted after. The rumour of these news being come to the Grecians ears, it rejoiced them exceedingly for the honour, which his Majesty vouchsafed unto their Nation; as on the other side, it much troubled the Latins, it seeming unto them, that they herein had singular great wrong offered unto them to be excluded. Apollo perceiving, that this emulation might much hinder the general Reformation, to take away all impediments, and to yield some satisfaction to the discontented Romans, to those Grecian Sages he adjoined Marcus Cato and Annaus Seneca, and in favour of the Italian Philosophers, he constituted jacobus Mazzon Secretary of the Congregation, whom he graced with a consultive voice.  
Upon the ninteenth day of the aforesaid month, all these famous Sages and new Reformers bravely accompanied with a great Troop of the Noblest Virtuous of this State went into the Delphic Palace, the place appointed for this business of Reformation, and to the Learned it was a pleasing sight to behold the great number of Pedants, which with table-books in their hands went quoting and laying down the Sentences and Apothegms, which these continually let slip out of their harmonious mouths.  
As soon as these learned and wise Lords were reunited to declare their remedies, the fame is, that Thales the Milesian, the first of the seven Sages, began in this manner:  
Most prudent Philosophers; The business for which we are now here assembled together, is the greatest, which the wit of man can treat of; and although no other enterprise may be found so hard, as to heal an inveterate Neapolitan bone-ache, an infistulated Gangrene, an incurable Canker, yet notwithstanding, the insuperable difficulties, which wear out other men's brains, aught to animate men of our rank to overcome them, seeing that the supposed impossibility of the Cure will augment our glory, and will maintain us still in that sublime and high degree of reputation, wherein we are elevated; and now I firmly assure myself, that I have found out the true Antidote for the easy expulse of these venomous and baneful corruptions. I am confident, that there is not any of us, but assures himself, that no other disease hath infected the healthful life of this present Age, than the hidden hatred, dissimulation, equivocation, and treachery of men covered over with the fair mantle of Religion, of Love, Simplicity, and Charity; the which, my good Lords, being corrected with Cauteries, Razors, and with Corrosive Plasters fit for this cankered wound, such as I shall now discover, all men living, which at this time are by these vices brought even to Death's door, all other Physicians having left them without hope of recovery, shall suddenly become restored to their former health, and shall resume that sincerity, that verity of speech, and that holiness of life, which in ancient times hath been esteemed truehearted candour, genuine simplicity, and plain dealing. The true remedy than is of necessity to reduce men into an ingenuous kind of living, and to embrace that simplicity of the heart, which they can never do, before Princes have with their high authority chased out of their Kingdoms irreligious hypocrites of a different Religion, as Wolves of State, and also to cut off wrangling suits at Law; nor these can they ever bring to pass without diminishing the number of Lawyers, and needless Courts of justice, which hearten even sheep to turn upon their keepers. These, these abuses, most virtuous Lords, being so restrained, then lies, falsehoods, double dealing, and hypocrisies, will depart, as the chief nourishment of the Infernal Spirit out of the possessed souls homeward to their Master the Devil.  
In such wise did this opinion of Thales work within the rest of the Sages hearts, that he was ready to go away with all their suffrages and voices, when Mazzon the Secretary commanded him to rehearse the same unto Apollo, who approved so well of Thales his remedy, that he commanded out of hand a Chirurgeon to make a little window in the heart of man. But in the same hour, when the Chirurgeon had prepared his instruments to open the breast of man for that purpose, Homer, Virgil, Plato, Aristotle, Auerroes, and some other learned men repaired to Apollo, and signified unto his Majesty, that the chiefest instrument, which with great facility governed the world, was the reputation of those which commanded it, and that a jewel of that worth ought never to be exposed unto any peril by wise Princes. They laid before his Majesty's consideration the credit of a holy life, the opinion of the bounty of customs, wherein the excellent Philosophical Senate, and the Honourable College of the Virtuous were had in great reverence among all the learned Subjects of Apollo's Empire. And if his Majesty would suddenly cause all men's hearts to be opened, the greatest and best sort of his Virtuous Followers could not but suffer infinite shame & infamy, whonow were in chief credit about his sacred Person, when they should see even boys to take notice of their foolishness, as who is wise at all seasons? Yea and his Majesty himself would grow into hatred with his most principal Favourites, when he saw they were not such notable persons of an unspotted life as he reputed them to be. And by these means he should lose the most part of his Dependants, to the utter depopulating of famous Parnassus. And for this cause, before his Majesty would attempt this important enterprise, they humbly desired in the name of all the Virtuous, to grant them some competent time to purify their minds, and to lay them a little a bucking. The advice of these famous persons greatly pleased. Apollo, and by a public Edict he prorogued the term of making the window until eight days were expired, in which time the Virtuous in such manner toiled themselves in cleansing their minds of all hidden fallacies, of counterfeit friendship, of inbred rancour, and other stinking vices, that in the Grocers, Druggist's, and Apothecaries shops of Parnassus, all the sweet Conserves, Cinnamon, Cassia, Syrups, Lozenges, Roses, Violets, and other precious wares were all spoiled with the taint, and the stench abounded so corrupt, that all the quarters of the Platonic and Peripatetic Philosophers, smelled worse than if the filthiest I aches of the Country were emptied; whereas the street of the Latin and Italian Poets, smelled only like the broth of reheated Coleworts. Now the time for the universal bucking and purifying, that was limited, became almost ended, when the day before the opening of the window in men's hearts, the great Hypocrates, Galen, Cornelius Celsus, and other experimented Physicians of this State went to Apollo, and freely spoke their minds in this manner:  
Royal Sir, if this work goes forward, we must needs deface this little world of mankind, most noble for the miraculous workmanship, wherewith it is wrought with evident peril of an important musckle and a principal vein, and by that means kill and destroy the whole fabric of Man's Microcosm, or at least make it for ever sickly and crazed. And so great an evil we might practise only by the benefit of four ignorant persons, seeing that not only the profoundest wits, but likewise men of mean judgement only with four day's practice, which they may have with any notable Hypocrite whatsoever, they know how to penetrate into the most inward gut. With Apollo this speech of the Physicians so prevailed, that he resumed his former deliberation, and by Ausonius Gallus made it known unto the Lords Reformers, that they should continue their Philosophical opinions.  
Then Solon thus began: The cruel hatred and poisonful envy, which universally breed among men, and domineer over them in these days, are these, most prudent Lords, which to my thinking have so confounded the world in the case, as we see it. The correction than consisteth in insusing of Charity in men's hearts, and the sacred love towards their Neighbours, which is one of the Precepts of God. We must now employ the whole engine of our ablest wits to take away the occasions of Hatred, which make them so savage and implacable. I have to the uttermost of my understanding dived into the mystical cause of this Hatred, and I find it to proceed of the inequality of worldly goods by that hellish usage of Mine and Thine among our worldlings, the very rock of all scandals. And it is manifest, that men's minds depraved by Ambition, Covetousness, and Tyranny, have occasioned this inequality and disproportioned Division. And seeing that is true, which all must confess, that this world is no other than an inheritance left by one Father and one Mother unto mankind, from whom as Brothers we all descend; what justice is there, but that every one of us should not have share and share like throughout all the wide world, the one as well as the other? But now it falls out otherwise, that the Good and Virtuous have the least part, and the wicked the greatest part: The honest man a beggar, the dishonest by a preposterous order have gotten their right, and will not communicate the same, no not to their own flesh and blood, and nearest kin. Now I have discovered unto you the wound, it is easy to apply the medicine. The best advice which I can give, is to come unto a new division of the world, and to let every man have his share; and by this means there will be enough for every one of us without troubling one another: Though Tyrants and Lawyers may for a time grudge at this equality, yet true justice requires it for the pacifying of this unnatural hurly-barly. And further to take away all disorders in time to come, let there be a Law enacted to forbid all chopping and changing, all buying and selling to the world's end.  
A long time this opinion of Solon was canvased, the which although it was esteemed necessary, but not altogether good, by Bias, Periander, and Pittacus, was reproved notwithstanding by the rest of the Philosophical Lords; whiles that the judgement of the wise Seneca prevailed, who with most lively reasons made all the Lords of the Congregation to understand, that if now they should come to a new division of the world again, there would ensue a very great disorder, that too great a part would fall into the share of Gluttons, and too little among brave Spirits, who hold Sobriety, Temperance, and Reason, the chief means to distinguish them, which bear the image of God in their souls from bestial Satanical creatures; and that the Plague, Famine and War were not, as many thought, the most rigorous scourges wherewith God in his anger afflicts mankind, but that the sorest and most grievous whip, wherewith he may torment them, is to enrich villains, and base minded misers, whose pelf will at last work the ruin of their dearest and better part being their Souls.  
As soon as Solon's opinion was refelled, Chilon produced his: Which of you (quoth he) most wise Philosophers, knows not, That the insatiable thirst of Gold and Silver hath not occasioned such mischiefs in the world, as we all see and many of us have felt? What impiety, what wickedness, what unnatural act is there, which men will not commit, and that with all diligence, to rake together a mass of money and wealth? Conclude ye then all courageously with me, that to root those vices out of the world wherewith this Age is corrupted, there is no better way than to exterminate and utterly to abolish the use of those pestiferous metals, Gold and Silver, the true provocations of all these miseries: Irrimenta malorum.  
Very goodly and specious in appearance seemed the sentence of Chilon, but when it came to the scanning and trial, it proved not solid at the stroke of the hammer of lively reasons. Because it was answered, that men had brought the use of Gold and Silver, that it might stand for the measure and counterpoise of all bargains & commerce betwixt party and party. And if Gold and Silver were prohibited, they must of force employ some other mettle or commodity to supply their necessities, which likewise would replenish the world with the same greediness of mind as before: As in some part of the Indies they use shells as currant as we do money. And Cleobulus in particular with a kind of Ironical scoff said; My Lords, we may as well banish out of the world Iron, seeing that it is also a mettle, which hath wrought infinite confusion among men. Gold and Silver for the use destinated of God to be the balancing proportion of all things, whereas Iron produced of Nature to make Ploughs, Spades, Harrows, necessary tools for tillage and gardens, as for buildings, hath been maliciously perverted toswords, poniards, and other instruments of war to destroy mankind.  
With this opinion of Cleobulus, albeit most true, it was nevertheless concluded by all the Lords of the Reformation, that it being a thing impossible to convert Iron from men without perverting Iron, it should be no prudence to multiply their miseries, and to heal the wound with more blows. unanimously it was resolved and concluded, that men should still retain the metals of Gold and Silver, but to admonish the Refiners to take care for the well purifying of them, & not to lift them off from the fire, until they were throughly assured that they had cleansed them from that clammy and fast clinging Turpentine, which these kind of metals have in them, which caused that their Coins stuck exceeding fast to men's hands, yea sometimes to their hands, whom the world reputes for honest men.  
After this with extraordinary gravity Pitiacus began thus: The world, most learned Philosophers, is fallen into deplorable miseries, because this modern generation of mankind have relinquished the beaten way of Virtue, and have chose to walk through those crooked by-paths of Vice, whereby they steal away those Rewards due only to the Virtuous. Things are now reduced, Lords, to this pass, that no man enters into the house of Dignities, of Honours, & of Rewards as in old time, through the Gate of Merit, true desert, and by virtuous pains, but by the windows they clammer, like unto filching thieves, which climb to peartrees with their back-sides turned to the true owners. Yea, and we have known some, with the force of favours and Violence of Bribes have not been ashamed to enter through the tops of Chimneys, and by casting down the tiles, have through the very roof come into the house of Honour. To amend this corrupted course of behaviour, the best way in my judgement is to decree upon pain of Death, that no man hereafter be so hardy, as to get into any well-deserving place, whether it be of Honour or Gaine, but by the Royal highway of Desert; and to shut up all other dark and damnable ways, only fit for Scritchowles, and Savage Beasts. This is a great disheartening of our Learned rank. Wherehence many of our best understanding Spirits do verily believe, that those Hypocrites have joined unto their Craft the Spells of the Magic Art, and thereby, like Zoroastres, they bewitch, enchant, an taint the minds of some Princes, yea and those of the wiser sort.  
All the Reforming Lords admired this speech of Pittacus, and were about to conclude with him, if Periander had not thus opposed: The disorder specified by Pittacus, most prudent Lords, is very true; but for what cause a judicious and wise Prince refuseth to prefer virtuous and learned men so pleasing to God, so honourable and profitable for his State: and wherefore in their stead he serves himself, being the life and fountain of all goodness, or at least seeming so to be, with debauched, unworthy, and base-minded wretches, is a point of great import and to be considered of us. I know the common opinion is, that the Prince chooseth men which are like to humour and soothe him up in his affections before the best deserving Creature. And I acknowledge that it is a Rule of State, for a wise Prince to advance no man to any degree but either for his wisdom or valour. This foundamentall Rule of State is well known unto him, yet experience showeth, that few Princes practise it, and mock at such as shall tell them that they do the contrary by a careless respect to the honour of their place. But the truth is, they promote ignorant persons, new fellows, and of small desert before learned and virtuous men, not by any default of their side, but by errors (I am sorry to speak it) of the learned and virtuous themselves. I confess with you, that Princes have need of such, and of brave minded Commanders for the wars. But none of you will deny, but they stand in more need of loyal and faithful Ministers of State, who with the gift of Secrecy may stead them as much as all their Treasure. And now it is more than apparent, that if honourable personages and valiant Soldiers had been as true & Secret to their Country, as they ought, we should not behold the infinite disorders, which we see and observe to our great grief in this present age, even Pigmeyes in four days to shoot up as tall as Giants, and all these unworthy spectacles to happen for want of Fidelity, and firm regard to the interest of State. So corrupted is the mind of many men, that forgetting their own worths and valorous magnamities, they will be tempted with gold and ambition, yea and after sufficient promotion by their native Prince some have turned so unthankful, as to become mercenary slaves to another Prince. Which disasters Princes distrusting, they are fain to confer Honour and Offices unto unworthy persons, who might serve them with their Secrecy and Fidelity, and prove more thankful for their favours.  
As soon as Periander had ended his Opinion, Bias spoke in this wise: There is not any among us here, but knows, most wise Lords, that the world is become so much depraved, because Mankind is departed from those sacred Laws of a contented state, the which God from the beginning allotted unto every Nation, having assigned several stations, out of which they ought not to break out. The Britain's, divisos orbe Britannos, he hath placed in Albion, as in another world by themselves, the Goths in France, the Spaniards in Spain, the Dutch in Germany, the Italians in Italy, and so other Nations in other habitations. And because every one of them should not trespass, or like a Deluge break out upon their bordering Neighbours. His foreseeing Majesty framed the fearful Ocean to compass about Great Britain, the Pyrenaean Mountains, as a wall betwixt France and Spain, and the Alps between the Germans and Italy, as some part of them divides this from France also. The like wary division the Divine Majesty hath set betwixt Europe & Africa, as the Mediterranean Seas. The which he did of purpose, that none should encroach upon the other, and not mingle one with another's language, as heretofore fell out at Babel, nor subject the other to foreign Laws and Customs, whereby each one living at home with their nearest kin might agree the better together without innovations or Tyrannies, and not like Drones, intrude into other men's lives to purloin the sweet, which others wrought. Now for as much as the world is infected with the company and customs of strange Nations, let every Nation be ordered to return into his proper limitation; and for fear of the like sudden and violent intrusions in time to come, let it be also enacted, that no ships be suffered to pass for the space of many years to come, nor any to be built, and if any Bridges lie betwixt several Principalities, to sunder them the better, that these Bridges be pulled down. If this course be taken, people shall live more peaceably in their own native soil. With wonderful great attention this Declaration of Bias was heard, the which notwithstanding it was subtly examined by the profound wits of the Congregation, at the last seemed not expedient to be put in practice, by reason that they knew that the hatred, though excessive, which reigned amogst diverse Nations, are not natural, as some very simply have conjectured, but occasioned either by the artificial sleights of some Princes, or at least by the cunning tricks of some of their principal Ministers to busy their Princes and States brains, while they enriched their Coffers with part of the Treasures, which were to be laid out for the wars, or casually brought into the Kingdom from the wars, as prizes and booties. Besides, some Princes are skilful masters to put in execution that old Maxim of policy: Divide & Impera; Divide and command. As for Bias his counsel to forbid Navigation, who knows not but among all Nations united together that harmonical perfection is picked out for political Government, which cannot be found in any one particular States, and this is gotten by peregrination into foreign countries, so that an expert Traveller returns home like the grand Ulysses, having bettered his understanding faculty by noting the diversities of Spirits, manners, Laws and Customs. To this may be added the other exceeding great benefits, as arise by Navigation, as the establishing of Plantations, where their own country overswarmes with multitudes of people, the transportation of Commodities, and the civilising of Savage Nations. They observe the wonderful difference of Climates, the several natures of the cold, the temperate, and the Torrid Zones, with many other remarkable events, to the glory of our Creator and their unspeakable pleasure.  
Then Cleobulus desired leave to speak, who boldly thus began: As far I see, we proceed like those lightheaded fellows, who make public Languages with new conceits and curious fancies, to the outside beautiful, but not with matter of profit, as might edify and reform the world, the only cause of our meeting at this time. To what purpose then for the rooting out of Vias should we open a window in man's heart, as Thales would fain● persuade his Imperial Majesty? Wherefore should we undertake that most painful charge and task for the dividing of the vast wide world into equal parts, as Solon proposed? The opinions of Chilon for banishing of Gold and Silver out of the world, of Pittacus to enforce men to walk the beaten way of Merit and Virtue, of Bias to limit men their habitations, and to forbid Navigation the miracle of this world, what are all these but Sophistical Dreams, and Chymerizing Ideas of shallow imaginative Scholars, no way participating of the practice real way to extreminate those modern corruptions, which are crept into the world? we must not treat of impossibilities, but fall to mat●ers actually in earnest, and to be put in execution, not how things ought to be done, but how substantially to reform the world, according as now we find it most strangely deformed; and this we must perform warily, secretly, and without long arguing pro and con, or critical animadversions, the cause of new tumults. In brief then I say, that all the reformation of this present Age consisteth in these few words: To reward the good, and to punish the wicked.  
Here Cleobulus rested, against whom Thales thus violently opposed, showing unto all men, how dangerous a thing it is, albeit for the Truth's sake, to offend those persons, who live in the repute of Freedom and Prudence, which made this sage Philosopher break forth into these speeches: Both these Reverend Lords and myself, most wise Cleobulus, seeing that you had derided and despised our Opinion as Sophistical and Chymerizing, expected some rare project to proceed from your prudent brain, or that you had brought from the Indies some new and miraculous Bezoar for the sudden cure of the present enormities, when you slighted our cares, and propounded a Receipt more, I will not say difficult, but indeed impossible, which might pose & go beyond even the most curious Princes of secrets, Caius Plin. & Albertus Magnus. There is not any of us here, my Cleobulus, but knows, that the reformation of the world depends upon rewarding the good, and punishing the wicked. Therefore let me demand of you, I pray, who be those good men and those wicked? And then I will return you this resolution, that that man liveth not, which can discern and distinguish Truth from Hypocrisy. Do you not perceive, that counterfeit Art and dissimulation are in these times grown to that height of perfection, that a great number of Spirits are so artificially and cunningly wicked, which seem to wise men to be currently good? And that those good men, which live sincerely, ingenuously, simply, as innocent as Doves, without the least painting or daubing of Hypocrisy, are reputed scandalous, and of a libertine loose behaviour? All men naturally love the good, and hate the evil. Yea and most Princes themselves do so as well by natural instinct, as in respect of Interest of State. And when Hypocrites or sly crafty knaves are exalted to promotion, and the good are vilipended and neglected, that comes to pass not by the Election of Princes, but through the deceit and fraudulent tricks of others. Only true bounty and ingenuous Candour are known to God and by him rewarded. By him Vices are discovered & punished, for he alone entereth into the depth and profundity of the heart. Yea, and myself too with opening the window in man's breast had pierced into the bottom of men's thoughts, had not the enemy of this honest project and profitable field wherein I had sown this memorable Grain, cast in before me his Seed of Tares.  
Incredible satisfaction did these words of Thales produce to the Congregation, who casting their eyes upon Periander, he as if he had been bidden to show his reason, thus began: The diversity of Opinions, which hitherto I have heard of you, most prudent Philosophers, confirm me in my ancient Opinion, that many a man doth die, because Physicians have not apprehended the certainty of their Patient's disease. For which errors of theirs, they are to be excused, because men may easily be deceived in these things, to the knowledge of which they walk only with the feet of aim and conjecture. But for us, who are thought by his Majesty, to be the curers of the world, to be ignorant in the cure of this diseased world, it is the mor● shame, by how much the disease increaseth. Yet as far as I see hitherto by reason of the varieties of the medicines, we go about to heal the arm in stead of the breast that is corrupted. The truth is, that Disorders have ever reigned among men. But now adays by reason of the World's decrepit age, which cause men to abound with Avarice, Ambition, and Pride, the true occasions of Hatred. These being occasioned by some mighty Potentates, which intrude upon their Neighbour's states, have bred in continuance of time jealousies, wars, and as it were an hereditary heartburning of one Nation against the other. The medicine therefore is, that Princes repent them, and content themselves with a moderate fortune, leaving their neighbours at rest, and not under some imaginary pretences challenge a Catholic Supremacy over their brethren.  
Here Periander ended his discourse, whom Solon thus opposed: The true causes of the present evils, O Periander, were not omitted by us of ignorance, as you perhaps suppose, but of a wary circumspection. The world from the beginning hath been corrupted, and still continues. Yet it is a point of Prudence to wink at some disorders, rather than with danger to seek to remove them. All men living have some faults. And many dishonourable acts which Princes perpetrate, we must not meddle with, lest we aggravate and make them incurable, whom Time may correct. Therefore let a wise man either speak charitably of their spots, or hold his peace. For we shall find work enough to reform the hatred of the common sort; by whom they proceed we must not scan, but refer the prime workers of their disorders to the King of Kings, who sometimes hardens Pharaohs for their own ruin, or Nebuchadnezars for scourges to punish his rebellious servants.  
With these words, applauded of the Congregation, Solon made end of his speech. After whom Cato began in this manner: Exceeding well have ye parleyed, O grave and famous Grecians, in showing the means to supplant and suppress Hatred and other humane vices. But as I conceive, they are those, which languish of an incurable Ptisick, which spit up their lungs, and do cast off their hair. In men there is no help; therefore the best advice which I can give, is to desire a final consummation of the world, and for us to join in prayer to the Divine Majesty, to open the Cataracts and windows of Heaven to drown the whole Earth again, yet with proviso, to preserve in new Arks all those male children, which have not past twelve years of age, and that of all the Feminine Sex, of what age soever, there may remain no other thing behind them, save their unlucky memory. And I beseech the Divine Majesty, that even as he hath allotted unto Bees, Fish, and to other infinite creatures, that prized and singular benefit to breed without the help of the Female kind, that the like grace he will grant unto men. For, my Lords, I am assured, that while women live in the world, that men will prove but a Swinish heard of ungracious brood.  
It is not possible to believe, how much the Congregation did stomach this discourse of Cato, who had this conceit of the new Deluge in such horror, that all the rest of the Honourable Philosophers fell prostrate upon the ground with their hands lift up towards Heaven, and devoutly desired God to preserve the precious Sex of Women, and to defend Mankind from any such inundations, which none would wish but frantic brains, or Chymerizing Heteroclites; and also to protect them from fraudulent Make-bates, who under colour of the Laws with their mercenary tongues put even the best natured by the ears; and that if men would not be ruled to follow more wholesome counsel, he would beat them with his scourges of Famine, War, and Pestilence, until they were made to know themselves, and their duties to their Neighbours; And if it pleased not his Majesty to be so severe and rigorous, yet that he would vouchsafe of his Sovereign Bounty to grant this one request, Not to enrich villains.  
This unhappy event had the opinion of Cato, when Seneca thus began his Discourse: The Reformations of these modern abuses, as I conceive, ought not to be handled too bitterly, before they be first dealt with gentle hands, and managed with some mild medicines in the beginning of their Cure. For what shame will redound to that Physician, whose Patient happens to die with his Recipe still in his body remaining? To pass from one extremity to an other, and to neglect the due means is rash counsel; because Man is not capable of sudden and violent mutations. And seeing that we find that the world in thousands of years is now fallen into this dangerous infirmity of calamities, he is not very wise, nay very foolish, which thinks in a few days to reduce this corrupted body to his former health. A gross and corpulent person, if the Physician thinks it expedient to bring him low and lean, is to be prescribed a Diet of one kind of meat at his meal, and to feed each day less than other, that so by degrees he forgo his gurmandise and gluttonous custom. And so a sickly person upon his recovery, or a Seaman returning from a long voyage must for the first fortnight sup broths, jellies, and such weak nourishments, until time reduce him stronger to feed on stronger meats; to which agrees that Aphorism of Hypocrates, Corpora, quae longo tempore extenuantur, lentè reficere oportet. Besides this, both the quality of the Reformers, and the condition of them which have need of reformation, are to be considered. As for example, ourselves, who at this present are appointed to reform the World, if the parties to be reform, are Scholars, Booksellers, Clerks, Pen and Ink men, or such like, we may prevail to censure and correct their faults. But if we go out of our limits, and enter into other men's professions and trades to reform their enormities and knavish customs, we shall prove like that ridiculous Cobbler, who going beyond his awl, presumed to judge of colours, and to censure the exquisite picture of Apelles. Let us which are Scholars meddle with matters only in our clement. Which of us, I pray here, have ever dealt among Tailors, to judge of their deceits; among Vintners, to tell of their sophisticating of wines; among Butchers, to show their blowing up of fl●sh; among Clergymen, to censure of Simony; or among Lawyers, to entrap them in their equivocations, quirks, and quillets? yet all these require reformations, and the whole Earth groans and cries for ease and peace. But shall we adventure to put our hands to hinder these disorders so far remote from our professions? Shall we like so many blind bayards, endeavour to stop bottles so cracked and cleft, and by that means let all the wine to spill about the room? Then surely will a true Reformation fall out, and not before, when the Mariner is called forth to show his judgement of the Seas and Winds, the Soldier of marshalling a Battle, the Shepherd of his fleece, and he that hath been beaten by Lawyers and baffled by their jugglings, can best demonstrate unto us, how to tame their Hydra furies and poisonous qualities. Therefore let us call unto us out of every Craft, Mystery, and Profession, four of the honestest, most renowned for their integrity of life, and confer with them touching the means, how to amend what is amiss.  
Although this grave counsel greatly pleased Pittacus and Chilon, yet all the rest detested it as bad as Cato's, saying, that he offered them a scandalous affront, and an indignity to Apollocs' Majesty, to call in such base-minded people not trained up in Philosophy to be joined with men of their degree. And that they were the Souls precious faculties, which gave the well-being to a business of this nature, which those wanted. Further, they concurred in this purpose, with might and main, to preserve the jurisdiction of their Philosophical Court, whereof they protested to be as jealous as Husbands of their fairest Wives; And that they thought so wise a man as Seneca was reputed to be, being the Archphilosopher of the Latins would have yielded to have twenty ounces of his blood drawn out of the best vein of his life, than to persuade them to lose one ounce of their jurisdiction, whereon their reputation consisted.  
The Lords Reform ●s after they had thus checked Seneca, were wonderfully perplexed, and in a manner hopeless of effecting any good, because Mazzon who was yet to speak, they adjudged a new man, and without experience. Yet now that his turn came to speak, he thus pithily spoke: Not by any desert of mine, most prudent Philosophers, but by his Majesty's mere and special favour am I admitted into this Honourable Assembly. And I freely acknowledge, that at this virtuous meeting it were my part to employ my ears, rather than my tongue, being fitter to learn and to be silent. And if that any other matter had been to be determined saving this, I would not presume to speak. But because the subject now in hand concerns the reformation of modern disorders, which now adays reign in the world, I being a modern man, even now come from the world, where I left them continually disputing and keeping a stir about reformations, am the better encouraged to lay my helping hand, and though I say it, I am as good a Proficient in this matter, as Euclid in the Mathematics. The true cure of the body's disease is to visit the sick in person, and to confer with him of the causes and other occurrences of his sickness. Even so for the cure of the World's infirmities, let us call in the World himself, question with him, feel his pulses, and look upon the diseased parts of his body, whereby the Cure may become the sooner remedied, which now seems desperate and incurable.  
In such wise did this advice please the Lords of the Congregation, that they suddenly commanded the World to be called unto them, who incontinently made his repair, being drawn in a Coach by the four Seasons of the Year, and by them was led into the Delphic Palace. He was a man well stricken in years, yet seemed to be of a galliard and robustuous complexion, which betokened that he might live many years longer. Only it seemed, that he had a wheezing in his pipes with some difficulty of breath, and in speaking he showed himself to be somewhat hoarse, and wept continually, which argued he ailed somewhat, and laboured as yet more with some grievous tormenting pain in his brain or some other inward part of his body. The Philosophers asked him, how he had his face so ruddy and jovially appearing, which was a sign that he was in health, having store of pure radical moisture, full of natural heat, and could not but have a good stomach. And they remembered, that about a hundred years sithence, they had seen him look yellow, as if he had been sick of the yellow jaundice, yet now it seemed unto them, that he was recovered. But for all that they charged him freely to open his griefs, that they might prescribe thereafter some remedies to help him.  
Hereupon the World answered: My Lords, Presently after I was borne, I fell into sicknesses and griefs, whereof I languish at this instant. My face, which you behold so seeming red, is done over with Ladies licks, slicks, and other painting stuff of the Levant. My Infirmity is like the ebbing and flowing of the Sea, with the selfsame water in it, for all it seems to increase, and fall; but with this interchangeable course, that when I have a good countenance outwardly, my grief lies within me, as I feel myself at this instant: And when I look ill outwardly, I am in perfect health within. But if you please to try in what case I am indeed without dissembling any longer my miseries, pull off my mask and gaudy coat, and you shall see when I am stark naked, that I am indeed but a living carcase. The Philosophers out of hand disrobed him, and when the World was stripped naked, they saw, that the poor unfortunate Creature had a scurf four fingers thick over his flesh, as bad as the Leprosy, or the Catholic disease, which did eat into his flesh dangerously: Whereupon the wise Reformers took ten Razors, and every one of them with a Razor began very diligently to shave and pair off that thick scurf in appearance, and busied themselves so long, until they pierced to the quick bone, but could not in this huge Colossus meet with one Ounce of good substantial flesh. Which when the Reformers perceived, they stood a while amazed, and when they had revested him with his mask and ●oolish Robes, they licenced him to depart. And then after conference among themselves, concluding the Cure too desperate and past help, they abandoned the care of their public thoughts, and resolved to provide for the saving of their private reputation unstained. And therefore they all joined together to satisfy the common people's expectations, and because they should see they were not idle, nor careless of their good, they caused Mazzon the Secretary to pen and publish the general Reformation, wherein with a preamble of magnifical words, they testified to the world, the perpetual care which his Majesty took for the virtuous conversation of his Learned Society, of his indefatigable pains from time to time, sustained for the safety of Mankind, and of the infinite labour and toil of the Lords Reformers for the compiling and setting out of good Orders; and afterwards descending to particulars, they did put down the prices of Coleworts, Pilchards, Pumpions and Melons. And now when all the Lords were ready to subscribe to the Proclamation, Thales the Milesian remembered them, that some sly Hucksters, when they sold Lupins, Pease, and Oaten meal, used a little Dish, that i● was a most intolerable scandal not to foresee this disorder. This last advice of Thales seemed very expedient to the whole Congregation, and as most necessary it was added to the Reformation, that these Dishes should be greater therefore from thence forwards. Presently after they caused the Gates of the Palace to be opened, and going into the Market place, they commanded the Crier to read the Proclamation concerning the Reformation of the World, which was done with such applause and joy to every man, that all Parnassus rebounded with their clamours and shouts, as tokens of the great contentments they took for this serious and long expected Reformation. But the wisest sort smelled out the drift, and laughed in their sleeves to see the rascality and foolish Idiots to delight themselves with babbles, as babies with nuts. Men of understanding know, that vices will abound, as long as men live in the world, Vitia erunt donec homines; and that humane Prudence doth consist in this, to have wit sufficient for this one difficult resolution, to forsake the world as another hath found it, or to live as not to live.   

CHAP. 18.  
The Duke of Hernia his Speech in the Council of Spain to a proposition, Whether it were expedient for his Catholic Majesty to conclude a peace with his brother in law the Duke of Savoy?  
I Could wish in these present stirs of Savoy, that I were rather a Minister and an executioner of your Majesty's Will & Commandment, than an Inventor of counsel, which if it chance to succeed ill in the event, may return prejudicial to the Author, and hurtful to your Majesty. But since we are brought to this pass, that it is necessary to collect the sum of your deliberations, and that this charge is now imposed on me, I will enforce myself, as far as the weakness of my wit extends, to satisfy the obligation of the Loyalty, Affection, and Devotion, which I owe unto your Majesty and my country. The most sacred King Treats now, whether he ought to lay down arms and hostility, and to forgive all such injuries, as he received at the Duke of Savoyes' hands, by that means pleasuring the Princes of Italy, and the Pope in particular, who by his Nuntio doth earnestly solicit the same? Or else whether your Majesty ought to deprive him by force of war, either of all his estate, or of part, thereby to secure your Duchy of Milan from his treacheries, being a member of so great importance, both by itself and by the opportunity of the situation, with the which it binds together all the Body of this great Monarchy, that it is deservedly held to be the key of all your Kingdoms, seeing that with the benefit of this Dominion, we enjoy the pre-eminence of G●noa, and the commodity of the Sea with havens, from whence in times of peace by Traffic, we receive very great Gain, and in times of wars we open a secure passage to our Armadaes and Armies? From hence the Kingdom of Naples is preserved, where we shall hardly arrive with our armed Galleys, through the midst of the Tirr●ene Sea in a tempestuous Winter, if we touch not and ride at Anchor in one of these places. From this State in brief we are enabled to go into Switz●rland and Germany, there to levy Soldiers for the Low-Countries, to give and receive aid from the confederate Princes; besides that with the situation of this place, being in the midst of Lombary, we hold the residue of Italy bridled, that they dare not stir to oppose our wills. The which things although they be known unto this most prudent Council, and better yet to your Majesty, I would notwithstanding put you in mind thereof, because you might excuse me, if I seemed perchance fearful or jealous for the preservation thereof; and certainly when I shall conceive that there is some security and sufficiency in these courses which now are propounded, I will then rank myself among the first to incline to peace, wishing, that after our tedious and long wars in Flaunders, which have consumed both the men and Kingdoms, we might breathe a while, and recover some fresh blood, and also refresh our drooping vital Spirits, to be the better able one day gloriously to encounter and lead our armies against the Infidels, and to spread in their countries both the Christian Faith and the Empire. But what security do we see in th●se propounded Treaties? The Pope's Nuntio doth promise, that if we would free the Duke of Savoy from the fear he is in, to be prevented and oppressed, the Duke should likewise disarm, and hold himself always hereafter your Majesty's good kinsman and servant, and that he shall never more minister cause of innovation, nor nourish any intelligence prejudicial to the State of Milan. And to secure us from fraud, that he shall leave his second Son at your Court for pledge. But he speaks nothing of alienating and separating himself from the friendship and alliance of France; nor that he will oppose himself against their forces, when they shall attempt to assault this State of Milan. And who doth not here see his fraud, as if we were so simple in belief, and knew not how to dive where his thoughts tended? Are not we sufficiently choked and made perfect of his cunning devices? Seeing that the Count de Fuentes hath written from Milan, that we ought not to trust him; that his Treaties and practices holden with the King of France were most certain for the surprising of that State; let no man tell me, that it is security sufficient to lay a son of his in our hands for hostage, because he having other sons left him at home, among whom is his Eldest son, will never care to remove him hence to hinder his designs, no more than King Francis was hindered and stayed from raising Arms against the Emperor Charles the fifth, after he had left his two sons in pledge: Or the Prince of Orange, who for all that he had given a Son of his in pawn, desisted not to conspire the ruin of Flanders against your most glorious Father. He hath declared himself what he is, and what remorse of conscience he feels, that now hath complotted against a King, his Kinsman and Benefactor; against that house, which twice restored him to the State which he holds, in that he would compass and effect the French Match, notwithstanding your Majesty's disagreement and dissuasion. For your Majesty foresaw, that this match would prove a Seminary of Discord, and a rock of Scandal. Now he trieth and compasseth by all means only to avoid the present peril, and to watch an occasion to deceive us another time, or to take us unprovided. For all this, he comes not with humility to procure pardon from the magnanimity and generosity of your most sacred mind, but casting himself into the arms of your enemies with weapons in hand, and with threats he goes about to terrify you, and with the greatest indignity to force your Majesty to a peace no less ignominious, then ill secured. We have too much lost (if it be lawful form to speak the truth) our reputation in yielding to a Truce with the States of Holland, though the same was accounted necessary for our Affairs in regard of the difficulty to sustain the charge of a war so far remote. To which now let us adjoin this point, that there is not so vile an adversary, who dares not to move and convert his thoughts at every novelty, and already we see the rest of the Italians discontented with our Greatness, willing to rise against us, yea, and to call the jews and the Turks in to their succour, albeit with their own dangers, if God and the Angel Guardians of your Crown do not work continual miracles for our Defence, truly I cannot see, who shall deliver us. What then remains? Most sacred King, I am of opinion, that Peace is not to be refused, so that the same be concluded with safety, the which can no way be, but by holding in deposits and impawned in your hands those Forts, which shall be thought fit by your Captains, and to relieve them upon his cost, and for your good, or at least that he disburse the greatest part of the expense occasioned hitherto through his default. This Demand ought not to seem strange unto him, seeing he hath wittingly and advisedly used such ingratitude and deceits so oftentimes against you. Therefore we must let him understand, that we may not repose any confidence in him, except we have these Forts in pledge, that so we may safely with our Reputation, reduce our matters to a sound issue, not leaving place for him in reason to complain of us as the Authors of the war. But if the Duke will not consent to these our just demands, and will refuse to receive our Garrisons into his Forts▪ I am of the mind it is better to make war against him, then by protracting time to expect troubles hereafter in our own home. Another time we may run into a greater hazard, and we may have to do with a more powerful Prince. In the mean while it is convenient for your Majesty's honour to adventure all into the hand of Fortune, then voluntarily to yield with so great indignity to conditions of so little safety. Howbeit I see not where those dangers lie, which some would make so great. I am sure, that in respect of the justice of the cause, where a man is not stirred with any desire to spoil another of his due, but with necessity to preserve his own State, and that with greater facility than some imagine, the Duke of Savoyes' power is not stronger than ours. I am sure, that he is in a manner weak, and for two reasons to be slighted, as well in knowing him to be dangerously suspected, as also in that he is driven to stand Armed and on his guard, which cannot but consume him in a short time. Nor doth their opinion any whit move me, which say that he shall not want succours out of France, and out of those parts of Italy, which are interessed for their preservation, because the French which should aid him, are derived from a Government, whereof the Head is a Woman, divided in Religion, full of emulation, and of sundry disagreements among themselves, where it is no hard matter still to nourish and increase their doubts with their dissensions and diversified resolutions, so that the effects of them will fall out to be of small security, vain, or long and uncertain.  
And the designs of the Italians environed with our bordering States are become weakened and worn out by the sudden death of the French King, in whom they had grounded their hopes; so that now being afraid of our nighbouring Forces, and by the rising Fortunes of your Majesty, they will not presume openly to descend into this war, but rather by observing other men's proceedings, and vainly trusting to the benefit of the time, they will stand idle as mournful spectators of the tempest, which beats on their Neighbour's fields; unto whom it shall be in your Majesty's power to give them that ●orme and Law, whatsoever your Benignity shall please to impose, and hereafter shall be advised according to the times. Neither let your Majesty fail to entertain them with sundry cautions and artificial promises, and with protestations to affirm unto them, that what you take away from their Father, you will restore it to the Son, granting that to your Blood, which now you have denied to the Father for his ill deserts. With these hopeful promises let the Prince Philebert be fed, and extraordinarily made much off. In the mean time then let the provisions for the war be speedily hastened on, assembling soldiers out of the State of Milan, which are not enfeebled, as some (I know not whether they do it of zeal or interest) do express, to minister an occasion to the enemy of insulting. We have men for number and valour sufficient for a greater enterprise than this, among these good store of old Soldiers exercised in the Wars of the Low-Countries; nor are there wanting Captains of estimation and experience.  
And if your Treasure seems somewhat scanted, you have a way to find out so much money as you please, by departing with diverse Merchandises, and by feeding your Creditors with the particulars of the Fleets at their return from the Indies, and also by other extraordinary means. And seeing that your Majesty hath no wars at this present in any other parts, the ordinary Revenues of your Kingdoms are enough to supply the charge of this war. Besides the seat of the war will fall out to be in a great part of the Enemies own Territories, which will every day produce more fortunate conditions. Only let your Majesty resolve, and determine to pass (as Caesar did) the Rubicon; and then all things will succeed easy, plain, and the fruits of the victory will always overcome the lightness of belief. Occasions are rare, and you had need to meet with them: For whosoever thinks you may aspire to the Empire of Italy without vnsh●●thing your sword, or abiding the hazard, shows that he hath had but small doings in the world. God and Fortune do favour the Adventurous, the vigilant, and valiant; and despiseth the fearful, the sleepy, and the pusillanimous. Shall we for frivolous suspicions of remote dangers contemn lively and assured hopes?  
I do then conclude, Most invincible King, that unless we may have some Forts impawned into our hands, without the which the State of Milan will still remain in the same peril, we ought not in any wise to embrace that other Treaty, which is offered by the Pope's Nuntio, nor to stay so long until the new King of France be grown to his riper years, lest he be then incited and provoked by this Duke, who is full of vast and irregular conceits to pass the mountains to your damage, but now whilst he is a Pupil, it is necessary to prevent the inconvenience and to transfer the War into the Enemies Land. I beseech your Majesty to consider with what good opportunity the way is made open for you to the Monarchy of Italy, and to the greater part of Europe, as God hath lately favoured you. In what manner hath he dissipated and confounded our Enemy's Counsels by the sudden death of Henry the fourth?  
That Kingdom is now without a Head, Italy disunited and weak, Germany all tottered and divided; The Turk is beaten back, and entangled in the Wars of the Levant, so that none is able to withstand your designs. The Injury is apparent, which pricks you to a just revenge, and frees you from any blot of too much desire of Rule. Your Age which is now at the flower, is pried into, and expected that it walk with some travel through the way of Glory, with the which your Greatness shall no less be conjoined, than the Advancement of Religion, together with the safety of all Christendom. By which proceedings we shall see that verified of your Majesty, which many Learned men with no ambiguous observations of the Celestial Influences, and of the world's passages, have oftentimes affirmed to have been ordained in Heaven, that this most Noble Province having been oppressed for so many Ages, under the hard bondage of Strangers, aught at last in the Revolution of so many years to stand above all, and to extend their Empire to the uttermost Confines of the Earth, and to remain nothing inferior to that of the Persians, of the Macedonians, or Romans.  
FINIS.