Here his arraigned unjustly you may see:  
THE HISTORY OF Erastus, And The Seven Wise Masters OF ROME.  
Aphro●icia: Erastus   engraved title page   

ERASTUS: OR, THE Roman Prince.  
BEING A more full Account of that Famous HISTORY OF THE Seven Wise MASTERS.  
WITH Many Pleasant Additions of Excellent, and Divertive Discourses, and Songs, not unsuitable to the Design of the Story.  
LONDON. Printed for Dorman Newman at the King's Arms, and Benj. Alsop at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684.   

TO THE READER.  
THe History of Erastus, or the Roman Prince, hath Justly obtained a great esteem amongst men; For whereas other Works of this Nature tend to the depraving and Corrupting the tender Inclinations of Youth, we find the design of this to be the Promotion, and Encouragement of Virtue, and Ingenuity. What Fortitude and Constancy? What Patience and Humility is there not Conspicuous in the whole Series of Erastus' Life? We see him one day the Minion, and Darling of Fortune, courted with all the Favours of a Prodigal and Excessive Bounty: Another time, we have him tossed and hurried by the Black Tempest of Adversity, on the Ruinous Rocks of Envy, Distrust and Inhuman Malice. One day the Object of the Emperor's Care and Affection, the next of his Rage and Contempt. Such is the Inconstancy of Sublunary Estates, and Conditions! That for the first and second Scene of this Prince's Life, he seemed to be one of the Ludibria Fortune, a mere Tennis Ball of the Blind Goddess: But then if we observe the equality of his Temper, his Constancy to himself, and Virtue, under all those direful Circumstances; we may conclude him one destinated by the Gods to be a Precedent of a Victorious Virtue and Humanity. For the Latter Scenes of his Life, they seem to Import that happy and Flourishing Condition which Heaven appoints as a reward to a Philosophical and Manly Fortitude, and looks like the Glorious, and All-enlivening beams of Apollo after he has chased away the shades of the Cold Nocturnal Nymph, and made the Morning smile with the Welcome approach of his Amorous heat.  
And as Erastus answers the Character of a Heroic and brave Man; so have you in Dioclesian an Emblem of as great Inconstancy, and soft Efeminacy; and yet not altogether without some good Impressions, whilst under the hamering of Reason, and sage Advice; but soon deluded with false appearances, and violently hurried by Inordinate Appetite, and unruly Passion; still taken up with the next Plausible Object, without considering any Congruity of Circumstances.  
In the Seven Masters, you have the description of a true and Sincere Friendship, and a constant and inviolable Adhesion to the Truth, which is indeed one of the best Figures in the make of a Wise Man. Some will have these Seven Masters to be the Seven Liberal Sciences, which if a Man be throughly acquainted and instructed withal in his Youth, they will be constant helps to him in Adversity, and the best of his Ornaments in a Prosperous State.  
Under the Notion of the Empress, you have the Description of a Venomous, and Implacable Malice, Covered over with all the Artifices of Deceit. She enters into a League and Contract with Hell; sets up the most Diabolical Resolutions in the World, and pursues them with as much fury and subtlety as the Devil himself could do. What did she not Feign? What not Attempt against the Life of the Innocent Erastus? How often had she Imposed upon the too Credulous Dioclesian to his own Destruction. Take a survey of all the Impieties, Cruelties, Frauds, and Treacheries that ever were in that Deceitful and Deceptible part of that Sex, and you will see the Wife of Dioclesian crawling all over with that sort of Vermin; so that you may well conclude it was impossible for Woman to render herself more infamous. Then you have the natural Consequence of all her Villainy; she was (after all her shams) Detected, Rejected and Despised: She became Nauseous to others, Loathsome to herself; weary of her wretched Life, and Died rather Obstinate than Penitent.  
Thus have I in brief Opened and Vindicated the design of the Following Story; but you will find it much enlarged, and Embellished with great Variety of Additions, for the Delight, as well as Profit of the Reader. Many Songs are inserted that are not unsuitable to the Purpose, and I may without Vanity tell the Reader, that the Roman Prince never yet appeared in a Dress so agreeable to his Quality. I have made way for another Volumn to Complete the Story of Erastus; which (if the Reader kindly accept of my Poor Endeavours in this) I shall be much Encouraged to Publish.  
Farewell.   

THE Seven Wise MASTERS: Or, The Delectable HISTORY OF Prince Erastus.  

CHAP. I. The Emperor Dioclesian chooseth Seven Philosophers to Instruct his Son Erastus in the Liberal Sciences. The Death of the Empress.  
ONe thousand and forty Years after Romulus had laid the Foundation of that once famous City of Rome, there Reigned the Renowned Emperor Dioclesian; the Reputation of whose Wisdom and Greatness stretched far beyond the Confines of his own vast Empire. This Monarch having been Married to a Princess, no less Conspicuous for Beauty and Extraction, had their Nuptials crowned with the Birth of a Son, whose excellent shape, and fair outside bespoke the unparallelled perfection of its Inhabitant, which at his first appearance seemed to be born for the Grandeur of Empire, and looked more like an offspring of the Gods, than any thing of human Race, which gave the occasion of his name Erastus (that is to say) Amiable or Lovely. This was confirmed by the Nativity-Casters, and Magicians of that Age, who by their Schemes had given the Emperor an account of what he was to hope from a Child, born under such fortunate Configurations. Which made the Parent solicitous to Season his very Infancy with the best principles for the Enobling of his High Birth; wherefore he chose him Tutors, to the Number of the Grecian Sages, which were Seven; and proportionable to the Liberal Arts: These having withdrawn him to a Princely Mansion near the City, where both privacy and delight contributed to the furtherance of his Studies: For the shady Groves, the pleasant Walks, the warbling Birds, the crystal Streams, and sumptuous Palace, proclaimed the Delicacy of this sweet Retreat. So that at the Age of ten years, this Royal Pupil discovered a great proficience in Grammar, Logic, Geography, and the other Sciences, to the Astonishment of the Philosophers themselves, who were struck with Wonder, both at the Growth and Beauty of his outward Form; and especially his vast Improvement in the knowledge of Philosophy. And now, as a Trial of this young Prince's Courage, comes the Death of the Fair Empress his Mother; to whom, although he bore all the Tenderness of Affection, as became a most Dutiful and Loving Child; yet having his Courage heightened by reading the Stoics, be submitted not to Effeminate Tears, but vented his Sorrows in an ingenious Song, Composed by him on that Occasion; which s●ice hath not been unluckily Translated; To this purpose.  

SONG.  

THe Glories of our Birth and State  
Are shadows, not substantial Things;  
There is no Armour 'gainst our Fate:  
Death lays his Icy Hands on Kings:  
Sceptre and Crown, must tumble down,  
And in the Dust be equal laid,  
With the poor crooked Scithe & Spade.   

Some Men with Swords may reap the fields,  
And plant fresh Laurel where they kill:  
But their strong Nerves at last must yield;  
They tame but one another still.  
Early or late, we bend to Fate,  
And must give up our murmuring Breath,  
Whilst the pale Captive creeps to Death.   

The Garland's withered on your Brow.  
Then boast no more your mighty Deeds;  
For on Death's purple Altar, now  
See where the Victor victim Bleeds:  
All Heads must come, to the cold Tomb;  
Only the Actions of the Just  
Smell Sweet and blossom in the Dust.    
  

CHAP. II. By Advice of his Parliament, the Emperor Marrieth the Princess Aphrodisia, who hearing of Erastus, became Enamoured of him; and shows him her Affection.  
THe Solemnities of the Emperess' Funeral being over, the Senate doubting, if the Excellent Erastus died, the Royal Line might be Extinct for want of Issue, prevailed with Dioclesian to admit to his Embraces the Princess Aphrodicia, of whose Beauty and Breeding, Fame had made a loud Report: The good old Emperor being the more ready to entertain a good opinion for the fair Ones of that Sex, by reason of the excellent Virtues of his former Queen, the Mother of his Heir apparent, soon yielded to their Request: And had his Wedding celebrated with all manner of Royal Diversions, as Music, Dancing, and Ringing the Bells, whilst they sung to the Tune of— 
Four and Twenty Fiddlers all on a Row;  
And there was Fiddle, Fiddle, and twice Fiddle, Feedle, etc.   
But Erastus was none of the Gallants that attended this Nuptial entertainment, either having a greater inclination for his Studies, or else loath to put off the Mourning for his Mother: But all discourses were so loaded with the Fame of his Youth, Parts, and excellent Acquirements, that it deafened all the other Music of the Court; insomuch, that the new made Bride could not relish the Caresses of her Amorous Sovereign, for the Pain she was in; being smitten with the unknown parts, and endowments of the famous Erastus. So that letting lose the Reins of her Affections, she was driven by the violence of Passion, thus to make known her Affection to her beloved Prince, and Son-in-Law. Having taken into her Apartment, a Slave that served her for her most pleasant Privacies, and tied him fast, by the usual Oath of Secrecy, never to divulge her Story to any Male or Female, but her adored Erastus; she sent him with a present of very rich Linen, some Plain, some Laced, with Cravats of Venetian Point, & Shirts curiously wrought in Flames, expressing this Motto, Thus do I Mourn for you, and Burn. Herewith she sent a Looking-Glass carved of precious Stonee, with such Art, that it diversely represented the passion of Venus for Adonis, Dido for Aeneas, with many more, whereof Romances are full; there were also costly Perfumes of great Virtue to move Affection, and a Sweetheart of Pomander, made by Punteus, which having locked up in a right Indian Cabinet, covered with Filligreen of Silver wire; she dispatched her Messenger, commanding him to deliver these Presents, as from the Emperor and herself; but by no means to Omit any possible demonstrations of the violence of her Affection to the Youthful Prince; who being contemplative in the Garden of his retirement, was encountered with the amorous present from the Queen, his unchaste Mother-in-Law, which by the Page, was with great artifice presented in both the Emperor's and her name, desiring Erastus to return to the Court, and afford his presence with a Father, and Mother, that esteemed him more than her very Life: then drawing out the exquisite Curiosities that were sent, and opening them one by one, he failed not to expound the great Tenderness and Love the Empress had for him, if possible, more than for the Emperor himself. But these Gayities obtaining nothing on his Philosophical constitution, had been rejected, had it not been for the interposition of the Seven Wise Masters, who perceiving the great richness of the Present, and fearing the displeasure of the Emperor or Empress, if they should be rejected, prevailed with their princely Pupil to admit them, not without commending his Virtue for thus despising the tempting vanities of the Court. So the Queen's Messenger being dismissed, he resolved to dissemble the success to his Mistress, and craftily acquainted her, That Erastus had received her Tokens with infinite joy, kissing every part, and praying her that his Affection might be accepted, which he would not fail, vigorously, to express when he came to Rome. This wrought so on this beguiled Princess, that verily believing her deceitful Slave, she Royally rewarded his Negotiation; promising, if he were instrumental in accomplishing her wishes, she would at least get him to be Knighted: And though he had no hope of prevailing against the impregnable Virtue of Erastus; yet the consideration of his own profit made him nourish the Empress with feigned hopes of success; whilst she burning in the heat of an intemperate desire, retired into her Closet, and casting herself on her Couch, in a Dream, fancied she had her dear Idea in her Arms; so that speaking aloud with the extacy, Ah! My better Life, you are welcome. At which noise, her Ladies coming into the Room, and awakening her, she told them, she had dreamt of a Serpent that affrighted her: whereupon they urging, that no credit was due to Dreams, persuaded Her Majesty to divert herself at the Playhouse, until Supper time.   

CHAP. III.  
SVpper being ended, and the Emperor, and his Queen retired to their Lodging; whilst the soft Diadem of sound Sleep crowned his Temples, the wretched Queen could not rest, fearing an enterprise so well begun should miscarry through her neglect; therefore rising early in the Morning, and pretending to go to her Beads, she privately writ this Letter to her dear Idol.  
Aphrodicia to Erastus.  
LEt not your fair Eyes be displeased with the Rudeness of these Unpollished, which proceeding from the deepest Affection, come to show the unsufferable Pain I endure, until I enjoy the most Amiable Erastus. It is impossible a person of your Youth and Beauty can be insensible of Cupid's Flame, which so preys upon my Vitals, that without it be quenched by a reciprocal Ardours on your Part, my gasping Spirits must soon Expire. In confirmation of my real Affection, I have herewith sent the best of my Jewels, too mean a present for the Master of my Heart. The grandeur of the Empire is too mean an Object for her, whose Soul cherisheth your Idea. Come then, and let your Embraces make me happy, or I shall soon die the most unfortunate of Women.  
This Letter being sealed, she placed, with many jewels of richest value, in a Cabinet, whereon, in most curious Work, she had taught her Needle to express the Story of Penelope and Ulysses; and delivering it to her private Messenger, she gave him Charge, with all running insinuations, to express to the Prince the fervent Ardour ●f her Passion; which he had the fit opportunity to do, finding the Prince alone ●n his Closet: But before he broke into mention of the most important matter, be resolved to see with what Countenance the noble Erastus would receive the Amorous Present; but as soon as the Letter had discovered the true meaning of the Design; ●ow did a virtuous disdain show itself in ●is Countenance; and having torn the lewd Epistle, with sharp reproofs he dismissed the Slave, commanding him to advise his Mistress to desist her unchaste and wicked Inclinations, and to carry back the Tokens of her foul desire. The Slave, being returned, had no easy part to act, being for his own advantage to dissemble the just Resentments of Erastus; therefore, craftily, ●he acquaints the Queen (who wondered at the return of her jewels without any Letter) That the Prince had returned them, as not esteeming himself worthy of so great Rarities, that were fit for a Lady's Cabinet; that her Affection, was that which, above all things he valued; and kissing the Letter a thousand times, had returned an answer in writing, but seared a discovery by the sudden approach of some one of h● Tutors, only prayed her, that he might li● in her favour until he came to Rome, whi● should be speedily; and that then she shou● receive the Satisfaction she so much desire● This Story infinitely satisfied Aphrodici● who liberally rewarding her (as she though trusty Slave; with most ardent Expectati● she waited the coming of Erastus.   

CHAP. IU.  
IN the mean time the impatient Empress took all Occasions, by setting b●fore the Emperor, the great Renown th● would redound to him by the presence 〈◊〉 his Son, who was a person of so rare a●complishments, as was not again to 〈◊〉 matched in the World; and that it wou● mightily engage the Affections of his Subjects to see before their Eyes a Prince 〈◊〉 such excellent perfections, so qualified f● the imperial Diadem. With such Insinu●tions she soon prevailed on the easy Dioclesian, who had likewise no less inclination to see an only Son of such admirab● Improvement: who suddenly dispatch● one of his principal Lords to the Palace 〈◊〉 the young Prince; where having to t● Seven Wise Masters given an account of the Emperor's pleasure, That his Son should ●ome to Rome on the next day, and the ●aid Tutors accompany him, if they thought 〈◊〉 might be without prejudice to the Study's of their Royal Pupil. The Learned Masters having, with much attention, considered the Emperor's message, and knowing, ●heir charge, Erastus to be accomplished to the ●ighest degree that Philosophy could improve him to. After they had conducted the Ambassador to the presence of the hopeful Son of the Empire, where they propounded several abstruse Questions in the deepest Sciences, that the Roman Lord might be able to give the Emperor an account of his Son's proficience; which all being answered by Erastus with incomparable Skill, and prompness of Wit far beyond his years: The Ambassador returned the most satisfied Man alive, acquainting Him, That the next day the young Prince would not fail to signify his Obedience to his Royal pleasure; and would come attended with his learned Masters, who all presented their most humble Duty to their Lord the Emperor; which answer being received by Dionysius, together with an account of his Sons wonderful proficiency in Learning, it rendered him the most joyful Man in the World. So that, forthwith he ordered his Senate and Nobles to be ready the next day to mee● their young Prince, and with greatest pom● conduct him to the Court. The whole City was employed in fitting Pageants, Arches● and Equipages for his reception: But above all, Aphrodicia could hardly suppress the excess of joy she was in, at the apprehension of the so near approach of that welcome day, wherein she should enjoy (as she thought) the Object of her most fervent Wishes, an● elevated Desires: The rest of the Ladie● omitted no bravery that might express thei● acknowledgement of the most accomplished● and desirable of Mankind.  
  

CHAP. V.  
But on the Evening before this great Solemnity, the young Prince walking in his Garden, observed by a cross aspect of the Stars, that some most eminent danger threatened him in this his splendid expedition; but that which most troubled him, was the apprehension of an ignominious Death, which by his great skill in Astrology he saw must happen; not so much dreading Death, which his Philosophy taught him was the result of Nature, as the shameful manner of it: Therefore communicating this discovery to his Seven Tutors, they heard him with great astonishment, and finding by the Schemes (which on that Occasion) they erected, that it was but too true, as the Prince had discovered; they were cast into the greatest Sorrow and Distraction imaginable; not finding any possibility to prevent this speedy Ruin and Destruction, in which they must all be involved. But Erastus, who was ever in an extraordinary manner befriended by the Gods; had it revealed to him, that if he could but keep silence for seven days, the fatal Aspect would be over, and he should, with great honour, escape the threatened Mischief: They being convinced of the likelihood of this project, and confirmed in the belief of it by an Eclipse that had happened not long before: resolved, being Seven in number, each Man would take his day to Mediate and Intercede for this Innocent Prince, during the time of his Silence, thereby to divert that misunderstanding and mischief, which the Malice of Erastus' Enemies might suggest on that occasion; which being on all hands resolved on, they, with most Princely Equipage, address themselves to their journey the next Morning.   

CHAP. VI  
THe morning of this splendid day being come, a select company of the Eldest Sons of the Roman Nobility waited the young Prince's Motion out of the Gate o● his Palace, where they attended him, dressed in the richest Habits, most deviceful Furnitures, and costly Liveries, that the Gallantry of the Roman Empire (then in its Glory) could furnish them withal: in thi● Equipage waiting upon him to the City-gate, they were there met by the Emperor in a Chariot of State, and all the Noble● of the Court; some on Horseback, other● in Coaches curiously Guilded, and set of● with the best Italian Painting, whilst all the Bells in the City were rung in musical Changes, and the Conduits running with Wine, and the Mayor, and his Liveries linen the Streets with their Ensigns and Liveries; besides the Pageants, and Ropedancers, with other pomps of Diversion, far exceeded the gaiety of a Bartholomew-Fair. But all this Triumph was soon turned into the greatest Dejection, and Sorrow imaginable: when the Emperor speaking to the Son of his best hopes, & giving him the welcome of a most indulgent Father, received no other answer but a dumb Obeisance, and silent Reverence; at which, the Emperor being in great heaviness, feared lest his too much Study might have deprived him of his Reason, or that in a too strict pursuit of Philosophy, he had lost his Morals: this opinion was much heightened, when the young Prince, being conducted into the Chamber of Presence, and sat on a Throne by his Father, could by no arguments be prevailed with to unlock the Cabinet of his Coral-Lips, but had there Immured the most Learned of Tongues to a rigorous Silence: So that calling for the Philosophers, the enraged Emperor with great transport and vehemence, told them, That if they did not again restore his Son to his Speech, both they and their sottish Pupil should speedily expect to be condemned to the House o● Silence, and have the Organs of their Voices stopped by Axe of justice: But they, with the greatest Submissions that could he endeavoured to allay the mighty Tempest of the King's wrath, assuring His Majesty. That this wonderful silence of his Son, a● it did proceed from some secret cause, to them unknown, so they doubted not bu● time would manifest, that it was by some divine power, or command at least, tha● the wisest of Princes had imposed this silence on himself: For that the Lord tha● had brought the Emperor's Message, bu● the day before, was witness with what excellent demonstration of Reason and Learning he had discoursed in his presence bu● the day before.  
But the Queen, who sitting under 〈◊〉 Cloth of State in the same Room, ha● been all this while devouring with her Eyes the dear Object of her highest desires; an● finding that flame, which report had kindled was now so much heightened by the presence of the most attractive, and desirabl● person in the World, that without it were a little allayed by a speedy fruition, it would certainly reduce her to be the most miserable of Women; took this occasion to acquaint the indulgent Emperor, that she had in her Closet a Secret, recommended by a Physician of great note, that would in short time recover the speech of such as were dumb: Therefore if His Majesty would so order it, that the Prince might retire with her, to her Apartment, she doubted not but in some short time, if she had him alone with her, both to discover, and cure the cause of his Distemper.  
The good Emperor, not suspecting this Serpentine cunning of a fair Woman, gave command, That Erastus should attend upon the Queen in her Closet; where this worst of Women put in practice, the devilish design you will hear of in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. VII.  
THe Lustful Aphrodisia having by this occasion, as she thought, taken sure hold of her Prey: the doors being shut, she, with most amorous words and gestures, began to explain the meaning of her former Letters and presents, recounting the violence of her passion, in the most inticeing manner that a wicked and depraved Woman can devise. And is my Beauty (said she) and my Youth, that is here prostrate to your pleasure, become an object of scorn and contempt: Am I the occasion of this stupid silence of yours? speak my dearest Erastus; and e'er it be too late, revive the languishing Spirits of her that cannot live without she enjoys you. Then with a storm of lascivious Kisses, she attempted a battery on the impregnable Fort of his Chastity; exposing her most enticeing beauties, with the greatest allurement; and hightening the demonstrations of her passion, by words, expressing the most ardent and sincere Affection: What (said she) my Erastus, must then my royal Favour, and all conquering Beauty be the contempt of your pretended stupidity, and icy silence or can you think, though you abuse these Tears, the showers of my Love, that you shall be able to avoid the tempest of my just Anger? No, no, Erastus, think no● thy dull Morality shall balk my expectations of their desired end; but that tho● mayst see how far the malice of a disappointed Woman can reach, be assured I will make so effectual an example of Female rage, as shall astonish the Generations to come, when they shall here thereof. Then trying whither force might not prevail upon him, she endeavoured to constrain him to her Couch; which the poor transported Prince perceiving, with great nimbleness, seized the door, left the infectious Room; but was soon pursued through the Gallery by the enraged Empress, whose Lust being now turned to hellish and barbarous Revenge, she was heard over the Court, with most feigned, and Crocodile Lamentations, to exclaim, stop, stop, the young Traitor to his Father's honour, the Violator of my Chasticy, with many ●ther Blasphemies, as her devilish and exquisite Malice could invent; still tearing her Hair, rendering her Face and Breasts, and shattering her neglected jewels, and regal Robes, that should have been the modest covering of her Honour: So that meeting the King in this posture, who had by this time detained the innocent Prince, whom he met flying the beastial Rage of this Fury: casting herself at his Royal Feet, she, with great artifice so acted the Hypocrite, that the Emperor was gulled into a belief of that shameless Fact, which this most Savage of her Sex had alleged, with feigned tears, and bitter execrations. So that taking the Prince's silence (which the Stars had joined him) for a contempt of his Authority, and an infallible argument of Gild; he ordered the Guards to to take this model of abused Innocence into close Custody, until it should be determined what Sentence was the just reward of so foul a Crime.  
Which was soon resolved on, for the Council being presently called, and having only heard the Plaintif (who now undoubtedly concluded she had a plenary revenge on the Contemner of her brutal desires) they Sentenced him to be drawed, hanged, and guartered; and that within the space of three hours: But all were astonished that beheld his unmoved Constancy under this most unjust proceedure; and greatly Lamented, that a young Prince, of such growing hopes, should be thus cut off in the bud, and morning of his Princely youth: So that nothing but dismal Lamentations were to be heard, and sable Consternation appeared to cover the Face of the whole City. This gave so great an Alaram to the Seven Philosophers, who had engaged to be his Advocates for the seven days, until the Malignity of his Stars were expired; that they hardly knew what to determine, because of the shortness of the time: But withal considering, if they moved not in this instant, the Fortune of the Empire would be lost, and Posterity deprived of the happiness of so excellent a Governor. The Lot for the first day fell on Euprosigorus; who accordingly addressed himself to oppose the Torrent of the imperial Rage, in executing that direful Sentence on the best of Princes, Erastus.   

CHAP. VIII.  
NO sooner had Euprosigorus entered the presence of Dioclesian; but it may well be imagined what a storm of fury fell on him for his presumption, in that he impudently had intruded himself upon the Emperor's presence, when his fury, and transport on the forementioned occasion were such, as none durst attempt to come into his sight: Especially such as he thought the Tutors to the unfortunate Erastus must be, having instead of the excellent dictates of Philosophy (as he thought) instructed him in nothing more than to seek the shame and ruin of himself, and cast perpetual infamy on his Parents. I say 'tis not hard to guests how welcome Euprosigorus must needs be to a presence that had entertained such thoughts as these confirming him. But the good Philosopher arming himself with the Male of innocence, and the consideration of the Care the Gods had over such, without the least show of trouble or concern, thus replied to the Emperor; having given place to the first shocks of his fury. And is it then (most excellent Dioclesian) so small a thing (said he) with one sudden, and undeliberate stroke to cut of the Glory of your stock, I had almost said of mankind, through the importunities; nay, perhaps false suggestions of a weak and silly woman, whose Passions sometimes admit not of the Counsels of reason or deliberation. Hear me then mighty Emperor (continued he) and suspend this rigid Sentence until I have (by commemorating an accident that once befell in this City) shown your Highness the irrecoverable loss that attends a hasty and rash Determination: which request being complied withal; he assumes his discourse to this purpose. There was not many years since, a noble Man of this your Imperial City, who had one only Child, which he delivered to the care of a Nurse, to be brought up in his own House; he had besides a Dog, in which he took great satisfaction; for many qualities incident to that active and faithful Creature, in the which he had observed this Dog to excel. Now it happened on a certain day, when this Lord, with his Lady and Attendants, went to see a Tournament performed in the Olympic fields, according to the custom of the ancient Romans; and having left only the Nurse with the care of their darling Child, her curiosity carried her to the top of the house, to observe what she could of the Sport at so great a distance, leaving only the fond Dog in the Room, where the Child slept in its Cradle; but whilst this careless Woman was there diverting her iule and wanton Fancy, a Serpent came into the Chamber where the Infant lay, which soon espied by the trusty Spaniel, was as soon set upon, in defence of the dear little Pledge, whose charge he maintained; the Contest was fierce and long, so that in the fray, the Cradle was overthrown, but to such advantage, that it secured the Child from what it might otherwise have been exposed to: At length the Dog won the Victory; but not without the loss of much Blood; which being perceived by the careless Nurse, as soon as her impertinence gave her leave to descend into the Chamber; without further enquiry, she flies, with the Alarm, to the Place where her Lady was, accusing the faithful Spaniel that had been the protector of his little Master, to have been his Destroyer. All enter the Room with all that hast which Passion and Fury could convey them withal, and finding the Cradle overthrown, the honest Guardian bloody; without more ado, rewarded his Fidelity by knocking out his Brains, thereby robbing the pooor Dog of his life, that had been the Instrument to preserve the Child's. But when a little respite and breathing had given them leave to search for the deplored Infant; it was found alive, and entire, under the Cradle; and on a stricter view, the remains of a venomous Serpent, from whom the trusty Dog had received his wounds in his Ma●ters defence: when these and other circumstances began more clamly to be reflected upon; then indeed did the errors of rash & precipitate passion show themselves in their true colours: Insomuch, that the too credulous Gentleman now saw, how, for want of consideration, he had rewarded the valiant and faithful Defender of his Child and House, with a base, cruel, and treacherous Death; and believing it impossible, that ever such another faithful Servant could fall to the share of one that knew no better to distinguish his services: these, and such like reflections had like to have put him on the sending Wife, Nurse, and Servants into the other World, to expiate the irreparable loss of his trusty Spaniel. This, mighty Sir, may be your case, and much worse, if by the advice of your wisest Councillors, you do not take such measures in this great and important Affair, as the just merit of the Cause requires. Wherefore let me crave your Royal deferrence of this so rash and severe Sentence; which the Emperor (being much taken with the Morality of the Story) granted accordingly.  
  

CHAP. IX.  
IN the Evening going to the Apartment of the Empress, as he was want to do; having the greatest tenderness of Affection for her, by reason of the great attraction youth naturally over Age: he found her all in tears, and with bitter sobs venting (it may be) one of the dolefullest Lamentations that e'er was heard of: But that which most astonished the good Dioclesian, was to observe, that the more he endeavoured to administer to the mitigation of her Sorrows; the more they were exasperated, and broke out with no small reflections on his being wholly a stranger to all principles of justice, and common Honesty; for (said she) as the place you hold in the Roman Empire obligeth you to the strictest observance of the Laws of justice and Equity; So the personal Relation you stand in to me, more particularly requires at your hand a due vindication of my Honour, but both of these you have much departed from, in delaying the reparation of the violence offered to your Bed, as well as mine, by him whom you call your Son; but what proportion his actions bear to that Relation, let the world judge. In this case I can compare you no better to any thing, than the old Pine Tree: What Pine Tree, said the Emperor? She replied, because the case is so parallel, I will give you the trouble to hear it; and composing her Face to a formal seriousness, she began thus, A Gentleman that took great delight in an umbrage he had near his Garden, and especially to an old Pine Tree that gave great Ornament to it: One day as he was contemplating in the shade of that place, he observed a young sprout arise from the root of the ancient Pine, and taking his Gardener, consulted how to preserve and cherish the young Tree. The Gardener told him, that the bigger Pine bore too much head, which shaded and hindered; whereupon he had order to pair that part of the old Pine that was injurious to the Sprout: The Gentleman about that time took a journey, and at his return, found one half of the old Tree withered; and ask again his Gardener, had this answer, That it was better wholly to take away the ancient Pine● that the young might the sooner fill his place. This my Lord, this is what I fear▪ and I wish my Omens prove not too true; as for instance, Your Majesty is the Princely Pine, under whose shadow the Roman Shepherds have with non-interrupted delight reposed themselves: your supposed Son is the fatal shrub, for whose cherishment, your Royal Self, the Imperial Pine, must be cut down & destroyed; they having killed your better part, your Honour already: The Gardiner's are these base Sycophants; the Philosophers, who (so they may divide the Government of Rome between them) are all bend to the cherishing this graceless Shrub. And here a well-dissembled Tide of Tears stopped the farther current of her speech; so that looking most disconsolately on the Emperor, as expecting his answer to her diabolical Fable: she might see him make several demonstrations of his too absolute belief of her shame, by thumping his breast, beating the ground, cursing the very gods, & endeavouring to dart his fury at them, in the fierce cast of his eyes and countenance: At length, Too well my dear Empress (said he) do I discern this execrable Conspiracy; but I hope it shall not be too late: then leaving the room, he immediately gave the second order for executing the dire Sentence on the Peerless Erastus.  
  

CHAP. X.  
THe Philosopher Dimurgus have undertaken to take off the second days shock from the innocent Erastus; in order to the seasonable effecting it, very early in the morning was waiting at the door of the King's Chamber, and being introduced by one of the Pages, had the liberty of being heard, with greater patience than one could have thought was possible, considering the dreadful ferment the last discourse, with Aphrodicea, had put the Emperor in: but whether it was that the slumbers of the Night had somewhat moderated the acuteness of the Fumes; or only adviseing his Pillow, abstracted somewhat from the rigour of his resolution. Certes (as we were saying) Dimurgus found him in a temper much more serene, than could have been expected: the circumstances, but now related, being considered, which gave the Philosopher more freedom to debate the injustice of the Sentence, than otherwise could have been permitted; insomuch, that he obtained a second days Truce, with the Emperor's indignation: which he did, by relating the sad, and most unfortunate adventure of the learned Hipocrates, in this sort.  
The young Prince of Hungary being very sick, the King and Queen sent Ambassadors to the famous Doctor, with large presents, and assurance of larger, if he would come and secure the life of their only Son: It so happened at that time, th● old Physician had himself need of a Doctor▪ and the Messengers seeing him not in capacity to Travel, accepted of a young Scholar, a Nephew of Hipocrates, whom he had, with all diligence, instructed in the greatest Secrets of his Art: this person being arrived at the Court, was very well received by both the King and Queen, who discovered in him, more than ordinary, symptoms of an exquisite Artist.  
One day taking the Queen aside, privately he acquainted her, That the young Prince, now so sick, was not the natural Son of the King; and therefore, unless she would relate who was his real Father, he could do no more towards his Cure; but on consideration she would disclose that, he would secure the young Prince's life. The Queen much astonished at his great Art; after having taken of him an Oath of Secrecy on the Mass-book, and modestly acquainted him with the Circumstances inducing her thereto; which, without Magic, you may suppose to be the King's coldness, and a natural Inclination that Queens have to furnish the world with Princes, that have the Spirit of Government: She acquaintes him with the only Secret of her Cabinet, that he was the Son of an Irish man, that had serv●d the King in his Wars against the Turk, who taking the opportunity of the King's being gone a Hunting; one day took such acquaintance with me in my Closet, that after some time, it was the product of this Son; who indeed passeth for the Prince: and I promised the Captain, for his kindness to me, to make his child (if a boy) Heir to the Crown of Hungary. By this the King hath the satisfaction to think himself a Father; I the happiness of being a Mother: and you the only person entrusted with the Secret, of the which, you may make such use as best pleaseth you, only preserving the Son's life, and the Mother's Honour; which I am the easier induced to confide in, by reason of your Oath to Hipocrates. The young Doctor having given great attention to this Relation; promised to answer both her requests, both in relation to the Secret, and to apply himself to use his utmost skill for the recovery of the young Prince; which he did with such success, that in a little time he being perfectly restored, to the exceeding satisfaction both of the King and Queen: the Physician was Royally rewarded, and dismissed with great Honour; who returning to his Uncle, the great Hipocrates, and having given him a particular account of his good Success, with the extraordinary bounty of his Royal Benefactors. The subtle old Doctor seemed wonderfully pleased with what his Nephew had related; and forced himself into an appearance of highly congratulating the young Man's fortune; whilst inwardly he had very different resentments: for it wrought in him a strong regret, which at length swell up to a perfect maligning, and repining at the prosperity of this young Physician; and as it is natural for old men to be largely stocked with jealousy, and envy: These two passions wrought so powerfully on the declining Hipocrates, that he put on a felonious resolution of eclipsing the growing Grandeur of his kinsman, lest in time it might exceed the dimension of his own long acquired Fame. He therefore takes his kinsman into the fields, one day, to observe the mediciaal Herbs of the earth, and having asked him divers questions of the nature and quality of such and such Plants; at length, said the old Man, reach me that Herb that groweth so low on the ground; which the young Doctor stooping to do, the other mortally wounded him on the hinder part of his head, with a hatchet he (for that purpose) had placed under his Gown. Thus this envious old man having put a period to his life; and as (he the● thought) to his own fears and jealousies, he cast the Body in a pit thereby, inwardly rejoicing at the bloody Tragedy. But a very short time convinced him of the barbarous effect of his rash and indeliberate Action, when being seized with a violent distemper; the pains, and decay's of his Body put him in mind of his cruel Bloodshed; besides, wanting now the help of his only Nephew, whom so basely he had butchered. So that continually exclaiming on the irrecoverable loss his rashness had brought on all Men, and particularly on himself, and filled with the Terrors of black horror, and endless despair, he most wretchedly expired in one of his Agonies. Thus (mighty Prince) said the learned Dimurgus, have I laid before your Imperial Majesty, the most sad, and irreparable effects of rash, and inconsiderate Actions; which once finished, and determined, can never be repaired; but end in endless, yet vain Repentance. The Emperor having weighed the purport of this discourse, ordered a second Reprieve to the dismal Sentence.   

CHAP. XI.  
THe ungracious Empress seeing the Council of Dimurgus, had prevailed to respite the fatal Sentence against the most virtuous Erastus; and fearing the delay of his Execution, might one day discover her inhuman Treachery, and pull a just vengeance on her own head: that she might yet again incense the blinded Emperor to comply with her barbarous Treasons; feigned herself almost dead with sorrow, because her Honour had not received that satisfaction which the Law had granted to the justness of her Complaint. Wherefore retireing into the most private part of her Apartment, she permitted none to administer Comfort to her Sorrows, but the Slave that had been the Secretary to her devilish practices. This sad retirement coming to the Emperor's ears; he out of an excess of Affection, would go to comfort his implacable Crocodile, and being, with great entreaties, admitted to the place, which was the doleful Scene of her feigned Sorrow; he found her weltering in tears, in the midst of her Rosaries and Beads, afflicting herself in the most passionate manner imaginable; so that the poor deluded Dioclesian could not forbear shedding his Royal juice at the dismal prospect. Till having almost tired herself with the excess of her fiction, and (as she thought) mollified him to take the impression of her cursed Council: She thus adresed herself to her design. Think you, most Royal Dioclesian, that these tears, and this profound sorrow in which you see me cast, could possibly proceed on the account of the most unfortunate Aphrodicea? or that my own affairs (which bear no proportion in my Soul with yours) could work me to so sharp regret? No, mighty Prince, it is the eminent danger that I see your Sacred Person exposed to, whilst you permit these ungracious, and traitorous Philosophers to work you into a belief of Erastus' innocence: That Erastus (said she) whom I cannot mention without an Agony: and here stopping her speech, which gave way to a volley of Sighs, and well-dissembled Groans; and fixing her Basilisk eyes on the almost distracted Emperor, she proceeded after this sort: The Gods, and all the Supreme Powers ever defend the Sacred Roman Emperor, and never suffer my ominous portents to take effect on his Royal Person. Oh! my Sovereign Dioclesian (said she) How like are you to the Royal Boar, of which the Moralist gives account? who having long swayed the Sceptre of the Forest, and with great contempt overthrown the pride, and power of all that opposed his Empire; yet at last was by a wilily stratagem, and seeming friendship destroyed, by a stily Shepherd, after this manner: This treacherous Swain had observed a stately Pear-tree, the Fruit whereof, best pleased the princely Boar, and to the which, for that reason he made frequent resort: The Herdsman takes an opportunity to convey himself upon this Tree; where having been but little time, the generous Boar came to his repast, and giving the Tree a shog, to shake down his delicates, the cunning Swain had gathered many in his coat, which at that instant he fling down to the Royal Beast, and ever now and then sent fresh supplies of the delicious fruit, until at length (having made too large a meal) the unwary Boar lay down to rest under the fatal Tree: the traitorous youth taking hold of this opportunity, softly descended, and gently clawing the slumbering Prince, soon had an opportunity to thrust his knife to his heart: To whom the expireing Boar thus spoke;  wretch, who in contempt of my Royal Authority, hast thus traitorously destroyed my person; know, that if I had known what poisonous fruit had been on this ingrateful Tree, I would ●ave set fire to the roots of it: and have by the ruin of such a deceitful Caitif, have prevented my own. What need any Explanation to be made of a parallel so visible? But if your imperial Highness take not warning by this Story, you may too soon feel the Sword of him that now claws and flatters you, sheathed in your Bowels. This Advice, set off with the greatest Artifice that a subtle malice could devise, wrought with the easy King, that he once more promised the false Aphrodicea, that the next rising Sun should be witness to the Tragedy of Erastus.  
  

CHAP. XII.  
THe third day's care of the excellent Prince Erastus, by Lot, falling on the wise Philosopher Thermus; and he understanding the strict order the Emperor had given for the punctual Execution of the direful Sentence, that day, very early in the morning waited at the Royal Apartment: And though he considered he was to encounter the anger of an Emperor, exasperated by the wiles, and subtleties of an implacable wicked Queen; yet did the sense he had of the justice of the Prince's cause, the Innocence of his person; together with the indispensible duty of a Philosopher, to withstand (what in him lay) the Execution of a Sentence so barbarous, and against the very light of Nature: these, and such like considerations, armed the Philosopher against the mighty opposition he met withal; so that notwithstanding he was (with much difficulty) admitted to the presence, and with many a Regal frown, and sharp reflection entertained by Dioclesian: he with great humanity, and undisturbedness, gave way to the passionate Tempest; and with a Stoical bravery overcame, or at least despised the effects of an Emperor's blindness, and a Queen's rage. So that taking a convenient opportunity, he with a sage and graceful presence, and discourse, so fa● charmed the evil spirit, that the Magic o● Aphrodicea had raised in the Emperor 〈◊〉 that the half-subdued Dioclesian gave way to the Morals of the learned Thermus; which, in such sort, be expressed: That 〈◊〉 wise man (by over-indulging, either his own Passions, or the Councils of a secret Enemy) may be induced to an Act of the highest rashness, and injustice: and that a remediless, and irreparable mischief, may be the product of such undeliberate determinations, hath been proved by the excellent Discourses of the Sages, Euprosigorus, and Dimurgus. Now (by the permission of your Imperial Majesty) I humbly crave leave to Infer, that all this mischief may probably derive from the malice, and subtlety of a mischievous Woman: And though we ought always to be cautious, and suspicious of our own Determinations; especially in matters of Importance (and what can be of greater, than the Fate of the Roman Empire, which depends on the execution, or remission of this day's Sentence) yet ought we never to be more circumspect in such-Affairs, than when a Woman shall be the Instigatress of the Action: 〈◊〉 having been always observable, that ●he most notorious, and desperate Villainies have been managed, either by the councils, or assistance of that Sex. So having obtained a Reprieval of the Sentence till ●he next day, he went on with his Story, as the Author hath it. A Wealthy (but Ancient) Nobleman of Toscany, was Married to a young and beautiful Lady, of one of the most Honourable houses of that Country, to the great satisfaction of all their Relations; this Marriage was celebrated with all suitable demonstrations of Mirth and Gallantry: So that Feasting, Danceing, Masqueing, and Entertainment, took up almost as much time, as might well have looked towards a Gosiping; when all this while the old Knight dressing himself in a Habit, and Humour more agreeable to a Lad of Eighteen, and being in his own Imagination, at least Thirty years younger than his true date: by the briskness of his behaviour, seemed (tolerably) to answer the gaiety of his young Lady. But these Dancing days being over, and the old Knight appearing in bed to be quite another thing than what his dress, and forces humour bespoke him, occasioned the young Bride to pass the Night in considerations very different from what they might hav● been, had she been Married to one, mor● suitable to her years: For the old man ha● only tickled her into a longing, for tha● which was not in his power to give; s● that being almost distracted, with a vehement desire of enjoying a more agreeabl● bedfellow; and having wearied her thought● with casting, how to accomplish it: she on● day took an occasion to disclose her (as sh● called it) unsupportable Passion to her Mother; and being with her in her Closet, she thus bespoke her: Madam, you have now before your eyes, one of the most unfortunate of woman kind; Married to what I must ever Loath, because he can never afford me the only solace of a woman's life: think with yourself dear Madam, was ever one of my Form and Age, condemned to be tied up to a Flaxen-Perriwig, a Point-band, a trimmed pair of Pantaloons, Fringe-Gloves, and a Beaver-Hat; for at night, when the Page hath laid these in the dressing Room, there remains nothing youthy, nothing handsome, or worthy my Embraces; when by my side lies the sad Skelleton of a decayed human, which instead of giving me the relish of my life, grates my thoughts all the long night, with apprehensions of unwelcome Death. Oh! cruel Matrimony, that fette●est youth under such Tyrannous restraints. I therefore humbly implore your Mother●y affection, as ever you have been scorched with the Flame of Love; that you will ●se some endeavour to ease this my unsufferable pain, and afford some refreshment to my languishing spirits. The good ●ld Lady being strangely surprised at this discourse of her Daughters, and dreading ●he consequence of such unruly Passion, dissembled her true Resentments, and seemed to condole with the young woman in her misfortunes; by this means, designing to ●ind out a prevention for the threatening mischief: She therefore desired to know whether she had fixed on any Object, particular for the satisfying her desires, and promised her best assistance therein. The Daughter not perceiving her Mother's dissimulation, took all she said for true, and casting herself on her knees; Dear Madam (said she) you are by this most affectionate Grant become twice my Mother; for by your assistance herein, you will save that Life, which before you gave me. Then she proceeded to acquaint her, that her Confessor was (as she thought) one of the most Amiable, and Charming persons in the world: for Madam (continued she) his Eyes are so piercing, his Discourse so sof● and courtly, his whole Mien so attractive that if you can but so bring it to pass, I may have the enjoyment of his person; I would not change Fortune with the greate● Empress. I will repeat you a Song, whic● the other day, after Confession, he sung t● my Guittar, which he found in my Closets and I am apt to think he uttered it in commileration of my Circumstances: the Son● was this:  

SONG.  

I.  
NOw fie upon him: What is Man,  
Whose Life at best is but a Span?  
When to an Inch it dwindles down;  
Ice in his Bones, Snow on his Crown;  
That he within his crazy Brain,  
Kind thoughts of Love should entertain:  
That he, when Harvest comes should Blow  
And when 'tis time to Reap, go Sow;  
Who (in Imagination only strong)  
Though twice a Child, can never twice b● young   

II.  
Nature did those ordain for Fools,  
That sue for Work, yet have no Tools:  
What fellow-feeling can there be,  
In such a strange disparity?  
Old Age mistakes the youthful Breast;  
For Love dwells there, not Interest:  
Alas good Man! take thy repose,  
Get Ribbon for thy Thumbs and Toes,  
Provide thee Flannel, and a sheet of Lead;  
Think on thy Coffin, not thy Bridal Bed.    
The Song ended, Madam (said he) I hope you will pardon this Levity; and with a look ●hat testified his compassion for my unhappiness, he left the Room. Think Dearest Madam, what impression such a discovery, of so desirable an Affection, must needs make; and how welcome such a Feast must be to one acquainted with nothing but broken Meals and Abstinence: If therefore I have any interest in your Motherly Compassion! Let me beg your best h●lp in assisting me to the enjoyment of the Chaplains embraces; without which, I must be the most miserable of Woman kind. The good old Lady was inwardly much grieved at this discovery of her Daughter's disloyalty, and unchaste inclinations; yet seemingly assented, telling her, That she would, with all immaginable secrecy and diligence further her designs: but that for the greater security, it were convenient to make trial of the old Man's humour, by crossing and affronting him in some other circumstance, before they attempted an Abuse so gross and infamous: So that, if she could but handsomely acquit herself, if she attempted two or three injuries upon him, in some other respect, first of all, it might be a means the better to work his disposition to a compliance with hers in the main design, at least it might bring him to yield her a liberty, that might be useful towards the satisfaction of her desires.  
The young Lady (though she thought o● nothing more than present enjoyment, yet) by the advice of her Mother, assented first to attempt some notable Abuse, by crossing him in something or other he was fond of; and this resolution she speedily put in practice; for she was no sooner returned to her Parlour, but she presently knocked a little Beagle Bitch on the head; a Bitch, for which the old Knight had a greater esteem, than for any Horse in his Stable; and because, when it was first discovered to him, he only gently Admonished her not to destroy any thing that he liked without his consent; and soon seemed to have forgot it: She therefore, the day following, cut up an excellent Plumb tree that stood in his Garden, the Fruit whereof was very delicate, and fair; and therefore he was very tender of this Tree: This indeed put the Knight into a heat more than was usual; so that, with some passion, demanding the reason of her why she had done it, he was soon answered, that it spoilt the form of the walks, and that she intended to have a border of Flowers in the place of it. The good old Man gave way to the humour of his young Wife in this; whereupon she concluded the day was her own, and therefore acquaints her Mother with the Success: telling her, That doubtless her Husband could not be offended with what ever liberty she took in the satisfaction of her Humour: To the which, the prudent Matron made this Reply, Daughter, it is very probable that your Husband (through his great Tenderness to your Youth) may give way to you it matters of so small Importance as a Dog, or a Tree, but if you should injure him in any thing reflecting on his Honour, you might find him not so easily Appeased; for old Men are never more jealous, and Implacable, than when touched upon that Sore. I have therefore thought on an Expedient, how you may try him in that point, and if you therein can Acquit yourself with the same Success, as in the other two Experiments, I will engage the next day to accomplish your Wishes. This last Promise was so powerful with the young Lady, that had it been to have leapt out at a Window, she would scarce have stuck at it, in order to the Consummating her Wishes: she therefore entreats her Mother to let her know what this last Trial might be, and assures her, she will not fail to attempt it. Said then the old Lady, You know divers Friends have an Invitation to Dine with your Husband three days hence, therefore I advise you, when we are all just sat at Table, that you pretend to have forgot your Knife, and having secretly taken hold of the Tablecloth, you hastily start up to fetch your Knife, and draw all the Plates and Dishes on the Floor. If therefore you come cleaverly off with this, I will make good my Promise. Nothing stuck with the young Wife, but that it must be three days more before she could hope the Enjoyment of her Wishes, which she looked upon to be three Ages; but at last, the day being come, the Guests met, the Table richly Furnished with variety of the Rarities, according to the Season; the Chaplain having craved a Blessing, and all prepared to partake of the sumptuous Treat: on a sudden, down come the costly Dishes, with their Garnishes and Sauces, on the Ground. This strange Accident was no small suprizal to the Knight, as well as his noble Guests: But by reason of their presence, he seemed to take no notice of it, farther than to put it off with a Laugh, and making it a part of their Mirth to discourse of it: in the mean time the Servants had soon covered the Table with another brigad● of Dishes, not inferior to the former; so that the Entertainment of the day was not at all lessened thereby. Music, Dancing, and Cards, took up a great part of the night: when every one satisfied with the Magnificence of their Entertainment, took their Leaves, leaving the old Knight to consider a way how to cure his Wife's Levity, and she how the next day to entertain her Confessor. But the Morning of this much desired Day being come, the Knight sent one of his Pages for his Chirurgeon, who, with many menaces and threats, was forced to draw so much Blood from the Arms of the young Lady, as for that time stopped the Calenture of her Lust. The fainting Daughter sent for her Indulgent Mother; who glad at heart, that her design had obtained the wished Success; and that her Daughter was thereby prevented of staining the Honour of her Family by her wanton Embraces; gave her the sober Advice, for time to come, to mind her Duty to her Lord and Husband, and not to think of a Lascivious violating that Bed, which she was bound to Preserve from all Pollution. The Languishing young Lady showing great Penitence, promised so to do, to the great satisfaction of all her Friends.   

CHAP. XIII.  
THe Philosopher Thermus having ended his elegant Narrative, much to the satisfaction of the Emperor; needed not make any Comment thereon; for every Circumstance had made deep Impression on the sensible part of Dioclesian: So that dismissing the Wise Man, with Royal Thanks for his seasonable Admonition; the good Dioclesian had put on a Resolution of having the Case of his Son, the excellent Erastus, debated in full Senate: but had that determination frustrated by the most mischievous of her Sex, the Implacable Aphrodicea; who finding her Wiles not likely to take; but that by the Wisdom of the Philosophers, they had been hitherto prevented, and fearing that if Erastus were permitted to Live, it would at some time or other discover her devilish Impostures: She therefore, in the greatest rage of one in Desperation, threatened to Revenge upon her own person, the loss of her Honour, and disappointment of her barbarous design on the Innocent young Prince. So retireing to her Chamber, and shutting all her Servants out of her Presence, she gave them occasion to fear what the Issue of this her seeming Frenzy would be: So that having acquainted the Emperor with what Resolutions she had shut herself up in her Lodging; the easy Dioclesian could not forbear going to her, that he might endeavour to alleviate her Sorrows, and prevent the sad Mischief which her Retirement threatened. And here it may not be amiss a little to consider the Artifices of a Malicious, and Implacable Woman, and with what subtleties they seek the accomplishment of their hellish erterprises. Nothing was more in the Mouth of this wicked Queen, than a sense of the great violence offered to the Honour of the King: the extreme danger of his Royal Person; and that for her own part, she had no value for her own Life, farther than to seek, and endeavour the Safety of his Imperial Majesty: such expressions as these, were ever now and then the Accents of her Sorrow: when alas, nothing was really less in her heart, but that she might again awaken the Rage of the too credulous Monarch, she refreshes his Memory with a Story of a certain King of England, who having given himself wholly to Pleasure, and the Allurements of Debauchery; and delivered the Care of his People to the management of Seven Councillors; they, on the other side, were so addicted to their Covetousness; that the common justice was turned into Wormwood; Extortion, Cruelty, and Oppression, taking place of Equity, and Reason. Now, as this Prince had wilfully blinded himself in Matters of State, by putting Confidence in such evil Instruments; the justice of Heaven deprived him of the use of his natural Eyes; so that, if at any time he went out of the Gates of the City, he became perfectly blind: This was so great an Affliction to the wretched King, that he sought all probable means for Cure, but finding none; at length, he had notice of a strange natural Magician, or Prophet, by name Merlin, born in the Territories of his own Kingdom of England; to whom, having applied himself for advice, he had from him an astonishing Relation of some Magical Balls that continually were burning underneath the Ground, over which, his Royal Chamber and Bed stood: so that, until these Balls could be extinguished, there was no hope of Cure for this Prince's blindness. Whereupon the Cellar being searched, there was found underneath the Pavement, the likeness of a Cauldrons, wherein were seven burning Balls, exactly to the number of his seven State Ministers or Inglers, one of them being bigger than the rest. The King finding this strange Relation of Merlin to be so far true, Counselled with him, how they might be extinguished, and the Malignity of their Influence prevented.  
Know then Mighty Prince (said Merlin) that these seven Balls are your seven Councillors, to whom you have committed the Management of the great Affairs of your Kingdom; and as long as you suffer these to live, the Balls will not cease to burn, nor can your Sight return unto you: but if Your Majesty make trial by taking off the head of the chief of them, you will find that the great Ball will be dead and extinct; and so consequently of the rest. Whereupon the King ordered the Captain of his Guard to cut off the head of his greatest or chief Minister of State, and immediately the great Ball disappeared: then gradually Lopping off the rest, the Balls all vanished, and the Charm ceased: The King returned to his perceptive Faculty, and the due exercise of his Government, to the great happiness and satisfaction of all his People. Thus have I given Your Imperial Majesty, a short, but true Account of this Story of the famous Mirlin; and I fear Your Highness needs the Council of such a Prophet; for certainly, as long as you are managed by the Councils of these seven Masters, Your Majesty will be blinden, and infatuated in relation to your own welfare, and that of your Empire. Therefore, although hitherto the humble Request I have made to Your Imperial Malesty, hath not had that Success, as for your Honour and Safety I only desired: I hope your serious consideration of the foregoing Relation will at least animate you to secure the Fame and Grandeur of the excellent Dioclesian. Here a torrent of Crocodile Tears stopped her discourse for some time; till gaining breath of her sighs, she added, But oh! Sir, be sure first strike at the great Ball, the mischievous and disloyal Erastus. How Powerful and Charming is the Eloquence of a Woman's Passion, especially humoured to the height, and between a pair of warm Sheets (for now you must know, the Uxorious Dioclesian had laid himself by her, on her Treacherous Bed.) What can he more a Devil, than a wicked Woman in a Curtain Consult? Certainly it had that Operation on the easy old Man, that he again pronounced that most unjust, and unnatural Sentence; and ordered the most virtuous, and innocent Prince Erastus, to be Executed the next Morning.   

CHAP. XIV.  
ANd now let us a little cast our Eyes into the Prison, and pay a Visit to the abused Prince in his Misfortunes. Here we see one of the greatest Examples of heroic Chastity, Sentenced for no less than Incest, and a Rape: A Son, the most Loyal, Obedient, Dutiful, and Affectionate; Condemned for a Traitor, Disobedient, undutiful; and void of natural Affection: And can the Allseeing justice behold this! Can the Gods see the Compleatest Resemblances of their Divinity, Goodness, and Excellence, dressed up in the Form of Devils, and Condemned for such? All this by those who really are what they would represent the Virtuous to be, As it is well expressed by a Poet: 
THey were so Ripe for Hell! Can she delay,  
Not Gape, and Swallow quick, her greedy Prey?  
Can Earth endure  
Their Footsteps? was the Air grown so impure,  
To give them Breath? Can Heaven behold their Riot  
With patiented Eyes? or could the Gods be Quiet?  Yet had the Learning of this young Prince so Improved his Morals, that he Contemned the utmost, their Rage and Cruelty could impose upon him: Having learned of the Philosophers, that he was born a Mortal, and therefore must once Die, He calmly expected it; submitting the time and manner to the Gods.  
And now, in all appearance, it drew near; for the Emperor's Commands were enjoined with the greatest Severity, and on Penalty of utmost Rigour, not to be delayed this Morning; which was the fourth time the most inhuman Sentence had been pronounced. To prevent this, the studious ●inoscopos waited the first opening of the Palace Gate; and having an Opportunity, got into the Royal Apartment among some Physicians that were come, to attend the Queen: And they understanding, by the Pages of the Chamber, that the great Satisfaction she had received by the King's last Order, and concluding her Design now obtained, was fallen into a sound Sleep, after the good Success of her Night-endeavours; so there being no farther occasion of them there; they waited on the King, who was now with drawn into his Dressing-room: But quickly perceiving the good Philosopher, and scenting his business; having discharged at him several Fire-balls from his wrathful Eyes at last, he thunders on him a volley of small Shot, in bitter words, after this manner: Cannot (then) the Bars of my Palace, my Guards, nor my Royal Displeasure protect my Person from being haunted with these Philosophical Fiends? Impudent Dog, How dared thou appear in our Presence; whom thou, and thy infamous Crew have so much abused? was it not enough, that you robbed me of my only Son, whom I delivered to your Care, with the use, both of his Tongue and Reason? Whom now by your Sorceries, you have deprived of both, and poisoned him with all manner of Vice: whom (for the Reverence ye ought to have to our Person; and the Regard to the Roman Empire) you should have Instructed in the best Science of Honour, and Virtue. But as ye have sought my Ruin, and the Destruction of the Empire; be assured, yours is not far off: For, if our justice spare not our own Impious Son; think not that you, his Diabolical Tutors shall escape. During all this Storm, Enoscopos stood like a Picture of a Light-within-man before the Inquisition: But the Tempest being somewhat over, and Dioclesian almost out of Breath; some of the Lords there present, who had long known the Philosophers to be persons that through the Wo●ld had acquired a vast stock of Reputation; and especially that Nobleman being present, who was sent to fetch the Prince to Court, and had there heard a sufficient proof of his excellent Acquirements. These I say, mistrusting some Monstrous Intrigue in the bottom of this strange Transaction, prevailed with the Emperor, That the Sage Philosopher might have freedom to deliver the Massage that had brought him thither. With much add he had Permission, and with an unmoved Athenian Face; but such Majestic Gravity, as commanded Reverence, even from Dioclesian himself; Enoscopos thus addressed to the King.  
GReat Prince, could the sense of your mighty Displeasure, or the fear of Death have affrighted me from the performance of my Duty to your Majesty; and those great Obligations to common Justice: I had not at this time given Your Majesty the trouble of so loathed a Presence. But ill doth he deserve the name of a Philosopher, that prefers not his Adherence to Moral Virtue, and the public Good, beyond all the gay Felicities that deceived Mortals Idolise. Nor have I any reason to believe, that Humanity hath so far forsaken the Roman Emperor, but that he will permit a defence in the behalf of the Innocent; & not suffer so rigid a Sentence to be put in Execution on the bare word of a weak; and perhaps deceitful Woman. And I humbly beg Your Imperial Majesty, not to be offended at the harshness of the Expression: And if you will this once more grant your Princely Remand of the Sentence against Prince Erastus, until I have, by infallible Demonstration, convinced Your Majesty, that in this affair, the greatest Caution, and Circumspection is most agreeable to the proceed of the Roman Emperor: Then let me bear him Company in his Fate; and I shall, with all acknowledgement, for so great Clemency put my Head under your Royal Feet.  
The Emperor touched with a Sense of Humanity, of which the Philosopher had minded him; and being too, out of the Circle of Aphrodicea; began somewhat to Relent, and dispatched a Messenger to the Captain of the Guard, who was now on his way to the place of Execution, to return the Prisoner again, till farther Order. In the mean while Enoscopos entertained the Emperor with this Relation.  
The unfortunate (because credulous) Cleander lived at Rhodes, and was justly esteemed one of the Wealthiest, and most Honourable Inhabitants of that famous City: This person being, by the Importunity and Advice of his Friends, Married to a Lady, whose Beauty, Fortune, and Family, spoke her no less Honourable; did, as is usual among persons of Quality, commit the management of all Household Affairs to the Conduct of his Lady: who having with her a Maidservant, that had always waited on her at School, and of whose Fidelity and Wit she had a very good Opinion; therefore she entrusted her, mainly, with the oversight of the other Servants. This Girl being young and wanton, out of her Lady's sight, had one day got into her Embraces a young Lad of the Family; and this Lady, by accident, took them in the very Act: whereupon being much surprised, that her Woman (in whom she had the greatest Confidence imaginable) should, by her wantonness, pull so great a dishonour on her Husband's House: She was once of the mind to have told her Lord of it; but fearing, lest his resentment or so foul an Act might have too far inflamed his passion, and have urged him to some Violences, that afterwards might have reflected to his prejudice. She, poor Lady, endeavoured, for that time, to conceal the Fault of her Servant; but suffered it not to escape without her own most just Correction, for immediately she turned the Fellow out of doors, and having sound Rated and Corrected her Maid, she permitted her still to all the same place in her Family; hoping so gentle a Chastisement might work her Amendment. But alas! the sad effect of base Ingratitude, and the Rage of disappointed Lust; nothing certainly is more implacable than a Strumpet, balked in the enjoyment of her inordinate Pleasures: This will appear by the sequel of my Story, which I shall as much as possible abreviate.  
This detestable Slut, although her Indulgent Mistress, had laid on her the Obligation Your Majesty hath heard; studied nothing from that time, but to Revenge the Loss of her lose Pleasures, with the Loss of the Life of that most Virtuous and Innocent Lady: And accordingly, one Afternoon, when her Mistress was diverting herself in the Garden, with some other Ladies; her Master alone reading in the Parlour▪ she takes this opportunity to insinuate into his belief the most incredible Falsehood i● the World; but having long deliberated how to varnish and disguise it; she thus began her Treasons.  
Sir, I most humbly crave Pardon of your Honour for this, my bold, intrusion into your Privacy; and withal, I earnestly entreat you to believe nothing but the hearty Zeal I have for your Happiness, and just satisfaction could have put me upon it: This you will have, all the reason in the world to believe, when you perceive, that I, who have ever been bred up at the Feet of your Lady; I, who so particularly share in her extraordinary Favour, and that can hope for no happiness, but what her Benevolence imparts to me; that even I am compelled by the obligations I own to Virtue; not to see so excellent a Person, so good a Master as yourself, in the highest measure Abused. And therefore, with the greatest Violence to my own Circumstances, I come to declare to you that Secret, which I much fear will Transport you into some extraordinary Violence to yourself; you having a long time had the misfortune to have been abused by one of the most Treacherous of Womankind. This Sir, is that which hath made my Food unpleasant, and my Sleep full of distraction; when I consider, that a Person of her excellent Endowments, extraordinary Education, most reputed Virtue; should lay aside the Regard she ought to have to her own Honour, the happiness, the satisfaction of the most incomparable Husband in the World; and suffer herself to be debauched by a Boy that lives by the meanest drudgeries of the house: Here she was stopped in her Career, by the half distracted Cleander; who had long before this, torn any other Tongue, that had been guilty but of half these Blasphemies, out of the cursed Traducers Throat; but considering the Relation this wench stood in to his Lady, and her entire dependence upon her Favour; he was so miserably deluded, as to give her leave to go on with her devilish Narrative; which she did to this manner: The Gods are witness how oft, and with how earnest supplication I have, on my Knees, prayed her not to defile so Sacred a Tie, as the Holy Priest had joined her in, with so unworthy a prostitution of her excellent Person, and violating her Obligations to the best of Husbands But it hath been my unhappiness to beat the Air, and all the Success my unwearied Endeavours have met with, have been, myself to be beaten; of which, I think some of the Marks yet remain. So that, seeing she hath laid aside all sense of shame, and virtue: I could not possibly rest, until I ha● discharged my Conscience in making known a practice so disloyal and brutish unto yourself; that by such means, as shall be most agreeable to Reason, and the innate Law● of Humanity, you may endeavour yet to reclaim her from utter Ruin and Perdition. But I most earnestly beg of your Honour, not to seem to take any notice hereof, until I have given you an Ocular Demonstration of what I have now related.  
Ye Gods! said Cleander: and is it possible so excellent Beauty and Sweetness, can harbour a Soul so Deformed and Devilish! Oh! most unfortunate Cleander: Can the Fates mark out no one to make the Object of their utmost Violence and Injury, but unhappy thee? A miserable Man. But perceiving the Ladies coming in from the Garden, he sent out the wench, ordering her to take no notice of what had passed: and put himself into the best posture he could to receive them. Which he did, with the best dissembled Countenance that possible he could; so that it happened no notice was taken of the disorder he was in. From this time, his great care was to mark, and observe all passages betwixt his poor innocent Wife, and her reputed Paramour, who was a Boy, Son to a Tenant of his Lady's Father, and having ever been bred up in the Family, was very diligent in observing his Masters and Mistress Commands; Every cast of an Eye was attended on by the officious Henry (for that was his name) who little thought how dearly he was, in a short time, to Suffer for the honest Testimonies of his Fidelity. But not a gesture or motion, though never so innocent; and that before, past only as instances, honest diligence; but now, by the Eyes of jealousy, were represented wanton, and as having a Lascivious tendence: Insomuch, that this Humour rankling, and being fomented in the Heart of the wretched Cleander; it rendered him incapable of receiving any real Satisfaction in any thing. Therefore he determined now to enter into a final Consult with his Hellish Informant, how to have this Oculer Demonstration, upon which, he resolved immediately to dispatch the Objects of his Rage: She soon told him, That if he only took his Cane and Gloves, and pretended a visit for three or four hours' time, and then made a short turn in the space of an hour, she would not fall to be as good as her word; provided he only came in at the door (which she would leave open) without knocking, and strait repair to his Chamber. To which he having consented; and told his poor innocent Lady that he was going to see some Friends, from whom he should not return until the Evening; putting on his Rapier, he trent forth, taking no Servant with him. The tender Lady perceiving her Husband gone forth, and having observed of late, a Cloud to sit on that Brow, that always was wont to be serene and clear; being some what indisposed went to her Chamber, and lay on her Bed, to Sigh away a fit of Melancholy, Now was the cursed Maid to play her Game, which she did in this manner: Having (as she was Governess of the House) commanded the poor distrustless Page to get up into his Chamber, and exercise himself in his Writing; she had now Lodged her Prey, and was ready, as soon as she could discern the Abused Cleander coming home, to send him into her Lady's Chamber. This she had soon occasion to do, for perceiving her Master at hand, she calls Henry; you must presently go to your Mistress, who hath an Errand to send you in: The poor Lad dispatches to his Lady's Chamber; where she having given an account, that she called him not, his Master met him just coming out of the door; and seeing his Lady on the bed; without farther Examination, immediately runs him through; of which, he presently died: then dragging the amazed Lady to the same place, he cast her on the Page, and sent them together to Elysium. Thus were two Innocents' most barbarously Murdered, a most Honourable Family destroyed, and all by the over-credulous Rashness of Cleander: who having the bare Suggestion of a depraved and malicious Slut, most cruelly Butchered the most Loyal, Spotless, and Indulgent Wife in the World; and sent a Ga●●less Page to attend her Ghost. These Royal Sir, are the effects of misguided Passion, and blind justice; that strikes the blow without considering the Equity of the Cause. Let it suffice, that Cleander afterward having destroyed his Peace, had this Hellish Wench on the Rack, which Confessing the whole Truth in his presence, he immediately cut out her Heart, and Stabbed himself; falling a Sacrifice to his own remediless Rashness: And thereby giving occasion for this Epitaph, which afterward was set on his Tomb.  

Cleander's Epitaph.  
THis Marble Weeps wretched Cleander's Fate;  
Who saw his blinded Frenzy, when too late:  
And vainly fell his Fault to Expiate.  
Reader, beware of Femal's treacherous Tales,  
Learn hence the dire Event, when Reason fails;  
And blind, rash Passion Impiously prevails.   
Thus Royal Sir, have I given Your Majesty the Relation of this Famous Story of Milan, on which, if you please seriously to reflect, you will find it very pertinent to the great Affair now in debate. Here was a soul Crime charged on those that understood nothing but Innocence; a forward, and easy mistrust, grounded on a Malicious Slander, & that vouched but by one Witness: the Consequence whereof was an Act of Indeliverate, & unparallelled Cruelty, which ended in the Destruction of an Honourable Family: But what would not the Knight have given, when he once understood his Irreparable Error? what would he not have suffered, to have retrieved his Loss, and the Murder of two Innocents'? But 'twas too late, the fatal Blow was given; and that Sword that had been stained in the Blood of the Guiltless, by the same hand Revenged it on the Guilty. I need make no farther Remarks on the Allusion of the Circumstances, where so profound Wisdom is present, as could dive into much abstrucer points. If what I have said avail to the Advantage of the excellent Erastus; so that a rash Sentence may not pass against him, without the Debate of a full Senate, which is most Consonant to the Honour, and Grandeur of the Potentest Emperor in the World: I have then the Answer of my Prayers. Thus, with a constant Gravity, the Famous Enoscopos ended 'tis Learned Oration: Which wrought so effectually, both on the Emperor, and many of the Senate there present; that for that day his Request was granted.   

CHAP. XV.  
THe Emperor (as was said) having compiled with the Request of the Learned Philosopher, at the instance of the Senators; and finding that he should always be vexed with the Queen's Importunities, whilst he continued in the same Palace with her, Removed to a Castle he had about eighteen Miles out of the City; leaving Orders with his Senators, that they should in the mean time Debate the Affair of the Prince; and Act therein, as was agreeable to the justice of the Empire.  
But who can think so easily to Evade the Crafts of an implacable Woman: As the Poet Sings: 
So hard it is, where an old grudge is  
To get out of a Woman's Clutches.  For no sooner had Aphrodicea understood of the King's Progress, which was taken without her privity; but though she had met with four Defeats of her Serpentine wiles: She resolved to attempt the Fifth; intending that her Pen should make a deeper Impression, than possible her words could before: Therefore entering her Closet, and dropping some of the Verjuice of her Eyes into her Standish; she wrote a Letter to the Emperor, to this effect.  
The Letter.  
Sir,  
THough, contrary to the Laws of Honour, and Your Royal Contract, you have Conveyed yourself from your Palace, without permitting the Unfortunate Aphrodicea to know of your Removal: Yet Your Majesty may be assured the Walls of your Castle will prove too Weak a Fence against the Batteries of my Just Importunities. Does any Story mention an Emperor (who ought to be the Standard of Justice) that should four times violate his Sacred Promise, and that upon one and the same Occasion: And especially, when for aught we know, his Life (or at least his Honour, that aught to be much dearer) is so visibly Exposed thereby? How ill doth the Sovereign Diadem set on her Brow, that is denied the Birthright of the meanest Vassal in Rome. Remember (Dioclesian) I say remember the Burning Balls! But if you are still resolved to be led by the Nose by a parcel of Threadbare Philosophers: I will once more enter my Memorial against your irregular Proceed, and Relate to Your Majesty, what happened to a great Treasurer of Egypt, Who having a Riotous young Extravagant to his Son; the too Indulgent Father took care forsooth, to breed him up in the Study of Philosophy, and to that end committed him to the Care of such another crew of worthy Tutors, as you disposed your Son unto: These, in short time, made even with the good old Man's Estate, and reduced him to such a state of Poverty, that he had not longer wherewithal to subsist: Therefore calling his young Philosopher to Council, he advised with him, what were best to be done to Conceal the shame of his Poverty from the World. The Lad having sufficiently been Trained up in the science of Mischief, adviseth his Father to make some secret Passage under Ground, in at the Foundation of a certain Tower, where the Treasure of the Egyptian Kings was kept, and that from thence, they might privately supply themselves, as often as Need required: Present Necessity made every thing seem probable that presented itself; and therefore, without farther debate, the old Treasurer sets upon the Enterprise, with his graceless Son; who having found a Cave, not far from the Tower Wall, that formerly had been the Habitation of a Hermit; they, through one side of this Vault, soon wrought Access unto the Treasure: But the Cranny being of so small Dimention, that one Man could hardly, and with much difficulty enter it: The Father made a shift to put himself in thereat, and conveyed thence so great a quantity of Gold, as for a long time Maintained the Port of their Family. In short, this Store was likewise spent, and a second Adventure must be made for a farther Supply: The poor old Man once more puts himself into the Bilbo's, but not with such Success as before: For by this time the Keepers of the Tower had discovered, that some of the Treasure had been conveyed away; and as they supposed by means of that Crevice, which they observed in the Wall: Therefore, that they might make sure of their Prey, they fixed there so Artificial a Gin, that whosoever was once got in, could by no means escape therefrom with Life: This the old Treasurer soon perceived (for he was taken in the Toil) and it being impossible for the young Man to bring him off alive; he most unnaturally put an end to that Life that had given him his; by taking off his Father's Head: Which he did, that the Officers not knowing the Body, the Surviving Family might escape that Severity, that otherwise the Law would have inflicted on them, for an Offence so heinous. But his Wickedness ended not here, for returning home, and knowing his Mother had been privy to the Theft; doubting her weakness might some time or other betray the Treason, he most inhumanly knocked her on the Head. Here Mighty Prince, you have a plain Demonstration of what must be expected from a Son Educated amongst Philosophers: They only wait to see you in the Snare, and you will soon far as the old Treasurer; and as for me, I shall soon follow you in Fate; which indeed is the only Consideration that affords me any Comfort. For what Pleasure is it possible the wretched Aphrodicea can be capable of, after the Murder of the unwary Dioclesian. What shall I say my Dear Lord? must I then be the Contempt of the whole World, whilst Foreign Princes deride; and my own Subjects despise my Misfortune? I have taken the boldness thus once more to cast myself at Your Royal Feet, not doubting, but your Natural Inclinations to the Common Justice, will not permit you any longer to deny a due Reparation to the Honour of the most Unfortunate  
Aphrodicea.  
This Letter having Signed with her privy Signet, she gave to one of her Bedchamber, to be speedily delivered to the Emperor; which accordingly being performed: Dioclesian, at the perusal of it, was like one at the violent return of a Favour Fit; for though his absence from her perpetual Clamours, had procured him a tolerable good Settlement of Mind, and the Fervour of his Passion intermitted; yet as soon as he had perused this Paper, it presently set him all in a Flame. So that immediately calling for Pen and Ink, he, with his own Hand, wrote an Order to the Captain of his Guard, to deal with Erastus according to the pleasure of Aphrodicea; for that he had wholly put that Affair under her Determination: And Sealing it with his Royal Signet, he sent it back by the same Messenger.   

CHAP. XVI.  
But as these things could not be so secretly managed, but that the Sages had Intelligence thereof: The tender Philantropus, who was to Obviate the Fifth Sentence against the most Innocent Prince; very early in the Morning pressing through the Guards, who had great veneration for him; and perhaps some regard to the preservation of the most to be Lamented Erastus: It matters not much upon what occasion, but the resolute Philosopher having got to the Royal Presence (depending perhaps on the Friendship of the Stars) he gave not leave to the Emperor, to muster up his Passion, by the usual method of telling him his resentments, or displeasure; but to prevent the gathering of that Storm, He presently throws himself on the Ground, and in a posture that testified the greatest transport of extreme Sorrow: He began with most admirable Eloquence to bewail the Ruin, both of the Emperor, and the Empire, in a Language so Charming, so vigorous force of Reason; that Dioclesian himself thought nothing less than Marble could be unmoved at it. What, said the compassionate Philantropus, and is it the inevitable Misfortune of Crowned Heads to be thus prejudiced, and blinded by the most inhuman, cruel, barbarous, and perfidious Sex! Cannot the Sacred Diadem, nor the Interest of the Empire (in which their own is concerned) prevent this Blanket-Dominion? Sad Fate of Monarchy! Consider most Excellent Emperor; but what it is you have Signed, and at whose Instance; and you will doubtless see the greatest Reason in the World, to retract a Determination so directly opposite to your own Royal Interest, and the Honour of the Roman Empire. Must the most Illustrious, and only Branch of your Princely Stock; the only Hope of the Empire; the most accomplished, and greatest Example of Heroic Virtue, be Sacrificed to the Lust, Malice, and Designs of an insatiate Woman? The most Sovereign justice of the Gods forbidden it! One would have thought, the sad Instances my Brethren had given Your Majesty of the Constant Treachery of that Sex, might at least have tied Your Majesty to your Promise of having the Matter debated in full Senate! Which I am apt to believe, would sound much more for the Honour of Dioclesian's justice, and the privileges of the Roman Senate, than thus rashly; and, as it were, by your own Hand, to cut off one, whom the Gods have destined to give Laws to Mankind; and not only Subjugate Kingdoms, but Hearts to the Roman Yoke. I shall only make bold to refresh your Royal Remembrance, with one or two Stories of the Subtlety, and unmatched Cruelty of Womankind; that when you have taken a view of them in their own Actions; you may be the better Induced not to comply with their Flatteries. And because what I am going to say, is so generally known, I shall give Your Imperial Majesty the less trouble; and will only give a hint. The first shall be of Cleander; whose unchaste Wife frequenting Night Debauches, whilst her Husband was Sacrificing to Morpheus; she had blinded his Intellect with frequent Excuses for her absence, which was often perceived by her Husband, and he, as often, had his Credulity Imposed on, by her sophistical sham's and Evasions. But one Night, having a more than ordinary mistrust, he goes down out of his Bed, and makes the Door fast on the inside; which the lose Harlot perceiving, at her return from her night ramble, made many Entreaties to her Husband to open the Door, that she might not be Apprehended by the Watch: For such was the strictness of that City, that whosoever was taken by them in their Rounds, were most Ignomiously exposed to the Public, for Persons incontinent, and vicious Livers: The old Man thinking this little Severity might Correct the head of her Inclinations, seemed to defer giving her Admittance, and would have wrought her into a Promise of Reformation: When the subtle Courtesan ran to a Well there adjoining; and casting in a great Stone, made the over-credulous Husband believe, that she had thrown herself into it; whilst indeed she only conveyed herself behind the Porch: The poor Husband runs to the Well like a Man in distraction, calling on his Wife; and letting down the Bucket, in order to preserve her from perishing; cursing himself, that he had so much urged on her patience, to bring her to so miserable and shameful an end. In fine, the Man having tired himself with fruitless Lamentations, & being almost starved with cold, having only his Shirt on; and now concluding his Wife buried in the Water, was in great Sorrow returning to his Bed, when, to his great Surprisal he found the Door shut against him. What shall I say? It was now the implacable Fiend's part to play; which she did to purpose; for a thousand importunities, and protestations of the truth of his Intentions could not prevail with her; she was deaf to all, kept him in the street till the Watch came, and there Accused the Innocent old Man of Ribaldry, and Incontinency to the Officers; charging, and loading him with a thousand Crimes that he knew not of. Thus was this Abused Man carried to a cold Prison, and having passed the Night in incredible Misery, was he next day set in the Pillory to the great Astonishment of the Citizens, who had known him a Person of a long, and unblemish. Reputation. Thus was the shameless Harlot permitted to Triumph in her Diabolical Revenge on her Honest and Immaculate Husband; here is Female Craft and Malice to the height exalted: The Moral of which, I shall humbly submit to your most Serene Majesty's Consideration; not doubting but it may produce in Your Royal Breast, a Resolution of Relinguishing the Influences of that Treacherous Sex And I shall humbly crave Your Princely Pardon to refer the Recital of my other Instance to the next Chapter.  
  

CHAP. XVII.  
THe Emperor being somewhat wrought upon by the former Relation of Philantropus was very Attentive for the second; which the Philosopher thus began. Should I, most Mighty Emperor, undertake to set out the Frauds of evil Women, time would fail me, for there is no end of their Treachery; however, I shall make one short Instance more to confirm what I have Asserted: It is said, The Governor of Morocco had a Wife so Fair, that he feared the Power of her Beauty would make Prize of all she looked on; to prevent which, he prepared a very rich Apartment for her in a Tower he had standing in a Wilderness near his Palace, the situation of it was exceeding Pleasant, standing amongst Groves of Myrtle, and Fountains of most Admirable Work: nor wont it the most rich and splendid Lining, for Guilding, Painting, Tapestry, curious Beds, abundance of Plate, with Aviaries of most Melodious Birds, that made the Air Echo with their warbling Music: She had Maids and Eunuches in very rich Liveries to Attend her; and was Carressed with all the Charming Dalliances of a King's Mistress. Yet amongst all these Splendid Entertainments, she was Unpleasant, Sullen, and Unsatisfied; for the Governor himself kept the Key of this Enchanted Castle, never permitting her to come forth, but on some particular days; and that only in his own Presence; nor admitting any to the sight of her but her own Servants . Yet it so happened, that one day at a Tilting, the Governor having set her by him under a rich Pavilion, she was observed by a young Lord of Greece, who, at first sight, took the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy to her Beauty; and after performing things beyond the power of belief in Honour of her: But it was a long time, and cost him many a tiresome Night before he could understand how it was possible for him to let her understand his Passion; till at last, having understood of her strict Confinement to this Tower, he took a House of a great Courtiers, who was gone beyond Sea on an Embassy; which House stood void, and on one side of this pleasant Wilderness: So that having Furnished his new House very Richly, and fallen into some Acquaintance with the Governor, whom he often Treated with a Magnificence, more agreeable to a great Prince, than a private Nobleman; he began to consider how he might accomplish his Project, and Arrive to the Enjoyment of the Adored Idea of his Love: Consulting therefore the most advantageous Windows of his Lodging; he at last observed a Casement that fronted directly over a Walk to the Window of this Recluses Closet: So that sometimes by the advantage of the Sun, he could show himself to her, and observe her Gesture (w●ich as yet was all the Language that passed) thereupon. To be short, it was come thus far, that when a Rose was showed out at his Window, another would peep out of hers; if he sometimes with his Looking G●ass Darted the Sunbeams into her Closet, she would give his Chamber a Reflection of the same Divertisement; so that now there wanted nothing but a nearer Access to their being inwardly Acquainted. In order to this, a way was found to dig a passage from a Vault under his House, through the Foundation of the Governor's Garden-wall; which being well managed, obtained a Secret Entrance at the Root of a great Pepler Tree, standing, by a Brook, in a very obscure part of the Wilderness: This Tree being hollow, proved the most Advantageous to the furtherance of their Designs imaginable. For one Evening, observing the Coast to be clear, and his Saint at her Window-devotion, he fixed a Paper to the end of a Thread, & gently letting it slide out at the Casement, would, in her sight, draw it up again; so that often repeating the Signal, she became instructed, That it would be needful for her to hang a Thread to her closet Window; which having done, our young Gallant took the occasion to pass through his Loop hole, and fasten a French guilded Paper (sealed with perfumed Wax, having the Impression of a wounded Heart) to the end of the string: So the Fish having took the Hook, was soon Landed in the Fair Hand of the Amorous Lady, who having opened it, found therein these Verses.  

HOw unhappy a Lover am I!  
Thus to Sigh for my Phili●s in Vain,  
All my hope of Delight, is another Man's Right,  
Who is Happy, whilst I am in Pain.   

But were the vast Rocks thy strong Tower,  
I would rend their tough Cement in sunder,  
And force my dear Saint from her Bower,  
Or I'd borrow of Vulcan his Thunder.   
She having read this Rapture, and performed all those Solemnities to the Paper, that Lovesick Nymphs are wont, took an occasion to drop another in return, the inside whereof contained this:  
Sir,  
I Have no Vein in Poetry, and therefore must crave leave to thank you for your extraordinary Passion in Prose; and that I may the sooner have an opportunity to do it, do you wear the enclosed Signet in my Husband's presence, and with all possible speed let me have it again: If the project take, you may in short time make me the happy, who am now the Unfortunate  
Cloe.  
The Transported Greek having received this first Pledge of her Affection, laid it next his Heart, and making a hundred Cringes to his Idol, hasted through his Conny-berry, to understand the Pleasure of his Goddess. He had no sooner read it, but on goes the Ring, and the guilt Coach is immediately made ready; not a Page but had his best Embroidered Livery: in this Equipage, two stately white Flanders Mares rattle him to the Gate of the Court, where having understood, that the Governor was at a Gaming Ordinary at the other end of the Town, he order his Coach to drive thither; and going into the Room, after passing the usual Compliments, the Tables were took in hand, and consequently the Ring displayed itself to the Eye of the Governor; who being much surprised with Apprehension, that it was a Ring he had given his Lady; and suspecting that it might be Feloniously come by, was almost at his Wit's end; his Countenance changed, his Breath grew short, and he was very near falling into a Swoon; but at last, considering that it might be a mistake, he made enquiry of the young Grecian, where that Ring might have been bought; who returning, that it had been given him by his Father: The Governor, at that time, made no farther Appearance of being uneasy. Some Guinnies having been got and lost between the Gamesters, and plenty of Bottles emptied; the Grecian took leave of the Governor, leaving him in company with some Nobles, who intended to pass the rest of the Night in a Ball. In the mean time, our Tower-Lady having nothing on but a Damask night Gown, was at her post, expecting the Result of her Lover's Enterprise: And it was not long e'er, by the Moonlight, she perceived her good Angel under the Window; who having fastened the Ring to the Thread, gave his Mistress a fair opportunity to make the best of her Stratagem on the deluded Governor; which she did in this manner: For he was no sooner returned the next Morning to his Palace, but immediately he makes to his Lady's Chamber, and seeing the suspected Ring on her Finger; withal, observing the exact Resemblance in all things, between that, and what he had lately seen on the young Lords Hand; it put him upon some strange Considerations, which occasioned a more than ordinary Melancholy on his Forehead. The Lady, according to the true method of Woman-craft, taking notice thereof; and being seemingly inquisitive of the cause of it: After he had, with s●me pretences, excused himself; at length acknowledged he had been surprised to see a Ring so (in all things) alike she, worn by a Gentleman of his Acquaintance; but withal, told her, That he was satisfied they might both be made by one and the same Workman. Nay Sir, replied the Gipsy, you will have but little reason to wonder at a resemblance of this kind in things Inanimate, which may be form to any figure, or proportion the Artest pleaseth, for, if I am not misinformed, there is lately Arrived at the young Grecian Lords House, a Lady much resembling myself, who hath a little Dog so like mine, that it is impossible to know them one from the other: That is somewhat strange, said the Governor; but I will endeavour to satisfy myself in that point, in a little time. In short, this was but an Artifice of the Woman's, the sooner to accomplish the Enjoyment of her Adored Grecian: So that as soon as the Governor had left her, she gave the signal, and dropped a Note out of her Window, containing what you may read in the following discourse.  
THe Plot of the Ring hath so well Succeeded, that if you can procure a Galley to Convey you into your own Country; I have laid a Design that will infallibly give you the opportunity of taking me along with you; for as soon as I have Notice that a Yessel is ready, I will convey myself by the Window, which is toward the private Passage you have made into your Lodging; and there put such a Device in Execution, as shall not fail to Accomplish our Mutual Desires. In the mean time, be sure, as soon as you have secured a Vessel, Invite the Governor to Dine with you the day following,  
Eraspe.  
For that was the then Queen of Morocco's Name. The Grecian presently got to the Port, and finding there one of the Galleys of his own Country newly Arrived, he hired it for his Service, and ordered the Men to be in readiness the next Morning, to put to Sea as he should command them. This being dispatched, he presently Applies himself to the King, acquainting him, That upon some Important Notice he had lately received from his own Country, he must crave his Majesty's leave to departed, and invest himself with a principality lately fallen to him; and that a Vessel was ready in the Port to attend him. Only he prayed the King, that, for the many Favours he had conferred upon him, it would please his Highness to accept of a Dinner with him the day following; which the good King accepting, and withal, testifying great Sorrow for the Loss of a person he had so great a Value for. As for this Grecian Prince, they parted for that time: this being soon signified to the Queen, she put all things in readiness for the next Morning; giving Notice to her Paramour, That he should expect her at the Foot of the Pepler Tree in the Garden. The King in the Morning, considering he was that day to Dine with, and take his leave of his great Favourite the young Grecian Lord, went early to see the Queen, and acquainted her, he was to Dine abroad that day, and that she was not to expect him until the Evening: from thence, he went to the Council-Chamber, to give Order for the dispatches of that day. He had no sooner left the Queen, but she placing herself, and her Dog in a Basket, fastened by a little Poultry on the outside of the Window, and holding by the Cord, gently let herself down into the Garden; and by the young Lord was conveyed through the private Passage into his Lodging; and being got into hiss Closet, with his help, was put into the Habit of a Grecian Lady, richly Adorned with costly jewels; and the Plot laid, that the young Grecian was to Affirm her to be a Sweetheart of his, in their own Country; who, for Love of him, had come over the Sea to Marry him. Things being thus ordered; at last comes the Governor, with some of his Nobles, to take their Farewell of the Famous young Grecian Lord; who having received them, with all imaginable demonstrations of Gallantry; at last, expressed himself to the King after this manner.  
Mighty Prince, since my coming to Morocco, I have daily had such Experience of your Royal Goodness and Favour; that I esteem my poor Life too mean an acknowledgement for such high Obligations. But since a Royal Patrimony in Greece calls for me; and here is lately Arrived a Lady of singular Quality and Perfection, who, being bred up with me, hath sought me in divers Courts, and is resolved, for th● Love of my Person, to run all Hazards in my company. Therefore I am resolved, before I go to the Galley, to Celebra●● the Hymeneal Rights; and if it please You● Majesty to give her to me in Marriage with Your Royal Hand, I shall receive 〈◊〉 as the greatest Addition to your Princely Favours. The good King was easily prevailed with, to comply with any thing th●● might testify his great Respects to the youn● Grecian; especially in a matter of this Importance: So that the young Lord immediately leading his Lady into the Room where the Princes of Morocco were; they were, on the sudden, much surprised at th● appearance of so excellent Beauty, so splendidly Adorned: the King, the more he looked on her, fancying he saw his own Queen but that the Secureness of his Tower, an● the discourse his Wife had made to him o● a Lady at this Grecians Lodging, that had so great Resemblance with her; besides th● likeness of the Kings. These things running in his thoughts, fixed, in his imagination, the strongest conceit of resemblance, and parity you can imagine. But the Prie●● being come, the King gave the Bride 〈◊〉 Marriage; and after the Solemnity, they were Treated at a most Magnificent Dinner; but nothing Feasted them more, than the deligate and charming Behaviour of the ●ride, which was so full of Attraction, that ●ll present, became Tributary to her Beau●●y. The Music, all the time, entertained ●heir Ears with an excellent Consort, sometimes of Viols, sometimes of Voices, with ●he best Songs for that occasion; until a Messenger, from the Galley, acquainted the Brid●groom it was time to put to Sea; ●hich immediately the● did, and going into ●he King's Coach, he in Person accompanied them to the Vessel, where Embracing ●he young Grecian and ●is Lady; and ma●ing them many rich Presents, according to ●is Quality, the Nobles also pa●ing them ●reat Acknowledgement, they Embarked in ●he Gally, and were quickly out of sight; ●ut all the while they were in view, the ●ing, and his Princes were drinking to ●heir Bon-Voyage on the Strand, often discoursing of the extraordinary Qualificati●ns of the Bridegroom, and the surpassing Beauty of the Bride. The Ship out of ●●ght, the King hastens to his Tower, to acquaint his Queen of the Wonders he had ●een that day; and that the Grecian Lady ●ery much resembled her, as she had told ●im; but being come into the Chamber, the wretched King could see nothing but forsaken Walls, and an open Casement, b● which, he might easily conjecture which way the Bird was flown: So that looking out at the forlorn Window, a sudden Giddiness seized him, that his Senses failing, he fell over to the Ground, and miserably Dyed. Think now Mighty Dioclesian, sai● the Learned Philantropus, What Credit is to be given to a Vicious Lascivious Woman: And let the excellent Discourses you● have had of this kind, prevails with You● Imperial Clemency, to forbear the dreadful Sentence against the Incomparable Erastus, until the Matter be fully debated before the Senate, lest, too late, you repen● your over Credulity and Rashness. Th● Emperor thanking the Philosopher for hi● seasonable Advice; promised to follow it; and dismissed him with a considerable Reward.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
NOw was the Implacable Aphrodicea in the greatest extremity of Rage, and Confusion; having still been defeated of her Hellish Purposes, and Designs on the Person of the Incomparable Erastus: For the High Sheriff of the City, during Dioclesian's Retirement, had took occasion to visit a Country House, he had some Forty Miles from Rome; so that the King's Warrant came not to his hand, until the day after; when the Emperor, by the Interposition of Philantropus, had recalled his Sentence, with resolution to put the whole Matter under the determination of the Senate. This, as we said, was so great a disapointment to the diabolical Queen, that she ordared a Train of Coaches, and Wagons, with a great Retinue, which were in readiness to have removed her into the Territories of her own Relations; when the Astonished Emperor Arriving from his Country Palace, was much surprised at so strange an Equipage; and Admiring what it meant, was informed by a Courtier, that had marked the whole proceeding, That the Empress was moving herself out of the Dominions of Dioclesian; pretending she could not have. justice, in the satisfaction her Honour claimed on Erastus, for (as she called it) his Inhuman and Traitorous Attempt upon her Person: Thus many times are the most Hellish Designs, and such as would have the most savage Sythians blush, Varnished with the shining Laere of justice, and Honour. This was now the last Card she had to Play; and therefore, with all imaginable Cunning, she acted the Counterpart of an Innocent Person, that lay under the greatest Injuries, Violences, Indignities, and Abuses that Injustice itself, or the greatest Misfortunes could possibly Expose her to: Oft would she beat her Breast with her hand, and discharge such Volleys of Sobs and Sighs, as if her Heart, a Prisoner there, would force its way out of its Irksome Lodging: So that the Deluded Dioclesian finding her on the Ground in this miserable plight, being naturally Compassionate, especially to Objects of this kind, which are certainly the most moving, and Heart-wounding Language in the World: The abused Emperor lifted her up in his Arms, and mingling his Tears with hers, promised the next Morning to put an end to the Cause of her Sorrow and Affliction; and therefore gave Order to the Servants to bring in the Trunks that had been laid in the Carriages; and spending the Afternoon in drying the Queen's Eyes, he gave her opportunity to insinuate her Treasons, to that degree, that he believed her the most Innocent, and Abused of Women, and himself Designed upon by the Philosophers, who (now he doubted not) had contrived to Depose him, and set up their Tool Erastus in his stead: 'Tis strange that the Poison of one base Woman's Rage, and Revenge should spread so far; but no doubt the Devil that set her on work, had furnished her with Councillors, and Abettors of her Designs: Since Prince's Courts have never wanted such, as for Covetousness, or Ambition, would not stick at the most Execrable Villainies. But leaving them to their last Act; hugging themselves, in hope that their cursed Plot had took Effect; we shall now begin to draw our Tragedy to a Conclusion, and show you, by the following Example, the admirable, and stupendious Care, that Heaven takes of the Innocent; and how certainly, in due time, it detects, and brings to justice, the most Potent, and Politic Contrivers of Mischief.  
  

CHAP. XIX.  
NOw was the Morning come of that which was designed to have been one of the blackest, and foulest that ever the bright Eye of Heaven had looked upon: The Guards were ready, the honest Citizens and Senators in Tears, and great Confusion, apprehending the fatal Consequences of that Bloody day: The Emperor, in the greatest Transport of blinded Rage, resolved (as he thought) to put an end to the Fears that attend Crowned, Hands, especially when they are Imposed upon, by the Malignant Influences of Beauty, and Woman-craft: The Empress, and her Ladies dressed in their greatest Bravery, her Priests kindling the Fire on the Altar, to sing Te Deum at the cursed Stroke: The Innocent Prince Adorned with all the Beauties of shining Virtue; and Moral Gallantry, despising the worst Potent Envy, and Malice could Attempt upon him, and with most Heroic Magnanimity braving Death itself. All things were thus ready for the most Inhuman Act: When the Philosopher Lencus have urged through the Guards, who gave him easy passage, being desirous the Prince might not Fall by suggestions of Treachery, or Malice: Lencus threw himself at the Emperor's Feet, and delivered him a Paper, whereon was Written to this Effect; 
THe Gods to Morrow by Six o'th' Clock,  
Will Prince Erastus Lips unlock;  
Then Dioclesian shall know,  
Who is his Friend, and who his Foe:  
Therefore the Heavens bid thee stay,  
The Sentence of thy Rage this day;  
Or thy neglect, thy Crown shall pay.  The Emperor startled at this Oraculous way of Writing, and strangely Ravished with the News of his Son's returning to Speech; immediately sent express Order to the Captain of the Guard to stop the Sentence until farther Order; and calling for the Philosopher, said thus unto him. Lencus, the Execution of justice hath been often prevented by you, and your fellows, and it may be out of some design; but be assured, if Erastus do not speak by to Morrow Six of the Clock, you shall All run the same Fate with him; to which, the Philosopher replied, I receive Your Majesty's Determination with all Submission. And although these Learned Men that have Attended Your Imperial Majesty before me, on the same Occasion, have recited many excellent Stories, setting forth the Baseness, and Treachery of a Deceitful Woman, and Confirmed them with divers Tragical Examples, of the Falseness, and Cruelty of that Implacable ●●ex: I do, with all Humility, return Your Majesty thanks for your favourable retracting your Royal Sentence this day, and humbly Crave leave by one Example more, to Evince to Your Highness what my Brethren have Insisted upon, until to Morrow shall Convince you, beyond the Power of Suspicion. Whereupon the Emperor commanding him, he thus proceeded: Mighty Sir, the Story of the Ephesian Lady is so noted, being recited in divers Authors, that I shall be much the briefer in my Retion of it. She had buried her Husband somewhat near the City, according to the custom of that Country, and had built a little Room in the Sepulchre, where she intended (with the greatest Mortification that was ever heard of) to finish the rest of her Life in the company of that beloved Corpse: She had not been long a Recluse in this Extravagant manner, when a Malefactor that had been Executed, was hung not far from this Tomb; the custom of Ephesus being to have the Body of the Malefactor watched by a Soldier for some certain days, that it might be exposed to the greater Terror of others; and if it happened to be stolen from the Gibbet, than the Sentinel was to be hung in the room of the Criminal. The Wether being cold, and the Sentinel perceiving a Light not far from him, it being Night, drew towards it; and coming to the Door of the Sepulchre, craved entrance: the half Mortified Widow demanding who he was, was Answered; I am a Soldier, set by Order of the Council, to Guard the Body of a Malefactor Executed here this Morning, for Subordination; but the Night being so extreme cold, I know not why it may not be esteemed as great Charity in your Ladyship, as well to admit the Living into your company, as to afford your company to the Dead. The Woman opened the Door, and received the Soldier, who might soon perceive the Tide of her Sorrows; give way to some other Contemplations; she was content to exchange Glances with him, and permitted him to Entertain her with his discourse; which you may imagine to be such, as brisk young Sons of Mars entertain handsome Women withal. In short, she began to be weary of her Dead Companion, and to apprehend, that the Society of a Living one might be more agreeable; she was prevailled with to take a dram of his Bottle, the Air of that place being somewhat raw, and damp; so that a brisk Gaiety began to show in her Face: in this pleasant Company the Red-coat passed so much time, that returning to his Charge, he found the Body gone indeed; so that being half Distracted, he returned to the disconsolate Widow, desiring once again to be admitted into that lonely Vault, which was soon granted; and acquainting her of his ill circumstances, by reason the Corpse of the Criminal had been removed; there might be perceived, in his Countenance, an Aspect, much more dismal than what the Widow had put on, when she shut up herself with her Dead Husband. The Woman seeing him in this sad dumps, began to entertain some Fears, lest she should lose her new Gallant, in the Porch of her Expectations; and having, according to the Faculty of that Sex, a quick Invention in the Nick of Exegent, she began thus to Salve his Sorrows, Soldier (said she) be not dismayed; she that is willing to Exchange a Dead Husband for a Living, need never a better occasion to accomplish her desires: Behold, the Carcase of my Dead Husband is at your Devotion, as well as the Body of his Living Widow, who is now resolved to lose no more of her juice in fruitlessly bewailing an unprofitable Cavaver, but to reserve it for the allaying your Amorous Heats (my Dear Soldier) said she; and Embracing him, began to Fan away the Sorrows from his Cheeks, take this loathsome Trunk then, and hang it in the room of the Felon; and glad am I, the old Villain serves to so good use. Dear Madam, replied the Sentinel, the Executioner will soon discover the Cheat; for the Body of the Thief wanted a Leg, and an Arm; besides, his Ears were cropped, and his Genitals cut off; And is it then so difficult (said she) to reduce this Corpse to the same form? And taking his Cimetar, she chopped off a Leg, and Arm; and with his Knife, cropped and lopped the Premises; giving thereby a most signal Testimony of Female Constancy, and Affection: Now, said she, dear Centinel, we have nought to do, but to hang up this Cripple, and Entertain ourselves with Enjoyments suitable to the Living. I will rather hang up myself, said he, than be joined to a Woman so Infamous; she that can offer such Violence to the Body of a Dead Husband will be ready to do so to the Living, for a fresh Gallant: And so hasted out of the Sepulchre; leaving her to bewail the effect of ●er Cruelty, and disappointment of her Lust.  
Can any thing be more frequent in History, or Observation, than the Frands, Gulls, and sham's of insatiate Women? But I shall now give Your Highness no ●arther trouble, but leave the proof of what 〈◊〉 have said, unto to Morrow; repeating ●gain my most Humble Thanks to Your Majesty for this days Reversion of the Prince's Sentence; for the which, you will ●ave cause to make the Altars of the Gods ●o Smoak.   

CHAP. XX.  
NOw had the Glorious Morn to this Propitious day, put on her Rosy Mantoa, spotted with Gold; and dressed the Sky in a guilded Tapestry, expressing the happy Success of that day: She no sooner peeped out at the Eastern Windows, but she was Saluted with all the Harmony of the Airy Choir; which made the Groves, and Valleys Echo to their shrill Music; whilst the purling Streams Danced the Hays, in winding Meanders to the well Tuned Consort. Such a beauteous Serenity might be observed, as if Universal Nature had put on her best Apparel, and utmost Gaiety: When the Incomparable Erastus, Dressed in his Native Innocence, and Acquired Excellencies (with unmatched Lustre, Out-shined the Splendour of the others Glories; and seemed a Deity, for whose Entertainment, the other Pomps had been prepared) came Attended with his Guard, and his Faithful Tutors, to the Gate of the Royal Palace, demanding Admittance to his Princely Father. What shall I say! Down fell the Iron Gates; the Guards were Petrified, Estonied at the Majesty of the Presence, and ●he Charming Oratory of every Accent: e●ery Eye was Ravished, every Heart Transported at the All-conquering Pre●ence of such Admired Perfection; All struck ●umb with joy, at the Opening of his Lips, ●nd with Excess of Affection to his Princely Person: A Conquering Sweetness shown ●n every Gesture; and a Commanding Majesty dwelled upon his Lips. Being in the ●reat Hall of the Palace, the Seven Ma●ters persuaded him, not suddenly to show himself to the Emperor, lest a Violent Excess of joy should prejudice him: Therefore the Philosopher, that last waited upon Dioclesian, went to his Dressing-Chamber, where the Emperor was making ready to Inquire of Matters; and acquainted him, That the Innocent Erastus was now come to Compurgate himself of the Horrid Crimes, and Treasons, that Hellish Malice had laid to his Charge: But desired, that, before the Interview, His Imperial Majesty would prepare himself for the Reception of so Violent a joy, by admitting some Music to Usher that surprising Welcome. The Kings Violius were called in, and one of them sung a most incomparable Song, much like that of Young Jemmy; some think the Latter to be but a Translation of it. Then appeared the most Abused Son and Disabused the most deluded Father's when casting himself at the Feet of Dioclesian, and kissing his Royal Knees: Th● God's Great Sir (said he) will not always permit the Innocent to be Unfortunate— and would have uttered much more, but th● Overjoyed Emperor stopped his Mouth will a Torrent of Tears, that fell from his Royal Eyes on the Prince's Cheeks. But whilst Father and Son were in this Ecstasy, all the Emperor's Apartment was filled with joyful Throngs of Honest Senators, and Citizens; which made the Palace Ring again with their loud Acclamations. This Music Awaked Aphrodicea, who Enquiring the meaning of that Noise, was answered by one of her Bedchamber, That it was Prince Erastus, who was now come to Compurgate himself to his Father; and was by the Emperor received with the highest Carresses imaginable: She therefore, to save the Hangman a labour, sent for her Confessor; who having given her Absolution, & Tallowed her for a long Voyage; she dexterously cut her own Throat, before the King's Guards were come in to Seize her, in order for her Trial. This being understood by the now convinced Dioclesian, she was privately Buried in Flora's Chapel; all her Courtiers, Secretaries, and great Officers, escaping, as well as they could, the Storm Impending. One of her Ladies, that used to Lie with the Queen, the Prince would needs have unclothed in the Royal Presence, who appearing to be a Man, gave a sufficient Testimony of his Mistress' Morals. Dioclesian asked his Son's Forgiveness, for having Disinherited, and Abused such unparalleled Innocence; he Crowned him King of the Romans in full Senate, Preferred the Seven Excellent Philosophers, highly approving their Learning, Courage, and Fidelity: Ordered general Oblations to be made, and Sacrifice paid so the Supreme justice, that had Miraculously Saved him a Son, and the Empire a Prince; and one of such Excellencies, as the World could not show his Parallel. Many days were spent in the City, and Country, in public Triumphs, and Magnificencies; and to this day there is, or ●ught to be, an Aniversary observed in Memory of the Incomparable Erastus.    

A Supplement To the LIFE of Prince Erastus. By the same Hand.  
HItherto we have Related the great Misfortunes (if we may so call the Trial of Heroic Virtue) that attended the excellent Erastus; and it is admirable to Consider, with what Impudence, the most bloody Malice, and damned Hypocrisy, dare Magnify themselves in the Courts of the greatest Monarches; What, Mighty Patrons the grossest Injustice, and vilest Conspiracies shall meet withal! One would have thought it impossible for all the Fiends of Hell, to have laid such a Train of Mischief against the Innocent, as this Hellish Woman had contrived against this unparalleled Prince? To have Chastity branded with Incontinence; nay a Rape, the most Loyal Son, and Subject; reputed a Rebel, and undutiful. The Valiant proclaimed a Coward; and that Prince, whose incomparable Gallantry had signalised him to the whole World, to be Rediculed, Traduced, and impudently Aspersed? Is this the Fate of the Generous, and Heroic; the Virtuous, and the Brave? Or is it so dangerous for Princes to keep themselves unsullied from the Taint of Debauchery, and the modish Vices of the Court? But it's now high time to turn the Scale, and acquaint you with the Glorious Sunshine that succeeded this Storm, and the happy Serenity that ensued upon this Tempestuous Morning. The joy of the Transported Romans had now over-slown the Banks of their own Tiber, and sent the happy News of Erastus' Deliverance into the remoter Parts of the Empire: So that all the depending Princes sent their great Ambassadors to Congratulate, and Compliment on so Extraordinary an Occasion. Nor were the Triumphs, and public demonstrations of joy, confined within the Walls of Rome; but had diffused and spread themselves over the Face of all the Provinces: So that, by the many Bonfires (which in the Night Inlightend the Air, as if they designed, by Art, to lengthen out the happy day, beyond its natural Allowance) you would have thought they had Sacrificed whole Cites for the good Fortune of their Prince. Nothing was omitted that might testify the Universal Satisfaction, they received in his so wonderful Preservation. In the midst of these Transports, and general Acclamations, the good Dioclesian (Surfeited with an Ecstasy of joy) makes a journey to Jupiter, and resigns the Roman Empire to his Countries Royal Patron, Erastus.  
After the Rites of the Old Emperor's Funeral were performed (which were done with a Pomp suitable to the Grandeur of his High Dignity) there appeared another Scene of Triumph; for now came the Coronation of the Darling of his Country, the Incomparable Erastus.  
The Senate (who had ever born a just Respect to the Character, and Virtues of the Heroic Erastus) now thought they had a sufficient Opportunity, both to signalise their Loyalty to their Prince, and Invest themselves in the Affections of the Romans; by setting the Imperial Diadem on the Head of the most deserving of Princes: One, whose Valour, Patience, Allegiance, and Firmness to the Interest of the Empire, had sufficiently Entitled him to the Monarchy of their Hearts.  
All things were now set in order to carry on the Magnificence of that Glorious day; Triumphal Arches were Erected, where, in excellent Figures, were represented, the several Studies, and Exercises the Prince had been Trained up in his Minority: Some were Logical, some Mathematical, some Geographical; some shown his admirable Horse-manship, and his excellent Dexterity in the use of the Sword and Spear; wherein Fame proclaimed him to Excel any Prince Alive in his time. But above all, near the Palace of the Empress, they had ordered a Colossus to be set up, whereon, in large Figures, were Carved, the manner of the Queens Scratching herself, when she pretended, the Prince would have Ravished her; his severe Imprisonment, the cruel Manner that he oft was brought in to the place of Execution; with all the other particulars of the foregoing History, admirably Exemplified; which would swell this Paper too large to be here recited: On the top of this, was the Tragical manner of the Emperess' violent Death, with the Execution of her Heathenish Priests, that had consented with, and advised her to, the bloody Design against the Life of the Prince: All the Balconies, in the Capitol Streets, were hung with richest Tapestry, and Persian Silks; they were lined with Beautiful Ladies, and Persons of great Honour; who still, as the Prince passed by, Testified their high Approbation of that days Transaction. The Senators Guards (all in New Equipage) were placed round the Capitol; (which in Rome was the Palace where the Senate met) and within (on a low Assent of E●ony inlaid with Gold) was set a Chair of State. Around it were Galleries curiously Guilded, and filled with more shining Beauties; in the midst, were Couches of Embroidered Velvet, whereon the Senators sat, richly clad in Scarlet Robes; and having Seated Erastus in his Chair; the Consul, or principal Man of the Senate, spoke to him after this Manner.  
My Lord Erastus,  
THe People of Rome (whose Representatives we are) have this day unanimously Determined to set their Imperial Crown on Your Royal Head; This they do out of the great Confidence they have in Your Princely Virtues, and High Accomplishments for so great a Trust. We have seen with what Constancy, and Serenity, you have Supported under the greatest Abuses; and with what Evenness of Temper you have Graced all Conditions: So that your Noble Qualifications; have already made you Emperor of their Hearts. We therefore require you to Promise to keep inviolate the Liberties, and Properties of the Roman People; and to use that Sword which they put in your Hand, for their Just Preservation and Defence.  
Then the Prince Arising, and lifting up his Hand, Swore by the Gods which they Worshipped, To maintain the same Law among them, as had been Confirmed by the Senate; and to do nothing against, but for the Good and Weal of his People.  
Upon this, the Consul (in the name of the People of Rome) set the Imperial Crown upon his Head; then with an Universal Shout, they proclaimed him Emperor; which was presently answered by the Guards without, with large Volleys, and Acclamations, and all the Ordinance round the City discharged their Thunder. Then (after a splendid Guard of Partisans) the Senators, in order, march to the palace-royal, the Consul bearing the Sword before the Emperor; who was followed by many Princes of that Empire: Some, of whom, carried an Vmbrel of Extraordinary Value over his Head.  
By the way, they were met by the Priest, in his formalities; who had ever a wet Mouth to be dealing in Festivals; he was going to the Temple, to smoak his Gods, on this great Occasion; and (that he might obtain a Grace at Court) to Offer some Incense to the Genius of his new Prince, and Lord Erastus. At the Entry of the Palace, they were Entertained with a Levit of Five Hundred Trumpets, and in the first Court, with all other sorts of Wind Music, in the second Court, with Violins and stringed Instruments, in the great Hall, with the Organ, Skilfully played on; to which, accorded an excellent Voice, singing this Song.  

SONG.  

COme from the Dungeon to the Throne,  
So much the Gods thy Virtues own:  
Then Reign, till such as did design  
Thy Ruin; pay for't at the time:  
For there their Treasons must resign.   

But they are gone! Their Murderous hands,  
Prevent the Magistrates Commands;  
They Strangled lie in their own Bands:  
Whilst Conquering Rome's proud Diadem,  
Thy Sacred Temples round doth Hem.   

He that can Teach himself t'Obey,  
Is fittest th' Imperial Sword to Sway;  
Erastus gave his Passions Law;  
And this the Equal Gods than saw,  
And Saved him, Mighty Realms to Aw.    
This ended, they withdrew into the more private Rooms, and were there Entertained with as much Gallantry, as the Pomp of the Roman Empire could pretend to. The rest of the Night was passed in Magnificent Masques and Fireworks, which wonderfully expressed many Historical, and curious Figures. Some few days more were spent in Courtly Gallantries, and Royal Entertainments; whilst the City Conduits flowed with Wine, and all Imaginable Expressions of a Universal joy, range in every corner of the Streets. It was wonderful to see what a Mighty Change there was in the Face of things, in the City of Rome: For the Senators, and principal Citizens, who, but few days since, were in great heaviness; and entering into Mourning for the barbarous Cruelty to be Executed on their most Accomplished Prince; were now filled with ●ayity, and Satisfaction at the happiness ●hey enjoyed, in having him preserved; un●er whose Government they could not doubt 〈◊〉 all the blessings that attend the Admini●ration of a Prudent Monarch. Even now, ●ou could have heard nothing but Lamentations, and sad Camplaints of Dioclesians ●nnatural Cruelty to his Excellent Son; ●he whole City seeming to languish in a ●niversal sadness: But now, Smiles and Triumphs sat on every face, and the Air echoed with Shouting, Acclamations, Mirth and Music.  
Strange, but very pleasant was the Change, the Prince (with good reason) believed himself the greatest Potentate on the ●ee of the Earth, because he ruled in the ●ery Souls of his Subjects: (For even in the Roman Empire we find, That a Tyrannic, all Controlling, sway a rough and Austere Management, made the Government Odious and Unsupportable, when on the other hand Moderation and Clemency, a Compliance with the Senate, and a Tenderness of the Public Good; hath so far recommended the Prince, that it hath Extended his Empire, and made it more Absolute and Terrible to his Enemies, than all the Severe and Arbitrary Methods in the World could e'er pretend to.) So that nothing in the World hath so much promoted the Grandeur of the Monarch, as this Popular and Gentle way.  
Yet some there were who Secretly murmured at this Tranquillity, whose diseased Eyes could not bear the Splendour of this glorious and equal Government, these (being Enemies to Mankind, and of the Nature of the Devil) repined a● whatsoever promoted the peace and welfare of the Public; indeed nothing in the World so grated their Spirits, and set their blood in a kind of Ferment, as the Common good. They were perfect haters of Morality, and could not endure the encouragement of any thing that but looked like Virtue; Massacres and Stakes, Rod● and Axes, jayls, and Gibbets were the brave prospects that delighted them: like Nero they could sing Carols at the Burning City. Nothing in nature was so terrible to them, as a Calm and serene Season. They delight in Storms and Hurricanes; for like Sharks and Whales they thrive by Tempests, and Live upon the Public Wrack. But these Enviperated worms, were now crept into their holes, and there secretly Croaked out their Venom, for they were not able to stand before the justice of the Roman Senate.  
These were some of the principal savou●●tes of the late wicked Empress, and the ●nly fit Tools of her Priests to work withiel; Nothing so fit to promote Vicious and ●ase Designs, as Persons of Immortal ●nd Debauched Principles: Therefore that these wicked Priests, might not want fit Instruments to carry on their bloody Designs, they first poisoned their Proselytes with all manner of Corrupt, and Noisome Theorems, which their Vitiated Natures ●are too apt to Imbibe: that so (having sufficiently Renounced whatsoever looked like Moral) they might be the better qualified for the Villainies they were to per●etrats. These were they (who having by ●●se ways crept into the Court) were still Instilling, and buzzing into the Emperor's ●●rs, against the most Innocent and Dutiful Prince Erastus: For from the time the Queen had made her first complaint, they ceased not to aggravate whatsoever she suggested against him; always Insinuating their whispers in detraction of his Virtue, and shamming over all his Excellent Accomplishments, with false calumnies, and slanderous Imputations; never permitting the abused Dioclesian to view his Son, but through their false perspectives, that rendered him all over Monster. By these Hellish Artifices, the deluded Emperor had been trapanned to Ruin both himself and the Empire, had not the justice of the Gods raised up the Seven Wise Masters, we before mentioned, to prevent the Fatal Blow.  

CHAP. II. The War of the Emperor Erastus with King Siwel, the manner of his Overthrow.  
NOw though these Infernal Agents found all their base Attempts Successess against the Incomparable Erastus; yet could they not so soon forsake their dear Mischief, nor be drawn from the sweet Treasons they had been engaged in: but persisted still in new Consults to destroy the Young Emperor, and in him the happiness of the Empire.  
But Erastus (whose noble Soul tasted no relish in all the Splendid Feasts, Masks, and Effeminate Entertainments of the Court) Imagining that he that wore an Imperial Crown, was by the Gods designed to somewhat else besides soft Luxury; and that business of greater Importance was appointed for him that sat at the Helm of Empire; thereby manifesting the Conduct of a Wise and Gallant Prince. Appointed the Senate to meet at the Capitol in three Days, and all things being in Readiness for that great Assembly, the day of their Congress being come, they first met in the Forum, and the Emperor, with a Royal Retinue being come to them, they there put on their Respective Robes, and in great State proceeded to the Imperial Chamber, the Roof whereof was raised on Pillars of fine Porphirie, curiously wrought with Chapiters' of Gold: The Ceiling was of Antic Work, wherein were Carved the many Victories of their Famous Generals, with Figures aptly representing the several Provinces; A Sumptuous Figure shown itself in a stately Oval in the Midst, Representing the Roman State, to which the other Provinces, seemed to stretch their hands, humbly Supplicating her protection; at one end was set a Royal State for the Emperor, whereon he Seated himself, and the Senators being set on Chairs covered with Tissue; the Noble Emperor made them an excellent Oration, in this manner.  

Most Renowned Romans,  
BY Your Kindness, and for your sakes i● is, that I wear this Diadem; the Care therefore that results from the Trust You have laid on me, hath occasioned my caling You together; for I cannot be one of those that think it sufficient if they get the Reigns of Government into their hand, and then take no farther care what becomes of the Commonwealth. My Lords, I know their are great Duties incumbant on a Crowned Head, and the burden will be too heavy for me, unless Assisted by Your Counsels; You are the most proper Advisers I can possibly Consult with, for I think the Interests of the Prince, and his People Inseparably Interwoven: Let us therefore Jointly endeavour to promote the Public good, and preserve the Peace of the Empire: Our Neighbour Siwel (who lately was Our Conquest, and held his Crown of the Romans) is of late grown formidable in Arms, and a great disturber of the Tranquillity of his Quiet Neighbours; Invading their Territories, and Depopulating their Countries with Intolerable outrage. It is not Consistent with the Grandeur, or Policy of the Roman State to permit such Insolences. We are farther Informed, that by his Masked Emisaries, he keeps alive, and foments a Party amongst those Miscreants, who were the Creatures of the Late miserable Empress: Let us therefore Unite our Counsels, Assume our Courage, and Scourge the unsufferable Presumption of this Proud Invador; let us discord his Factors here, and Oppose his Forces in the Neighbour Provinces; that it may not be said Hereafter, The ROMAN STATE was lost, when ERASTUS sat at the Helm.   
This Incomparable Speech of the brave Young Emperor, was received by the Senate is an Oracle; their loud Acclamations testifing the high Approbation they had of their Prince, and the Noble Advice he gave them. They verily thought all the happy constellations ●f their Great Ancestors, had clubd together 〈◊〉 confer the Noble Genius of their several Heroes on Erastus, with such profound Wisdom did he search into the Affairs of ●he State, with such brave Gallantry, re●olve to oppose the Power of Prince Siwel, ●nd with such Affection Espouse the Interest of his Country; that the Ancientest of ●he Senate seemed as amazed at the Ma●estick Sweetness of his Incomparable Per●on, and charming Oratory.  
Several of the Senators strained their rhetoric in Congratulating the happy for●ne of the Empire, that had in the Throne a Prince of such Excellencies, and sublime Endowments, as from whom they could not hope for any good, but what they might reap by his courage, nor fear any ill; but what would be prevented by his Wisdom. At length the Consul recapitulated, and enlarged upon, the several Paragraphs of Erastus his Speech; and Moved that they might presently, put the Matters therein contained upon the Debate. But it was soon determined in the Affirmative, there being not one Rotten Member in that well Constituted Body, that offered to oppose the Public Interest of the State. They therefore resolved to take as many as they could, of their secret Enemies into custody, and presently to raise an Army to march into Germany, there to oppose the Forces of the Revolted Siwel: Erastus himself offering to March in the head of the Army. Immediate Orders were dispatched to the Keeper of the Magazines, that they should provide all sorts of Arms, and Ammunition for the Expedition. Several other decrees past, for Public matters; which will not fall under the cognizance of this History: We shall therefore continue the Relation of the Engagements between Erastus the Emperor; and Siwel King of the Gauls.  
Scarce had the Drums given the signal in the Street of the City, that the Senate had determined to enter into a War with the Gauls, and reduce them to their forme● Obedience to the Roman State, but the Forum was thronged with Multitudes from all parts of the City, so that in two days they had Listed an Army of Forty Thousand; which was thought sufficient (they still retaining the Tried Valour of the Noble Romans) to oppose a far greater Number of the Gauls. Nor were they confined for want of Volunteers to so small an Army; for the People offered themselves so readily to promote this War, as if they had entertained a Universal hatred to that perfidious Nation. Long had this Treacherous King Siwel, by underhand Practices sought to undermine, and by open Violence opposed (at several times) the Roman Power; and in his Province, with great cruelty destroyed many Towns and Families which he thought had Friendship for the Roman State: So that Erastus had but two just cause to chastise him for his breach of Faith, and evil practices. Therefore in few days the Army Advanceed to the confines of Gaul, and by the suddeinness of their March had entered some Leagues into the Country of Siwel, before he had time to draw his Forces together to oppose them: The Towns and Villages in their March, joyfully putting themselves under the protection of Erastus; being no longer able to hear the Tyranny of their Savage Master. Erastus' sent for more Forts to the Senate, which he placed in Garrisons to defend the Country from the Cruelty of Siwel, and his Forces; and being come in a days March of the Galick Army, he entered into a large Campane Country, fit for his designed Engagement; where he posted himself, and Entrenched his Camp, the better to observe the Motion of the Enemy. The Gauls were now approached within a Mile of the Imperial Troops, and having discovered that Erastus his Force Consisted but of Forty Thousand (his own Army being above a Hundred Thousand) he resolved (according to his wont Valour) to give them Battle the next Morning; and accordingly having given notice to his several Quarters, they appeared very early on the Plain, in half a Mile of Erastus' Camp: His Scouts, in the mean time, had given him notice of the Enemy's motion; so that his Army was in as great forwardness to Advance, as the Gauls were to receive him; Therefore drawing his Men out of the Camp, he Posted on a convenient side of the Plain, in a little more than a Flightshot of Siwels' Army; with undaunted Bravery faceing a Foe of almost Triple his Number. In the mean time the Gauls had discovered, that Roman Baggage was left in the Trenches, and guarded but by a few Bowmen, and some light Horse with Lanches: At this Siwel (being ever more inclined to plunder than to fight) Commanded his Left Wing, to fall down, and make themselves Masters of the Imperial Carriages. The Emperor (though he soon perceived the design) gave them opportunity to Advance within Shot of the Trenches, which were maintained with extraordinary Courage, by that very small Guard; not an Arrow they discharged, but did its Execution; the Lawnce-men with notable Resolution keeping the Horse from entering a small breach, their Pioners had made; insomuch that they dismounted many of the Gauls from their Horse, who were never able to mount again. Now they were thus far engaged, Erastus commanded a single Brigade of his Right Wing, to relieve the Wagons; so that speedily falling on the Rear of the  Right Wing, they did such Execution, that in little time, almost half of them were slain, or wounded, or taken Prisoners; the rest with great Confusion falling into the Body of their Army. This defeat so Exasperated Siwel, seeing so great a Body of his Men routed by a handful, that he presently came on with the main Body of his Army, thinking to crush the small Brigade of Erastus his Troops to Pieces; but he little Considered the steady Valour of the Romans, who never thought that worth the name a Victory, that had not been obtained at some great disadvantage; that the Romans had long before known what it was to Conquer the Gauls; and therefore were less apt to be daunted by their Noise or Numbers.  
The Emperor (discovering that he had no small skill in Martial Discipline, or Stratagems of War) had chosen out a Bris●que Forlorn of about three Hundred tried Soldiers; these were all coated in Male, after the Roman manner, having Scythian Spears, and Symiters of Russian Steel, their Horses too had Armour of Proof; these he ordered to brake through the Ranks of Siwels' Army, which they did with such force, that their courage levelled whole Files before them; doing such wonders, that should they be here related, it might be looked on as a Romance. The Violence of their Action, soon put the  Army in disorder (for they indeed, were more used to purchase a Victory with their Money, than their Valour; having rarely met with an Enemy that had Courage like the Romans;) so that Erastus coming up to them with the small Body of his Army, soon made himself Master of the Field: Whilst Siwel's Right Wing (seeing the Fate of ●he rest) never stood an Engagement, but ●ed the Field: But being closely pursued ●y the Left Wing of the Romans, there ●ere but few of them escaped, to car●y home the News of their Overthrew. Erastus (still) where he thought ●here was any one Master of more than ●ommon Courage; picked that person out for ●is Rival, and by that means gave several of them the Honour to fall by his own ●and: but this he did, hoping to send the enemy of his Country, and the principal ●ccasion of this m schief, to wash his Crimes 〈◊〉 the Stygian Lake; But Siwel had no ●uch design, (for doubting his Fate too ●ose pursued him) he (with one or two ●f his Council) sought to fly the Field; ●ut falling into the hands of a Party of ●he Romans, was by them brought Prisoner to Erastus.  
He was just then retired to his Tent, ●iving orders for the disposal of the Prisoner's; and the better refreshing his Shoulders after that Days Signalizing their Valours. Siwel at his approach to the Emperor (discovering a mean and degenerous Soul, which usually creeps, and fawns when unfortunate) cast himself at the Feet of the Brave Erastus; and with Unprincely Cowardice, begged for his wretched Life, and that with such miserable Submission, as largely testified the Narrowness of his Soul; But this beggarly Action of his, rather Inflamed, than abated the Just Indignation of the Roman Emperor; so that instead of Treating him with that respect that a manly Bravery always claims of a Generous Enemy, he ordered him to be bound in Chains; and in that posture he followed the Emperor's Chariot in his Marches through the Country. So much had the Tyranny and Cruelty of this unworthy Prince Exasperated the minds of his own Subjects against him; that still as he passed, they denied him the common Testimonies of Pity due to the Miserable; but reproached him with his Breach of Faith and Inhuman Oppressions, whereby he had Enslaved, and reduced his Own Province to a State of Beggary and Vassalage. In the mean time with loudest Acclamations they Applauded the Conduct, Gallantry and good Fortune of Erastus; Thanking the God of Victory, that by his hand had redeemed them from the Intolerable Bondage they endured under the cruel Tyranny of the base minded Siwel. So natural is it to Mankind to hate a Tyrant, and give all possible demonstrations of their Satisfaction, and enlarged joy, under the Sweet Influences of an equal Administration. The Generous-souled Erastus, (still as he passed hrough the Villages and Cities of that Country) with a Princely greatness confirmed to them those Privileges, which Siwel's Injustice had rob them of, and bestowed on them such other Testimonies of his Royal Favours, as bespoke him to be a Prince hear●●ily designing the Weal, and happiness of the People, and not the rugged Satisfaction of a Tyrannical or Ambitious Monarch. He Empowered them to choose Governors of their own, to see justice duly Administered, and the People's Right s kept Inviolate: Who were to be Responsible to the Imperial Chamber for their neglects therein  
Thus in a very short time were the Long-growing Evils of those Provinces rooted up; and (by the great care of that Excellent Emperor) the pleasant Plants of Public Tranquillity and a general Peace grew up in the room of them. Here was confusion reduced into Order, Riotous Debauchery, reform to manly Sobriety, and a Philosophical Morality, Tyranny and Oppression were Banished, and Equity, and Clemency took place? The Groans and Tears of the Oppressed Gauls were turned into Triumphs; and Every man had his Life, and Labour, once more called his Own. Having thus happily settled Affairs in those Parts, the Emperor returned in great. Triumph to Rome: and was there received by the Senate and Citizens with such a welcome, as well shown the sense they had of their Happiness under his August, and propitious Influence.  
I might here relate the Magnificence of his splendid Reception, by giving the Reader the particulars of the Trophies, Arches, Companies, Pageants: and all the braveries which Poets usually feign, to gild their Romances; (for indeed the World never saw greater Pomps, than those with which the Gallant Romans used to welcome home their Victorious Generals): But (my design being rather to Paint an Extraordinary Prince, than a Gaudy Pageant) I shall omit the Mention of those lesser matters: only acquaint the Reader (who may be desirous to know) what became of the unlucky Siwel. He therefore was led to Rome in the manner you have heard; and after a few days, was brought before the Senate; where the Consul largely summed up the Foulness of his Detestable Life, telling him, That he had fallen so far below a Prince, that he came short of the very Brutes, which (ordainarily) delight to Cherish one another; and (in their way) revenge the injuries offered to their kind: but that he (contrary to the very dictates of Brutal Nature) had not only usurped unto himself the Government of others, but had with great Cruelty, and Rapine, endeavoured to support his Arbitrary, and unjust Usurpation: So that he had ●ot only Invaded, but even divested the People of their Natural Rights; refusing to a●ow them the Common Privileges, which ●re the undoubted Claim of Humane Crea●ures; but that on the Contrary he had exacted of them Tributes larger than their Estates could reach unto, and had after a Tyrannical manner Levied them by the Power of his Sword; setting Ruffenly Officers to Oppress the People at their pleasure; and had refused them their Just Redress, by an application to the Senate; That ●e had Treacherously withdrawn himself from his Obedience to the Roman Emperor, to whom Gaul owned as much Obedience, as the rest of the Roman Conquests. Adding, that now the Gods had Chastised him for his Impieties; they left his Treasons to be Punished as the Victorious Erastus should direct.  
Siwel, like a Wretch in great dejection (all this time) swum in abundance of Tears; and made such pitiful demonstration, of a Poor, Low and Contemptible Spirit, that it might indeed have moved pity; had it not proceeded rather from the disapointment of his base designs; than a due resentment of the foulness of his Loathsome Crimes. The Generous Erastus scorned to Foul the Sword of the Public justice with the Blood of such a Cowardly, and Capon-hearted Miscreant; but having sufficiently tied him up from attempting (any farther) his base designs; he left him to the Consideration of the Virtues of his past Life: The Tranquillity of his Government, and the Disappointment his Cowardly Ambition had met withal; which reflections soon made such a Battery on his frailty, that his narrow Soul (not longer able to endure such Assaults) made its escape to his Old Confederate Pluto, Prince of the Lower Regions; where doubtless he had an Entertainment Suitable to the Designs he had managed, and the Service he done on this side Acheron.  
Thus he (whose Ambition grasped at Empire, whose Soul delighted in Cruelty, that had diverted himself in Torturing of Others) Expired Unpitied, Unlamented, and left a perpetual Infamy entailed to his Memory.   

CHAP. III.  
AFter the Reduction of Gaul; whereby it was again made a part of the Empire, so universal a Serenity Shined in all parts, as if the Gods designed under the reign of this Prince to give the world a taste of that happiness men enjoy, under a prudent and well-disposed Magistrate; no Complaints troubled the quiet Palace, nor did the Oppressor lord it amongst the humble Cottages. The Shepherd rejoiced in the fruits of his Flock, and the Labourer of his Vines: The Bashful Virgin knew not what it was to be assaulted by the Lustful violence of the rude Debauches: nor were the Gods denied their Incense, though in pots of Clay.;  
Nothing was heard over the well-governed Empire, but the voice of a well-tuned Harmony, and mutual Congratulations for so happy a Restitution of the common Tranquillity. The Prince so Virtuous, no tongue durst detract him; nor was the Venom of the Quill (at that time) diffused, to poison the Public Quiet: Men enjoyed their Estates, free from the Envy of the greedy Misers, and their Religion, without the Flagitious remarks of Pestilent Flatterers; or the base Reflections of Scandalous Libelers. The Government was made easy to the People; and the Emperor Enjoyed all the Blessings arising from so well turned a Government. What shall I say? the Roman Empire (till then) never saw so great serenity; nor did the Grandeur of any of their Emperors, compare with the unparralleled Greatness of the most Incomparable Erastus. His admirable Conduct, and Successful Administration, was the Theme of every prudent man's discourse, and of the Poet's Song; the Rival Pastorals resounded with the Praise of Erastus: and the unmolested Merchant Transported his Fame into the remotest Indieses.  
The Empire being thus settled, to the general satisfaction of all good men, the Emperor Resolved to visit the Remoter Colonies, and (with his presence) to enliven and cherish the hearts of those his Subjects, that had only tasted the sweetness of his distant Influence; carr●ing with his Person, all those welcome Blessings, that use to accompany a Prince in favour with the Gods. Pursuant to this his resolution, he called the Senate (resolving to do nothing without the Advice of his best Council) and communicated to them his Intention; withal committing the care of the Government to their Management, until his return: and giving such other Orders as were necessary to be observed in his Absence. He took but few of his own Servants with him, and some particular Noble Men, that had been still Constant to him, during the Frowns of Dioclesian, which (with a small retinue) made about an Hundred Horse. He needed no Guards, for his Interest was so great in the affections of his People; that he had a Citadel in every Village, and a Fort in every Breast; in fine, all his Territories were safe as his own Palace: So great is the Influence that a good Prince hath, over the most sordid Dispositions; The most Churlish Boor paid an Homage to his Virtue, and the most depraved Plebeian was struck with astonishment, and Conquered by his Gallantry.  
His First Progress, (after having past the Confines of Italy) was through the (once Famous) Kingdom of Hungary, along the pleasant Banks of the Fertile Banow; and so passing through that Gallant Country, since fallen to the House of Austria, be came to the Princely Country of Bohemia; at that time one of the most Flourishing Kingdoms in the World. Through the vast number of its Inhabitants, every Village swoll to a City, whose lofty Towers and Palaces, shown a stately Prospect to the Neighbouring Plains. And though the Great Erastus met with all the Loyal Caresses Imaginable, in the whole course of his Progress; and was received by his People, rather as a God, than one of Mortal Race: Yet could not all these Pomps of State, nor the Extraordinaryes of the Entertainments provided for him, withdraw him from the Exercise of his Moral Contemplations; or those more Virtuous Considerations, which are the Natural product of a Noble Soul. So that in the midst of all these splendid Gayityes, a Contemplative recess seemed more E●igible to the good Emperor: He therefore retired for some days to a Country Palace not far from the Stately City of Prague, leaving most of his Retinue at that Court.  
Erastus was extremely pleased with the sweet solitariness of this Castle; it had been an Ancient Mansion of the Emperors; and wanted not sufficient Bravery to testify great the quality of its Inhabitant: the Towers were Lofty, and of Marble: The Apartments were spacious, and delightful, it stood on a small Assent of a Hill, which overlookt a large Valley of many Miles extent, which was replenished with Pastures, and Vineyards in great abundance; through the midst of which the Silver-breasted Danow brought the Treasures, and Commodities of Foreign Parts, into the heart of that large Country, and Exported their own Wines in Exchange: In short; nothing was wanting that might recommend the situation of this House, for one of the Noblest Retraits in the Empire: Only the lonely humour of the Lord, affected not the Noise and Tumult of a Numerous and Unnecessary Attendance, which was so much the more agreeable to the Temper of Erastus; who had given strict Orders (for his greater privacy) that it should be still reported he continued at the Court at Prague; to prevent the Crowd that otherwise would have spoiled his more retired Divertisements. The Lord of this Palace daily Entertained the Emperor with such Airy, and wholesome Sports, of Hunting the Stagg, the Boar, sometimes the Fox, and other Savages as the Woods and Forest could afford; where the Thundering Northern Hound, and the Shril-mouthed Beagle, rang many a Melodious peal through the Echoing Valleys: with such kind of Recreations they usually passed the time till Dinner, but the Afternoon was spent in a more silent Retirement; for towards the Evening, the Fragrance of the Air, and the Charming Melody of the Airy Choir, commonly called them (through a spacious Garden) into an adjoining Wilderness of jessamines, Myrtles and Roses; The native Sweetness, and Pleasantness of those Walks, drew the Emperor at a greater distance from the Palace than he was ware of; and brought him at length by the Side of a Crystal River, whose pretty murmur seemed to bear a Consort with the Feathered Choristers of the adjoining Grove. On the Bank of the Liquid Mirror, Sat down the Contemplative Prince, under the shade of a well-spread Almon Tree: On the other side the River was a Large tract of Meadow ground; where the Herdsmen and Shepherds used to feed their Wanton Herds, & Quiet Flocks; On that side by a Covert of Myrtles were seated Melander and Florius (two of the Pastoral Fraternity) unbosoming each to other their Rural Cares; the shade of their Myrtle Obscured Erastus from their View, which gave him the better opportunity to observe their Discourse; the Theme whereof was such as is usual to Shepherds; for the Cruelty of Amarillis, the coyness of Chloris, the disdain of Phillis, the Severity of Pastora, and the Inconstancy of Serina; had set their Enamoured Captives Hearts on aching, their Breasts a panting; their Eyes a Mourning; had filled their discourse with rueful Complaints, whilst the Neighbouring Woods and Rivers were made acquainted with their Piteous Lamentations. But above all, the strange humour of Prunella (the Idol of Florius) may not be unpleasant to Interlard this dull Discourse.  
My Melander (said he, after he had discharged a Volley of Sighs, and made three or four Grimmaces) Thou know'st with how great Constancy I have ever served the Lovely Prunella; thou art witness of my cares for her, and the Care that (for her sake) I had for her Flock, not a Sore Sheep but I dressed, not a Straggling Lamb, but I fetched home, when she sighed, I sighed; and when she smiled, it looked like the sweet simpering of a Rosey Morning; when she slept, Sympathy would shut up my Eyelids as truly as if the nats' god of slumber had done it himself; when she Sang, I could not forbear playing on my Pipe, and never were its Notes so pleasant as when tuned to the Melodious key of her Voice. What shall I say Melander? I have been thus her Slave above these Seven Years; I have no joys, but hers; nor no dedesires, but with Submission to the good pleasure of Prunella? Just after our last Sheepshearing. I sent her a Copy of my thoughts in Rythme, and I fancy they were not contemptible neither; but would you think it? She answered them with that Intolerable disdain, as would have broke a Heart of Millstone.  
Prithee Florius (said Melander) bless me with a little of thy Poetry; this is the first time I ever heard thou hadst any gift that way, but what will not Love. Ah! the Charms of All-Inspiring Love, what can't they do? Let the Dull old Bards talk of the Efficacy of their Watery Helicon, one drop of that Nectar that flows from the Lips of Prunella, will do more than an Ocean of that cold and melancholy Liquor: therefore dear Florius, hid not the satisfaction of this Chiming humour from thy faithful Confident Melander. Well (said Florius) I will not conceal them from thee, if thou wilt but assist in answering her contemptful Lines: which Melander consenting to, Florius repeated him the Lines, which you are like to hear.  
When first I saw thee, thou didst sweetly Play  
The Gentle Thief, and stolest my Heart Away:  
Give't me again, or I will Swear thou art,  
A sweet-faceed Creature with a double Heart.  
Pish, Pish (quoth Melander) these are as old as Paul's; but however, it argues a very good memory, that you so well retain them besides, they are very pat to the purpose. Ay (quoth Florius) I think so and much too good for the Abusive answer she returned, which I will show you, that you may read them. Melander opening the Paper, found these Lines.  
Sitting at shitting, I received your Letter,  
Perusing it, I Sh—t the better;  
And finding it so full of Wit,  
The more I Read, the more I Sh—t.  
The place whereon their grew no Grass,  
Your Letter came Just fit to wipe mine Are—  
This is Comical indeed! (said Melander) would ever an insulting Carrion thus abuse the Faithful Addresses of her  Shepherd? But it is even too good for the Dotard Florius; well, trouble not thyself! thou shalt have a draught of my thoughts concerning this Idol of thine; but first for an answer to her scurrility, which methinks might run well enough in these words.  
O my Pretty Fool,  
How glad am I it gave thee so good a Stool;  
What e'er it cost me, I will have  
This Epitaph set on thy Grave.  
Beauty fair, this Tomb doth hid;  
shitting she Lived, Shiting she Died;  
Who e'er he be, that passeth by  
The Place wherein her Bones do lie,  
Can do her no greater Honour,  
Than to come and Piss, and Sh—t upon her.  
Dear Melander! I con thee thanks with all my heart, cried the almost Transported Florius, by Venus thou hast clawed her often with a witness, now am I resolved to send her this Epitaph as a last farewell of Florius' Love, and bury my Inclinations under the same beshitten marble; for after this Honourable defiance, she shall never more make a Nokes of her Humble Servant Florius. But now sweet Melander (continued he) let me have a Copy of thy thoughts concerning her, as thou didst promise: which Melander accordingly gave him after this sort.  
If we agree with those that affirm Fancy to be the Creator of Beauty, as the Poet hath it, 
If I Fancy Black or Blue,  
Or any other Hue,  
That Fancy doth a Beauty make.   
Should we be of this Opinion? I know no reason but your Prunella may pass for a Beauty; but if we believe, that there is a certain proportion, and regularity of parts, together with a mixture of somewhat called Complexion, that are necessary ingredients to the composing a Handsome woman; then I assure you I can by no means allow your quondam Mistress to put in for any share amongst the many Pretenders to handsome Faces; for (how much soever you adore her) her eyes look a cross, and one of them is bigger than the other by above half an inch like a Tumblers; her nose looks like a Cloak Button set in the midst of her face; and her mouth is drawn up to one ear on one side, and the other Cheek Stuffed out with a Tennis Ball; her breath smells much like as her Tombstone must, if there be any Charm in the Epitaph I gave you: And for her Complexion, I can no better describe it, than a friend of mine did by a Mistress of his, who desired him to paint what kind of Wife he could wish; Madam, replied he, If you would sit to draw it by, it must be thus, 
Eyes must be Brass,  
Her Lips of Pearl,  
Teeth as green as Grass,  
Hair like a Squirrel,  
Her Nose of Ruby,  
Her Brow of Steel,  
Her Cheeks should Blue be,  
And her Neck Braziel.   
Which Description of his had its desired Effect, for it begat such a distance in her, that he was never after troubled with her loathsome Importunities. At this they arose and followed their Flocks to the Fold, it being now grown towards Sunset. The well-pleased Erastus that had passed many a smile dureing their divertive discourse, returned to the Palace, all the way, not a little admiring at the Innocent pleasures of the Shepherd's life; but most of all taken with the Witty Drollery of Melander.  
He could not forbear at Supper to acquaint his generous Host with much of the discourse he had heard; to whom the Noble Man replied, that he had enquired concerning Melander, and understood him to be a Noble Britain, who for some private (but supposed Amorous Reason) spent his time amongst the Shepherds in that disguise.  
That night the Emperor gave order to have all things in readiness by the next morning for the pursuing his Progress, which accordingly he did, being well satisfied with the Temper, & Entertainments of that Country; which accounted his presence among them the greatest of their Felicities; whilst Long Live the best of Emperors, was the general Acclamation that filled the resounding Air as he passed. He Iournied through Helvetia and Flanders to the Town of Donkirk, where he Embarked for Britain, then called Albion, and Feliciana, and through the Noble and Opulent Channel of the Thames, was brought attended by a Fleet which the Britain's had ordered for the purpose, to the Ancient and Great Metropolis of London.  
In those days had this Island purchased so great Esteem among the Victorious Romans, that they justly accounted it the fairest Branch of the Imperial Laurel; and either the ever famous Erastus, Or some other Emperor bestowed on that City the Sovereign Name of Augusta, an Honour which proud Rome herself could never attain to; no nor any of the Aspiring Chambers of the Emperors.  
Erastus was infinitely satisfied with the Pomp's of their Buildings, the Magnificence of their Treats, the prodigious Wealth of their Merchants, the fertility of the Soil, affording so vast plenty to that prodigious Forest of People, that seemed as a World of themselves, that it was a little difficult to resolve whether these Considerations, or that of the Economy of their Laws the equality of their Government; the gentleness of their Dispositions, and the Generosity of their well-tempered Souls, mainly drew the Affections of the Roman Emperor to this (then) Fortunate People. I have not come to incert the many Various ways they endeavoured to manifest the Honour and happiness they conceived in his presence with them; Nor the many Statues, Medals, Altars, Inscriptions, and vast Buildings the Emperor was at the expense of, to testify the high Esteem he had of them. This is largely done by other Historians. I have only place to incert two Distiches; which either Erastus, or some other made in praise of a Rural Life; and to promise an account of his Marriage with an English Princess, and his return to Rome; with many various and pleasant accidents in another Volume. But I must conclude with the Verses, which were these, 

Happy is the Country Life,  
Blest with Content, good Health, and Ease,  
Free from Factious Noise, and Strife,  
We only Plot ourselves to please.   

Peace of Mind's our day's Delight,  
And Love's our welcome dream at Night.  
Hail green Fields, and shady Woods,  
Hail Springs and Streams that still run pure,  
Nature's Uncorrupted Goods,  
Where Virtue only is secure.   

Free from Vice, We're free from Care;  
Age is no Pain, nor Youth no Snare.     
FINIS.