top: representation of a female figure, empress or queen kneeling in front of an emperor or king seated on a throne, with armed guards and female attendants; bottom: representation of a male figure and seven others standing before an emperor or king seated on a throne behind a bench or table, surrounded by male figures, with guards nearby; middle: representation of a female figure, empress or queen, or Aphrodicia, and a male figure or Erastus 
THE HISTORY of ERASTUS and the Seven Wise Masters of ROME  
Here 〈◊〉 is arraigned unjustly you may See.  
Here Innocence obtains the Victory.  
Aphrodicia:  
Erastus:    

THE HISTORY OF PRINCE ERASTUS' Son to the EMPEROR DIOCLESIAN And those famous PHILOSOPHERS CALLED THE Seven Wise Masters OF ROME. Being a full account of all that was ever written of that Ancient, Famous, Pleasant, and excellent History; written Originally in Italian, then Translated into French, and now rendered English by F. K. With the Illustration of Pictures to every Story.  
LONDON, Printed by Anne Johnson for Fra. Kirkman, and are to be sold at his Shop in Fan-Church Street over against the Sign of the Robin Hood near Algate. 1674.   

The Preface  
Reader.  
ABout 18 Months ago I did write and publish. The Famous History of Don Bellianis of Greece, or The Honour of Chivalry in three Parts; In my Preface to the Reader I gave an account of most of the Histories that are Printed and published in our English Tongue, I did recommend them in general to thy reading, but I was more particular in my recommendations of one entitled, The Seven Wise Masters, for I placed it in the Front naming it the first of all others. It being of so great esteem in Ireland, that next to the Hornbook and knowledge of Letters, Children are in general put to read in it, and I know that only by that Book several have Learned to read well, so great is the pleasure that young and old take in reading thereof.  
Since my writing that Book, I chanced to meet with an old Book entitled, The History of Prince Erastus in French, and upon reading some part of it, I found it to be not only The History of Erastus, but also of The Seven Wise Masters of Rome; and to contain all those Stories that are in the former Book of the seven Wise Masters; I compared them one with an other and saw that though the several Stories were alike, yet my French book was much the better, being larger and containing more variety of Stories than the English one which was not only very short in the Substance but also so old in the language that it was hardly good sense: I therefore thought it might be worth my while to Translate and print this French book; wherefore I fell to work and have now perfected it to my great cost and trouble, my cost hath been extraordinary in the Pictures, for I have bestowed more on this book then are in any book of this bigness in English; so that the Reader may read every particular of all the Histories in Picture; and indeed Picture is not only convenient, but necessary in all Histories of this nature there is so great affinity between them, that Picture is said to be Dumb or silent History & History to be speaking Picture there being a Poetical Art ●o be used in both, Pictoribus atque Poetis. This book being thus chargeable to me, I hope the Reader will consider me in the price, if the former were so well accepted, I doubt not but this will be as well received 〈◊〉 as it exceed, that in price so I do assure thee it exceeds that in w● 〈…〉 hast now all that was ever written on this subject in any language whatsoever for I have 〈…〉 Translated the French book, but also compared it with the Original in Italian, and added to that all that hath been written in English.  
We have several books of this nature in English, viz Novels, but they are all trans●●●●●●, and though more neat and modeish, yet come far short in worth and substance to this; none is in any respect so like this as one of my own composition, it is called The Unlucky Citizen; and in every respect much like this, for in this of Erastustis an Unlucky or Unfortunate Prince, (I may well Term him so, that for several days together expected when he should be led to the Gallows and executed for a fact which he was Innocent of;) so in that is an Unlucky or Unfortunate man, as you may at large read in that Story and both this book and that are Stored with variety of Examples and Histories, and both alike adorned with Picture. In the conclusion of this book the Malign influences of the Stars being past, our Unlucky or Unfortunate Prince, is cleared from the Crime for which he was accused, and is Justified to all the world; being thereby in a very good and happy condition: and our Unlucky or Unfortunate Citizen hath good hopes that the Malign influence of his Stars are over, and that his condition will be for the future prosperous and successful, or at the least more screen then formerly, however Fiat Dei Voluntas. Although this book of Prince Erastus is as completely finished as you can expect is; yet that of the Unlucky Citizen is not, for I intent suddenly to prosecute the Story not only of my many misfortunes, but to furnish it with more variety of Novels or Examples; neither shall it be wanting of Precepts as well as Precedents, and such as shall be Profitable, and of good and general use for Readers of any quality; so that I question not, but it will be worthy thy Perusal  
Although this present History of Erastus is Stored with variety of Novels, yet t●●y are most to one purpose, to demonstrate 〈…〉 the Wit, Cunning, and wickedness of Las●●● 〈…〉 you have many exa●ples to prove 〈◊〉 ●nd 〈◊〉 I may g●●e you a relishing taste of what is in the Book, give 〈◊〉 s●●●●● to relate one in the Preface.  
An old rich Gentleman being married to a young wanton L●dy, her husband being somewhat wanting in his Nocturnal duty, she placed that affection due to him on a Soldier; and although she was careful to conceal her Liscentious passion, yet the Old man being jealous soon perceived it, but to be more certain of what he doubted he pretends a journey for some days, and taking money away he goes.  
This Lady had acquainted an old Matrona with her Amours who had informed the Soldier that it was his god fortune to be loved by such a Lady; he being a true S●n of 〈◊〉, was ●●ry well pleased with this hopeful 〈…〉 of so 〈◊〉 V●●us: and nothing was want●●● 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉 Conjuncti●● but an opportunity, which was now come by ●he absence of the Old man, of which the Soldier having notice he according to orders walked before the Gate of the house that Evening, expecting admittance.  
The hu band having st●i●d thereabouts all day, at night returned home, and found the Soldier attending which caused him to suspect the occasion, and his suspicion was confirmed when he came 〈◊〉 the house and sound a banquet prepared, and his wife ready to re●●ive her Champion She was so surprised at her h●●band appearance, that she could not make him any reasonable answ r to the many questions he propounded wher●fore his passion being raised against her he resolved to b● revenged on her, which he thus effects; he stripped her naked and so ●●d her to a Pond in the middle wh●re ●f he tied her fast to a Post, thinking by that 〈…〉 ●hat heat that had occasioned her malady and h●●●●●si●.  
The Soldier having worn out his patience with attendance, went to the old women who had been his broker in this intended Merchandise; and tells her of his fruitless attendance she wonders at it and presently goes back with him to the house, where having a Key she enters the Gate, and leaving the Soldier in an outer Court went towards the house where she saw the young Lady in the Pond in the manner her husband had left her. After some small Dialogue, whereby they both understood how the State of their affairs stood; the young Lady having still a mind to enjoy her Gallant, it was agreed that the old one should unstrip and stand in her stead, whilst she went to her Lover. The young woman being dressed in the Old woman's  went to the Soldier, who at first took her to be the Matron, but by her speech finding it to be otherwise, he soon enjoyed those pleasures they had so long desired.  
The old Gentleman who was gone to bed could not sleep for thinking of that night's adventure, and believing that he was not sufficiently revenged on his wife he resolves on a further, and leaving his bed goes down to the place where he left his wife, and utters outrageous speeches against her, which the old woman who was there, thought was best not to answer but to remain silent; at which he was so, enraged that having a Knife in one hand he took her by the nose and cut it off, throwing it at her face, and wishing her to present it to her Lover, he returns to bed. Soon after the Lady having taken leave of her young man, returns to the old woman; who although almost dead with her wound gives her an account of her misfortune she hears this Story with admiration, esteeming herself doubly happy in having enjoyed her friend's love, and escaped her husbnads fury: and now she comforts the old woman by promiscing her a great reward. This pacified her, and the young woman believing that the worst was past & that better was to come, untied the old one, and again took her place in the water, where having contrived how to manage her matter so as to come off with honour; she thus played her trick. Believing that her husband was within hearing as indeed he was, She with a Low voice makes a heavy complaint against him that had so wronged his innocent and chaste wife, and then she Implores the Assistance of Diana and all the other Goddesses of Chastity and Marriage to vindicate her and that they would show some example on her, to demonstrate her Chastity; and if they pleased to be so gracious to her to restore that former Beauty which her husband had deprived her of, by rash & unhuman cutting off her nose. This was the sum of her complaint & prayer, & then continuing for some time silent she at length broke forth into loud exclamations of joy & thanksgiving to the heavenly powers for her restoration, calling to her husband to come and see the token of her innocence: He being amazed at this discourse was resolved to try the truth, & rising out of his bed lighted a candle, went down and comes to his wife, and beholding her face finds it whole and sound: whereat standing amazed he began to detest his rashness and fear heaven's vengeance and deprecating the wickedness of his impious fury; he looseth his most chaste wife and brings her again to her bed, she by this means recovering both her nose & the affection of her husband. And now Reader let this Story suffice as the first Dish of meat you are to have at this banquet, which I hope will please your pallet; wherefore I pray fall too and much good may it do you  
Yours, Fra. Kirkman.  top: representation of a group of robed men standing before an emperor or king, seated on a throne, and a boy; below: representation of a group of seven robed men with hats, one holding a book, in a garden near a building   

THE HISTORY OF PRINCE ERASTUS' Son to the EMPEROR DIOCLESIAN And those famous PHILOSOPHERS CALLED THE Seven Wise Masters OF ROME.  

CHAP. I. The Emperor Dioclesian delivers his Son Erastus, to seven Philosophers to be instructed in all the Arts, and Sciences. The Empress the Mother of Erastus dies.  
ONE Thousand and forty years after the foundation of the City of Rome, the Emperor Dioclesian, a wise and powerful Prince, reigned in that Superb and Triumphant City, he being married to a very fair and virtuous Princess: had by her a Son who was so well proportioned, and of so exquisite beauty, that every one concluded him to be more Divine than Human; in such manner that the affection which all the world had for the singularities and graces of this young Prince, caused that the name of Erastus was given to him, which is as much as to say amiable, and although he was but yet in his very infancy, yet in that tender age, every one concluded that in time this young Prince would arrive to very great perfection, and would not be in any thing inferior to the other Emperors his Predecessors; and moreover there was not any Mathematician, ginger, Diviner, Physiognomist nor Chyromancer, who did not every one respectively find by his Art, that according to the influences of the Celestial Planets, this Child should be of an admirable Spirit; very singular in all Sciences, and accomplished in all manner of virtue, wherein the Emperor took so great content as the Majesty of his degree, and the grandeur of such a Father did require; purposing on his part not to frustrate so good a Nature, but to use his endeavour to render his Son, such as the opinion of the world had conceived of him. And for as much as neither Illustrious blood, good Constellations, nor large Estates, are not of themselves sufficient to render a man great, if Nature be not helped and assisted by Sciences and Virtues; therefore so soon as this Infant Erastus was of an Age fit for to learn, the Emperor provided himself of the most knowing men that he could find, whereby he might be instructed, under whose tuition he so well profited, that at the age of ten years he began to have a taste of the secrets of Philosophy; and the good Emperor very well knowing that the Wisdom and Prudence of the Son, does ordinarily redound to the glory of the Father, and therefore resolving to render his Son perfect in Philosophy, he (from amongst all the Wise Men of his Empire) made choice of seven Philosophers, of whose skill and knowledge he had sufficient experience, that he might confidently commit the charge of such a Person, who in time might succeed to the Government of the great Roman Empire The Emperor having thus delivered his Son to their charge, commanded them to instruct him with the greatest dexterity, as well in Virtue and good Manners, as in Letters, and all sorts of Sciences, that all the world might know of what a Father this young Prince was Son: and by what admirable Masters he had been instructed, promising to these Philosophers very great recompenses, besides the Honour they would acquire of all the World, by the good doctrine wherein they would instruct the Prince,  
These Philosophers having with merry hearts taken this charge, by reason of the Divine Spirit which they knew to be in the young Erastus, which gave them hopes that they should attain to great honour in the execution thereof; and that they might the better execute it, they made choice of a place without the City of Rome, which was very well situated, and enriched with all things necessary for the entertainment of man; for in the first place, the Air was there very temperate, there was very pleasant walks, enriched with fair Fountains, the plain was very considerable, for the great number of Springs and Rivers, which running through it, at last met in a little lake, which was furnished withal sorts of fishes: there might you see all sorts of trees, as well Fruit-trees as others, and all the Fields enamelled with Flowers according to the season; all accompanied with a World of Birds, who by their various Notes, rendered a continual Harmony both night and day. In this pleasant place was a Palace built for the Prince Erastus, that he might be at some distance from the noise of the City of Rome: where he so plied his study, that you could hardly distinguish whose affection was greatest, ●ither his in Learning, or his Masters in instructing him: and although he very well knew the greatness of his quality, yet however he esteemed of no other greatness, but that which virtue should instruct him in; in such manner, that he not only surpassed the hope which had been conceived of him: but he also astonished his Masters, because they could not reach him any thing but what he soon learn with advantage. He was excellent in all the seven liberal Arts: for, first he was a good Grammarian, by that means learning to speak properly and correctedly. By Logic he found out reasons to discern a false proposition from a ●●ne one, he also profited so well in Rhetoric and Oratory, that by his well speaking, he persuaded what he pleased, & dissuaded what he had a mind should appear ill: he was also a good Arithmetician, & ready to cast up any account: by Geometry, he not only understood the dimensions of the Earth, but also many other pleasant propositions: as for Music he could by his voice, make an entire and perfect Harmony; In fine he learned by Astrology, not only the course of the Stars, but also their influences, which foretell things to come: furthermore he had the knowledge of all things requisite to the perfection of man, in such manner that in ten years wherein he was under the tuition of the seven Philosophers, he was not only a good Scholar, but surpassed in knowledge those Masters that had instructed him. Finally there did shine in him all the good graces as well of Body, as of mind, for he abhorred all Vices, and on the contrary, exercised all sorts of Virtue, passing his time in Disputations with his Masters: in which he took very much delight. About this time it was that the Empress his moth departed this life; and Erastus being advertised of it, although he had as tender a love for her, as any Child could have for a Mother; yet nevertheless knowing that Death is a Natural thing, and common to all; and that all the Lamentations in the World will not restore life to those that are Dead, he spent but few sighs and tears upon her, but concluded with the Poet in this manner,  
The glories of our blood and state,  
Are shadows not substantial things,  
There is no Armour against fate,  
Death lays his Icy hands on Kings,  
Septer and Crown  
Must tumble down,  
And in the dust be equal made  
With the poor crooked Scyth and Spade.  
All heads must come  
To the cold ●ombe.  
Only the actions of the just,  
Smell sweet and blossom in the dust.   

CHAP. II. The Emperor Dioclesian being enduced by the Roman Senate, took to Wife the Princess Aphrodisi●, who having heard speak of Erastus became enamoured of him, and acquainted him with her affection.   top: representation of an emperor or king, empress or queen, and a male figure seated at a table, with servants nearby blowing horns; bottom: representation of a robed figure instructing a male figure from a book in a garden near a house 
She also provided a looking-glass made of a precious stone, which represented all things as lively as any other looking-glass of Crystal or Steel; and was enchased with fine Gold, so cunningly wrought, and so artificially, that it every where represented love stories: these rich things being collected, she likewise provided perfumes and essences that should, be as agreeable to the scent, as the others were to the sight, and having locked them all up in a silver Cabinet, so richly wrought, that the workmanship was of more value, than the materials, she delivered all to her trusty Slave, charging him to carry this present to Erastus, as sent from the Emperor and herself, and to recommend them both to him, expressly commanding him to acquint him that she herself had wrought most of these works, and above all to show them to him one after another, presenting her most affectionate commendation, without forgetting to declare to him the grievous pain she endured for his love praying him to have compassion on her, and to find the means to come to Rome that she might enjoy the the fruit of her so much desired love.  
The Slave being dispatched with his rich presents went directly to the Castle where Prince Erastus with his Masters resided; by fortune he found him alone in the Garden, contemplating on the secrets of Philosophy: he rejoiced at his good luck, being of opinion that fortune had favoured him very much, in regard he found the Prince so conveniently without Company, whereby he might have the conveniency to let him see piece by piece, the beauty and richness of his present, and to have leisure to discharge himself of his whole message; and although the sage discipline of the Prince, and the great continence wherewith he was reported to be endowed, might cause him to desist from prosecuting his design; yet the gaiety which he then saw him in, and his Age being so  for love affairs, put him in hopes that he should perfect the desires of the Empress his Mistress; however being cunning and crafty, he purposed to manage the affair of her affections, as he should find the young Prince affected to the beauty of the present which he brought him; being thus determined, having made his reverence, he presented recommendations from the Emperor and Empress, telling him he was expressly sent to him, to visit him, and to bring him certain presents as a remembrance, which were for the most part wrought by the Empresses own hands; who did bear as much affection to him as the Emperor himself, and although by reason of her youthfulness she was not deserving of the name of Mother: yet nevertheless she did assure him, that she had as great an affection for him, or more than if she had boar him of her body; as in time she would make appear to him: and having opened the Cabinet, he took out the rich presents which the Empress Aphrodisia had sent him: endeavouring to cause him to view them severally, but the young Prince not having the patience to hear the Slave, & less to look on the presents, with an angry Countenance thus spoke to him, if these presents come from the Emperor my Father, (which I cannot believe) I am constrained to say, that he is not of such Prudence and Virtue as he hath been esteemed for: for does he not well know, that these Curiosities and Delicacies are direct contrary to the study wherein he hath employed me, and which I shall not forsake these Baubles belong to Women and not to Men of his degree and quality. I hope his new wise h●●● n●● altered the temper he was of; as I read of so●● Women, who have overruled wise and vali●● 〈◊〉: as for my part I shall not receive these present by no means, therefore carry them back, and say to the Emperor my Father, that he must ●end me other presents, if he would have me accept of them; and say as much to the Empress, whom on my behalf, you may thank for the good will which she bears to me; and that I may not be ungrateful to her, that I can do no less, but freely tell her, that it would more redound to her profit and honour, to govern her ●ouse well, then to lose so much precious time in these vain idle works, from whence she can reap no honour, but blame. The Slave being ravished with the great continence of Prince Erastus, and much more with his wise discourse, knew not what to say, and less what to do, for to carry back the presents he durst not, fearing he should highly offend the Empress his Mistress, and how to cause the Prince Erastus to accept of them, he knew not, but on the contrary he found he had no opportunity to discover the principal point for which he was sent: so that not being able to speak one word, he remained as in a maze. But the seven Philosophers came to him in good time, who having understood as well of the Prince Erastus, as of the Slave, all that had passed between them, having first commended the Constancy and Magnanimity of their Scholar, for refusing things so delectable to the eye, as being repugnant to their Philosophical severity, yet nevertheless persuaded him to accept the presents which the slave said were sent as well from the Emperor as the Empress, that he might not anger or displease either, and this he at last though unwillngly assented to. The Slave being thus dispatched, entered into new considerations what he should do with the Empress, for to let her know the business in the very manner as it had passed, he feared would put her out of her wits, and that he should be accounted an ignorant fellow, and knew not how to perform the charge that had been given him, and of which at the beginning he had given so good hopes: and never the less seeing himself frustrate of all means to accomplish his desires, he foresaw that instead of great rewards which he hoped for (if the matters should take effect) there was danger that the Empress might do him some mischief, and having a great while considered what he had best to do, he in the end resolved to keep his Mistress in good hopes to get what he could from her, and keep himself in her favour. And now being come to her presence, he with a smiling countenance made his obeisance, and told her quite contrary to what had passed between him and the Prince Erastus, assuring her that the Prince had received her present with very great affection, and and for a greater expression of love, had very amorously kissed every particular piece that had been presented, & had expressly charged him to give the Empress a thousand thanks, and on his behalf to entreat her not to displace him from her heart until his return to Rome, which he would hasten as much as possible, and by all means to accomplish. The poor Princess giving credit to the Slave, and believing the love of Erastus to be greater towards her, than the Slave had reported, having a good opinion of her beauty, did so inflame the fire which was already Kindled in her heart, that out of the abundance of love, without regarding her degree and quality, she gave great presents to the Slave, to let him know how great an esteem she had for him, in regard of the pains he had taken in his late negotiation, making him great and magnificent promises, if he should manage her affairs so as she might attain to her desired wishes: and although the Slave had lost all hopes of performing any, thing by reason of the great continance which he saw in the Prince Erastus; yet nevertheless that he might gain somewhat on the Empress, he nourished h●r hopes with a certain issue of her design: in such a mnnner that this poor and too credulous Princess, seeing the sweetness of her desires too long delayed, retired into her Cabinet, not permitting any body to accompany her; w●e●● casting herself upon her Bed, with scaldding sight c●lling on her beloved Erastus, and be●● overcome with these thoughts she fell into a 〈◊〉 sleep; wherein she believed that her beloved Er●stus was come purposely to find her, whereupon ●h● fi●●e●ly cried out, A● my Life you are very welcome wherein all my love, and all my good depends. A● which cry all her Ladies and Damsels came running, ask of the Empress what w●s the matter, who being awakened, and knowing what had happened, answered, that having laid herself on the Bed to sleep a little, she had seen in a Vision; a furious Serpent, who leapt upon her to devour her, and she not having any way to defend herself had cried out: the Ladies and Damsels, and other her Attendants replied, that no gr●at heed was to be given to Dreams; and and to remove this Fancy from her, they began to sing and play on instruments, in which exercise they employed themselves till it was time to go to Supper.   top: representation of an empress or queen seated at a table in a library with a package, nearby a figure in livery; bottom: representation of a male figure with seven robed male figures near a table  

CHAP. III. The Empress Aphrodisia writ a Love Letter to Prince Erastus, which he having read, tore in pieces with anger, threatening the Slave to chastise him, if ever he again attempted to appear before him about any such affair. The Slave keeps the Empress in hopes, telling her the contrary to what had passed.  
SUpper time being come, and the Empress being seated at the Table with the Emperor, she was more melancholy than ordinary, and took no pleasure in the pastime that was presented to her: but sighed so vehemently, that the Emperor took notice of it, and being troubled, asked her the cause of her sighing, to which she answered; that the remembrance of a horrible dream which had happened about break of day, was the cause of her present sadness: and indeed she said true, for it was Erastus whom she had seen in this Vision, although she had told it to be a horrible Serpent; the Emperor then being willing to put this Fancy out of her mind, told her that she must give no credit to Dreams, being things without substance, that vanish away, whereupon she put on a mercy countenance, and entertained the Emperor as she was wont, until it was bed time, which occasioned more pain to this poor Princess, the Emperor for his part went to sleep, but the Empress could not close her eyes for thinking of her affection to Erastus being of opinion that her affairs having had so prosperous a beginning, she should lose no time or occasion to bring it to that end so much desired by her: and ruminating all the night on what means she should use to perfect her desires: sometimes she doubted that the Slave was insufficient, for an enterprise of so high a consequence; otherwise, she could not find any way possible to speak with Erastus, because he was at Rome, and always accompanied with grave Philosophers; whose doctrine she very well knew was contrary to her appetite. In conclusion she resolved to speak to him by Letters and Presents, and so soon as the day began to appear, that night in the opinion of the Empress being longer than usual, she arose, and being retired alone into her Cabinet, she writ this Letter which followeth.  THE Empress Aphrodicia to her Friend Erastas' health, I doubt not but these presents will astonish you, that I without respecting your grandeur, have been so bold to write to you, without considering that I present to your fair eyes a thing so ill dictated as these presents: and to cause your mouth so accustomed to all good learning, to read this Letter destitute of all eloquence: however, I have not forborn putting Pen to paper, being assured that your sublime spirit will measure my writing according to the affection from whence it proceedeth, and that you will have a greater esteem for it, than if all the Oratory had been employed to assist me with Eloquence upon this occasion: for according to the Poet, Love hides many faults, and to tell you truly how it is: this God hath so fettered me that to obey him, I have been forced thus to write to you, praying you to receive and entertain it with a pleasant countenance, believing that it is not simply paper, but myself: who with all my affection am transformed into it, and I wish I were personally present with you, assuring myself th●t I should enjoy the fruit of my desires: which I hope are long by word of mouth to discover to you; for it is impossible that your knowing spirit should not be acquainted with the secrets of my heart, which is more yours then my own, for you are Lord of it, so as you will please to love that which with all her heart loves you. However if your temper corresponds to your name (for Erastus signifies amiable) I hold myself assured, that my recommendation shall be received, which nevertheless I present to you with all possible affection; and because I wondered at your absence at my Wedding with the Emperor. I therefore pray you to take occasion to come and see me, that you may let the World know that you are not dissatisfied with my alliance: in doing whereof which I entreat of you you shall hear openly by word of mouth the rest of my secret which only tends to your profit, honour, and greatness In the mean time to testify the perfect love which I bear to you: I send to you the most precious things which I have, being certain jewels which you shall find to be singular, not only for their beauty, and richness, but also in regard they are pieces of antiquity, which my late Father gave particularly to me, being the preciest things he was Master of: and therefore I send them to you, as better deserving to enjoy things so rare, desiring you to accept of them with my heart, And as you have the report to surpass i● every thing all other men, that you not only permi● yourself to be overcome by the force of a simple woman but let her know that your love is more ardent than hers if it were possible. I wish you good health. 
This Letter being written and sealed, the Empress wrapped it up in fine cloth of Gold, with many Jewels, Pearls, Diamonds, Safers and many other precious stones of inestimable value, and enclosed all in a Cabinet of fine G●ld, which she delivered to her faithful slave: charging him to carry it to Erastus, advising him to find him alone, and accompany the present with speeches, proper to the intent of his message; and the slave might perform this voyage with the more bravery, she presented him with a horse, and a good some of money.  
The Slave thus dispatched, in short time arrived at the Palace where Prince Erastus studied: where by good Fortune he found him alone in his study, and as to the matter of the present delivered his message as the Empress had commanded him, without proceeding further, but only to bar● recommendations from his Mistress, forbearing to deliver the rest of the message, until he should understand how the Prince would accept of the p●e●ent, being of the opinion that it would be imp●ss●ble for a Prince of his age to slight such precious Jewels as he had brought; but Erastus having considered the richness of the present, began to consider what might be the cause of the great liberality of the Empress, in regard that all women are naturally covetous. But having found the Letter and read the contents of it, he presently had some suspicion: although he could not absolutely believe love to be the cause: but however in great anger he tore the Letter into prices, and sound●y ratted the slave, forbidding h●m upon his life never to come into his presence, and that he should carry back the Jewels to his Mistress, and use his endeavour to dissuade her from her disordinate humours. The slave being much troubled returned back to Rome, and in his way thither, he considered that if he should acquaint his Mistress of the truth of this affair, his profit would be at an end, and therefore being come into the presence of the Empress he spoke thus, Madam, I do assure you that I have full and according to your intention, executed the charge which you were pleased to give me: and that the Prince Erastus is wholly at your dispose. True it is, that not thinking himself worthy of the great present which you sent him, told me that your love was sufficient, without depriving you of so great rarieties & therefore he hath returned them, only keeping the Letter, which he read over and kissed more than a thousand times in my presence; and he would willingly have returned an answer; but that he doubted his Masters would return presently and surpr●ze him, wherefore he in short told m● that he would suddenly come to Rome, where by word of mouth he would give you full satisfaction: beseeching you in the mean time to continue your good opinion of him. The Empress was highly contented with the slaves discourse, however she was somewhat dissatisfied, for that her presents had been returned without any literal answer, but being blinded by her passion, she absolutely believed the slave, and therefore rested contented herself, and highly contented him, by great riches, which she gave him earnestly, expecting the arrival of Erastus, but thinking his stay to be very long and passionately desiring his company, she devised to hasten him by the Emperor's command, and therefore she solicited him to condescend that Erastus might come to Rome.   

CHAP. IU. The Empress Aphrodici● persuades the Emperor, to cause Erastus to come to Rome, where by his command great preparation was made for his entertainment.  
SOON after this the Emperor and Empress being in ●ed together, she began to speak of the Prince Erastus, highly commending the means which the Emperor had used, to provide Masters for him, that were so excellent as the seven Philosophers: to render him perfect in all things, and worthy of the the great Roman Empire, which Nature had provided for him; being as she said very joyful of the grea● g●●d and profit which the Prince had attained by his study, and of the advantage which all the World would receive by mean● of his perfections, but that she had been somewhat troubled why the Prince was not present at the solemnity of her nuptials. Whereunto the Emperor replied, that the youthfulness of the Prince, was the cause lest in an age which was inclined to pleasure, the pomp and delicacies which he might see at the solemnitly more than at another time, might distract, divert him from the study of Philosophy, in which he not being sufficiently grounded, all the pleasures which he might take, should turn more to his disadvantage than true content, if he should place his affection on the pleasures that would be presented to him at Rome: and it was to be feared, that instead of the go●d affection he had to his study, he should be debauched, as it would be difficult to reduce him to that again, wherein he well profited, that there was great hopes he would in time, be so great a proficient in all virtues, as to arrive at the highest perfection. All this discourse of the Emperor only served as fire and flame to consume the poor Empress, who already sufficiently inflamed with the love of the Prince Erastus. Whereupon taking the opportunity of this discourse of the Emperors to obtain her desires, she thus replied to him: wherefore ●ir, do you permit these great virtues to be hidden? and to what end is it, that your Son (for I love him as well as you) hath so well profited to r●main always in an obscure place where his virtue is unknown; wherefore do you not cause him to come to Rome, where there is so many ways to employ his perfections, for in the f●●st place he will see how affairs are mananaged, he will make himself known as the Senate and People, and by that means will increase the esteem that every one h●th for you, not only for the good usage which they have under your government but also for the great foresight w●h they shall see in you, for having provided for them a Prince well instructed to keep them in peace after your disease. The good Emperor hearing his Son thus commended, and being in a manner ravished with joy of a fatherly love, thus answered the Empress. I assure you Madam, I have often had it in my thoughts to do what you advise me to, and do now purpose very suddenly to cause my Son Erastus to come to Rome. The Empress hearing this and seeing her affairs in so good order, ceased not till she had brought them to perfection: so that the Emperor promised the next day to send to the Philosophers, to know if Prince Erastus might come to him without prejudice to his Study; letting them know that if what was reported of the Prince were true, he might come without any danger. The n●xt day then for th' s purpose he dispatched a Gentleman, one of the most considerable persons of his Court who being arrived at the Palace of Prince Erastus, delivered to the Philosophers what he had in charge from the Emperor: enjoining them to accompany the Prince Erastus to Rome, so as they were assured he was Master of those perfections as was so much desired and reported of him. The Philosophers understanding this, they conducted the Ambassadors, (who was a wise Gentleman) to the Prince Erastus, and having in his presence examined him upon several points of Philosophy, to whom the Prince made very pertinent answers, and moreover disputing with him the most subtlety that they could in all manner of Science; the Philosophers thereupon said to the Gentleman whom the Emperor had sen●, that he might boldly assure his Majesty, that Prince Erastus h●s S●n, was one of the wisest young men that could be found in all the World; and that they purposed in order to his Father's commands to wait on him the next day. The Gentleman being very joyful of this news, and of what he had seen, being arrived at the Court, gave the Emperor an account of his Embassy, who could not contain himself for great joy to hear that the Virtue of his Son was no less than report had given out: but above all the Empress Aphrodicia understanding that the coming of her dearly beloved Erastus was so ne'er, she knew not how to moderate her present joy. Upon this account, the Emperor caused the Senate and all the M gistrates and Officers of Rome to assemble commanding them to be ready the next day to meet his son Erastus. This being noised amongst the people every one began to make preparations, and to provide for the greatest feast that had for a long 〈◊〉 b●n in Rome, the horsemen were ready to accompany the triumphant Chariots which went to meet the Prince with all sorts of instruments for such a n entertainment; so that there was no corner of all Rome but what was filled with joy, this young Prince being desired of every one, but more especially of the Lady's, & above all by the Empress, to whom the night seemed to last a thousand years by reason of the great desire she had to have a sight of him, of whom she was so much enamoured withal, having never seen him.   

CHAP. V Erastus foresaw by the course of the Stars, that in his voyage to Rome, he should die a shameful death, having no other remedy but to remain seven days without speaking. The Philosophers his Masters obliged themselves respectively one by one, to preserve him from all harm, during those seven days.  
THAT very evening whereon these preparations were made at Rome, for the entertainment of Prince Erastus, he being walking in a Garden, had a mind to see the cause and influence of the Stars; the good or ill fortune that should happen to him in his Voyage to Rome, and beholding the Heav●ns, and ●he Aspects of the Planets, he was perfect in the Science of Astrology, and who perfectly know the course of the Stars, and the significations o● the Aspects of the Planets, knew by one Star his going to Rome would in few day's be the cause of 〈…〉 and ignominious death; whereupon not out of the consideration of death to which he knew all men were subject, but for the shame which he should suffer, he began to complain and lament so highly that all the Philosophers (being amazed at it, as at a thing which they had never seen in him) ran to see what was the matter with this young Prince, to whom  top: representation of a eight male figures, seven wearing hats, looking up at the stars; bottom: representation of two armies on horseback facing each other he sighingly thus said, do you not see the disposition of the Stars, and with what they threaten me, as for death I value it not, although I am in the prime flower of my age, being assured th●t in few years, I must leave this world according to the course of Nature: but I am troubled at the shameful man●●r of my death, that I am to suffer, and of the infamy and ignominy that I must endure, which i●, th●● which troubles me more than ordinary, I pray consider this malign Star a little, and with w●●●●serable end it threatens me, in this my v●y●g● to Rome. The Philosophers being troubled a● w●a● their young Master had told them, began to consider the order of the Stars as they were at that instan●● and to judge according to their aspects, and confu●●ed about the malevolent Star which their wise Master had showed to them, and having e●ect●d 〈◊〉 Scheme, and calculated the revolutions of the Heaven's, they found that what their Scholar had 〈◊〉 was certainly true, and the effects of an eccl●●●●● which had lately happened, did demonstrate then by the concurrence of certain malignant Plan●t● which appeared to the present sight, that Prince Erastus went to expose himself to a death, the most ignominious that could be imagined; whereupon looking upon one another as lost and undone men, not having the power to open their mouths and speak one word, they were so fully possessed with grief, because there was no way toward the voyage of the● young Master, by reason things were so far gone that the next day he was to make his entry into Rome & that in pursuance of this voyage, they foresaw an infamous death not only to their scholar, but also to themselves, being thus at a loss, and not knowing what to say, and less what to do; the wise Erastus having well examined the revolutions of the Heavens, and the Aspects of the Stars, thus began to say to them, what do you think my Masters, there is but one only remedy in this, which depends upon the influence of this Star, which you see is in opposition to that which threatens me, by which I comprehend that if I can remain these seven next ensuing days without speaking to any person whatsoever, the malignity of this influence will pass over, and I may avoid the infamy wherewith I am threatened by these S●ars: as for my remaining without speaking, I shall take ear in it, but all the difficulty remains to find the means to resist during these seven days to the violence that shall be used against me, and the cruel threaten that a Person of very great power during these seven days, shall practise against me: the Philosopher having heard this, and truly knowing that their young Master had understood the truth thereof better than they: they told him that if he had the heart, and resolved to keep silent for seven days, (which they thought impossible in regard of the great violences and ignominious usage, that he must suffer, wherein it was impossible for any man to pass by in silence) that they would undertake to preserve him from death for those seven days, for there was none of them, who by a divine excellence wherewith they were respectively endowed, that could not superseded not on●y for one day, but for a longer time the execution of the most criminal and wicked man in the wo●ld, and therefore they undertook to defend with much ease the innocency of their Master: so that each of them took the charge to preserve him from death, and defend him by turns each of them one day in such manner, that the plead of those seven should not be finished, until the malignity of the influence of the stars should he passed over: and there upon they all promised a●d swore to the Prince Erastus, who thus reply●d ●f you think to perform what you have pro●●sed, let us boldly go to Rome, for the malign infl●●nc● 〈◊〉 the Stars will have their effects as well in any ●●h●r place as at Rome: where upon they all promi●●● 〈◊〉 defend him respectively every one his day 〈…〉 the other side, the young Prince Erastus hav●●● 〈◊〉 off all fear, promised to keep silence f●r th●se 〈◊〉 days; the day being then come, they b●gan their journey towards Rome, with a firm resolution to vanquish the malignity and conjuration of the Heavens by the means aforesaid.   

CHAP. VI Erastur being arrived at Rome, put the Emperor his Father, and all the People of Rome in great trouble by reason of his silence. The Empress Aphrodicia caused him to go into her Chamber, undertaking to cause him to speak.  
THE Emperor having given good order to all things requisite for the entry of his Son, accompanied with many Princes, and Barons, that went to meet him: to set down here the great Nobility that were assembled at this entry, the rich Habits which were worn on this occasion, and the Arches, and triumphant Chariots, it would be superfluous; for you may be assured that all was done that a Roman Emperor could do; to honour the entry of a person so worthy of respect, as his only Son, and that nothing was wanting on the other side, in the appearance of the people, who was as well pleased as the Emperor, every one to his power endeavouring to do honour to him, who was to be their Prince after the death of the Emperor; and therefore you might see people from all parts in their richest and best equipage, who all accompanied the Emperor, to receive the Prince Erastus: the Empress for her part earnestly expected him, who remained in the Palace, accompanied with a great number of Princesses, Ladies, and Damsels and you may be sure that she omitted nothing that might enrich her natural beauty, that she might have the stronger hold on the heart of Erastus, who then began to enter the City of Rome, whither he being come, he was met at the Gate by the Emperor, who kindly embraced his Son, asked with a pleasant countenance of his good health, and what he thought of the Senate; the Nobility who were come to meet him: The good old man hoping that his Son would make a pertinent answer according to the great wisdom that was reported of him; but Erastus remembering what the Heavens threatened him, and of the silence he was to keep, to avoid the malignity of the celestial influence●, answered not one word, which occasioned great trouble, not only to the Emperor, but also to the Senate, and the whole Nobility; for they had all great fancy to hear him speak, expecting what he should say, would be so much to the purpose, that every word would be a sentence; the Emperor then being moved with anger and incredible sorrow, with a troubled and angry countetenance, demanded of the seven wise Philosophers, if this was the wisdom and great perfection which they had caused him to believe his Son was endowed with; saying that he was complete in all things, and what doctrine they had taught him not to answer his Father being an Emperor, what Philosophy is this quoth the good Emperor? in what Aristotle or Plato have you found the doctrine? for instead of being wise, and well instructed as you informed me, every one sees that he is ignorant, a Sot, and without understanding; but I assure you by the words of a Prince that ye shall be punished according to your deserts. The Philosophers seeming to be as much surprised, as the rest to see Erastus thus mute said to the Emperor, know Sir that we have not informed you Majesty any thing touching your Son, that is not true, so that here is not any Philosopher modern nor ancient to whom he may not be compared: Being as well or better taught than any man whatsoever of this age; to tell you wherefore he is at this present mute we know not, but we can well assure your Majesty that it is not done without great cause, which nevertheless is unknown to us, for being Master of so much knowledge he well enough knows when he ought to speak, and wh●n ●o h●ld his peace. But let the Philosophers s●y w●●●●h●y would the Emperor could not be appe●s●● but being transported with anger, h● rep●●●●, 〈◊〉 Erastus c●uld have no reason to be 〈◊〉 in his pretence: And thus being both angry 〈…〉 S●n in this condition he left him 〈…〉 ●ed wi●h the Nobility that accompanied 〈◊〉 Th● E●●● ss hearing the noise of horses went 〈◊〉 meet the Emperor, being attended by all her ●●●ye●●nd the Roman Princesses, and having under●o●●● from him the small satisfaction he had took in seeing his Son and she beholding Prince Erastus: To whom she was enslaved, without having seen him & considering with her eyes that his beauty was beyond compare greater ●hen report had given of him, she became wholly enamoured of him & therefore with a merry cheerful countenance she went to him, and having very amorously embraced him, she began to reason with him of many matters, but the young Prince made her no answer, whereupon the Empress was astonished, yet however the fire that consumed her did not at all diminish, but on the the contrary increased, in such manner that not being able to resist the violence of love which constrained her, she took occasion upon the Princis silence to increase the flame of her disordinate appetite; and thereupon went towards the Emperor to whom she declared, that every one very well knew that the silence of his Son, was not because he was naturally mute as might appear by what the Gentleman related, who came fr●m Eras●us ●u● the day before: who affirmed that he had heard him dispute so ingeniously with his Masters, t●at he rather judged him to be Master than the Scholar; and therefore, they might conclude that this silence was caused by some accident, which she would undertake to discover and remedy, having the young Erastus in her power, in a place where they might be alone. The Emperor believing what the Empress said, was out of a good will to his Son, (not in the least suspecting her loyalty) and being very desirous to discover the cause of his Son's silence and to give a remedy thereto: He presently commanded that Prince Erastus should be led to the Chamber of the Empress, and that they should be left alone, the Empress seeing all th●ngs to fall out according to her expectations was very joyful: And promised the Emperor that she would use such means that his Son should speak, ●n the other side, the young Prince foreseeing the great attempts that should be made upon him, was fearful left he should be enforced to break his resolution: Nevertheless being resolved to vanquish the malignity of the stars by a strong and firm constancy, he went cheerfully to the Empresses Chamber, where in short time we may see by experience that hatred prevails more than love in the hearts of Ladies.   

CHAP. VII. The Empress Aphrodicia being shut up alone with Prince Erastus, endeavoured all she could to induce him to her appetite, but seeing herself refused and disdained she made an outcry that he would h●ve fo●ced her, by which means the Prince was m●de Prisoner and condemned to Death.  
THis cruel Tygress seeing her prey taken in the toyl●● 〈◊〉 thou●● losing one moment of time, 〈◊〉 to her Chamber, where being come she looked herself 〈◊〉 and having taken the young Prince by the hand she caused him to sit down by her and c●lli●g her arm about his neck she embraced and kissed him in a different fashion then what a mother u●es to her Son, in fine, after many kisses and embraces, she asked the cause of his silence, which held the Emperor and all the Roman people in so great trouble; who in honour of him had caused his entry to be so magnificent. She told him that every body had cause to think it strange, that having lived a long time without seeing the Country, his Father, nor friends, being came thither he did so apparently sl●gh● them, being a thing unhandsome in any person of understanding and much more in him, who had been accounted so discreet. In this time the young  top: representation of an empress or queen seated on a bed pulling the cape of a male figure as he pulls away; bottom: representation of an empress or queen with female attendants kneeling before an emperor or king seated on a throne Prince fixed his eyes on the ground, without one word of answer, knowing that to be his critical minute of holding his peace. Whereupon the Empress being astonished; she again threw herself about his neck, giving him an infin te of kisses; but the more amorously she behaved herself, the less regard he took of her: The Empress seeing this, spoke to him in these terms. What disdain is this, or what other accident can have happened to you, to cause you to be mute; why do you not speak to me, what do you fear, remove all fear, and tell me the cause of this silence, and let me alone, for I will carry it so, both to the Emperor; and all the world, that every one shall be satisfied, without imputing anything to you; and if you have resolved to be silent to all others, wherefore do you deny to speak to me, to me who am so ravished with your love, that I can enjoy no rest but when I think on you and now I see you, and have means to speak to you, I should be to happy, if this unlucky silence did not at this time hinder me: If you are beautiful be not therefore cruel; and if you are wise as report g●ves out of you, wherefore do you grieve your father, & all the world; if you have any discretion, know who loves you; if you are young, I for my part am in the flower of my age; if you are fair, I do not believe that th●re is any woman in Rome, that can equal me for beauty? What should hinder then from reaping the fruit which is prepared for you; is that according to what you sent word by my slave, is this the effects which I hoped from you, where are now the great promises which you made me. Oh! how much better had it been for me to have believed myself loved by you, when you were absent, then to see myself slighted now you are present & that you may know all, it is I only that have occasioned your voyage to Rome, to have the opportunity to see you and discourse with you, and now I find that you despise me, wherefore do you not speak to me, and why do y●u not remove your eyes from the ground to look on me: Be assured that I will kill myself, for I die if you do not help me, alas my dear it is easy for y●u to help me, I beseech you then do not deny me, and I assure you by the word of a Princess, that none shall ever know of it: Wherefore are you so cruel towards her, who loves you dearer than her own life; and if my kisses and embraces, and my ardent prayers will not move you, at the lest behold my two eyes, which now serve me only as two fountains, and let my poor heart move you, which for your sake burne● in a continual flame: Is there any rock or marble that will not hearken to me? Or any steel that would not be softened with my speeches? I thought I might have mollified the most savage and the most cruel beasts in the converse; in fine, I thought I might have overcome all the world, and you alone make no reckoning of me: Remove, remove this Ice which thus freezeth your heart, I beg of you not thus to despise me, me who die for you; I lose my speech, alas my heart fails me, behold me at your feet beging of you to relieve me, at least with one word, be it what it will, and that if I can receive no other; shall very much content me. These were the words of the Empress, but let her discourse be what it would, Prince Erastus took no notice of it, whereupon she being desperate, began to sigh and Curse her fortune, which had forced her to love one who would not regard her: and nevertheless resolving, let what would happen, to have her will with this young Prince; seeing persuasions would do no good, she thought to use force, but he knew well enough how to defend himself from that; for although speech wa● prohibited him, yet he might guard himself from violence, whereupon the Empress began to be so outrageous, seeing herself so refused, ●hat changing the unbridled love which she bore to Prince Erastus, into a mortal hatred, she thus spoke to him. I am resolved that you shall perform my pleasure in despite of you, or I will ●ea● my Clothes, and do violence to myself, and with loud Clamours I will accuse you to the Emperor, that you would force me, and then the small esteem that you have for me shall bring you to an Ignominious death! Therefore choose one or the other, for I am resolved no longer to be thus abused by you. The young Prince hearing the speech of the Empress, and not knowing what course to take went to the Chamber door, and began to fly, but the Empress tearing her Clothes and pulling off all her head attire, striking her head and breasts, with her fists, and running after young Prince Erastus, cried out aloud Help, help, seize on him, seize on him, let not the Traitor escape you. Oh me wretched woman! Oh how is my life accused! Come quickly, my Lord and Husband, come quickly I beseech you and stay not; behold the wickedness and Treason of your Son, who would have forced me, behold how the wretch flies because he could not have his will on me; See, see, the good doctrine which the Traitors hath learned, not to vouchsafe to speak honestly to you, and without shame to ask that of me, which is not Lawful for to speak or think of, and indeed he would have forced me; come then and revenge me, and yourself also, of the great outrage which this wicked one (who never was your Son) would have done to me: For if he had ever in the least belonged to you, he had never had the heart to think, much less to do an action so wicked. The Emperor who had run with the greatest part of his Princes and Barons at the cry of his wicked wife; having hard what she said, and seeing his Son Erastus making haste all pale and trembling, being moved with great anger, commanded him to be seized on, and put in a dungeon; absolutely believing the case to be such, as his disloyal wife had represented it: The poor young Prince, was suddenly taken bound and manacled, very strictly without speaking one word for defence, or excuse, but was in a manner confounded, as it happens to those who are surprised in a wicked action, which being seen of every one, all the world was of opinion that he was guilty, of what the Empress had accused him; and therefore there was none so bold as to open their mouths for poor Erastus; but they had all great compassion for his fact, for he was secured in the strongest and obscure Prison in all the Castle. The Empress on her part required speedy justice against him: In persuance whereof the Emperor resolving to be revenged, not only for the outrage done to his wife, but also to himself; and that he might let the people know that he had a heart equal, to the Emperors his predecessors; not to spare his own blood, in the execution of justice,: he therefore caused the Counsel presently to assemble, where taking his place, he passed sentence of death against his Son; commanding that within three hours he should be executed, with the most cruel and most Ignominous death, that could be imagined, the which sentence was pronounced, and intimated to young Prince Erastus: Yet nevertheless, although he plainly saw the injustice done him, and that it would not be very difficult to have sentence rewarded, and to Justify himself, by relating all that had passed: Yet however being very well informed of the threaten which the Star● had given him, if for the space of seven days, he should speak one word; he chose rather to hold his peace, than to defend himself, depending upon the promise which his seven Masters had made him; whose knowledge and prudence was so well known and experienced, that although he saw himself in eminent danger of death: Yet nevertheless he had this hope, that they would easily stop the execution of this cruel sentence, until the malignity of the influence of the Stars should be passed over, which time being come he might freely speak, and defend himself against the guilt, and Ignominy; whereof he was accused. The sentence of Erastus was no sooner published in Rome, but in a moment, there was seen a very great alteration: For instead of their preparations of joy, for the entry of their young Prince; every one now hang down their heads, so that there was nothing but sadness, and melancholy through all Rome; In the first place the poor Emperor, cried and sighed; and with him all the Lords and Ladies, at the misfortune of Prince Erastus: In testimony whereof, all persons as well men as women, threw off their rich habits, which they had put on to honour the entry of their Prince; and instead of that, every one put on mourning apparel; in the mean time the Officers of justice, began to provide in execute the sentence of Erastus, so that every where, all went with crier and ●eare, to see this cruel spectacle: But the seven Philosophers, who were met together in counsel, to advise about Erastus, concluded that Euprosigorius should first begin, and order the matter so with the Emperor, that execution of the sentence should be stopped for that day, and that one day after another, every one should do the like, so that each of them, causing the execution, to be delayed for one day; the fatal days of Erastus, would in that time be passed over, and thereupon the good Philosopher disposed himself to go find the Emperor.  
 top: representation of a knight or soldier holding his sword to the neck of a dog, near a snake, a cradle, and two female figures; bottom: representation of a male figure holding an axe to a tree   

CHAP. VIII. Euprosigorus the Philosopher, puts a stop to the execution of the sentence of Erastus for one day, by the example of a Roman Gentleman; who had killed his beloved Dog, who had rescued his only Son from a Serpent that would have devoured him; giving too much creditto the speeches of his wife, who had told him that his son was dead.  
THe Philosopher Euprosigorus being arrived at the Palace, saw that the Emperor was walking alone in the hall; no person darcing to speak one word to him, yet nevertheless he entered with much freedom, and great confidence; But he was no sooner in the presence, when many flocked together after him, to know if he came upon the account of Erastus, and what would be the issue of it; before the Philosopher had the conveniency of making his reverence to the Emperor, he looked on him, with an angry and troubled countenance, and with a high tone demanded of him from whence proceeded that rashness and presumption, to dare to appear before him, and more especially at a time so improper, and if that were the doctrine and instruction, which he and his Companions had taught his Son, to scorn to speak, nor answer to his father, and to solicit his Mother-in-Law to so dishonest an account, Nay; and to attempt to force her. But continued he, I promise you by the word of a Prince, that I will provide so sharp, and so exemplary a Chastisement; as well for you as for that Rascal my Son, that shall leave a perpetual memory, and shall serve as an example to posterity to cause them to take heed of Committing such felonies, toward their Lords or Princes: The Emperor having ended, the good Philosopher with a cheerful countenance, and without the least appearance of trouble, thus answered; know Sir, that it is very ill done of any person, to Act any thing contrary to right justice, and more especially for those who are in public employments, and although your Majesty being endowed with great wisdom, may think that you have not erred, in your sentence against Prince Erastus; yet nevertheless I can boldly say, that it is impossible but there should be a fault, in giving so sudden a sentence; for every wise man ought diligently and deliberately to weight the cause, and to understand the fact very well before he proceeds to Judgement: And those persons who are fit to be Judges, ought principally to avoid three things; that is malice, disdain, and anger, as for the two first I shall say nothing at present, being assured that neither malice, nor disdain, did not induce you to denounce this rash sentence; but I may speak of anger, for it was that which caused you to pronounce so severe a sentence; and certainly the Poet said truly  
Anger by some termed Ire,  
Springeth from the heart and fire;  
Which, if quenched not in Season,  
By the water of sound reason,  
Right nor wrong, nor time nor place,  
Can prevent its furious race.  
All these disorders Sir, have possession of your Spirit, and have moved you to a certain impetious anger, in this so important a cause, and that merely through the speech of a simple woman; although your Majesty is not ignorant of the little reason which an angry woman is Mistress of; who for the most part suffer themselves, to be transported by their passion without inclining to any reason; so that I am assured that no good can come of it, and if you do not change your mind, I doubt it will happen to you, as it did to a Roman Gentleman, who giving to much credit to his wife's persuasions killed his only Dog which he had loved above all things; of which action at last, he too late, very much repent. What was this Gentleman said the Emperor, and how was the matter: I shall tell you Sir, said the Philosopher provided that in the mean time your Majesty will be pleased to stay the execution of Prince E●astus, so that having heard me, if your mind shall alter, (as I hope it will) and the sentence not being executed, you may be at liberty to pronounce one more favourable, otherwise my desires will be in vain: Therefore Sir if you please to stay the execution until I have finished my discourse, and then you may do even what you please, not only with Prince Erastus, but also with me and my Companions. To this the Emperor agreed although he did certainly, believe that nothing that he could ●ay should cause him to change his Opinion; yet in regard he had oftentimes took grea● pleasure in his learned discourse, he was content to hear him; an● commanded the execution of his Son to be delayed for the present: The Philosopher therefore taking up the discourse, thus began.  
Some time since, there lived a Gentleman in Rome having but one Son, who bring desirous to have him well bred up as his only dear Child, caused him to be nursed in the house, and laid in his Chamber; the some Gentleman had a Dog which he had a very great esteem for, as well for his handsomeness as good properties, and he took much pleasure in him, as it was possible for any Gentleman to take in such a creature. It happened that there was a Tournament or running at Tilt, held in the public Place in Rome; to which the Gentleman amongst others of his quality resorted: And no sooner was he gone but his wife also being as unadvised as many other woman, had a mind to go see the pleasures of this Tournement, and thereupon she went with all her Chambermaids and damsels; and to their great misfortune the Nurse went to the Top of the house, from whence although she could not see, yet she might hear what was done at the Tilting, having only shut the Dog into the Chamber, where her Master's Son lay: This Gentleman's house being old and out of repair, there were many breeches in it even in the very room, where the Child and Dog were and that one of these holes, there at this time entered a great and horrible Serpent, which the dog seeing, and that he made towards the Cradle, for the natural love which these Creatures bear to their Masters, even to hazard their lives in their defence; he slew upon the Serpent, to keep him from hurting the Child: But the one was not more furious in assaulting, than the other was in defending, and the Dog and Serpent struggling together ne'er the Cradle where the Child lay they over turned it; so that the Child fell to the ground, but without any harm, for the clothes that were upon were by the tumbling now underneath, and the Cradle standing on the four pomells, the Child lay as safe and as well as it had done before it was overturned: the Dog being enraged as well at the wounds he had received of the Serpent, as at the wrong which he saw was done to his young Master, threw himself with great fury upon the Serpent, who knew well enough how to defend himself; however in the end, the dog remained victorious and tore the Serpent in the cruelest manner he could imagine, so that he was all smeered with his blood.  
Hereupon the Nurse coming into the Chamber to see how the Child did, she had no sooner put her foot within the door, but seeing the Cradle topsie turvy, and the Dog all bloody, with out looking any further, and being very certain that he who had saved the Child's life, had killed him; she began to tear her , and with outrageous cries went to entry this sad news to the Child's Mother; who understanding of the death of her Child, fell into such a passion as any one would for do the loss of such a Child, and if the Nurse expressed her sorrow in tearing her , it is to be supposed that the poor Mother did not forbear doing the same to her flesh; not only she herself, but all the women of the house who had accompanied their Mistress, increased the lamentation, and made an incredible noise with their great cries and lamentations, not any of them having the wit to go into the Chamber, and see how it had happened: but there they continued their outcries until the Gentleman returned from the Tourney, to whom they all with tears related, not that which they had seen, but that which they had imagined by the Nurse's discourse.  
The poor Father hearing these sad tidings, more full of rage than tears, (for anger and sadness which are great passions had stopped his tears) went directly into the Chamber, where meeting the Dog and seeing him all bloody, gave absolute credit to what the woman had told him: and having his sword drawn in his hand, ●e smote the Dog with such fury, that off went his head, and after he had spurned him with anger: he began to curse his fortune, and lament his Son, using great threaten towards his Wife and the other women of his house, for the little care they had taken of his Child; and being in despair, he went towards the Cradle, which he took up to see if there were yet any parts of his Child whole, but he found him well, and without any hurt, whereupon all the Family were highly contented, as you may judge: and yet they were all astonished in that they had seen the Dog so bloody, but as they sought about the Chamber, they saw the great Serpent which the Dog had tore to pieces, whereupon they conjectured that the blood that was about the Dog, came by reason of the combat which he had with the Serpent, in defence of the Child; which the Gentleman seeing, and being enraged that he had in anger killed his good Dog, he would have slain his Wife, and all the other Women of the house, who had been the cause of the Dog's death. Ah poor Dog said he, that thy friendship and loyalty have been so unfortunate to thee, to cause thy death instead of a recompense which thou didst deserve for so well defending my little Child. In fine, this poor Gentleman could not be appeased for the loss which he had caused of so faithful an animal as his Dog was, so that every one that hard it, had pity and grief for the Child's loss, was now converted into grief for the loss of the Dog; all which sorrow happened to this Gentleman, for having given too much credit to his Wife, for if he had been wise, he would first have examined the matter, and accordingly have judged it, without entering into such fury, as to act a thing which caused perpetual sorrow to him without any remedy. I shall conclude that this will be your case, if you give credit to the words of a simple woman, to put your Son to a Shameful death, whose cause being heard deserves rather praise than punishment and perpetual infamy; and therefore as your Majesty's most humble servant, I advise you that laying aside all anger before you proceed further, you cause this action of your son to be consulted on, by wise & experienced men, such as will be faithful to you, & that you will revoke this sentence, which your anger hath caused you to pronounce. The Emperor took such notice of the Philosophers saying, that he commanded stay of the execution of the sentence, until he should take further order therein; and thus was Prince Erastus defended the first day.   

CHAP. IX. The Emperor Dioclesian, by an example being induced which the Empress Aphrodicia related of a fair Pinetree, which being old, is lopped, and then cut down to nourish a young one, which was ugly and crooked; commanded that Prince Erastus should be executed.  
THE Emperor retireing when it was late, according to custom found the Empress alone in her Chamber very disconsolate; which much troubled him, for he dearly loved her, and endeavoured by all means to comfort her; but the more he essayed, to please her, so much the more she sobed, so that the Emperor prayed her to be of good cheer, and that she should be satisfied: to which she replied, truly I have little cause to be contented, for the shall care you take to revenge so great an outrage, which hath not been committed against me only, but against yourself; for upon this account you are as much injured as I am. It is true, I resent it more than you laying our honour more to heart than you, who however aught to show it more exemplarily: as yesterday you made me believe you did, but I know not who hath so suddenly caused you to revoke your sentence, and I doubt to my great trouble, if you do not take more heed to your affairs, that it will happen to you, as it did to a very fair Pinetree, which instead of being renewed, was cut up and destroyed. What Pine was this said the Emperor, and what happened about it, to which the Empress answered. A while ago there was a Gentleman of Italy, who had a very fair Garden, wherein he took so much pleasure, that he therein planted all sorts of Herbs, and Trees, and among others he had a very fair Pine, so fair and so straight as any could be in the World, so that this Gentleman esteemed this Pine more than all the Trees in the Garden, and thereupon he there made an arbour, taking great pleasure to remain ●nder the shadow of it for the most part of the day, whether he had a mind to read, or otherwise to pass the time. It happened as one often sees among other Trees, that from the root of this Pine, sprung a sucker, which the Gentleman seeing, being very much pleased at it, he commanded his Gardener to look carefully after it, hoping by this means to get an other Pine as fair as the former, and this young sucker finding the fresh Earth that was put about it, grew very well at the beginning, but being grown up so high that the branches of the first Pine kept the Sun from it: it did not grow so well as at the first, but became bend and crooked. The Gentleman being troubled at it, asked the Gardener the cause, who answered, that the bows of the great one, gave so great a shadow, that the young one not having the Sun and air to make it grow straight up according to its Nature, it therefore was crooked and did not thrive, whereupon the Gentleman commanded to lop the old one, and take away the branches which hindered the Sun from the young one, so the old one was lop'd all away on one side. It happened that this Gentleman had a voyage to make for some months; but before he went, he recommended his young Pine to the Gardener above all things, in this the Gardner did not fail, so that the Sun coming to the young one, it grew again as it had formerly done, but however it still continued crooked; on the contrary, the great one began to whither on the side it had been lopped. The Gentleman at his return, seeing the great Pine half dead, and knowing that these two Pines hindered one another, and that there was little hopes of the great Pine, in regard it was so decayed, caused it to be cut up, and thus was this Tree (that had formerly been so well beloved) destroyed for the young Pines sake; which although it grew to be a great one, yet it still kept it● ill and crooked shape, which it had from the beginning: and thus will it happen to you, for having placed your Son, (if he may be called yours which I cannot believe) to the government of these seven Philosophers, you see in what case he is, they have already lopped you on one side, by the shame which they have caused you, and which is worst, being resolved to maintain and justify it; you will in short time see a rebellion in Rome, and if you should pardon him for this outrage in hope● of his amendment, assure yourself that ere long he will a ●empt against your life, as he hath already done against your honour, to arrive to the Government so soon as he can: and be assured that these Philosophers will put their helping hand to it, in hopes that they shall have the management of the affair● of the Empire, and so for want of forecast, you will see yourself ruined by your young sucker; I shall prevent it replied the Emperor, for I promise you that justice shall take place, and at once to revenge your honour and my own; and thereupon he commanded that without delay the sentence of Erastus, should be executed on his Person.   

CHAP. X. The Philosopher Dimurgus caused execution to be stayed for an another day, by a discourse which he made to the Emperor of the great Hipocrates: who out of anger did stay without cause a Nephew of his that was an execellent Physician.  
DAY, brake was hardly come, when those to whom the execution of Prince Erastus was committed, d●d provide for all things necessary thereunto, without loss of further time, according to the precise command of the Emperor; in the mean time the Philosopher Dimurgus, who had undertaken to defend the Prince for the second day, lest he should be surprised, had bethought himself of all that he had to say to the Emperor, and so being ready, in the morning he came to the Chamber, where by Fortune he found him coming out sooner, than ordinary, by reason of the great trouble he was in, both in body and mind, for the causes aforescited: and although the Emperor appeared to be angry, yet he being satisfied in the innocence of Prince Erastus, after he had made his usual reverence, he took the boldness to say, Sir, having rece●ved this favour of your Majesty, to be long since admitted into the service of your house: I ever knew you both of a rare spirit, and very well advised; whereby you have always prudently governed the affairs of your Empire, so that I have always admired the great virtues which did respectively shine in you; and a particular zeal which you always had to do justice, so that I never knew you guilty of one unjust action. But considering you, by I know not what extraordinary disaster, to be about to exceed the bounds of reason, and to be diverted from your good and ancient custom; I therefore made bold (not out of hopes of reward or praise) to come before you, not to counsel you, but to advertise your Majesty of a certain error, into which (as a man, and not as so great an Emperor as you have always been) are now fallen; you know Sir, what you have purposed to do with my Lord the Prince your Son, by reason of a wicked perswatition, which has been imprinted in your mind. But I humbly pray you, and that for the reputation of your honour, to suspend a while this your purpose, and to take my counsel, which being good (as in truth you will know it) you will prefer it before all that hath been said to the contrary; and be not angry Sir at my advice, for as the Proverb says, and you very well know it: He does deserve to be ruined that will not take advice. The Emperor having heard this preamble, and considered of what had been spoken by the Philosopher, was contented to stay the execution of his Son; however, intimateing to him, that if by good reason, he did not make appear that he was in an error, and that his defence of the Prince Erastus was just, that both the Advocate and Criminal should be hanged one after another, to which the Philosopher consenting: he began to say,  
Hipocrates the Prince of Physicians, had a Nephew, with whom he took so great pains to instruct him in the Art of Physic, that in fine, this Nephew was in his Skill, Experience and Practise equal to his Uncle; it happened that the Son of the King of Hungary fell sick, and his destemper increasing more and more upon him: all the Physicians of that Kingdom gave him over for dead; the King being troubled to lose his Son, was advertised that if his Son might escape by Physic, Hipocrates only could cure him, for this skilful Physician was renowned through all the World; by means of his great knowledge, and having conferred with the Queen about the matter, who was also very sad for the sickness of the Prince her Son, and very desirous of his recovery, advised with all diligence to send Ambassadors to Hipocrates with great presents to ind●re him: besides far greater promises, which the said Ambassadors were charged to make him to come and cure the young Prince of Hungary, who without his help would unavoidably perish. The Ambassadors being come to Hipocrates, and having declared their charge and delivered their presents which the K● g had sent which he kindly received, he thus answered, that he was as much troubled as the King their Master; for the desire he had to do him humble service, in regard that he could not go and therefore he entreated that his Majesty would excuse him, by reason of his inability in respect of his great age, he being now decriped and diseased in his body, but however he would fully satisfy the desire of their Master, by an only Nephew which he would send, who being very skilful, being always br●d up with him, and practised under him, in such manner that he knew him ●●ffi●i●nt for this cure: and that therefore that the K●●g should not disesteem him for hi● youthfulness, for he should find him very able in hi● undertaking. The Ambassador seeing Hipocrates not to be in a condition to travel and having a very good opinion of his Nephew took him w●th them and p● ceeded so on the r journey, that they arrived at the ●●●●rt, where th●y were well received o● the King and Queen, and that they might not lose time, the K ●g conducted the Physician to his S●n; But wh●n he had seen him and heard him spe●k knew by his ●● s g●ony and other signs that he was not the K●●g● S●n; and therefore before he would do any th●ng in ●rder to the cure, being desire u● to be resolved of the doubt he had conceived, he desired to speak with the Queen alone, whereupon being privately with her in her Chamber, he thus began; Madam if you please to tell me the truth of what I shall ask you, I will in short time restore your Son to his former health, otherwise I can give you no assurance of it. The Que●n promised him with an Oath (so desirous s●e was to see he● Son well) not to conceal any t●ing th●t he should d sire of her.  
Then the Physician said, I desire only to know if the Father of the sick Child be here: to this the Queen answered, do you think that any but the King is his Father; to this the Physician replied, since you are not pleased to tell me the tru●h, I● will be gone and your Son will die.  
The Queen hearing this resolved (so as she might save her Son's life) to tell t●e Physiti●n that which she could not up●n any account l●t any Person in the world know, and having taken on Oath of the Physician to be secret in what she should tell h●m, she blushing for shame thus began.  
I would excuse myself but you are not ignorant of the sad condition that married Women are in who are Childless: for in truth that is their only riches and content: for the Husbands who can h●ve no Children of their Wives do hate them a● 〈◊〉 it were her fault, and for this cause the poor Women are disdained, slighted, and ill used, and their Husbands seek out other Women that they may have a Bastard to succeed them after their death.  
This being my case having lived long with the King without any Child, and being therefore accounted barren, and slighted by every one, I purposed to know whether the defect was in me or my Husband; whereupon I having ●e●n the Miller come into the Cou●t to bring in C●rn to the Granery, and believing that to be a good opportunity to execute my design, because the King was gone a hunting, and all my Women dispersed, some in one place, and some in an other. I caussed him to enter into my Cabinet, pretending to speak with him alone, where he had to do with me, and that several times after, so that I perceived myself to be with Child, and that I might the better wire the matter, I caused the King to lie frequently with me, so that at the time o● my Childbirth it was supposed to be the King's Child, and so it is still, and after this I was better respected of the King, and honoured by all: wherefore I pray you to save him which I got by such art to my great peril. The Physician smiling to himself answered, Madam, take no further care, I will restore your Son safe and sound: and thereupon after many remedies which he gave to the sick person, causing him to be nourished with gross meats, according to his natural constitution he became well. The Physician then seeing his Patient in good case, and out of danger, and that it was time to return, he took leave of the King and Queen who presented him with Gold and Silver, and gave him good and honourable Company to attend him to his Uncle; to whom he related every particular that had happened, by which relation Hipocrates knew the great profit which his Nephew had made in so little time, for which cause, instead of takeing pleasure in regard he had so taught him, he conceived a mortal hatred against him, and doubting that the skill of his Nephew would diminish his renown, in regard he was to succeed him, and to possess a great many books, which Hipocrates had composed according to the great experience of his time which would increase the fame of his Nephew, and diminish his own if his receipts should come into his possession: he therefore purposed privately to kill him, and thereupon having caused him to come into his garden where he had all sorts of herbs, he demanded if he knew their several virtues, to which his Nephew answered, yes, he desired him to pluck up one of them which he named, and as the young man stooped to the ground not doubting any thing, the envious old man struck him between the head and shoulders with a hatchet, which he had hidden under his gown, and slew him at the first blow, and to conceal his cruelty, he buried him in the same place; where he had killed him. It happened (as God is just and leaves nothing unpunished) that soon after Hipocrates fell sick of the bloody flux, so violent that no medicine could stop it. But Hipocrates to make trial of his skill, caused a great, Vessel to be filled with water, whereinto he having cast a certain powder, he drew out several faucets wherewith the vessel was stopped in several places, to see if the water would come out, but the virtue of the powder had so restrained the fludity of the water, that it continued in the vessel, without one drop coming out, as if it had been frozen, at which all the company were astonished, yet nevertheless Hipocrates found no good in the flux of his belly, very well knowing that to stop it at once on a sudden, he should put his life in great danger, and therefore letting it take its course, he hoped that nature would be assisting, yet he had great sorrow for the loss of his Nephew, very well knowing that if he had been with him he needed not fear any thing and then he repent of high fault (but to late) he sighed and groaned always calling out upon his Nephew, but seeing that all was in vain, he took it so to heart, that he ended his miserable life.  
By this Sir you may judge of the rest of my discourse, which is this, that none o●ght hastily to do any thing in anger, of which they should afterwards make it irreparable, with vain repentance, you have purposed to put the Prince your Son to death, not for any crime that he hath committed: (of which you can be assured) but at the report of another, but I say once again to you: that you ought to think once and twice what you do, and against whom; being ●ss●red that if you do not suffer yourself to be transported with anger; you will in conclusion find your Son the Prince innocent of the fact, for which he hath been accused, and of which you at present think him culpable. The Emperor taking good notice of what the Philosopher had said, as well by reason of his speeches, as for the natural l●ve which he bore to his Son, ordered for that day a stay of the execution of the sentence of Erastus.   top: representation of an empress or queen with a male figure, in the background a robed male figure standing over this male figure kneeling, and an indistinct figure in a bed; bottom: representation of a man standing on the back of a boar at the foot of a tree  

CHAP. XI. The Empress Aphrodicia, induceth the Emperor to the final execution of Prince Erastus, by a discourse which she made of a Wild Boar, which was 〈◊〉 by a Herds man, who pretended to flatter him.  
THE Empress Aphrodicia certainly believing 〈◊〉 the next morning her Son in law would 〈◊〉 executed according to the Emperor's command; and supposing that this loss would be some trouble to her husband, wherefore to take away the displeasure he should receive by the death of his Son, if n t wholly, yet in some Part she provided a magnifcent Feast to entertain the Emperor, and to po●s away his melancholy: for it was usual for the Emperor and Empress to feast one another, when they had a mind to pass the time away; so that sometimes the Emperor would feast the Ladies, the Empress at an other time treating the Emperor when she had a mind to pass over s me mel●nch●lly; dinner time being c me, the Emperor went into the Queen's hall, where the table was covered, a●d being sat down, and the Empress by him, en●ring into discourse with her, he told her that f●r the good cause he had been advised to slay the exe●●tion of Erastus for that day, which the Empress understanding all the good cheer was altered, and with her usual disdain, and angry countenance, she said to the Emperor; I see Sir, you well show the little esteem which you have for your honour, and if the faith you have promised me, and always broken. But I hope that Judgement, and justice will show you the great fault you want against them both; and I doubt it will happen to you as it did to a wild Boar, who was destroyed by flattery, which is a very good example and which I would relate to you, if I did not think it loss of time, whereupon the Emperor said; my dear, I have directly promised, and sworn to stop for this day, the execution of Erastus, and I may not in point of honour break my word and Oath: But I assure you that if some more important cause do not happen, I shall to morrow morning let you know that revenge which I know to be reasonable, is as pleasing to me as to yourself; and therefore I desire you to let me know the story of the wild boar whereof you have spoken; for on one side, you will much please me, and on the other side, you will it may be make me more resolved than I was. Then the Empress began her discourse said.  
There was some time since in a great and spacious forest a large Wild boar who had no other feeding then the wild fruits which grew naturally without the help of man's art and yet however were very good, as well by reason of the fertility of the ground, as for the good temperature of the Climate, where they grew, among other trees there was a great wild pear-tree, whose fruit did very much please this wild boar; and therefore he came ordinarily thither, and shaking the tree with his shoulders, to make the fruit fall; having filled his belly, he would be gone to his Den. It happened that a Herdsman, that kept a herd of cattle at the entrance of the forest, lost one of the best of them and believing that it was strayed into the forest, as indeed it was, considering the difficulty in finding it, be was troubled, but hoped to light upon it, he went to search in the forest, but it was lost labour, & having spent some days in the forest, & seeing that it was to no purpose; he intended to return, but in his way he came to this great pear-tree which I have spoken of; and seeing very fair pears, and being somewhat an hungry, he began to beat them down with his staff; he had no sooner tasted of them, but finding them better than he expected, he th●ught it would not be a miss, to carry some to his Master; that he might somewhat appease the anger, which he had against him, for the loss of the Bullock, that he might carry them without damage, he thought it best to gather them with his hand, and thereupon he climbed up the pear-tree, but he was no sooner got up; when the great Boar, which I speak of, came to the foot of the pear-tree, and began to shake it as he was used: The poor Herdsman seeing this furious Animal was afraid, and that he might be rid of him, he threw many pears to him; hoping that when his belly was full, he would be gone again as he was used to do, but it fell out otherwise, for the wild-boar seeing more victuals, than he was used to have; and that with less pains, he eat so many pears that he was ready to burst, and not being able to go back, he lay down under the tree: The poor Herdsman seeing this, was more fearful than before, for on one side, he was in great fear of the wild-boar, and on the other side, he foresaw the danger, he should be in, of other wild beasts if he should stay all night in the forest being thus reduced between these two in evitable extremities, he thought it was best to choose the least; whereupon thinking of the nature of Swine, he began to come down from the tree, as softly as he could, and being so near the wild Boar that he cou●d touch him with his fo●t, he clawed his back with the nails of his foot, the wild Boar being pleased with it, turned his belly upwards; and the Herdsman continuing to claw and scratch him, he fell asleep: The Herdsman perceiving that, came down to the ground, and seeing this great Animal was safe, he resolved to make him more secure, and thereupon drawing out his knife, stuck it into his heart, thus killing h●m as he slept, by this means freeing himself from the fear of the wild Boar, and the other wild beasts.  
The same m●y come to you: Sir, this lending your ears to these Philosophers, who being as fearful as this Herdsman they ●p●e and essay all means to destroy you; the Herdsman had lost a Bullock, but these h●ve had thei● honour; the Herdsman purposed to appease his Master with these wild pears, and these h●pe to escape the danger they are in, by fables and sergeant speeches; the He●ds-man killed the wild B a●, under pre●e●ce, of clawing & flattering him, the Philosopher's h●pe to do as much with you, having by ●h●● sl●t●ries laid snares for your life, hindering ●ou from doing justice, and therefore Sir, look well to you business, for it is not the part of a wi●e man, to say ●f●e w●rds I did not think it.   top left: representation of a female figure holding an axe to a tree, with a male figure nearby; top right: representation of a male figure and female figure in conversation; middle: representation of a female figure carrying a dog to a fire, with two male figures seated; bottom left: representation of a female figure having her blood let by two male figures; bottom right: representation of four male figures seated at a table with a female figure standing  

CHAP. XII. Thernus, the Philosopher put a stop to the execution of the sentence of Prince E astu for the third day, by a discourse which he made to the Emperor, of an old Knight, who knowing that his wife had wild blood; and therefore could not contain herself within the bounds of reason, but she very often did him some mischief; he to tame her caused her to be let blood till she fainted: He persuades the Emperor to take the same course.  
THe Philosophers being advertized of the promise, which the Emperor had made to the Empress, that the sentence against Erastus, should the next morning be put in execution; they advised among themselves to provide for the young Prince an advocate for the next day, and therefore they empoured & gave the c●●e thereof to the Philosopher Thernus, a man wi●●; ready, & very advised in all his affairs, so that his name was proper, and correspondant to his actions; by break of day this Philosopher, went to the Palace, waiting for the time to speak to the Emperor, and so soon as he heard he was risen, he went to make him his reverence, and although the Emperor beheld him with troubled countenance, and was very angry with him in his discourse, yet nevertheless he did not forget himself, but with much freedom, spoke thus, Sir, you know me, and withal it is not unknown to you that my profession hath always been to speak freely my Opinion, in those affairs which I know to be of any importance, whither it be to my friends or strangers, for in all matters of consequence, where things ought not to be acted, being not rightly understood, or for any other reason I should not do well, if I should be silent. And therefore using this custom to others, I should be guilty of a very great crime; and should be worthy of as great punishment, if I should not use the same right, to him who is my Sovereign Lord, and who hath raised me to what I am: That I may not have this remor●e upon my conscience, to permit by my silence so dangerous an evil, as that which I see prepared, both against you and the Empire; I have not therefore been afraid to present myself before your Majesty; not regarding the threaten, of those who being minded to direct me, told me that if I did on this act appear, before you, that you would cruelly put me to death: But I knowing you to be a Prince; who will not slightly destroy any one, without, first having heard what he can say; and I being very well satisfied in your goodness: And although it should happen otherwise, and that upon this occasion I should lose my life, I shall not value it, for I know it is the Duty of a Philosopher, not to be afraid to die for the truth, but rather therewith to be very well contented. Sir, I hope you will please to remember the great desires which you had for a long time, to have issue whereby to perpetrate the excellency of your blood: Whereupon Nature was so favourable to you, that in short time you were provided of a Son, the most accomplished that ever lived he hath been instructed in all things that are convenient for an Emperor; wherein he hath so well profited, that you may truly esteem yourself to be the happiest father, that hath for along time lived; which felicity will turn to your prejudice, and perpetual regret; if you suffer yourself, in an affair of so high importance, to be over ruled by the Counsel of one simple woman; for although women have the use of reason, as well as we; yet nevertheless by reason of their imbecility, they suffer themselves to be so transported, by their affections; that very often they lay a side their reason, and are given over to their passions; this was not unknown to a certain Old Knight, who like you, had took a young wife, and if you had followed his example; your affairs had not been in so bad condition, as now they are. And what was it this Knight did said the Emperor? I will tell you Sir, answered the Philosopher; but I would not that during my discourse the Execution of Erastus should proceed, lest if you should be satisfied with what I shall say; it would then be two late, and therefore if you please, to put a stop to the execution of your sentence until I have finished my narative, you may afterwards, proceed as you shall think fit: The Emperor hearing this, although he was unwilling to defer that which he had promised and assured to the Empress; yet however knowing that the delay would not be long, he agreed to the Philosopher's request, but withal intimated to him, that if his discourse did not give him the satisfaction he expected; that he as well as the Prince, should suffer a shameful death; I shall not value that, said the Philosopher; but with a pleasant countenance he thus began.  
N t long since there lived in Tuscany, a very worthy Knight, who being rich and puissant, and much a Gentleman; took no other care but to live merrily, k●●p g●● c●mpany, and to treat his friends; someti●●●●●●●ding his time in managing of arms, rid●● 〈◊〉 ●reat horse hunting; and sometimes at his 〈◊〉. He kept an open house f●r his friends, and was m●ch plea●ed in feasting them, at his Countryhouse; which was as well bu●lt, and as commodiously Situated, as any in all Tuscany, where he usually soj u ned: This Gentleman n having lived long, and m●●ily without regarding to have any Children, he was ●●ll ●●r ken in years before he thought of marriage. I● so ●●ll out one day, that having good merry Company in his house after the table was uncovered; from one discourse to another (as it is usual for Gentlemen to talk after dinner) they happened to fall upon this proposition, of the natural affection that men have, to have Children whereby man ●enew● his blood; and in a manner lives, after his death in his posterity, upon this discourse, some of this Gentleman's friends, persuaded him to marry, whereby he might have Children, to inherit so many fair Ca●●le●, and other riches, which he was possessed of. This Gentleman did not much regard it, but seeing himself importuned, sometimes by one, and then again by others; after he had sustained many assaults of his friends; he in conclusion resolved to please them as he had always done: His friends knowing his mind, took much pains to find him out a wife, fit for his quality, and by whom he might have Children; and they used such diligence, that in short time they betrothed him to a very fair young Damsel; who was daughter to one of the greatest Lords, of all Tuscany.  
The wedding was solemnised, as you may suppose, suitable to the quality of their estates, and all hough there was great difference in the ages, of this Knight, and his young Bride; yet however he was so Gallant, that his gallantry was enough to content, a Damsel, better than one that was younger; so that for a while, he and his wife, lived very contentedly: But after some time, this Damsel having understood, from other good wives, how their husbands treated them in the night, she began to wish for a young husband, without regarding the gallantry of her own; rather wishing for a good strong back, than a gallant●y accompanied with a feeble breath, and seeing that she could not have her desires, and that notwithstanding all her endeavours, her husband as he grew more in ●e●rs; so he was less able to please her: After she had fasted one year, and knew that there was nothing in the house to satisfy her appetite; she resolved to purchase her victuals in an other place, but understanding that she was to make use of a third hand, and that in an affair of so great importance; there might be danger to discover it to a third person, she propsed to make use of her own mother, whom she thought had most reason to love her best, therefore she went to her, where being arrived, after many other discourses; she fell to the matter in hand, that which most angered her; letting her know, as well as she could; the necessity wherein she was, and the purpose she had taken to provide otherwise for herself, that she might not die, in that necessity, praying and conjuring her, for the natural love, which she had always born to her; that having pity, and compassion on her, she would make provision against that evil, which would be her death if she had no remedy, and also to her honour; governing herself, after such manner in this aff●ir that she might find herself re-restored, and so as no person should know any thing. The Poor mother thinking of what her daughter had said to her, for a long time was amazed, not bring able to believe her own ears; much less, to believe what she had heard; but in conclusion seeing by her daughter's obstinacy, how the matter was; and that what she had said was true; she first of all tried, to direct her, from her wicked purpose, showing her what offence she would commit putting her honour before her eyes; alleging to her, many other examples to this purpose, but all was to no purpose; for as to the offence, the young woman answered that the Law could not give her a greater punishment than death, and that continuing in the condition she was then in; she knew her death was sudden: As for the shame and infamy of the world said she, I come to take your advice in that particular; that my honour being saved, you may provide me with what you know may be necessary, upon this account, and for examples she had enough that served for her purpose, so that all that her mother cou●● say, to change her mind from this wicked purpose, was but to beat the air; whereupon the mother was so troubled, that she thought she should be distracted. The young woman seeing this, began to colts and flatter her, saying, Dear Mother, have compassion of my youth: You have been young, and therefore know well enough what are the desires of the flesh, which as I have always heard say, and now I know by experience, are greater, and more vehement in women, than in men; and although the fire is not so great in men, as in women; yet however, as often as they have a mind, and they know where; they give themselves the satisfaction they desire: But if we miserable women are sruprized but once, besides the shame we endure, they make no matter of killing us: So that for this cause, we other women, aught to put the change upon them, to revenge ourselves of the shame, that men upon this account do to us. To this the Mother made several replies, but all was in vain; for so much the more that the Mother endeavoured to turn her from her purpose; so much the more ardent, and passionate she appeared to be: Let what would happen to extinguish the fire which consumed her; she did clearly con●●s● that it would be more for her honour, to contain, than to abandon herself, but she could not imagine how she could live long so, and that therefore the fault should not be imputed to her, but ●o nature who did so constrain her; further entreating her Mother to consider of some way to give her content, and to save her honour, protesting unto her, that if she did refuse to assist her; she would hazard her life and honour, praying her once for all, to put all other opinions out of 〈◊〉 mind. The poor Mother seeing her daughter's obstinacy, knew not what to say further; seeing on the one side, her daughter blinded with love, and so resolved in her purpose that it was not p●ssible to alter her mind, and on the other side, she well knew the great wrong, she should do to her honour, in satisfying the appetite of her daughter: And although she well knew ●hat she lost time; however she thus made further trial of her daughter, saying, Ah! how strong a thing is it that I see you purpose to violate the bounds of marriage; and count so great ill to your husband, who as you know, loves you as well: or better than any man can love a woman; and therefore I would not have you give such way to your appetite which I confess is great, but not so, but that you may overcome it if you will, I have been young and as fair as you: and have experienced love affairs, and his fires; but however, I have resisted all with a constancy, and firm resolution to love like a woman of honour, so that I never wronged your father; and n●ver had thought ●or any other besides him, much less abandoned my le●f to any other; wherefore then do n●t you do the s●me And Mother replied the d●ughter, your consequence is nothing to the purpose, for when my father married you, he was a young gentleman, and as handsome as you, so that he m●ght well enough furnish you, with that which women desire above all things; and that you had no occasion to look further, and you had not done well, if you had done him that wrong. But my case is different, for the husband you have given me, may better serve for my father, than my husband; that he loves me I cannot deny but what does his love avail me, when he cannot furnish me with that I have most occasion for; I have endured so long, that I cannot longer endure; and yet I have not discovered myself to any body but you, hoping as you are my Mother, you will have compassion on me, which I pray and conjure you to, assuring you, that if you do not help me, I will yet help where I can find it; let what will happen, for I had rather die contented, than to languish in a life worse than death. The poor Mother seeing the obstinatness of her daughter, for some time was silent, and then she said; Seeing you in this wicked purpose to abandon your honour to satisfy a base and disordinate appetite, rather than to see you fall into infamy which may happen; matters being not wisely ordered I am content to assist you, in what I may: Yet however, you ought well to consider one point, for although men keep but little loyalty for their wives, as you have said already; yet however they will not suffer them to take the same liberty; but the most part of men, doubting that they wear the horns, they cut them off; sometimes by poison, sometimes with a Dagger, and sometimes with a sword: True it is that there are again, some good men, who have a good stomoch to digest all; and all goes down as sweet as milk to them, though they find their wives in the very fact; Now I cannot Judge of what Complexion your husband will be upon this occasion; therefore I think it absolutely conversant, to try his patience before y●u proceed further doing him some displeasure of little importance, which will be a trial of him 〈◊〉 it he takes it patiently; come and tell me, and I will take such order about you that, you shall be contented, so as you keep yourself to one man, for if yo● should abandon yourself to many; in the end it would be known, and bad would come of it to you, and to me also, though your husband were never so patiented, so that we should both endanger our lives; fear not that said the young woman, for if I have had the heart to contain myself, a year with my husband who is so old as you know without, looking out any further, although he was not able to content me; I shall be well enough pleased, when I may enjoy him that I have thought of; who will give me full satisfaction to what I desire, and will be very secret, being as much concerned as myself, to keep his honour; and maintain himself in the reputation, which every one hath for him. And who is this, said the Mother: It is our Curate, answered the daughter, who as you know is a young man, and accounted by every one, for a holy person, so that he may come often to our Castle, and none will have any bad opinion of him; but on the contrary, all will have the more esteem for me, and so will my husband's; who I have often heard discourse, of the good conversation of the Curate, with whom he will be well pleased, to see me converse; to keep me from other Company, which it may be, do not please him so well: And by what I have several times observed, it will not b● very difficult, for me to work my ends, upon thi● Curate; so as you being a third pe●son, will assist me, and I will have no assistance but yours▪ And therefore if you desire my life, and my honour, I pray take such order, as to bring us together; if not, I assure you that in short time, you will see me ●●●ore your eyes dead, or dishonoured. Be of good ●●art daughter, said the Mother, and make trial of that I have told you; for if your husband does not resent the displeasure you shall do him, provided it be such as as he ought to be angry at, assure yourself that I will render you content: Upon this the young woman being very glad, took leave of her Mother; longing to be at home, to make trial of her husband's patience, upon some considerable matter: She being come home, understood that her husband was gone on hunting, with other Gentlemen, as he was accustomed to do, wherefore she thought it a convenient time, to perform that which she had in her fancy by the way. This Gentleman, had in his Garden a Laurel, which he himself had planted & cultivated, and it was become a great tree, it had a very pleasant shadow under which, the gentleman did often refresh himself with his friends, & pass the time away in discourse in the hottest time of the day. The young woman very well knowing, what esteem her husband had for this laurel; & having a mind by this, to try her husband's patience, as her mother had commanded, and therefore taking one of her husband's servants with a hatchet; she went with him into the ga●den, & being come to the laurel tree, she commanded him to cut it up by the roots. The poor countryman, well enough knowing the pleasure, which his Master took in this tree; would not strick a stroke at it, whereupon his Mistress being angry, gave him many hard speeches threatening him with severe chastisement; for the little respect, & obedience he gave to her commands: And taking the hatchet out of his hand, she herself fell to cutting the fair Laurel, to which she gave so many strokes on every side, that she put the poor Laurel cut of possibility of growing, and although it were then let alone, the servant then seeing that, took his hatchet and finished what she had begun: whose branches by his Mistress' command, being made into faggots, and the body cleft in pieces, he put it into a Cart, and carried them to his Master's house, the Cart was hardly unloaden when the Gentleman returned from hunting; who went presently into his Chamber to refresh and shift himself, when his wife counterfeiting the good huswife, was not long ere she came with a faggot of the fair Laurel under her arm, which she put upon the fire, aireing her Husband's linen at it, that she might the better play her project. The Gentleman being astonished to see a fire made of Laurel, did suspect that some mischief had been done to his beloved tree, but he could not imagine that it was cut down, and therefore so soon as he had shifted and refreshed himself, he went into the Garden directly, to the place where his Laurel had grown, where he saw that he which had no mind to see; whereupon he began to cry out & curse, swearing by all his Gods, that he would so sharply chastise those who had cut down his Laurel, that they should never forget it: his wife hearing these threaten, ran into the Garden, and with a smiling countenance said to her Husband; that if you will be revenged for that fact, that your vengeance must fall on me, for none but I have cut up your Tree, wherefore did you do it said the Gentleman, I w●ll tell you said she, bring returned from my Mother, where I had stayed almost all day, knowing that you were hunting and considering that in regard of your age, and the coldness of the present season, it was impossible but you would have a great need of a fire at your return, and not finding any dry wood to make a present fire, I came into this Garden, and very well knowing that the branches of a Laurel-tree will make a good fire although they be green; I caused them to be made into little faggots, whereof I made your fire as you have seen, and this is the very truth of the whole matter, which was done for your service, and therefore you ought to take it in good part, and now Sir if your anger will not be appeased, and that you resolve upon revenge, you may do what you please with me; for I shall suffer all with patience, since what I did was intended to serve you; You have done very ill said the Gentleman, and have a care therefore, that for the future you do not act any thing that shall so displease me, for I promise you by the word of a Gentleman, that I shall take satisfaction for both. If you had not been furnished with dry wood in the house, was there not other trees besides my Laurel, and assure yourself, that if you had cut down all the Trees in the Garden I should not have been so troubled as for this one Laurel: but since it is done, and cannot be helped, we will say no more of it, but for the future you take more care not to displease me.  
Thus was the Gentleman's anger pa●ysi●d, and he passed away his t me with the Company that expected him; the Gentle woman hearing her husband's ●●s●●●r, and 〈◊〉 w●●●●ly she had appeased him, was very joyfull'st see things succeed according to the intention of her Mother, so that she hoped in short time, to enjoy that thing which she most desired in the World: and longed for the good hour, when she should return to her M●ther, and she what course she would take in her affair, considering the good experience she had made of her Husband's patience. The next day when the Gentleman was gone, as he was wont to pass away the time, the good Wife made haste to her Mo●her, where with ten thousand laughters, she related to her how all had passed, praying her therefore without any delay to perform her promise with her; since her Husband had showed himself so good a man, to throw of his anger so easily, notwithstanding the great ill turn she had done him; it is very well said the Mother, yet however although the proof is very good, yet it being made upon an insensible thing, and which men are not so much troubled at, as at an other. I would therefore have you try your Husband's patience in a thing more certain, as in some beast which he loves as the Bitch, for which he hath so great an esteem, that he can hardly live without her; kill this B●tch therefore before his eyes, and if he lets that pass without punishment, or great anger: then I may fully conclude that I may do what you desire, but have 〈◊〉 care that he does not use more than words upon this account, for I never knew any man love any beast better than he does this Bitch; let me alone for that said the Daughter, for in a very little time you shall hear that I will acquit myself as dexteriously, and well in this second charge, as I did in the first: and thus being fully resolved with herself of what she took in hand, she only waited for an opportunity to execute her design.  
It was not long after this, but this Gentleman walking abroad with several of his loving friends, he took his bitch along with him, his wife dressd up her C●amber, and the better to adorn it, she put a very fair and rich covering upon the bed; and dressing herself in her best apparel, she took a book in her hand and began to read in it: being sat down to the fire, and expecting her husband's return, who at his usual time came accompanied with divers other Gentlemen, he sat down to the fire being very cold, and the ways being very dirty, the little bitch being in that dirty pickle, leaped upon the Bed, and bemired all the fair covering that was on it. The good wife took no notice of it, when soon after the bitch leapt on the ground, and having fawned on her Master, ran directly and lay down on her Mistress' garment. which she all bemired, as she had done the bed covering; the young woman seeming to be very angry, snatched up a knife which she found there, and having took up her husband's little bitch, she presently killed him, in the sight of all the Gentlemen that were present, and it was done on such a sudden, that none had so much time as to rescue the poor creature out of her hands: the Gentleman was so very angry at this outrage, that he would have proceeded further than words, had not the Company hindered him, for all this the young woman continued crying, look you said she: how this mischeiviou● bea●t hath spoiled my , which are of more value than all the bitches in the World; and which is worst, behold what a pickle she hath made the bed in: and to say the truth, we could keep nothing clean in the house for her; yet, however I could wish she were alive again, and I am very angry with myself, by reason of my Husband's trouble, and wish I had not done it; had not my passion been so violent. But since it is done, he ought to appease his anger, the Gentleman seeing that all the sorrow in the world would not restore his bitch again, was somewhat pecifyed, only saying to his Wife, that she had done very ill in that manner to kill his bitch for so small a fault; this being over the Gentleman and his Friends, spent their time in their ordinary divertisements, and the young Woman was pleased at her heart, finding that she had so bravely come off from her undertaking, without any difficulty: and therefore the next morning early she went in all haste to her mother, to let her know of this last passage, pressing her to put in execution that which she had promised, seeing she had such certain proof of her Husband's patience: the Mother understanding how matters went, made as if she were very glad, and told her Daughter that truly she had reason to keep her word with her, but that she might have greater assurance, and some clearer proof of his heart, she desired one trial more of his patience, promising and swearing to her daughter, that if her Husband then continued in that temper, she would immediately, and without any delay, give her the content she desired. And what other proof would you have said the Daughter, I think what we have already is very sufficient: but for aught I see, all your discourses tend only to prolong the content, which you have promised to give me; why did you not at first tell me that you would not meddle in it? and than I had took an other course. Daughter said the Mother, do not take it ill, for what I do is not to deny you my assistance, but to accommadate your honour, and my own also; the first trial that you made was upon a Plant, and therefore you proceeded to a second, upon a beast: now I would have you make a third proof upon men, what is it you mean said the Daughter, that I should kill some body, it is somewhat difficult for a woman to do, but if there be no other way to attain my desires, I shall not question but to perform it; God forbidden answered the Mother, for I do not intent any such matter, but this is my meaning, that as you have already offended your Husband, so now in the last trial; the displeasure you shall do him, shall not only extend to him, but also to the Company; and this must be done in somewhat of as great importance as was that of the Laurel, or Bitch which you killed; and I have thought how, and what it shall be. You know your Husband's birth day is very near, and that he usually makes a great feast on that day for his Friends; I would have you then when the Table is covered, and the victuals upon it, and every one is seated, that you arise pretending to look for somewhat, and that by some means or other, you throw down the Table, and all that is upon it: and if your Husband lets this pass without being revenged on you, I promise you, and swear to you, that the very day you shall do this, I will content you in that thing, which above all things in the world you most desire; the young woman thought the time long, although it was but three days, but she resolved to wait in the mean time, considering with herself the manner of what she was to do, hoping to have a better issue for this third enterprise, than she had for the other tw●; the desired day being come, the Gentleman caused great preparations to be made, to entertain those guests he had invited: so that there was very good company, and of the greatest Lords of all the Country, the Tables being spread and covered in such manner as is usual for Persons of his quality, and the hour being come to sit dow● (which was the desired time for this young woman, not for the hunger which she had, but for the great desire which she had to satisfy herself, of somewhat else besides v●ctuals:) every one took their places according to their degrees, and among others the young woman was seated at the upper end of the Table, as it is usual for Ladies, and as the victuals was a serving, she fastened her keys to the tablecloth, and having thus done, pretending to be in haste to go look for something, she arose and in her rising she pulled down the Table and all that was upon it, whereupon the Gentleman being angry, asked wherefore she had thus thrown down the Table; I did perceive said she, that some body had put a strange knife at your trencher, and I very well knowing that you could not endure to use any knife but your own, I therefore arose up to look it, and I know not how the Table caught hold of me so that it was thrown down; all the company endeavoured to laugh away the mischance, and pass it for a jest, and withal every one very much commended the great care the young woman had of her Husband. The Gentleman being very discreet, took no notice of it at present, that he might not disturb the Company, but caused the Table to be taken up, and other service brought, for there was plentiful provision of all sorts of victuals, and thus was the day passed away without thinking of any thing but pass-time, wherefore the young woman had a world of joy in her heart, believing now that there was no obstacle that could hinder her content, so that she only waited the good hour when every one would be gone, that she might go to her Mother, and give her order for that which she so ardently desired; but the Guests kept company together all the day with the Gentleman, that she being forced to continue with them, by necessity deferred going to her Mother till the next morning, not questioning but then all things would fall out to her expectation. But she sound it otherwise, for although the Gentleman had passed away all his birth day, that he might not trouble his guests, without takeing notice of the shame which his wife had caused him: yet however he had not forgotten it, nor the other two outrages which she had done formerly; and therefore being a wise man, he purposed to chastise his wife, without making any noise, and therefore the next morning finding her awake, and that she went to dress herself, to go to her Mother, he commanded that she should not rise, whereupon the good wife being astonished, replied, that she had a mind to rise, having slept enough already; but the Gentleman answered her, that the reason why he would have her lie in bed, was for her good, and that it was convenient for her to do so: that she might take a medicine that he would give her, for what cause said she, for I need no medicines, for God be thanked I am well and lusty, you are to● lusty said he, and the cause of it is a certain superfluous blood that boyles in your body, which at every turn causes you to play the fool, which is to my displeasure, and a shame to you: do you remember the fair Laurel which you did cut up the other day, which I loved above all the trees of my Garden: a little while after you killed my B●tch, which was the pleasantest beast I ever had in my house: yesterday you threw down the Table, where there was so good company without considering the trouble you put them all too, to my great shame on my birth day. Now if I should let all this pass, I know the fourth offence would exceed all the rest, but I have a purpose to cure you, and thereupon causing a good fire to be made in the Chamber, he sent for a Barber, who he had provided ready for the purpose: He being entered the Chamber, he caused his wife to rise, and come to the ●ire, and giving him her right arm he caused him to rub it and chafe it, to fill the veins the better, and then commanded he B●●ber to perform his Office; he did as he was commanded, and opened one of the young woman's veins, who could not guests what would be the end of this adventure. But seeing her blood she began to be afraid, but she could not help herself, for the Gentleman caused her to be held so fast that she could not stir: and he let her continue bleeding thus, till such time as she could bleed no more, without endangering her life, and then he caused the vein of her right arm to be closed and bound up, but he did the same to her left arm, in such manner that the poor young woman was half dead, and having left all sense was carried to her bed, where having been some time, as in a sound, and being somewhat come to herself, she sent one of her servants to her Mother, earnestly praying her to come to her presently, the servant having delivered the message, the Mother made all possible haste to come to her; but she understood of the Messenger by the way how all things had passed, how her Daughter had thrown down the Table, and all the victuals that was upon it; but she who very well knew all the Mystery presently guessed how every thing had happened, and for what cause: being arrived at her Son in laws Castle, she went directly to her Daughter's Chamber, saying to her with a pleasant and merry countenance, look you Daughter I am ready to accomplish all that I have promised you, would you have me bring your Friend hither to day; to this the Daughter replied with a feeble voice, and so low, that she could hardly be heard: Ah Mother I am dead, all my fire is extinguished, it is no time now to speak of love, but only to think of giving me some Cordial restorative.  
From this Sir you may comprehend what I will infer, and conclude by this example, you are now old and full of years, and yet have taken a young wife and although she wants for nothing, but in that point that young Ladies most desire, wherein I suppose you can do but little to her satisfaction and content, and for the cause it is that the Empress your wife is troubled with conceits & fancies in her head, so that whether it be for revenge, or any other end she endeavours to torment and displease you, so long as this mischief extended but towards a Plant, or upon a Dog, it might be endured, as the good Knight did, of whom I have spoken, but the cruelty is ●oo great: to deprive you of on only Son which you have, who is one of the most accomplished young men, that is this day in all the world; wherefore I am verily persuaded that he is falsely accused, so that your Majesty will consider of this affair as you ought, without using precipitation to draw out the truth of the fact, you will find your Son innocent, and those who endeavour to ruin him, a●d take a way his life, culpable of the outrage of which they have falsely accused him. The Emperor continued some time in silent meditation, hearing the discourse of the Philosopher Thernus, bu● he resolved that the execution of the sentence of Erastus should be stopped for that day, and withal expressly declared that he would gravely and deliberately examine the fact of his Son.   top: representation of a male figure seated outside a house, with a group of male figures on horseback with spears; bottom: representation of a young boy or Merlin pointing to a steaming cauldron while speaking to a king and two male figures  

CHAP. XIII. The Empress Aphrodicia persuades the Emperor to cause Prince Erastus to be executed by a discourse which she made to him, of a King of England; who having by the Council of Merlin, caused seven of his principal Counsellors heads to be cut off, who under the name and titles of Sages or Doctors, tyrannised over England, and by that means the King recovered his sight.  
THE Empress had so great an affection to hear the news of the death of her Son in Law, according to the promise which the Emperor had made her, that every hour seemed to be a hundred ye●r; but she understood the contrary to her expectations, for a Gentleman of her Chamber acquainted her how that the Emperor being induced by the discourse of the Philosopher Thernus, had commanded stay of the execution for that day, whereupon she was so enraged, that she thought she should lose her senses; and retireing into her Chamber, and sighing and crying, she would not see any person all that day, in the evening the Emperor having understood that the Empress was gone to bed, & that she was very ill, he went to see her, endeavouring to comfort her the best he could, knowing that all her illness proceeded from melancholy, particularly praying her to be of good cheer, alleging several reasons to her, why she should not take it ill, that he had stayed the execution of his Son Erastus, and that he did not intent to stop the course of justice, but to let all the world know that he had proceeded judiciously in that affair. To this the Empress going to anser, fetched a deep sigh, saying, it is not possible Sir, but these delays must be to my great prejudice; since my honour is so interressed, and the little regard you have for it, although you yourself are principally concerned: however God be my witness that the greatest sorrow that I have is for your sake, who now seem to me to be reduced to the some condition as a certain King of England was, who by the just judgement of God became blind; but I wish that like him you will give ear to the Counsel of the Sage Merlin, by which means he n●t only recovered his corporal sight, but also had the eyes of his understanding cleared, what and wh● was this King said the Emperor, and how was this matter, I pray be not angry but tell me, f●r it may be, I shall thereupon take such advice, th●t y●u will be as glad that you have told it me, as I shall be joyful that I have heard it, God grant it replied the Empress, so that by this means the eyes of your understanding may be opened, and although I expect no more from this discourse than from your former promises; yet however that nothing may be wanting on my part, I shall not forbear to endeavour to let you understand your duty, and thereupon she thus began her discourse. Sometime since there was a King of England who desiring that the affairs of his Kingdom should be well managed, and being unwilling to take pains himself, that he might enjoy the more pleasure, he therefore committed the management thereof to seven great Personages, who belonged to his Court, and who having the repute of the Sages, pretended to have knowledge in all things; whereupon in short time it was brought to this pass, that the King only minding his pleasure, left all dispatches and affairs to these seven Sages who acted all things as they were minded, and gave the King what account they best thought for their purpose, but above all thing; they took care not to displease him, so that in time they were in such high esteem, and they were taken rather to be Lords of all England than Counselors; true it is, that in the beginning they took so good order in the execution of justice, that all things were done in good order: but afterwards when they had tasted of the great gifts and presents that was usually made them; they than were so desirous to heap up riches, that they minded nothing else, without respecting their honour, or the zeal they should have to justice; and among other inventions to raise money, they found out one than would raise them a world of riches, at that time it was a custom in England, for the Natives to give such credit to dreams, that the believed the greatest part of their affairs and chief those of importance were divinely revealed to them in visions and dreams which they little or much understood according to to the goodness and sanctity of the persons, who thus should dream, so that when any one had dreamt of any thing that she could not understand, they had recourse to the Sages (whereof in England there was great plenty) and for their advice carried great presents, as if Gold and Silver would cause the true interpretation of dreams; these seven Deputies or Governors of the Kingdom, understanding of this that they might show themselves the more knowing, and more excellent in all things than any body else; and more particularly in the interpretations of dreams, under pre●ence of takei●g away the abuse which was done upon that account, and that the people might not be deceived in the interpretation of dreams, t●ey published an E●ict, by which it was prohibited; all persons to go to any to have interpretation of dreams, but to them ●lves. In persuance of which E●●ct, a world of people came to them every d●y, with great presents: so that in short time these Lords were ●iche● in money then the King himself, who minding nothing but to take his pleasure, fell into a v●●y strange accident: for having hi● N●ts to be pi●ched in a very pleasant Forest to please the ●●dies with a co●●● at hunting; he was no sooner gone out of the ga●es of London, to g● to this hunting, but that his eyesight was so troubled that he could not see, wherefore taking adulce of his Physicians; who looking on the K●●gs eyes, found they were fair and without blemish; and understanding that he had no pain in his head that he was not wounded, that might occasion this blindness, they knew not what to think of it, but only advised the King to return to his Palace, and go rest himself, and that in the mean time they would consult among themselves of this accident to remedy it as well as possibly they could; according to this advise the King turned his bridle to return back, but he was no sooner entered the City-gate, but he recovered his sign without using any remedy; whereupon being not only joyful, but wondering with a merry heart, he turned his bridle to go follow the company; but he was no sooner out of the City, but he was again taken with his former blindness, so that he was forced to turn back towards the Court and yet so soon as he was entered within the City-gates, he recovered his former sight, yet in regard the time was somewhat spent, he put off the hunting until a● other time▪  
The next day going to pass away some time at a garden, that was without the City, he was no sooner passed London Gates, but he became blind as he had done the day before, and no sooner was he returned in the City, but he saw as clearly as he had formerly done; upon this account the Physicians were amazed, they had many consultations but without any effect: for in general it was thus, the King's sight was good so long as he was within the Cit●, but so soon as he was out of it he became blind, and although he went out at several Gates, and had tried them all yet he still continued blind so long as he was out of the City, and when he returned he could see well enough. In this condition this poor Prince remained for sometime, and c●●●d not find any remed● which was a great affliction to him, to see himself confined to the City of London, whereupon one day he called the seven Counsellors, to whom he had committed the Government of the Kingdom, remembering that they had given out that they could give a reason for all things, and therefore he expressly enjoined them that they should make known to him the cause of his blindness; that he might find a remedy without being thus confined within the walls of the City of London: but these great Sages who knew as little of the causes as the King, were so amazed that they could not speak, answer a word to purpose, yet however dissembling their ignorance, they told the King that the case required to take some time of advice to consult well on the matter, and to study on it, that they might give him such an answer as might be to his content; to this the King replied, I give you all this day to advise upon it, and charge you that tomorrow morning you give me an answer; but the Sages finding this time to be too precise and too short, told him, that the case was of th●t importance, that it required a month of delay: how a month said the King, is this the great readiness which you boast to have by your skill, presently to resolve all doubts and question●●g● and consult together, and in fif●een days resolve me of what I desire, and find a remedy, or I promise you, I will make an example of you to all such as for the future shall he so bold as to abuse their Princes. These poor unadvised Sages hearing this were much troubled, yet since they had a term of fifteen days, they plucked up their spirits, hoping in that time to supply their ignorance by the knowledge of some other, so that they assured the King that within the time prefixed they would give him the satisfaction he desired, and having took leave of the King, they each of them severely sent away messengers in Post to all parts, to find out some knowing person, to whom they might apply themselves in this affair, and their Messengers had good success, they hea●d of the virtue and miraculous spirit of the child Merlin, and of the say he used, which surpassed all human understanding. This child was but young, and was born miraculously, so that it was believed that his Mother had conceived being a Virgin, being with child by a Spirit; or a Magician: who it was reported had given her a great belly without touching her: by means of a familiar Spirit, but let it be so or not, the child was no sooner born, but he began to let the world know that he had more than human knowledge, so that in his very Cradle he speak the most admirable things in the world; whether it was in resolving questions, or foretelling things to come, or describing things past, as authentically as if he had seen them, and he ●pake nothing, but he gave a good reason for it: that it was not p ssible to imagine that any thing could be contradictory to his reasons, these Sages then purposed to go find the young Merlin, to take his advice how they clear themselves from the Labrinth wherein they were involved, and they traveled so long that at last they c●me to the place where he resided, who before had foretell their coming to his Mother, and several others advising his Mother to be ready, for the arrival of the seven who were called Sages, should occasion him to go to Court, where he should continue a long time to his M●thers great advantage: and to the great disadvantage of those that came for him. Th●se Philosopher's than were no sooner arrived at Merlin's lodging, but they had great experience of h●s divine knowledge, which put them in good hopes, nay, gave t●em s●me assurance that they might know from the ch●ld Merlin, the certain●y of what they e●q●ire● af●er: for jus● as they came to his house, it h●pn●d that near to th● pl●ce where Merlin was, th●r● p●ss●d by a m●● who went in great h●●●, whom Merlin called by his name, the Travel r ●●●ear ng himself called, turned back, and seeing ●●a● th●re was no b die that be knew, h● turned ●b●ut to pr●c●●●on i● h●● w●y; but Merlin call●d h●m by his name 〈◊〉, c●ying out Galgo, (●●r 〈◊〉 was his n●m●) look back for he whom y●u go to se●k it London is now here, where you sh●ll understand more t●●n y●u expect, Galgo hearing himself ●amed, and understanding the re●son why 〈◊〉 went to London, which he had told no body of, w● a●●z d, ●ut 〈◊〉 more after he had heard what 〈…〉 Merlin ●●id to their t● him, for Merlin 〈◊〉 ●o●k●, 〈◊〉 n●t yo● g● 〈◊〉 London to carry half an 〈…〉 to the K●ngs Sages, to know the interpretation a la●● dream ●t you●s, y●u have sav●d y●●r labourers they are all ●even here, and yet yo● sh●ll ●now n● more of th●m concerning your d●●●●, 〈…〉 you have already from me, y●u may underground the ●ruth without pa●●ing ●rom young ●d for I will have nothing from you, but I will instr ct you in the way to be rich; In the first place, I would not have you tell me you dream, for I know it better than yourself it is true that this last night, two hovers before the sun rising, being l●id in your bed, you supposed that being si●ting in your Cellar, you become so very dry, so that all the drink ●n your house could not quench your thirst, whereupon a fountain did arise in the Middle of your Cell●r; having the fairest water; and the clearest that ever eye beheld, to which you suddenly ran and having tasted of the water, you found it to be the b●st water in the world, so that your thirst was quenched, and you caused all your family to drink who like you received the greatest content they ever had: Now to know the meaning of this dream, you are going to find the King's Sages, without acquainting any body with this adventure, Galgo hearing particular recital, of that which he had seen in his dream; and knowing that he had no● spoken a word thereof, to any person; he was surprised, that he believed this to be a dream as well, as that which he had dreamt of the fountain, and although he was thus astonished yet he affirmed that every thing had ●●ssed particularly in such manner, as the infant Merlin had rec●●ed, and that for no other cause he was taking a journey to London. Now you sh●ll understand the ●●st, ●a●d Merlin, for this is the principal ●f y ur cause. The alteration which you saw, and which in truth pr●ss●s you, is the great desire you have to g●t w●a ●h that you be rid of your poverty & m●●●tain yo● family, better for the future; the fountain which ●●st s●●ve you to quench this thirst, is in your h●us●, as your dream hath demonstrated, and therefore ●●t●●n with all diligence, and dig where you thought the fountain was; for I assure you, there you shall find so great a quantity of Silver, that you shall have sufficient for yourself and family, but have a care that you be not rob hereafter. The Philosophers hearing what Merlin had said, knew not what to think; and doubted of the truth, of what he had spoken, or whether this was not a design, or plot laid to cause the world to believe, that Merlin was a diviner; but he also understanding their thoughts, thus spoke; I would not have you give credit to my speeches further than your own eyes shall be witness; and therefore go along with this good man, and see him find this treasure, and then return to me, that I may go with you to the King, whose grief is not unknown to me, without your relation of it; for I know from whence it proceeds, and what remedy is convenient for his Cure; and I assure you that we shall come to London the fourteenth day, which is the last but one, of the fifteenth; which is limited to you, to answer the King, so that you shall be at London time enough; the Philosophers wondered greatly, to see that Merlin knew already, for what cause they were come, and the term the King had appointed and would willingly, have discoursed of their business; but Merlin would not hear them, but desired them to go see the good man's treasure, and that they shuld have a care that they did not touch a penny of it, & that afterwards they should come to him, who would then be ready, to go with them, to the King. The Philosophers hearing this without alighting from their horses, they followed the good man Galgo, whose house was but a few miles from that place so that they came thither the next morning Alighting from their horses, they went into the house with him; when he presently began to dig in the middle of the Cellar, where he had in his dream seen the fountain to rise: But he had not digged very deep but he met with a great quantity, of Medals of Silver; after that he found several vessels of Silver, the fairest in all the world, under which he yet found so great a quantity of Ingots of Silver, that you could hardly meet with so much treasure, in one place together: And now the Philosophers believed this to be no counterfeit matter; for the King himself, could not have stored so much Silver together, without great thrift, and along time, and being thus astonished, they returned to Merlin's quarters, to whom they related, all that they had seen; confessing that by experience, they knew more to be in hime than they thought any man could be endowed withal praying him according to his promis●, to go to the Court with them, before the time should be elapsed: Question not that said he, for I shall be there to soon for your benefit, they understood not what he meant by this answer, but he who understood how all things would happen; gave them this slight knowledge of it: And now Merlin, and his Mother began their Journey, in Company of these seven Philosophers; and by the way discoursing with them of many things, he gave them such reasons for every thing he said, that they were ravished with his discourse, and so long they traveled that in the evening of the fourteenth day, they arrived at London according to what Merlin had foretold. The next morning these Philosophers went to make their reverence to the King; telling him that they were c●me within the perfixed time, to make ●l●er to 〈◊〉; not only that which he ha● asked of them, ●●m all other ma●ters, as well past, present, & to com●: What said the King have you tasted some divinity, since I saw you, that you can foretell things to c●me, it will be enough for you to resolve the 〈◊〉 I have demanded; without bragging of so much for I purpose, not to endure you; abuses no longer. Sir, it is no abuse, said the Ph losophers, for we shall tell you nothing but the truth, as by experience you shall find but to acquaint you with the truth of the matter; this is not done by ●ur own knowledge, 〈◊〉 by a divine and miracl●ous Child, of whom we having ●●ord we sought him out for your service; and we h●v● alreadly found such proof of his divine spirits; ●a i●●od ●o● been possible for any man to have p●r●v●●d us to it, if we had not seen it, with our eyes: And thereupon they related to the King how all had happened about Galgo and the promise he had made them, to acquaint the King, with the cause of his blindness, and the means for his recovery; whereupon the King was so well pleased, (as you may ve●y well imagine) that it seemed imp●ssible, to express the j●y, which he had in his heart; and therefore he presently commanded, that the Child Merlin should be brought into his presence: But when he saw that he was so young, he suspected that these Philosophers did only put an abuse upon him; which Merlin very well knowing, said to the King; Sir, before I shall tell you the cause of your blindness when you are out of the City of London; and the means to deliver you, I will show you to your own sight, what hath been the cause o●●t, a●d what ke●p● you in this Condition; so that you seeing by experience, that I know the cause of your evil which hath been hid and unknown to yourself, and all others, of your Kingdom, you will be the more rea●y to give credit to what I shall further say 〈◊〉 you: Hereupon having caused the bed whereon the King usually slept to be removed; he said thus Sir, cause somebody to dig under it, for there you shall find a great Cauldron, that without fire, burns continually and which is maintained, by seven great balls of fire; whereof there is one in the Middle, which is larger than the others, who are all of an equal bigness, and ere all placed about this great 〈◊〉 Now Sir, you may please to understand, that so long as the fire of these balls shall endure; you shall always find yourself blind, when you are out of the City of London and yet it is imp●ssible, to extinguish it by nature, nor by any other liquor whatsoever, for the more water shall be cast upon this fire, to much the more violently will it burn; and further great care must be taken, not to remove this burning Cauldron from the place where it is, for i● will not only burn those that shall attempt to remove it, but you will also suffer more mischief, if it should be removed; for you would become absolutely blind, without armedy as well within the City as without, up n these words of Merlin, the King commanded to dig in the place where his bed was, but they had not digged very deep, but they who first began, were forced to leave off, by reason of the great smoke that issued out: It is enough said Merlin, for the force of the fire, will discover the rest; and so it came to pass, for it was not long before the earth flew up like sparks of fire, and then first was seen the great ball of fire, which was it the middle; and soon after, the rest discovered themselves, one after an other, so that in less than an hours time there was plainly seen the b●ring Cauldron; and the seven fire balls, which did cast up their fire a great height: At this sight the King was amazed, and so were all the Princes of the Court, who were very desirous to understand the mystery of this miraclous fire; and more especially the King, who earnestly asked of Merlin; from whence this fire could proceed Sir, answered he, this is a great secret of God, who will not have i● revealed but t● those whom i● Concerns; and therefore if you would know the truth, let every one depart; for to yourself only, will I declare this mystery. Hereupon every one, by the Kings Command left the room, and none remained there, but the King and Merlin, who thus began his discourse; Sir, your Majesty ought out to think that she things ●f this world happen by chance, as some Ignorant persons have said; but you are certainly to believe that nothing happens but by the providence of God who having distributed his charges, to every one, according to his good will and pleasure he willeth, and expecteth, that man should perform his endeavour; in the vocation, to which he hath called him; and therefore having committed to you, the administration and government of this Kingdom, his pleasure was that taking care of the affairs thereof, and performing the duty of a good Prince; you should procure the good, and repose of the affairs of your people; as for some time you did. But after that you did so much give yourself to pleasures, that leaving the charge to others, of those affairs; which according to Gods will, should pass through your hands; you were kept from the true knowledge thereof, so that the good justice that had been in this Kingdom, hath been altered, and your good subjects are oppressed; and on the contrary, they who should be examplarily punished; not only escape, by means of their money, but also are proved with estates, and offices; justice is to those that will give most, and finally, all things go contrary to what they ought: All this evil proceeds from no other ca●e, but that you being unwilling to be troubled with state affairs, have left the mannagment of all, to these seven; who under pretence of the name of Sages, commit the greatest extor●ions and unjustices in the world; thinking of nothing; but how to Tyrannise tv r the poor people, and heap to themselves great treasure, by the destruction of your Subj cts; wh●se complaint, and cry, having reached up unto heaven, God by his just Judgement, hath sent you this blindness, which you have, when you are out of the City of London; that as you have voluntarily deprived yourself of the eyes of your understanding, so that you will not see, nor take notice of any thing, but your particular pleasure, instead of having your eyes employed, for the good and quiet of your people; you should be also deprived of your Corporal sight, so that you may not see any thing out of your City of London. Thus have I told you the Cause of your evil, so that now without saying any more it is easy for you to remedy it, but that you may be without any excuse, I will prescribe to you the course you are to take; know then that God would have you Chastise yourself, for your forepassed negligence, and by the same means, that those who have exercised so much Tyranny over your people, be punished, for their crimes are beyond all comparison greater than yours: True it is, that you have very much failed, but it was through Ignorance; having put into the hands of others, the adminstration and charge which God had commited to yourself; indeed you might think them to be wise men, and fit for such a government, but they have maliciously offended; for they very well knew, that their actions wherein they Tyraniz●d over this Kingdom; were contrary to God, and nevertheless their insatiablness and avarice have continued; & therefore you ought to amend yourself, and that they suffer death; and I assure you if you act this justice upon them, your evil will leave you, and if you will not, I advertise you that the Judgements of God will increase upon you; so as to darken your heart, and I ●ell you there is no w●y to extinguish these seven fire balls, but by the heads of these seven, and that you may ha●● a proof of what I say, make a trial of the greatest, for a● you have seen, the more you endeavour to extinguish it with water, or other liquor; so much the more violently 〈◊〉 burneth (as you have already made trial) ca●se the head of the principal, that is the oldest, and most inveterate of these S●g●s to be cut off; and you will presently see that this great fire ball will be extinguished. The King having very attentiuly heard, the discourse of Merlin; some times blushed, and then again became pale, and ●e found himself touched to the life, and yet however acknowledged his fault, for having continued so long without taking care of the affair● of his Kingdom he began to sigh and groan, entreating the good Merlin, that he would pray to God for him that his Majesty would forgive him his faults, you need not doubt of that answered Merlin, for in performing what I have told you, your offences shall be pardoned, without the intercession of any, and on the contrary if you do not perform it, a greater vengeance of God is prepared for you, since now you cannot pretend the cause of Ignorance: The King did think it very strange to put those to death, whom he had raised to such greatness, and of whom he had several times, had experience on many occasions to be very wise; but considering, and viewing with his eyes, the matter of the Cauldron, and having a remorse of conscience, for the great fault which he had committed, which put him in fear, of a more sharp v●ngance according to the threaten of Merlin, he therefore resolved to make a trial of the principal of the seven Philosophers; and thereupon causing him to be called, pretending to confer with him about what Merlin had told him; he ordered his head to be presently, and privately cut off, which being done, the great fire ball in the middle that did cast out more fire than the rest, was of itself extinguished: This being seen by the King, without any more delay, he did the same by the rest, causing them to come one by one, and as one head was cut ●ff, so one fire ball went out; so that the last was no sooner beheaded, but all the fire was extinguished, & there was no appearance; neither of balls nor Cauldron, which was not mater●call as Merlin said, but it was of fire, although it seemed to be of mettle, as other Cauldrons are, and the earth where it had been before, was as cool and fresh as in other places. This being done, Merlin ordered the King's Chamber to be put to rights, and caused the bed to be placed, where it had formerly been; and because it was then late, he told the King that he should rest contented, and take his ease, for that night; and that the next day they would go out of the City of London, where he should perceive his deliverance and healing, which should be then seen, and known of all the world: The next morning the King arose early as joyful as might be, and sent to all the Princes and Barons, and Gentlemen of his Court; that they should be ready, to accompany him; for he would that morning go pass the time, out of the City of London? Every one mer●a●led at ●he news, because the K●ng had so long continued without going out of ●he City, for the trouble to find himself blind, being out of the City, for the matter of the Cauldron, was not yet divulged or known; and although it had been, it would have been accounted as a fable, and especially by tho●e who believe no more than what they see. The King then being more need on the fairest horse ●n hi● stable, did set rewards having Merlin by his side, wh● was in homely hab●●, for notwithstanding all his knowledge; he would have no other Clothes, but went in poor ●ayment, according to the Condition of his birth; not regarding Clothes nor riches: The King did all the way discourse with Merlin, which his Princes wondered at; to see him thus taken up with a poor lad, without speaking one word to all the Nobility that followed him; and being come to the City Gate, M●rlin going before, said to the King Sir, as I have served you as a Physician, so I will show you i way to rejoice; and the great occasion you have for it, in having recovered your sight to the great content of your people. And yet if you will speak the truth, although you had some hopes of your cure, yet you were not so certain as now at this time you make experience of it: And going forwards out of the G●te, he tu●ned about to the King who was also issued 〈◊〉; and looked about towards all parts, believing himself entered into a new life, to see himself restored to that which he had so long lost, without knowing how and which he had so often endeavoured to recover; but in vain. Whereupon Merlin said to him Sir, do you see the truth of what I told you, and how the providence of God is great, give him thanks therefore, and for the future, so order you actions that the fury, and vengeance of God may not fall upon you. The King being transported with joy, ran to embrace Merlin hearty; thanking him for his good aid and assistance, with a promise never to act contrary to his directions. The Prince's Barons and Gentlemen; who followed the King, seeing this were surprised with marvel and joy, to see their King with his accustomed sight; and every one shown some sign of rejoicing; which was redoubled in the hearts of all, when they understood the means the King had taken for his Cure, which was a true and absolute a-franchising of the realm of England, from the tyrant of these ●even Philosophers; who had for so long time oppressed the poor people: This news being spread a broad. Bonfires were made not only in London, but throughout all England; and as for Merlin, he continued with the King, until Justice was reform; and having given him many good documents, as well for his particular person, as for the government of his people; he than went to instruct other Princes and Nations, according to the Charge which God had given him.  
Now to apply this discourse to your occasion, I say Sir, that you stand in want of a Merlin, to show you, the abuse of your seven Philosophers, who study nothing more, but how to take away your sight that you may not be able to Judge, not only of things passed, but also of those that are in being; and which you yourself have seen with both your eyes: And in order thereunto, they do so disturb your brai● with their fabulous tales; that by degrees they will persuade you that the villainous action which the Traitor Erastus hath done, contrary to all right, divine and humane; and to your perpetual shame ought not only, not to be punished according to the ●entence, which you have given but that he des●rv●s a reward; to which bl●ndness if yo● suffer you self to be sotishly wrought unto; I can think no otherwise, but that they will in time, take away your life, as they have already deprived you of your eve●; of your understanding, (which I hope God will not permit,) by which means wi●●● this wicked Erastus; they may exercise ●heir Tyranny on the poor Roman Empire. I shall prevent that, said the Emperor, for to morrow morning without fail, Justice shall take its course; in the first place, upon that Wretch who hath so highly offended, against your honour and mine; and secondly, against these Rascals; who in stead of learning him virtue, have showed him how to commit, such villainous actions: And of this, assure yourself my dear, for it shall be delayed no longer. The Empress then seemed to be of good cheer; expecting the day, with an Ardent desire which possessed her, to hear the News, which might extinguish the Cruelty and Rage, which consumed her.   

CHAP. XIIII. The Philosopher, Enoscopus slayed execution of the sentence against Erastus for the fourth day; by a discourse which he made to the Emperor of a Gentleman of P●dua, named Cleander; who for the words of his Chambermaid, killed his Wife and Servant believing that he had found them in the act of dishonesty together; and yet afterwards knowing the Contrary, he tore out his Chamber maids heart; and being in despair hanged himself.   top left: representation of a male figure or husband standing beside a bed with a male figure or servant and a female figure or wife; top right: representation of a male figure or husband with a sword raised chasing a female figure or wife; bottom: representation of a male figure hanged from the ceiling with the bodies of a male and two female figures on the floor below him 
In the ●oble City of Milan, a place highly renowned, as well for its grandeur, as famous University, and illustrious Personages, its Inhabitants, among whom a young Gentleman called Cleander, who was reputed among the chief of that City, as well for his great wealth, as ancient and noble Family. This Gentleman from his infancy having been well educated in learning, and brought up in all virtues, and commendable exercises, suitable to his degree, he became so great a proficient therein, that there was u● other talk in Milan, but of the excellent education and good nourtriture of the young Gentleman; by which means his father was partaker of no small honour, besides the inward satisfaction which possessed his heart, it come to pass this young Gentlemen's Father died, and having paid the debt which was due to Nature, he became by this means sole Heir being his Father's only Son, and thereupon took upon him the care of all the affairs of the house which was very great.  
Notwithstanding, without secluding himself from those honest exercises in which he was brought up, he managed so dexterously his affair, that one might say he was born to rule an govern an Empire: and this rendered him more admirable to every one.  
The Relations and Friends of this young Gentleman, seeing how orderly he governed his house, and being the sole male of that family which was left, persuaded him to marry, that so good and ancient family might not be lost by his faulty neglect of procreation. To which the Gentleman would not condescend at first, but opposed it with much obstinacy. However understanding what his friends said, proceeded from a sincere affection, he promised to put in practice what they had counselled him, with this proviso, that the Gentlewoman they should provide for him, should be of quality, and not inferior to his fortunes; moreover well educated and of an age agreeable to his own: which being understood by his friends they undetook the pains to find out such a one as he demanded: it was not long er● they had procured such a Gentlewoman, fa●●, young, and bred like a Gentlewoman of Milan, whose name was Beatrice.  
Their marriage done and solemnised he took home with him his new Spouse, whom he found in all things what he desired, it so fell out that she was very importunate with her Husband (as other women are) to have the management of the household affairs which she so notably handled that in a few months the Gentleman surrendered the whole charge thereof to her guidance, wherein she behaved herself wonderfully well, discreetly and modestly, seldom acting any thing without the advice of her Husband, discoursing him always so much to the purpose, with a deportment so sweet and amiable that her Husband thought himself in her the happiest man in the world: this amity and concord lasted a long time, for that these two were held the fairest and happiest couple in all Milan: but fortune (an Enemy to the repose and tranquillity of the virtuous) was not long ere she laid a plot to ranverse their happiness, and to turn their joys topsi turvy; making an exchange of the felicity man can imagine, into the greatest misery that can befall mankind.  
Now this Gentlewoman had a Chambermaid among other servants who was an excellent Governness of a house, to whom her Mistress gave a great deal more liberty than to others, for that love and fidelity she experimentally had found in her, notwithstanding this great governness, doing as many had done before, who finding themselves pampered by good diet and entertainment, never think of their honour, began to cast a lustful eye upon one of the servants of the house, and being over confident of the good opinion her Mistress and others had for her, consulted with herself, how she should enjoy her sensuality, and quench the flame of her carnal appetites.  
Without any consideration had to her reputation, and upon these thoughts she ordered the matter, so that she got this servant within her amorous net, or toil, however the fear and danger counterpoised the pleasure: there two Amorists had not been long in the Chamber, ere their Mistress (which was continually busied every where in the affairs of the house,) surprised them as they lay on the bed in the very act; at which being much enraged, seeing the heinousness of the fact which they committed, was about to have delivered them both into the hands of her Husband, for him to inflict a punishment agreeable as the crime required.  
But then thinking with herself (being prudent and discreet) that should she advertise her Husband hereof, there might be great danger, that the zeal which he had for the honour of his house, might so transport him, that he might kill them both, and so justice be offended with him; wherefore she was resolved not to speak a word, and only with the severity of rebuke turned the man servant out of doors, and taking her Chambermaid by the arm, lead her into an obscure place, where any noise could not be heard, and there did beat her beyond sufferance; thus bruised and beaten she was forced to keep her bed, under the pretence of being very sick and thus was this fault hushed up; and although this wise Gentlewoman had great occasion to abhor this wicked wretch for the faul●s which she had committed: yet was her countenance as friendly to her as formerly: but this ingreateful wench, aught to have highly prized the goodness and bounty of her Mistrist in passing by a fault, so enormous, and so mildly corrected, entertaining her still, lovingly in her service, notwithstanding she had forfeited all favour and respect, yet notwithstanding this contemned what ere her Mist●es● had done; or then did for her, and being as it were mad, not only to have lost her stolen pleasures, but to be baisted to boot, consulted with herself, how she might execute her revenge, in such sort that she thought of nothing night n●r day, but of the means to be revenged of her Mistri●.  
Having discoursed herself throughly on this point, and concluded how she should work he● design, she imagined it would never come to perfection, as long as her Mistress should be so watchful over her, and therefore seeming to take all in g●●d pa●t which her Mistress had done to her, became very pliable and pleasant, although within she carried nothing but poison.  
She now behaved herself humbly to he● Mistress, in such manner that having acquitted her her ●●d, (which she had kept some days, by reason of her Mistress severe correction, she betook herself to her former employ of looking after the house behaving herself more diligent and affectionate towards her Mistress than formerly, seeming to he very well pleased with her chastisement, since ●●e had deserved it, by which means her Mrs. could not perceive the least spark of that malice which she concealed in her bosom; and continued these subtle practices, till by abusing her with such dissimulations, whom she held as her mortal Enemy, she had got the good opinion of her Mistress, and was again returned into favour.  
In the mean time it was her common study to make her diligence in household affairs, to appear so visibly to the eye of her Master, that that she might gain the opinion of being a good huswife.  
Seeing she was arrived to what she desired, she only waited an opportunity to execute the villainy her wicked heart had con●●ived against her Mistress, who one day being g●ne for po●s time with some young Ladies and Relations of her own, to a Garden which she had w●●hout this City, this She-Divel the Chamber-m●●d (wh●●ho●ght on nothing but her reven●●,) 〈…〉 alone in his Close●, besi●e 〈◊〉 in ●●●self there was no body in the ●●●e, t●●●gh ●●is hour the most proper for her 〈…〉 agreeable to the plot the had form to effect her revenge.  
In short, not to lose any more time, sh● went directly to her M●●ter giving ●●m to 〈…〉, that she had ma●●er 〈…〉 communicate unto h●m. A●d w●● 〈…〉 matter of imputrate● 〈…〉 all amazed and startled at these novels, it is such said the Chambermaid, that cannot be greater, for you, now Sir, if you are willing to understand it, you must do too things.  
In the first place, you must promise to keep counsel, and that you will not be angry with me for what I shall relate; for the reward will be very heard, if in li●n of being recompensed for that zeal add fidelity, which forceth me to this proffer, I suffer death for the same, which undoubtedly will come to pass if this thing shall be known to have been divulged by means.  
The other thing that I desire is not to be transported with chollar and fury, but resolve to hear patiently the truth of what I shall declare unto you. Speak boldly what thou wilt answered Cleander, for I will never utter a word thereof without your approbation; and do not think me guilty of such levity, that for thy words, or the words of any woman whatsoever, I shall inconsiderately believe any thing, much less do any thing that may injure my reputation. Whereupon the Chambermaid having made a long Apol●gie expressing her grie● f●r b●inging him such news which must needs turn to his great sorrow, spoke thus. Sir, you have well known in the time that I have lived in your service, with that love and fidelity I have acted therein, not employing my thoughts upon any thing, but the finding out such means according to my slender ability, as were most conducible to the guidance of your Domestical affairs, and bring the greatest contentment to yourself and Madam your Consort; as much esteeming the good and welfare of my Mistress, as my own life, observing the great love you have for her; which sole consideration (besides the obligation incumbent to render you reciprocal duty as a wife) is sufficient to make her love you, and to be very careful of yours: but especially her own honour, the which she ought to preserve above all things, and verily I always thought her till now very lately chaste and loyal.  
But you and I Sir, are both egregiously deceived, for I am very well assured that throwing the fear of the law behind her, and the preservation of her own honour, she hath prostituted herself to one of your servants for her lustful satisfaction. This I speak unwillingly, and being unable to bear with an act that brings with it so much misery; I have oftentimes reproved her, being both alone, to withdraw her from the baseness thereof, remonstrating to her the evil she acted therein, and the great danger she was like to involve herself; there by beseeching her to banish all such thoughts, and reconcile her heart to you, and to be as just and true as you have been to her; but the Harvest of 〈◊〉 good counsel I reaped in blows even to D●●●; the which troubled me not, and did bear it patiently, nay was content to be beaten again and again, so that I might see that amendment I desired; but I see that things go worse and worse, and therefore am forced to give you notice hereof, to the end you yet may take such a course, as your prudence 〈◊〉 direction ●n the mean time let me pray y●●, not to stick at my words, but satisfy yourself ●●ther which you may easily do, for every thing, as often as you please shall be evidently ●●de appear to your occuler observation.  
But herein have a special care of your 〈◊〉, for if you forbear to speak, and dissemble the knowledge of your knowing any thing you will easily find out which of your servants is m●●● acc●p●●le, to your disloyal wife; for fire will not suffer a long concealment, but make a discovery of itself by its own lustre. The Gentleman hearing his Chamber maid talk after thi● manner, was amazed, to hear such tidings of his wife, whom he always thought chaste and modest, a● in truth so it was; now finding the means facile for the knowledge of the truth, he resolved to wait till he might fi●d out the true ●●ea●oing ●ereof, and having forbidden the Chamber maid, to speak to any person hereof op●n pa●n of death, bid her go about her accustomed business; and being al●ne began to ruminate with himself, often reflecting on the f●ct of his wife, and p●rdering with himself who of his servants should be the man, that did him this injury.  
Now among others, this Gentleman had a young servant, whom from his infancy he brought 〈◊〉 in his own family; who was handsome, bold and of a graceful deportment; also his Mistress l v●d him well, not for lust, but for the goodness she saw him and his readiness to serve his, now this Gentleman thought within himself, that if any servant belonging to him, had done him this wrong it must be him, but the great loyalty and fidelity which he had always known in his wife, and this servant made; the case seem very strange and intricate, how ever he resolved to be very vigilant to see whither by himself or other means, he could come to understand the truth, and in short looking narrowly into the deportment of this his servant, he Judged him the likeliest of all his servants.  
He saw otherwise his servant had no other propensity, then to serve his Master; waiting at table, and consequently on his Mistress, in such manner that upon the least signal given he flew to execute what was commanded him: Also he began to suspect seeing his wife was more desirous to be served by him, than the rest and fancied (as commonly it happens to such as are tainted with jealousy) that all that his wife did she was accustomed to do, and that the forward, and ready service of Henry (for so this servant was called) at was an undeniable argument, proving what the Chamber-ma d had related; and as his jealousy began to increase, he frequently resolved to kill, both w●fe and servant, and thought he had proof sufficient to confirm him in the fact, but remembering that the Chambermaid had told him, that at any time and as often as he would; she would lead, him by the hand where he might satisfy himself; he altered his purpose, concluding to see if it were possible, if he could surprise them in the very fact, to show that with good and just reason, he had done that which he had before determined; for which purpose, having secretly got the Chambermaid to come to him in his closet, he asked her whether she was willing to show him that which she had told him concerning his wife; to which this wicked Chambermaid answered; is there any thing more easy than this? Do only this which I shall tell you, and you shall see with both your eyes, that which shall make you mad to see. This very day if you please; seem to go out of Town for some few days, and a little while after return that night, and I giving you the sign, to which come without knocking at the door, and I will let you in; and than you may go briskly into the Chamber of your wife, for there you shall find the Cuckoo brooding in a Nest that's none of his own.  
This over credulous Gentleman finding the counsel good of this wicked Chambermaid, presently called for his Boots, and having his horse got ready said to his wise, I must go out of Town for some days, I recommend to you the care and mannagment of all; and taking his leave of her, as it was usual for him to do when he had travailed abroad, but he road no further than the extreme parts of the Suburbs; where in a secret place he lay occult, till about midnight and then perceiving the hour proper, for what he had resolved upon; he took a poisoned Dagger which he stuck by his side, and in this equipage he directed himself toward his Palace; where arriving, he made the signal, which he had told the Chambermaid, who being very watchful as she was, ran instantly like a fury, to Henry's Chamber door at which she knocked very loudly crying out to him, Henry d'ye hear make haste, run quickly to your Mistress' Chamber, who is taken suddenly ill, and commands you in all haste to come and speak with her; that she may send you to a Physician. Honest Henry, who was a good servant, and always ready at command, ●●●●wing his Cloak upon his shoulders, went to the Mistress' Chamber, and at that very instant; the Chambermaid opened the Gate to her Master, saying go up the stairs, and you will now find the steel and stone striking fire into the Tinderbox; wherefore hasten and go up softly, that you may not be discovered and that the whoring Varlet may not hid himself. Henry being come to his Mistress' Chamber, asked her; Madam what is your pleasure with me, for the Chambermaid caused me to come in great haste unto you, to which his mistress replied, go and sleep for I need not your assistance, sure she is drunk as she use to be; poor Henry going out of the Chamber, encountered his Master upon the stairs, wh● in rage without speaking a word, stabbed him with his Dagger to the heart, and there left him dead; thinking he had then come from defiling his marriage bed: and to prosecute his fury, ran to his wife, whom he found awake; and did beat and abuse her, worse than any common Strumpet; on the contrary the poor Gentlewoman all astonished at the villainous misusage of her husband whom she expected not, demanded of him half drowned in tears; what was his reason for so doing, endeavouring also to vindicate her Innocency; but her husband still persisting in heating and battering her about the mouth with the Silt of his D●gger, whereby she had not the least permission to utter one syllable, and being more than half dead, he railed at her in the most reproachful manner imaginable, and being unwilling to slain his hands with the blood of her he loved once so dearly; he wished she would die of her own accord Having now poured out the poison into a glass, which he had brought with him, he took it in one hand and his Dagger in the other, saying, choose which of these two thou wilt have, either this poison which will suddenly dispatch thee or shall I penetrate thy heart, with this Dagger; in recompense of those villainies, thou hast perpetrated, and acted against me: D●spatch in the choice, of one or the other, o● I will dispatch thee instantly. The poor Gentlewoman, seeing her Husband firmly been upon her destruction, without doing him any wrong; took the Glass of poison, and lifting her eyes to heaven, said, I call heaven and earth, and all the creatures therein contained to testify my innocency; and if there be a Providence above, who ever casts a watchful eye on things below; I humbly supplicate that after my death, my honour may not remain contaminated or spotted, either in respect to heaven o●●●●●h; and that one time or other, my innocence may be so p●●picu●us that the death which I am now a●●● to r●ce ●e form my own hand, may 〈◊〉 us pleasing to h●aven●● it is 〈◊〉 way troublesome former ●●de gruelly lif●●in●●g ●rvous for me to lo●k (as G●●●nd be my witness) but all my trouble is for th● 〈…〉 y●u have c●st upon me, but I hope in God who is a j●st judge, that my inocency will thine out the dishonour & confusion of th●se are the cause of this my present woe; I speak not this to you, knowing that you are troubled in my behalf, for I know 'tis your misprision, hath ●rove you to thi● sad enterprise, the which when once clearly known, I doubt not will make you willing to repair your present fault, with the hazard of your life, to extenuate, which I had rather die by my own hand, drinking this poison, than to charge you with this infamy, of having shed the innocent blood of her, who so ardently loved and loyally served you; having always kept the tye of wedlock inviolable. Thus saying, and without fear she took the poison and putting it to her mouth, she withdrew not the glass till she ●●ed swallowed all, ●aving so done, she addressed herself to her Hu●band, saying, since by my death approaches, which I feel stealing on my eyes, your wrath and fury ought to be appeased, seeing you have taken as large a revenge as the greatest fault in the world may require, although I am innocent, I beseech you do me this last favour, as to tell me the occasion which put you into this passion, to the ruin of her, whom in times past you loved as your life, to which. her husband thus replied; how is it possible thou thou canst be so impudent as to make me believe that I am deceived in a thing I saw with both mine eyes: and touched with both both these hands, which caused this revenge? but since before you die, you desire to see what thus enraged me here to see, I am content to do you that kindness, and so pulling her out of bed, dragged her to the place where lay the body of poor Henry the innocent, & throwing her down upon it, saying, solace thyself now in thy disloyalty with this Traitor, and as you clubbed together to the ruin of your honour, and my reputation, so now agree, to die miserably together in one place as a due punishment for your evil deeds, and to serve as an Example to others who dare commit the like. The poor Gentlewomen who had yet some little strength remaining (for the poison had not yet seized her heart) raising herself as well as she could, cry out saying. Oh God the sin of my husband is greater and more enormous than I thought it was; for I thought he aimed at my life alone, but I see we are both Murderers; and have slain wrongfully the Innocent, I pray thee O God be pleased to enlghten him, and let him know our fidelity; to the end our honour may endure unwronged blameless and immaculate, turning thy eyes with justice, on that wicked Chambermaid, making appear the treachery she hath here committed; and hereupon she fell dead; being unable to pronounce her last words: for had she had more strength she had discovered all, remembering herself what Henry said at the Chamber door, whom the Chambermaid had sent thither, under the pretence of her Mistress calling for him, and now she seeing them dead; concluded th●● the danger of the treachery, was blown over but death stopped her in her full career. The Gentleman seeing the great resolution, and constancy in which his wife departed this life, was in a miserable taking; although he had too confidently believed his eyes, by whom he thought to have found his wife faulty; yet notwithstanding by the last words proceeding from his wife's mouth, falling dead, he began to suspect some treachery in this act on the Chambermaid's side, and resolved to know whether it was so or no, although too late. Having then called the Chambermaid, who mistrusting some danger for the evil she had done, came trembling; but he began to ask her with a smiling countenance (but within most desperately heavy) by what means and in what manner she to find out the loves of Henry and his wife, came or whether it was long since that she discovered this amorous intrigue; and where was it that she first surprised them in the fact, ask many such like questions: to which the Chambermaid answered in terms so intricate and contrary, speaking sometimes things the Gentleman knew were impossible that he concluded to take this following course with her looking very pleasantly on the Chambermaid, he said to her: thou now hast of thy Mistress that which thou desired'st for she evil treated thee, but she will now be never more offensive to thy eyes, for which cause I am now obliged to thee that thou hast given me the means to be rid of that offensive thing which enraged me so often under pretence of zeal to my honour, for which I will assure thee, I shall not die in thy debt: but since you have done me one kindness, pray do me another, and that is to tell me freely the truth of this business, and how it stands in every particular, for I know very well it is otherwise than I was made to believe, to have the colour and occasion to do what I have already done. The Chambermaid assuming courage from the words of her Master, verily believing she had pleased him to the life, assured herself any thing, and therefore said to her Master, if you will promise to pardon, and not turn me out of doors, I will tell you one thing you never ye● the 〈◊〉 of, which put me upon the desire of this rev●●● 〈…〉 thought it would have 〈…〉 ●●●dly said her Master, for I know 〈…〉 the cause goes, and by thi● me● 〈…〉 you will please me very much; ●f 〈…〉 ●●ur self, instead of a reward, I will inflict up●● 〈◊〉 a punishment so strange, that I will make thee tell the truth by force.  
The poor and unhappy Chambermaid, began to relate the love between her and the servant, how she was surprised by her Mistress, beaten after a most grievous manner, and how she purposed a revenge, should it cost her her life, in short she omitted nothing that was past, saying moreover that it was not the life of her Mrs. she desired, but to have her as lo●dly basted, as she had been basted by her, ●he Gentleman hea●ing this, (being all ●age and fury,) he ●an a● her, and having r●p● open her breast with that D●gg●r he killed Henry with, be to●e out her h●●●, and stamped upon it, pouring out all the cur●es, reproaches, and execrations he could think of over her wretched carcals, cursing himself too for believing the treachery of her miscreant, and now ●●vi●g sufficienty deplored and wept over the corpse of his chaste wife, and faithful servant Henry, he asked of one and the other a thousand pardons, saying, since it is inpossible to remedy so great a crime, as I have here committed, so great in killing you both so wrongfully, that it must not pass unpunished; and therefore I will appease it I can, by sacrificing myself to your offended innocency; begging that you will not deny me your Company in death, since there was so much love and amity between us in life, till treachery made this final separation. There is one thing left which aff●ds me some comefort and contentment, that before I die, I have had my just revenge, although a thousand de●ths of such like Traitors, is no fit reparation for the life I have deprived; having said this, he put a halter about his neck, and having tied it to a beam, straight over the body of his c●●ste wife, he wrote against the wall, with his dagge● these verses under written, which yet to this day are to be seen in the house of that miserable Gentleman.  
By a rash act which had its rise from treason,  
Incensed by a maid servant without reason,  
I wrongfully have slain my dearest wife  
And a male servant have deprived of life:  
At length I knew the truth but 'twas too late  
To stay the hand of my too rigid fate,  
And then I stabbed the heart that was the cause  
In making me offend great Nature's l●ws  
For which I hang my s●lf against this wall,  
Cleander's boundless rashness was his fall,  
Having finished this writing, he threw the dagger under him, and pushing the stool on which he stood, to tie the rope about the beam with which he intended to hang himself, he there hung miserably, ending his days for being over credulous, and putting too much confidence in his own eyes.  
And now to return to the matter of fact, which is the question I conclude. Sir, that you ought to take great heed in this matter, and weigh it with serious consideration without levity believing in the words of her, who desires the death of Erastus without any reason, thereunto inducing: Consider then within yourself, that this affair may be otherwise that as it was represented to your eyes. For there is no greater argument, nor more proper instance for entering into jealousy, than this Gentleman of Milan, of whom we spoke before; who without questioning the matter took it for certain, but knew in the conclusion (but too late, and to his utter ruin) that a matter of such great importance, should not rely on the believing of an other, nay nor himself. This oration of the Philosopher, put all the Auditors into admiration; for he spoke so much to the purpose, and with such vivacity, that all the standers by could not refrain from bathing their cheeks, in a S●a of tears; which wrought so effectually, that every one Judged, nothing wa● more requisite, then staying the execution of the sentence o● Erastus, until the fact was more narrowly searched into, that in the end, he might receive a righteous Judgement. Whereupon the Emperor was constrained to condescend, as well for that excel●●t discourse the Philosopher h●● delivered, as for the supplications the Senate ●st●r'd up to his Majesty; according to this conclusion, Erastus was sent br●● to his Dungeon, and so had his life prolonged by the mea●s of hi● good Master Enoscopus.   

 top: representation of a male figure looking out from an upstairs window while a female figure holds a stone over a well, then stands outside the door; bottom: representation of a female figure at an upstairs window with a group of armed men at the door, in the background a male figure in the stocks or pillory surrounded by a crowd This History or Example of Cleander, is according to the original, in the Italian and French; but in regard there is another History in another Book to this purpose; I shall thus relate it.  
THere dwelled in a certain City, a Knight well stricken in years, who notwithstanding married a wife; whose youth and beauty bo●h conjoined to make her the subject of every man's admiration, these two things, so endeared his affections towards her, that their was nothing to her, by him more prizable in the whole universe; now lest at any time he might be robbed, of this inesteemable Jewel, after with his own hands he had locked hi● doors, he secured the keys under his beds-head. By the way you are to understand that by the Low● of the City, at a certain hour of the night a Bell was usually rung; after the sound of which, if either man or woman was found gadding in the streets, they were instantly seized and having been detained in prison 〈◊〉 might, the next morning they stood in the Pillory, a● an object of shame and laughter to all the beholders.  
This ancient Knight, by reason of his age, was impotent, feeble; and altogether unable, to give that satisfaction as youth required; as well for procreation as delight, and therefore his young wife, found out away to supply his defects, by taking the keys every night from under his head, when fast asleep & opening the doors went to her paramour, who having lustfully enjoyed her fill, returned and laid the keys in the same place, from whence she took then.  
It so happened (but not expected) that one night fafter she was gone, to prosecute her accustomed delights, that her husband awaked, and m ssing his wife felt for the keys, but finding them not, he went down to the door, which he found open; therefore he bolted it, and returned to his Chamber, and suspecting his wife's levity, he looked out of the window to observe the passages, which might happen in the street: When it was very late, or rather early his wife came from her lustful ●allion, but found the door bolted against her; however she took the boldness to knock. Hereupon the good old Knight looking out of the window, and seeing it was his disloyal wife, spoke to her in this manner; O thou wicked & unchaste woman, have I now found you out; how often may I not from hence conclude thou hast committed adultery, & defiled thy marriage bed; for which cause stand there till the ringing of the Bell, that the Watch may take thee, & that punishment may ensue, according to thy demerit. To which she cunningly & cogingly replied; my Lord, why do you thus unjustly charge me; I am no ways guilty of your accusation, for if you will know the truth, I was sent for by my Mother, being taken dangerously ill; now finding you in so sweet asleep, I was loath to wake you, & therefore without the least noise I risen, & taking the keys I opened the doors & went whether my duty commanded me. I found my Mother sick even to death, & though I believe she cannot live till the morning, yet so great was my affection to you, that I came away & left a dying Mother to return to a dear and loving husband wherefore I beseech you let me in; but the Knight utterly refused it: hereupon she reminded him, what a shame it would be (were she taken) not only to himself, her self, but to all their relations, using besides all the persuasions her subtle invention could find out requisite for her purpose, but all proved unavailable, when she saw nothing would prevail, she bethought herself of this stratagem: my Lord (said she) you know by this door there is a well, if you let me not in, I will drown myself therein, to avoid the shame I see is coming upon me, and my friends in my behalf. As the old Gentleman was about to reprove her further; the moon went down, & now was the night obscured with a darkness, more than usual, she being glad of this advantage, she thus spoke; that I may die like a Christian, before I drown myself, I will make my last Will and Testament, and first I bequeath my Soul to Heaven, and my body to the Earth, but all other things what ever, I solely leave to my dear husband, for him to dispose of, as he shall think convenient; having finished her saying she went to the well, and there finding a great stone, she took it up in her arms and lifting it up cried out, now I drown myself, and to threw the stone into the well, having thus done she stepped to the side of the door again, and there absconded herself. At the n●i●e of the stones fall into the well, the old man verily bel●ev●d that his wife had been as good as her word, in drowning herself, and having made a miserable out cry ran hastily down to the Well, to prevent what notwithstanding he thought irrecoverable he was no sooner out but she got in a do●rs, and having locked them, went up into her Chamber, and looked out of the window as he had done before, and having heard along while the sad complaints, the poor old man made for the loss of his wi●●, condemning much his over ridged humour she regarded less of his sorrow, called out to him aloud: reproaching him in the vilest manner imaginable, calling him lecherous Dotard, and upbraiding him for slighting her, and going continually a night walking af●er H●●l●●; will other base ab●ses which the old Man valued not being overjoyed to hear that his wife was yet living, and desiring his wife to have a better opinion of him, b●●'d her to open the door, and p●ssing by all they would be good friend's; but she was deaf to all his entreaties, vowing he should stay there till the w●tch came, that he might suffer deservedly as he had threatened her before. The Knight insisted upon his impotency for his vindication; alleging further, that out of pure affection in her we ha●e he was now in the streets, a●d ●herefore desired h●r not to let him suffer sh●●●fully for love and tender kindness; but all this would not do, and as he was studying some new persuasions to 〈◊〉 him in the watch came, and fin●ing him in ●he f●●●●●, d●●●●ded his business, and what ●e did 〈…〉 unseasonable time of night, minding him 〈◊〉 t●e 〈◊〉 had broke ●h● Law and custom of the City, ●nd ●hat though he was an antien●●● abi●●● thereof ●hat could not excuse him from: firing according to the nature of the off nce: his 〈◊〉 hearing th●ir words cried out to the watch, s●ying n●w is the t●me honest men for y●●● to avenge 〈…〉 that ●●ul Adulterer, who is so insati●ie in 〈…〉, he never s●ils a night to a●●se my bed ●●d 〈…〉 his common Strumpets, in hopes of re●●●ma●i●n I have patiently forborn him a long time, but n●●hing will reduce him, slighting my youth, and continuing still his whoredoms: wherefore now punish him as he hath deserved, that he may be made an example to all such doting lechers; accordingly he was thrown that night into prison, and the next morning shamefully stood in the Pillory.  
Now said the Philosopher to the Emperor have you minded well this story, and he said right well: then said the Philosopher if you execute your Son, being thereunto instigated by your wife your condition may prove more unfortunate than the ancient Knights. Hereupon the Emperor condemned very much the lew'dness and unworthiness of the woman, and said moreover that for that very cause Erastus should not die that day, the Philosopher having applauded his resolution, and ●●●bly thanked him for it, he departed.   

CHAP. XV. The Empress again prompted the Emperor to hasten the execution of Prince Erastu●, by a Letter which she wrote wherein was contained a discourse of Treasures belonging to the King of Egypt, of whom one was very covetous, and the other liberal, who being over ruled by the evil council of his Son resolve d to rob the other Treasurer, and possess himself of that treasure the King had committed to his charge, but being unable to clear himself from the place wherein he committed this robbery, he ordered his own Son to cut of his head, this Son living after very rich and being arrived to that pitch he proposed to himself, killed also his own Mother, who was privy to the theft, to prevent her making any discovery thereof.   top: representation of a male figure with a sword or scimitar outside a hole at the base of a tower, in the background a headless figure being pulled along by horses; bottom: representation of a female figure with a cut leg and an axe or hatchet on the ground, with two female figures, a male figure, and two armed male figures 
Alcoholised to the Emperor D●oclesian her Lord a●● m●st 〈◊〉 hu●ba●d ●●●lth, of health can proceed f●●m ●●r who is reduced to a condition worse than death, s ●ing h●● fest ●t w●●d o●, not only by others, but by him who would ●●ke m● believe ●e lo●'d m● better than his ow●●●fe; 〈…〉 the case 〈◊〉 of greater importance t●●n to b●● 〈…〉 herein doth ho●our 〈…〉 before life itself for it is th●● alone whic● bears up our reputation and esteem in such manner that sh● who 〈◊〉 deprived thereof ought not to be ranked amongst women, bu●●●g●●tred in the catalogue of Beasts. Now Sir wonder not ●o see one thus vehement in a business w●●ch concerns m● so nearly, assuring you that the grief I have take● and still retain after this fact proceed principally from this that your honour is as much interested a● min● own: for as to the holy ●ye of marriage it is imp●●●●●l● to blemish the honour of one party and the other 〈◊〉 insensible of the wr●ng; the honour was ●r at w●●● you acquilled in the beginning of the sentence w●●●● y●u pronounced against E●●●●●● that Traitor, an act becoming so worthy in Emperor as yourself: for we find impostory that there hath been Emperors who rather then dev●●te from right and equity, have l●id aside all Fatherly ●ff●ction and become the ex cu●●oners of their own children as ●ight and justice did require: the same you were willing to show at the beginning; but by so much your reputation increased as you were willing severely to give place to justice, by so much are you to be blamed by your womanish indulgence and levity, which ●●●ns by every w●ndy ●able of those seven Philosopher's, who by their g●ilded sergeant expressions toss you ●ee and ●ro as chaff bef●●e the wind. Did you ever read in Chronicle of a● Emp ●our, that the execution of a se●●●nce p ●●ou●ce● by the Emperor himself or by his Proclamation w●● retarded as this is now? Or w●ich is worse the sentence it s●lf repealed. How comes it that your ●udgement and counsel is so purblind as to order and es●ab●●h one th●●g of which afterwards you are convi●●ed to ●h● contrary. In short, the infamy and reproach● labour 〈◊〉 so great, that I am almost distracted and had rather have not a being in the world, then to be involved in so much trouble as I am. Amongst the rest of my reproaches I see one without an end, for put the case that filial affection should move a heart mild and low as yours seems to be, yet it is a thing dissentaneous to a courageous and a constant soul, and such a heart befits an Emperor who casting behind him all affection and passion ought solely to regard what Justice doth require; now for you to leave me without making me acquainted therewith argueth my presence is displeasing, and that you hate me for loving you too well. And if it be so, (for otherwise it cannot be) you know you will hate always; however I love you as ardently absent or present; and shall advice you by Letters (since I cannot do it by word of mouth) of any thing I shall know tending to the prejudice of your welfare and repose: and although I know it is to little purpose having so little credit for my advertisements, (how true so ever) yet y●u will l●nd your car to others who propound nothing but what is dangerous interwoven with painted ●n● pernicious sophistry.  
However I shall d●●harge my conscience, being well assu●'d that in the end you will know all my say tend to no other end then the conservation of your life and honour; a●d on the contrary what others say o●ly aim at the utter ruin and destruction of them both: as it happened to a treasurer of an Egyptian King a man ●●veral or rather profuse who might have lived quietly and peaceably, had he believed the counsel of his wife; but instead thereof died miserably following the disordersd Dictates of his Son, to the great prejudice of his poor wife, and perpetual infamy; as you will see in this short discourse here under written, to the end that by informing your judgement with matter suitable to this purpose, you may from thence gather what is best to be done, taking a better resolution in this affair, than hitherto I have known.  
In former times there was a King in Egypt very rich, both in Silver and Gold, as were all the Ancient Ptolemy's: But this man so abounded in money, that he was continually making it up in great heaps or piles.  
This King had amongst other Officers of his house two Treasurers; one whereof was very liberal, and such as became a servant to so great a King; Notwithstanding the other Treasurer was miserable and covetous and agreeable to the Nature of his Master.  
This Prince the better to secure his Treasury, built a strong Tower, wherein he laid his Gold and Silver, and gave the key thereof to his covetous Treasurer strictly commanding him not to meddle or dispose of any of the money without his express order under Hand & Seal.  
This Treasurer guarded the Treasury with such circumspect care, that he trusted non●, nay, hardly himself to cast an eye there●n. In short, every day he constantly united the treasury, p●ying into the lo●ks and trying whether any had been compering to break or op●● them in his absence's.  
The other Treasurer who was prodigal, who had spent all that little money the King had entrusted him, and his own Estate ●●ndes: and not content with this he counselled his ●●n to the same profuseness, wh●● 〈◊〉 of himself prodigal enough before: headstrong and licentious, at length this young m●n become so profuse, that he spent all that was left of his Fathers, and hi● Mothers too, in making presents, and giving here and there without regarding how or to whom; in such sort that all was gone, being unable to do as he did before; however he endeavoured what in him lay to follow his former courses; whereupon his Mother reproved him, often elling him what a great charge she was at in maintaining two daughters which were si● for marriage, and to what great poverty his prodigality had reduced doth father and m●ther: yet for all this he g●●w ●●●rie and w●●●●, and never left till he had 〈◊〉 all, notwithstanding being more hot than 〈…〉, in ●●e prosecution of expense, and address 〈…〉 to hi● Father, de●●●ing him to supply h●s 〈◊〉 and tha● he might brave it amongst his Aff●c●●●●●s formerly, and not to be disgraced by them, 〈◊〉 whic●●is Father replied, that he had nothing left to supply his excessive charges, adding m●r● 〈…〉 thought all the money in the other Tr●●sure 〈…〉 not suffice, what treasury it th●● said the 〈◊〉 to wh●ch question the Father informed the So●● of all that pa●●. Certainly said the Son the King hath done you great wrong, in putting less confidence in you, than in the other Treasurer, wherefore if you will be ruled by me, serve him as he deserves.  
How must this be done said the Father, since I have nothing of his remaining in my hands no, no, said the Son, the cheat I intent is 〈◊〉 what you have not in your hands, and the fault shall lie heavy on the shoulder of another. In short, he counselled him to rob the treasury, relating the manner, and how easy it was to effect it so that the cove●●●● Treasurer should not suspect any thing, though it was usual for him to go often and view the Treasury, seeing that the locks were fast, and unviolated, and the doors shut, for there were many belonging to it, the foolish father knew very well the danger of the attempt, however he was desirous of revenging himself of that indignity the King had thrown upon him (as he thought) and to satisfy his own ordinate desires and his Sons, and to maintain that rank and quality he had invested himself with (as he thought) by his profuseness: and therefore determined to follow the evil counsel of his wicked Son, and having prepared instruments for their purpose, he and his Son one night entered into the Tower, where the treasury lay, having sprung a mine, and broken the wall of the Tower, and having loaded themselves with Gold and Silver returned through the Mine they had digged, and stopping up the hole, made the Earth plain as it was before, so that their theft might not be perceived, knowing the danger if it was discovered.  
By this means returning home, they were very jolly and feasted abundantly, resolving to take the same course in a few days, if they heard no noise of this their robbery, and ●o fill their bags, that thereby poverty being banish●, they might have for the residue of their lives, where with all to feast it according to former custom.  
N●w the avaricious Treasurer who was more jealous in the preservation of this Treasury, than if it had been his own, let not a day slip wherein he did not visit it: and being entered into that Chamber where the Treasury was, and looking whish●y about him, saw several things displaced, for every thing lay in its proper order, whereupon he instantly suspected what was already done, and having diligently look● about every where, to spy out where an entrance had been made, found out at a corner of the Tower earth newly digged: Hereupon acquainting no person with his design, he entered the Tower alone, with instruments to dig and mind so l●ng till he c●me to the very hole which they had made at the Basis of the Tower, and knew tha hole to b● 〈◊〉 ●lac● where it was not usual for any person to be ●●●●●g ●● s he mused a while, considering what was b●●●●o be done, at length concluded to say nothing but studied whether it was possible to entrap the Thiefs by silence. Whereupon having m●de a gr●at Ch●ldr●n, about the height of a man filled it full of Pitch, Birdlime, and such like st●ff, which mingled together, became so glutinous that it wou●d forceably retain any thing put therein: this being done, he laid it as secretly as he could in the hole which gave entrance into the Tower, and having scraped away the earth, he so covered this Cauldron or Kettle, and cleansed the pavement that it could not be perceived that any had been there since the prodigal Treasurer and his Son; who hearing no noise about the money they had stolen, and concluding for certain that the covetous Treasurer had no mistrust of any thing, resolved to prosecute their enterprise, and to carry away more money than they had done before, and to that end, made choice of a night very dark, without the least glimmering light of the Moon, and so went to the place where was the mouth of the mine; the Father went first, as best knowing the way, just as he came to the hole of the wall, where he was to enter th● Tower, he fell into the Cauldron and was so fastened on every side, that he could not stir, and presently concluded it a plot for his surprise, and therefore admonished his Son to withdraw instantly, lest he should be entangled like himself. Whereepon his Son asked him what was the matter, to which the Father replied; I am dead take you no care of my life, but of my honour, for should I be taken in this thieving plight, infamy will attend my name for ever, the Son would have endeavoured to assist his Father, but that the Father told him it was impossible to take him out of the Cauldron alive, besides should 〈◊〉 come to help him, he would be in danger of being caught himself. What must be done the● said th● Son? for the safeguard of my honour & thine own said the Father: since there is no remedy, cut of my head, to the end they may not know my body & that the name of our family may not be defamed, the Son hearing this, thought it very strange that he should be his Father's executioner, but considering with himself that of two evils the least is to be chosen, resolved to execute the command of his Father, and coming to the brim of the Cauldron saw him shrunk up to the Arm pits, irrecoverably, than taking him by the hair of the head with his left hand raised him, and with a Scymeter in his right severed his head from his body; after this having interred the head in a secret place, not to be found, he returned home all bloody to his house, where with sighs and tears related the whole matter to his Mother, beseeching her to take all in good part, and to hinder his Sisters from crying, for that would be a mean● of discovering what as yet is hidden to the world, the poor woman hearing this sad news began to weep, tearing her hair, and cursing her i● fortune with the prodigality and disobedience of her Son, who would never hearken to her advice, now blam●ing the extravagancies of her Husband, then condemning the insufferable profuseness of her Son, and having thus a long while deplored her condition, the began to consider that the advice of her Son was not impertinent to avoid the great evil that might follow the contrary, and therefore threw herself on a bed, tormenting herself, and lamenting all the ●ight. The day following the Treasurer according to his Custom, went to see the Chamber of the Treasury, and to see whether any was taken in the Cau dron; where coming he saw before the Cauldron the earth all covered with blood, the which amazed him much, considering diligently the whole, and looking into the Cauldron, he saw a body without a head, at which he knew he had not lost his labour and de●g●, for he thought to have taken the Thief alive, and consequently have recovered the Gold and Silver he had lost, and i● may be more to boot. In the mean time he essayed by all means to take c●gn zance of the body, the which he removed out of the Cauldron by the help of fire, and notwithstanding could discover nothing because his stature was low, nor from his garments being all so be daubed with Pitch and Birdlime. Hereupon the Treasurer resolved to inform the King of all that past; upon which it was concluded that the body of the Thief should be dragged by two horses through every street with a Trumpet, before and at every house the Crier should proclaim, this is the body of that traitorous Thief, that robbed the King's treasury, intending thereby to have cognizance of the fact, his relations being unable to contain their tears at so sad a spectacle; and indeed it was a very good project for that purpose, if the Son had not prevented it by another wicked act; for the body being drawn through most of the streets it came at length against the house of its abode, at sight whereof his Wife and Daughter could not refrain from weeping and lamenting as soon as they heard the cry, this is the body of that traitorous Thief who rob the King's treasury: hereupon a Justice ran instantly to the house of this thieving Treasurer, thinking to find what they fought for; but the villainous Son who was wary took suddenly a hatchet, and therewith g●sht his Mother's leg, before which he laid a l●g of wood, and threw, down the hatchet all bloody on the ground; the Justice being entered the house, enquired of the Mother, and her daughters the occasion of their weeping and wailing; with sighs and tears they answered, do you not see Sire how that poor Woman, who is our Mother is cut grievously, her leg being almost off, by endeavouring to cut that log in pieces, and therefore it is no wonder, if we who are her Children grieve and take on for her, having just grounds to fear she will lose her leg; you were better said the Justice go and help her, than cry and lament her, and so took his leave, without affecting any thing imagining all true they told him. Some little time after the poor Mother, who was thus wounded in the leg fell into a fever which deprived her of life, leaving her Son richer in villainy than he was before, having with his own hand, killed both Father and Mother. God grant Sir, the like befall you not, for certainly I am much afraid hereof, and that you will be reduced to the same danger, that this Treasurer fell into, and as it is an honest woman that gives you this advice for your benefit, so I shall never desist to tell you sincerely, and in pure verity whatsoever I shall understand; and be not angry, that I put you in mind of your duty. The Treasurer followed the evil counsel of his Son, and so lost his honour, and his life by the hand of him, who should have given him his best assistance; do you also follow the counsel of your fine Philosophers, who to have the mannagment of affairs, to rule and govern the world at their pleasure, thinking of nothing but the installing of their Disciple in your Imperial seat, to the hazard of your life, and loss of honour. The Son of the Treasurer remained rich, after the death of his Father and Mother, whom he slew with his own hand; I fear Erastus will serve you in like manner, in such sort that we shall be in danger of life and honour, unles● you open the eyes of your understand-standing, the which I beseech and exhort you to; if my supplications move you not, let this danger wh●●h hang● over your head, and the Imperial dignity which you now possess, persuade you to it? Beseeching you to pardon me, if I offend you in saying the tr● h for the love and sincere affection which I bear to you, and the faith I own you, constrains me thereto, and so I bid you hearty farewell.  
This Letter being finished and well designed, she called to her, one of her Bedchamber in whom she put great tru●t; commanding him to go and find out the Emperor with all diligence, and deliver that night the Letter to the Emperor, assuring him there was matter of great importance therein contained, and that he should instantly read it, and return an answer the same night, and so bring it her the next morning as soon a● it was light. The Messenger having received his dispatch from the Empress, so speedily executed her commands, that though the day was fa● spent, and the place where the Emperor was, being remote from Rome, yet he arrived at his journey end before Sunset, & having found the Emperor alone, delivered him the Letter, which he h●d received from the Empress; who reading it over & over again, and weighing well the contents thereof, all amaze d as he was, returned an answer imeadiately ●n the place, to the Empress, excusing himself for his sudden departure from Rome, assuring her it was not because he would revoake the sentence pronounced against Erastus, but only to delay it for a wh●le; and finding that these de ays were taken ●ll by her, he wo●l● forthwith proceed to the execution of the sen●●● be soon as she pleased: for knowing the sentence to be just, without any other form of process it should ●e executed; referring all to the disposal of the Empress, commanding the Messenger to inform the officers of Justice to do with Erastus as the Empress should command them.   

CHAP. XVI. Philantropus the Philosopher deferred the execution of Erastus by a discourse which he made the Emperor of a young Grecian Damsel, who was given in marriage to a young strange Gentleman whom sh● loved by the hands of her own Husband, who was both old and ● al●●rs.   top: representation of two knights jousting on horseback outside a tower in front of a seated audience with a male figure blowing a horn; bottom: representation of a male figure standing beside a bed in which lies a female figure, beside the bed a dog 
This being observed by all, there was a general amazement seized the whole Company, and chief those who before thought him a man more fit for pleasure than for Action, The day being far spent, a retreat was sounded to put an end to the Tournement, and the white Cavalier was accompanied with Drums and Trumpets towards his Lodging, still pretending to treat one and another, staying in the street till the Governess should pass that way, who was attended with an honourable retinue; to whom he made a profound reverence without as to the wife of the Governor, but within, as to his dearest friend, and having received the like from her, with a joyful countenance he reteuned to his own habitation, where after he had paid those respects due to the honour was done him, he then began to ruminate on his love concerns, and how he should accomplsh them, in which considerations he found many and great difficulties: how ever like a true Lover, finding nothing impossible, after a long consultation with himself, he dispatched his servant whom (he could confidently trust) to fetch him a Master Mason, which was a stranger, and very skilful in his Art, such a one was brought him in a short time, whom this Gentleman treated so generously well, that he became absolutely his creature, sealing up his mouth with a world of presents he gave him, adding with all threats if he discovered the design, so that it was buried between them three, the Master, Servant, and Mason; the latter of whom began to set his hands to work to every thing he was commanded, and that was to spring a Mine under the foundations of the Tower where the Damsel was, with as little noise as might be, to which the Gentleman lent his assistance very frequently in digging and carrying out the earth, continuing their labour, in a little time they undermined the Tower without the least discovery. Hereupon the Gentleman discovered to the Mason his resolution of mounting into the Chamber of the Damsel; to which the Mason gave him admission, as well by reason of his long experience in such matters, as by reason of the advantage of the Winding stairs, which were in the said Tower; by which means it was very easy to ascend into the Chamber of the Damsel; yet there were several impediments in the way, however the Mason found out other ways to ascend, listening to the Walls if any one took notice, at length they arrived at the floor of the Chamber, or rather prison of the Damsel; not knowing now what to do but to trust in fortune, and leave the issue of all to her guidance, intending not to pass further as yet for fear of inconveniency, resting there & hoping in a little time to have some beetter opportunity submiting his passion to reason which ought to govern in all such matters and respects: Upon the approach of a solemn festival, the Gentleman was not unmindful of putting an end to his enterprise, and having given out that he was extreem sick and that he could not go to see the publ●ck sports, much less take pleasure in them, & the Damsel being released for that day to go and see them; this Gentleman Fabio said to the Mason; Master this opportunity will not admit us to lose time, for this is the day wherein we ought to esteem ourselves no less happy (every thing favouring us) than Deucalion and Phyrrha after the Deluge, so that for any one to lose one single minute of this opportunity were to hate himself, & provoke the Gods. Hereupon the Master and the servant immeadiately furnished themselves with instruments, and other things requisite for their purpose, and having past the Mine they had made, they arrived at the place they desired, where being come they searched round about and at last found out in a little time a hole big enough for a man to enter, at that very corner where stood the bed of the Damsel, according as the Master Mason had contrived with the assistance of the God of love. The Gentleman being entered the Chamber (whilst the Mason and servant were regarding the hole, how to return again another time with out discovery) he regardful looked about the Chamber, wherein he saw a little box lying open (for it had no key, which which was made in the form of a little Press to contain Clothes, wherein were rich habiliments which he would not disorder, as well by reason he had no leisure, as that he might not be discovered; notwithstanding having found a place (at he thought, were the Damsel was accustomed to lay her hand at her return he resolved there to leave some signal of his entrance, which however was so obscure, that though any other should see it by chance, he should not gather any thing from it, and so left this following Madrigal, which some days before he had composed in manner of a Riddle.  

Madrigal.  
Madam there's one hath vowed to be  
Your Captive whom you know not;  
And though you are within a tye,  
Hath sworn to break the knot:  
And this I do to move your heart,  
But let not eyes or heart with grief  
Be troubled for what's done  
Love hath consulted your relief,  
When I the victory won  
And acted then a Lover's part;  
And will do still and must do more,  
'Tis he that come from foreign shore,  
Will serve you with his hand and heart   
The Gentleman having laid this Madrigal where he purposed, returned to the Mason, desiring him to dispatch what he had begun; so that all being descended, and the Gentleman seeing all things as he would have it, had some thoughts of killing the Mason to assertain the non discovery of his plot, but moved with compassion, he changed his intention, and giving him many presents he caused him to embark the same day, and leave Morocco. In the mean time the Damsel being entered her Hermitage, she tumbled over some things she had, amongst which she sound the Madrigal, which she read and read again and again, thinking and rethinking of the interpretation thereof, how it could be laid there, and what should the issue be thereof, in sine she gathered who it should be that laid it there, but could not collect by what means it could be left; and at last concluded it must be done by Nicromancy; for in those days there were many Witches, and many put confidence in them. Whilst she was in these strange imaginations supper time, and consequently that of bed time drew near, and so she went to bed, not with an intent to sleep but to be vigilant to the intent she might see the issue of this doubtful matter. At length the night being far Spent, and having tired herself with thinking, she was constrained to give repose to her senses, and so fell into a sound sleep. Now according to her thoughts awake she saw in a dream what afterwards happened; for she thought she saw him who had so much eyed her before & she him, was on the battlements of the Castle bewailing himself by reason of those impediments and obstructions, which were laid for the hindering one another's pleasures; and that then the prison miraclously was opened, and as miraclously shut as soon as he was entered; and that both afterwards fell into great anexity of mind, she fearing that there was no means left for his going out, and he fearing he was surprised for gathering the fruits which belonged to the Master of the house; but whither a truth or a dream, it was very true that during the time of her dreaming, the Gentleman who had tarried some while from coming that he might not affright the Damsel, entered at last softly through the hole into the chamber of the damsel, and coming ●e●r the bed perceiv●d that she knew nothing, and s● s●●d these few words: Mad●●, I ●m he that am wholly yours, to whom yesterday fortune was so favourable as to h●ve the means to make known to you in writing, the main end of all my intentions is only to love you, as you may well g●th●r by signs in my way & by my eyes in th● public pass times; to be brief it is I that am l●dg'd so near this Tower, for no other purpose, but to employ my life in your service, if you please to accept of my endeavours, and finally to deliver you from this thrall dom. The damsel at first seemed astonished; however as well for fear as desire she had to understand the sequel of this business, kept her mouth shut, but her ears open to the saying of the Gentlemen; whose request being well understood, & unwilling to show herself harder than a stone, and being more unwilling to the ruin of the Gentleman, and much more of herself; thinking it withal an Act of Piety to preserve those who love us, became at length inclinable to pity, and resolved to entertain him, whereupon without further loss of time they both addressed themselves for the gathering of loves fruits; and to make manifest the Riddle, thinking of nothing else but the perpetuity of their pleasure; advising the best way how they should meet often together.  
This story here inserted, Sir, it tends much to our purpose, and those also who have endeavoured to know women; but principally those many Hypocrites, which makes profession of being half Saints. This Damsel of whom we speak, Sir, not enduring to be locked up under the guard of her Husband, (who we may presume had good reason to be careful of that he valued above every thing;) was resolved for a long time to be revenged of him, and so seeing occasion offer itself, she greedily laid hold thereon; not only to save ●nd deliver herself, but also to conclude the detriment and confusion of the poor innocent; and so having taken her pleasure many nights with her friend, she resolved to forsake her Husband, and cleave to this young Gentleman, and that with much subtlety, so that she was pr●●s'd, and her old man blamed. In the mean time her friend visited he● often, and she desirous to come to that end the Gentleman propounded, without regarding any thing bu● the present she spoke to him in these words; my friend I know you are valiant and that you hear me great affection, wherefore it is requisite that you enterprise something in which I shall have the greatest charge, to the intent that if any thing happen contrary to our design which I hope, the whole may be imputed to me, and no other; and that you may not perplex your brain, I will undertake the particular management.  
In the first place tomorrow morning going to Court you shall wear on your finger one of the rings of my Musty Husband, which I shall give you, and so order the basiness, that he may see it on your finger, and I doubt not but immediately he will know it to be his own, in such sort ●hat he will ask you, whence you had it; to which you must answer that you have had it a long time, say no more, but come strait away to me, and give me the ring again, afterwards I shall inform you how things proceed. Day breaking (which constrained the Gentleman to departed) the Damsel gave him the good morrow, putting the ring on his singer with which the Gentleman derected his course towards the Governor, and had no soon●● performed hi●●beisance towards him, bu● that the Govern u● saw that which nettled h●m to see, and although he dissembled the knowledge o● what of that which was too true, yet he could not but fix his eyes a long time thereon, and to show by some strange gestures that he was not well pleased; in such manner that many of the attendants desired to know the reason of this sudden change; but ●he presently went to the Tower, and was so long in opening the several doors, that the Gentleman who was gone before had the opportunity of delivering the ring to her from whence he had it; now the old Dotard having found the said ring in the place he desired, rested himself satisfied, and was resolved to lie with her the following night which was accordingly done; of which her friend was advertised by a certain signal given by her, which he finding returned to his lodging.  
The day following the Gentleman seeing all things safe returned to his accustomed rest, where he and the Damsel had time enough to laugh at the poor old-man. In fine the Damsel said to the Gentleman; my friend the God of Love hath given us a good beginning to satisfy ourselves, and certainly I hope no less of the middle & conclusion, and so for the second trial, you shall do what I shall tell you, and do but as you did with the ring in which you behaved yourself most gallantly. The Gentleman descended from the Tower (after he had received a little D●g from her which she kept for her pastime,) and went to the Court, carrying with him the little Dog, the Governor seeing his little dog, was about to have called him by his name, but considering the quality of him who held him, and wondering how it was possible for it to be procured, for he saw by all the marks of the dog, that it must be the same, he said not a word but went strait to the Tower, grinding his teeth, and threatening both his wife and Gentleman that he had worse dog for them both then they had of his. The young Gentleman turning his back to the Governor disposed of the Dog with as much celerity as he had done with the ring.  
The Governor being entered the Chamber Chamber of his Wife, and there seeing the little dog, knew not what to say, but believed it might so happen, that two things might be found alike in two different places; and having seen already things like his own, he entertained no bad opinion, and le●s jealousy. In the mean time the Gentleman had his full delight with the Damsel; who was desirous to put an end to all; resolving with her Friend about the means they should take to deliver her from this servitude, showing him the way he should take, and what pretences he must use, and that he must fit a Galley, as swift of sail as he could choose, and that he should place her in some Haven near the City, and pretending that he was in haste to be gone, he should procure some strange Habiliments for her, and having taken leave of the old Dotard, they should get aloft with all speed they could, discovering how he had cheated her Husband as he did. The Gentleman descended the Tower, and went to procure the lightest Galley in all Morroco, and having victualled and armed her he put her off a little to Sea, the better to abscond his design: after this he subtly contrived woman's apparel very rich, but made after a strange manner, the which he laid up in his Chamber, the hour for their design being come, the Damsel removed from her Prison that night she knew the Dotard would not come to see her, he conducted her to the Galley which was arrived at the Port that very nightgiving out that it was a strange Galley then come in, and having embarked his Lady, he committed her to the care of his trusty servant, and returned a shore to perfect his design. Now the Govenour was rilen very early to go a hunting, and seeing Fabio, desired him to make one of the Party, of which he excuse himself, saying to the Governor that he was constrained to lay all business aside to return speedily into his own Country. How said the Governor, shall we be deprived of the company of a man so good and honest as you are: whereupon the Gentleman replied that he could be content to stay and see their pastimes, but that he was constrained to departed as suddenly as he could, having received the good tidings of the peace his Parents had concluded with those of the Gentleman he had Dulled with for wh●ch cause his presence was altogether requisite for the ratifying what had passed in his absence, and that he feared delay in going might endanger him more than any thing else; the Governor having asked who brought him this news, the Gentleman answered to tell you the truth it is my dear Female friend who who always hath conferred on me her friendship, who being much troubled at my absence, is very desirous of my return, being come in all baste for that purpose, in a Pinnace which arrived in the Port this mo●ning at break of day; wherefore I am come expressly to take my leave of you, according to that service and duty I ever owed you, and to pray you also that you will drink a glass of wine with me in that Vessel which is come on purpose to carry me off; to the intent with better courage I may set sail. The Governor praising much the Cordiality and Friendship of the Damsel which was come to find our Fabio, promised him to go and dine with him in the Galley, and following his hunting, the young Gentleman in the mean time gave order for dinner after the best manner he could: dinner time being come he went before the Governor, with several Gentlemen his friends whom he also conducted thither, and being arrived near the Port, he began to consider and amongst other things he declared that for the great love he had found in his friend in times past which she had sufficiently demonstrated then and now in seeking him out, he resolved forthwith to marry her; beserching the Governor as he had ever found him affectionate to his service that in acknowledgement thereof it would please him to solemnize his marriage, and that he might have the happiness to receive a wise from so good a hand as his. The Governor readily agreed to the motion, and being on the strand, a Skiff presently carried them aboard the Galley, where being come, the Gentleman ordered her to cover herself & to sit next the Governor who was no stranger but his own wife. At it first was thought by the Governor and all present that she was his w●f● (as indeed she was) but by reason of her strange habit and her deportment, knowing well how to counterfeit as in the case of the Ring and little Dog, as aforesaid she remained undiscovered. Dinner being ended the young Gentleman spoke briskly to the Governor desiring him to bestow his Female servant on his Male, to whi●h the good old man replied that it was very reasonable, and that he would do much more for his contentment; hereupon taking the Damsel by the hand, he gave her to the young Gentleman in the presence of all the company; this being done he returned to the Castle; but the Gentleman with his prey, got as far off as he could. The Governor having some little jealousy in his breast, and that which increased it more was the astonishment of the whole company to see a woman so proportioned like the Governess; in such manner that to clear all doubts, he was no sooner arrived at the Castle but that he went strait to his Tower, and having unlocked all the doors and searched up and down, he could not find his wife, at which he was ready to run mad; and not seeing any remdy for this calamity, there being no hopes of overtaking the Galley, which was now a good way at sea, beside the confusion he was in, ei●her to speak or be spoken to, and shilling his he●d with a thousand things, he at length fell into despair unimaginable, & inexpressible, at length a disease seized him, which took him off.  
Who think you Sir, was guilty of his death, but his wicked wife: Wherefore all men ought to consider how to govern their wives rightly; for there is nothing more difficult than to divert a woman from what she intends? 'Tis true if their, designs were guided by reason, I should not so much blame their subtleties by which they accomplish their conseptions, but seeing the imperfection of the Sex, which is more usually guided by passion than reason, I can confidently say that the end of those designs they plot tends ordinarily to mischief and danger, as may be seen in the discourse of this our Greccian, whose example need not go alone for I can instance a thousand more, and I wish to God that the Empress was not ranked among them as I am certain she is, and you yourself may easily discover it: Wherefore it is necessary for you to take mature deliberation in this affair without giving more credit to the passions of any other then reason shall require.  
The Emperor having given good attention to the Philosopher's discourse, thought good to meditate thereon: but although he had no bad opinion of his wife, yet he did abhor to think of the Death of his Son, which could not but be a great vexation to him: although he much desired that Justice might take place, and the affection which he always had to acquire the reputation of a just Prince, and who would not be rash in any affair, and this induced him to resolve to stay the execution of his Son, until the case should be more fully and deliberately examined, having understood by so many examples, that all things ought not to be taken for truth, which at the first seem to be so; yet that he might somewhat please the Empress he purposed to return to Rome, so that by his presence he might show her some reason for his present delay; and thereupon without any further stay, or giving any other answer to the Philosop, but that he would take care that justice should be done, he instantly mounted on horseback that he might the sooner perform his journey to Rome, where being arrived, he found the Empress very much enraged against the Officers of Justice, who being abroad upon their particular occasions, had been the cause of prolonging the life of Prince Erastus. This very well pleased the Emperor, finding it in his power to deliberate in the proceed about his Son; and therefore he gave command to the Officers to forbear any further proceed until they had further commands from him.   top: representation of a group of figures in a ship or boat; bottom: representation of a male and female figure in bed, and a bird on a stand with rain or stones falling on it from a hole in the roof 

This Story or example may serve to the same purpose as the Former.  
There was a wealthy Burgess living in a certain City, who kept a Pie, the Bird he loved so well, that he suffered none to feed him but himself, and as he fed him taught him several Languages; this Pie was so apprehensive and grateful to his kind Master, that whatsoever he saw done in the house he told his Master.  
This Burgess was married to a young wife, who was much more beautiful than honest, requiting her husband's love and affection with s●ight and disrespect, because he was not a man of that lustful performance she expected, but that she might not want means to satisfy her amorous desires, she made choice of a man fit for her purpose, whom she always sent for when her Husband was abroad about his business, that they might eat deliciously and wantonly toy one with another.  
Now the Pie as she told her Master every thing, she observed, upon his return so particularly this junketting wantonness, and was so open mouthed, as the report hereof did spread itself through the whole City, her Husband hereupon much troubled and grieved, upbraided her with disloyaly and charged her down right with adultery, to which she said she was innocent, and that he was to blame to belive his Pie, and that as long as he continued so doing, there would be nothing but variance and discord among them; but he replied the Pie could not lie, for what she saw or heard, that she told him, and therefore would believe her rather than his Wife.  
It so happened not long after that, this Burgess traveled abroad, and was no sooner gone, but she sent to advise her friend, that to avoid the suspicion of the People he should come secretly to her that night, to do as he was accustomed: being come, as he entered into the house, he said Dearest I fear this Make-bait Pie will discover us, but she bid him be bold, for it was dark, and therefore the Pie could not see them; the Pie hearing this, said 'tis true, I see you not, but I can hear you, and know that you Cuckolded my Master, which It shall tell him when he cometh home; at which this lusty young fellow was startled, but she bade him be of good courage, and she would be revenged of the Pie, so they went and lay together, about midnight the Adultress arose, and calling her maid-servant, commanded her to fetch a Ladder, which they did set up to the roof of the house, and having got thereto, they made a hole therein, strait over the Pie, and through it cast at the Pie, sometimes water, then small stones, sand and the like, in so much that the poor Pie was ready to die.  
Upon the Burgesses return h● went to visit his Pie, ask her how she fared, and what had passed in his absence, to which the Pie replied, Master I shall satisfy you in both; first, I have strange new●● to tell you, and that is you are Cuckold, for that very night after your departure, your wife entertained a young man all night in Bed with her, notwithstanding I told them I would inform you thereof: as to my welfare, that very night I had like to have died it was so tempestuous, either raining, hailing, or snowing upon me all night long. The wife hearing this said to her husband, you have hitherto belived in the Pie, I will see whether you will continue so doing. She saith she had like to have lied with rain, hail and snow, that night she accuseth me of adultery, where as there was never any thing clearer but my innocency, there having not been seen so lovely fair a night as that for many years, and therefore for the future believe her not. The good man to be satisfied of the truth, inquired of the Neighbours whether that night was foul or fair, who all affirmed no night cuold be fairer; then going to his wife he acknowledged the fault of his credulity, and after that went to his Pie, and having railed at him for sowing discord between man and wife, notwithstanding he had loved him so well, and though the Pie protested he had told him nothing but what he either saw or heard, yet he wrung his neck of, the Wife at the sight hereof was overjoyed, but the Husband looking up, saw a ladder, and a hole in the roof the house, and a vessel of water, sand and stones standing by, which made him soon perceive the treachery of his Wife, at which he grew so troubled to be thus deluded, and deprive his dearly beloved Pie of life, that he sold all that he had, and went a Pilgrimage. Now said the Philosopher to the Emperor, was not this a false and wicked woman, by deceit and craft to cause the faithful Pie to be slain, and the Emperor answered it was very true, and I much pity the Pie, that she should die for her fidelity, this is a good example for me, therefore this day my Son shall not die, the Philososopher commending the prudence of the Emperor, took his leave, having first recommended him to the protection of the Almighty.    

CHAP. XVII. The Empress Aphrodicia again induceth the Emperor to proceed to the execution of Prince Erastus, by a discourse which she made to him of a great inconvenience which befell a King of Persia, by putting too much confidence in Philosophers and Wisemen which belonged to his Court: who by means of a Phantasm which they made in a town, besieged by the Persians, and ready to be surrendered caused the Siege to be raised, to the great damage of the King, of Persia, they having taken Bribes and Presents from the Enemies.   top: representation of an empress or queen and an emperor or king beside a throne, with two more figures; bottom: representation of a group of figures outside a castle, fort or tower, over which stands a winged figure with two swords 
The Empress sighing and groaning thus answered, I deny not Sir, but that in all ordinary cases it is necessary to observe the customs of the Court; but in so extraordinary a case wherein the crime exceeds all punishments established by law: I say there it is ill to delay the punishment, but to hasten and be speedy in the execution thereof? and Sir, I pray was it ever known or read in any Chronicle or History, that any one was so audacious as only to think to force an Empress, much less to attempt it? where do you find a Son so unnatural and wicked, as to endeavour to quench his disordinate appetite in a vessel consecrated to his Father, and now this great abuse is committed against one who is above all Laws and Ordinances: and for him to delay the punishment, I know not what to say to it, but that you are so blinded by a Fatherly affection, that you are in a manner contented with the outrage that hath been done to for the laws formerly made by Emperors were to tie up their hands, but to keep their Subjs within compass, and to inflict severe punishment upon those who should be found so manifest guilty as Erastus, who hath commited a crime of the highest nature that he could possibly be guilty of; wherefore I see that all this prolongations are to no other end, but that I should die of grief, which will soon and easily happen to me, since you have so small esteem for my honour, and if my life be troublesome to you, wherefore do you trouble me and yourself in this manner, and not kill me outright at once; for assure yourself, I shall be better pleased to die, so it may please you, then to live in this torment I now endure.  
At these words the Emperor could not forbear weeping, which the Empress observing, she prosecuted her discourse with greater affection than before, showing that she was not so much troubled on her one account, as in respect of him, ading that she very welknow that all these delays about Erastus proceeded from the malignity of the Philosophers, who under pretence of zeal and religion endeavoured to ruin the honour and life of the Empress; and I wish to God, said she, that it happeneth not to you as it did to a King of Persia, who having to do with the Chaldeans, was in bad case, by being advised by his Philosophers as you are by these here; and although I find myself very much weakened by the continual trouble which afflicts my poor heart, yet however I should be willing to relate the whole affair to you, were it not wholly loss of time, seeing you resolved to stop the execution of the sentence you have denounced.  
Let not that hinder you replied the Emperor, and I pray you (provided it does not displease you) to relate to me all that happened to this King, and I assure you that you shall see yourself revenged both of Erastus and the Philosophers sooner than you expect: And thus having comforted the Empress in the best manner that he could, he so entreated her that she began her Narrative after this manner.  
In times passed there was a very puissant King in Persia, (as it is usual for all the Kings of Persia to be so) who was named Psamentin: this King being desirous to enlarge his Kingdom, at the first began to war upon his Neighbours, and so pursued his Victories, that in the end he having reduced all the adjoining Countries to his command, he came to the Confines of Caldea, hoping to conquer that Kingdom, as he had done the rest of their Neighbour's; and thereupon having raised a very fair Army, and being provided with all things necessary for so great an enterprise, he with great fury entered the Country of the Chaldeans, putting all that he met to fire and sword▪ the King of Caldea who was named Achias, being informed of the great provision which the King of Persia made to assault him, caused his Nobility to be assembled, whom he acquainted with the design of the King of Persia had to subdue the Country of Caldea, and to reduce it to the obedience of the Persians, for which purpose he had raised a great Army with which he had taken the field, so that he daily expected news of his arrival into their Country.  
Representing to them that they all very well knew what Forces they c●uld raise, and yet however he was resolved to maintain the freedom of his Country choosing rather to die than to fall unde● the Government of the Persians, whose Impieties they were sufficiently acquainted with, and did abhor them for their Religion; which they could not by any means admit off, wherefore he prayed and exhorted every one, both particular and general to consider of what expedient they should u●e in that tim● of so eminent danger, and that for the conservation of the Crown, a right to which he would not particularly claim, but should remit it to the General: and thereupon a Royal Throne being placed in the middle of the Counsel Chamber, he went thither and placed the Crown thereon, and then went and sat down among the rest of the Counsel, concluding his discourse thus. As for me, I shall serve the Crown, and shall not spare my life to maintain it: being assured that if every one will follow my example, and do their endeavours, we shall well enough preserve it from tyranny of the Persians.  
This action being accompanied with a Vehemence which the King used in his speech, did so move the hearts of the Chaldeans, that laying aside the fear which they had of the Persian forces, conforming themselves to their King's example and his virtuous heart, they all unanimously cried out, that they would live and die in the service and protection of the Crown, in sign whereof they took it into their hands; and having replaced it on the head of their King, they all promised and swore that they would never yield to the Persians, but that they would rather choose to die than to fall into the power of their Enemies, praying the King to be courageous, and to advise of the necessary provisions for defence of their Country, offering themselves ready, wholly to obey all that he should enjoin them.  
It is high time said the King to take order therein, but however it is first requisite that the Estates take care of provisions, and since you have restored me the Crown: I shall not fail to let you know by my Government the love I have always had for you.  
After several propositions on all sides, the Estates resolved to carry into the City of Hur, all the riches and wealth of the Kingdom, in regard that it was the Capitol City of the Country; and also by reason of the Fortress, and that all the Forces of Caldea should there have their general Rendezvous, to make to make head against the Enemy, for that it was impossible for them to meet the Persians in the open fields, whose Army was not numbered by hundreds of men, but by thousands. And thus the King of Caldea having given the best order he could in his affairs according to his power, he caused the City of Hur to be victualled and munitioned, wherein he also placed a good number of men to sustain the Siege: yet he made not so much haste, but the Enemy was entered the Country, before he had victualled the City of Hur as he had intended, and the Army of the Persians was so numerous both in Horse and Foot, that it seemed sufficient to Conquer not only one City, but all the World.  
The Persians being entered into the Chaldeans country, put all that they met to the Fire and Sword: so that the Chaldeans being forced to forsake their little Towns, all ●led to the City of Hur, being followed by their Enemies. Those who were within, seeing so great an Army without their walls, began to fear, yet in the end every one resolved to keep his Oath, and to defend themselves, purposing rather to lose their lives then to yield to the Persians, who frequently assaulted the City, but it was as valiantly defended as assaulted. The City was so straight besieged on all sides, that it was impossible to enter it, and much less to issue out, but without great difficulty, and that by the way of the Mountain, which was adjoining to the C tty; and thus the siege endured for several months, the besiegers not being able to take the City, nor they within to damage the besiegers; and yet they were many times assaulted, but the Fortress was so strong and so well defended, that the assaliants could gain nothing thereon, but many times they had epual losses. The siege then having continued a long time, the Victuals began to fail them within, the King understanding thereof took the number of the men, and  that were within the City, giving to every one a competent, though slender allowance, so that the besieged kept themselves for some time in very good order. But the King seeing that their victuals would endure but f●r ● few day's longer, he caused the Counsel to assemble, acquainting them with their condition, concluding that of two evils they must choose ●n●▪ ei●her to die by hunger in the City, or valiantly t● issue out upon their Enemies; saying that although the best was bad, yet his opinion was not to die of hunger, but like men of courage, to fall upon their Enemies, on whom they must needs make a considerable slaughter, assuring them that if they beh●ved themselves as he hoped they would, they should lessen the number of their Enemies, and give the rest occasion not to beast of any victory.  
All of them approved of the King's advice, considering the desperate condition of their affairs, and it was concluded that at the next new Moon (for the Chaldeans reckon the increase of the Moon to be a good sign, and the decrease to be a bad sign to them) they would all issue out intending to die in the Bed of Honour, fight against their Enemies, and the Women declared themselves to be no less valiant, resolving to accompany their husbands. This conclusion being taken, and every one being resolved, they all began to make merry, and give signs of joy and gladness. The Persians hearing this, and being acquainted with the great want and scearcity which they with in had endured, were astonished thereat, and more particularly their Philosophers and Magicians, whereof there were three in the Camp, who managed all the affairs of the King of Persia, so that nothing was done without their advice, for these three Philosophers were reputed to be very wise and good servants to the King, yet within few day's treason and disloyalty, appear in the ruin of their King, and destruction of their Army. Now these three Philosophers being very well experienced did presume that all the treasure of the Chaldeans would be brought to this City of Hur, and that therefore there would be a great quantity of Gold and Silver, as indeed there was, and they had designed this siege for no other end, but that they might gain a good par● of the treasures that should be there, but now understanding that the besieged had not lost courage, but that the longer they continued, they appeared the more hardy in defending their City, they therefore believed they had found some quan●●●y of Corn or other Munition, whereby they might yet endure the Siege. And therefore not having patience, but being very desirous to satisfy their avarice, they reso ved to be Masters of some of the Chaldeans treasure by one means or other, and not attaing their end by the ruin of the City, which had worn out their patience by their long holding out, they therefore intended to g●in it by delivering of them within, whereupon having conferred together, they all three entreated the King to permit them to departed from the Camp for some certain days, to celebrated some sacrifice, where none ought to be present but those of their quality; whereby they should discover by the communication of Spirits, the ●ccasion of the feast, which was made by the besieged, and what means they must use to reduce them to the necessity of yielding. To this the King consented, and withal entreated them to be diligent in their sacrifices, to the purposes aforesaid.  
These Philosophers then leaving the Camp, prevailed so with the K●ng of Persia, that he promised to attempt nothing ●gainst the City until their return, only to kee● it straight besieged, and to take care of his own Camp. This being done they traveled to to the Mountain, where they remained until night, which being come they went towards the City, and being perceived by the Sentinels, who asked who goes there, and having answered that they were there for the service of the City, and that they should conduct them to the King to acquaint him with somewhat of importance, the Court of guard seeing that they were but three, permitted them to enter the City, and having set a guard of soldiers over them, some went to the King to acquaint him of their arrival, who caused them to come presently that he might know their business; they being before the King desired private audience, to this the King consented, retireing into a Chamber with some Princes his favourites, and there the Philosophers began to discover and declare what they were, saying, that the great compassion which they had for the poor inhabitants of the City of Hur, had moved them to come thither, to advertise the King, that if they might be recompensed equal to the greatness of their desert, and as the case required they would cause the siege to be raised, and constrain their Army to leave the Country of Caldea. The King hearing this, although he could give no credit to their promises, taking them for Traitors, yet however seeing his affairs reduced to so great extremity, that within a few days he should be constrained for want of victuals to fall upon desperate actions; he therefore would not slight this occasion, and thereupon knowing that the design of these Philosophers was only to get money, though he was uncertain of their performance, but the better to oblige and engage them, he carried them into the treasury, where there was so much Gold and Silver, ●hat it is impossible to reckon it, for the whole treasury of the Country had been brought thither for security. The Philosophers seeing this, were astonished at the vastness of that treasure; and the King promised them and solemnly swore to them, to let them have what part of this treasure they pleased, in case they performed what they promised in causing the siege to be raised, and the Army to leave his Country.  
The Philosophers being contented told the King that he should encourage his people; for within 4 days the siege should by their means be raised, which they performed as you shall presently hear.  
In the middle of the City of Hur, there was a very high Tow●r, which not only commanded the Camp of the Persians, but also discovered all the adjoining Countries. The Philosophers intending to play their project on this Power, caused a habit to be made of a Giant like proportion, covering the same with burning glasses, looking-glasses of Crystal and other Glasses of several colours wrought together in marvalous order; after this they made two golden wings, which had as much lustre as the habit, and painting two swords with Vermission, that they seemed to be bloody, ●et however they shined very clearly, they also provided several artificial fire works, which should make a great noise, and seem to be Thunder and Lightning: all things being thus provided and ordered, two of the Philosophers went out of the City, and went to the Mountain the same way that they came, the third remained in the City, to execute that which they had determined between them.  
The next m●rning the Rascal Philosopher who stayed behind, did put on the habit of gl sses, and placed the two golden wings on his shoulders, so that he could command them, and spread them as artificially as a Bird doth naturally; besides all this he put a great Crown on his head, from whence issued several bright beams or rays of divers colours, having in each hand a bloody sword.  
This done he fell to work with the wildfire▪ making so great a noise with slashing and cracking as if the whole City of Hur had been on fire, and in the midst of this flaming and thundering the Philosopher appeared on the top of the Tower, in the habit and equipage which I have described to you, appearing of so large a stature and size, that it succeeded all human proportions. The Sun beams struck so directly upon the Glasses, and their shineing habiliments, that it dazzled the eyes of the beholders. After the Philosopher had for some space spread his wings, and sluttered with them, he began to brandish and flourish with both his vermilion swords, so that the beholders supposed him to be in fight. The Persians seeing this strange and dismal sights were terrified and dismayed, not knowing what should occasion it. In the midst of these passages the two other Philosophers who were in the Mountain came running and crying into the Camp, and going directly to the King's Tent, cried out they were all dead men, wherefore said the King? do you not see Sir, said they, the God of the Chaldeans who is descended from Heaven to defend them, so that if we stay here any longer we shall be all lost; and therefore it is necessary for us to flee, lest we enrage this God any further, and thereby lose our lives as our Companion hath done, who having seen the apparition of this God, and being desirous to appease his fury with certain new Sacrifices which he would offer, was suddenly slain in the Mountain by a Thunderbolt, which we seeing made all possible haste down hither, to acquaint you that if you do not this day departed the place, none of your Camp will escape: and thereupon they began to flee, which caused several who gave as much credit to these Philosophers, as if they had been a God to follow them, and fly as well as they The King himself presently mounted on horseback, so that in one hours' time the Siege was raised; The besieged who were in arms and who were ready to issue out, seeing their enemies in a Rout, fell on their Rear and charged them so briskly, that they made as great a slaughter as they pleased, and took so many Prisoners that it was wonderful, for the poor Persians fled without any order, thinking that the God of the Chaldeans was still behind them, so that a small number escaped, & they too hastening night & day out of the Chaldeans Country. The pursuit being finished which lasted until night, the Chaldeans returned to their City being all rich & more contented, for all the baggage of the Persians was left in the Camp, whereby the Chaldeans had the Pillage which was of an inesteemable value. The Philosophers faceing about took the way of the Mountain, and from thence returned to the City of Hur where they were highly welcomed, and the King of the Chaldeans kept his promise with them, having by their cunning device and tricks defeated the King of Persia who was their Master, and had turned the victory to the Chaldeans side, and that for covetousness of the Treasure which was delivered to them.  
And thus Sir, (continued the Empress) will it happen to you if you prevent if not: For I foresee that you lending your ears to these Phi osoph●rs, and not taking heed to their device, and following their wicked & pernicious counsel as you d●, they will occasion your death & will install their Erastus with the Imperial Crown▪ that they may divide among themselves the Treasure of Rome; but I beseech God to be so meciful to me to take me out of this miserable life before that happeneth, so that I may not with my Corporal eyes behold that which with my Spiritual eyes I foresee with much regret.  
And thus having finished her discourse, she began to sigh groan and weep, so that the Emperor himself could not refrain from weeping; and after he had comforted her as much as he could, he said take no care for this Madan, for I am too well in Instructed to be overreached with all their cunning; and to give you the more satisfaction I have purposed that to morrow morning Erastus shall be executed without any further delay, and he being dispatch justice shall soon after proceed to the punishment of these who have brought him to so pitiful an end by their bad Instructions: At which speeches the Empress being somewhat appeased they went to bed together, but the Empress found this nighr to be as long as the precedent wherein she the next morning expected news of her sons-in-law death.   

CHAP. XVIII The Philosopher Agathus, put a stop to the execution of Erastus by his opinion upon a Letter which a Queen of Germany had written to the Emperor, to cause her husband to be put to death; alleging in confirmation of his opinion the Story of a Gentleman of Modena, whose wife did cut his throat that she might have a young man whom she loved, she having before endeavoured to kill him by several ways, and means wherein she had failed.   top: representation of a male figure seated at a dining table, with two female figures standing nearby; middle: representation of a male figure lying in bed, with a male figure and a female figure holding a knife or dagger standing nearby; bottom left: representation of two female figures being burnt at the stake; bottom right: representation of a dog digging or pawing at the ground, with three male figures nearby 
The Emperor having seen the contents of the Letter, which required sudden consideration and yet mature deliberation, commanded that the chief of the Senators should be assembled, in the mean time he arose, (for it w●s not long to day) and went only habited in his night gown to meet the Senators, in the Empresses Hall, among others the Philosophers were al●o called to this counsel, whose presence although it some what displeased the Emperor by reason of Erastus, yet however he was very well contented that they should be present at this Counsel; to see h●w much they would surpass the others in readiness of advice. The Counsel being then assembled & all others being turned out, but such as belonged to the Counsel, the Emperor acquainted them with the c●use why he had caused them to meet, and after he had spent some time in discoursing about the present affair, be commanded one of his Secretary's to read the Letter from the Q●●en of Germany, the contents whereof followeth.  
HEliodora Queen of Germany, to Dioclesia● Emperor of the Romans greeting; the horror which I naturally have against any thing contrary to my duty joined to the faith I own to the R●man Empire, not only in respect of the general obligation which this kingdom hath as being a dependant on the said Empire, but also by a particular affection of my Family which is anciently descended from the illustrious blood of the Romans hath constrained me to send you this Letter, without respecting and having little regard to the great danger and hazard of my life, in case of discovery that the advertisement which I send you should come from me, preferring this advice which only tends to the preservation of the great Roman Empire, before my own life.  
Know then that the King Erastus my husband, who at first shown himself very affectionate to the service of the Roman Empire, from whom he holds his Crown, is so altered in his latter age, that he endeavours nothing more than your ruin, and the destruction of Rome, and yet I am ignorant of the occasion. To compass which ends, he daily endeavours to draw to his opinion, the most dexterously that he can the chief, and Governors of the Countries adjoining to this Kingdom. Nay hath many intelligences and secret practices in Italy▪ by which means he may on a sudden raise a great and strong army to surprise you unprovided; and by this means to abuse the granduer of the Roman Empire. And this he may easily perform (if you prevent him not) by the great number of men which he can raise in these Countries, who are very strong and brave warriors as every one knows. And therefore you are not only to advise how to defend yourself, but to think of Chastiseing his rashness; so that he may serve as an Example to other Princes, who shall be so hold as to rebel against the Roman Empire, and to maintain Rome in its greatness.  
Now to think of chasting him by force of Arms, as the case requires, it will be very difficult▪ and in a manner impossible, for as you very we●● know our Germans are so valiant, that all the Forces of your Empire, which I confess are very great, yet they would be to weak to subdue and conquer this Nation. Wherefore that which cannot be done by force, may more easily be performed by cunning which if you leave the management to me? I will deliver this disloyal King to you either alive or dead: provided that you warrant me in the action, and will take me into your protection, and that of your Empire, to which I account myself so much obliged, that I rather choose to keep faith with you, than with him, to whom my person is obleiged some years since: wherefore expecting Letters of assurance on your part, you may be confident of the sincerity of my heart towards you and your Empire, which I will manifest to you in short time, more by effect than words, Far you well.  
This Letter being read in full Counsel, and the importance of the affair being well considered, they were divided in their opinions, some advised that Rome ought presently to be fortified, so that the Enemies might have little mind to come and beseige a place so well provided; others on the contrary said that this was not correspondent to the grandeur of the Roman Empire▪ and that this would demonstrate their fear, which would be a thing contrary to the honour and reputation of the Roman People, who having been Conquerors of the World, would not seem to fear the barbarous Germans, without great prejudice to their honour; and therefore concluded that a potent army should be raised, and led withal expedition to chastise the rashness of those who had not only presumed to rebel, but also had sworn the ruin of the Empire.  
O her● wh● were displeased with the war, disapproved of the Germane expedition, alleging that it w●s not only difficult, but in a manner imp●ssible by force of Arms to over run a Nation so populous and Warlike as the Germans were; and to this purpose they related the many losses which the Ancient Romans had at divers times sustained, and therefore they advised under some pretence to send an Ambssadour to the King, who might by fair means remonstrate the duty which he owed to the Roman Empire, from which his Crown depended; endeavouring to persuade him to desist from making war upon the Empire, intimating that if he did prosecute his design, it would be his certain ruin.  
Others were of opinion to accept the Queen Heliodora into the protection of th● Empire n t ●●●cept of her offer, considering the great affection which she shown, by advertising them of that which might be of dangerous consequence to her. This opinion was contradicted by others, in respect that the Romans had always maintained their greatness by a military virtue, and not by any indirect courses, such as those were; wherein the Queen proposed and offered her assistance, in this variety of opinions, the greatest part of the morning was spent without taking any resolution, when the Philosopher Agathus (whose turn it was on this sixth day to defend Erastus) arose, it being his turn to give his opinion, and because all the Assembly believed him to be a wise man, of good counsel and ready judgement, every one kept silence, so that he being observed by all, he began to remonstrate by a very elegant discourse, the little appearance for any sudden motion, and less to m●ke any w●●l ke preparations up●n the simple Letter of this Queen, since that by the Letter itself wh●ch sh● h●d sent th●re appeared falsi●y and deceit in the advertisements, which proceeded rather fr●m the P●ssi●ns and d● rd●nate off ct●ons of that Prince●s, th●n f●o● any z ●l which she had for the co●se●va ion of the Roman Empire, and opening all the particulars of ●he Letter, he made out the little credit that was to be given to it▪ for as for h●r Original which she said she was derived from the illustrious blood of the Roman Senators, he proved from the Annuals and Chronicles that this was false, for he could not find that any Roman Gentleman had left Rome to marry in Germany, or that any Roman Lady ma● married thither; further adding that if it had been so (which was not to be believed) yet however that it was imp●ssible that any Roman Lady should so long remain in a barbarous Nation without being basterd●z●d: her Letter expressing that her Family was descended from the Ancient Roman blood, and therefore he concluded that this Letter could not be impa●●d to proceed from any good zeal, alleadging further that there was very l●t●le probability that this King had solicited the Neighbouring N●●ions to rebel with him, since that if it were so, it wo●ld be impossible but that the French, swedes, Hungarians, and those of the adjoining Country's who are always mo●t faithful to the Empire, should have some knowledge of it. And as for the Practices and intell●g●nces which ●he said her husband had in Italy, this m●ght easily be discovered to be untrue, in regard the affairs of Italy were as well settled as they had been for a long time: and that Italy had not ever been more at the command of the Empire than it was at that present. And therefore knowing that the said Letter was composed of falsities and impossible things, he concluded that no regard should be had thereto; for although the King of Germany should bear such intentions against the Empire, (which he could not believe, esteeming all that the Queen had written to be false,) yet he could not on a sudden raise such an Army, but that their Allies, nay the Governors of the Roman Provinces would have knowledge ●f it, who would give such timely notice thereof at Rome, that they might be well enough provided to stop their passage, more especially at the Alps. And now said he, these things being thought to be probably false, it will be necessary to resolve a doubt, which is this, what should be the cause, and what should move the Queen to write this Letter, and thereby to caluminate her Husband. As to this, the contents of the Letter being considered, the resolution is very plain, and in short is her Husband's age, for there is nothing more displeasant to a young woman than to lie by an old man's side; so that if Nature do not take them away as soon as they have a mind to it, they never leave then to study some way how to dispateh them, and I wish to God that their case would always prove as it did with a Damsel of Modena, whose story I shall willingly relate, which may serve as well to this purpose as another, if I did not doubt to displease the Counsel with my tediousness, no, no replied the Emperor, proceed and you shall very much please me, for time cannot be better employed than in hearing those things, from whence we may learn some good and profitable doctrine; whereupon the Philosopher prosecuting his discourse thus began.  
In times passed at Modena one of the famousest Cities in Italy, there was a Gentleman one of the Principal of his Country, who having spent his youthful days in the study of learning, and in several other exercises fitting his degree and quality, without subj ct●ng himself to the yoke of wedlock, being arrived to a declension in years, purposed to marry, as well out of compliance to the desires of his friends, as out of an effection to leave some issue behind him: and thereupon he took a woman his equal in riches, and the greatness of his Family, but much different in age, he being well stricken in years, and she entering into the flower of her age, who having lived with him for some time, and having had some experience of the World, she understood that although she had plenty of all manner of worldly goods, yet she wanted a full enjoyment of that one thing which women most principally covet; and understanding that her Husband could not give her a full satisfaction, she purposed to look out for it else where, so that by the assistance of her Chambermaid, she contracted love with a young man, and having had trial of his youth, she so entirely placed her affection on him, that she not only enjoyed him in private, but was not ashamed to own him before all the World. But knowing that this could not be done without great scandal so long as her husband live● she therefore endeavoured to dispatch her old Husband out of the way that she might be Married to this young one, who for his par● loved her with an equal affection, hoping that it would not be long ere they had both their wishes accomplished, in regard that the old man could not by the course of Nature live much l●nger.  
These two Lovers having sevaral times discoursed upon this subject, with a reciprocal promise of a constancy in affection, the young woman at length resolved to hasten that which Nature had so long deferred, which the young man understanding, he told her that although he should be pleased with her husband's death, yet it was necessary to consider that this hastening might wholly hinder that which they so earnestly desired, for in causing the old man to die of a violent death, Justice would take such an account of it, th●t he should be forced to forsake his Country to save his life, or to suffer a shameful death; by that means losing the pleasure which they had already tasted, and of which they hoped in time to have a full enjoyment. Upon this discourse the young woman did in part moderate her rage, yet however she endeavoured to attain her ends, but yet so as it might be thought he died of a natur●l death. And thereupon being acquainted with an old woman, who like many others commit much wickedness under the veil of devotion, she learned of her the receipt of a certain powder made of the roots of Herbs, and many other ingredients, which being taken either in Bolus, or Liquor, would cause a burning Fever, and having provided this powder, she administered it to her Husband, hoping that the Physicians judging this Fever did proceed from bad humours, would cause her husband to be purged by means of which purgation and his weakness the Physic would bereave him of his life. The powder performing its operation, put the poor Gentleman into a Fever, which he being sensible of, sent for an ●ld well experienced Physician who having examined his Patient, and found by his answers that he had not at all disordered himself; he attributed the cause of his distemper to his age; and in regard he had a young woman to his wife, whereupon he was of opinion that in straining himself more than his age would admit, to pleasure his young wife, he had caused this Fever to seize on him, and therefore he concluded not to purge him either with Medicines r Glisters, believing that a restorative would be more proper for the conservation of his Radical moisture, than to weaken him further by evacuation, seeing him already feeble enough, as well in respect of hi● age, as in regard of his straining himself with his wife.  
The poor Gentleman having remained several days in this condition, his wicked wife failed not to let him taste often of her powder, sometimes she gave it him in Broth, and other times after some other manner, that she might continue him in his Fever, but finding that this caused him only to languish and not dispatch him as she intended (for the restaurative which the Physician administrd to him was of such virtue, that it exceeded the malignity of the Fever, and maintained his radical temper) wherefore she determined to make use of absolute poison, to effect that which neither Age nor his distemper could perform, and so as it might be supposed that his Fever only did occasion his death; and thereupon having purchased some strong Poison, She mixed it with some Broth which she gave gave him as a restaurative. But fortune was at that instant so favourable to the old man, that taking the Porringer with trembling hands, he chanced to let it fall, and it became a Medicine to the Cat, which soon licked it up; the woman was very angry at this accident (pretending her displeasure to be at the loss of so precious a restaurative) and having thus spent all her Poison, for resolving to make fair work she had given him as much poison as would have killed a dozen: Wherefore that being lost, she was necessitated to give him of the true restaurative, by virtue of which the good Gentleman recovered his former health, the powder which the old she Devil had provided being likewise all spent. Whereupon the wicked woman was mad with anger, and therefore resolved whatever might happen to dispatch him out of the way; she therefore procured a sleepy potion and gave it him one night at Supper, so that the poor man began to sleep as he sat at the Table. His wife perceiving that, to express her kindness to her husband, she undressed him for bed where she purposed he should take his last sleep, and having pulled off his Clothes she very gently laid him on his Bed: In the mean time her Paramour being sent for, he attended her in an adjoining Chamber, where they were used to meet together. She soon left her husband asleep to go to her waking friend, in whose company she took her pleasure, and having inflamed him to a height, she fell upon the discourse of the long life of her husband, and understanding that her young Lover was as much troubled as herself, she told him that if he had courage enough to do one thing which she would d●rect, he might be assured to have a full and free enjoyment of that which they had so long and so earnestly desired, and expected, and therefore she pressed him to execute her desires. The young man who little thought of the wicked purposes of his Mistress, being willing to content her as it is usual for young men, told her that there was nothing so difficult but he wound enterprise for her service. He making this protestation to his Mistress, she made him swear to perform it; after which she took him by the hand and led him into the Chamber, where the good man was in a found sleep, and being approached near the Bed, she put a naked Dagger into his hand saying: Behold him who hath so long hindered the accomplishment of our desires, he is fast asleep, and will be so for these four hours, for so effectual is the sleepy potion I have given him, you have therefore the means of dispatching him from troubling us both and therefore I pray keep promise with me, and let this Dagger be instrumental in conveying him thither where long since he ought to have been. The young man was startled and troubled at these words of his Mistress, and although he loved her very well and above all things desired the death of the Gentleman, that he might be married to her; yet however he was seized with horror and compassion to see this ancient Gentleman who was in great esteem throughout Modena, to be thus cruelly dealt with by his wife; sometimes in one manner, and then after in an other, so that the consideration hereof having seized on his Spirits, being in amaze he let fall the Dagger; which this wicked and obstinate woman took up saying since your weakness and Cowardice hinders you from executing what you ought, you shall see that I am Mistress of more resolu●ion and courage than you; and lifting up the Dagger she cut the poor man's throat, who was so fast asl ep by virtue of the p ition, that without waking he went to sleep in the other World. And not contented herewith, she gave him divers blows with the D●gg●r into his heart, uttering so many outrageous speeches against him, that the young man begin to be ang y w●th her. Having thus dispatched her husband's and being covered with blood thus amazed h●r l●ver she sa●d to him; n●w that is finish d w●ich c●used all our mischief, we ought not to lose ●im b●t p●r●●e the rest, and now we have ●●ne and opportunity, and it will be long before it be day and any company w●lk the streets, let us wrap up th●● body in the●e bloody Clothes, and carry them into one obscure place without the City, wh ●e w● will b●●y h m o ●ha● n● knowledge shall ever b 〈◊〉 ●im; w● ch being d●ne I will early in th● 〈…〉 our ●●untry hou●e attended by my Ch●●●●●nd who is acquainted with all my love pr●c●●d●●g● in ●●●●ere we w ll rep●rt, that may husba●d ●●●●●vi●g into ●he Country for change of Air, an ●cc●dent ●here happened to him which soon killed him; 〈…〉 will ●e easily credited, for it is probable enough that an old man after a linger long distemper may die. This being d●ne I will cause a C●ffi● to be filled 〈◊〉 with a dead C●rps, which I will re●use to see lest I should die with grief, and making an honourable Funeral according to his quality we will then at leisure consult how to finish our affairs.  
The young man approved of the Counsel of this Murderess, and thereupon they wraped the body in the bloody Clothes, and carried it unto an unfrequented place without the City where weary few persons passed; and having digged a hole and buried him, they concluded that for the future nothing could hinder them in their Loves, but the young man was still somewhat doubtful, and according to their agreement they went to the Country to prosecute their intentions which would certainly have taken the effect; the lewd woman intended had it not been for an extraordinary accident which was not thought of, and did discover all the treason.  
This ancient Gentleman had bred up a Dog which always attended him: This dog followed the Litter wherein the woman was carried to the Countryhouse, supposing that his Master was also with her. But being come to the Village and n●t finding his Master there, he returned to the City and having hunted and sought over all the house, not leaving the least Corner untrodden; he according to the nature of Dogs began to smell and sent out his Master, and to find the place where they had conveyed his Master's body, and in conclusion he hunted so long over all the fields, that he came to the place where he was buried; & three he stayed putting his nose to the ground he scented his Master's body: whereupon this poor C●rr began to howl for his Master, and that in such pitiful manner that many who passed that ways stopped at this howling, although this was the Common lestal for the whole city: & the dog did so scratch & claw with his feet that having removed some earth he discovered one corner of the bloody cloth which he endeavoured to pull out with his teeth forbearing to tear it as if he feared to hurt his Master's body, and thus did he continue and increase his howling. This the Passengers seeing and observing the pains which the Dog took with the bloody Cloth, which be endeavoured to draw out, they therefore resolved to see what it was; the poor Dog looking sometimes upon one, and then upon another, as if he asked their assistance, fawing on those that helped him to dig, and flying on those who would hunt him away, as if he had resolved to defend this Pit even to the death; so that in conclusion people came with spades and shovels, and digging found the body wrapped up in bloody . The good Dog seeing his Master's body, began to lick it so that he cleansed it from the blood wherewith it was besmeared, and yet for all that none knew the body; the news hereof being carried through Modena, caused that many and some of the Chief of the City went to see it, among the rest several of the Murdered Gentleman's Relations, who first knew the body by the Dog, before they knew the Dog by his Master, whose body was very much disfigured. The Governor of the place having notice hereof, being a wise and understanding Person, examined the particulars of all; and being told that the Wife of the deceased was young, and the man old; he thereupon conjectured the truth of the matter, whereupon he sent Officers to the Place where the Woman had reported her Husband was gone for change of Air. The wretched Woman who was returned to Modena, hearing the noise about the Dogs and the body that was found, was about to flee, but the Officers came timely enough to seize on her and secure her and her wicked Chambermaid; she seeing herself taken and bound, and knowing in whose custody she was, freely confessed the fact, saying she very well knew the cause why she was taken, and particularly related how she had used her deceased Husband that she might be rid of him, and how she had killed him with her own hands, whereupon she was led to the Governor, where she reiterated and confirmed her disposition, further adding that she repent she had endured so much, and that she had delayed his death so long, and that if it were to do again she would do it.  
The Governor hearing this, being much troubled to see so fair a young woman so obstinate in her wickedness, which she did not endeavour to excuse, but rather to justify, he therefore condemned her to be burnt alive, at the common place of Execution in Modena, and that her Chambermaid who had not only kept her counsel, but been her assistant and companion should also suffer with and accompany her in death, and this sentence was the next day executed, this wretched woman not showing the least repentance for so wicked a crime.  
And this may be the very case of the Queen of Germany, for I am very confident, that no cause hath induced her thus miserably to calumniate the King her Husband, but only an earnest desire to have him dispatched out of her sight. True it is this woman is more cunning, & endeavours to have more assurance than she of Modena, for she would be assured of the protection and safeguard of the Empire▪ that she may with more safety execute her wicked design▪ wherefore my opinion is that she ought not to be protected in so wicked an action, but that in short an answer should be returned her, that the Roman Empire is puissant enough, not only to defend itself from those who shall dare to assault it, but also for to punish those that shall attempt any unjust action whereby this perverse Princess may know that we well enough understand the reason of her writing this Letter, and that therefore she should forbear acting of those things that deserve punishment, lest she serve as an example to others who shall attempt the like.  
And it is my earnest wish that there were none like her at Rome, and then I should not have occasion to continue my discourse, and then Sir you and w● that are your servants should not be put to the trouble we this day are at, on the ●ccasion of Prince Erastus; for certainly if the c●use were searched to the bottom, it would be found to be quite different, than his mother in 〈◊〉 h●th i●sly imputed it, to cause him to do so, that she may with the more ease contrive the same against you and b● out of fear and danger of your S●ns he● g rev●●●●d on her; this Sir, or some such curse is the only r●●son, wh●ch at present is to me unknown, but I can affi●●, as you will in conclusion s●●d, that Erastus ●●●noc●nt, not only of this fact, but of ●ll other v●i ●●●actions, if the hasty execution of a rash sentence giv●n against him d●●h not hinder the knowledge of the truth; to pr●cure which I shall follow the Nature of the Gentleman of Modena's D●g, and the example of my Companions, who have no● ceased not do not yet cease to cry that order may be, observed, and if you are not pleased to open your ears to the advertisements which we give you, have a care that our clamours be thought hereafter to be to as little purpose as the Howl of the good dog were to his Master, to discover the truth of the fact when there was no remedy. Open your eyes and your ears Sir, while it is yet time, without precipitating on an action that may cause a too late & vain repentance; if you believe that Erastus is guilty of the crime wherewith he is accused, we are of a contrary opinion, & yet none of us are upon certainties; & therefore if you put him to death, you will be accounted throughout all the world to be a wicked unjust & cruel Prince; wherefore let me prevail with you to do that which you have so often intended, to remit the cause to the trial of the Senate, to proceed according to right reason & justice; if it proves to be so as the Empress hath falsely alleged, & that Erastus be ●o d●●●●ed th●n you may execute him and us also who 〈◊〉 been his ●●●tors without incurring any infamy. And on the contrary if his Innocence doth appear as I believe it will, you will not be deprived of a Son and the Empire of a Successor.  
The Oration of good ● Igathus was pronounced with such earnestness th●● all the Senate stood up entreating the Emperor to 〈◊〉 the advice of the Philosopher, and 〈…〉 counsel could be given in a case so difficult: 〈…〉 & also by reason of the learned speeches which the Philosopher Agathus had made, the Emperor, was constrained to put a stop to the execution of the sentence of Erastus for that day, but he was troubled to hear the Empress so openly blamed before the Senate. And as for the Queen of Germany, it was concluded to give her such an answer as the Philosopher had directed, who gained very great honour in this Counsel for that he had discovered the intention of this Queen of Germany which could be no other but what he had described in regard there was no other advice if any rebellion in Germany whereupon the Counsel arose, and every one retired to their houses, expecting to hear the cause of Prince Erastus which had been left to the trial of the Senate, and it was the wishes and desires of all, that the cause should prove as the Philosophers had averred, and not according to the accusation and imputation of the Empress, whose Tyranny was hated by many, on the contrary every one admired the good carriage which they had only once seen in Prince Erastus, who was esteemed and loved by all the world.  
This History or example of the Philosopher Agathus is according to the original in the Italian and French; but there being an other story to this purpose, I shall thus relate it.   top left: representation of a male figure kneeling by a river tipping a body or corpse out of a sack; top right: representation of a male and female figure standing with a body or corpse of a male figure in a sack; middle left: representation of a male figure standing beside a body or corpse outside a bathroom or outhouse; middle right: representation of a male figure driving an armoured knight on a horse into a fire; bottom left: representation of a male figure standing with a body or corpse of a male figure in a sack beside two other sacks; bottom right: representation of a female figure standing in a doorway, with a body or corpse of a male figure falling against her 
Our Gentleman understanding the resolution of the Mistress, was as I told you married to the Maid, by which action he thought to vex the Lady which slighted him, and marry her who loved him, and that he might make the Lady and all the World believe they were mistaken in him, and that his Estate was as good as ever, he launched out all that he could to make a sumptuous wedding, so that by such time as h●s and his Bride's  were paid for, and the other expenses defrayed, not only his own Estate was consumed, but all his new wives ready money which she had picked up in her service was spent, and besides one City house and some moveables, all else was sold, and the money wasted, all the Treasure he could boast of was his wife's beauty which was indeed admirable, and so attractive that it brought her many servants and adorers, but she who was vicious enough in other matters as you shall understand ere long was virtuous in preserving her chastity for him alone who who had paid so dear for it, and refused the embraces of all her Lovers for her husband.  
They who courted her, finding that amorous language and handsome treats would not work upon her, and partly understanding her husband's condition to be necessitous, resolved to take an other course, and presented her with rings, plate, and some trifling jewels, which she accepted of, and than gave them the hearing, but yet stood out as to the main, and wou●d not admit of any near approaches, resolving since they had begun with presents that they should proceed in the same manner, and that if they had enjoyment, it should be a costly one, as indeed in the end it proved to be. Many of these suitors she had, (all which she held in hand so long as they brought grift to her Mill) but the principal were three Roman Knights, who having large revenues, not only spent largely, but presented her very roundly that they might have a lick at her honey p●●.  
Her husband was no such Novice in these affairs, but that he understood what was meant by this courtship, but being confident of his wives' chastity, (who indeed acquainted him with all her proceed, and permitted him to share in her profits) he therefore was contented, and advised with her how to manage her affairs to the best advantage; so that the 3 Knights becoming imp●rtuna●●●●uiters, and besides the presents offering her fair in moneys, she at length made a bargain with them she managed each of them severally, not one knowing the design of the other, though they were all very well known to each other, yet this was a secret they discovered not 〈◊〉 any, she having engaged them so to do for preservation of her honour.  
The some she agreed upon was 200 Crowns of each of them they were to pay, and far all alike, and to be entertained all at one and the same time and place. The appointed time being come, and one of the Knights having entered her house, and delivered the money ready told, her husband was ready to receive him, but in a fatal manner with a naked sword running him through so often, that he sunk down dead on the ground, the first being thus dispatched, it was not long after before the second came, who fared no better than the first, and the third also was forced to bear his friend's company in death.  
Thus did these three Knights fall inglorlously, and instead of pleasure they intended, they purchased a sudden death, and these two murderers were proud of their prize and conquest, believing that they had done well in preserving their honour, and supposing that if the world were acquainted with the whole matter they might well enough justify the fact, yet however they were willing and desirous to conceal it, and to that purpose they contrived a way how to be rid of the dead bodies.  
The murderess had a Brother who was Commander of the watch of the whole City, and with some attendants, such as he thought fit to choose from among the rest, he went the Rounds, and visited the several watches, he being in his Circuit was called in by his Sister, who gave him and his crew a sufficiant quantity of strong liquor, and keeping them in k●n house so long that it was too late to pro●a●● in his walk she desired him to send away hi● Attendants; and that she had a private h●● private business to impart to him. He consented to what his loving Sister desired, and they being gone, she tells him that she hath somewhat to impart that he must be very secret in, and withal assist her in or else she was undone; he not questioning the matter what, makes her an absolute general promise to do all things she would desire, she having thus assured him, she tells him a Knight of the Emperor's Court came that day into her house, and intended an abuse to her but was hindered by her husband, who by chance arrived and being Choleric and the other desperate, they so far engaged together that her husband having the Juster cause overcame and slew his enemy whose body remained there in the house unburied, and that without his assistance they knew not how to convey it away. Well Sister replied he I will rid you of that trouble; help me to a Sack and I will put the body into it and carry it on my back and throw it into the River Tiber, whose streams will quickly convey it into the Sea, so that you shall hear no more of it.  
His Sister did as he required, and desired him by all means to return thither again, so soon as he had done what he promised: He accordingly did as he had said and soon returned, bidding her take no more care for by that time the body was carried far enough by the violence of the stream, she hearing him say so fetched him a cup of the best liquor her house afforded, but pretending some business in the next Room to that where they were drinking, she went thither? but hastily and as it were in amaze returned crying out, Oh Lord! Brother I am undone; for the Knight which you so lately carried to the River is returned and lies here: How said he, it is impossible; but going thither he there found the body of a dead Knight, whom he supposed was as she told him the former returned. Well said he give him me again, and I will try what can be done and now make sure work, for I will throw him in again Sack and all and a great stone tied to it; having aid thus he takes the body puts it into his Suc● lays it on his shoulders, and carries it where he had said; and returned saying, now Sister assure yourself I have secured all well enough, for I saw the body sink to the very bo●●om: therefore fill the other dish of liquor and let us be merry. She did as he desired and they drank on, but not long before she made the same excuse as formerly, and came running and frighted, crying out that the Knight's body was again returned.  
Her Brother hearing her speeches and seeing a dead body (which indeed was of the third Knight though she said it was the first) was much amazed concluding that this Knight was borne under some Planet whose influence was such that the water should not prejuduce him, wherefore he resolved to take another course, and try what the fire would do: therefore he puts it into a Sack and carries it to a place without the City where there was much Wood, this he put together in such manner about the dead body that it might be consumed He having placed all things in order, and set fire to the Wood, retired a little out of the way to do the deed of Nature.  
In the mean time, it growing towards morning a Knight who was Journeying to the Emperor Court, chanched to ride that way, and seeing a fire the weather being cold & raw, he drew near to it to warm himself, and in this posture did our Overseer of the watch find him when he returned, whereupon he asked what he was, a Knight replied the Traveller, you are a Devil and no Knight said the Overseer, for I first carried you into the River and threw you in, but you returned, I then again threw you in sack and all with a stone, but you still returned, and then I finding that the water had no power over you, tried what the fire could do and intended here to burn you, but I think to no purpose, for I see you are come out again, yet I will once again try what I can do, and thereupon he seized on the travelling Knight, and threw him horse and all into the fire, and their stayed tell they were burned.  
By this time it was day, and he having done his work throughly as he believed, returned to his Sister's house, telling her what he had done, and how that at last he threw him and horse too into the fire, she seemed to admire at it, and was very well contented with the story, and having treated her Brother with good drink and victual, and many thanks she permitted him 〈…〉,  
Thus did the 〈◊〉 woman perform this enterprise, coming off with flying colours, and the baggage of the field, ●hree considerable bags of money which was very welcome to her and her husband, to price up their broken fortunes, and thus did she often times g●t many of her several wooers, till at last she came off with loss, and thus it was.  
Among her many lusty wooers, she had one a little dapper fellow for her servantt by profession a Lawyer, he having a month's mind to be dabbling with her, made his addresses to that purpose, he was rich and prodigal, she covetous and a niggard of her favours which must be purchased at a dear rate; he had tried the virtue of his tongue, but it had no virtue at her bar without that which caused it to speak at the Judges, ready m●n● was used to oil his tongue, and that must be produced before she would give the comfortable word you shall have your desire; but in the end he agreeing to give her what she desired she consented, but she intended it not, for of all men she liked not this Handy-prat Lawyer; and therefore intended to serve him as she had done the three Knights.  
She acquainted her Husband with her design, who was willing enough to assist and take part in the pain, because he was to take part in the gain.  
It was a tall sum she agreed upon, 300 crowns which she pretended she would only borrow for some time, but designed never to pay; the time being come the poor Lawyer came to the place her own house, and delivered the money, but so soon as he attempted to take his pleasure with her, he had it with a vengeance, with a lusty blow laid on between his neck and shoulders, with a large cudgel that set him a sprawling, as it used to do Coneys, there needed not many blows, nor no sword to dispatch him, that one with the staff was sufficient; so that he soon kicked up his heel, and went to plead causes in the other world.  
They being certain of his death, consulted what to do with his body, which not being wounded, they resolved on this case, the murdering Husband took him on his back and carried him to the back side of the Lawyers own house, which was not far distant, and there being a house of office in the yard, he set him down on the fear, as if he had been there easeing his body, and thus having placed him; he there left him, and went home,  
The Lawyer had a companion and bedfellow who was acquainted with his love story, and knew of that night's appointment and therefore did sit up for him, he having occasion to visit the house of Office, opening the door saw one sitting there, although he could not imagine who it should be, yet out of modesty he retired for some time, but attending somewhat longer than ordinary, and seeing the Party did not come out he again opened the door, and making a nearer approach perceived that it was his friend the Lawyer: he wondered at his being there, supposing he was in an another place, wherefore he called him by his Name▪ but received no answer; he then believing him to be asl●ep, and resolving to awake him, pulled him by the C●●t, fi●st softly, and then so rudely that he fell on the flow r, he seeing that, upon a little further search found that he was dead.  
Our Lawyer's Chamberfellow being ready witted, was not long in considering the matter, but g●●ssed how all had happened, and , resolved to carry the dead body back to the place from whence he was brought, and thereupon taking him up in his arms, he went to the house where he had been murdered, and setting him upright against the door, he there left him and returned to his lodging.  
Our Murderess had some occasi●● about midnight to go to the door, opening it, d●wn ●ll 〈◊〉 b die into the house, to her great amazement and ●●●ble; but when she brought a Candle, and saw that it was the body of the dear Lawyer, she was extremely terrified, calling out to ●er Husband, and acquainting him with the business, he was 〈◊〉 ●●en troubled as she had been, but knowing the● 〈◊〉 a ●●●●ssi y of doing somewhat, he resolved to c●rry the b●dy and throw i● into to the River, he was to pass through divers streets, but in the midst of his Journey he heard a noise of People walking and talking; he having a guilty conscience, and fearing all things stood up at a convenient corner to hear and see what these People were, it was not long ere they came so near him, that he could discover by their words and actions that they were night walkers, shoplifts, or house-breakers, and that they having met with some prise or booty, which they had in a sack, were resolved to leave it on a stall, and retire to a Tavern to make merry.  
Our Murderer understanding this, perceaving that they were gone, came from the place where he had stood up, and examining the Sack, found there was in it two flitches of Bacon, he was not long in resolving what to do, but taking the Bacon out of the Sack, put the dead man into it, and placing it on the stall went home laden with the Bacon. His wife expected his return, but seeing him laden was affrighted, thinking he had brought back the body, but he getting in a doors undeceived her, showing her the Bacon, and acquainting her how all had happened, she understanding that they were enriched by an other Prise went to bed, being very well pleased with her evenings work.  
The night walkers who had the Bacon, went to the Tavern and drank so long there that all their money would not pay their reckoning; wherefore they bethought themselves of selling their Bacon, and having drank their Landlord to a handsome Pitch, they told him that they had a bargain for him, he asked what? and they replied Bacon, this is good chaffer said he, if I could see it, whereupon one of them went to the place where they had left their Bacon, and soon after returned, and setting down his load they opened the Sack, but instead of Bacon the Lawyer's head appeared. This amazed them all, but the Vintner more especially, who cried out they had murdered his Neighbour; who was well known to him, and indeed to all the City: they were as much surprised as he, and knew not at first what to say, but although he threatened to secure them as murderers, yet in conclusion they overruled and persuaded him to be patiented, and told him all they knew of the story, and that they took it for Bacon, and had it in such a place▪ a Chandler's back house, which indeed they had plan●red, and that thither they would carry it again. The Vintner understanding by their discourse that there was a mistake in the case, and believing that he should only purchase trouble by his meddling in it, and it may be, be accounted a party, he therefore was contented to be ruled by them and thereupon they went to the Chandler's house from whence they had the Bacon, and carried the body and laid it there and so departed. The Chandler at whose house they had left the body did that morning call up his servant early to carry Corn to the Mill, to be ground, the servant ariseing and having fitted his horse and his corn for his journey, had a mind to a breakfast before he went, and a rasher of Bacon was that which he desired wherefore up he went to the Bacon loft, but instead of Bacon, he met with the Sack and dead Lawer which tumbling on him, threw him down, he crying out up went his Master to see what was the matter, where he found his man tumbling and rolling with a man in a Sack, he wondered to find a dead man there; but missing his Bacon he supposed they who had took the one had brought the other, but now it was there he studied how to be rid of it; wherefore having brought his man to his little wits, they resolved that he should carry the dead body with him towards the Mill, and by the way either drop him or bury him. The servant agreeing to what his Master said, intending to do so, but falling into company who went the same way, he had not the opportunity to do it all the way he road to the Mill, so that being come thither, and having delivered his Sack of Corn to the Miller, he then hunted about to find a place where to put the dead body. It was winter time the nights long and it was not yet day, however the Miller was up and had provided a Cart load of meal to carry to the City, to sell, the Chandler's man seeing this took one of the Sacks of meal & taking some of it out, and stuffing out the sack wherein the Lawyer's body was, with it made an exchange and laid the sack with the Lawyer & meal on the car●, taking the other sack & laying it on his horse & having his own sack of corn ground, he took that also and returned homewards.  
This wand'ring body of our dead Lawyer was now on the Miller's Cart, who soon after set forwards to market, and exposing all to sale; but mark how pr●vide●er ordered the matter to discover this Murder, and the true Act●r● of it. Our murderer and his Wife being possessed of a round sum of mon●y, and two flitches of Bacon, did resolve to have more store of prov sion, and lay in Meal as well as Bacon; and therefore went the next day to market to purchase s●me; although they came lightly by their money, yet knowing the want of it they resolved not to part from it easily but buy a good pennyworth, and therefore they examined all the market where to buy ch●●pest, and at last they pitched upon the Miller who had the little Lawyer in a Sack, that was set down in the open market, but tied up as a Sack of meal; the woman having cheapened and tried tha● the Miller would use her well, agreed upon price for two S●cks full, one which he opened and another w●● he warranted to be of the same goodness but seeing being believing; She caused him to open the Sack, and she herself thrusting in her hand intending to d●●w 〈…〉 handful of Meal; caught hold of the Lawyer's ha●●, she therefore tells the Miller he intended to cheat her with some worse commodity than Meal, wherefore to be sure, some of the Meal being taken out the Lawyer's head appearing, she cried out; Oh Lord! husband's the Lawyer you killed is come again: Although she spoke this in an affrighted, distracted manner, yet she was observed and notice was taken by some persons there present and the Lawyer's head being seen by the multitude tha● gathered together upon this account, caused a great amazement; all concluded that Murder had been committed, but how strangely none could guests. The Miller was secured as owning the Sack and Meal, and our murderess and her husband, although they would have slunk their necks out of the Choler and denied what she had said, yet they also were seized on and carried before the Justice.  
The noise of this accident was soon spread through all the City, and came to the ears of our Lawyer's Chamberfellow, who knowing somewhat of the truth of the matter, went to the Justices to hear what would be said of the Whole; but there was little proof of any thing, till he declared that he knew his Companion the dead Lawyer, went the foregoing evening to the house of the murderess whom I may now truly call so; she being supposed to be guilty therefore she and her husband were both committed to Jail, and being separated and put into several Prisons and strictly examined; it was not long before she confessed the whole fact, and also accused her husband for murdering the afore mentioned three Knights, so that justice taking place, they were both sentenced to die and accordingly executed.  
Thus although this woman pretended to a great height of virtue in preserving her Chastity, yet was she guilty of a greater crime murher; which was the loss of all who had any converse with her. Therefore we ought not to give credit to every seeming virtue, for some Vice may exceed it.  
This story or example may be and hath been applied to the same purpose as the former of the Lady of Modena; to show the cruelty and little credit that is to be given to women, and this or the former preserved the life of Prince Erastus for one day longer.   

CHAP. XIX. The Empress moveth the Emperor to proceed to the execution or Erastus, and to put the seven Philosophers into Prison by a discourse which she made him of two marvails at Rhodes one of a fire not to be put out, which however was extinguished by a Scholar. The other of a Colunine wherein might be seen all passages and actions that were contrived against the Isle of Rhodes, which was destroyed by the knavery of three Philo ophers, under pretence of finding great Treasures under it, wh●ch occasioned the ruin of Rhodes.   from top to bottom: representation of a male figure and female figure standing next to a sack with a head emerging from the top, nearby four male figures seated at a table; representation of a male figure standing on a cart next to a windmill, nearby a saddled horse grazing; representation of a market-place, with male and female figures standing around baskets and sacks, with a head emerging from the top of one; representation of a male figure lowering a pike on a statue of a male figure holding a drawn bow and arrow, near them a fire beneath an arch; representation of a pillar supported by statues of an eagle and a lion, nearby an emperor or king and three other male figures 
And having understood that he arrived late, and had not (according to Custom) come to see her, and discourse with her, she became desperately angry, and having for some time continued so, but knowing that she lost time, in expectation of the Emperor, she therefore resolved to go to him,  
Having stayed till every one was retired, she being accompanied by two of her Damsels, went to the Emperor's Chamber just as he was going to bed.  
There she began to sigh and cry, and make the greatest complaints in the world; she having (as she said) performed all dutiful love to her Husband, as to her sovereign Lord, yet she was so unfortunate, that (although a reciprocal love was pretended) she was mocked, and she believed hated, as might be easily conjectured by the effects: for instead of revenging the injury had been done to her, he had not only favoured him that had deserved the punishment, but also harkened to the Counsels of those who had occasioned all this evil; by pretence of defending their Disciple by false inventions, and fraudulent speeches had not forborn to speak unworthily of her, and accuse her of that which she never so much a● dreamt of, and had been so confident as to persuade the Emperor that she had caused and procured that against him, which he with his own eyes had seen acted against her; much wondering that he should so much debase himself, as before his Counsellors to appear so friendly to these traitorous Philosophers, who made no difficulty; so much to work on his easiness, as to persuade him that black was white; further adding that she valued not how much she suffered in the opinion of all the world, so long as she enjoyed his love and good opinion; which she sound would be difficult to continue, by means of these men's venomous tongues, who endeavoured to possess him with an evil opinion of her. But she still hoped he would do her justice, in punishing those who had so highly prejudiced her honour; telling him that if he should refuse that justice, she could easily have it by other means; for her Relations being advertized of the great outrages that these Philosophers had spoken against her, w●uld not let them pass unpunished, but would execute such vengeance as the presumption and rashness of these Calumniators, and the greatness of her house did require; nay, she did not question but their revenge would reach against Erastus himself, in regard he had been so backward in executing justice for the great wrong which more entrenched upon his honour than hers. But especially if he should hinder the course of justice, as he had done in only condemning, and rather giving him the means of escaping by this delay, and permitting him to live, to the great scandal of the Empire; and truly (continued she) I foresee to my great grief, that in the conclusion these wicked men will execute their malignity against your person, to the ruin and destruction of the Commonwealth, and it will happen to you as it did to Philarchus' King of Rhodes, whose story I would relate to you, if I thought that my true discourse would b● as effectual with you, as those false ones of the Philosophers.  
The Emp●r●ur having considered of the complaints of the Empress, made many excuses, assuring her that the delaying the execution of Erastus was not in any respect of any desire he had to hinder the course of justice wch-she intended should proceed not only against his son, but also against those who having the charge of instructing him in g●od learning and good manners, had it couraged him by their wicked instructions, to commit that lewdness which they had seen, and who under pretence of defending him, had spoken so ignominiously against her virtue: but that the Senate had so pressed him, that he had not power to deny that which the Laws grant to all Criminals, that is to give them time to justify and defend themselves, and although Erastus had already had six day's time to defend himself, during which time he had heard nothing absolute to signify that what he was accused of was not true, as indeed it was, he therefore purposed not to delay it any longer, desiring the Empress ●o depend upon his word, that in a very short time she should be revenged of all the wrongs she had received either of Erastus or the Philosophers; and therefore he prayed her to relate the story of the King Philarchus, which was a great Novelty to him, who had never heard any thing thereof; neither had he read any thing thereof in any History, assuring her that as to his great trouble, he had been constrained in full Senate to hear the calumnious discourses of the Philosopher Agathus, so on the other side he should take as great pleasure in hearing the Narrative of Philarchus.  
Although the Empress would not at first consent to give the Emperor this satisfaction, making excuses that she might cause the Emperor to be the more earnest, yet in conclusion after much importunity she began as followeth.  
All people do very well know the great renown which in times past was had of the City of Rhodes, as well by reason of the Antiquity thereof, as for the famous University that was there: where all manner of learning did flourish, and out of this further respect and consideration that the Inhabitants of that City had by force of arms subdued not on●y all the Island, but also the greatest part of the adjoining Countries.  
There were many rare things in the Island, but principally two that were admirable and profitable, ●●e was of great use and service to the poor, and the other was for the preservation of the Country. These two mervails were in the public place, under two great triumphant Arches made of Marble, in one of which there was a fire, that without any Wood or Goals, or any other fuel did continually burn, yielding so great a heat, that the poor Inhabitants who wanted fire at home, came commonly to this, so that many of the Rhodians spared making fire in their own houses, having the convenience of warming themselves at this public fire, just opposite to this fire there was a great statur of brass, holding in his left hand a Turkish bow, which he had so drawn with his right, that the very point of the arrow which was drawn to the head, and ready to discharge, touched the wood of the bow whereon was written.  
Strike me not, for if you do,  
I have more power t'offend than you.  
Under the other Arch there was a Column which did shine very bright, and none knew of what materials it was composed, some supposed it to be of one unknown stone; others were of opinion that it was composed of divers metals, but what ever it was made of, the brightness was so great that it shined clearly under all the Arch, thi● Column wa● supported by four other stutues of brass, made in the figures of animals, the one was of an Eagle, the other of a Lion, the third of a Griffin, and the fourth of a Horse. And although this Column was thus bright & shineing as any looking glass, yet a man could not see himself therein, neither could one see any thing that was adjoining, as is usual to do in any other Looking-glasses, or other things that are polished, yet it had this admirable property ● that when a●y thing was enterprised against the City of Rhodes, or when any Prince did raise forces to assault the Rhodians, all might be seen in the Column, so plainly that you might behold those that made these erterprises, and by the same means see from what Parts the Enemies came, for the Rhodians could not in any manner be surprised, for no soo●er was any thing intended, and contrived against the City, but the Column presently discovered it, and therefore the Rhodians were by means of this Column always provided for their Enemies, 'tis imp●ssible to tell wh● was the Inventor and Architect of these two Columns, it being altogether uncertain, yet it is supposed that some g●e●t Magician, (for at all times that City hath bred men of knowledge, and well experienced in all Arts) made them both; and the Rhodians were as proud of these two Columen, as of any thing that was in then whole Country; and yet so great 〈◊〉 them certainty of all things in the world, (where nothing is perpetual) th●t b●th these marvalous things 〈◊〉 ●e destroyed 〈◊〉 ●han was convenient for the g●●● of the 〈…〉.  
This Univ●●●● 〈…〉 all the world, wa● 〈…〉 of all N●tions, among oth●●● the●● was one who after long study of the cau●●●● th● undistinguishable fire tha● without wo●d or other materials burned continu●●●y, and having searched diligently, but not fi di●g the natural cause, turning his face he perceived the ●●r●ing ●hich was in the Bow of the Brazen Arche●● 〈◊〉 which I have spoken, and thinking with 〈◊〉 h●w it should be possible that an innanimate and senseless thing, should give a greater blow, than he that should strike that, wherefore he purposed to make trial, and having taken a halberd, he struck it as hard as he could against the breast of the Archer; but he had no sooner given the blow, when the Archer discharged his Arrow directly into the inextinguishable fire which presently vanished; so that the place became as cold as if there had never been any fire there; at which the yo●ng Scholar was amazed, and doubting what would become of him if it were known, that through his folly the unextinguishable fire was put out, h● ran away as fast as he could, having deprived the City of Rhodes of one of the greatest commodities; and indeed the disturbance occasioned by the loss of this fire was very great, for all the Inhabitants but principally the poor ones were very much interested and troubled at the loss; and it was not long after that they lost the other marvel.  
This happened in the reign of Philarchus King of Rhodes, who had a difference with Nichomachus King of Cyprus, for certain ships which the King of Rhodes had taken from the Cypriots, refusing to restore them; although the King Nichomachus had often prayed and solicited the King Philarchus both by Letters, and Ambassadors; wherefore the King of Cyprus being angry, resolved to be revenged for the abuse the Rhodians had done him, but he could not raise any forces, and surprise the Rhodians by reason of the admirable virtue of the Column, which discovered all to King Philarchus, so that by this means he had time to prepare for his Enemies; this enmity being between these two Princes, the one no● b●ing willing to be at the charge of a War, doubting h● should lose his labour, and the other not valuing his Enemies, knowing that they could not surprise him; three of these under pretence of dispiseing riches, and the greatness of the world, but had no other end but to make themselves both great and rich, (such as these Philosophers are, in whom you put so much confidence) seeing the great gain they might get by the difference between these two Princes; after they had a long time consulted the matter among themselves, they went to King Nichomachus, to whom making themselves known to be wise men, (as they were esteemed) they told him that if he would give them conveniences, they would undertake to ruin and destroy the miraculous Column of Rhodes, so that nothing should after that be seen in it, which being done, he might easily attain his ends of Philarchus; by taking him unprovided; the King of Cyprus who desired nothing more earnestly, than to have the means to be revenged for the wrong which Philarchus had done him; assured these Philosophers that he would not spare for any thing to accomplish this design, though it cost him his Crown; further promising to give them all that they should ask, if they would perform what they had said, nay, he promised to make them partakers with him in his Kingdom if they would live in Cyprus; praying and entreating them to perform it with all speed.  
You shall see it in short time answered the Philosophers, but to attain your desires, you must provide us three Ancient Vessels, which must be filled with Gold, wherewith we shall in such manner blind Philarchus, and those who have the keeping of this miraculous Column, that they shall as well be deprived of that, as they were of the unextinguishable fire, which they had in their City.  
The King of Cyprus who was very rich, seeing their demands were so small, said to the Philosophers, if Gold will finish the enchantment of the Column of Rhodes, we will easily attain our ends, as yourselves shall see; and thereupon he shown them his great treasure, telling them they might take as much as they pleased; and that they should fill certain Ancient Vessels which he had furnished them withal.  
The Philosophers having made choice of three Vessels, one made of Earth, and the other of Brass, and the third of Silver, they filled them with Gold, as much as a man could carry, and having taken their leaves of the King, they departed for Rhodes in a Friggat which they had provided, were being landed, they each of them took one of these vessels under their Arms, going straight to the City of Rhodes, and being near it they buried one of their Vessels in a place which they took special notice of; then going into the City, they did the same with the other two, burying them near to the principal Church of the City, so ordering the Earth that it could not be discerned, that the place had been lately diged.  
This being done and they having remained some time in Rhodes, and agreed among themselves how they should accomplish what they had promised the K●ng of Cyprus; they went, early one morning to King Philarchus, of whom having demanded private audience, and obtained it, they told him they three were Brethren, and that they had spent all their time in the study of Sciences, and obersly in the Art of Magic; wherein they had so well profited, that by the means of their knowledge, and of certain Sacrifices and Invocations which they made always; observing th● di position of the Moon, each of them saw in the night time, certain treasure that was buried in any place near unto th●se parts where they at present did reside; and having known by their Art, that the City of Rhodes did abound in hidden treasures more than any o●her place in the world; they were therefore come thither to practise their knowledge, which they had no intention to d●, without first having the Licence and permission of his Majesty, entreating him to permit them to make discovery of those hidden treasur●, wh●ch remaining under ground wer● unp ofitabl●●o any, p●omiseing to give him all that should be fou●d, and tha● he might bestow on them what part of it h● should p●●ase.  
Philarchus hearing this discourse of the Philosopher, could not at first believ● that they were so skilful as they professed themselves to be but having examined them about other particular affairs, in which he found them knowing, he changed his mind, and esteemed them to be wise men, as indeed th●y were so that he resolved to make trial of their knowledge, in regard that he himself had heard, that in the Isse of Rhodes (which had always been accounted very rich) several measure● had b●en found out, which had been formerly buried in the ●ime of the wars, and therefore having courteously ●●ceaved them, he with cheerful countenance told them that they were very welcome, offering them lodging in his Castle, so long as they should please to stay at Rhodes, and that he would take order for all such necessary provision as they should please to have; they having very humbly thanked the King, l●dged in the Castle, concluding thus with him, that so soon as they should understand by their Art that the M●on was in a condition for them to make their Sacrifices a●d invocations, they would acquaint the King therewith, so that he with his own ey●s might see the truth which they had told him. This Philarchus very well approved of, who having took leave of the Philosophers, caused them to be honourably entertained in the Castle, commanding the Masters of his house, and all his other Officers and Treasurers to give them all they they should desire, and to provide all necessaries for them.  
Some days af●●r this the Philosophers told the King Philarchus, th●● the M●on was very well disposed for them to make their Sac●●fice●, so that the following night the youngest of the three would have a Vision and Rev●la●i n.  
The King being very gl●d of this advertisement, prayed them to put their off●irs in so good order, that they might not lose that opportunity, whereupon these knavish Philosopher's put on their Priestly habits, & having sanctified & purified him who was to see the vision by presume & holy waters & h●v●ng made their invocations and Sacrifices, with a world of Ceremonies which they said were necessary, they wraped him who was to divine, in the skins of those beasts that they had Sacrificed, and having left him there alone (for they told the King that it was convenient so to do) they went to rest themselves, having first assured the King, that the n●xt morning he should have Intelligence of some hidden Treasure; the King being so near seeing the experience of the Philosopher's promises, was so impatient that, that night seemed to be a whole year, thinking the day never come soon enough, to make proof of the truth or falsehood of these three Brothers. So that as soon as day break he went to the Philosopher's lodgings, who making him believe that they were in contemplation and prayer, did not stir un●ill such time as the King entering their Chamber, asked how the matter went; whereupon these Rascals feigning to be awaked from a deep sleep, made th●ir obeisance to him, saying that it would not be long before the Dreamer would come out, whom they must attend so that they nor no other persons might en●er into the place where he was. And thereupon so ●n after th● Dreamer came forth from his Chamber, clothed in his Priestly habiliments requisite for the visions he was to see. On a sudden the Philosophers prostrated themselves on their knees before him; advising the King to do the same, saying that this honour appertained to those who had been all the night in the counsel of the Gods so that they were made participators of the divinity of those G●ds with whom they had comunicated, & then after that the Dreamer had caused himself to be adored for some certain time, he made a sign with his hand that his Priestly habits should be taken off, & his own put on; then being dressed in his usual Clothes he said to the King Sir, I bring you good news by the Revelation of the God Pluto, who hath power over all the Treasures that are out of the power & mannagement of men. I therefore tell you that this night I have seen a Vessel of earth full of Gold, in a place without the City and yet very near the same, which was hidden there many a hundred year since; the place is without the Eastern Gate, 333. paces from the City walls, in a direct line against the Sunrising, so that with the help of an Astraloble I can easily show you the place where the Treasure lies: And because according to the Revelation which I have had, this Treasure is to be discovered at six of the Clock in the morning let us readily pray to God Pluto for to find us upon the place at the hour he hath appointed Assuring you Sir, that since we find Treasure without the City, that we may very well expect to find greater abundance within it. The King being joyful to hear what this Dreamer had said, desired the company to return thanks to God Pluto, according to the usual Ceremonies, and that he would not fail at the hour appointed, to be at the place where the Gold was hidden, saying that he would be there himself, to see the issue of the business, this the Philosophers approved of that the King finding what they had said was true, should put the more confidence in them, to believe what else they should acquaint him with, so that by this means they might execute what they had intended. Having returned thanks according to their ceremonies they mounted on horseback to follow the King and principal Courtiers, and they went towards that gate without which the Philosopher had said the treasure was hidden  to his relation when they were come thither, the dreaming Philosopher took an Astrolabe and a Quadrant to find out the full ●ast, where he was to pr●ce●d and to measure Geometrically the Pac●s between the Walls and the plac● where t●e Treasure was to be. And having diligently measured it, he assured the King and the Company that in that very place the Treasure was; and then having inv●●ked the G●d Pluto, he caused them to dig with fresh assurance that it was the right place. T●e King ●●●ging to ●ee the truth of this assa●●●, commanded to dig wi●●al diligence, carefully observing what the Pioners did do: But it was not long before the Pioners did discover the Vessel which the King ●eeing, he himself wou●d take it up to see what was in i●; and finding it to be just as the Philosopher had said, he returned towards the Castle very well satisfied, honouring and treating the Philosophers w●th all kindness; hoping by their means to be Master of a world of Gold. And after he had given them great presents, he e●quired when they might have another Revelation? to t●is they answered that they must be governed by the Moon, and that they must wait until another change o● the Moon, because the aspects of the Moon and Sun, which was requisite on this occasion; happened b●● once in a month, assuring the King that they w●uld advertise him when the time should come, wh● in expectation thereof endeavoured to ho●●ur and pleasure them in all that he could. In fine, the increasing of the Moon coming ●h●y acquainted the King that the following night the e would be a vision, which the middlemost of the three was to be concerned in, and therefore having performed th●ir ordinary sacrifice, and observed the same order that I have before related to you. The next day the King coming to them, the Dreamer said to him Sir, I have good news, for this day we shall find in the City twice as much Gold as we found the other day, and having remarked the place where the Treasure was to be, and found it out by means of the Astrolabe and the Quadrant, and having used the usual Ceremonies, they began to dig near the Temple in that place where the Philosophers had buried the two other Vessels, having placed one much deeper than the other; also the Dreamer had told that the Treasure which he had seen was contained in two Vessels of Mettle whereof the one was richer than the other, and that the richest would be the deepest in the ground; wherefore after they had for some time digged they began to discover the br zenocrate Vessel, and following their work as the Philosopher directed they also found the Vessel of Silver, both which were filled with Gold. This did so increase the affection of King Philarchus towards these Rascally Philosophers, that he did nothing without their advice and counsel, and had them always in his Company commanding that they should be honoured as he himself was.  
And now was be in great expectation to see the effects of the third Philosopher's vision, which was to be at the third Moon, and on the other side the Philosophers thought of nothing more but the means how they should perform their promise, which they had made to King Nichomachus;  to which design they went one morning early to the King, to whom they with cheerful Countenances told that the Moon was disposed for the vision, so that the following night they should have the third Revelation which would concern the most ancient of the three Philarchus being very joyful at this news commanded that all things requisite for their Sacrifice, should be provided: And now using greater Ceremonies then ordinary, as the age of the person required, at their desire every one departed expecting what the Dreaming Philosopher would say the next morning; after the Sun was up the three Philosophers went to the King's lodgings, the Dreamer being in the middle whither being come, he with smiling countenance said. Sir▪ g ve me your hand, for I bring you the best news you have had this long time; know then that in the City, not far from hence there is a Treasure three times as large as that which we have already found, and the Vessels that contain it are much more rich than the others: true it is that there will be some difficulty to come at it, for Pluto seeing the greatness of the Treasure, hath placed it very deep in the earth yet that shall be but little hindrance, for since it is discovered it will be free.  
The place ●here the Treasure it posited, it six hundred paces from the Palace, (you may take notice that these Rascals had taken the pains privately to measure the distance which was between the Column and the Palace) directly towards the South, which was the very place where the Column stood. The King hearing this news was very well pleased, and pressed the Philosophers to make haste and find out the place; whereupon he went accompanied with divers Princes and Lords▪ where being come the Dreaming Philosopher began to Calculate the distance of the place by the Astrolabe and having marked by the Quadrant the exact place of the last pace, it happened to be exactly in the midst of the Pedestal, and of the Base of the Column, and having measured and calculated very exactly, he affirmed that the treasure was placed directly under the Column.  
Philarchus seeing this began to be suspicious, so that he looked as white as a Clout, appearing to be more like a Ghost than a living man, but spoke clearly, that he would not by no means suffer any digging under the Column choosing rather to be without the gold & lose all that he already had rather than hazard the miraculon Column, which might truly be said to be the Column and prop to the Kingdom of Rhodes; to this the Ancient Philosopher answered, that truly it would be great imprudence to hazard so rich and so excellent a treasure as the Column was, which surpassed and exceeded all the treasures in the world; and that only to gain another lesser treasure which was hidden in the earth, but if so great a treasure might be attained as that which was hidden without damageing the miraculous Column, that then it would be indiscretion to let it alone there. I dare undertake said he, and so may others to keep this Column with Timber which I will place round about it, which shall support it as formerly, that it shall be impossible to damage it, and these Engines shall be so strong, and so orderly placed, that you may dig under the foundation as much as you will, without the least prejudice in the world, and when the treasure is taken from underneath it, a new and better foundation may be laid, then that which is there now, whereby the miraculous Column may perpetually perform its office.  
King Philarchus hearing this, began to consider, yet being still fearful of hazarding his rich Column, but withal very desirous to have the treasure which he certainly believed was underneath; wherefore he desired the Philosopher to make a case for the Column, as soon as possibly he could, and to provide the other Engines to support it according to his best skill saying that as he found the Engines to be strong, he would consider whether he would have any digging under the Column or not. The Philosopher who desired no more, being very glad that they had brought the King to this point, in very cheerful manner told him, so Sir be confident of this, that the Engine which we shall make, shall be so strong that they shall be not only capable of sustaining the miraculous Column, but sufficient to support a Tower, so that all the digging that shall be used under it, shall not move it, but it shall remain as firm as if fixed on a sure foundation; and thereupon they made an Engine of wood to be as a case to the Column, so that nothing could harm or touch it, this being done as the Pyoneers wrought, these Philosophers were very curious that the Column should suffer no prejudice by dust, and the better to preserve it, they covered that and the four Animals which served as supporters with , and they filled all the void places between the Case and the Column with Wool; but these Traitors privately mixed Pitch and Tar, not permitting any to h●ve a hard in this pretended preservation of the Column, and that for fear that their treason should be discov●red; after this was done they desired the King and several Engineers to take a view of the Engines they had made to support the Column; and this view being made, it was agreed on all hands that they might with safety dig under the Column; whereupon the King was well pleased and contented, and commanded that without any delay they should proceed to digging; then the Pyoneers began, but although they d gged all day, yet they found nothing, nay, they continued their work for part of the night, which the Philosopher seeing, he pretended to measure and calculate with his Astrolabe, and having been diligent in his calculation, he told the King that the treasure was yet as deep again in the ground as they had digged; and therefore it would be convenient to defer the digging until the next morning, assuring him, that he should then see great matters.  
Upon his promise the King retired, very desirous to see this great treasure discovered, certainly believing that i● would be very great; considering that which had been already found out, and which in conclusion was too great for him, for instead of a treasure which he thought to find, he lost that which was of more vain than all the treasures in the World.  
The Philosophers having made provision of all things necessary for the finishing their treason, and being assured of a Friggat, they went about midnight, when all the world were asleep, to the place where the Column stood, and having anointed and bedaubed the case and wooden Engine, and all the Materials about the Column with Oil, Grease, and other ingredients fit to take fire, they put a barrel of Pitch, Sulphur and other Materials just underneath the Column, and having set fire to it, on a sudden it made a terrible execution,  
The Philosophers seeing this, and finding all things to be as they desired▪ and that the Column could not possibly escape being destroyed, and knowing they had no more to do at Rhodes, they embarked themselves in their Friggat, where they had privately conveyed not only their Gold and Silver, but also several rich things which they had of the Kings; which they easily procured, as having liberty to take any thing they had a mind to without any contradiction, for so the King had commanded, and the Mariners plied their Oars so lustily, that by the next morning they had lost the sight of Rhodes, in which there was a great uproar; for these Traitors had placed so much wood about the Column, under pretence of securing it, that it caused so great a fire, that it not only consumed the Column which was their principal design; but also the Arch of Marble under which the Column was placed, at the fall of which there was so great a noise as if the whole Palace of King Philarchus had fallen into ruin; at the noise of which all the People did run to see what was the matter, and so did the King too: who now too late saw his Covetuousness, but however he commanded several things to be done: to see if the Colum might be preserved, but all his endeavours were ineffectual, for not only the Arch but the Colum were both wholly ruined.  
The people perceiving this, many of them ran with violence to the lodging of the Philosophers, and there they understood that they were gone, and had carried much of the King's treasure with them; and then their suspicion was cleared that all this ruin came by the only treason of the Philosophers; who being arrived at Cyprus were welcomed by King Nichomachus, who gave them much treasure in recompense of their good service, whereby they had empoured him to be revenged on King Philarchus.  
In the mean time the poor Rhodians were very much troubled, that they were deprived of that which served for a defence, not only to the City of Rhodes, but to all the Island; and it was not long before their sorrow was increased, by means of King Nichomachus, who having privately raised great Forces, and obtained the alliance and friendship of divers Princes of Anatolia, who were troubled at the power of the Rhodians their Neighbours; fell upon the Isle of Rhodes being unprovided, and so well prosecuted their intentions, that they took the City, and King Philarchus had hardly the liberty to avoid the fury of the war, who from being a powerful Prince, was reduced to the necessity to turn Schoolmaster, & teach publicly in the Isle of Metolin.  
And thus as the unextinguishable fire which was of so great commodity t the poor Rhodians, was put out by the sottishness of a Scholar, so the City of Rhodes was taken and pillaged by the cunning machinations of the Philosophers, and the King of that Island forced to confine himself as a banished man, into an Island, there to spend the remainder of his miserable life.  
To apply this History to the present occasion, I am fearful that the same calamnities may befall you, since the experience is already begun at Rome; where I may truly say these 2 marvails were. For I dare boast myself to have been that fire and burning lamp of honour, which the Ladies and Damsels of Rome own unto their husbands, so that from me they m●ght take example of their duty; but I may say this immortal fire of honour is extinct, not only by the sottishness, but by the disordinate appetite of a Scholar▪ who under pretence of being your Son, i● your Capital Enemy: and although the integrity of my faith did make him such resistance, that he did not obtain his will upon me, yet however the infamy still remains imprinted in the minds of all men, considering the great delays which from day to day you make to avoid the execution of that just sentence which you have given against him. The consideration of which doth much trouble me, more out of respect to you than myself, but my heart is ready to burst to see the cunning contrivances that are used to ruin and destroy this most firm and strong Column which has served as a safeguard both to Rome and all the Empire; being so clee● that by its brightness it hath frustrated all the designs and erterprises of those who design to raise arms against the Empire. This Sir is your prudence wherein formerly every one might see as in a looking glass, that which concerned the repose of all in general, so that being in its lustre, and standing on its foundation, there is nothing that can prejudice the estate of the Empire; against which I see several treasons designed, not by three, but by seven, who have the title of Philosophers, having abandoned themselves to all vices, only tending to the deliverance of Erastus, that he may take possession of the Empire before his time; by means of their cursed and pernicious Coun●e●s▪ to deprive you of your Estate, that they may at their wills manage the affairs of the Empire; and because nothing can resist their design, but the Column of ●our prudence they endeavour to undermine it by the various subtle ways which they use to set all on fire as the other three did; and truly they are not far from accomplishing their ends; for they have already caused you to doubt of that truth which hath appeared before your eyes: wherefore Sir while you have yet time open the eyes of your understanding, and do not permit the false and indirect inventions and machinations of these Traitors, to bereave us with our honour (which already it much shaken) both of our Estates and lives.  
These complaints of the Empress were spoken with so much earnestness, that the Emperor conceited that all the good advertisements which tho Philosophers gave him, were to no other purpose but to deceive him, so that he presently commanded that they should be committed to prison, promising the Empress that the next day should not pass, but she should see herself revenged both of Erastus and the Philosophers, and that he did not doubt but that the Philosophers were Traitors as she had wisely discovered. The Empress being very well contented appeared more pleasant than usual, and lay that night with the Emperor, only waiting for the hour, wherein her wicked and perverse desires should be accomplished by the death of her Son in law, & the innocent Philosophers.   

CHAP. XX. The Philosopher Lencus persuadeth the Emperor to leave the cause of Prince Erastus to the Senate, by a Letter which he writ to him, demonstrating the danger of being guided in any Importunate case by the counsel of a Woman; and this he made out by the discourse of a Physician of Milan. Who having lost his only Son by the inducement of his Wife; who hindered him from giving to the Child in a violent distemper something which the Child demanded, and which the Physicians had not forbidden, & after finding by experience that the Child by a certain natural instinct asked for that which would have cured him, out of despair, he first killed his wife, and then himself.   top: representation of a male figure lying in bed, with a two male figures and a female figure standing nearby; bottom: representation of three male figures and a female figure seated at a dining table 
But above all the Philosopher Lencus, whose turn it was to defend the Prince Erastus the seventh day, he was much troubled, for he had prepared so pathetical an Oration, that although the Emperor should be never so obstinate, yet he assured himself by his Oration to move the Senate and People to take the young Prince out of Prison and secure him for some time, till the Emperor's anger should be over. But now he being secured in a Prison where his Oration would be to little purpose he was so dejected that he was almost out of his wits; yet however he did intent to do his utmost for his young Master, and in regard he had not the conveniency of speaking, he resolved to write to the Emperor, and having Pen, Ink and Paper, he thus began.  
TO the Emperor Dioclesian, one of his faithful Counsellors sendeth greeting. The duty which obliges all men to serve each other, and the truth of which I have always made profession, together with the fidelity which I own to my sovereign Lord and Prince, hath constrained me Sir, to declare to you by Writing, that which with a good will I should have spoken by word of mouth: The matter being of such importance, that your honour and reputation and quiet of the Empire dependeth thereon; you being established in the Government thereof, ought not only to give audience to those who demand it, but it is also convenient for you to change your mind, when it contradicted by reason; for that man who hath the mannagement of public affairs, ought not to be stiff in his opinion but to alter his mind as often, as to the public good it shall appear to be necessary; and if he ought to be thus observant in affairs of small importance, how much more is an Emperor engaged in great affairs, nay in those wherein consist the safety or ●uin of the Empire; and I question not but you will do so, provided you will lay aside your passion which every Magistrate ought to do; and have patience to read what I now write unto you, not for my particular interest but out of respect to yourself who are my Sovereign Prince, and for the consequen●● which may happen to the Empire, the repose and good whereof entirely depends upon that which is now in question; for as justice causeth Common wealth and Empires to increase, so on the contrary where iniquity and inordinate affections reign & where justice is wanting, all things go from bad to worse. And of this we every day see a world of experiences which are manifest enough to us all; and we are sure that there is no Monarchy nor Empire so firmly fixed, but injustice in short time destroys it which entering the breast of a great Estate produceth most dangerous fruits and ffects: Now no person is more remarkable than an Emperor; and if histories which have made so great matter of the severity of Br●tus & ●orquatu●, who are so memorable for their cruelty although when they put their Children to death it was for violating the Laws. With what infamy then will the Emperor Dioclesian be noted for putting to death his only Son without hearing any thing in his defence, which is a thing contrary to all Laws and ordinances, humane anal divine; for there is no Nation so Barbarous, to execute a Criminal without giving him a competent time to Justify himself.  
Is it then possible that the Emperor Dioclesian who hath always been esteemed a just Prince, and an observer of right shall now introduce a custom so inhuman and cruel as this. If the authority of the Senate doth not at all move you, or if you doubt that Prince Erastus shall escape while you proceed orderly, are not your Prisons strong enough, and well guarded with Soldiers, is there any senator's Prince or Barron, to whom you have been pleased 〈◊〉 sp●●k of this affair, who hath not endeavoured to divert you from t● is hasly execution, and none hastens you therein but the venomous rage of a woman by whose counsel a Roman Emperono can get nothing but blame, let the Counsel be never so good; and therefore what infancy will you procure to yourself to use contrary to all reason so great cruelty at the only persuasions of a woman. Know Sir, that women are made to serve men, and not to counsel them and he who is ablutely governed by their counsel shall in the end to bis damage repent thereof; for although a woman is desireous to give good counsel, yet the imbecility of the sex causes their counsel always to happen to the worst as not long since it happened to a Physician; which story be pleased to read.  
It is not long since that at Milan there was a Physician named Polictetus in very great esteem of all, as well by reason of his wealth, as for the opinion which every one had of his knowledge; so that he was esteemed the principal and most famous Physician of Milan, and indeed he deserved this title, having performed many almost incredible Cures.  
This Physician had for wife a Damsel of Milan named Flaminia who was one of the principal families of that City, by whom he had one only Son, and no other Children. But although nature had been niggardly in giving him but one, yet in recompense she was very liberal, having form this Child so fair and of so gentle a spirit that it was pleasant to behold him, for being but seven years of age, he gave hopes not only to his Father and Mother, but also to all that beh●ld him, that in time he would be a great personage and of reputation; for which cruse his Father l●ved him more than his own life and caused him to beinstructed and exercised in all exercises, as well of the body as the mind, proper and convenient for that age; finding him very well disposed to Sciences, well form in his body, strong in his members as having never been sick.  
It happened when he was nine years old, he fell into a distemper which in the beginning seemed to be small; which his father seeing would take the advice of other Physicians, although he himself was esteemed the first; for fe●r his affection in his own case should deceive him. Having therefore brought two of the most experienced Physicians of Milan to his house he recomended his Son to them; however he himself took notice of what they ordered. This disease of the Child which at the first was small and slight, did daily increase so that instead of diminishing, by means of the remedies, which were given yet he every day grew worse and worse, and thus it continued for a month's time; all which time the Physicians did all that was possible according to Art, for the health of the Child, without perceiving any amendment but or the contrary he was the worse for every thing they give him: The poor father was almost desperate and so were the Physicians, who now resolved to g●ve him no more Medecines, but only to comfort and fortify nature by restoratives, that he might live as long as he could, being out of hopes of restoring him to his former health; the Child finding himself as sick as his heart could hold, desired them to give him a white Onion to eat; to this the Physicians would not consent, in regard an Onion is contrary to a , and yet all the while the disease increased so much the more did the Child cry out for an Onion, saying if they would not give him a white Onion he should die.  
The Physicians seeing there was no other remedy for him agreed that he should have an Onion, more to content him then any thing else, saying that, that could not do him much prejudice considering the violence of his distemper; and having sent for a white Onion to give him, the Child's Mother another came into the the Chamber, who seeing them about to give him an Onion, fell into the greatest passion in the world; saying that this was to kill her Child, and that she could not endure it to be a Murderess of her own blood, and she made such a noise to her husband, and the other Physicians, that the Onion was not given to the Child, whereupon the Child took it so to heart, that he did not languish long before he died, still even to death crying out after his Onion.  
The Father and Mother were as much grieved a● can be imagined, having no other Child but his wherein was all their comfort, and being out of hopes of having any more, af●er the death of the Child, the Phsitians were desirous to op●n the body, at this the Father was was well contented, being desirous to know the cause of that distemper, which no Physic had pour to cure, he being then opened, there was found on the bottom of his stomach, near to his heart, a piece 〈◊〉 Ice hard as Crystal, at which they were all astonished, to see water thus congealed in a human body, and they all agreed that there was no c●●●●g of him, but by things proper to desolve the 〈◊〉 ●ol; and that the Child died for want of such Remedies, the poor Father who always had his Son before his eyes, in respect of the great love he had for him, that he might have some mark and token caused this Crystal to be enchased in the haft of a knife, which he usually carried about him upon all occasions, and when he drew it, he always kissed the Crystal in memory of his Son; and thus it passed for a whole year, but on that very day twelve month that his son died (whether by chance or that Nature was willing to show the greatness of its secrets) this Physician being at the Table, had a mind to eat a white Onion, one being brought him hercut it in to pieces with his knife, and having tasted a slice or too, he asked for drink, and let his knife fall on part of the Onion that was on the Table, but he had no sooner drank, whe● going to take his knife, he found it without a haft, for the Crystal that wa● fixed thereon was dissolved, and diligently searching the cause, he knew that the virtue of the Onion had desolved the Crystal into water; wherefore being a wise man, he conjectured that his Son by a secret instinct of Nature, was so importunate before he died to have a white Onion, as being the sole remedy, and only expedient for his disease, so that understanding that he had caused the death of his only Son, by denying him an Onion, only at the persuasions of a woman, contrary to the directions of him, and the other Physicians, he took his knife in one hand, and the piece of the Onion in the other, saying with sighs and tears, Ah poor and unfortunate Father, you now see the great evil, which you have caused; this day it is just twelve months, that by my own fault I lost my only Son, and that I might know my misfortune, the Heavens have this day made me see it; who will not blame my sottishness, knowing that I have caused the death of my only Son, by following the directions of a foolish and distracted woman. Now I know it but too late, that Nature shown herself as bountiful in preserving my Son, as she was liberal in bestowing him upon me; behold the sign, behold the Crystal dissolved, by virtue of the white Onion which my poor Child so often desired to have, but in vain, whereat Nature being angry, hath made me understand and know to take such vengeance of me as I deserve; and to serve for a perpetual example to all men, not to give credit to this sotteri●s & malignities of their wives; my Son being dead, who otherwise by the course of Nature might have lived long, shall I live? I who have caused his death? It shall not be so, I cannot endure myself, such a mischief shall not go unpunished, and on a sudden when he had spoken thus, he thrust the kni●e which he held into his wife's b●ea●, a●d ●hen did as much to himself; and that with such quickness, that those who were present, and who melted in tears, thus to hear the poor Father complain, did not mind him, and much less had the means to hinder what he did.  
This was the end of poor Polectetus, who to his great prejudice found the danger of being governed by the counsel of a woman; for if the counsel of a woman be bad, when sh● thinks to do well, as it was with the poor Flaminia, what is it then when she is moved with rage and fury.  
The means which the Empress uses up●n this account I sh●ll let pass, because Sir your Majesty is best acquainted therewith: but I dare say and affirm, that if you suffer yourself to be over ruled by her, and cause your Son to die, without well considering of the matter, I doubt nor but it will happen to you, as it did to Polictetus, and it may be worse; and yet I do not conclude that Prince Erastus ought not to suffer death, if what he is accused of be found to be true, and that the Philosophers escape death who instead of instructing him in virtuous courses and good learning; have rendered him so unnatural, and given to sensuality. Yet however I once again urge, that in this point you do not depend upon the sole words of a woman, nor to those who on this occasion are transported with passion, as you yourself are, for the wrong you think you have received; which if it should be true there should be no torment nor pain how great soever, which should not be thought li●●l●, in comparison to such an excess; But all those who know and are acquainted with the virtues, and gre●t continence of young Prince Erastus, are of another mind. And therefore not only to content your mind, as belongs to so great a Prince as you are; I pray, Exhort, and Counsel you to leave this affair to the Senate. And in case Prince Erastus be found guilty of the fact, that he die miserably by the hand of justice, and with him the seven Philosophers, who have instructed him so wickedly; and on the contrary if he be found Innocent, that his Innocence he not oppressed. And do not think Sir, that I say this to prolong this cause, and by this means escape death, for I only desire three days time for the Philosophers; in which time if they do not clearly make appear the Innocence of your Son, and if he himself do not Justify himself within that time, that he be put to death, and with him the seven Philosophers, beginning with me Lencus, who have writ this present Letter; not having at the beginning put the name of him who sent it, lest (considering the great hatred you bear to us) you should refuse to read it, seeing it directed by one of us; & therefore wonder not Sir, at what I send you word, that your son shall Justify himself; for the cause of his not speaking hitherto comes not by any natural default which he hath, neither is it occasioned by the accident for which we are detained, but it is caused by a certain great Mystery & secret, which you shall understand from him within two days if you have the patience to let him live so long: Praying the Gods that your life be long and happy.   

This is the Story or example which Lencus the Philosopher did write, and send in a Letter to the Emperor, and as I find it in the Originals Italian and French; but others say it was an other Story, which I thus relate to you.  
A woman having buried her husband is resolved to die in his Vault and will therefore stay with his body. A Soldier (who is appointed to Watch a Rogue's body, that was hanged on a Gibbet) comes to the Vault to the woman, persuades her to drink and eat, and enjoys her; in the mean time the Rogue's body is stolen from the Gibbet. The Soldier is distracted being to die for his neglect; he therefore attempts to kill himself but the woman hinders him, & helps to hang her husband's body where the Rogues was.  
A Gentleman of Rome who was blessed with a large estate, had for his sole heir, or Daughter of an incomparable beauty and Ingenious Soul, and having been careful to give her virtuous education, she by that Addition had so honourable a fame, that all the young men of quality in those parts became her Suitors; but it being impossible for her to be the lawful prize for them all, she at length was so importunately courted by one, that she was espoused to him. He who was thus happy in her love & enjoment was a Gentleman, in whom nothing was wanting that could be required to make him accomplished and amiable, especially in her eye, who loved him with equal ardours, and thought of no felicity, but in his mutual affections and Society, so that all men (his envous. Rivals only excepted) expected from so far an Union, would proceed all mortal happiness in perfection. But observe the unconstancy of humane felicity, these two Lovers had not long enjoyed each other when fate (seldom long favourable to Lovers) steps in and divides them, by the Eternal divorce of death; translating the husband into an other life, and leaving the Widow almost liveless, for so had her grief made her, and nothing kept her from using violence on herself, that she might enjoy him in the Elysium shader but the desire of seeing him laid into his Tomb, with such Funeral Pomp and solemn obsequies, as were agreeable both to her sorrow and his quality; and that affair being once over, she resolved that it should not be long ere her Spirit were remitted to his, to regain that content in the other World, which had been ravished from her in this; and to perfect this resolution she made a rigorous vow that she would receive no nourishment to continue her in this world, but by her abstinence hasten her to the other; & thus she continued for some days & nights, notwithstanding the importunities of her relations, and the necessities of nature urged her to commiserate & relieve herself: And as if this had not been sufficient to exalt her sorrows, she goe● privately into the Vault where her husband's body remained, & sitting down on the damp earth, fixed her eyes upon his Coffin as the proper object of her distracted fancy. At the same time that this her husband's Corpse was deposited in a Tomb in the earth a notorious Malefactor was condemned to the Gibbet and his body to remain hanging in the air that it might serve for terror & example to all oath criminals & that all spectators might abhor his crimes & lest any of the villains relations or confederators, should take down the carcase by night; Proclamation was made to forbid it, & a guard of Soldiers ordered to watch it, with no less penalty than death, to those that should neglect their duty; & the night being come, the Soldiers thinking one would be enough to watch the Gibbet: they cast lots who should perform that duty, while the others went to a Tavern hard by to secure themselves from the cold; they being gone, our Sentinal applied himself to perform his duty, but he finding it to be cold, & believing none would hazard their lives to steal away the carcase of a Rogue: he bethinks himself of shelter & rest, & remembering that there was aspacious arched Vault, he retired thither & being entered he saw a weak light, that was at some distance, wondering thereat but being confident and bold he went thitherwards & perceiving a woman in a mournful dress, but with a countenance far more mournful, sitting on the ground & casting her eyes upon a Coffin. He admires the object, which indeed deserved admiration (being as I told you our desolate Matron) who notwithstanding all her sorrow, did discover a certain charming lustre such as is wont to strike respect & adoration into the hearts of the beholders; & cannot be concealed by the most altering disguise of the greatest passion. At this sight he was so amazed that he wanted not much of becoming a Statue: But he resuming his courage, & being about to speak to her, she lifting up her eyes saw a man or Ghost standing before her; & although at first she was startled, yet her grief & melancholy had not so deprived of her courage, but that she soon spoke to him after this manner. Friend said she (& certainly you can be no other to me who have no enemy but life) have you any thing to say, if you have speak freely, for I am not afraid of the worst news you can bring fate hath shot the cruelest of all its arrows already, all that are to follow will be but favours, my misery is already so great, that it cannot admit of any addition. Lo here (pointing to the coffin) ne'er lies my heart dead & cold as marble; & I am only here to prepare my, self to attend that shade, who by this time expects me; if your coming hither was by chance, I pray be gone & leave me the peace of this solitray place fit for mourners, therefore lest you be guilty of a Profanation; leave me to accomplish the sacrifice my fidelity & vow oblige me to offer in this place; she having uttered her mind the Soldier soberly replies: That no design but chance had brought him thither, that the sight of a woman at that time, & in that place & posture had, caused his admiration & raised a curiosity to satisfy, which he had approached her, that if he had disturbed her in any thing, he begged her pardon; that he conceived himself innocent of any offence to those dead bodies, he not in the least purposing to violate their Sepulchers; & lastly, if his presence were troublsome to her, he was ready to departed, but withal he offered all the succour he was able to afford, which though mean; yet he desired her to accept of, & if his life might be serv●cable to her she might freely command it. The Matron observing the habit & arms of her visitant, & perceiving him to be a Soldier, had spoken somewhat roughly to him & expected as rude an answer, but seeing him so courteous in his speech & intending to give him thanks and dismiss him in order thereto arose, but her tongue & legs both failed her, and she suddenly sank down in a swound, falling on her husband's Coffin; which the Soldier seeing took her in his arms & bending her body poured a little wine into her mouth which he had in a bottle to comfort his own Spirits, & now proved very comfortable to her, for in short time she gave some signs of a recovery; he seeing the effects of a little Wine, and being unproiuded of any better Restauratives, again made use of his bottle; and forcing some more of the Liquor down her throat it wrought so well & had such good effects on her weak body, that she opened her eyes, had the use of her legs; but being still weak she to rest them, sat down upon her husband's Coffin.  
The Soldier seeing the success of his endeavours, was glad that he had been so well accommodated with Liquor; and believing that V ctuals would also be very necessary for strengthening of his patient, and he being provided of some which he had in his Knapsack about him, he  takes it out, and in an humble manner and in as decent a posture he offers it to her, entreating her to be so Charitable to herself, as to refresh her weak body with such as he was t●ere furnished withal; he seeing her somewhat attentive to what he said, used more arguments to persuade her and although he was no Philosopher or Orator, nor his head so well furnished with persuasive arguments as his Knapsack and bottle had been of provision; yet the effects of the win● and i● s m●de●t though homely discourse, did in the 〈◊〉 prevail with her to taste of his homely v ctuals, & having eaten moderately thereof, the air of her countenance was changed & her face which had been so cloudy was now clear, pleasant, and cheerful: ●he man observing this alteration & belieung it was n●c●ss●●y to use some arguments to bring her to a true understanding of her condition he therefore tel● her ●hat 〈◊〉 sorrow was to be used for the decease of our relation & ●●●●ds, yet it was to be bounded & moderated by reason which if we once laid aside or exceeded we became like the brute B●asts and indeed worse being unnatural to ourselves, without doing any good, or availing any thing to the benefit of the dead; as to recalling them to life again, and hazarding and endangering our own, contrary to the laws of Nature whereby every one is obleidged to endeavour their preservation as much as in them lies, and if she had designed any thing against her own life (as he doubted she had) she ought instantly to retract it, for as murder was the greatest crime human nature could be guilty of, so much the more criminal were they that should be murderers of themselves, and that it was so detestable a crime that it was dangerous to presume that heaven would be so merciful as to satisfy it; and that it was most certain the Ghost of her Husband could receive no satisfaction thereby, but be rather displeased, since if he loved her when living he could not allow of any violence she should offer to herself, but rather abhor the society of so great a Criminal.  
The woman hearing that her visitant had done, replied, that indeed his discourses Were true, but she had such a subject of sorrow, as was not 〈◊〉 be parralled her loss had been so great th●●●lthough her grief were so too, yet she rather deserv●d pity and excuse, than to be reprehended or condemned, and this short speech was accompanied, n●t only with a deludge of tears, but another fit of fainting; the man of War and Physic, for at this time he had acted the the Physician, seeing his Patient so far fr●m being cured, that he feared a relapse; had immediate recourse to his only Medicine the Antidote of the bottle, and holding up her head with one h●nd, with th● other he drencheth her with a consider a ●e dose o● the remaining liquor which was ●o sooner in her stomach, but she finding the warmth and vigour of it, was at it were reannimated, the fountains of her tears stopped, her forehead smoothed, and her face reduced to her Native sweetness, and this last draught did not only effect thus strangely on her body, but her mind also seemed to be perfectly restored to its ancient mildness and tranquillity, for as if a new soul had been infused into her; she became the most affable, complaisant and cheerful Creature in the world, and indeed there was not only a change of humour, but also a perfect metamorphosis of her Person, that she seems not to be the same woman; for instead of a sorrowful widow which she lately was, she now appears to be a most pleased and contented Bride. Her forehead seems to be smoothed, d lated to a graceful largeness, and spread with a sanguine dye. Her eyes though little more than half open, yet sparkling with lustre, and their amiable whites turned upward, and yet by stealth casting glances on her Visitant (such as dying persons and lovers in the ecstasy of delight are observed to us●.) Her lips w●re swelled with a delicious vermilion ●●ncture, her cheeks overflowed with pleasing blushes, her head a little declining as when modesty and desi●e have a secret conflict, and she is wholly possessed with an impatient, though gentle dispute, and her spirits being highly agitated within so there was an effusion of them upon the outward parts, a temperate and balmy sweat, extilling from the Pores of her snow white skin; so that there was rea●on to suspect that this Matron (although still in the Cha●nel house, and sitting upon the coffin of her dearest all, whom she so lately lamented with so much violenc●) she I say we may suspect to be in Love, and that she now burns as extremely in the flames of amorous desires of the Sold●er, as she was lately frozen in the Ice of sorrow for her husband: her looks and gestures betray her and all the airs of high content and pleasure appear in her face: and that she may taste of those joys ●he so much desires, she throws herself into the Soldiers arms she embraceth him, she k sses him & wi●h that violence as if she were unsatisfied with th● bare touches of his lip●; a●d l nged to leave the impression of hers upon them & when she had feasted her lips with touching, 〈◊〉 feasted her eyes with beholding their bel●ved object; in a word there is nothing of liberty, dalliance, caresses & endearments, which this sportful woman d●th not use to make herself grateful and charming to her new Gallant, and to kindle fresh desires in him, so that we may conclude one of the Daughters of the beautiful Venus, is now sporting with one of her beloved Mars' his Sons, and that in the height of Solace; neither was the Soldier wanting for being sensible of the Magic, of her wanton enticements, he is soon armed for an encounter, which being to be done in the dark, let us seasonably avert our eyes and leave these Votaries quietly to finish their Cytherian Rites they are going about; especially since their Zeal is so Fervent, as not to scruple the Nicietie of making the dead Husband's Coffin the Altar; whereon to kindle and exhale the Incense they have brought. Thus you see here was a great and sudden change in our Matron, who is no longer Mourner or Widow.  
I shall not trouble you with a large discourse of what should be the cause of this sudden and prodigious Metamorphosis; some attribute it to the Mutability and Levity of women's nature in general, considering the softness and tenderness of their constitution, is such as renders them like wax, capable of any impressions; but we have daily examples of the constancy in affection of some women; who will lose their lives in defence of their honour, so that I will not attribute this Mutability and Levity of women to be general to all women, nor that this was the only cause of our Matron's Metamorphosis, for some impute it to the force of the wine the Soldier gave her, but I suppose this can at the most be reckoned to be but an Accessary, and not the principal Agent; for the quantity she drank, though it was sufficient to renew her spirits, cherish her vitals, warmeth and quicken the motion of her blood, yet was it too little to intoxicate her brain▪ and inflame her to the height of desires; so inconsistent and contrary to the fridgid temper and low condition it found her in, and as to the quality, though good wine be the milk of Venus, yet doth it s●ld me work effectually that way, but where it meets with boys predisposed to admit, and concur with its sprightly and heightening influence, wherefore it cannot consist with reason to aggravate the facility of this woman, and transfer it wholly upon the innocent means of her refreshment, and recovery: so that the Mutability and Levity of women in general, and the effects of wine not being the cause; I know not what else to attribute it unto, or charge it upon a● Love in general, which we know is the Author of many wonderful Advetnures, and is a kind of Magic; against which Nature hath given us no power of resistance, and which mastereth the greatest and wisest men in the world, as may be proved by a world of examples, which I shall omit, and return to the Matron, and her beloved Soldier, who by this time had satisfied hers and his own desires, and now after his pleasure in the Vault, was desirous to know how his business at the Gibbet stood, which although he found standing in the place he left it, yet the body was removed, this was a sight as unpleasing as that of his Mistress had been pleasant; and he now becomes more despairing than she had been, and he strives more to destroy himself, than he had before to preserve her. Being distracted with horror at the Gibbet, he returns in a horrible posture to the Vault, and there without speaking he falls to acting: one while he casteth up his eyes that flame with fury, beats his breast, tears his hair, stampeth upon the ground, and useth all the gestures of a man transported to perfect madness, which sudden and violent passion; another while he stands unmoved and silent, fixing his exe● upon the earth, as if ●e were consulting the infernal spirits what to do with himself; he exclaims against heaven, despises fate to make him more miserable, reproaches Fortune for her giddiness, Curses his Malevolent Stars, renounceth Providence; sometimes he condemns his own negligence, and then he reflects upon the innocent woman, a the unhappy occasion of his wretchedness, and thinking he had met with the true cause of his mischief, he interpretates all the plagues in Nature upon the heads of the whole Sex, and vomits out these blasphemies against them.  Ah Women, women (saith he) why did Nature make you, unless, repenting the perfection she had given to man, she found out you to lessen it? For, Man who otherwise would be more than half Divine; only by being obnoxious to the corrupt temptations of Woman, is made less than half Human. What misery ever befell him, in which Woman had not a hand? What crime did He ever commit; to which she did not incite him? What Tragedy hath at any time been acted in the theatre of the world, in which a woman had not her part? what war, what desolation, what ruin hath not found its beginning in that mischievous s●x? How many mighty Nations, flourishing K ngdomes, prosperous Commonwealths, populous Cities, and noble Families, have owed their destruction, to either the Malice or Pride, or Lust of Woman? What are you Women, but the poison of Man's Innocence and Peace, which Nature hath guilded-over with a splended outside, that we might swallow it down with the less suspicion? all your beauties, all your charms are but like the Apples of Sodom, which have fair and inviting rinds, and yet within are nothing but stinking d●●●; you are the true Sirens, that enchant us with the melody of your voice, and then hold us captives in the chains of beastial slavery. You are the true Hiena's, that assure us with the fairness of your skins; and when folly hath brought us within your reach, you leap upon us, and devour us. You are the traiters to Wisdom; the impediments to industry; the obstacles to honour; the softners of  top: representation of the corpse or body of a male figure hanged from a gibbet or gallows with a soldier holding a pike standing nearby, and a female figure in a vault; middle: representation of two male figures lowering the corpse or body of a male figure from a gibbet or gallows, and a female figure and a soldier in a vault; bottom: representation of an empty gibbet or gallows with a female figure and a soldier in a vault courage; the perturbers of Tranquillity; the cleg; to virtue, and goads that drive us all to vice, impiety and ruin. You are the Fool's Paradise, the wiseman's plague, and the grand Error of Nature. What, What shall I say? I want words to express your pravity; as I did my reason when I set my foot into this unlucky, this fatal place. 
Having thus belched out this virulent invective against poor innocent women (who deserved much better language at his hands) his wild imagination, (which catcheth at any thing) wheels about, and he thus vomits the remainder of his choler upon himself.  
What damned spirit was it that conducted me into this Charnel-house, & made me quit my duty? where was the care & vigilancy of my good Angel, when he left me to be seduced into this dismal vault? would I had fallen into a den of Lions & Tigers, when I lighted upon this woman here: then had died innocent, & without dishonour; whereas now I have contracted a guilt, whose punishment is an infamous death, and that inevitable, unless I prevent the stroke of justice, and become my own Executioner. Which being the only refuge my disaster hath left me, why am I thus slow in addressing myself unto it? why do I waste that time in weak and fruitless complaints, which I ought to employ in delivering myself from the extremity of misfortunes, that is yet to come? die I must, by sentence of the magistrate; why then should I defer to fall by my own hand? to vindicate one's self from extreme, and otherwise inevitable Calamity, by Sui-cide is not certainly) a crime: but an act of Heroic Fortitude.  
I am resolved therefore, my sword shall prevent the ignominy of the Gallows, and by forcing open the Gates of death, I will stop up the way to public shame.  
Here, he puts a period to his desperate Harangue, and hasting to put one to his life also, he suddenly draws his sword; and beginning to set the hilt of it upon the ground, that he may cast himself upon the point, he is most seasonably prevented by the pious Matron. Who being all this while ignorant of the cause of his fury, hath been wholly possessed with amazement at the extravagant effects of it; so that she minded not a word of all those bit●er reproaches he had cast forth against her whole Sex: but quickly roused out of the stupifying fit of wonder, wherewith she had been invaded, by seeing him draw his sword; she throws herself into his arms; & partly by grasping his hands, p●●tly by the charms of her kisses tears, and entreaties, she so far becalm's his rage, as that he seems not unwilling to p●●rouge at least the execution of that self-assasination, he intended, until he had convinced her of the necessity of it.  He tells her therefore in short, that the body of a certain notorious villain, which he had been appointed to guard, was taken from the G●bbet, and conveyed away; that the penalty of the like death ' denounced by the Governor against him and his fellows (who had transferred the whole charge upon his care and vigilancy) was certain and inevitable, unless he hilled himself, by way of prevention; that if she could have any sentiments of kindness for so unfortunate a wretch, as this sad accident had made him, there was now no way left for her, to express them, but by permitting him quietly to pervert the infamy of a public execution, by a private withdrawing himself into the other world; and that it was some content to him, in this his Agony, that he should leave his body to be dissolved into the same dust with that of her former Lover, of whose singular worth fame hath defused so honourable a report. 
And having thus hastily delivered to her the cause of his desperate resolution, he gins again to free his hands of the encumbrance of hers, that he may speedily effect it.  
But good and tender hearted Creature! her affection was too great, to suffer her to yield to any thing conducing to his death; and the more he strives to disengage her breast from his, the closer she clings to him; vowing withal, tha● if he wounded himself, it should b● by forcing the sword first through her body, to which she added, that she would not live to be so miserable, as to lose so dear a person so soon and in the same place, where she had been so happy to find him unexpectedly; that very gratitude forb●de her to consent to the taing away his life, who had lately and miraculously preserved hers, and as (she had some reason to believe) infused a new life into her; that it would be less affliction to her, to die before him, than to survive and behold at once the dead bodies of two persons, each of which she had loved infinitely above her own life; and that the death he so much dreaded from the Hangman, was not so unavoidable, as his fears had made him imagine, but there were other ways of evasion, besides self murder, and would he but follow her advice, she doubted not to put him upon such a course as should procure both his own security and her content. The Soldier more effectually wrought upon by this last clause, than by all else she had said; and remembering the old saying, that Women are always more subtle and ingenious at Evasions, in sudden Exigences than Men: he easily promise h (as who would not in his case?) to listen to her Counsel, and pursue it also, if it appeared reasonable.  Well then, saith this Good woman; since the body of the best and greatest of Mortals, is but a lump of clay, after the departure of the Soul, which gave it life sense, and motion; that all Relations are extinguished in death, all Piety is determined in the grav●: & that it is but Charity to use the Relics of the Dead, in case of necessity, to preserve the Living: why should not I dispense with the formality of post hume-respects to the putrifying Corpse of my deceased Husband's, and make use of it for the preservation of my living friend, with whose life my own is inseparably bound up, and whose danger therefore is equally mine? come therefore my Dear and let us take my Husband's body out of his Coffin and place it upon the Gibbet, in the room of the Malefactors, which you say hath been stolen away. Death (you know) doth so change and disfigure the Countenance, as to disguise it from the knowledge of even the most familiar acquaintance. Who then can distinguish his naked body from the other? besides, we will besmear his face with blood and dirt, and rather than fail in any part of resemblance, break his arms and legs, and make the same wounds in him, the Executioner did in the Rogue's: so that his nearest Relations shall not be able to find a difference, much less shall strangers, who come to gaz-upon such horrid spectacles, out of a ●avage Curt●sity, and commonly stand a loof off. 
The Soldier quickly approves the woman's project how to excuse him; and having no time (for, now day was approaching) to insist upon acknowledgement either of her great love, or of the felicity of her wit: he joins his strength with hers, and removes the Husband's Corpse out of the vault to the Gibbet, whereon he placeth it, in the same posture he had left the villains, omitting no part of those resemblances she had suggested, as requisite to delude the spectators. Which cone, He and his incomparable Mistress secretly retire to consult further not only of their present safety, but also how they might continue that mutual happiness which Fortune had so unexpectly begun betwixt them. And thus did they put an end to this night's Adventures, which had been admirable to them both; and we may from hence learn the instability of all sublunary things, but more particularly the Mutability and Levity of women, so that there is no great heed to be taken of them; especially when they are in their passions, as I may conclude the Empress is now possessed of, which rageth so extremely that nothing but the death of your Son, the Prince Erastus will quallisy; whether her passion be Love or Hate I know not, but believe in the conclusion you will find that it is both, and that Hate at present is the product of former Love, but let it be which, or how it will, I am sure it is not commendable in her to let it proceed so far as to take away the life and honour of a Prince so virtuous as is Prince Erastus, and who I hope if you please to spare from executing at present, will very suddenly make it appear to you and all the world, that he is not in the least guilty of the crimes whereof he hath been accused.  
I have already told you, that some others say this was the story or example which Lencus the Philosopher did write in a Letter, and send to the Emperor, but some again say that it was the former of the Physician of Milan, they are both to one purpose and effect, to show the weakness, instabillity and passions of women, and may be, and are well applied to the Emperor in this occasion about his Son Erastus; for the satisfaction of the Reader, & that nothing may be wanting to make this book as complete as possibly as I can, I have given the Reader an account of them both, he may give credit to which he pleaseth, and therefore I shall thus proceed.  
After the Philosopher Lencus had sealed and subscribed this Letter, he delivered it to one of the Soldiers that was set to guard him, charging him above all things to deliver it that morning early to the Emperor, and to tell him that it was an advertisement of very great importance. This the Soldier promised faithfully to do, and thereupon he went directly to the Castle to execute his charge; the Emperor seeing the day break and that the Sun did already gild the tops of the mountains, that he might be distant from a spectacle so miserable, as that of the death of his Son, and of seven Persons esteemed and reputed to be the wisest of that Age, he therefore purposed to ride out into the fields, to divert his melancholy as well as he could, and as he was about to mount on horseback the Soldier which the Philosopher had sent, making his reverence, delivered the Letter to him. He instantly opening it read it, but not without great alteration, which was taken notice of by those that were about him, seeing that he often changed colour, from thence believing that it was something concerning the Prince Erastus. The Emperor having then read this Letter, remained for some time very pensive, without speaking one word, yet withal concluding that he could do no less than to communicate this advertisement to the counsel, he returned in some passion to the Castle. The Senate being assembled he declared that as he could do no less than punish by the way of justice the detestable felony which his own Son had committed against him; and the treason of those who having the charge to instruct him as well in good manners as in learning; instead of rendering him eloquent, and of good speech, they had brought him dumb and distracted; and instead of instructing him in good manners, they had instructed him in the wickedness that was in question, and yet these Philosophers had presumed to justify him in an act so wicked and so apparent; however he would not proceed of himself, but had caused this counsel to be assembled, to make them acquainted with the sentence which he had given on this occasion, so that he did believe there was no reason to revoke it; nor no occasion for further proof, the matter of fact being so clear and manifest unto all; yet nevertheless to let all the world know, that he would not, nor did not intent to stop the mouths of any Criminals from justifying themselves (although in this case he could not see any way of justification) he was content to wash his hands of this business, & to remit the whole cause to the consideration of the Senate, with this proviso, nevertheless that Erastus and the Philosophers should only have two day's time to say and allege before the Senate, all that they could think off, or speak for their justification and defence; and that if in the same two days it did not appear to the Senate by evident proofs, and manifest arguments that Erastus was innocent of that whereof he was accused to have acted against his honour, that then without delay He and his Masters should be all publicly executed by the hand of justice the morning of the third day following; and having finished his discourse, he commanded that his Son & the Philosophers should be brought before the Senate fettered, and with a strong guard. Prince Erastus hearing the door of his Dungeon opened, supposed they came to fetch him to execution: but when he perceived that they led him before the Senate he took heart, and more especially when he saw his Masters there, in whose wisdom he had so much assurance that he hoped to escape that day which being ●●ce pass d, he feared nothing.  
Now it ●as that he was in most care and fear to to keep silence, aswel in consideration of the many questions that were asked him, as also in regard of the opinion that had possessed many of the Senators that he w●s guilty of the fact wherewith he was charged; not using any manner of justification in a matter that concerned his life; and therefore the most part of the Senators, seeing him thus dumb held him guilty of the fact, but on the other side, the Philosophers did so readily defend the cause of Erastus and their own, and alleged so many examples to the Senate, that they were divided in their Opinions, and all that day was spent without taking any resolution to the great satisfaction and content of Prince Erastus; and by order of the Senate the Prisoners were sent back to Prison, and kept asunder with express intimation, that if on the next day they made not better proof of their innocence than hitherto they had done, they should proceed against them in real execution of that sentence which the Emperor had pronounced against them.   

CHAP. XXI. The Empress Aphrodicia found means to induce the Emperor to command that execution should be done immediately upon Erastus, and the seven Philosophers, by a discourse which she made of one Philemon, that being adopted by a french Gentleman named Archelaus, contrived how to kill his Mother in law, conceiveing a hatred against her. And being desirous to be Lord and Master of all; by the assistance of seven of his Complices, he caused his father in law to be secretly murdered.   top left: representation of a male figure and female figure standing in a room; top right: representation of two male figures and a female figure seated at a table, with two female figures standing nearby; middle left: representation of two male figures standing, with two male figures kneeling nearby; middle right: representation of four male figures standing in a room; bottom left: representation of two male figures taking hold of a male figure, nearby a fire; bottom right: representation of two male figures, one with a sword cutting the head off another male figure 
The Empress hearing this n●wes was so troubled, that if her Damsels had not taken gre●t care of her, she had fallen down in a swound, but th●y seeing her faint away, laid her on the bed, w●ere having remained some time in a trance, and being again come to herself, she retired into her Cabinet, where after after she had groaned and cried, she tore her , and beating herself, cursed her foolish mad love which had induced her to enterprise so rash an action, and in conclusion seeing that tears and and complaints availed little in her designs, and considering that if the Philosophers, and Prince Erastus had so long time of respite, the truth of the matter might come to light; she therefore purposed upon new matter, to take new counsel, wherefore recollecting her spirits the best that she could, she sent for her Father and Mother and all her Relations, who were many, and all g●●at Lords, she bring descended from the most illustrious and principal Family in Rome; they being all come t● her, did every one persuade her to condescend to the Emperor's pleasure, and attend till the term of two days ordered for the Prisoners to justify themselves should be expired; telling her that they could no more clear themselves the s●cond time, than they had done the first, and that the more ●he cause was examined, so much more would ne'er virtue and continence be manifested, and that would fu● her 〈◊〉 ●he world against the wicked Erastus, and against tho●e who had undertaken to defend his wickedness. But the Empress would not hearken t● this counsel, but answered her Relations in gen r●l, that if they had any respect for her honour, they would not thus sl●ght her; and thereupon she sent to the Emperor to desire him to come to her chamber for she had matter of great importance to relate t● him in ●he presence of her Father and Mother and ●●hers her Relations. The Emperoor understanding hereof, went to the chamber of the Empress, wh● immediately ●egan to complain of the lit● esteem the Emperor had for her, in that she had suffered the greatest outrage in the world from Erastus, which he himself and others had seen, having been publicly surpriz●d in his flight, and having promised to inflict such punishment as the enormity of the case required; instead thereof he had admitted of justifications and against all reason had called her honour and fidelity in question, remitted the matter to the judgement of the Senate; where without public blaming and calumniating of her, it would be imp●ssible to defend the care of Prince Erastu●: yet for her own part she did not much care bein● assured in her conscience that nothing could be proved against her. But she was most concerned in the honour of the family from whence she was descended, that injury would be done thereto in having a bad opinion of a woman descended therefrom, and that any dishonest actions should be mentioned of her, as there needs must be, in that case, her honour being remitted to an ordinary Process as the Emperor had determined, and being resolved to maintain the honour of her house which she esteemed above her li e, she was constrained to acquaint her father and mother, and other relations with the cause of her grief, to the end that they on their parts might advise how to maintain their honour, in revenging the wrong that had been done to her, by the best means that they could advise, since that the Emperor had given liberty of speaking to her prejudice; and as for her part she had rather live as a private woman in honour, than to be Empress of Rome, & to command all the world & be tainted with disgrace; as for the honour of an Empress, she had it not only as being wife to the Emperor, but being descended from the race of Emperors, more mighty than the E. Dioclesian was & that she nor none of her relations had procured the marriage between them, but that he himself had endeavoured it, and took all p●ssible pains to procure her to be his wife, and therefore he ought better to esteem of her; and if it were a trouble to him to put his Son to death, and that he was desirous to have him live (which would be great injustice) he might pardon him out of his absolute power, whereby it is Lawful for an Emperor to pardon the greatest Criminals, without persuading and imprinting this opinion in his mind, that the wicked and Traitorous Erastus was Innocent; of a crime so enormous and manifest as that which he had committed, and to give credit to the fantastical inventions of those Rascally Philosophers who defended him, which means will serve for no other purpose, bu● to open away for the Roman youths, t● undertake all sorts of wicked and infamous actions; in hopes to prove by the eloquence and well speaking of Orators and Advocates, whereof Rome is well stored; that white is black, and that Vice is virtue, and that instead of punishment and shame, they deserve praise and recompense: Of which matter she thought good to advertise him, considering the b●d counsel which he followed, which proceeded from those that g●ve it, who did not acquaint him with the truth of m●tters, as indeed they were; whereas she on her part had never hidden the truth, and had never endeavoured to hid it from him since she had lived with him. And although his disdain of her or his passion, which choked his understanding, had caused him to do those things which he ought not, and to abhor and disdain, th●se who advertised him of his honour and quiet, yet however she would not be wanting to let him kn●w those things which should be for his Commodity, although by experience she knew that he had not so much regard ●f her speeches, as the importance of the cas● requi●ed, nor the sincerity wherewith she proceeded in her advertisements; because she knew not how to disguise things as those Traitorous Philosophers did, who ordinarily hide the truth of things; although she were now despised and disdained of t●e Emperor, who at first had so great a respect for her: and to conclude and put an end to her complaints, she said thus, Sir, I much doubt that it will happen to you as it did to a French Gentleman, whose Story was told me when I was young, which is so proper to your purpose, that if you do not provide while you have the power in your hands, I fear and that to my great trouble, that it will happen to you as it did to this Gentleman; wherein I shall nevertheless have a clear conscience, in regard I have not only advertised you whom it principally conc●r●●, but also my Relations who are here present, who also have great interest therein. And although it may happen that there are s me h●re present, who have heard this Story of the French Gentleman, yet however I shall relate it, as being n●t improper to allege known examples, especially when they may serve to the matter whereof we treat.  
In France, there was some time since a Gentleman named Archelaus; esteemed to be one of the richest and greatest Lords of all the C●●ntry, he being Lord of much Lands; and having in his power divers fair and strong places, and especially o●e which was so pleasantly Situated, and so strongly bu●l●●h●t he had the command of all the adjoining Country. This Gentleman took to wife a Damsel his neighbour, whom he kept long without having any Children; yet he lived with her in the greatest love and friendship that could be imagined to be, between man and wife, yet in the end seeing that his wife was barren and being out of hopes of having any Children, he purposed to adopt some Child to bear his name and Arms, and to succeed in those Lands and Lordships which he held; since the bounty of heaven did not extend so far, as to give him natural and Law●●l issue, so that having conferred with his wife about this design who on her part was also very well contented; he a 'dopted and took for his Son a young Child named Philemon, who was one of his nearest relations, whom h● ca●sed to be bred and instructed as belonged to the Son of a great Lord, and as if he had been his own Child. The child had so good natural parts that he learned all that was taught him; so that his adopted F●ther was very well pleased, and so was the Mother and all the family and in regard of the great hopes which all the Subjs ct did conceive of the good breeding of the young Gentleman; there was none of them which did not love him and who did not honour him being assured that for a long time there had not been any more wise and prudent than their young Lord was likely to be. And his ad●pted Father seeing his good genius, notwithstanding his youth did not omit to acquaint him with his affairs, and to entrust him with ●●me charge and mannagment, wherein he acquitted himself with great dexterity. It happened that this Philemon being diligent in all the affairs of his adopted F●●her his ad●pted Mother fell sick, and in short time died; wherefore Archelaus was extremely sorry, so that the better to pass away his melancholy and grief, he retired to a Country house, there to live solitary and pass away his time in reading and study, in the mean time leaving the mannagement of all his great affairs to the young Philemon who also appeared to be much grieved for the death of his Adopted mother at the first appearance showing that it was impossible for him to live in the absence of his adopted father, and that whether-tsoever he went he would follow him, to do him all service as in duty bound. But this adopted father would not permit him; Commanding him not to stir and that above all thing he should adimnister good justice to his Subject. This Philemon performed; that he might not appear disob●diant, ●o that his chief design was ●o govern well, the Subjects of his Father Nay, he demeaned himself, so virtuously in the Government of his Subjects, that they were very well contented; and thus he continued for some time. But in short time, whither it was that his wickedness being hidden was so great that it could be no longer dissembled, or whither it proceeded from the Imperuosity of youth, which cau●ed him t● make a bad use of his freedom, and power, he began to loosen the Reins to his f●lly as it is usual for young men who know themselves to be free and out danger of punishment. True it is that being very wary, he so ordered his affairs that no complaint came to the ears of his adopted Father; who having passed away his time of mourning, and being weary of a Solitary life, he purposed to return to his house where he was highly welcomed by his Subjects but chief young Philemon appeared to be the most contented person in the world and gave so good an account to Archelaus, of all matter● of importance that had p●ss●● in his absence; and thereby caused him to understand hi● g●●●●●● spirit, that his Father although present remitted all affairs to his mannagement, who acted all his busine s being held in his father's presents, in greater reputation and a more absolute Lord than in his father's absence's; in which mannagement he continued a certain time, with a very great in●de●●y in appearance, y●● in private abandoning himself to the satisfaction of his disordinate appetite.  
Archelaus then seeing young Philemon to be grown to man's ●state, purposed to seek ●ut a wife for him which Philemon understanding, and fearing to be tied to a wife by the bands of ●●●ri●age when he could not so freely enjoy ●is accustomed pleasures as he had done, being to give an account in the night, whereas now he acted what he luted, and let lose the Reins to his v●l●pte usness of which liberty he should be deprived wh●n ●e w●s ●ur ed, he therefore went to his Father, 〈…〉 him to let him continue in the condition h● w●●, in 〈◊〉 brid●ing him by marriage, alledging that a Wife would disturb him fr●m his study, and the ●●●●gement of his affairs, & ●old him several other reason's 〈◊〉 ●olour of ze●l which he had for 〈◊〉 good of hi● Subjects, so well using his tongue, that Archilaus (who yet above all things desired t● see of the race of his beloved Philemon) having fir●t used all p●ssib e persuasions, was in the end constrained to comply with him, as well in respect of the zeal which Philemon shown to his business, as not to contradict him in that where he excused himself with some appearance of reason, so that he intended not to urge it any further yet however purposing to cause him to condescend in time by other mean●.  
Whereupon having considered the manner how he discovered his intent to his favourites, telling them that since his Son would not consent to be married, than he himself should be constrained to take a wife, whereby so noble a family as his might not be lost; having none to bear his Name and Arms but the young Philemon, and this he gave out, not out of any thoughts of being married, but to invite Philemon to take a wife; certainly believing that when Philemon should hear this news, if nothing else should move him to be married; yet at last the fear of being deprived of so great a succession, as that of Archelaus by the Children which he might have of a wife, if he should take one, would induce him to consent to the will of his Father. But all this did not divert Philemon from his opinion knowing on the one side that Archelaus was already out of hopes of having Children, and on the other side, if he should have any he could not live to see them great by the course of nature, so that by necessity he should always have the government of those Children, and of the Lands and Lordships of Archelaus, remaining by this means as absolute Lord of the said Lands, as if Archelaus had no Children. In conclusion Archelaus seeing that young Philemon regarded not the same that was spread abroad, thought that by the greatness and vivacity of his spirit he had disovered his intention; and therefore to make the matter seem more probable and real he began to seek out for a marriage for himself, enquiring among all the Damsels that were marriageable, to find one prop●r and convenient for him, not that he intended to be ma●r ed, but to induce Philemon thereunto, seeing tha● there was no dissembling in the Case, and that he might think his father would in good esrnest marry, as it was the general discourse of all people. But for all this Philemon still continued absolute against marriage, so that what was first intended for jest proved in earnest, for a Damsel was found out for Archelaus her name was Eufrosena she was fair virtuous, of a C●●p●ten● age, and of as good a family as he desired.  
Archelaus seeing this, and that this Damsel came freely to him, and that Philemon w●uld not marry; he therefore purposed to proceed in this marriage. This was approved of by all, and o● Philemon himself without whose advice he would not conclude thereon And so this Wedding was solemnised, with all fit magnificence to the great content of every one.  
Archelaus being very well pleased with his marriage, having d●●ly experience of the mild Spirit, great prudence and virtue of his wife, began to introduce her into the Rule and Government of all his Lands and houses; y●t without taking the mannagement of his affairs from Philemon, but with this charge that in all eases of importance, and which required counsel, he should act nothing without Communicating thereof to his Mother-in-law. This woman behaved herself so virtuously in her mannagement, that in short time by degrees all affairs passed through her hands; for on the one side Archelaus being stricken in years, would not trouble himself with business having more need of rest, and on the other side Philemon minded nothing but his pastime, and to enjoy all the pleasure that came into his fantasy sometimes to the prejudice of others, remitting all dispatches to his Mother in Law, who did expedite all the most dextruously that might be, and with great equity. The subjects seeing their Lady behave herself so virtuously in the Government of the Country, took heart to complain to her of the great disorders and violence which Philemon committed; so that from all parts complaints came to her ears; yet she being mild and good natured endeavoured at first to excase and cover the faults of Philemon; and then in private to c●●de him, admonishing, exhorting and praying him so to de●●an himself, that he should use no violence towards the Subjects, and to mind his business as formerly he had done, showing himself worthy of that quality whereto he had been called by the bounty of Fortune; and by the love which Archelaus had born him, hereupon young Philemon very humbly thanked her, with a promise from thence forwards to follow the good advertisements, which by her b untie she had given him; yet nevertheless he acted quite contrary, not omitting to do any thing that his wicked inclinations led him to, and although he endeavoured to act his lewd tricks at privately as he could, that his Mother in law might not discover him; yet now it was not so as it had formerly been with his Father, for he was acquainted with all his actions, because the Subjects went more freely to make their complaints to Eufrosena, than to Archelaus, seeing the ready and quick dispatches which she gave to all affairs; and now they did not fear that she should be transported with natural affection at the discovery of the disordinate life of Philemon, as it may be Archelaus himself would have been, who being near of Kin to Philemon, had taken so great a love for him; that he had adopted him when a young child, and had always bred and entertained him as his own Son.  
The wise Eufrosena seeing the advertisements which she had given to Philemon, had not at all profited him she began to be more free with him; threatening that in case he did not change his manners, to acquaint her husband therewith that he might take course with him: yet withal mildly telling him the great blame he would have when his lewd life should be discovered. Whereupon Philemon promised that for the future he would so behave himself that she should hear no Complaints of him; anisette was every day worse and worse, so that the virtuous Eafrosena was constrained to acquaint her hu●b●●● therewith, earnestly entreating him, to advise hi● S●n to leave those wicked courses, and to bring him back to his former virtuous manner of living. Archelaus hearing this new● of his Son thought 〈◊〉 very ●●range to hear of ●uch dishonest ●ct●●●s, so contrary to the good opinion which he had of his C●ntin●●c● and virtue; wherefore ●e chid him ●ve●ely and threatened him highly, st●●●●ly c●mm●nding him from thence forwards, not t● commit any ex●●●s or violence; Intimating to h●● that for the first ●ault he should be guilty of, he wo●ld so Chastise him, that his former calms and th●se which he should commit, should not escape unpunished, and that he should ●erve as an example to others, who seeing that he had not spared his adopted Son, should forbear offending for fear of punishment. Young Philemon counterfeiting a Repentance, and that he was very sorrowful, that he had committed crimes to the displeasure of his Father, begged his pardon promising to live so strictly from thence forward, that he should never hear any just complaint against him.  
Yet it was not long after this that he had a mind to a fair young Damsel, daughter to a Gentleman of the most considerable quality of his father's Subjects▪ and not knowing how by fair means to get possession of her, ●e one day made a forceible entry into the house of this Gentlem●n, and carried away the Damsel. This rude action coming to the knowledge of Archelaus, he Commanded that Philemon should be suddenly seized on, and being strictly guarded should be carried Prisoner to a strong Castle, giving express commands to the Captain of the Castle, that upon pain of his high displeasure, he should put Philemon in the strong; Prison of the Castle, that he might at all times render a good account of him.  
Philemon being thus put into Prison, conceived mortal hatred against his Mother-in-law, believing all the anger of Archelaus did proceed from her, and by her Instigation; and from thenceforth purposed to employ all his power and wicked Spirit, to ruin the good and innocent Lady: And that he might accomplish his design, he endeavoured all that in him lay to get the friendship of the Captain of the Castle which he easily performed; the Captain being a good fellow, one who desired to please all and particularly Philemon, whom he one day hoped to see Lord of all the Lands of Archelaus. And therefore he often visited Philemon eating and drinking with him, endeavouring to divert him by Playing, singing, and other recreation; so that his liberty only excepted, he knew nothing that would please Philemon, but he suffered him to enjoy it. This Captain had one only Daughter competently fair and marriageable, which he lov●d above all things. Philemon having seen her, resolved to make use of this means, to accomplish what he most desired. He seeing his keeper to be so much his friend, that he might without any danger discover any secret to him; he one day took him apart, and having made a long preamble of the many traverses which his Mother-in-law had practised to his prejudice, and that without cause, so that she had by these means brought him t● a Prison him who was by right the true and Lawful Lord of the Country; there to cause him to Languish in a condition worse than death, had it not been for his kindness to him, for which he reckoned himself v●ry much obliged, so that he should never forget it, and being willing to begin to acknowledge the great ●●iendship and service which he had received of him, and gave him assurance of what he m●ght hereafter expect; when by the death of his Father he should be Master of his 〈◊〉; he therefore purposed to take his only daugh● to wife, ●on this condition that the said Captain would Aid and assist him in what he purposed to do And then he began to discourse of the probable coo●●● he would take to be revenged on h● Innocen● ●ufrosena, and told him particularly how the design should be managed.  
The affection which the Captain had to see his daughter so highly preferred and the Ambition to be Father-in-law to his Lord and Prince, and by consequence Governor of the Country, caused him to open his ears; so that although he knew this to be an unjust undertaking, yet however he resolved to be an Actor, and therefore they having plighted their troths to each other, the marriage of his daughter and Philemon was secretly c●●●●nated. The Captain of the Castle resolving to keep promise, choosed out seven S●ldiers Reformadoes, in whom he could confide, and after he had conjured them, and received an oath from them for their fidelity and secrecy, he discovered his and philemon's enterprise to facillitate which, he shown them the proper means, giving them great presents and greater promises, to serve as false witnesses, to testify and affirm that which should be requited of them. This being done he dispatched one of these Reformadoes to Archelaus, to entreat him to come to the Galilee, about a business of very great Consequence, and wherein consisted the quiet of his estate which w●s of so great importance, that he durst not write lest the Letter should miscarry and mu●h less could be trust a third person to acquaint him by w●rd of mouth.  
While the Soldier was on hi● way ●o deliver his Message, the Traitor Philemon purposing to act his wickedness, cunningly laid his foundation on a Letter which he found, wh●ch the S●ge Eufrosena had with her own hand wri●ten to the Captain of the Castle; whereby ●h● g●v● him some particular orders about governing the Country, which Letter he found among the Captain's 〈◊〉; ●nd b●●ng well acquainted with his Mother-in-law, ha●● h● practised ●●●● nterfeit it & did it so artificially that it was not to be distinguished from her own proper writing. This Letter being perfected, he sealed it up at Eufrosena was used to do; counterfeiting a Superscription (which was addressed to the Captain of the Castle) as he had done to the Letter itself; and this he gave to the Captain, concluding with him how to use it.  
But to return to Archelaus, as soon as he heard the Message from the Captain of the Castle, he mounted on horseback, and road with a small train to the Castle; where being come the Captain retired with him into a private Chamber, entering into a large discourse of the great obligation which he had for him and his service, who from so low a degree as a private Gentleman and Soldier, had raised him to be a Captain of s● remarkable a place, that indeed might be very well accounted to be the strongest of the Kingdom of France; f●r which cause and also in regard he was his natural Leige-Lord, his duty Commanded him, to think of nothing more than the peace and conservation of his estate and person, which he ●●s b●und to defend, and maintain by hi● blood ●●d w●●● his L●fe. And therefore he having the m●●●● t● deliver h●m fr●m a very great danger, he had been so bold as to entreat h●m to come thither, to give him private advertisement of that wh●c● was already ●● forward, that were it not for his great fidelity and others that belonged to him, it m ght be concluded that hi● life was at an ●nd, so forwards was the design against him; And it wo●ld be difficult to prevent it, in regard it was contrived by a person in whom he put the greatest confidence's, and of whom he always had a good opinion. And to make it more plain to you said the Captain, it was your wife; whom you and I and all men else, have esteemed for the best and Loyalest Lady in the world. But I very well know that this Sex is frail and Subject to Ch●nge, which hath at all times been seen, and now more than ever, but I never heard of so wicked a design as this: F●r some days since whither it is out of hatred to you, or love to some other person, or any other occasion hath induced her (for I cann●t ●mm●gin the reason) she hath endeavoured to engage me to her by presents, and great promises being more liberal than ordinary. I was at first surprised, yet in conclusion resolved that this was only the effects of her good nature of which she always gave sufficient proof. And therefore without immagining any evil, I endeavoured to do her all possible service and to insinuate further into her favour, acknowledging her for my Lady and Mistress, as indeed she is being your wife; and I many times told her that th● greatest desire I had in this world, was effectually to d●●●●a●e the great affection which I had for her service, according to my duty; praying her freely to command me, and to employ me as she should think fit as Lady and Mistress, both of my goods and life, putting all into her power, t● disp●se of at her pleasure, holding my life and goods very well employed, when they should be used in her service. She hearing these off r▪ wh●c● were in general did believe she had 〈◊〉 much pour over me, that I would perform wh●●soev●r her bru●●ish cruelty had possessed her mind, which till then she had covered with a cloak of mildness and courtesy, without considering what my honour and duty oblidges me to: being confident hereof, not long since she wrote this letter to me, which is of her own writing, as he that brought it told me, by which (as you may see if you please to read) she solicits me to commit the treason therein contained, to kill you privately one day when you should come to this place, and give out a report that you died of age, or some accident, whereby she might have full possession of your land; in recompense whereof as you may see, she promises me the best of your houses, this only excepted at my choice, but God forbidden that any such treason should enter into my breast, for proof of what I say said the Captain, behold the letter, and thereupon after a due reverence he gave it him into his hand.  
Archelaus hearing this news of his wife, was during the Captain's discourse in great torment, considering the great experience he had of his wife's virtue; he could not imagine that she would have thought, and much less have endeavoured so treasonable an action, yet understanding tha● by the letter, he might know the truth, he permitted the Captain to finish his discourse, which being ended he took the letter, and having well v●ewed and considered it, he did certainly believe it to be her own hand writing.  
And H● having ●f●e● read this Letter, was very m●ch ●●v shed with admiration, and even as a man who dreams of something, and not being able to discern whether it be true or false so this poor Gentleman knew not what to think on the one side, knowing it to be his wife's hand, and on the other side believing her to be so faithful▪ that he thought it impossible any such treasonable action should enter into her heart, this perplexity of spirit being perceived by the Traitor who spoke to him that he might the better compas● his design, he thus continued his discourse to Archelaus.  
Sir, I doubt that this Letter is not the true hand of my Lady, it is, it is sighing said the poor Archelaus, I know it too well suppose it to be so said the Captain, it was only to make trial of my fidelity, for I cannot imagine for what reason she should attempt to murder one to whom she hath without the least distaste always shown all manner of dutiful love; but I have discovered something else, which clears the truth of all, for she hath suborned with money some my Soldiers, and took an oath of them that they would kill me at her arrival here, which should be soon after your death, that she might be rid of us both; and these very Soldiers have discovered this conspiracy, after I had assured them of pardon, and this they themselves will relate to you.  
Having said thus, he caused the seven Complices to come into the Chamber, who when they c●me thither fell down on their knees before Archelaus, begging pardon for the great fault which they had committed in harkening to so great a Treason as that wherein they had b●●● engaged, ●nd for which ●hey had received reward; and 〈◊〉 a parfocal ●●●●on how Eufrosena had hy●●● 〈…〉 the● Captain, as the Captain had told Archelaus, but ●fter that being sensible of the greatness of the crime which they had undertaken; they resolved of two evils to choose the least, and submit to their Captain who had been graciously pleased to pardon them.  
Archelaus comparing this relation with the contents of the Letter, no longer doubted but that the case was just as the traitorous Captain had told him, yet he knew not what to resolve upon, for on the one h●nd the great treason which he believed his wife to be guilty of, drove him on to revenge; and on the other hand the love he bore to the innocent Lady, stayed and hindered him. The traitorous Captain perceiving this, said Sir, when a man is interested in any case, and passionate his best course is to take advise of others, and therefore I will give you my best counsel, which if you please you may follow, otherwise you may decline it, and take your own course.  
If it were my case, I would have you send for your wife; pretending to confer with her about s●me case of importance, and so soon as she comes h●th●r, cause her head to be cut off, as a reward for her treason, which I think is plain enough proved unto you; Archelau, approving of the counsel of this traitorous and cursed Captain, sent to his wife that without any delay, she should come to the Castle to acquaint her with some weighty matters; the good and virtuous Lady having received her husband's l●t●er, suddenly mounted on horseback and came thither; but she was no sooner passed the two first gates of the Castle, when she was seized on by the seven Soldiers, who cut of her head, not permitting her to speak one w● d; Archelaus would not be present at this miserable execution, but remitted all to the Captain's discretion, who having performed what he had intended, and resolving to add one treason to another returned to Archelaus, to whom he said that Eufrosena se●ing her life to be at the latest account, and that her treasons were discovered, for which she had deserved death: she therefore charged him to tell her Husband that she prayed him to pardon those crimes she would have committed, therefore confessing herself worthy of a more cruel death than she was to suffer; also acknowledging that she knew not wherefore such a Treason had entered into her mind, but that God by his just judgement had bereft her of her sense and understanding, for the great wrong; which she had done to the innocent Philemon, having so calumniated and accused him, having hired a Gentleman who complained against him, pretending that he had forced his daughter, which was a thing counterfeited, that she might remove her Son in Law from the management of affairs, and be herself the sole Governness.  
This the poor old man easily believed, so that he caused the traitorous Philemon to be immediately taken out of Prison, making excuses to him, for the hard usage which he had received, and he instantly out him into the same capacity he had been in: giving him greater authority than before; so that all dispatches depended absolutely upon him and passed through his hands.  
Philemon then seeing himself in the condition he desired, for some time managed the affairs with such dexterity that he in short time obtained the good will of the People; yet considering that Archelaus was not so old but that he might be married again, and that then there would be an alteration in his condition, he purposed to assure himself and be peaceable; Lord of all the Lands of Archelaus, whilst it was in his power, and not to delay his design, lest some new trouble should arise; wherefore being experienced in the dexterity of his Father in law, in wicked actions he declared his intention to him, desiring his assistance. This Traitor had often thought of this matter as well as Philemon, and was so ambitious of seeing himself great, that every day seemed a year to him▪ till his Son in law should be absolute Lord and Master of th●se Lands; and therefore he told Philemon that he should leave the management of that affair to him, for at Archelaus his next coming to the Castle, such order should be taken, that for the future he should not be hindered of being absolute Lord; and having conferred his intention with those Soldiers that had murdered Eufrosena, that the next day he should leave the Castle, and go ● day's journey from thence to manage his affairs, that his absence's should not cause him to be in the least suspected, and that he should be r●ady to return thither as to the chief place of residence, and to seize on all his other houses before any trouble should happen.  
Philemon takeing his Father in laws advice, departed f●om the Castle, and not long after Archelaus came thither, who one day walking with the Captain in a private place of the Castle, two of those murderours' Soldiers threw a girdle about his neck, and there immediately strangled him.  
The poor Archelaus being dead, the rascal Captain made an outcry, so that all the Soldiers did run to see what was the matter▪ and he holding the dead body in his arms, with feigned tears told them, that while he was talking a Gatarhe had seized on him, so that he f●ll down dead in the place: and then he caused him to be laid in his bed, applying perfumes and other remedies to see if he would come to himself, but all was to no purpose, which he seeing without any delay sent in Post to Philemon, and after he had counterfeited lamentations for the death of his Lord, he caused him to be interred in the most sumptuous manner that he could.  
Philemon understanding of the death of Archelaus was very well pleased, but in appearance shown much discontent and sorrow, but soon returned to the Castle, where with tears he was received of the Captain, and all others of the Town for their lawful Lord; and having taken order for mourning, he took possession of the Lordships thus wickedly usurped before the time, beginning at the chief City, and from thence going from place to place without any contradiction.  
The time of mourning being over, Philemon was solemnly married to the Captain's daughter, and he gave large rewards to the Soldiers who had served him in his designs, but in conclusion he caused them all to be privately murdered.  
He himself did not long enjoy his estate, for the justice of Heaven which leaves no evil action unpunished, raised an English Lord against him to be his Enemy; who having intelligence with certain o●●er French Lords, who although they were philemon's Neighbours, yet they hated him for his tyranny) necessitated him to retire to an inconsiderable City, where being taken by the English, he was burnt alive, and as they led him to execution, he confessed that he had deserved not only to be burnt, but a far w●rse punishment, not for the wrong which he had done to the English, but for the great treason which he had committed against Archelaus, and the innocent Eufrosena; declaring particularly how all things had been contrived and executed, and then being fastened to the stake, he there finished his wicked life,  
This history my Lord, said the Empress, I had a mind to relate to you, to see if it might be possible to open your eyes that you may see that this your Son endeavours nothing else, with his seven traitorous Complices (and not Philosophers) to dispatch me out of this world, being assured that if I were removed: I who am your loyal wife and companion, they would more easily attain their ends; which is to make themselves peaceable Lords of the Empire, without waiting for the natural course of your life, against which they have had many designs, and it would not be long ere they were effected, if I were once taken away from you, and this all persons of judgement may easily perceive; and although Heaven in the end will not leave this unpunished, but ●et we must first suffer a miserable death, if according to your duty, you do not make timely provision against it, and my Parents and Relations here present aught to give their ready assistance.  
These speeches of the Empress were uttered with so much livelyness and earnestness, that not only the Emperor, but her Relations resolved that Erastus should die without delay, so that if it had been day time, as indeed it was not, part of the night being passed away and spent, the Emperor would have caused the innocent Erastus, and the seven Philosophers to be dispatched; and therefore he gave absolute command, that without attending any other order of the Senate, the next morning without any delay, Prince Erastus should be publicly executed by the common Executioner, and after him the seven Philosophers; after he had given this order, he endeavoured to appease the Empress, and for her better satisfaction he committed the execution of the sentence to four Persons, who were her particular favourites; causing his father in Law, and other Lords who were the Relations of the Empress to stay and sup with him, and he that night lay with the wicked and perverse Aphrodicia.   

CHAP. XXII. The Emperor Dioclesian saw a Vision in his sleep, of several sorts of Animals whereby was demonstrated all passages about Prince ●●●stus, and what part he should take, by reason of which Vision he became very melancholy.  
THE Emperor being in bed with the Empress was was so trouble● in mind, that he could not possibly sleep until ● little before break of day; and then his e●●● 〈◊〉 ●o sooner closed, but he saw in a Dream ●ss●● from his Reins a Pigeon white as snow ●he ●● h●●t●st and ●●●●est that ever he had seen; whereupon ●●e being joyful, purposed to have it well and carefully nourished, it being already so fair that all the World admired it, and he himself was so much in love with it, that all his pleasure and qui●t consisted in considering ●f the whiteness and fairness of the Bir●; which g●ow●ng larger, and daily increasing ●n be●●●y, he perceived that a Serp●n● came to his P●lla●e which was so beautiful, tha● although this An mal is naturally horrible, yet he was so in love with it, that sometimes he put it in high bosom, and at other times lay with it; he also perceived that so soon as this Serpent saw his young Pigeon to be so fair, he took great pleasure in it, and by all means ●ndeavoured to have its company. The Pigeon at fir●● was well enough contented, and not only showed love to, but also respected the Serpent; but seeing that the Serpent kissed it, and endeavoured by all means to couple with it, the Pigeon with horror and anger which it had against this villainous and venomous beast began to fly; the Serpent on the other side seeing itself disdained, seemed to have changed into mortal hatred, all the love which he had to this Pigeon, endeavouring by all means to kill the poor Bird, in such manner pursuing it, that the Emperor himself hated it▪ out of respect to the great Serpent, so that he also assisted to kill it, and yet he thought that the poor Pigeon made no defence, only looked to heaven, without speaking, as if from thence it expected assistance and favour, he also saw that as the cruel Serpent was about to kill the fair Pigeon, seven several Animals appeared in order, who were all of different shapes, so that he could not distinguish what they were, yet they were so fair, that all that beheld them took pleasure therein; these Animals being arrived, one by one placed themselves to defend the young Pigeon from the great Serpent, fight for the Pigeon one after another; so that in the beginning it seemed that the Serpent yielded, and yet afterwards he returned to assault the poor Pigeon more fiercely than before; so that it was necessary that another of the seven Animals should come to combat no defend it, and so there was seven assaults, during which the Emperor seemed to favour the Pigeon against the Serpent, when the Serpent had the worst, and on the contrary when the Serpent had the better, he altered his mind, and was pleased to help to kill the Pigeon, for love of the Serpent.  
In conclusion, he perceived that the Serpent raised himself higher than before, and casting forth all its poison with the rage and fury that possessed him, he had so disordered the seven Animals, and the Pigeon which all that time had made no defence, that they seemed to be at the last gasp of their lives, and that yet nevertheless the Pigeon appeared then with so good a grace, and so great a virtue, that without fight he overthrew and abased the Serpent, so that it remained upon the place not daring to stir, which the cursed and perverse Beast seeing it, employed all its rage and venom against itself, so that it killed itself; whereupon the Emperor seemed to have then as much hatred as formerly he had love for it, very much repenting that he had so persecuted so pleasant a Bird as this Pigeon was, at the desire of so horrible a beast as was the Serpent; he also thought that all the City of Rome made Bonfires for the deliverance and victory of the Pigeon, so that nothing was heard throughout the whole City, but Drums, Trumpets, and other musical Instruments.  
In conclusion the great noise which the people of Rome made at these Bonfires, seemed to be so great that it awaked the Emperor just at break of day; then when the Sunbeams chased away the obscurity of the night, and being awake, he began to consider of the great dream he had in that hours time wherein he had slept; the apprehension of which, was so imprinted in his mind, that he thought it rather a truth than a Dream; and yet he could not comprehend one single point of it, although he could not remove from his fancy a thing that he had seen so perfectly, believing that it must necessarily have some great signification considering the impression it had left in his mind, being thus very melancholy he arose, and soon after him the Empress; to whom a minute of an hour seemed to be a year, so desirous she was to be satisfied in the death of the innocent Erastus, and the seven Philosophers, who took part with him to maintain the just quarrel of their Disciple; and she was no sooner up, but she sent in great haste for those who had Commission to execute the sentence of the Emperor against Erastus and the Philosophers.   

CHAP. XXIII. Prince Erastus declares in full Senate, the necessity which had constrained him to be silent until then; and by an example of Hermogenes, afterwards named Entichus, whose Father had caused him to be cast into the Sea, that he might not see him to be greater than himself: Ye● however the same Entichus at length obtained the Crown, of the Kingdom of Candia, although he was but the Son of an ordinary Merchant, according to the fatal destinies, who had foretold that he should Arrive at this dignity; showing that there is no prudence nor humane counsel, that can hinder that which once hath been determined in Heaven, and by the Celestial Influence. And having declared the truth of the fact, as it had passed between him and the Empress; he and the Philosophers are acquitted, and the Empress is cast into Prison.   top: representation of a griffin rampant facing seven birds, nearby two figures in a bed; middle: representation of an emperor or king throwing a figure from a ship or boat, nearby two other male figures; bottom: representation of an emperor or king and four other male figures standing near a loggia, with three birds overhead 
The Jailor having heard the Message of Prince Erastus; went with all diligence to the Emperor's Lodgings, yet he doubted that he should be derided, for delivering a Message from one that was Damn; but however he delivered what he had in charge to the Emperor, who understanding this new Embassy, remained very much perplexed and astonished, by means of what had newly happened. And although he believed that his Son had given that in charge to the Jailor which he had delivered, yet he thought it very strange that he now speaking, he should all that time keep silent even, in those great dangers wherein he had been and was still envolved, So that he sometimes resolved not to make any reckoning of him, considering the small esteem Erastus had for him, not vouchsafeing to speak and justify himself, when he had been charged with so great a crime; for which cause he believed he had just occasion to be angry with his Son, who had so little respected him, as not to pay him one civil salutation as in duty he was bound to, and for that he had not answered one single question, there having been so many propounded to him, when efore he had concluded that this his silence was sufficient proof of his guiltiness, in so abominable a case as he had been charged withal: And then again natural affection and instinct, which induces Tigers to bear affection to their young ones (although they disdain & hate all others) induced and inclined the Emperor to give him audience; And thereupon he gave command to the Jailor that Erastus, and the seven Philosophers should be brought bound before the Senate, being however resolved that so soon as he had finished his discourse, (which in his opinion could be nothing but to ask mercy and pardon) he should be publicly executed and with him the seven Philosophers, according to the Sentence formerly given, and the evening before confirmed, the news was already spread throughout all Rome, how that the Empress had the evening before obtained of the Emperor, that without any process or delay the young Prince Erastus and his seven Masters, should the next morning be publicly executed; so that before day break, the place of execution was full of Spectators to see the end and issue of this spectacle, every one believing it impossible that so virtuous persons as the Philosophers, should be miserably and publicly executed, with the only Son and heir of a Roman Emperor, and that their wisdom and virtue which was known to all, could not save them, not that none would engage in their rescue. The people being thus gathered together, some of them perceived the Jailor when he went to the Emperor, and therefore followed him (being inquisitive after news) but were hindered by the Guard from entering the Palace, only some Noble men and persons of quality were admitted, and were present when the Emperor commanded the Jailor to bring forth the Prince; these relating this news abroad to others it was matter of novelty to all, as being of so great importance that it could not be hid in obscurity, so that at length it became so public, that not only all in the Palace was acquainted therewith, but also the whole City of Rome, and principally the Senators who had upon this occasion been already sent for, so that throughout the whole City there was a world of people of all sorts and qualities, men and women, great & small, who being every where met together made it their whole business, all expecting the issue & conclusion of the speech that Erastus would make before the Senate, where every one strove to get a place that they might hear what would be said. Only the Empress hearing of this news, began to suspect her affair, as well in respect of certain remorse of conscience which pressed her, as for the novelty of the case, so that being retired into her Chamber, she ruminated in her thoughts the event of this discourse; and she already repent of the rashness of her pursuit: and then on a sudden she would take courage by a certain presumption that had possessed her, and further inflamed her with malice and ang●●, setting good spies upon the place, to know when Erastus should be brought before the Emperor, and to give her an account of all passages that should happen. All the world being in this expectation, the young Prince Erastus arrived, who went before his Masters, all th●ir hands being fettered and as strictly guarded as if they had been going to execution, as the Emperor had commanded; which spectacle moved ●ll to compassion. But on the contrary, the young Prince marched with so much magnanimity and confidence's, that he appeared as if he had made a Triumphant entry, rather than to go to execution: And there did he see his Father sitting in the Senate, purposing not to be overcome by fatherly love, although his Son should beg pardon or favour but to leave him to the Justice of the Law. Erastus being come to a convenient place, with a voice high enough to be heard of all, began as followeth.  
I deny not my Lord and Father, that the Creatures of this world every one in its kind do sometimes produce eff cts degenerating from their essence, so that there is nothing here below that arrives to an absolute perfection; but when this misfortune happens to man to see wicked Children issue from good Parents, who however have taken pains to have them well bred up, and instructed such as these may be reckoned not to be men but brute Beasts. And therefore so much the more should I confess myself to be such, if I should commit, or think of committing so great a crime as that wherewith I am charged, and should be more Criminal than all men, both against Nature and the breeding that I have had, being naturally issued from your Royal Loins being educated and instructed with such knowledge and integrity as hitherto hath been ●●own and will for the future be acknowledged to b● in these my seven Masters, who are here p ●●ent; who for good cause you made choice of to ●●mit the Government of my tender Age, to whom a●● to the goodness of Nature, and by their dilig ●●● and industry, I am sure I am so well profited, a●● have given such an opinion of me in Rome, (for always with my Age I have so pursued the steps of virtue, that I can speak it without being taxed of arrogance) that being come to the Age of discretion, it is a thing almost incredible to believe that I should so much forget myself, as to fall into a crime which should defame your blood, and the reputation of our house, which by this means should be contaminated with so villainous a crime, as this whereof I am accused; I wonder how it can enter into the thoughts of any, that I should have so small respect to the honour of our house which wholly concerns me being your Son, and only successor, considering my Age, and my study of Philosophy to which I have wholly applied myself, ever since the hour of my Nativity, I must needs be a competent Judge of good and evil, that which is profitable and hurtful, honest or dishonest; and therefore I have wondered hen I thought with myself how it should be possible to believe, and that so easily that I should commit an act so villainous, & how you should be possessed with a thought to condemn me to death so suddenly for the speeches of a single woman, without any proof of the fact, true I am more to blame than you, who have given sentence against me because I have not spoken one word that might serve for my Justification, neither at the beginning when I was accused, nor during these days wherein my Masters here present have saved my life; so that this my silence hath had the power to induce those who consider things no further than their eyes demonstrate to them, to believe that I had committed this Villainous act wherewith I was charged, and that being surprised in the very manner, and knowing the Crime to be so heinous that there was no expectation of pardon; I was thereupon so confounded, that I was bereft of my speech. But my silence was occasioned by a higher cause, wherewith if you had been so well acquainted as were these my Masters, you would have known that it was impossible for me to do otherwise, without falling into an extreme evil, which I could not avoid, it having been already allotted to me, and my only remedy consisted in being silent for these seven days, I very well knowing that my life was in great danger if it were not prolonged for that time, as well by the learned discourse of my Masters, as by the necessary silence which I have used. For these virtuous persons as well as I, did foresee on that day we received your commands to come to Rome, the great danger I should be in of a shameful death, in coming hither, for they are endowed with so great knowledge, that there are very few disasters which they do not foresee, and provide a remedy if there be any; it is very true that we could not possibly find out the means which should cause this disaster although we were very well assured of the great danger I should be in for seven days; to avoid which, there was no other remedy but for that time for me to keep an absolute silence. This we concluded to do rather than disobey your commands in not coming to Rome, doubting also lest I should fall into some other inconvenience which should procure pour displeasure, and render me infamous to all posterity; and therefore hazarding all that might befall me, I resolved to continue seven days without speaking, assuring myself that my just cause would not fail me, being confident of the great virtue of these my seven Masters; who like vigilant and virtuous Advocates have always oppoposed themselves against the fury of those who endeavoured the ruin of my life and honour.  
And thereupon he gave a particular account of what they had seen in the Heavens and the Aspects of the Stars, that evening before they took their journey to Rome; and the resolution which he and his Masters had thereupon taken, in pursuance whereof he had suffered very much, considering the great inconvenience caused by his silence, which gave occasion to all people to believe that in regard he made no defence, he was guilty of the great felony whereof he was accused; yet however his heart had not failed him, being assured that what was once established and confirmed by the Celestial influences; (that is if he continued silent) he should avoid that disaster; so that in conclusion he did not doubt but by this means all things would be well, notwithstanding the impetuosity of the words, and storms which had so overwhelmed him; wherein the will of the Gods appeared to be different from that of men, for all mortal things are easily changed, whereas the will of God being immortal, remains eternally immutable; so that what hath been once determined above follows by necessity, although it be by ordinary means, notwihstanding all oppositions and contradictions whatsoever, And that it is thus said the young Prince, I will prove it to you by the example of a very virtuous young man, and to whom Fortune was so contrary, that he who should have advanced him, endeavoured his death; and yet however he arrived to be a King from being a mean personage, as the influences of the Stars had predicted, and that which was intended to hinder his greatness, was the means whereby he arrived to royal dignity.  
And I now make it my humble request to you all here present to excuse the length of my discourse, in regard I have been silent so long, and now being at liberty to speak; I think it not to be inconvenient nor unreasonable, that I give myself this satisfaction, & that I use my utmost endeavours to please my Auditors, the matter in question being of so great impor●●ance to me.  
Long time since in the Levant Countries, and particularly in the most illustrious and famous City of Alexandria, there lived a Merchant named Europus, who contrary to the custom and fortune of many others, having a long time trafficked with Merchandise without any los●, had so increased his riche● and arrived to so much wealth, that he had no mind to have any more; and contrary to the humour of most men, was content with what he had. This Merchant being thus wealthy left of his tradeing, takeing no other thoughts but of advancing an only Son which he had, who was called Hermogenes to attain to which he sent him to study, that he might fashion him to those things that were gentile and honourable; and Fortune was so favourable to him in this enterprise, that in short time he saw his son very well instructed in Learning and Arms, and in all other virtuous actions becoming a Gentleman; yet however seeing that he was morose and melancholy, by reason he had no company in the house to converse with at home, neither had he traveled abroad; for there is no better way to know the World than to travel in it, which gives a greater reputation to men, and is more profitable than to live always at home in their Nests; wherefore that he might please him, he resolved to travel into several places, and having made provision of moneys necessary for such an undertaking, and chosen out those that should accompany or attend him, he provided and furnished a Ship, wherein he and all his company embarked, and having taken order about his Domestic affairs, with the first good wind they set sail, and having sailed several days, and meeting with a storm, they made towards an Island where they landed; in this Island he had a mind to remain some days, as being a pleasant place; well manured, and the Inhabitants very civil and courteous, but being desirous to pursue his Voyage, he embarkqued, when he and his son had no sooner left the shore but they saw two Birds as white as Swans, who hovered about their Vessel, and in the end perched on the Ancient of the main M●st, where they had not long rested, but they descended as if they would have settled on the head of the young Hermogenes, but soon returned from whence they came, where they began to warble & sing so sweetly & harmoniously that one would have imagined them to have been Musicians that endeavoured to show their utmost skill and cunning; so that all the Ships company, who were pleased with their harmony, durst not stir for fear of disturbing them; Europus who had formerly learned several words of the auguries of Birds, and their significations, bethought himself what this might mean, being ignorant whither it foretold good or evil; and seeing his son very pensive, and yet nevertheless very pleasant in countenance, he said to him, is it possible that what I have formerly heard hath been true, that there are brute Beasts, who by extraordinary gestures will foretell things to come; and that there are men so wise as to understand them? there is nothing more certain replied young Hermogenes, for often times by these and such like means, some men have foretell several accidents to come, a long time before they have happened, and that their hearts might be enlightened, and be upon the greater certainty, they offered sacrifices proper thereunto; making use of many things that I shall not at present mention. If this be true said the Father, I would gladly know the meaning of the singing of these two Birds, if you are very desirous said young Hermogenes, for the Obligation which I have to obey you, I will give you that satisfaction let what will befall me; and therefore you are to take notice that all which you have seen, and all the warbling of the Birds was made only in respect of me, and of my future greatness, for these Birds have signified no other thing but as they perched themselves so much higher than you are, so much hereafter shall I surpass you in greatness, in sign whereof they have begun to sing praises to me.  
The Merchant Europus hearing this was surprised tither with Choler or Envy, or rather with both together, and in a great fury said, I will take order that this angury shall not take effect, and saying so, he took his son by the shoulders and threw him overboard into the Sea; saying to those in the Ship, that although he desired his Son's advancement; yet however he intended not to make him greater than himself; and that he had rather choose to die without an Heir, than to give the least respect in the world to his Son, and therefore he commanded instantly to hoist up the sails, and steer their course for Alexandria, certainly believing that his Son was devoured by the wave●, but it happened quite otherwise, for he thinking to abase his Son, and to hinder the greatness that was prepared for him, he shortened his way thereunto; young Hermogenes than endeavouring to gain the shore by swimming so well as he could, a strong wind so assisted him, that in less than an hour he found himself ashore, on the same Island from whence they set out & from whence his cruel father had cast him into the Sea being much weary & spent; yet the Islanders releived him so well (having compassion for the cruelty that had been showed to him) that he in short time recovered, and having continued two days in that Island, he saw a very large Merchant's Ship w●● endeavoured to take harbour there to refresh themselves, and take in fresh water, and considering with himself that to continue longer in that Island, his condition would not be better, he made his case known to the Master of the Ship, who was a rich Merchant of Candy, named Sterifo, who having discoursed with young Hermogines, and understanding from him particularly how every thing had happened, he asked him what course he intended to take; to this the young man answered that he was content to what he should please to command him, if he would be pleased to accept of his service; whereupon Sterifo being very willing, accepted of him, and from that time Hermogenes disposed himself to serve him truly and faithfully, which he performed so well, that Sterifo being childless and being out of hopes of having any Children, purposed to adopt the young Hermogenes, ●eeing his good and honest carriage, which was every way such as Sterifo desired in a Son, if he had had any; Being arrived at his house, and having acquainted his wife with his design, he found her very willing and free to it, and f●on after they both declared him for their proper Child, and because of the bounty of Fortune which had been manifested towards him, they changed his Nam● and called him Entichus; that is to say Bonadventure, or good Adventure, which being done you may understand that if at the beginning, a young man so well bred, had carried himself respectively towards Stirefo and his Wife when he was adopted, he then made it his Study to do much better, and with all fidelity, diligence and readiness to apply himself to their service.  
It was about this time that the King of Candy, who was named Critorneus, that is to say a Judge of Birds, (whether that were his proper name or only imposed on him) by a certain accident, was then in great trouble, and not knowing which way or how to deliver himself out of it, he counted himself to be unhappy and unfortunate, and being ignorant of the cause of this trouble; he Judged that some great misfortune would befall him, and the Candiots his Subjects had a bad opinion of him, supposing that this had happened in respect of some enormous Sin which he had Committed. And this was his affliction, so often as he went out of his Chamber three Crows would present themselves before him, as if they had waited on purpose, which flew round about him fluttering and Croaking in such manner, that the poor Prince had his brains almost broken, so that he was forced to return into his Chamber from this mischief, being very desirous to be released, as his last refuge, he caused it to be proclaimed through all his Countries by Sound of Trumpets, and through all the Isle of Candy that if there were any one who could remedy this Croaking of the Crows, and deliver him from the trouble which they gave him; he would give them the one half of his Kingdom for their reward and if it were a man, he would furthermore give his only Daughter in marriage to them.  
This being Proclaimed, many went to try their skill, thinking to deliver the King from the trouble of the Crows, some by Negromancy and the Invocation of Spirits, and others by certain Medecinal compotsi●ons and Ten thousand other experiments, and yet there was none that could effect what they intended. The young Entichus understanding this news of the Proclamation of the King of Candy bethought himself that it might happen to be he that should receive this great reward which the King had promised, since all consisted in the Interpretation of the Gestures and Song of the Crows, in which knowledge he was very well skilled; and therefore he humbly entreated Sterifo (without whose commands he would undertake nothing) that he would please to give him leave to deliver King Gritorneus from the trouble of the Crows, assuring him that he could easily perform it; to this the Old man consented, and he himself presented him to the King, who likewise promised him, that so soon as Entichus should have delivered him from the trouble wherein he was, he would perform the promise he had made, and confirmed it with an oath; whereupon young Entichus having made his Reverence to the King, he humbly entreated that it would please his Majesty to take the Air out of his Palace, assuring him that he would immeadiately acquaint him, with the occasion of the Croaking of the birds, and by that means free him from the trouble he was in. The King very readily performed this, but he was no sooner come out of his doors, but the Crows came fluttering and Croaking more than ever they had done. The young Entichus said to the King, know Sir, that this Croaking and fluttering of the birds, comes not by any evil that is in you nor any other in your house, but these birds come to you to decide a difference which is between them: This Crow which is known by his feathers to be older than the other, took to wife this other which appears to be a Male but is a Female, but when a scarcity of provision happened, he hunted her away and would not keep her company, so that she joined herself to this young Crow, which is that in the middle; when there was victuals enough to eat then the old Crow would again have his Female, but she seemed to be discontented, and furtherfore the young Crow hoped to have some pleasure with the Female in that good season, since he had provided for her in the time of scarcity, & this being in debate, & they not agreeing there upon are come to you that by your royal authority whereby you make Laws and ordinances, that you would be pleased to put an end to their difference, by your definitive sentence; assuring you Sir, that so soon as you shall pronounce sentence they will be gone, and trouble you no further. The King hearing what Entichus had said, adjudged by his absolute sentence the Female to the young Crow, and he had no sooner made an end of pronouncing his sentence but the Crows flew away without ever returning again, to the wonder of all the Spectators, who much marvailed thereat, but above all the King was astonished, and being transported ran to embrace young Entichus; telling him that from thenceforth he should take him and no other for his natural Father, for said he I will perform my promise in giving you my Daughter and the half of my Kingdom, Entichus making his due reverence to the King, humbly thanked him, and so they returned to the Palace, the good old Sterifo being joyful of his Adopted Sons advancement after he had given him his best instructions and blessing, departed going home to his wife and leaving his Son Entichus at Court, both beloved and admired at by the King and all his Nobility, as well in respect of his Gallant deportment, as of his kill and cunning, for he frequented Jousts and Tournaments in short time became so Complete a Practitioner, that he excelled all others still bearing away the Prize.  
At this time there was an Emperor of Germany, whose name was Frederick, who was so accomplished a Prince in all endowments both of body and mind, that he excelled all the Princes, Kings, and Emperors in the whole world. The same of this Emperor's virtues flying abroad into all parts, it came to the hearing of Prince Entichus (for so I may now call him, his virtue having procured him that Title) who being desireous of procuring fame abroad, as well as it home; and therefore purposing to travel, and no place being so fit as he thought as the Court of the Emperor Fredrick he asked leave of the King to go thither. His request was not denied, only the King advised him to stay some time till honourable provision were made for him, that he might appear at the Emperor's Court, in an equipage befitting the Son of the King of Candy, and that before he went he would perform what was at first intended, and was indeed necessary in marrying his Daughter. To this Prince Entichus replied, Most renowned King and honoured Father, I most humbly thank you for your great respect towards me, in condesending to give me attendance, and other equipage befitting your Son, but I desire you to spare that charge and trouble, for if my own virtues are not sufficient to to bespeak and make known my quality, it will be in vain to have any other Ornaments; therefore I desire to go, although not altogether unaccompanied and as a private person, yet to have as few as may be, and as little charge only your Letters Credentials, that I may be received as your Son if I shall deserve that Title; and as to your other desire of my present marriage, I humbly and hearty thank you for your offer, and above all things accept of your Majesty's Alliance, but desire the consummation thereof may be deferred till my return, hoping then to bring so good a fame with me, as may in part merit the Illustrious Title of your Son-in-law, and thereby render me to your Daughter more acceptable for her husband.  
Prince Entichus having finished his speech, which was diligently observed by the King who knew it was modest and reasonable, he therefore consented thereto and gave him leave to departed accordingly first furnishing him with a sufficient quantity of Money and Jewels; and now in short time he arrived at the Court of the Emperor, who received him with ●ll Immaginable kindness: And there he behaved himself so well, that the Emperor made him his Carver. And soon after Prince Arthur Son to the King of England, arriving there was kindly received of the Emperor, and him he made his Cupbearer; And these two Princes Entichus and Arthur were so like one another in face Proportion, and voice, that they could hardly be distinguished, and as they were alike in bodies, so they Loved each other with an entire and faithful affection.  
The Emperor had only one Child and that was a Daughter who although she kept a Court by herself and had servants of her own yet every day did the Emperor send her a dish from his own table by Entichus his Carver, who by that means had the opportunity of seeing her and the advantage to be esteemed by her; but he being one day absent from the Emperor's Table, and the Emperor according to Custom intending to send to his Daughter; Prince Arthur performed that Office on his behalf, by this means he had the sight of the Princess Angelica (for so was she named) who perceiving that it was not Entichus, enquired his name and quality, and he having answered her departed, but although he was well in body, yet he was so sorely troubled in mind that not being able to hold up his head, he retired and went to Bed.  
His friend Prince Entichus missing him, and doubting the matter to be as indeed it it was (for he understood that he had supplied his place, in carrying a Dish from the Emperor to the Princess,) and he supposing that the sight of her, had wounded his heart with love; he therefore w●nt to his friend Arthur's Chamber, and demanded the cause of his sickness, which Prince Arthur being unwilling to discover, made excuses, but Entichus being confirmed in his opinion, declared it to his friend Arthur, who then could not deny, but that the Love of the Princess Angelica was the cause of his distemper; thereupon Entichus desired Arthur to be comforted, and he would assist him in all that he might, neither did he fail in his promise, for the next day he having the opportunity of waiting on the Princess, he presented her with a Rich Jewel of his own, but delivered it as sent to her by his friend Arthur, whose Love he recommended to her and ●me an humble Suitor to her in his behalf.  
The Princess seemed to be offended with him for his boldness and charged him not to proceed in that manner, but however he took all opportunities of presenting her with Jewels from the Prince Arthur, and used all possible Arguments to induce her to pity and love his friend; whereupon she who had borne some affection to himself, asked him why he had not spoken on his own behalf, to this he replied that he did not esteem himself so worthy as the Prince his friend, either in birth or otherwise, and besides that his heart had not as yet been wounded with love, as his friends was; wherefore there being so great a friendship between him and Prince Arthur, he thought himself obliged to try all means to procure his satisfaction and therefore he was an humble Suppliant to her in his friend's behalf.  
The Princess understanding thus much, and being inclined to love Prince Arthur, accepted of those presents that Entichus had offered, and at his entreaty was won to admit them both into her Chamber, at a time appointed that evening. This was good news to Entichus, who soon carried tidings hereof to his friend Arthur; who was in a manner ravished with joy at the recital, so that he left his Bed and was immeadiately so well, that at the time appointed he went to visit his fair Princess; who received him kindly at present and soon after was conquered with his Importunity and his friend's courtship, so that he had freedom to be with her, when and as often as he pleased; but this affair was managed very privately in regard the Empero●●s very cautious and vigilant over his Daughter, and many Courtiers who perceived Arthur's too much familiarity with the Princess; were envious thereat, and sought how to entrap him, but they were frustrated and disappointed in their contrivances, by the vigilance and valour of his friend Entichus; who oftentimes put his person in great hazard on his friend's behalf.  
The case stood thus with these Princes, when Letters came to Entichus of the death of the King of Candy, and that he should return and take possession of his kingdom, this news he declared to them who were right sorrowful for his departure, and so was the Emperor himself when he came to take leave of him; but however knowing that it was necessary for his advancement, he gave leave for his departure, most of the Court attended him part of his way, but particularly his friend Arthur and the Princess, who were grieved for the loss of his Company, he advised them to be very private in their meeting, telling Arthur that some one in time would discover his love to the Princess, if he were not very wary and circumspect, and that would be his ruin; to this be promised to take good heed, and Prince Arthur taking a precious ring from his finger, and giving it to Prince Entichus after strict embraces, and a solemn but sorrowful farewell, these friends and Lovers separated, he pursuing his journey, and they returning to Court; where not long after Pharamont Son to the King of France, arrived and was admitted into the place of Prince Entichus, which was much to the sorrow and trouble of the two Lovers, for they were suspected and watched by Prince Pharamont, who was so curious in his search after the truth of their love, that he found it and discovered them, and having some designs upon the Princess himself, and now finding all his hopes frustrated, he through rage and anger resolved to be revenged on them both; and therefore he publicly accused them both before the Emperor, who so soon as he heard of it was very angry, and sending for Arthur, told him of what he was accused, telling him that if it were proved, he should die a shameful death; Arthur pleaded that he was innocent, and that he would prove it in Battle against his Accuser, to this the other consented, and the Emperor assigned them the day of Combat.  
This was very unpleasant to Prince Arthur, but much more to the Princess, when he acquainted her therewith; but they seeing how their affairs stood, advised how to prevent the ensuing danger, for dangerous it would be for him to fight with Pharamont, who was not only a very valiant Knight, but had a just and true cause, which commonly is the occasion of the victory; whereas if he should fight in defence of an untruth and for that of which he was guilty, he might justly expect to ●ail, and be vanquished; this they both believed would happen, and therefore consulted what to do, and thus it was, that they wanted the presence of their dear friend Entichus. This consideration brought it into the mind of the Princess, how that they should accomplish their business, and therefore she having thus advised her Lover; to take his opportunity very suddenly, to speak with the Emperor, and tell him that he had received Letters from the King his Father, that he must needs go home suddenly, because he was sick; and therefore to desire his leave to dpart, and to give longer time for the Combat, which having obtained, to go then immediately to King Entichus, and desire his advice and assistance; Prince Arthur followed the directions of the Princess in all these particulars, and obtaining leave of the Emperor, he traveled so long that he arrived at the Court of King Entichus, and there privately be acquainted him with his affairs, and the occasion of his journey; King Entichus was very glad to see him, and desirous to all things to advise and assist him but knew not how; there is no way but this replied Arthur, that you return in my behalf, and not being known to be other than myself, on my befalf to perform the Battle and return; King Entichus approved of what his friend Arthur had propounded, but they were very much straitened for time in regard it was but eight day's time to the day prefixed for the combat, and if it were delayed for one day he could not possibly arrive there time enough, and he had invited all his Nobility on the next day to come to his Wedding. This was such an obstacle as could not be removed or remedied, and put them to their wits ends; but King Entichus being resolved to give an absolute proof of his friendship, and hazard Kingdom, Wife and Life, and all rather than his friends should suffer in their honour, he therefore thus contrived the business; that Prince Arthur in all things resembling King Entichus should stay there, and as if it were he be married to his Queen, and hold all the solemnity of the Nuptials, only when he was in bed with her to forbear proceeding with her: and that he would immediately return to the Emperor's Court, and undertake the Combat, and if he obtained the Victory suddenly return, and so might he do so too to his best beloved, this being concluded upon they separated accordingly.   top: representation of a knight in armour presenting a head to a seated audience, behind him the headless body or corpse of a knight, with two male figures holding two horses by their bridles; middle: an emperor or king and empress or queen seated at a table with two male figures, attended by a male figure and two female figures, at another table a female figure seated and a male figure standing; bottom: representation of an empress or queen standing and a seated male figure, nearby two figures in a bed 
This was the sad condition of the poor unfortunate Entichus, but on the other side, Prince Arthur was as highly advanced, for his father the King of England dying, he became King, and the Emperor of Germany dying, and he marrying with the Princess Angelica he was crowned Emp. King Entichus understanding the fortune of his friend to be thus prosperous was joyful, and resolved to go to him for relief in time of adversity, and therefore putting on Hermit's apparel, he traveled to the E. court, where when he was arrived and would have entered, he was turned out by the courtiers, who could not endure the sight of so deformed a monster, wherefore he spoke with one of the Emperor servants, desiring him for the love of God to do a message for him. The servant being a sober person bid him speak on on and say what he would have? I desire said the Leper that you go to the Emperor and tell him that here is a Leper, that desires for the love of God and King Entichus his sake, that he may be admitted to eat in some place this day, in the Emperor's presence. The Servant told the Leper that certainly his request would be refused, but however he would perform his desire; and thereupon went and told the Emperor, who hearing the name of his dear friend King Entichus, was so charmed therewith that he presently consented to the Lepers request, commanding that he should eat in the Hall at a Table by himself, and be respected as a person of honour; Dinner time being come, and the Emperor and his Courtiers being sat at Table the Leper was also placed and served, and when he had eaten he desired one of the Servitors to go to the Emperor, and desire him for King Entichus his sake to send him his best Bowl full of Wine; This is an unreasonable request said the Servitor, for my Lord the Emperor will never drink in it again, if you should once touch it but however he went and delivered his Message to the Emperor who wondered at the request, but performed what was desired, and the Leper receiving the Bowl drank off the Wine, and taking the Ring which formerly the Emperor had given him, put it into the Bowl and desired the Servitor to carry it to the Emperor, who seeing the Ring and knowing it, was amazed believing he should hear something of his dear friend Entichus; wherefore he commanded that the Leper should be looked after & conducted to his private Chamber that he might speak with him, this his commands was obeyed, and he arising from Dinner went to the Leper, and being alone with him, he asked how he came by that ring, very honestly replied the Leper, I had it of the right owner, who said the Emperor King Entichus? no said the Leper, of Arthur Prince of England, that cannot be replied the Emperor, for I am that Arthur, and I gave it to none but my dear friend King Entichus, that is confessed said the Leper, and since you still call Entichus your dear friend, know that I am that unfortunate King; Oh what impossibilities do you tell me said the Emperor! nothing but what is too true replied the King with tears in his eyes, which by this time flowed too from the Emperor's eyes, down his cheeks in great abundance, but his grief and passion having had this vent for a time, he then ran to the Leaperous King, and kissed and embraced him, crying out on my dear friend, how is this great misfortune befallen you; you replied the King are the occasion of it, though I must confess you to be innocent, how said the Emperor could I your friend be the cause of this misfortune and yet be innocent: it is most certain replied the King, for your friendship to me in lying with my wife, and being innocent in not knowing her, she supposeing you to be me, hath so enraged her, that she revenged herself on me by poison, which hath wrought this dismal effect upon me, so that your innocence occasioned my ruin; and thereupon the King related the whole manner how it had befallen him, and how he was turned out of his Kingdom, Oh me unfortunate said the Emperor! that I should occasion so much evil, that my dear friend who hath so often hazarded his life for me should be thus evilly recompensed through my occasion: I cannot (said the King) complain of you, but of fortune, to whom we must all submit, well said the Emperor, since you are still Master of so much virtue continue it and hope the best; and I will endeavour your remedy if it may be done by the skill of any man, I will give any reward, nothing in my Dominions shall be wanting or spared that may do you good: the good King thanked him, and resolved to continue there unknown to all, to see if there might be any remedy for his infirmity.  
In order to his cure the Emperor employed all Physicians that he could here of, setting out Proclamations, that if any could cure this distemper, they should have a large reward; but when all was done they could do nothing, and so they told him, that it was not within the cure of Physic, and that if he were ever healed it must be by miracle. The Emperor hearing this was very much afflicted, and being resolved to try always for the restauration of his friend, he applied himself to all religious Persons and their prayers, neither was he wanting in his own, for he did not only make frequent and daily prayers for his friend, but he set apart several days whereon he fasted and prayed upon this occasion; the good King Entichus was patiented in this adversity, and yet prayed also to be dedelivered from this evil if it might stand with the good pleasure of the Almighty, who in the end was entreated of him, and in a Vision told King Entichus how he might be cured: but it was by so strange means that he resolved rather to continue as he was than attempt it; for the Vision told him that there was other way for his recovery, but to be bathed in blood of two Children of the Emperors which the Emperor must with his own hands kill, and after bathe him with their blood; This was the only remedy prescribed for his malady, wherefore he purposed to be silent accounting it unreasonable to kill two Innocents' to preserve one Sinner; but let him resolve what he pleases, it was the pleasure of heaven to resolve otherwise and as he had given an Unparallelled proof of his friendship to the Emperor, so the Emperor must retalliate and indeed exceed it in this great trial of his natural affection in preferring his friend before himself, for his Children may be termed himself being the best part of him; wherefore that I may proceed you are to know that the Emperor still continued his prayers to heaven, neither was heaven silent, but in a vision told him that his friend Entichus knew how to be cured, he thereupon goes to him and desires him to tell him and that truly if he did not know of a remedy for his disease, to this after much importunity, Entichus not only told him that he did but also the manner now, but withal dissuades him from executing it; to this the Emperor replied, that since heaven prescribed the remedy he would dispute no further but obey what was commanded; and thereupon went and Cut the throats of the two Innocents', and saving the blood and bathing his friend's body therewith, he became as clear and fair as ever, to the great joy of them both, the Emperor rejoicing that he had so good an opportunity as to give proof of his friendship.  
The King being thus healed, it was thus agreed that he should leave the Court and go some few miles out of the Town, wherein he should have attendants suitable to his quality, and then he should send word of his approach, and so should be met and entertained as to his dignity appertained; accordinly there came a Messenger the next day into the Emperor's Hall, who gave the Emperor an account of the arrival of his friend King Entichus. The Empress hearing of this news was joyful, and told the Emperor that by all means they must entertain their good friend very splendedly, and to that end said she, you with your Nobles, and I with my Ladies will go meet him; to this the Emperor agreed, and they road together till they met him and received him with great reverence; and attending him till they came to the Palace, where they gave him royal entertainment.  
Although the Emperor was joyful at his dear friends company, yet the Empress exceeded him in demonstration of her joy; which the Emperor observing, he told her that he was well pleased therewith: wherefore said the Empress should I not express my joy to the height, for his company is more precious than all the Treasure in the World; for by his means you attained to this honour and dignity, and he hath often hazarded his life to save yours.  
The Emperor hearing this, desired her to take good notice of what he should presently say; it is not long since (continued he) that a deformed Leper was in my Court, I well remember him said the Empress, a most horrible creature he was indeed; suppose (said the Emperor) this Leper were our friend King Entichus, and that there was no way to cure him of his loathsome Leprosy, but by the death of both your children, in whose blood he must be washed, could you for his sake suffer it. It is a very strange question replied the Empress, but I thus resolve it, that had I ten Children, I would kill them all with my own hands, rather than our dear friend King Entichus should continue so loathsome a Leper, for we might have more Children, but never such a friend as he. The Emperor hearing her constant speech, was resolved to make full trial of her constancy, and told her how all had happened, and that her two Children were dead, she bearing this, notwithstanding all her eouragious speeches, yet Nature so wrought with her that she sunk down in a swoon, but remedies being used she recovered; at the news of the Emperor's children's death, the Nurses went to see after them, when they came where they were, and expected to find them dead, they saw the contrary; for they were alive and singing, and about their Necks where they were cut, were Circles of Gold; this joyful news was brought to the Emperor and Empress, who were exceeding joyful thereat, give-thanks to Heaven for this Miracle.  
Soon after the Emperor raiseing an Army, went along with King Entichus to Candy, and overcoming an Army which the Queen and her Husband had raised, King Entichus was ag●in put in possession of his Kingdom, and the Queen and her Husband slain,  
And now the King being a single man, that these two friends might be allied by marriage as well as affection, the Emperor having one only Sister, gave her in Marriage to his Friend King Entichus and then these two great friends were again separated.  
The Emperor returning to his Empire, and the King remaining in peaceable and quiet possession of his Kingdom; and now he began to think of his old friends especially his Foster father Sterifo whom he ennobled with Titles of honour, and giving him an honourable and profitable employment at Court, had him near him as a Counsellor in all his affairs; and carrying himself courteously and justly to his Subjects, he was beloved of all them and feared of his enemies. Thus affairs growing every day better and better, it happened that in the City of Alexandria, which was his natural Country, the great wars, unfruitful seasons, and other bad influences had caused such a Scarcity of Victuals, that the g eatest part of the inhabitants died with famine; so that the inhabitants of Alexandria were necessitated to travel into several Countries to get Corn for the poor, and therefore they made choice of the most expert and the most knowing men that they could find amongst them (who willingly accepted of the Employment, because they were well provided with every thing) that from other parts they might relieve their Citizens, passing their time at the charge of others. Among the rest they made Choice of Europus the natural Father of Entichus, and who had thrown him into the Sea; who having taken Pout in the Isle of Candy where the Stars had so long before prepared a Crown for him, he desired leave to buy up in that Island a great quantity of Corn, King Entichus being acquainted herewith caused enquitey to be made, who they were that were in the Ship, and from whence they came, and being informed of the truth, and knowing the necessity of his Country, and the name of the Commander, and of the Ship, he did suspect that it was his Father; and therefore he purposed before he departed to make himself known to him, and to put him in mind of the great fault which he had committed. Whereupon having sent for him, to come to his Palace pretending to discourse with him about other affairs, he caused him to stay and Dine with him: which invitation he knowing not how to refuse, accepeted of w●th such honour and reverence, as hath been accustomed to be used by those who speak with Kings, Princes, and other great Lords.  
Being at the Table, after that the King had sufficiently informed himself of the estate of the City of Alexandria in general, he questioned with his Father of his particular affairs, of his name, and how many Children he had? Whereupon the Merchant having told his name, answered sighing that he had no Children, and that he never had but one, who perished in the Sea by a miserable misfortune.  
It may be said the King your Son is not dead, for there is one here present who hath escaped from such a like misfortune as you speak of and as he saith he is the Son of a Merchant of the City of Alexandria, and therefore advised him to look about him, upon all the Company there present for it may happen that he may know his Son, before his Son did know him. The Merchant observing what the King had said, began to take notice of all those that were in the Hall; and on the other side every one looked upon him, believing that they should understand somewhat that was as yet unknown, and after he had well looked upon and taken notice of every one, he said to the King that he could not find that his Son was there present, whereupon the King said, if you had well considered the Spectacle which you had of the two white Birds, and the interpretation that was made to you, you would of yourself have known that which I shall now tell you; for it was I my , whose way to greatness you would hinder instead of advancing it as you ought. The good man hearing him speak of two white Birds, suddenly changed his Colour, being confounded within himself with shame; But when he heard this spoken to his face and in the presence of so many great Lords, the occasion that had moved him to such an excess, he g●ew pale and red both at once; and knowing no other way to make amends for his faults, he arose from the Table and cast himself at his Sons feet ask him p●rdon. But the King who was no less generous than great and puissant took hold of him and raised him, praying him that forgetting what was passed he would make use of that power which God had given him and that he would rest contented that he had made him know by effects that it is impossible to interrupt or hinder that which the pleasure of God hath once ordained; and so having sent by others a sufficient quantity of Corn for his Country, he caused his Father to remain with him, taking order to bring the rest of his family to Candy, to participate of that good fortune which had befallen him, contrary to all humane thoughts and which he had well and wisely pursued.  
By this Example (said Erastus) and many others as admirable as this, which I could relate; we may assuredly conclude that whatsoever hath been once ordained and established above, doth usually come to pass, so that nothing here below can obstruct or hinder it; being assured of this, I and my Masters did expose ourselves to very great hazard and danger, in our coming to Rome, and the only remedy that we had was for me to be silent for the space of seven days, in doing whereof the heavens promised me a good issue and deliverance, provided that some would defend my cause, for that Term; the which my seven Masters like prudent and valiant Champions have done: I therefore resolved to follow the right remedy which had been prescribed me, for the conservation of my life and honour, the which otherwise I should have dishonourably lost (as the heavens had let me know) soon after my arrival at Rome, the shame whereof would have been much more grievious to me, than the death wherewith I was threatened. Behold then what hath induced me and indeed enforced me to be Dumb these seven days, which I suppose hath been as much to your astonishment, as my trouble to see myself constrained by a fatal silence to confirm the opinion that every one might have, that I would commit an action so wicked and wretched, as that which hath been falsely charged on me by the Empress; who being a woman and naturally inclined to be fickle and angry, and having been lately in love with me, it is no wonder if she hath converted that love which she first shown me into a mortal hatred, endeavouring to make me die who am her Son in Law, as it hath frequently befallen others who without any reason have prosecuted their Sons in law, either through hatred or anger. As for hatred we may find examples enough in ancient Histories; as that which Jur conceived against Phrisso and Helle, and of the Modern Histories there are enough; and of hatred we may read how the cruel Phedra treated the innocent Hippolytus, whose companion I had certainly been, both in cause and miserable death; if the evident danger wherein I was, had not been manifested to me by Heaven, and the means to escape it, the which I have hitherto done by the good assistance of my Masters here present, to whom I am indebted, not only for the good instructions I have received of them but also for my life; as for the crime wherewith Aphrodicia hath endeavoured to cha●ge me which is that I attempted to force her, and confirmed the truth of this outrage by my flight, it had been very easy for me to manifest my innocence, and her incontinence, if I had permission to speak, but knowing very well by the course of the Stars that my speech would not have delivered me from danger but rather have plunged ●s into a bottomless pit of misfortune, I have been constrained to endure these days past all the Calumnies that have been charged upon me, that I might now discharge myself, and mak● my Innocence appear to all the World, I being unwilling to advance before my time, lest I should at once lose both life and honour.  
And now before I proceed any further, may it please you Sir, to grant me this favour, to cause the Empress to appear before you and the Senate, that the truth of what I shall speak may be cleared, and that you may not think I have contrived what I have spoken, as she hath falsely contrived the Imputation wherewith she hath charged me, miserably to ruin both my life and renown: yet however I do not desire the same manner of proceeding against her as hath been used against me; that is to begin with execution before the matter of fact in deliberately debated, but I desire that the truth may be known by the confronting of the Parties, and that what term she pleases may be given for her justification, entreating you Sir to believe that what I shall propose to the Empress when she is present, to be for the discharge of my innocence, and the clearing of the truth, and not to imagine that I shall speak or propose any thing whatsoever for revenge, for it will never enter in●o the heart of any man of honour to revenge himself upon a woman. This Oration of Prince Erastus was spoken with so much confidence, that not only the Emperor, but also all the Senators, and generally all those who had heard him speak were astonished, & thereupon without any contradicton it was concluded & ordered that the Empress should be immediately sent for, who understood by her spies with what courage the Prince Erastus had spoken before the Senate, and doubting what would become of her, she purposed to have fled, and by that means to escape the danger, but it was too late, for she had no sooner taken this resolution, but those whom the Emperor had sent, came and surprised her; at whose arrival she lost courage, and was so out of countenance, that understanding the charge which they had from the Emperor, she could not give one word of answer, being pale and trembling not knowing what to do or say; whereupon those who were sent for her did easily conjecture that the case of Erastus was otherwise than she had represented it, seeing that she was so confounded at her being carried before him. In this distracted condition they conducted her from the Palace, into the Hall of the Senate, at whose arrival all the Senators arose, making reverence to her, who took no notice of them; whereas formerly she was used to be so complaisant that she returned all salutations, not only to the Senators, but also to the meanest person in Rome, this fierceness was observed by all, being sat down by the Emperor's side in a different posture from what she was used to, Prince Erastus pursuing his discourse, did particularly declare from the beginning to the end, all that had passed between him and her, beginning with the letters and rich presents which she had sent him before his coming to Rome, which might be attributed to a loving and Motherly affection, if she had not proceeded further; but no sooner was he come thither, when she made clearly evident the dishonest intentions that she designed by those presents, endeavouring at the beginning by smooth and amorous speeches, and after that by disordinate and luxurious gestures, to induce him to violate the holy and sacred marriage of his father; and in conclusion endeavouring to have her pleasure with him by force: whereupon he had rather chosen to fly from her, than to slain his hands in her motherly blood, in revenging the great outrage she intended against his Father; according to the enormity of the case, considering the violence she used to him, but she seeing that the case was otherwise than she expected, measuring the continence and chastity of others, according to her own disordinate appetite; through rage and anger to see herself so slighted, (as it is usual for women in her condition to do) or else doubting that he would discover this villainy to the Emperor his Father, who might punish her as she justly deserved, took her advantage seeing him take his flight out of her Chamber, to cry out a Rape, and say that he would have forced her, confirming her report by his sudden flight, assuting herself that this would be sufficient to move the Emperor and every body else, the truth being so apparent, to kill him immediately, being surprised in such an action, without giving him leisure to justify himself; and by this means failing in the satisfaction of her disordinate appetite, she might have the content to be revenged. To which design of hers at the beginning Fortune had been as favourable to her, as contrary to him, in winding him into this Labrinth; at such a time as the Heavens would not permit him to speak, whereby all men might believe that he was guilty of the crime whereof he had been accused; true it is, that according to the instability and ordinary inconstance of Fortune, she had turned her wheel, giving opportunity to his Masters to stay the execution of the sentence against him, until he had the liberty of speaking, to manifest the matter as it had passed.  
And here did Prince Erastus apply every thing to his purpose, which might be material to the conservation of his life and honour; sometimes he would address himself to the Empress, rehearsing to her the very speeches she had used to him in her Chamber, with her luxurious and disorinate gestures whereby she endeavoured to induce him to let lose the reins of his continence, oftentimes ask her wherefore and for what cause she would thus ●aint an Imperial family with so villainous an action; to this the miserable woman knew not what to answer, seeing her folly and treason so apparent in the presence of the Emperor, and so many persons of honour which were there present, but her eyes were continually fixed on the ground, often changing her colour, shrinking up her shoulders and sighing continually; which things served as an absolute index to prove the speeches of P●: Erastus to be true, who was so eloquent and lively in his defence, that he not only drew to his side the Senate, and others who loved and reverenced him, but also the friends and relations of the Empress, (who the evening before being seduced by the fraudulent speeches of Aphrodicia, had procured that without any delay Prince Erastus should be dispatched and with him the seven Philosophers) who were the first that declared the Prince to be innocent, casting themselves at his feet, and ask him pardon and mercy, most humbly entreating him that he would forget the prosecution which they had made against him, for that they as well as the Emperor had been cunningly seduced; and for satisfaction if no others should, they themselves would take a revenge according to the quality of the crime against her, who by so great treason had abused them; hereupon Prince Erastus received them very courteously, with a free and clear countenance, and he and his seven Masters being unbound, he went directly towards the Emperor, who having retained all that his Son had said, how every thing had passed, he bethought him of his dream, understanding the truth of the Vision that had the night before appeared to him; and therefore ariseing from his Imperial seat, he went to his Some imbraceing him so loveingly that the tears flowed from his eyes, to see him in a manner raised from death to life, as well in body as in honour, which he esteemed more highly than life; and being about to excuse himself for those rigorous courses which had been used against him, the young Prince interrupted his discourse, saying that his fatal silence was the cause of all, whereof having said enough before the Senate he should forbear to speak further, only he entreated him to declare plainly if he yet had any scruple of his being guilty, which was not cleared to him, so that he might fully justify himself; whereupon all the Senate unanimously answered him, that they esteemed him sufficiently justified and innocent of that wherewith he had been accused, and after some further discourse the Emperor caused him to sit down by him, to consult what should be done with the Empress; whereupon the Emperor (having learned by the pains & trouble he had lately suffered) speak aloud that by experience found it to be an unjust thing for a man to be a judge in the matter wherein he himself was concerned and therefore he would not meddle with the proceed about the Empress; but remit all to the judgement of the Senate to proceed as they should find cause, without respect to any person; and accordingly by order of the Senate, the Empress was delivered into the Custody of some of the principal Senators until the next day, when they would consider what way to proceed against her; and if she should not at all justify herself, (as every one believed it to be impossible) that sentence should be justly executed on her, that she would have unjustly caused to be executed on the Prince; and that in the mean time all things should be taken from her, wherewith she might offend or kill herself through despair.   

CHAP. XXIV. The Empress Aphrodicia understanding the desperateness of her condition, being in Prison desperately killed herself.  
SO soon as Prince Erastus was restored and confirmed according to his place and quality, the fame thereof was presently spread through all the City, by means of the great multitude who were assembled at the Palace, to understand how the Case would be with Prince Erastus, which having had an honourable issue, all the Romans both general and particular, made the greatest feast in the World; in such manner that there was no Man or Woman, young nor old, great nor small, but laid aside all business, though never so importunate; and hastening to the Palace endeavoured to see the face of the Victorious and Triumphant Erastus; so that no triumphant entry that was ever made in Rome, had caused so great a crowd of people in all the streets, nor no joy more general nor more common; every one speaking so highly and advantageously as possibly could be of Prince Erastus; who for his part received all the people and saluted them with an incredible modesty; letting them understand that he knew how to keep a medium without being elevated in prosperity, as his spirits had never failed him when he was in adversity; but it was far otherwise with the unhappy Aphrodicia, who finding herself in the night time locked up in her Chamber, which those who had the charge of her had provided (they having offered her two Damsels to keep her company, which she resolving to be alone had refused) she began to curse herself, the Heavens and Nature, and being enraged wished that before her death, that it were in her power to ruinated not only her Son in law, but also the Emperor himself, the Senate, the City of Rome, the Empire, and all the world together; and having a long time continued in these wicked meditations, and finding that this would be much more difficult than her former enterprise against the life of her Son in Law, she converted all her rage towards herself; and considering herself to be culpable not of the crime, which she intended to commit against her Husband, but that she enterprised a matter which she could not effect, she attempted to be, revenged on herself, and to die by her own hands. And not finding any thing to make a cord to strangle herself & much less any thing to stab herself withal, she then found herself truly miserable, in that she was necessitated to die of a violent death, and yet had not the means to execute her desires; this consideration brought her into so great an Agony that she fell upon the floor in a swoon, in which she continued a long time without any knowledge, but in time she recovered, wherefore out of despite that she was come to herself, she afresh cursed ne'er self and her life, through rage and anger tearing her garments, in doing whereof she saw she had fetched blood on one of her fingers, whereupon she searched diligently for that which had caused it, to see if therewith she might make a larger wound, whereby her Soul might make its issue out of her miserable body: Upon this curious search she found a bodkin, wherewith she was used to prick out figures in parchment to divert herself, and this she had stuck into her Clothes as women are used to do, without being taken notice of by her Attendants; they having been commanded to take from her every thing that might hurt her, but this bodkin was so Cunningly hidden that it was impossible to be found. Having found this bodkin she took it in her hand, and casting herself on her bed she said see what I am enforced to, Ah bodkin! thou hast ere now when I used thee, diverted me from melancholy thoughts, but now thou must be instrumental to deliver me from the saddest melancholy that ever any was possessed with. This bring uttered with a firm resolution she fixed this bodkin under her left breast, and with her finger thrust it so strongly that it entered up to the top, so that having pierced her heart it was not long before death seized her; yet she lay rather like a sleeping than a dead woman.  
At the break of day those Lords who had the charge and keeping of her, sent several Damsels to see how it was with the Empress, who opening the Chamber door very softly and seeing her lie on the bed thought that she had slept, not immagining that it was her last long sleep as indeed it was and therefore that they might not awak her they returned to those that had ●ent them, telling them that the Empress was fast asleep; whereupon those Senators that had the charge of her were amazed, wondering that one in her condition could sleep so sound. The Sun being risen they went to the Senate, which on that occasion was so early assembled; where being come, they advised how they should proceed in this affair, and they concluded that all manner of advantage allowed to Criminals, should be permitted to the Empress, that she might Justify herself, that she should have leave to choose one or more Advocates to plead her cause, either in her presence or in her absence, as she should think fit. This being determined by the Senate, those who had the Empress in Custody were sent to fetch her, that she herself might see the fair means they would use in her cause, notwithstanding the great rigour and precipitateness which she had used against Prince Erastus. The Gentlemen being arrived at the lodging where the Empress was detained, sent the same Damsels that had been there in the morning to see what she did; who finding that she had not stirred, carried back word to the Gentlemen that she was not yet awake: Whereupon the Gentlemen wondering resolved to awake her, and thereupon entering into the Chamber with the Damsels they opened the Windows, and seeing that for all that she stirred not, one of the Damsels called softly, Madam, Madam; To which she not answering all who were in the Chamber seeing her so pale did believe that some accident had happened, which was very likely in regard of her great trouble: yet nevertheless seeing that for aught they could do by throwing water on her face, she came not to herself, they therefore sent for the Emperor's Physicians, who being come and having felt her pulse concluded that she was dead. The Senate was advertised hereof, but none could Imagine that any trouble of mind though never so sudden could have the power to kill, for that griefs though never so great, have not the porwer to oppress & suffocate the vital spirits as an excess of joy. And therefore searching very diligently over all the body of the Empress to see if they could find how she came by her death, they found nothing but a scratch which the bodkin had made on her finger, which gave little light to the Physicians, they Judging it to be impossible that so little a scratch should cause her death, in regard they could not find that it was envenomed: In fine one of the Physicians observing a little blood to be under the Empresses left breast, he put his finger there and feeling something hard, he pressed his finger so that he felt the bodkin, which being plucked out did plainly show how it had happened. Which being reported to the Emperor, he was at first much moved; Yet however being unwilling to hinder the course of justice, he referred to the Senate to do what they thought fit to the body of the Empress; considering the great Felony which she endeavoured to commit to the Emperor, and the Treason which she had contrived against the life of the Innocent Erastus: But the young Prince who above all things abhorred cruelty and vengeance, seeing his innocence fully and entirely justified to all the world, which was the only thing he desired, would in no wise permit that any shame should be done to the body of the Empress, this he easily obtained both of the Emperor and Senate to the content of all; so that her Funeral was celebrated, as belonged to an Empress as may be seen by the sumptuous Tomb that was made for her, which remaineth to this day, where the Emperor caused an Epitaph to be ingraved which in few lines contains the whole matter, which is more amply specified in the Histories and Chronicles of the Romans. The Emperor Dioclesian whether out of grief or otherwise, did not long out live his wife, having first elected his Son for his Copartner and successor, who being come to the Empire changed his name, governing his estates for a time with much prudence, according to the great wisdom wherewith he was endowed, and yet notwitstanding all his judgement he could not keep himself from giving too much credit to the speeches of his malignant wife; although the Plots and contrivances which women had contrived against him, should have forewarned him; but it is very difficult to avoid that which the Heavens have determined, and since both the one and the other History have seemed to me worthy of memory, I have committed them to writing for the profit of posterity.  
This i● the conclusion of the History of the Prince Erastus, and his seven wise Masters, as I have translated it from the Originals, Italian and french: but in an old English book it is very different, as well in several places as I have already recited, as also in the conclusion, being the manner of the Empresses death, which is thus related.  
The eighth day being come wherein the Prince resolved to be no longer silent, but speak in his own defence, and acquainting his Keepers with his intention, he was carried before the Emperor and Senate, after due reverence to his Father, and excuses he gives his reasons for his silence, and for a proof of his innocence of what the Empress had charged him with, he chargeth her with incontinence and adultery, and the Empress and her Damsels being sent for at the Prince's request, one of the supposed Damsels being stripped naked before the Court, proves to be a man so disguised, with whom the Empress was used to accompany and often lie, this being a certain proof of the Empresses guilt. The Emperor commanded that both she and the Ribald her companion should be immeadiately burnt: but the Son desired him to forbear judgement till she were reproved for her fact. The Emperor then committed the full judgement to his Son, who particularly related how things had passed between him and the Empress, she seeing her wickedness discovered, fell at the Emperor's Feet, and crying for mercy, but he wholly refused her, relating the haniousness of the crimes which she was not able to deny; wherefore the Son demanding justice of the Judges and Justices, they pronounced this Sentence against her, that she should be bound to a horses tail, and drawn through all the streets of the City, to the place of Execution and there burnt; And that the Ribald should be quartered and his flesh cast to the Hounds, and Birds of the Air to devour him, and this was executed upon them.  
This is the Conclusion of the Empress as it is related in that former Book, now the Reader having read what both conclude, are left at liberty to believe which they please; and thus have I given you a full and particular account of all that I can find Written in any Language, of this Prince Erastus and those Famous Philosophers the Seven Wise Masters of Rome.   
FINIS.   

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