emblem of female virtue My reward is above Crescit sub pondere virtus. 

Behold Bright Virtues Glorious Emblem placed  
Beneath a Crown with beaming Stars Enchased.  
Virtue like Palms does under pressure rise,  
And Phoenix like true Virtue never dies.    
London printed for john Harris at the Harrow in the poultry.  I. 〈◊〉  

The Illustrious HISTORY OF WOMEN, OR, A COMPENDIUM of the many Virtues that Adorn the Fair Sex.  
Represented not only in Lively and Pathetical Discourses grounded upon Reason, but in Sundry rare Examples of Virtuous Love, Piety, Prudence, Modesty, Chastity, Patience, Humility, Temperance, Conduct, Constancy and Firmness of Mind; with what else in the like Nature is necessary for the Accomplishment of the most Celebrated Beauties. With other Examples of Women, Skilled in the most Curious Arts and Sciences.  
To which are Added, the Examples of Warlike Women, their Noble Exploits and Victories: With the Prophecies and Predictions of the Sibyls, in relation to the Incarnation, continuance upon Earth, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of our Blessed Saviour: And as an Apendix, the Character of a Virtuous Woman in all her Capacities.  
The whole Work enriched and intermixed with Curious Poetry and Delicate Fancy, suitable to so Charming a Subject.  
LONDON, Printed for John Harris at the Harrow against the Church in the Poultry, 1686.  
Price Bound One Shilling.   

This may be Printed  
November 21 1685. R. L. S.   

The PREFACE TO THE READER.  
TO some it may seem strange, that in so small a Bark, I have adventured into an Ocean rarely Navigated; made an Essay on what has been seldom undertaken, and never Exposed in its proper Lustre. The Virtues and Excellencies of the softer Sex; a Subject, worthy a more resined Pen; but since the Ni●slings of Apollo, the Wits of the Age, have for the most part not only declined it, but rather studied to Eclipse the brightest Candour of Female perfection, than give it a valuable proportion of the praise it has merited. I thought it not amiss to remove the Veil that obscured it from the Eyes of the Ignor anter part of the Masculine World, and let them see how they have been imposed upon by the haters and contemners of the Beauteous Sex, and consequently induced to harbour a mean Esteem of Female virtue, or the perfections of Womenkind, who in Piety, Constancy, Entirest Love, Amazing Beauty, Arts and Arms, have in all Ages been the boast of Nations, and Exemplary, even to a Miracle wadeing with undaunted resolves through the greatest of difficulties and dangers, to such Eminence as has rendered them accomplished, and stilled the hissing Snakes of Envy, whilst those that sought to cross their Noble actions, and Clip the Wings of flying Fame, have been obliged to own themselves o'ercome, and tune the strings that were Discordant to their praises; with which renowned stories and examples of Female Worthies, drawn from Authentic Histories, etc. I have mostly filled the following Pages; a Work that may prove grateful, unless the Age proves otherwise; however, I dare not doubt the approbation of those for whose sakes it was compiled, to whose virtues it owes its Birth, and of such it is, I chief wish it may find acceptance; which if it does, I have my end, and shall remain as heretofore, the admirer of Female virtue. And. Ladies,  
Your Devoted Servant, JOHN SHIRLEY.   

To the LADIES the Author's APOLOGY.  

LADIES, beneath your Virtue's Patronage,  
This little Book would shelter from the rage  
Of Carping Zolists, who seldom spare  
The Candour of the , the Wise and Fair,  
Like Boreas blasts, or like a Lapland storm:  
By Mild degrees compelled is to reform:  
The Task was bold, but Love and your sweet Charms,  
Made me forget the Girds of Envies Arms,  
To your Fair Sex, this Book's a Votary,  
What pity is it then to let it die,  
Or Languish long? which it alas must do,  
Unless 'tis kindly Entertained by you:  
Come take it in your Hands, give it a Smile,  
And make it live, though but a little while;  
I'm sure to you'ts no Foe, for see it wears  
Your Virtue's Badge enchased with those bright Stars,  
That in the Female Firmament do shine,  
There rendering you so Lovely and Divine.  
Ladies, once more Protection it bespeaks,  
If not for it's, yet for your omn dear sakes  
Give shelter to it,  the storm awakes.    

THE INTRODUCTION.  
WHEN the Wise Creator had furnished the Glorious Universe in every part with wondrous Variety, he form Man, and brought him into it as into a stately Palace, stored with what might please each Sense, and render him Delight a Thousand ways; which great Munificence might have overcharged the largest Thought, and put a Limit to the vastness of desire; yet the Divine goodness thought not this sufficient for his Darling Favourite, in favour of whom the visible World was made, & decked in all it's glittering Glories, but opening wider yet his giving Hand; to make his Happiness the more complete, he Added a Blessing worthier than the rest, form of Elements, rarefied by cordial Life and soft Contexture, giving it at once a Shape and Soul Angelical; the last Created, but admired beyond the first: A Work, that put a period to the great Workmasters undertaking, as made to Crown the rest of the Creation; and that it might be the more Ennobled, gave it a name, signifying life, and bowed the lofty Soul of Man to cherish and admire it, to place in it next Heaven his chief felicity, by centring in this lovely Creature Woman, adding attractive charms and winning graces, such as might captivate the stubornest heart, and melt the rocky Orb of strict reservedness, ease the labouring of the mind, and smooth the rumpled waves of a disordered passion, which made the Enemy of Mankind swell with Envy, and contract a deadly hatred, nourished with a mortal Bane to behold in any one creature an adornment of so many Excellencies, such an Epitome of Celestial Innocence clad in unvaluable Robes of native Beauty, and as it were regreting, that the Favours of the highest were so largely dispensed to any Creature of a lower rank than Angels, and that corporeal beings should nearly vie in excellency with incorporial; he laid the guilded Bait of Aspiring greatness in her way, and with a subtle Guile under disguise, prevailed to be believed, and by being credited to affront his Maker, and heap up a vengeance terrible, in seducing her on whom the Image of the Deity was livelyly portrayed, nor was the fraud imposed as some have fancied without regret; even Hellish malice being touched with Remorse, to injure such a lovely frame of Innocence: And thus imagine him at the first view of our Grand Parents, to have pondered with himself.  
Of a●●lwhat do my Eyes with grief behold,  
Earth Born Creatures of a different mould,  
Advanced into the happy Realms of Light?  
Not Spirits, yet near to Heavenly Spirits Bright;  
Whom my great Thoughts with wonder do pursue,  
And in them a Divine resemblance view:  
And could a Love in my hot Breast remain  
Of aught, but Mischief's dire and deadly Bain,  
AConquest here perhaps I would not gain.  
Ah lovely Pair! you little think how nigh  
Sad ambushments of certain Death do lie,  
When all the Bland delights that Charm you now,  
Will leave you overcast with Clouds of woe,  
A Foe is Entered your great seat of Bliss,  
Whose self unpitied pity must Express,  
For you who wronged me not, did not a Rage  
'Gainst him who placed you here, my spleen engage;  
A hope of Conquest does compel me now  
To do what else, though dam'd I would not do.  
But to wave Fancy in so profound a mystery, certain it is, that this unhappy yielding of the fairest of Creatures to the subtle Allurements of the fallen Angel (whose strength and wisdom, though much debased, is not to be coped with by mortal Might, nor his powerful Temptations, to be overcome without the immediate Divine assistance) became a means of the Almighty's further expressing his boundless Love to Mankind, in that great mystery of Godliness, the Incarnation of our Blessed Saviour; a Mystery so, stupendious and amazing, that all the Host of Heaven, all the blessed Hierarchies of Seraphims & Cherubims, Arch Angels and Angels contemplate and admire it, so that not without reason was the first Created Woman called Eve; a Name signifying life, since from her decended that Glorious Virgin, from whose spotless Womb proceeded the Fountain of life and immortality, who wonderfully repaired our first deformity, by condecending to take our Nature upon him, and revenged our cause in breaking the Serpent's head, restoring us to an undoubted possibility of obtaining a more glorious Paradise than that from whence our first Parents fell.  

Woman's blessed Seed to life prepared the way,  
The glorious Path that leads to endless day,  
To dazzling Mansions, to a place of Bliss,  
That Eye ne'er saw, nor Tongue could e'er express:   

Then why should man her praises due decline,  
Who is a Sphere wherein all Virtues shine;  
Once the Recess of him, that's all Divine.   
Nor does woman yet desist to retain an Air of Paradise, (the place wherein she was form) in her Modesty and seemly Behaviour, Innocence, Piety, and extradinary Love of sacred things, as in sundry Examples are manifested; nor does the transcendent Beauty existent in many, signify less, than that woman is the most refined of all Creatures, who deservedly pay respect of her as the Queen of all sublunary things, and perfection of the Universe: that perfection being properly termed the Divine Light shining on created Essence, and beaming thence its lustre by reflex to captivate the Heart, to command a profound Awe and Reverence, as if the perfections scattered in all other creatures were collected in her, who is a draught of the Creation in miniature: for this cause the Lion nobly bold stands in Awe of her; the Unicorn for love of her becomes a wilful captive; nor has the unwieldy Elephant been less enamoured with the charming Sex: nay, Spirits infernal have been passionate, as appears by the oft Espoused Maid, who at last was freed from her Daemonick lover Asmodeus, and became the Lot of Tobits Son. Abigals Beauty and Humility prevented David's shedding Blood. Queen Hester's Piety and matchless Beauty wrought deliverance to her People, and turned the bloody decree upon the Man and his House that had promoted and procured it. judith's Beauty charmed the Pagan General, into that security that wrought his ruin, and the great delivery of her Country from the rage of the oppressing Sword, restoring peace to jacob's Heritage; and after Jobs reiterated Tribulations (miseries that Mortal man could never have undergone, if not supported by a hand Divine) the greatest Earthly recompense for his unparalleled patience, was that God blessed him with Daughters exceeding all other Women in Beauty, which makes Solomon set a value on them above the price of Rubies, and afirm, He that findeth a good Wife, findeth a good thing, etc. And the Author of the Ecclesiastes affirmeth that Husband blessed, that is Husband of a good Wife; So great has been the esteem of Female Virtue amongst the wisest of men in all Ages, Holy writ styling the Woman a Crown, the glory of the Man, etc. Therefore she being the compleatment, felicity and glory of Man, it is highly reasonable she should be loved and esteemed as she truly deserves: nay, such was the esteem of this Sex, that those who gave Names to the three principal parts of the World, as Asia, Europe and Africa seem to have derived them from the names of women, thereby affording them a lasting memory, not capable of end till time shall be no more.  
Should we take a particular survey of the many Virtues of this Sex, what Volume can contain them in their proper lustre, or set them forth at large? what Rhetoric can Paint them to the life, and not be found therein deficient.  
If Chastity we prise, it was a woman first vowed Virginity to her Maker. If Prophecy, the Sibyls were strangely inspired, but more immediately Mirriam the Sister of Moses, etc. If constancy and steadfast Love, Ruth is a pattern to a Miracle: If a firm grounded Faith, the Widow of Sarepta may justly take place, who believed the Prophet in a thing to Humane Sense impossible: If in a strong Belief, Elizabeth the Wife of Zacharias and the Blessed Virgin. If constancy in a Righteous cause, and the contempt of Death, rather than disobey the God that made us and the World, be a Heroic virtue, behold the Woman who encouraged her seven Sons to die by the most exquisite Tortures, and after ward with joy and patience submitted to the like herself: If for those we have esteem, whose sacred Charity extends to Souls, let us consider the Lumbards', next to that Saving Grace, that put in with her pious and unwearied endeavours, chief own their conversion to the Christian Religion, to Theodilina Daughter to a King of Bavaria; the like do the Hungarians to Greisil Sister to the Emperor Henry the first; and the same acknowledgement the Franks must make to Clotildis Daughter to a King of Burgundy. Nor was the Virtuous Helena Daughter to King Colus, and Wife to the Emperor Constantine, careless not only to protect and secure the Christians, but as far as in her lay, to cause that growing Religion to take deep Root, in all or most of the Provinces of the Empire. In learning deep Sciences and Mysteries of the profoundest degree, if attainable by Humane Capacity, Women have been found expert. Nay in such rare Inventions as perhaps had yet remained in the dark Embryo of obscurity, had not Female Wisdom snatched them thence and nursed them to maturity. The Gracchi's Tongues by the industry of their Mother Cornelia, were made fit Instruments of Eloquence, not only to command the Listening Ears of Plebeians, but those of Aged Senators, through which Organs they stole the hearts of wavering Rome, and bowed them to their interest. Nor was Istrinia Queen of Scythia less Industrious in Accomplishing her Son in that degree of Learning, that he Eclipsed the Fame of his great Ancestors: nor in Physic, Philosophy, Divine Mysteries, etc. have they less Excelled, as will appear when I come to more particular Examples; and if from Schools we pass to Courts and Camps, there we shallfind the Trump of Fame more loud. Ophis for her noble Actions was Reverenced by the Egyptians as a Deity. Deborah Plotinathe, Wife of Trajan. Semirames, and Candaces, were no less Famous for Prudence and Conduct, than for Power and Magnificence: Thomiris Queen of the Massagetae, Subdued the mighty Cyrus' Emperor of the Meeds and Persians, and having taken him in Battle, caused his Head to be stricken off, in revenge of having slain her Son, and cast it into a Cauldron of Blood, saying that since he had thirsted so much after Blood, and shed it causlessly, be should not want his fill. The brave Athemesia Encountering the Navy of the Rhodians, who were on their way to destroy her Country, Overthrew them in a dreadful Sea fight, and prosecuting her Victory, seized upon the Isle of Rhodes, erecting a Trophy in Memory thereof in their Capital City; and yet these are but trifles to what has been performed by Noble Viragoes whose Courage and Conduct has been manifested to Admiration; as for Instance, the Renowned Joan of Arch when France had stooped to English Valour, and all its courage drooped to a degree even of despair, this Warlike Maid by her courage and conduct put such Spirit and Life into the Feeble hearted French, that fatal to the English, soon after they stripped them out of almost all the Towns they held in that flourishing Kingdom. Nor can the World continue without this Sex, were not these Virtues found in them, but soon would droop in to a solitary Desert; of this, Rome's Founders were not Ignorant, when at the hazard of a doubtful War, they seized on the Sabean Maids who came to view their Sports, nor were they though Ravished at such a rate, contrary doubtless to their Inclinations, when they found themselves united in Conjugal bands, regardless of their Ravishers, but out of good Nature forgetting the injury: Although their Fathers intending a rescue, and had taken the Capitol, maintaining a bloody Fight, even in Rome's Marketplace, they with disheveled hair and cries, rushed between the dreadful fronts of War, exposing themselves to a Thousand dangers; nor would retire till they had put an end to that disastrous conflict between their Husbands, and their Fathers, which so far moved the hearts of the Latter to relent, that without more ado Concord and firm Peace ensued. Those Arms that Erst were bathed in each others Blood, with all reciprocal Love embrace and mortal hatred is dslodged from either's breast, which noble Act of these Heroic and adventurous Females, made Romulus Rome's Founder, cause their names to be Enroled. Enacting by a Joint consent, that Women should be exempted from all Servile Employments, and that there should be no such thing as Property between Husband and Wife, but that all things should be common.  
When Brutus heading the Romans, upon the Ravishment of Luc retia, had expelled Tarquin and his Race, the Volsci takeing the opportunity of such a rapture. Advanced with an Army towards Rome which for a time filled the City with Fear and amazement, that had not the Noble Matrons by their Conrage and Conduct, Inspired as it were the hearts of the drooping Soldiers, that afterward Mistress of the World, had become a prey to the Enemy; whose retreat when within five miles of the Walls, was solely attributed to the courage of a Female Worthy. Whereupon a famous Temple was dedicated to Female Fortune, and many notable Marks conferred upon them by the Senate: as takeing the upper hand of the Men, wearing of Purple, Gold, Fringe, Jewels, etc. and by the Laws of latter Emperors, Women were enabled to Succeed in the right of Inheritance. And that Sacred right of Ecomiastick Orations at their Funerals: and it was Provided in an Act Prohibiting the Sumpteousness of Apparel, that the Women should be exempted and left at their Liberty.  
When Cammillius had made a Vow to Apollo and all the Roman Treasures could not furnish him with the Sum, the generous Matrons of Rome for the Honour of their Country, brought in their Rings, Bracelets, and other Ornaments of Gold.  
Cyrus' Warring with Astyages, his Grandfather being overthrown in a great Battle, had that Battle restored him by a reinforcement of Persian Ladies, nor is it unusual for those Heroic Dames to go with their Husbands to the Wars, and often sighting courageously by their sides, for which noble Act, Cyrus as a token of his Gratitude left it is a Law, that when any King of Persia entered the Regal City they should bestow on each Woman a Medal as a remembrance of that Noble Action.  
Justinian the Renowned Emperor finding the pregnant Wit and generous Spirit of his Empress to excel, consulted her in the compilement of those excellent Institutes, which all succeeding Generations have held in admiration, and many Kingdoms taken their Mould from them; nor did the famous Lawgiver Lycurgus, less esteem the Wisdom of the Female Sex, ordering them an equal share in all honest Pastimes and Recreations. The Divine Plato was no less sedulous in promoting the esteem of Women, as having studied their Worth and Excellency; nor were our Country women less Valiant in withstanding the Comquest of the Romans, nor less Serviceable to the Bleeding Land in being a means to Extirpate or Expel the Danes, which occasioned this Comment.  
When England bleeding lay to gasp her last:  
When powerful Foes had grasped her Sceptre fast:  
When Men stood mute with Grief and Fear struck Dumb,  
The Bloody Foe by Women was o'ercome:  
Who each in Darkness with a Fatal Blade,  
An Expiation to lost Honour made;  
So rashly Ravished & despising Charms  
Earch gave her Ravisher a Death lock'● in her Arms;  
And by those strokes, which some wou'● cruel call,  
They saved their Country ready then to fall.  
And let the World perceive it was no● they  
Who gave their honour, but 'twas forc'● away:  
So fall each Ravisher, who dare profane  
This noble Sex, with such a Lawless stain.  
These things considered, who that proceeded from a Woman, can but admire and esteem the Sex, whose tender care to their offspring is such, that no wakeful vigilance, no care, pain or danger is thought too much; may, even Death itself has not in such a case been shunned, but rather courted in its dreadful shape, in venturing on Swords, and rushing through the flames to save their Darlings from untimely Fate, or perish with them: nor for their Husbands have their care been less, as many examples of such boundless Love and dear Affection can testify; wherefore seeing Man owes half his Life to Woman, what less returns for such a Care and tender Affection can he make then all his Love that Heaven permits him to place upon Earthly things? And those that do otherwise where it is lawful degenerate from the Nobleness of the first created Rational, and therein disobey their Maker, whose Absolute Command it is. And with the entirest Integrity having carried my discourse on this worthy Subject thus far in General. I shall now proceed to what is more Particular and Exempler in the Praise of Womenkind, though as I have said, all their Virtues in this nature to describe, will prove too large a Theme.  
For who but one with eagle's Eyes can Gaze,  
Against the Sun in its Meridian Blaze.  
Or without Solomon's large Heart can know,  
All from the Cedar to the Shrub below.  
Or name each fair Enamel, that does spread,  
Earth's lovely bosom, when the winters fled.  
What Mariner can count the waves that rise?  
Or Artist tell the wanderers of the Skies,  
Who is the Man can count the flying Clouds,  
Or tell she Fry the swelling Ocian Shrowds?  
Who in Arithmetic a Number can,  
Find for the Moment's past since time began?  
Or in an age count out by swift Degrees,  
The countless Sands forsaken by the Seas?  
Hard tasks these are for mortal Man to do.  
Yet full as easy as at once to view.  
Each glorious Cabinet where Virtue rests.  
To look into each worthy Female Breast.  
To count the Sacred Treasure hoarded there.  
And tell the World of each peculiar share.  
Laid up to Purchase an Imortal Name.  
Recorded in the deathless Book of Fame.  
To Purchase Robes of White to pass the Gate.  
Where for them Virtues, true Reward does wait.  
Though it on Earth should hiss its great desert.  
Yet there it will be sure to find its part.  
For in that Region is its proper Seat,  
There Virtue and not Riches makes us great.  
Crowns us with Life, and an Immortal State.   

The Illustrious HISTORY OF WOMEN, etc.  


Of Chast-Love.  
TO come nearer to my purpose, for the bester ease and understanding of the Reader, I shall proceed in a Regular way on Method, placing together as near as is convenient, the memorable Examples of one kind, as I find them in divers Histories highly approved by the Learned of the present and past Ages. And in this Case Chast-Love being the Centre and Basis of all other Virtues, I shall begin with that perfection of Womankind.  
Euryalus Count of Augusta being at Sienna with the Emperor Sigismond Lucretia a Beautiful Virgin, called by some the second Venus, upon his Modest Address conceived such Entire Affection for him, that at his necessitated leaving her to attend his Lord, the Emperor to Rome, his Absence wrought so much upon her tender Spirits, that having struggled a while with the flame of a constant passion; she no longer able to endure the Absence of one on whom she had bestowed her Heart, yielded up herself into the Icey Aims of Death, calling on her Lover, and with dying murmurs, begged a Blessing might ever remain upon him: of which sad misfortune Euryalus having notice, took it so much to heart, that in his Life-time he never was observed to Laugh or Smile. Marcel. Donat. Hist. Med. Mirab.  
Theodora a Christian Virgin, for that Sacred Profession being Condemned to the Stews, where her chastity was to be exposed to the violation of the worst of Villains: Dydimus who Entirely loved her; whilst the Debauchees were striving to enter, there pressed in in a Soldier's habit, a Person pretending to have the first knowledge of that Beauteous Maid, but being Retired, he changed Habit with her, by which means she was enabled to escape; but he, upon others pressing in, being found a man, was halled before the Judge, who had shamelessly Condemned Theodora to lose her Virginity, who immediately Sentanced him to Death; of which she having notice, came from her Retirement, and offered her life a Ransom for his; but such Transcendent-love nothing moved the Inexorable Judge, who instead of accepting the offer, commanded they should both be immediately put to Death; which command being obeyed, their Souls took flight to the bright Mansion of Eternal Love. Lonicer. Theatri.  
The Story related of the wonderful love of Pyramus and Thisbe is memorable; nor is it held in the general Fabulous, though Ovid has glozed upon it; the substance being this: The Beauteous Pair living as Neighbours in B●bylon, when grown to maturity, found themselves surprised with a generous flame, love had made a mighty conquest o'er their hearts; their M●tu●● affections could not be so closely hid, but Parents of a different mind, in whom Age had quenched the fire of passion, came to know the case wherein they stood, and cru●●ly proceeded to divorce their Joys by separation; but mighty love, that like the Victorious ●alm, laden with ponderous Weights, under restraint ancreases, found an unsuspected way to Whisper through a Cranny, and by that means to set a time for slight, when the Moon had thrown her Silver Mantle over the Shady Night. The place being appointed, Thisbe ravished with eager Joys, to have her Lover in her Arms, first made Escape; but there, instead of Pyranats she found a Lioness besmeer'd with blood, which made her hasten to a Neighbouring Cave, whilst in her slight she dropped her Veil, which the Lioness finding, rumpled it with her Bloody Jaws, and went her way; Pyramus soon after coming, and finding the Veil he knew to be hers all smeered with Blood, and the Footsteps of a wild Beast, supposed her devoured, and after many doleful lamentations, Exclaiming against himself, for exposing to such hazard, a thing he prized so dear, resolving not to live without her, he sell upon his Sword; when Thisbe dispensing with her fear, came to the place and found him Breathing out his last, having no more Sense than at her Name to open his dying Eyes and see his dear mistake, which was not long  closing again he was left in the black Mist of Death; when having expressed herself with the disordered passion of a distracted lover, scorning a tedious life, when he for whom she lived was gone, she bared her Snowy Breast, and with undaunted Courage fell upon the selfsame Sword. O●ids Met, etc.  
Less Famous than this is not, the admirable love of the Beauteous Hero to the Grecian Youth Leander, whose memorable loves famed the threatening Towers of Sestos and Abydos, in the former the Noble Virgin dwelled, and from the latter, parted by the Hellespont, the adventurous Youth often Swum to visit her, she being his Load-Star to steer his Course in the darkest Night, by placing a light in the highest Turret; but after often adventring with success, Fate crossing Love, in raising a Tempest whilst he was labouring in the Ocean, the undistinguishing Waves put a period to his life, and then unkindly, cast his lifeless Corpse upon the shore, where he with such Eagerness wished to come alive; at sight of which, the Lady being overcome with Grief, leapt headlong from the Tower, and plunging into the Remorseless Deep, became partaker of her Lover's Fate.  
The Beauteous Daughter of the Emperor Charlemagne, falling in love with Eginardus, Secretary to that Emperor, nor was the flame he felt less violent: he one Night coming in private to her Chamber, it happened to Snow; which accident, by reason it was somewhat late, did not a little trouble the Lovers, lest upon his return, the prints of his Feet should be observed the next Morning, which coming from the Lady's apartment, might create a suspicion; to prevent which, love which takes the Diadem of Majesty from Queens, made this lovely Princess, do an Act for a Lover, very unbeseeming and unusual for the Daughter of so great a Potentate, viz. She took the Secretary upon her Shoulders and carried him all the length of the Court to his Chamber, he not setting Foot to the Ground, and there delivering her burden returned: yet so it happened, that during this piece of Portrage, the Emperor being late in his Study, chanced to look out and behold it, yet at that time kept silence: when the next day, in a great Assembly of his Lords, his Daughter and Eginardus being present, he demanded what Punishment he deserved, who made use of a King's Daughter; as of a Mule, and caused himself to be carried on her Shoulders in the midst of Winter through the Snow; upon this every one gave his opinion, that he was worthy of Death; which started the Lovers and made them change their colour, expecting some dreadful punishment; but contrary to their expectation, the Emperor, looking upon his Secretary with a smooth Countenance, Eginardus (saith he) hadst thou loved the Princess, my Daughter, thou oughtest to have come to her Father, the disposer of her liberty; thou art worthy of Death, yet I give thee two lives; Tale thy fair Portress in Marriage; fear God, and love one another. The Joy these lovers conceived, at so unexpected a happiness, I leave to the Imagination of the Reader. Caus. 〈◊〉 Court. Tom. 2.  
The Moorish Princess Xexin Daughter of Muley Moluck, King of Fes and Moro●o, upon the Fame of Don Sebastian King of Portugal though an 〈◊〉, who came to Invade her Father's Country conceived so great a love for him, that when his Army was overthrown on the plains of Tamista near. Alcazar and himself slain She came e'er the day dawn'd accompanied with one slave named Laura; to seek him amongst the heaps of the dead, when entering that miserable Scene of Slaughter She Inquired of some wounded men that were yet breathing, where the King Fought, and with many abrupt stammerings being informed by those dying wretches, She hasted thither resolving to Sacrifice her Life, and fall upon him, when coming to the heap of ●lain She espied one extremely resembling her Lover, for She had seen the King of Portugal often, and thereupon with great cries She embraced and moved him, but being about to offer violence to herself; She found the supposed dead Man to breath, and after some rubbing and chafeing he came to himself. So that binding up his wounds, She and her Slave with the help of a Matriner conveyed him into a little ●●land in the River Mu●azen, and ●ere provided all things for him, verily supposing him the King of Portugal, for indeed Nature had made this Subject (for so he proved, and not the King of Portugal) so like his Prince that the Portugals themselves were deceived, as will appear. This Man thus snatched from death, being continually attended by the Princes, who infinitely doted on him, and used him like a valued Lover, began to wonder from whence the cause of such mighty Kindness should spring, when one day after a Sigh She said, Heaven will not deprive Portugal of its King, but has made your Xerine Happy in saving her dear Don Saebastians' Life, by this Speech he found the Prince's Error yet thought it not convenient to undeceive her but rather to promote it, and so by insinuation he came to understand who She was, as likewise her Love to the King of Portugal, and so far he prvailed upon that Princes; that She thought nothing too dear for him, but used her Interest with Muley Boabdelin a Moorish Prince and her Conzen, to Entertain him in his Palace at Hoscore till such time as She could furnish him with a train suitable for a King (as She supposed him to be) to return to his own Country.  
This old Moorish Prince, verily believed him to be as his Conzen had reported and Imagining if he got into Portugal he would not regard the Vows he had made to Marry her; caused them to be Married out of hand, she in consideration thereof promising to become a Christian which She afterwards performed; being a Lady exceeding beautiful as Born of a Greek Mother, and consequently much whiter than the Africans, and soon after provided him an Equipage to go for Portugal, to which Crown Henry who succeeded Saebastian being dead many said claim, but at length it was grasped by the King of Spain, who proved the stronger, wherefore he first arrived in Italy, and was received by the Duchess of Parma who as the former verily believed him to be the true Saebastian; as likewise did some Ministers sent from the Estates of Portugal which made him in the end imagine himself to be no less, for being denied possession of that Kingdom ●●e drew a great power after him, but being defeated on the Frontiers of Portugal, and taken Prisoner, after which being brought to Lisbon, and Imprisoned as an Imposter; at what time Xerine was come out of Afric● to assist him, in the recovery (as She thought of his right) She having by this time had a Son by him, but thi● Misfortune did not at all alter th● Love of the Princess; who earnestly laboured for his deliverance: often visiting him in Prison where falling sick and at the point of Death, he declared how he had deceived her, an● that he was 〈◊〉 the King of Portugal● yet for all that her Love abated not but She in the best wise comforted him. Afflict not yourself (said th● Generous Princess) with too late and unuseful Repentance I loved the People of Don Sebastian, more than the splendour of his condition; I thought I had me● that Person in you. Those Charms which first touched me, have lost none of thei● privilege, because they were not place● 〈◊〉 Monarch, though I confess I shoul● never have observed them in an Ordinary Mam, Neither my Spirit nor my Birth 〈◊〉 would have permitted me to consider whom 〈◊〉 had not thought a Prince, but my error became dear to me, and is so still, notwithstanding it proves fatal to my peace. The name of Husband is so Sacred to a Woman truly Virtuous, that it obli●erates any shame which accompanies it: Therefore try to overcome your Illness my dear Prince▪ (pardon the name) For●●ne, (said She lifting up her Eyes ●o Heaven), might have given it 〈◊〉 She gave you me. Rescue yourself ●f it be possible, from the arms of 〈◊〉, ●t may be we may find you a happiness, more calm and happy than that which is denied you in Portugal. With this ex●oss of Female Generosity the sergeant Sebastian was so moved that he ●ould no longer suffer the Transports ●f it, but in the Arms of the Passionate Xerine expired whose Soul with ●uch difficulty staved behind, loving ●im even as her Life, who had injured ●er with so great a deceit: Sir, J. B. 〈◊〉 Rocoles' of Impostors.  
Ho●● Wife of Be●xamut, a Vali●nt Captain of the Alarbes had so ●reat affection for her Husband, that whilst he lived She never disobeyed or disobliged him, and when he died, She almost drowned in Tears, caused his Funeral Obsequies to be performed on the solemnest manner, with infinite cost; nor would be Induced to forsake his Tomb: where after Nine days Fasting she died, breathing out her last Breath by his Side.  
He first Deceased, She for a few days tried,  
To live without him, liked it not and dy'ds.  Camer. Oper. Subcisiv. 
The Emperor Conrade the Third, besieging Guelphus' Duke of Bavaria in the City of Wensberg in Germany; the Women made a request to that Emperor, that they might pass out with so much as they could carry upon their backs, which was granted, he supposed they would lad themselves with their Furniture; but on the contrary, these loving Dames preferring the safety of their Husbands before all Earthly Riches, took each of them their Husbands & carried them as Packs; which Act of Love so moved the Emperor that he wept; & not only received the Duke into his favour, but gave all the men their lives, extolling the women's Transcednent Love with deserved Praise. Lonicer. Theatr.  
Prince Edward, afterward Edward the First, King of England, whilst he Warred in the Holy Land, having reduced the City of Accone, being stabbed with an Empoisoned Knife, by one Auzazim a Sarazin, who had the opportunity of approaching him, under the Pretence of a Message from one of the Pagan Governors, when all hopes of ●ure failed, his Virtuous Wife Elinor at the hazard of her Life, daily sucked the Wounds, till the Venom of the poison was extracted, for which amazing Love, when he came to be King, he caused her Arms, as Memorials of Conjugal affection, to be fixed on divers public places. Baker's Cron.  
Sulpitia the Wife of Lentulus, after the proscribing, of her Husband, by the Influence of the Triumvire, and his ●ight to Pompy's Son in Sicily; notwithstanding the strict 〈…〉 set upon her, found means to escape in disguise, not weighing the danger o● being proscribed herself, equal to the Fidelity, to her Husband.  
Eumonus burying the dead, fallen in the Battle of Sabin, where the Indians Warred with Amigonus, amongst the slain was found the body of Cereas an Indian, who commanded those Troops● which man according to the Custom of that Country, had at sundrey times Married two Wives, both which Loved him entirely; for, whereas there was a 〈…〉 and is yet in some places observed, that the live Wife shall be bunrt with the dead Husband; these Women were so far from declineing it, that they strove which of them should make her Bed with him in the Flames, as if they had contended for some Glorious Prize, the last Married of these pleaded before the Judges, that were to decide the Controversy that the former was with Child, and therefore aught to be exempted, to which the other alleged, it was fit she should bell before her in Honour, as the elder Married, 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 customary 〈◊〉 things, and after a long 〈◊〉 between them, the Judges being informed by the Midwives, that the Elder Married was with Child, adjudged the Younger should have her desire, which done the other departed rending her Diadem, Hair, and Garments, with many loud Laments, as if some grievous calimity had befallen her. The other overjoyed at her Victory, in the most Magnificient attire, as if she had been going to her Wedding, was led by her friends to the Pile whereon her Husband lay, Singing all the way, being there arrived, taking off all her Ornaments, she delivered them to her Friends and Servants, in 〈◊〉 of remembrance; they consisting of a multitude of Rings, with variety of Precious Stones, Chains, and Stars of Gold, etc. This done she was by her Brother Placed upon the Pile, by her Husband, which Pile, after the Army had thrice compassed, it was Fired, and she without so much as a groan, finished her life in the flame, an Instance of Invincible Love and Female Courage; and might justly, were it not some what Eclipsed by the name of a Self-violence, stand the glory of the Sex. Didor. Sicul.  
Such Phoenixes the World does rarely yield,  
No Nation boasts them but the Indian Field.  
Pondoerus a Persian Captain, being in Arms against Jacobus King of Persia, and Son to Vsan Cassants; his Wife a Beautiful Lady, not exceeding fifteen years, besought him by all the Ties of love to lay down his Arms and submit; but notwithstanding he loved her entirely, yet would not yield to her request. Then she desired him, and adjured him by all that was Sacred, that he would kill her before he gave Battle, that it might not be said she outlived him; but he regarding more his headstrong Ambition than her Tears, whom Grief made lovely, sounded the Charge, and was slain in Fight: his Lady was likewise taken Prisoner, and by the King bestowed upon one of his Captains, who entreating her to receive him as her Husband, with many proffers of kindness and great presents. She wonderfully opposed, but perceiving he would have that by force, which by fair means he could not obtain, she required time to consider the point, and thereupon retiring, sent him a Note, wherein was written, That none should say the Wife of Pondoerus did long survive him, and with that she fell upon a Sword and died. Fulgos. l. 4.  
Since he was gone, to whom her love inclined,  
She liked not life, and would not stay behind.  
Cedrenus in his History tells us, that Constantine the ninth, caused the Roman Argyrapalis to be brought before him, together with his Wife, a Beauteous young Lady, threatening him with all the Torments imaginable, if he did not put her away, and in her stead take his Daughter; which if he did he promised to make him his He●r and raise him by other promotions in the Empire. The man at this, stood confounded with in himself, not knowing what to Answer; when the Lady perceiving what danger he was likely to fall into, if he refused to comply with the Emperor's demand, Ah S● (said she to her Husband) I see you ar● much hindered in a brave way, if it on●● rest in your wife, that you be not grea● and happy; I freely deprive myself of all yea of your Company, which is more precious to me than all the Empires of t●● World, rather than prejudice your Fo●tane, for know I love you better tha● my life. And so saying, out of a tender compassion, to the preservation of him she loved so dear, she c●● off her Hair; and entered into a Monastery, spending the rest of her day in Piety and Divotion. Caus. H. C● in treat of passions.  
Turning the Torrent of her Earth● love,  
To a mere lasting Sense of Joys abov●  
Arria, the Wife of Cecinna Poetus, having notice that her Husband was Condemned to die, yet liberty given him to choose his death, she went to him, and exhorted him to Breath his last with Constancy and Courage, and after having taken a dear farewell, she stabbed herself with a Knife she had hid under her Garments, and drawing it out only said,  she fell dead at his Feet, The wound I have made Paetus smarts not, but that only which thou art about to give thyself. Camer. Oper. Subsic.  
Upon this Extravegant effect of passionate love, Martial made this Epigram.  
When Arria to her Husband gave the Knife,  
Which made the wound whereby she lost her life,  
This wound dear Poetus, grieves me not, said she,  
But that which thou must give thyself grieves me.  
In the Reign of Vespasian, the Gauls Rebelled, under the leading of Julius Sabinus, But being reduced, their Captain was sought for, but having hid himself in the Monument of his Grandfather, to which none but two of his freed men were privy; it was given out that he had poisoned himself, and the better to colour it, he caused his House to be set on fire, that his Body might be supposed therein to be burnt; his Wife Eponiva, not knowing the contrary, made great Sorrow, incessantly Weeping, and refusing either Food, or to be Comforted; of which, those that were private to his hiding, told their Lord, desiring him to take pity on their Lady who was determined to die, and in order thereto, had abstained from all manner of Food, for the space of three days, by undeceiving her, to save the Woman that loved him so well; which was granted, and she brought to the place, where finding him alive, she flew into his Arm● with all the eager Joys of a tender Wife, and in that dolesome place lived with him nine years, bringing forth Children: But in the end, the place of their Abode was discovered, and they brought to Rome, where this Virtuous Lady showing her Children to Vespasian. Behold, O Caesar (saith she) such as I have brought forth, and Nourished in a Monument, that thou mightest have more supplyants' for● our lives. But that Emperor banishing Compassion, commanded them both to be slain. The Lady joyfully dying with her Husband, with whom she had been, as it were, Buried so many years. Lips. Monit.  
Clara Cervenda was one of the most Beautiful Virgins in all Bruges, she Married one Bernard Valdaura, a Man Aged and wonderfully Infirm, by reason of the foul Disease he had contracted in his Youth, and in the end growing so Ulcerous and so Naucious, that the Chirurgeon fled the Scent of him; yet this Tender Lady for the space of Twenty years continually watched and tended him, not imagining any thing too dear for him; and when their Money by that large Expense failed, she sold her Jewels and wearing Apparel, Disrobing, and in a manner starving herself to support him. So sacred to this virtuous Lady was the name of Husband, and even of such a one as had brought her to Ruin and Misery; nay, when he was rotten away, that his shattered Body could no longer retain his fleeting Soul, she made great Lamentation; and when some instead of comforting of her, told her that God had done much in taking him away, and for that reason they came to congratulate her She turned aside and would not hear them, but with a mournful Voice, wished for her Husband again, and that she would give any thing in the world could she Retrieve him. Being sought by many in Marriage, her Answer was, That she could 〈◊〉 meet with any whom she could love, or like so well as her deceased Husband. Camerar Oper Subsic.  
So truly loving was this constant Dame,  
That she deserves a place i'th' Book of Fame.  
Nor is Womankind only found such an admirable pattern to Man 〈◊〉 but the Sex has proved as faithful Woman to Woman, as appears by the following Relation: Bona a noble Virgin living in a Nunery, contracted so great a Friendship with a Beautiful Maid, not exceeding her in years, that they appeared to those that observed their actions, to have but one Soul, their affections were so united and met so exactly in every thing. But so it happened to the unspeakable grief of Bona, that Death, in process of time, with his Icey hand, seized upon her dear Companion, the partner of her thoughts, and only sharer of her best affections, sealing her Eyes in Gloomy Night, which caused a flood of pious grief to flow from the surviving Lady: In the excess of which, she earnestly begged she might not stay behind, but that their Bodies might possess one Grave. Although this was a rash wish, yet it was answered: For she,  the other was Buried died, Insomuch, that one Funeral Solemnity served them both. Marul. Lib. 3. C. 3.  
Thus Love and Chastity together died,  
Ravished by Death, they in one Grave abide.  
How great likewise hath the love of Mothers been towards their Children, which for Brevity's say I shall instance, but in two Examples.  
Monica, the Mother of Agustine, whilst her Son in his Youth followed lewd Courses, ceased not to Pray day and night for his Conversion; and doubtless her Prayers were heard, which may be gathered by the strangeness of his being made sensible of the dangerous condition he was in; which occasioned St. Ambrose to comfort her in this wise: It's impossible (says he) that a Son of so many Prayers and Tears can miscarry. Clarks. Mir.  
For love to Souls, all other love excels,  
It must be Heaven where such an Angel dwells.  
The Women of Carthage, in the third Punic War, when they understood the Senate had agreed to send the noble Youths of that City into Sicily as a Hostage, in consideration of a peace with the Romans; so outrageous was the sorrow of those Mothers, whose Sons were so to be snatced from them, that nothing was heard but Cries, Sighs and sad Laments; and when they were going to Embark, they followed them in the like manner, hugging them in their strict Embraces, with Countenances full of Care and Sadness, to hinder their going, as loath to take their sad farewell; but finding they were snatched from them by the Officers who were to see them safe delivered and thrust on Bord, as soon as the Ships put off, many of those woeful Mothers leaped into the Sea after them, and were overwhelmed by the Relentless Waves. Sebel. l. 3. c. 4.  
This sad Disaster occasioned the following Lines.  
When as the two Renowned Republics Jar'd,  
When Mighty Rome and Carthage long had Warred.  
To try by dint of Sword, which Fate designed,  
Mistress o'th' World, and Ruler of Mankind.  
Tired with the tedious bloodshed that Embrued  
Europe and Africa, a Peace ensued.  
But Carthage often breaking 'twas thought fit,  
They should with speed their noble Touths commit  
For more security to Roman bands,  
As Hostages, but when to Foreign Lands  
The Woeful Mothers knew their Sons must go,  
What Scenes of sorrow, did great Carthage show?  
Nothing but Cries, but Sighs, and Groans were heard;  
But when for their Embarquement they prepared  
The Storm grew loud, each tender Mother run,  
And in her arms, Infolds her weeping Son.  
Bathing his Cheeks, in tears to add a Store,  
To those that trickled from his Eyes before.  
But finding that the hard Decree was past,  
And that this far well seemed to be their last.  
When from their arms their Darlings dears were forced,  
And they from them by swelling waves Divorced.  
Impatient to outlive so great a loss,  
Such a heart breaking, such a wounding Cross.  
They plunged themselves into the rolling deep.  
And vainly strove to reach the flying Ship.  
In which their Treasure was but that forbidden,  
By Neptune was, and they In's waves were hid.   

Of Chastity.  
And thus much for extraordinary Passion from which I shall proceed to Examples of wonderful Chastity, the brightest Jewel that Adorns the Noble Sex.  
As Bards of old Ennobled for their Verse,  
Victorious actions did aloud rehearse,  
The conquest of great Nations, and the praise  
Of those, whose Valour truly claimed the Bays.  
So tell we now of Triumphs greater far,  
Than e'er achieved were byth' God of War,  
Or could be boasted by that Thunderer.  
A glorious conquest over Lawless love  
Triumphs, that all the Chaster World approve,  
So in their Spher's, the Blessed Angels move,  
Valued Chastity, Woman's chief grace.  
Next Lawful Passion we think fit to place.  
And in this kind the Female Sex excel, many of them preferring their Honour to life, or all the glittering Glories of the Universe; no prospect of Earthly happiness has been sufficient to Charm it from them, as will appear.  
Celdrana, a Maid of Alexandria, being Endowed with admirable Beauty, which occasioned a Troop of Lovers, as it were to Beseige her; each desirous of enjoying so fair a Treasure, offering what might content a large Ambition, but in vain; for such were the  resolves of the renowned Virgin, that the largest proffers could make no impression on her mind; but perceiving herself continually pressed by her importunate admirers, to shun their importunity, she privately withdrew, and leaving them confounded in their loves for want of the bright Idea they adored, she hide herself in a solitary Cell surrounded with a multitude of Graves, where after a tedious search being sound, to the exceeding Joy of those that sought her; when asked the meaning why she chose a place so doleful, her reply was, Thesaurum Chastitatis Servo Inter Arentes Calvarias Vnde Nula Flamma Eurumpit.  
Amongst the Dead my Chastity's secure,  
There I preserve it in its self most pure,  
No sparks of lust the drowsy Graves immure.  Caus. H. C. part 1. l. 3. 
Brasola of Diracchium, an Illustrious Maid, seized by a Soldier, who was about to commit violence on that Jewel that she mostly prized, told him that if he would spare her in that case, she in recompense would reveal to him a Secret more valuable than Gold, such a one, as would render him Victorious and Safe on all occasions, by making him Invulnerable: the Soldier believes, flattering himself, that after he had obtained this Benefit, she would be as much at his mercy as before; when leading him into a most delightful Garden, and after a tedious search; tasting a Herb, that perhaps he had never seen before, she with a cheerful Voice told him it was the mighty Charm that would oppose the force of Steel, and that he might be assured she did not flatter, bared her Beauteous Neck and offered the experiment at the hazard of her life; the Soldier by this being more confirmed, resolutely gave the blow that gave her rest in the wished Arms of Death.  
Preserving by that means her spotless Fame,  
Whilst her rash Foe, who found himself to blame,  
Confunded stood, with horror, grief and shame.  Lodou. Vives. Christ. Femin. Istit. 
Nor is the Story related of the virtuous Euphrasia, a Virgin of noble Extraction in Nicephor, Eclez. Hist. unlike to this.  
Where that Heroic Maid preferring, Death,  
Before the loss of Honour, lost her Breath.  
Lucia a lovely Virgin, who for the Excellency of her Beauty was sought by divers, but out of an Extraordinary love of Chastity, would not show the least inclination thereto; which, notwithstanding, so Inflamed a powerful Lord, who had great Command in the City where she lived, that after many Essays, finding she could not be won by Entreaty, he resolved to take her by Force, and in order thereto, sent divers Armed men to surprise her in her Father's House; who coming to the Gate and finding it shut, threatened to make a general Slaughter, and set all on Fire if she were not delivered; she to prevent the danger that might befall others, knowing the cruel Nature of him that had sent for her, came forth and demanded who it was they sought, desiring to know if any thing was in her power that would satisfy their Lord; Yess (said they in a flouting manner) your Eyes have Captivated him, he never can have rest till he has gained them; at which fetching a deep Sigh, she desired to retire, saying, she would satisfy him in that particular; which being ranted, she went to her Chamber, and seeing herself in a strait, that she either must use some extraordinary way, or her unspotted Chastity would be Sacrificed to the Lust of a Man she hated, thus addressing herself to her Glass; she began to utter her sorrow: Ah! my Eyes (said she) are you then guilty, I know the reservedness and simplicity of your Glances, nor have I in that kind any Remorse of Conscience; but howsoever be you, appear to me not Innocent enough, since you have kindled fire in the heart of a Man, whose hatred I ever esteemed more than his love; Quench, Quench, then with your Blood the flame you have raised; whereupon with a hand piously cruel, she forced h●r Eyeballs from their bleeding Orbs, and sent them to those who waited for her, to bear them as a cruel pre●ent to their Master; upon notice of which, astonished and confounded within himself, he fled to a Monastery, and there spent the remainder of his days. Rad in Viridoria Caus. H. C. part 1.  
Thus she deformed herself to Gloom confined,  
To save the lovely Beauty of the Mind.  
Acciolin of Milan, in the year 1253, surprising the City of Bassian; in which City Blanch Ruba fight for the defence of her People, her Husband being before slain, she was taken Disarmed, and violently dragged before the Conqueror; who Eyeing her admirable Perfections, with Presents, Entreaties and Threats, for a time endeavoured to allure her to Lascivious Embraces; but the noble Matron being rather resolved t● die, than to yield up her honour to the Murderer of her Lord, sound means whilst those were careless who had her in charge, to cast herself headlong out of the Gallery wherein she was; by which fall, although she greatly Bruised herself, yet by the Care of the Physicians and Surgeons she recovered, and then was caused to be bound Na●ed, in a posture, that the Lustful Acciolin not regarding her Cries and Entreaties, forced her helpless Chastity. She desiring not to outlive the loss of her ●●onour, though her Friends comforted ●●er in the best manner; saying, she ●●as Guiltless, seeing it was done by Violence, contrary to her Consent. When ●●e better to Accomplish her design, ●●s well as she could, dissembled her ●●rrow, appearing by degrees to dry ●●p the Extraordinary flood of Grief ●●at slowed from her Beauteous Eyes: ●●e desired them one day to go with ●●er to the Monument of her Husband 〈◊〉 the often Visitation of which is ordinary in many Countries) being come ●either, she Entreated them to list up ●e stone, that she might see how ●eath and his short continuance there ●ad altered him; which stone o● a vast ●eight, being raised on one side and roped up, she under pretence of seriously viewing those Relics of mortality, Leapt into the Tomb ●here her dead Husband lay, pulling way at the same time the stay, which offered the stone to fall with such ●rce, that her Head being mortally drused, she soon died and was buried with her lord Lon. Thatre.  
The latter loss, beyond the First employed,  
Her sadded Soul, though Fate before had Tried,  
In her dear Lord's mishap, a Death to give,  
But Chastity once gone, she scorned to live.  
Novellus Caronceus. Lord of Paria, falling in Love with a beautiful Virgin, a Citizen's Daughter of Vincentia; and her Chistity not yielding by fair entreaties to his lascivious designs, he caused her to be taken out of her Father's house, and forcibly Ravished her, after which he not having found the Pleasure he expected, by reason of her unwillingness, he Barbarously added a greater Cruelty, by cutting her in pieces, and sending her Mangled Limbs to her Parents: Who astonished at so great a wickedness, made their address to the Senate of Venice, in whom the horror of the Fact, moved at once such detestation and Compassion, that warring on the murdering Ravisher, they ●ook him, and his two Sons, whom ●hey delivered into the hands of the executioner. Beard Theatre.  
So loud to Heaven for Vengeance was the cry,  
Of Virgin blood, and Injured Chastity.  
O●bright, Deputy or Sub-governour 〈◊〉 a King of the West Saxans, going ●s Progress, happened in the absence 〈◊〉 one Beorn, a noble Saxon, to call 〈◊〉 his house; whereas became a person 〈◊〉 such esteem with the King; he 〈◊〉 as splendidly entertained, but all 〈◊〉 delicates were nothing pleasing, 〈◊〉 consideration of the beautiful Lady, ●ith whom he found (dinner ended) 〈◊〉 opportunity (under pretence of ●mmunicating some Secrets, he had 〈◊〉 charge to her Lord,) to retire 〈◊〉 to a private place, out of the hearing of the Servants, where he re●●al'd his wicked purpose, using many ●●treaties, to oblige her to a complacency, but finding she had rather die than violate her Chastity, he threw her by force on a Couch and Ravished her, after which, leaving her overwhelmed in Tears, he with his retinue hasted thence. The afflicted Lady concealing as much as in her lay the shame that was done her, till her Lord came home, fell at his Feet with great Cries, declaring the Mischief that had befallen her, saying, she was altogether unworthy to name him her Husband, since she had been so shamelessly abused, entreating him by all the former Ties of Love to revenge himself and her; which he not long after too sadly effected, by being instrumental in bringing in the Danes, who made miserable Havoc of the Kingdom, slaying the Ravisher and most of the Forces he lead. Speeds Chron.  
Wonderful were the Examples of the  Ladies in the Abbey of Glassenbury, who by the Advice and Example of their Abess lest their Incomparable Beauties should be the occasion of losing their honours, cut● off their Lips and Noses, at the time when the Danes made progress through the Land with Fire and Sword, and by that means saving their Chastity, lost their Lives; for the Barbarous Enemy finding it was done to cross their purpose, cruelly put them to the Sword; doubtless not unhappy for them, who found thereby a speedy way to the reward of their Piety. Speeds. Cron.  
Stand back Diana, in whom Fables tell,  
The Sacred love of Chastity did dwell,  
Yet cruel still they Paint thee, for thine Eyes  
They say, were pleased with Human Sacrifice;  
Give place to these, whose Virtues shine more bright,  
Than all the flames that on thy Altars blazed,  
Whose Chaster Souls above the Stars took flight,  
And for Deliverance their great Maker praised.   

Of Piety.  
In Piety and Love of sacred things, this Sex is no ways wanting, as not to mention the Examples of those 〈◊〉 Holy Writ, many Histories havi●● the lively Monuments of unwear●● Divotion, can furnish us: nor ha●● they refused in most Ages, to lay do●● their lives with cheerfulness for t●● sake of their Redeemer, Triumphing with a Holy Joy in the Circling flam●● bearing with a constancy and patien●● almost Inexpressible, all the Torment Witty Horror could invent; nay so●● have grieved to be deprived of such● Glory, and longed with eager Zeal● pass through Tribulation, to the pla●● where Crowns and Diadems a● laid up for the perseverer, in faithfulness till Death.  
Eulalia, a noble Virgin of Portug●● despising all the proffered Glories th●● consist in Transcient things, spent h●● time and care in heaping up a Treasu●● for her Soul; Sobriety and Mode●● were her Attendants, and Discreti●● Crowned her Actions; a Zeal and Fervent Love to her Redeemer made h●● fearless of danger, knowing his support is all-sufficient; and so continu●● she, increasing in Grace and Virtue when Hell stirred up its wicked Engines to oppose the flourishing Gospel, when the Heathens ●●harras ' 〈◊〉 Church, than was it she appeared most constant and devout, resolving to suffer any affliction for him that had redeemed her with his precious Blood; and when the Christians were commanded to offer Sacrifice to Devils, this Courageous Virgin by her Prayers and Exhortations, encouraged them to be steadfast in the Faith, and not to give the Tempter ground, Praying daily in the presence of the Heathen; which her Parents, who loved her entirely, perceiving and fearing she might fall under the punishment of the Rigorous decree, sent her to their Country House, distant from the City, and watched her there, lest she should escape; but she desirous to possess a Crown of life, brooked not that Solitude, but found means to leave it; and being sometime after presented to the Roman Perfect, a man that Thirsted after Christian Blood, she boldly owned her Faith, aledging she was ready to lay down her life for his sake, from whom she had received it● which resolute persistance in that righteous 〈◊〉 made him rage to th● Excess, that without regard to b● Birth, Years or Tender Beauty, 〈◊〉 commanded the Executioner to dislocate her Joints, and then with Wi●● Beasts Claws tore off her Flesh, whi●● she regardless of her pain, was prais●● God for counting her worthy, 〈◊〉 After this she was tortured with 〈◊〉 Iron Grate, and had her Virgin Brea●● Seered with flaming Torches, wh●● fired her Hair that had till that 〈◊〉 cove●ed her Modesty; when find●●● her labouring Soul upon the Wi●●● she Breathed it forth in praise to 〈◊〉 Maker. Acts and Mon.  
Go Pious Maid, may your Exam●●● be,  
Praised and admired to all posterity!  
The Palm is hers, nor can she mi●●● Crown,  
Who for the sake of Christ her life 〈◊〉 down;  
No Mixture, Crown of Pearl, of Gold and Cares,  
Such as below an Earthly Monarch wares,  
But a bright Diadem of Beaming Stars.  
Agnes, an Honourable young Virgin, being accused of professing the Christian Religion, and not denying it, when interrogated by the Judge, he threatened her with most Exquisite Torments, unless she would Worship the Gods of the Heathens; but Armed with a Christian Faith, she told him, she feared no Tortures, as being willing to suffer all manner of Torments, even Death itself, for the sake of him that was able to raise her at the last day: Well said the Judge, though you value not the Pain, yet I doubt not, but you have a great esteem for your Virginity and Chastity, and it is my intent to thrust you into the Stews, if you refuse to Sacrifice to our Gods; notwithstanding, she persisted to inveigh against their pretended Deities, using many Arguments to convince the Heathen of his Error, which made several wicked Fellows urge him to put the Beautiful Virgin into their possession, that they might use her at their discretion, which occasioned her to tell them, that Christ was not forgetful of those that are his, neither would he leave her destitute of his help and assistance, but would be always ready to protect and defend Modest and  Virgins; and thereupon turning to the Judge, she told him, He might freely bathe his Sword in her Blood, but should not: defile her Body. She had no sooner uttered these words, but shameless as he was, he commanded she should be bound stark Naked to a Post at a Corner of a street; whereat the greatest part of the People being sorry and ashamed, to behold an Innocent Virgin in the tender Bloom of her Age exposed to such Ignominy: Some turned away their Heads, and others hide their Faces as they passed by; but one impudent Fellow Scoffing at the helpless Maid and Gazing on her Nakedness in derision, was blasted with a flash of Lightning, and thereby lost his sight; upon which signal Judgement she Sung praise to god for remembering her in her distress: of which the Judge having notice, ordered the Executioner to dispatch her; who coming towards her with his drawn Sword, she was nothing daunted, but on the contrary greatly rejoiced, saying, O this is he that I love and fain would meet, and not longer to protract my desire, I will willingly receive his Sword in my Bosom. O Eternal God, vouchsafe to open the Gates of Heaven to a Soul that seeketh thee, and then Kneeling down as well as her confinement would permit, she had her Head stricken off; her Soul through that wide Wound ●inding a passage to Eternal Rest. Celebrate her praises, O ye Virtuous amongst the Nations, and let not such Christian Examples enter into the Gloomy Region of Obliveon. Nor less deserves the Memory of the Virtuous Eugena, Daughter to Philippus, Precedent of Alexandria, who died under the Heathen Persecution, for the Sacred Profession, by most Exquisite Torments, but with a Courage outfacing the Terror of Death. Acts and Mon, etc. A hundred more than these I could name, but having promised Brevity, I shall go on to other Embellishments of the Sex.  
And since Fame's Ensign's thus far born, unfurled  
Those Virtues, tell that must oblige the World,  
Your worthy Names shall next in order stand,  
Who from Oblivion with a Giving hand,  
Brought Charity the Glory of the Land.   

Of Liberality.  
In this case I shall Instance but two Examples of Female Liberality, which stand as Monuments of that Sex's Generosity.  
The most virtuous Lady, the Lady Mary Ramsey, once Wise to Sr. Thomas Ramsey, joining with him after his Death, Assured in Land 243 pound p. Annum to Christs-Hospital (that object of Charity and seminary of good Education, to the uses following, viz. To the Schoolmaster of Hempstead Annually twenty pounds, to the Master and Usher of Christs-Church Annually twenty pounds, to ten poor Widows, besides Apparel and Houses Annually twenty pounds, to two Poor, viz. a Man a Woman during life, to each fifty-three Shillings and four Pence, to two Fellows in Peter House in Cambridg, and four Scholars yearly forty pounds, to St. Bartholomews' Hospital ten pounds, to St. Peter's, the Poor in London, St. Andrews Vndershaft, St. Marry Wolnoth ten pounds, to Newga●e, Ludghte, the Compters, ten pounds, to Christ's Hospital, after the Expiration of certain Leases there will come p. Annum, one hundred and twenty pounds, to six Scholars in Oxford twenty pounds, to six Scholars in Cambridge twenty pounds, to ten Maimed Soldiers twenty pounds, for two Sermons two pounds, to the Poor of Christ-Church Parish fifty Shillings, to the Poor of the Company of Draper's yearly ten pounds, ten Poor women's Gouns, ten Poor Soldiers Coats, Shoe and Caps. All these to continue Annually. willet's Synops. Papis. p. 1229.  
Mrs. Alice Owen founded an Hospital and Free-School at Islington, gave to the University Library at Oxford two hundred pounds, Founded one Fellowship and Scholar-Ship in Emanuel Coledg, to Christ's Hospital sixty pounds, to give twelve Pence Weekly to the Poor of Islington sixty pounds, thirteen Shillings and four Pence she gave to Beautify the Cloisters in Christ's Hospital, to a School-house at Edmonton twenty pounds, to the Parish of Condover in Shrop-shire fifty pounds to buy a great Bell, the Building of Almshouses for ten poor Women, and the purchasing the Lands laid to it, cost her one thousand four hundred and fifteen pounds, and the Building the Schools there three hundred sixty one pounds; she gave likewise certain Annual Sums of Moneys to Preachers not Benificed, and to the Prisons in her life time, by her last Will twenty pounds yearly to Islington School, to Preachers thirty five pounds, to the Parish of Basishaw twenty pounds, to the Prisons eight pound, to the Company of Brewers in Linen, Plate and Money one hundred pounds, the Sum Total of the Money, not reckoning the Annuity of twenty two pounds, Amounts to about two thousand three hundred and twenty pounds; a Charity Extraordinary in a private Gentlewoman; yet this she did out of Christian Zeal, to promote Learning and relieve the Poor, though at her Death she had twenty two Children, and children's Children, for all which she plentifully provided. Willet's Synops. Papism P. 1240.  
These great Examples who'd but imitate,  
Treasures laid up in Heaven's a vast Estate;  
A Mine that no profuseness can Exhaust,  
And will repay ten thousand times the cost.   

Of Humility.  
Nor does Humility shine less bright even to a wonder in the Softer Sex.  
Humility the bast, on which rest  
Those Blooming actions that must make us blest;  
Great pattern of true worth, which does subdue  
The sternest Foe, and make his love renew.  
In this case we find Famous Instances in Holy Writ; as Sarah, Rachel, Leah, Ruth and many more, who thereby not only had immediate Blessings conferred upon them, but rendered themselves worthy Examples to all Posterity. How many Virtuous Ladies might I number in Histories of divers Nations, would the intended Brevity admit a further Enrolment of their Names, who have wholly addicted themselves to Humility, the true ground of Generosity and Nobleness, even such, as in an Ocean of Worldly Prosperity have rather considered they were Dust, and that Earthly Riches, and the Fond Applause of flattering Parasites, notwithstanding their enforced Eloquence could render them no other, as for Instance,  
Elizabeth, Daughter to a King of Hungary, and Wife to Lewis the Landgrave of Tharengia, amidst the Royalties wherewith her Court abounded, was so wonderfully affected with the Sense of Humility, that often remaining at home with her Maids. she put on her meanest Apparel, saying, she would never use any other Ornaments, when it should come to pass that the good and merciful Lord should put her into a condition wherein she might more freely dispose of herself. When she went to her Divotion in public, not regarding her Greatness, she would rather choose to Kneel amongst the Poor Women than the Ladies of the Court, as imagining it most acceptable to her Maker. After the Death of her Husband whom she loved, she retired from places populous, with few attendants, and in the end went on pilgrimage, giving to the Poor what came to her hands, and Built for their Relief an Hospital, wherein she Ministered to the Sick, and took extraordinary care they should want for nothing; being sent for to Return to her Father's Court, she made such Excuses, and used so many Entreaties, that she kept her station, preferring Humility before the Enjoyments of a Kingdom.  
Farewell thou great in mind, who dost outvie  
In this thy State, of true Humility,  
Those that Ambition tosses to the Sky.  
So safe upon the Beach, the Gentle Swain  
Beholds the trouble of the swelling Main,  
And by contentment does dose dangers shun,  
Into whose Arms the greedy Sailors run.   

Of Patience.  
Nor is Patience, though some detractors have alleged the contrary, less admirable in Womankind: what wonderful Trials has the Sex undergone, even to admiration, not only in the loss of Substance and a reduction to Poverty, loss of dearest Relations, and the like (but with an admirable constancy and strmness of Mind) the most unjust and undeserved Punishments not moved nor disordered by the almost Unconquerable effects of Fea● and Anger.  
But stood their Ground against the storms of Fate,  
Nothing their brave Resolves could dissipate,  
Gaining a second place to his great worth,  
Whom Uz to admiration did bring forth.  
Nor is it amiss to mention one singular Example, by which the Reader may guests at the rest. In the Reign of Charles the Ninth French King, divers Licentius villains getting together to shed Innocent Blood, Plunder Houses, and commit many other outrages, amongst the rest, one whose Name was Dure, a very proper Name for such an Inexorable Ruffain, Entering with many Curses and Imprecation, the House of one Agnes a virtuous Widow, and casting a Cord about her Neck, dragged her about till she was almost strangled (she not in the least complaining) and then letting her come a little to herself, demanded where her Money was; to which with a composed Countenance she replied, she had no more than a French Penny, which made him Rage exceedingly, and again repeat his cruelty in draging her about; but perceiving she was unconcerned at this, he put hot Eggs under her Armpits till they were Scorched and Blistered extremely; yet she not so much as complained, but was more concerned at the Impious Blasphemies he uttered than at her own pain. After that finding her Armed with Patience to a Miracle, he threatened to throw her from the highest Steeple in the Town; yet fearless of that Danger, she Replied, If you throw my Body never so low, you cannot hinder my Soul from ascending into Heaven. The Wretch by this wonderful Constancy of Mind not yet being overcome, stopped Lime and Urine into her Mouth, which she endured as the rest; when finding he could no ways prevail he left her. Clarks Mart.   

Of Steadfastness.  
To this may be Added, the Gallantry and unshaken Steadfastness, wherewith some women have received Death, and for Instance, two of our own Nation were most Admirable.  
Queen Ann, one of the Wives of Henry the Eight, and Mother to the Renowned Queen Elizabeth, upon the supposed false Accusations of some Envious Persons, who looked upon her Greatness with eyes Ascance, being sentenced to Death, as she was lead to be Beheaded in the Tower, espying one of the King's Privy Chamber, she called him to her; and Commend me (said she) to the King, and tell him, He is constant in his course of Advancing me, for from a private Gentlewoman he made me a Marchioness from a Marchioness a Queen, and now that he hath left no higher degree of Worldly Honour for me, he hath made me a Martyr. Bak. Chron. P. 408.  
Less admirable was not the Courage and Patience of the Learned, Wise and Pious Jane Grace, a Lady of Royal Extraction; who for the guilty greatness of others, who against her Will advanced her to the Seat that was not her right, was in the Reign of Queen Mary, together with her Husband the Lord Guildford Condemned to die, during the respite. Doctor Fecknam was sent to tell her she must prepare herself to die the next day; which Message so little displeased her, that she seemed rather to rejoice at it. The Doctor being earnest with her to Embrace the old Religion and leave the new. She Answered, She had no time to think of any thing, but preparing herself for God by Prayer. The Doctor supposing she had spoken this, that she might have some longer time of life, obtained of the Queen a further respite of three days, and gave her to understand as much. Whereat she with a Smiling Countenance replied, You are much deceived, if you think I had any desire of longer life: I azure you, since the time you went from me, my life has been so tedious to me, that I long for nothing so much as Death; and since it is the Queen's pleasure, I most willingly vudergo it. Bak. Chron. P. 458. Nor was the Countenances of these Ladies altered on the Scaffold, till Death had turned their Lovely Faces to a deadly Paleness. Neither was the latter at all discomposed, when she saw her Husband, whom she Entirely loved, brought into her apartment Headless, as having the same morning been Executed a little before. Holingsheads Chron, etc.  
Such is the strength of Mind some Women bear,  
That Death's Pale Terror can't infuse a Fear.  
To these we might join the Beauteous African Queen, though in a different Method. The Relation thus,  
Sophonisba Queen of Numidia, & Wife to King Syphax, upon the overthrow of her Husband, by Scipio the Roman Consul, yielded herself up to Massinissa an African Prince and Confederate of the Romans, Entreating him that she might not be put into the power of the Roman Senate; he promised to be her Protecter, and in consideration foe her amazing Beauty, Married her, having been contracted to her before her Marriage with Syphax; but it coming to the Ears of Scipio, he let him understand that the Romans had a Title to her Head, and that she was a mischievous Enemy to the People of Rome, and therefore required him not to commit a great offence upon little reason. The King confounded within himself at this news, Blushed and Wept for a time; but in sine, promised to be Governed by Scipio, he went to his Royal Pavilion, where having given his sorrow vent, he called a trusty Servant, and by his hand sent a Cup of Poison to his Beloved Sophonisba, with these Expressions, viz. That gladly he would have had her to live with him as his Wife, but since they who had power to hinder him of his desire, would not yield thereto, he had sent her a Cup that should prevent her falling into their hands alive, willing her to remember her Birth and high Estate, which would direct her to take Orders for herself. At the Receipt of the Message and Potion of Death, the Courageous Queen nothing daunted, replied, That if her Husband had no better Present for his new Wife, she must accept of this, Adding, she might have died more honourable if she had not Wedded so late before her Funeral, and thereupon drunk off the deadly Potion that bereaved her of her life. Reighs Hist. World.  
Great thoughts long struggled in her Royal Breast,  
Till fear of Bondage, fear of Death suppressed,  
And that her Birth and Nobleness might be  
An argument, she scorned Captivity,  
That she could die, she let the Romans see.  
And to say somewhat further much to the same purpose, a Christian Matron falling in Travel in Prison, where she was confined by the Persecutors, upon the Account of her Religion, Expressed some sense of Sorrow; which being over-heared by her Enemies, they demanded if in that case she was so sensible, what would she be when she came to the flames? Ah! (said she) I suffer this as a miserable woman, under those sorrows that are laid upon me for my sins; but then I shall suffer a● a Christian for the sake of Christ. Camer. Oper. Subsisiv. etc.  
So different is the cause of Pain os● found,  
That what some think the most, the least does wound.   

Of Modesty.  
Nor is the Wondrous, though becoming and seemly Modesty, wherewith some are possessed, a less Adornment than what has been premised.  
A Virtuous Modesty does Beauty grace  
And make the Charms more lovely i● each Face;  
It makes the Roses with the Lilies join,  
The sweet Carnation with the Gessamine:  
Nay further yet, it does a Factor prove,  
To barter hearts and trade in chastest love:  
Nothing more wins, there's nothing sooner can  
Than Female Modesty, allure Fond Man.  
And this Sex exceeds not only in Action, but in Speech and Guesture: ●ome having chosen rather to undergo severe Punishments, than to do, ●r be Concious of any Immodest Action.  
Martia Daughter of Varo, one of ●e bravest Female Wits of her time ●eing skilled in divers Arts, but more ●urious in that Excellent one of Limning to the life; yet no entreaty or re●ard could prevail with her to por●●ay or paint the Counterfeit of a Man ●r Woman Naked, lest thereby she ●●ould offend against the Rules of Mo●●sty; so concious was she, though 〈◊〉 a thing most Innocent in its self, ●ast in should meet with a wrong construction, or she therein give a bad Example to others. Caus. Treat 〈◊〉 Passion.  
Nor only in Life, but as we ma● say, in Death itself has this R●● been observed, as appears by the M●ther of Alexander the great, nam● Olimpias: For Cassander having commanded her to be slain, as soon as t●● Executioner sent to dispatch her h●● informed her of his Message, she to●● especial care so to wrap up herself 〈◊〉 her Robes, that when she should fa● no part of her Body should be dis●●ver'd, but what might beseem a Modest Matron. And in the like man●died the Wife of Pantheus, wh● doomed to Death by Ptolomeus King Egypt. Fulgos. l. 4.  
Mand●slo in his Travels tells us 〈◊〉 a Young Gentlewoman in Japan, w●● by accident breaking Wind as she a● tended at the Table, was possess with such a sense of Shame, that immediately hiding her Face, she departed, and so far resented that Indecen●● she as altogether undesirous to surv●● it, in a Rage bitten off one of her Nip●● which inflaming her Breast, stru●● her to the heart with a mortal Pain, ●nd so ended she her days. Mandelo's Travels, L. 2. P. 190.  
And yet stranger are the effects of Modesty, as it appears in the story of ●he Milesian Virgins, who out of some ●d humour, were many of them possessed with a desire of laying violent ●ands on themselves by strangling; ●nd although they were narrowly ●atch'd by their Friends, yet some ●f them found opportunity to effect 〈◊〉; which made their Parents attribute it to the Divine displeasure, and ●ere at a loss which way to appease ●he offended Deity: When one of ●he Sages proposed a Remedy, which ●t first was supposed Indesicient, but ●rov'd an Expedient to prevent that ●isorder; which was, That every Ma●d who so Violated her life, should 〈◊〉 a spectacle of Derision, be carried Na●●d through the Principal City; which ●eing confirmed by a Decree, the ●ear of the shame after Death wrought 〈◊〉 effectually, that for the future they ●esisted from that unadvised and un●mely Expulsion of Life, Modesty in that case having a greater sway with them than the fear of Death. Caus. H. C. Tom. 1. L. 2.  
Aluilda, the Beautiful Daughter of Suiardus a King of the Goths, was possessed with such Bashfulness, that for the most part she Veiled her Face as not being willing to expose her Modest Blushes, which commonly flulshed in her fair Cheeks, at the sight of Man. Olaus. Mag. L. 5. C. 18.  
So much the sense of Modesty ha● wrought,  
That it has Wonders to Perfection brought;  
A spark it is of Native Innocence,  
Dwelled with our Parents  they gav● offence,  
 shameless sin in Eden did commence.   

Of Temperance.  
For Temperance this Sex has been wonderfully Esteemed in all Nations as the Enemy of Luxury, which is one main reason why they are generally more Healthful than Men; and exceed them in the Prologation of their lives, affecting in all things a Modest Neatness and Decency, Order and Comeliness being their proper Attribute.  
Nature in this Expresses them refined,  
In choicest Moulds she casts fair Womankind.  
As for the powerful effest of their Charming Beauty, they are so Universally known, especially to Lovers, that in vain it would be to Endeavour a fuller satisfaction; than each Idea of hose Angelic Creatures forms in the Fancy of him by whom she is admired; but seeing Fame has been Lavish in spreading o'er the Universe, the Amazing perfections of her, whose Rape Troy Mourned in Tears of Blood, and in whose hard recovery the Flower of Greece was lost. Nor less is my intent to tell of Egypt's far famed Queen, whose matchless Beauty Captivated him, to whom great Rome and all the World bended low.  
The first of the above named Beauties was Daughter to Ledea, snatched from her Mother's Arms almost in her Infancy, by the Warlike Theseus, than the Glory of the Grecian Provinces, but afterward restored a spotless Virgin, and Married to the renowned Menelaus, King of Sparta, who leaving after the first delights, so great a Treasure under slender Guards, she was sorprized by Paris Son of Priam, and in an unhappy hour coveyed to Troy, a Famous City in the Lesse● Asia, but for that Rape razed by the enraged Grecians.  
This Lady was of Complexion fair her Skin soft as the down of Swan● Enriched with charming whitness, the Round of her Face, inclining to a perfect Oval, her Eyes black, and not the largest size, possessed all that could b● desired in Loveliness, quick they wer● with Mildness, and so full of Love, tha● with a single Glance they darted into the coldest breast all the flame tha● sparkled in themselves. Her Mouth no● way inferior to her Eyes, was small and shut with Lips that bore the pur● Virmillion; in it's natural frame i● presented an Object not to be paralleled for Beauty, and when it open either in speech or seemly laughter, it not only exposed rows of Ivory, outvieing Orient Pearls, but afforded thosands of new Charms, her Hair like curling Amber dangled on her Snowy Shoulders, her Hands and Arms were long and final, white as polished Ivory, or the curious Alabaster, yet more taking by the Azar streams that wantonly Meandred through their tempting softness, in her fair Cheeks, Roses and Lilies strove for Mastery, and in sine, Fame will have her such a lovely Frame, so perfect in each part, that 'tis no wonder if Love, to which no Law at all times can set bounds, conquering the reason of the Trojan Prince, made him at any hazard covet such a Treasure.  
A Treasure, had it been a lawful Prize,  
Which might have made his Towering fancy rise,  
Above the Soar of other Earthly Joys.  
As for the Beauteous Cleopatra, she was Daughter of Ptolomeus Auletes, King of Egypt, and after the death of her Father, and Brother Ptolomeus, Cajus Julius Caesar, for the Love he bore her, made her Queen of Egypt; her Magnificence and Excellent Beauty, being thus described by T. May, in his Second Book of Continuation, Annexed to Lucan's Pharsalia, where relating the entertainment she made to Caesar, he thus gins.  
Great Cleopatra, Mistress of the State,  
To give the Conquering Author of her Fate,  
High Entertainment, to his Eye displays.  
Th' Egyptian Wealth, in such Luxurious ways,  
As might Excuse even Rome and make the Riot  
Of her degenerate Senate seem the Diet.  
Which th' Ancient Curii and Camillus used,  
Not what her Asian Vistories Infused.  
The Gorgeous Palace with such Luster shown  
As wealthy Kingdoms near their ruin grown.  
Used to express, which show the present crimes,  
And speak the Fortune of precedent times.  
But Caesar's Eyes in all that wealthy store,  
Which he so lately had beheld before  
No pleasure find, nor with delight views he  
The Golden Roofs, nor precious Imagery.  
Rich Eben Pillars, Board's of Citron-Wood,  
Which on their carved Ivory Trestles stood.  
Nor curious Hang do his Eyes admire,  
For Cleopatra's Beauty and Attire,  
Did quite Eclipse those Objects, and out shone,  
All other splendours, on her looks alone  
His Eyes are ffxed, which though beheld before,  
The more he views, do Ravish him the more.  
All other Objects lose at second sight.  
But Woman's Bevaty breeds the more delight  
The ofter seen; he views that Snowy neck,  
Those Golden trestles, which no Gems can deck.  
The Wealth she wore about her seemed to hid,  
Not to adorn her native Beauty's Pride.  
Though their bright Pearls from the Erithrnean Shores,  
From all th' Assyrian Lakes, the wealthy Stores  
Of Silver, Ganges, and Hydaspes shone,  
From Aegypt's Eastern Isles, the Gold green stone,  
And cheerful Emeralds gathered from the Green  
Arabian Rocks, were in full splendour seen.  
Pale Onyx, Jasper, of a Various die,  
And Diemonds darkened by her brighter Eye.  
The Saphires blue, by her more Azure Veins,  
Hung not to boast, but to confess their stains.  
And blushing Rubies seemed to lose their Dye,  
When her more Ruby Lips were moving by.  
It seemed (so well became her what she wore)  
She had not robbed at all the Creatures Store.  
But had been nature's self there to have showed,  
What she on Creatures could or had bestowed.   

Of Learning.  
But not to proceed further, in a perfection that is so Perspicuous; I shall pass from it, to relate that internal Beauty, which more completes the adornment of the Mind, and centring in the Soul, delates itself not only to the praise of the possessor, but the benefit of others; and in the first place, insist upon the admirable perfections Women have attained to in Learning.  
Tabiola a Roman Matron, wonderfully desirous to Improve herself in the Knowledge of Sacred things, addicted herself to Learning; and so profited therein, as to gain that esteem amongst the Learned which caused St. Jerome to dedicate a Book to her Entitled De V●ste Sacerdotali Mercela Romana, and was mentioned in divers of his Epistles.  
Constantia, the Wife of Alexander Sforza, had improved herself in Learning by her Indefatigable Industry, that upon the sudden, and without any Premeditation she was capable sufficiently to discourse upon any subject, either Theological or Philosophical and was moreover singularly read in the works of St. Jerome, Ambross, Gregory, Lactantius and Cicero. In Poetry she was admirable, and so fluent that with her Extempore Conceits she attracted the Ears of the Learned, and this Facility of hers is reported to be Innate, as proceeding freely without force or affection. Heywood of W. Nor has the Ingenious Sex been less seen in Philosophy.  
In deep Philosophy were women Versed,  
Through those dark secrets women Withas 〈◊〉.  
As will appear in the Example of Zenobia Queen of the Palmirians, who after the death of Onedatus Governed that Kingdom of Syria, Her the Romans took Captive and brought to Rome, but there for her admirable skill in, and knowledge of that Divine Science, she was not only Pardoned, but aloud a Palace upon the Banks of the River Tiber, and was there Respected with the same Regard as the Sophies of Persia were wont. Being at any time Invited to hear Public Orations, she would never appear, but Armed with her Shining Helmet on her Head, a purple Mantle flowing on her Shoulders, Buttoned with precious Gems. But above all, she was wonderfully skilled in the Greek and Arabian Tongues; and in the like Learning she instructed Hermolaus and Timolaus her Sons, and is mentioned by Volaterran as a most accomplished Woman.  
One in whose Wise, in whose Heroic Breast,  
Greatness and Learning did together rest.  
In Oratory women have been found skilful Proficients, as appears in many Examples.  
Amasia a virtuous Roman Lady, being accused of a Crime, and ready to undergo the Sentence of the Praetor, she in the midst of a great confluence of People, stepped up and pleaded her own cause so effectually, and with such Eloquence, that by the public suffrage, she was Aquitted of the Aspersion Laid to her charge, and in that great Affair, used such Decency and Modesty, that she got to herself thereby the Surname Androgyne. Val. Max. L. 8.  
Hortensia, the Daughter of Queen Hortensius, when the Roman Matrons had a large Fine imposed on them by the Tribune's, and the Lawyers fearful to undertake her cause, she as the Advocate of her Sex, boldly pleaded it before the triumvirate, with such cheerfulness and success, that the greatest part of that Imposition was remitted.  
So that 'tis plain, the greatest use o'th' Tongue  
Which to the fair Enchanting Sex bebelong,  
Is not to Schold, as Black Detractors sung.  
Not unaptly are the Muses placed in the Feminine Gender, appropriateing to themselves the names of Women, since the Sex has been in past Ages, but more immediately in the present Inspired, with raptures of Fancy, to a degree of charming the Senses; but before I proceed to particulars, it will not be amiss to speak a word on the behalf of Poetry, nor can they be better delivered, than in the Language of the Muses.  
How e'er inspired the Soul with Rapture fraughted,  
Has dark confusion into order brought,  
Bow Nations strangers to Civility,  
Have been reclaimed by sacred Poetry●  
Morality has sprung, when it has Tiled  
Ith' breast before with Barbarism filled  
A power it has to Charm the Testi● bold,  
Clam restless Thoughts and ruged Nature Mold.  
Though some may say in Fables 'tis profuse,  
Take off the Veil, we Golden Truth produce.  
As Diamonds e'er they're Poplished loc not bright,  
And unlight Tapors dart no Beams 〈◊〉 light,  
Into the devious Darkness of the Night  
So Poetry to those, who from its sphex  
Are distant far, does not its self appear  
'Tis quest by those, as Rustics guest Star.  
But to the purpose, Poets are reported to be the first Revivers of Civility and Morality amongst Men rather than the Philosophers, who attribute it to themselves: And further, that Apollo found out the Muses, and brought Mercury acquainted with them; for which good turn Mercury invented the Harp and gave it to Apollo, which in the Moral sense is, that Poetry and Rhetoric go hand in hand, and that a Poet cannot be Excellent unless he be a good Rhetorician, nor a Rhetorician accomplished without he be a Poet; though of late the younger Brother has gotten the advantage of the Elder as to temporal preferment.  
Great Orators delight on Earth to shine,  
Whilst Poets only aim at things Divine.  
And in the latter as well as the former, Women were famous, as will appear by the following Example.  
Minerva, feigned to be the Daughter of Jupiter, for her excellent Fancy in Poetry, was esteemed by the Ancients a Goddess; but most likely, because she was inspired as we call it, with Excellent Fancy, and was held in high esteem amongst the Athenians. Famed next to her are the Corinna's, of which there are reckoned three, viz. Corinna-Thebana, Daughter to Archelodorus, and Procratia Scholar to Myrtis: She in five several Contentions bore away the Palm from Pindaru●, Esteemed the Price of Lyric Poets, and published five Books of Epigrams, and is mentioned by Propertius. Corinna Thespia greatly admired for her Works, but more especially taken notice of by Statius. The third lived in the Regn of Augustus, and is much taken notice of by Ovid.  
Sapph for her Poetry was Famous, and was as Elianus affirmeth, the Daughter of Scamandronius, as Plato of Aristan, Suidas, and other Greek Writers say there were two of that name, the one called P. Erixa, a much Celebrated Poetess, who flourish ' in the time of Tarqvinius Priscus, and by many is Imagined to be the Inventor of Lyric Verses. The other was called Sapph Mitelaena, who published many Poems amongst the Greeks, though somewhat Extravagant, yet for her Ingenuity had the honour to be styled the Tenth Muse: and of her Antipater Sidonus thus writes.  
When Sappo's Verse she did admiring Rerad,  
Demanded whence the Tenth Muse did proceed.  
Telesilla had a wonderful Fancy in this kind, whereby she obtained the Surname Poetria, and was no less admirable for Wisdom, Beauty and Valour, being Born of Noble Parents: she in her Youth was addicted to much Indisposition of Body, and therefore Enquired of the Oracle concerning Health: Answer was returned her, that she should apply herself to Study. Nor long was it e'er she complying with the advice of the Oracle, but had her Health restored, and attained to a wonderful perfection in Learning; but especially improved to admiration in the Divine Fancy of Poesy, and thereby gained such an Esteem, that when Cleomines King of Sparta sel● upon the Argives in a Hostil manner, she inspired the Argive Women with such Courage, that after their Husbands fled and were many of them slain, they renewed the Battle, herself Leading the Van, Routed the Spartans', and returned Victorious into the City.  
To these I may add that Phoenix of Virtue, the Lady Jane Grace, Daughter to the Duke of Suffolk, of whom I have made mention before, though in a different nature. This Lady no● exceeding Eighteen years at her death had never the less improved her studies to a degree that she was skilful in the Languages, in Philosophy and Divinity; but above all, Excellent i● Divine Poetry, and may be said to be the Epitome of Perfection.  
To these I many more might add, whose worth  
Their works (than I) twice livelier can set forth?  
Our age abounds with Female wits, who find  
The sacred Muses to their Fancies kind.  
With rich conceits their larger hearts are filled,  
Which rising thence, and in the Brain distilled,  
To all the World Harmonious numbers yield,  
In all the taking strains of Poetry,  
Cadence or Rapture of the first degree.  
A lively Landscape drawn of Humble Swains,  
Feeding their Flocks upon the Flowery Plains;  
Through which Meandring Rivers smoothly run,  
By shades Imbowring, sheltered from the Sun;  
In whose warm Beams the frisking Lambs do play,  
And then to full stretched Udders take their way,  
Whilst Rural Music Charms the flying day.  
To these they add the Myrtle Crowned Hills,  
Where Golden Ceres all the Valley fills,  
Or 'midst the Pride of Gaudy Flora sing,  
A joyful Welcome to the Blooming Spring;  
When struggling long, she breaks from Winter's arms,  
And smiling courts the Sun with Virgin Charms:  
How when he falls in Thetis watery Bed,  
She on a Bank of Violets lays her head,  
And sighing o'er the world, her Tears does shed  
In silver drops, until Aurora fair  
Opens her Gates, and does restore her Dear:  
Tell how she's lost in Summer, who does Twine  
The Blushing Roses with the Gessamine,  
To make those pleasing Bowers where Lovers play,  
Not penetrated by the Eye of day.  
In such a one, if we may Credit fame,  
Archise dallied with the starey Dame:  
Or tell of Autums Burden Rhind with Gold,  
Flushed with vermilion, or in Purple fold;  
Whilst 'neath their weight the burdened Branches bend,  
And they their Fragrance to Pomania send.  
Thus they can Tune their Harps, but slightly strung,  
As when Great Maro to Maecenas sung;  
But if to higher strains they Tune their Lyre,  
Such as are fit for Great Augustus Eare.  
A sceen of war and Hero's mighty deeds,  
Whilst to the Trumpet dance the bounding steeds;  
There lively they present the threatening Vann,  
Of either Host, before the Fight began  
The horrid shock, when wars gri● Ridg is stormed,  
And how the Battle in all parts 〈◊〉 formed.  
Till when the fury rises to its height,  
Who well deserves, who saves himself flight;  
Who in a Rank unbroken, fiercest flin●  
His Leaden Thunderbolts on lightning wings;  
Whilst Tiphons' flame does vault 〈◊〉 field with fire,  
And drowns the Cries of those th● there expire;  
Who ranges furious through the dire 〈◊〉 taque,  
Whose Courage brings the flying S●diers back,  
Who Brandishing aloft his glitteri● Blade,  
Wide wasting scatters those that 〈◊〉 Invade,  
Who ranges loosely, who makes good 〈◊〉 stand,  
Who disobeys, who fights as by command  
Who bravest dies, who with his dying breath  
Threatens the Foe, and smiles upon Grim Death,  
Whilst Clouds of smoke bright Phoebus' redness hid,  
Who 〈◊〉 to see the field with slaughter died.  
Tell who gave way, who first 'twas left the field,  
Who in the fight, who in pursuit were killed,  
What spoils were taken in the doubtful war,  
Who is o'ercome, and who the conqueror,  
What glorious Trophies are affixed on high,  
As a memorial of the Victory;  
These they oblige their Muses to relate,  
Or lively Paint a drooping Nations fate.  
Then why in this should woman lose her praise,  
Why should she want deserved wreaths of Bays.  
Further in this case I may Instanc● the Famous Sibyls, who are not only counted Poets, but Prophetesses, where● fore it will not be amiss in this plac● to give a brief account of them, as 〈◊〉 has been handed down by past Ages to the present, and translated, etc.  
Isdorus saith, the word Sibyl is 〈◊〉 name of place and office, derived 〈◊〉 Syos, which signifies a Deity and Bee● thoughts of the number of these Sibyl's Ancients Writ different. Aeli●nus will have but four, viz. E●●thraea, Samia, Egypt and Sardim● Arctina agrees with Isdore in the Etymology of the Word, and likewise Numbers ten, and ascribes them th● following places and names, vi● Persia, Libya, Delphica as Born 〈◊〉 Delphos, Omeria of Italy, Erithraea 〈◊〉 Babylon, Samia, Cumae, Hellesponti● Phrygia and Alburnea. Cumae was 〈◊〉 that brought Books to Tarqvinius Pri●cus, which spoke of the Roman Sucession; and how strangely soel these were inspired, they told stra● Truths; and as the Ancients affirm exposed their Prophecies in Vers● but for Brevity's sake I shall only mention those that were fulfilled in the Conception and Birth of our Blessed Saviour, etc.  
Sybilia Persica Born in Persia, and ●eld more Ancient than the rest; who ●aving Expressed the most Material things, relating to the several Ages of the World, till the Year of our Bles●ed Saviour's Incarnation: Thus speaks, 
In which Year, of a Virgin shall be Born,  
The Prince of Peace, Crowned with a wreath of Thorn;  
Him the seventh age shall follow and Extend  
Till the world's frame dissolve, and time see end.   
Sybilia Libya, by some called Phoe●roe, was held to be the Daughter of ●ollo, Surnamed Prima, and is im●ted by some the first Inventor of heroic Verse, and of our Blessed ●viour thus held to Prophesy.  
A King, a Priest, a prophet, all these three  
Shall meet in one Sacred Divinity,  
Shall be to Flesh Espoused, O who can scan  
This Mystery, Uniting God with Man.  
When this rare Birth into the world shall come,  
He the great God of Oracles strikes Dumb.  
Nor may it be amiss, to set down how exactly the two last lines were fullfiled: For the very day wherein our Blessed Saviour was born, one ask a Response of the Oracle had this Answer.  
Me Purus Habreus Superum Rex Linquere Tecta  
Hac jubet, et cacas Noctis remeare Sub umbras;  
Ergo silus Aris tu nunc discendit● nostris.  
And may be thus Englished.  
A Hebrew Child King of the heavens high,  
To leave these Altars, has Commanded me  
To Night's dark shadows and to final Woe.  
Thou therefore silent from our Altars go.  
And since that time it is observed ●ey remained mute.  
Sybilia Delphica, was by some called daphne, and said by some to be Daughter to Tiresias, she having foretold ●●e Wars of Troy, proceeds to speak ●●us of our Blessed Saviour.  
An Angel shall Descend, and say, Thou blessed Mary, Hail;  
Thou shalt conceive, bring forth, yet be A Virgin Without fail.  
Three gifts, the Chaldeans to thy Son, Shall tender with much Piety,  
Myrrh to a Man, Gold to a King, And Incense to a Deity.  
Sybila Cumaea, also called Cimmonia, is held to have been one of the Priestesses to Apollo, born in Cuma a City of Aetolia, and spoke thus, in relation to our Blessed Saviour.  
Th' Ancient of days shall then submit to time,  
The meeker yield himself to new Creation;  
The Deity and Godhead most Sublime  
Take shape of Man, to ransom every Nation.  
Die to make others live, and ever● Crime  
Committed, from the round World● first Foundation.  
Take on himself, as low as hell descending  
To win Man, Heaven upon his Gra● depending.  
Sybila Samia, otherwise called E●rophile, took the name of Sama fro● the ●lsle of Samos, the place of he● birth, her Predictions were these.  
The World shall to six thousand years expire,  
By water once, but then Destroyed by Fire.  
The first two thousand Void, the next the Law,  
The last two under the Mesias Aw, And as repose by Sabath is expressed  
Sun, Moon, and Stars, all things shall then have rest.  
Sybila Cumana, by some called A●nalthaea having Prophesied of the great Revolutions, and Successions of the Monarchies of the World, speaking ●f the Glories of Rome, She comes ●o her Predictions of our Blessed Saviour.  
— Great Rome shall then look high,  
Whose proud Towers, from their hills shall brave the sky,  
And overlook the world, in those blessed days,  
Shall come a King of Kings, and he shall raise  
A New Plantation, and though greater far,  
In Majesty and power, yet in the day,  
So meek and humble he shall deign 〈◊〉 pay  
Tribute to Caesar, yet thence happy he,  
Who shall his servant, or his subject be.  
Sybila Hellespontica, was otherwis●● called Marrinensis, and as some asi●● derived herself from Troy, her Predictions being these.  
When Atlas shoulders shall support Star,  
Whose Pondrous weight he never 〈◊〉 before;  
The Splendour of it shall direct fr●● Far,  
Kings, and the Wisest Men, a 〈◊〉 Light to adore,  
Peace in those days shall flourish, 〈◊〉 stern War  
Be banished Earth, Mankind to rest●●  
Then shall the Eastern Monarches, Presents bring,  
To one, a Priest, a Prophet, and a King.  
Sybila Phrigia, as most are of Opinion, was no other than Cassandria, Daughter to Priam's King of Troy, and 〈◊〉 his Queen, She foretold the destruction of Troy, but was never credited, but speaking nothing of our Blessed Saviour, I shall pass by her Predictions, though they axactly came ●o pass.  
Sybila Tiburnia, so called of the Ri●er Tiber, was otherwise called Al●urnia or Albania, from the City Al●a, the place of her Birth. It is re●orted of her, that the Romans going about to Deify August Caesar, demanded her advice, who after three ●ays fasting, before the Altar where ●●e Emperor was present, after many mysterious words, Miraculously spoke ●●ncerning our Blessed Saviour, upon ●e sudden the Heavens seemed to o●en; and Caesar saw a Beautiful Virgin standing before the Altar, holding an● Infant in her Arms, whereat affrighted, he fell on his Face, and heard a Voice, saying, This is the Altar of the Son of God, in which place a Temple was after built and Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and called the Altar o● Heaven. This Polichronicon Asserts and quots St. Augustine for his Author lib. 8, cap. 24. Her Predictions ●● our Saviour were these, after she ha● recited divers wonders of the World● which I willingly omit.  
What at these Tri●●es stands the World amazed,  
And hath on them with Admire ati● Gazed.  
Then Wonder when the Troubled 〈◊〉 appease  
He shall descend, who made them, th● made these.  
Sybila Europica was so called, 〈◊〉 that her particular Region or place 〈◊〉 Birth was not known, nor is she a● counted amongst the Ten, but adde● and her predictions were these.  
When the great King of all the world shall have  
No place on Earth, by which he can be known.  
When he that comes all Mortal men to save,  
Shall find his own life by the world o'erthrown.  
When the most Just, Injustice shall deprive,  
And the great Judge be Judged by his own.  
Death when to Death, a Death by Death hath given,  
Then shall be oped the long shut Gates of Heaven.  
Sybila Aegypta was likewise Added 〈◊〉 the Ten, she prophesied on the ●umber Three, and having reckoned ●any things Existent in that nature, ●us proceeds.  
But which of us observe the sacred Trine,  
Three Persons in one Godhead Sole Divine,  
That Individual Essence, who dare scan,  
Which is, shall be, and e'er the world began  
Was in Eternity, when of these thru●  
One of that most Inscrutable Trinity  
The second person, Wisdom, shall Entomb  
A● Majesties within a Virgins Wom●  
〈◊〉 Man, true God, shall to that be Trine Link,  
True Light shall shine, and False Sta● be Extinct.  
Sybila Aerithraea was Born in Ba●●lon, and was Daughter to Berosius th● Famous ginger; she prophesy of the Greeks that came to the Sie● of Troy, defined the places when● they came, and how long the Sie● would last, mentioning in her Bo● H●●m●r, and how that he should wri● of those Wars partially, according ● his Affection, and not the Truth; a● in this manner prophesied she of o● Blessed Saviour.  
The time by the great Oracle assigned,  
When God himself in pity to Mankind,  
Shall from the Heaven decend, and be Incarnate,  
E●●ring the world a Lamb Imaculate,  
And of himself in wisdom thinks so Meet,  
Walks on the Earth with three and thirty Feet;  
And with six Fingers, all his Subjects then,  
Though ●● King Mighty, shall be Fishermen,  
In Number twelve, with these war shall be tried  
Against the Devil, the World, the Flesh and Pride.  
Humility shall quell, the sharpest Sword  
With which they Fight, shall be the Sacred Word  
Established upon Earth, which Foundation  
Once laid, shall be Divulged to every Nation.   

Women skilled in Painting.  
By the Words Feet and Finges are to be understood Years and Months. And thus I conclude the prophecies and predictions of the Sibyls; which if truly theirs, and by their being delivered down through so many hands, they have been neither added to, nor deminshed, it remains doubtful whether it was in the power of any Infernal Spirit to divulge such sacred truths so long before they came to pass; or if it was, by this we may see that the Devils themselves were constrained to foretell what they foresaw would be the Ruin of their Kingdom.  
As Limning or Painting comes the nearest to Poetry; the one Exposing things Lively drawn to the Ear, and the other to the Eye. I shall Incert the dexterity of some Women, skilled therein.  
Thymarete the Daughter of Myca●n, was eminent in this Art: and amongst other curious pieces drawn to the life, she drew that Masterpiece which filled the Beholders with admiration, viz. The picture of Diana, which was afterward hung up in the Temple of Ephesus; she being accounted the best Artist the World had afforded to that time, and flourishedin the time of A●chelaus King of Macedon. Pliny l. 3 c. 11.  
Irene was Daughter to Crantinus (a man Famous in this Art) she by often observing her Father, so wonderfully profited herein, that she drew the Counterfeit of a Beauteous Virgin of the City of Eleusina so to the Life, that after it had been a long time praised and admired, it was placed amongst the Rarities, to be admired by succeeding Ages.  
Lala Cizice Daughter to Marcus Varo, practised the use of the Pencil in Rome, and in the Art of Limning attained to such perfection, that she drew her own picture to the Life by the help of a Looking-glass: She also used a sharp pointed Quill, called ●estrum, with which she curiously cut in Ivory, as in these days 〈◊〉 do in Silver or Copper, and was commended above all the Virgins of her time for nimbleness and dexterity of hand, none ever equaling her in quickness; and for Fancy and Curiosity she exceeded Sopylon and Dionysus, who otherwise found none that might compare with them: and lest the cares of Marriage should hinder her herein, she chose to spend her days in a state of Virginity. Heywoods' Hist. W.  
Thus art inspired, Ingenious women can  
Equal, if not Exceed the skill of man.   

Women skilled in Weaving.  
In curious Webs the Sex claims propriety as an Art attributed to their Ingenuity, and in this many have been Famous, as Arachue of Lydia, Daughter of I●arus, who wrought so curiously, that she is Fabled to be turned ●nto a Spider by Minerva, with whom she contended for precedency. Penelope the  wise of Ulysses, who made 〈◊〉 her Employment, during her Husba●ds being abroad in the Trojan Wars, and his wandering at Sea; nor would she be persuaded by any means to Marry, during his twenty years' Absence, neither by her Parents nor the Nobles that came to Court her, although she was Informed her Husband was dead, but when they were so Importunate that she conceived they would compel her, she Entreated them, that she might make an end of her Web, and then she would consent to Marry, but instead of finishing it, what she Woven in the Day she Unravelled in the Night, and by that means delayed them, till her Husband came home, and freed her from their Importunity, from whence the Proverb arose, Penelope's, Telum Texere; or Labour-in-Vain.  
Olimpias and Livia; were exceeding dexterous herein, and although great Queens, yet they set places apart, in their Palaces to Exercise this Art, and Instructed others in it, the First Weaving a Garment for her Son, Alexander the Great, and the Second, a, Mantle for the Emperor Octavian Augustus her Husband, Alex. ab Alex. lib. 8. cap. 4.  
Tanaquil Wove a Kingly Garment, or Imperial Robe woven quite through with Rays, and Flame; or Streams of Gold, which Robe, Servius T●llus often wore, when he sat in the Capital, on the Judgement Seat.  
Ausonias speaks of one Sabina, not only Excellent in this Art, but likewise in Poetry, whose Memory he left to posterity, in the following Epigram.  
If thou affect a Purple Robe,  
Woven in the Tyrian stain,  
Or if a title well Inscribed,  
By which thy Wit may gain.  
Behold her Works Impartialy,  
And Censure on them well,  
Both, one Sabina doth profess,  
And doth in both Excel.   

Of Courage & Conduct in War.  
Thus much being said of the singular Virtues, and other things relating to the Beauteous Sex; it will be convenient to say something of their Fortitude, Courage and Conduct, relating to War, or Warlike Exploits.  
Women have shined in Camps, as well as Courts,  
More seen in Mars' Arms, than Venus' sports.  
Charging through Bloody Fields, to purchase Fame,  
And raise the Trophies of a Warlike Name.  
Nor is it Fabulous, as some have Imagined, that there was, if it continue not to this day, a Nation of Women, called Amazons, descended from the Scythians, who upon their Husband's being slain in Battle, Assumed the Government. Vowing never more to submit to the Tyranny, as they termed it of man, but to keep as many as were sufficient for Propagation, and to send the Super-numerary Males that should be, when brought up, to seek their Adventures in other parts of the World, and not return, unless recalled, upon pain of Death, and by this means they Increased in Power and Strength, using themselves to all manner of Military Exercise. Their First Queens mentioned, were Marthesia and Lampedo, who Jointly Governing, divided their People into two Armies, and went to War by turns, after whom Succeeded Antiope, and Orythia, who by their Valour much Enlarged their Borders, the Fame of whose Valour it's said, drew Hercules with an Army to Invade their Country, But having Experienced their mighty prowess, stood amazed, yet the Viragoes finding their Country wasted by the Greeks, sent to Sagillus King of the Scythians, acknowledging they were descended, from that Nation, and therefore prayed his Aid, who sent his Son with a Gallant Troop of Horse, but after a while, some dissensions arriseing in Scythia, the Prince withdrew his Forces, yet the Greeks tired with a Bloody and doubtful War, though under the Leading of the most Valiant Captain that ever Greece boasted, upon consideration that Theseus, a Noble Grecian should have Hipolite, Sister to these Amazonian Queens in Marriage, a peace was concluded, and the Greeks withdrew, having enough of Female Valour.  
After the Aforementioned Queens Succeeded the Valiant Penthesilaea who came in Favour of Priam, or as some say for the Love of Hector to Troy, whilst it was besieged by the Greecians, with a Thousand Ladies, where after she had performed many Valorous Exploits, and done all that true Valour was capable of performing, overpowered by Number, and weak through loss of Blood, she was beaten from her Horse, and slain by Achilles, or as some say, by Neoptolemus, and was the first observed to Fight with a Poleax, or wear a Shield in the form of a half Moon, and of her, Virgil speaks, in his first Ae●●id, and may be thus in English, 
Penthesilaea Mad, leads forth Her Amazonian Train,  
Armed with their Mooned- Shields, and Fights  
Midst thousands on the plain.   
'Tis apparent, these Amazonians continued till the time of Alexander the Great, and though Is●●ras seems to affirm that Alexander quite Subdued their Nation, yet others say that that King sending to demand Tribute of them, their Queen Minithra (or as some call her Thelastria) then Reigning returned this answer.  
It is great Wonder of thy small Judgement, O King? that thou desirest to wage War against Women. If thou being so great a Conqueror, should be Vanquished by Us, all thy former Honours would be Eclipsed, and thou perpetually branded with Disgrace; but if our Gods, being angry with us, should deliver us up to thy Mercy, what addition is it to thy Honour, to have Vanqrished weak Women. With which words Alexander was so well pleased, that he granted them Freedom, adding that Women ought to be Courted with fair words and not with Hostility. Whereupon the King desiring to see her. She came to his Camp, where conversing together, about divers affairs of State, they separated.  
The Amazonians, were by the Scythians called Aeorpatae, which in their Language signifies Man-Killer, and the reason why this name is given, is because they abjured the Society of Men, any more than was reasonable for Propagation, Curtias Quintus in his fifth Book thus describes their Habit. Their Garments (says he) covered not their Bodies round, their Right sides were bare towards their Breast, their upper Robe which was Buckled or Buttoned above, descended no lower than the Knee, one of their Breasts they reserved safe and untouched, with which they nourished Infants; but as for the other, which was the right, the growth of it was hindered by searing in the time of Childhood, that with the greater dexterity they might use their Arms. Herodotus speaks much of them, and amongst other things (he says) to Encourage their Valour, they had a Law, that no Virgin should enter into familiar Congress with Man, before she had brought from the Field the Head of a slain Enemy.  
And thus the brave Viragos fierce in arms,  
Trained up in Camps, and used to hot alarms;  
Made all the Neighbour Nations stand in awe,  
And Ruled their Country by a Female Law;  
In this we see that Pallas Burnished spear,  
Can with the Sword of Bloody Mars compare.  
Not inferior to these was the renowned Camilla, Queen of the Volscians: This Lady in her Cradle gave token of ensuing Valour, for she was not wrapped in Softness, nor fostered by a Nurse, but by her Father Melebeus with Milk of Hinds and wild Goats; nor did she when come to maturity, addict herself to what is usual for women, but vowing Chastity, she betook her to Hunting wild Beasts, of whose skins she made her Garments; her food for the most part was Venison, and her drink Water from the Fountain; and in this Astemious and  life she continued many years, but in process of time the Volscians for her Virtue and Valour chose her their Queen, and when the War happened between Turnus and Aeneas, she brought her Troops into the Field in favour of the former, and there did wonders; but happy for Aeneas, as she was Charging furiously on his Routed Squadron, a Trojan watching his opportunity, shot her into the Breast with an Arrow; of which Wound she died, and with her the Fortune of King Turnus. And thus Virgil in his seventh Aeniad speaks, as I find it Translated by Heywood.  
To their supply Camilla came, The Gallant Volscian Lass,  
Who bravely did Command the Horse, With Troops that shined in Brass.  
Atlantea was Daughter of Jasus and Clymene, in her tender Age her Father cast her out to a desperate fortune, for no other reason than that she was of the Female Sex; when a Shee-Bare more Compassionate than her cruel Parent, nourished her in the Woods with her Milk, till some Huntsmen fortuned to come by, and casting their Eyes upon her lovely Beauty, took her home and carefully brought her up: In her Youth she addicted herself to the use of Arms and Hunting wild Beasts, till by her Swiftness and wonderful Courage she grew Famous. She was wonderful Expert likewise in managing swift Horses, turning Chariots in the midst of their Career, Wrestling, throwing Darts, etc.  
Hunting the Callidonian Boar with many of the Noble Youths of Greece, she was the first Wounded that furious Beast, on which occasion Plautanus Cites her as an Example, as thus, 
As did the Meleagrian Girl, who in the Aetolian plain  
Laid flat the Foaming Boar, and was the foremost of the train  
That gave him bold Encounter, and as Ignorant of fear,  
Notched her sharp Arrow, and the string plucked close up to her Ear:  
The first that day in Field, that Blood from the stern Monster drew,  
Bearing the honour, spoil and palm from all the Princely crew.   
To these it will be convenient to add some English Viragoes, who in Conduct and Courage have not been Inferior to the rest.  
Elphlelda, Sister to King Edward the fourth, before the Conquest, was Wife to Etheldredus Duke of Mercia, she affisted her Husband in restoring the City of Chester, after it had been demolished by the Danes. After the death of her Husband, she Governed his Principality Wisely and Valiantly, Built many Cities and Towns, Repaired others, as Thatarn Brimsbury; she Built a Bridge upon the Severn, and did many other famous things. This Lady having once endured the pains of Childbirth, refrained her Husband's Bed, though not without his consent; saying, It was unseemly for a woman of her degree to Innure herself to such wanton Embraces, whereof should ensue so great a pain and sorrow. The Welshmen being unruly in those days, she tamed them, and overthrew the Danes in several Battles; in Memory of whom Henry the fifth left this Epitaph upon her Tomb.  
Oh Elphlelda, thou great in strength and mind,  
The Dread of men, and Viottess of thy kind;  
Nature has done as much as Nature can.  
To make the Maid, but goodness makes then M●●;  
Yet pity thou shouldst change aught but thy mama,  
Thou art so good a woman, and thy fame.  
In that grows greater and more worthy, when.  
Thy Feminine Valour much outssineth men.  
Great Caesar's acts, thy noble d●eds excel,  
So sleep in peace, Virago Maid farewell.  
Heywoods' Hist. Women.  
Maud, Daughter to He●●y the first, was Married to Henry the fourth Emperor, her Husband dying, she had the Title of Empress, and her Father Henry caused the Nobility of England to Swear Fealty to her, as his Lawful Heir; but he dying, many left her, and took part with Stephen, Duke of Bulloin; when contending for her right, she Fought many Battles with him, in which her Courage, Prudence and Conduct shined to admiration, and at last took King Stephen Prisoner, whom she brought to London, the people every where, Ken● excepted, owning her Sovereignty. Upon notice that the King was prisoner, his Wife came to Ransom him, and offered a Renountiation of his Claim to the Kingdom; but she not harkening to it, the People Mutined against her, which Obliged her to fly to Oxford, there to attend the Uniting of her scattered Forces; but being there hardly pressed by the Queen and others that had Asociated with her, she caused herself to Escape, being made a prisoner to be Coffined up as dead, and carried to Gloucester; her Brother Robert being at that time taken prisoner; and King Stephen soon after getting his Liberty, Besieged her in the City of Oxford from Michalmas day to Midd-Winter, at what time being strained through want, she Attired herself in White, and by that means passing the Fens covered with Snow, she came to Wallingford Castle, and soon after had the Kingdom put into the possession of her Son Henry, Crowned by the Name and Title of Henry the second.   

Of Loyal Women.  
In Loyalty to their Prince, Women in all Ages have been unparaled Examples, and in that case England is wonderfully Indebted to the Memory of that Extraordinary pattern of Loyalty and unshaken Fidelity Mrs. Jane Lane, whom no promise of reward, or the fear of losing her own life could induce to betray her Sovereign; but rather with an undaunted Courage and never to be forgotten Conduct, she Courted hazard and danger for the preservation of his late Majesty, Charles the Second, of ever Blessed Memory.  
To blot such virtue, fond man strives in vain,  
For it like Christ●● purges off its stain,  
And by it does a brighter L●stur gain.    


The Introduction to the Reasons and Arguments, etc.  
THus far with an adventurous hand, I have portrayed the Virtues of the Fair Sex, in their many singular qualities, and yet intent not here to stop, but produce more solid Arguments to confirm their worth, Though there is nothing more nice and delicate, than to Treat on the Subject of Women, especially if we speak to their advantage, for than it is imagined a piece of Gallantry or Love, the Extravigancy of good Humour, or the Ardent  of an Extraordinary Passion; though certain it is that the most happy thoughts that can possess the labouring Minds of those that would acquire a solid Science, after they have been vulgarly instructted, may have reason to doubt whether they have been taught aright or not, and labour still to find a way at least to a higher Improvement of what they but indifferently understand. And in this case the Contemplation of good Women, works wonders in the lofty Soul of Man, by making the things contemplated, more lovely and curious to the Eyes and Thoughts, or rendering us more pliable to Entertain a large esteem of what the Wise have termed a Solid happiness; so those that have but viewed the superficies of Female Excellence, can no more be sensible of the height of that perfection, than a Rude American of the inward Lustre of an Unpolished Diamond found in its Rockey coverture, amongst the common product of the Earth. At a distance we behold the glorious Lamp of day, and though at once we well perceive it fills the world with heat and brightness, yet by reason of innumerable spaces ' twin it and the Earth, the Vulgar think in small, and that a narrow room might easily contain that, which more than a hundred times exceeds in Magnitude the sedentary Globe. Those glittering flames of Night, that move i● Mistick dances, and keep their order o'er the drowsy World; who that is Ignorant of Moral and Divine Phylophy, would not take them for Shining sparks or studds, enchased in the blue Firmament as seeds of Light; when if they are not Worlds or Mansions of Celestial Spirits, yet are they mostly larger by many degrees than this which we Inhabit. Thus in case of women's virtues Ancient as the World, and Universal as Mankind, the Ignorant Indulge themselves in sloth and luck-less error, whilst those whom Heaven entrusts with larger Talents, either hid them in a Napkin, or suffer Envy or Ingratitude to find a lodgement in their Souls, either to detract from that Essential good which God has placed in the fairest Creatures, or shut their Eyes through wilful stubbornness, because thy will not see, and by such means be made to confess their stoic dulness or severity. Great indeed is the Soul of Man, and comprehends more than the Universe: it's glorious Centre being far above all height, yet oft like Birds that fly too ●ear the Waves, the Damps of Morossness slag its Wings, and hinder it from soaring to those Altitudes, where it may pry into abstrusest things, from Vulgar sight removed, and many times as inconsistent as the day with night, from what is fond feigned or imagined by those Protoyps of Wit, who would at least seem Wise, and yet many times they fall as short of what they think, with Elevation they have scanned, and looked for fond Applause for a conceited Merit, as those who through a Telescope suffer their Eyes to delude their better reason, by fancying large countries' and Provinces, Cities, Rivers, Lakes, People, Beasts and flying Fowl in the Moons spotty Globe; for should we grant it was a World, and did contain all these, yet mortal sight helped by the greatest Art or Invention brought to light, in the height of its Improvement, cannot Penetrate so vast a space to make distinguishment of things. Imaginations all! tha● too oft delude us, like the wand'ring Fire that dances, or seems to dance before the belated Traveller, whom fear and darkness dispossess of that reason which should make him keep his way, obliging him by fixing his dazzled Eyes on the Maetorious blaze, or unctuous vapour, kindled by vehement Agitation, and kept from expanding by inviorning cold; to wander after a deluding guide, which by his moving gains a motion through the yielding Air; or like to those that fancy by the Moons pale light, to see a Troop of Fairs danceing to an Airey Melody, and Jocund on their Mirth Intent, whiled fear and Joy at once distracts his Reason, and in the height of a confused disorder, wild Imagination, makes him think he sees a walking Vision, when Indeed delusion represents that which really is not. So oft has Error found a place, even where deep Wisdom dwells, as well as in the Mansion of simplicity, and why then may not those who have at least pretended to the Study of Female Worth, and yet rendered so slender an account of it, be mistaken in what's truly valuable in that kind, by overshooting the Mark, or in not stating it aright; as those who cannot reach it, as well render it not only uninteligible, by over doing and not rendering it Perspicuous in its native Sphere, as by debasing, and Endeavouring to lessen it by meanness, and an ungrateful Contempt. Rome who worship's the Image of Jupiter Crowned with Rays and Stars decked with Gold and Glittering Gems, Expressed no more a Superstitious Idolatry, than Fanatique Egypt, a mean and covetous one, by Worshipping Gods, in the likeness of brute Beasts, but to wave this dark discourse I shall proceed to give my Sense in a Method suitable to the Subject.   

Reasons and Arguments for the Capacities of the Soul of Women, etc. In Relation to Learning, Arts, and Sciences. etc.  
THough Men may boast of their Wonderful Abilities, yet certain it is, the Fair Sex, way boast the like, especially a Capacity of performing as much, seeing the Soul proceeds from one and the same Fountain of Life; and if we consider the Bod●, what can we find in it, that may hinder in aught, being generally more lively and active than that of Man, as being made of a softer Contexture, Nature has not been wanting to frame the Cabinet of the Soul, to the best advantage, and has therein manifested herself an excellent Mistress, for a Creature fairer in Proportions and more Regular in every part she never made; against this some will object that according to the Organs of the Body, as they are more or less capable of receiving the Influence of the Soul, which Enlivens and supports the Body, is the party, or else say they, why may not a Child have as large an understanding as a Man? the Soul not being an Infant, but constrained to so narrow compass, it cannot opperate, and this say they appears likewise in an Idiot, or a Lunatic, by reason the Organs are Imperfect, or obstructed, or confounded, by distempers, and consequently the better part, though a Spirit is hindered in its Motion and Office, and therefore give it as their Opinion, that Women being of a colder and more watery Constitution than Men, have not Organs capable of giving the Soul scope in its operation, as the Bodies of Men have, seeing they contain greater heat, which causes strength and largeness of Body, more Vigour and Acttivity, more Acuteness and Solid Judgement, though had they a Woman's Wit, which upon a sudden conception or swift turn, is many times found available, and sometimes presserable to that of Man, yet it holds not throughout the Sex, nor is it at the best, capable of serious matters, or to unlock the Arcanes of profound Sciences, and dive into Mysterious things, Occult and hid from the Vulgar ways of the World, and require a sound Judgement, capable of discovering and weighing each particular. Should I grant that the Souls of Children, Idiots and Lunatics, are under a restraint, and have not the power to Act, as in other Cases, as indeed it is true. Yet we see the same happens as well to the one Sex, as to the other, therefore that can be no Objection, but only to show the Independency & Obstruction, of those Effects, but where it is otherwise the case is different, for it plainly appears there are different Constitutions in either, all are not the same, in the one, nor in the other, for some men are Phlegmatic, some Sanguine, some Cholorick, and others Melancholy, and yet of all Constitutions, there have been some Famous for I earning, others in Arts and Sciences, some in Arms, and rare Inventions, and generally the Phlegmatic, are given to the Study of the Profoundest Sciences, What hinders then, that Women who participate of all these complexions, & undoubtedly have Souls of the same Existence with those of Men, that they may not be as Capable of procuring themselves to be Registered in the Book of Fame, as those who style themselves the Nobler Sex? As for that the Composure of the Mortal hindering the Immortal part in performing its office, is a position frivelous and vain, and makes more against those that object it than for them, for it is often seen that in crooked and deformed Bodies, Wisdom chooses to dwell, a Soul endued with more Knowledge perhaps than that which is found in a more stately fabric of Flesh and Blood; which Knowledge is wonderfully increased by Industry, Study and Labour; for although the Soul in itself being a spark of the Divine light, is Immortal and a Spirit, yet it is capable whilst on Earth, of taking an Impression by Improvement, though nothing can fully satisfy it but God, from whom it proceeded, and to whom it must return for its reward of good or evil. The Body, (says the Wiseman) returns to the Dust, but the Spirit to God that gave it. Aristotle was crooked and deformed, yet the World has not since produced a man of so Universal a Genius, so seen in all Arts and Sciences. As for the coldness of Constitution, that can be no hindrance, for it has appeared that men of colder Constitutions than many women, have Exceeded the Capacities of the Sanguine and Choleric: What then may be the reason? why it is plain, Man having attained the upperhand in Rule and Power, claiming it by Birthright as first Created, as much as in him lies strives to keep that station as his prerogative, by endeavouring to keep the Softer Sex in Ignorance; and to Effect this, he uses his utmost endeavours to possess her with a belief of her Incapacities, hat she may not reach at things Sublime, and by comprehending them, know the largeness of her Soul. So the Egyptian Magi● to gain themselves the more esteem, and be adored by the unthinking Vulgar, had all their mystery in Hyroglyphicks, dark resemblances, which perhaps themselves scarce understood: nor would they suffer any other Characters to pass for significations, lest the People by improvement in Learning might detect their falseties, and grow Wiser than themselves. So the Turk will suffer no Printing in his large Dominions, lest the greatest part whom he through Ignorance, holds as in a Chain of Slavery, Reading the Histories of other Lands, should find how much they are Abused. The Spaniards, when they made a Conquest of the Golden Mines, kept the knowledge of its value from the Native Indians, that they might not struggle for it with an equal Covetousness. This is the main reason why men decline to Celebrate the praises due to the Softer Sex, and to let them know in General that their Souls have equal force; their Wisdom nothing Inferior, nor their Thoughts confined to narrower Limits than what comprehends the Soul of Man. Through this thin Webb, that would in vain obscure their Lustre, many have broken, contemning degenerate pleasures inglorious Sloth and Ease, and choosing the better part, by which they let men see they were no whit Inferior to them, in what might render them accomplished, and make them Blossom in the dust, as in sundry rare Examples appears, in the foregoing part of the Book. Nor are all Womenkind less capable in some degree or other, to improve those Golden opportunities that God has put into their hands.  
Women as I have often said, within the bounds of Virtue, the Limit her Creator set, is the most admirable Creature in the Universe, a Creature so charming, that we read the Sons of God beholding the Daughters of Men, that they were fair, did not disdaign to Espouse them, from which happy Union mighty Hero's sprung.  
Thus much may suffice to prove that there is an equality of the Soul, and that it is Independent but on God, who is its Author and Instructor; as for the Body it is evidently no less, except as some will object, it is made to suffer in case of Generation, but that which they account a weakness, whereby woman is rendered inferior to man, proves her Glory, and aught to be the chiefest Boast, not only Nature, but the God of Nature, showing wonders therein, as an immediate signal of Almighty Favour; his everlasting Covenant appears in this as Lively as when first he Blessed our Parents in their happy Eden; when affable and mild, with Aspect Calm, he Shone upon them in his Brightness, and became their great Dictator,  his Brows were wrinkled with their disobedience; e'er his Adored Face changed into Terror, too severe for Mortals to behold.  
Thus Beauteous Ladies, who in Virtue strive  
To shame bold Vice, and keep the World alive.  
I have my Reason's to a Period brought,  
Yet Writ no more than dwelled within my Thought;  
Reasons that may induce you to improve  
Your Maker's gift, to gain your Maker's love;  
What Gallantry, what Gory, what Renown  
Beneath the Skies, is worth a Starey-Crown?  
Consider that, Consider yet again,  
If any Creatures Love you fain would win,  
Virtu'l Enamour the bright Cherubin.   

Reasons drawn from the Immortality and wonderful Operation of the Soul, more fully proving the Excellency of Womankind.  
THe foregoing Considerations duly weighed and impartially considered, may give the Unbias'd part of Mankind a just reason to believe that that deserving Sex may justly claim an Equality in Wit, and be as capable of attaining the profoundest Arts and Sciences as Man; for it is not the Body, but the Rational Soul, Noble in its self, as being a spark of the Divine Essence that centre knowledge: For as all Creatures Inferior to Mankind have their Life in their Blood, as it is Testified in the seventeenth of Leviticus; so the Life of Man, and consequently of Woman consisteth in the Soul, which although by reason of the gross Humidity of the Body is subject to sundry passions, some more Nobl● than others, yet it being Immortal cannot in its self suffer change, as being a part of the Divine Mind, and Blast of Almighty Breath, that distinguishes us from other Creatures, and that every one Created in that Glorious Idea, has a peculiar Soul seems to be apparent, in respect of the may differences in Judgements and Opinions, Manners and Affections, though it is no less certain that itsprings from one and the same Fountain of Life and Immortality.  
It has occasioned sundry disputes amongst the Learned of all Ages, in what part of the Body the Soul has its chief Residence; some affirm it has its Throne or Regal Seat in the Region of the Heart; others with the like confidence and more reason, conclude its Principal Seat is in the Brain, from whence proceed the Senses, faculties and actions, and by defusing itself in operation, it enlivens every part with Heat and Force, with Spiritual Essence, with Supernatural intellects and Understanding, and more particularly it communicates its force to the Heart by Arteries, Carotides and Sleepy Arteries, the stopage or obstruction of which causes despondencies of Mind, as I have declared in the foregoing Chapter, and this is indifferent to either Sex, why then should not either Sex be equally capable of great things? what should be the reason as to the main, I have already given, and now come to what remains, which is the contentedness of the Noble Sex in complying with what Custom and Tradition has rendered nature, and by their long continuance become as it were a Law; which Generous Woman expressing thereby a kind of a Virtue in her Obedience, is willing to submit to, and render a Compliance with, as part of that duty she owes to her Compeer, not through Fear, but Love, a Love frequently so Transcendent, that it nearly views with that of Angels, and is as Inviolate as the Ties of Nature, delighting themselves within which Pale, many seek no higher happiness on this side Heaven, practising on Earth to imitate that sacred Love which comprehends Felicity beyond Expression, and by contemplating things above, wean themselves from things below, not but that they are capable of any thing, that man pretends to, would they apply themselves thereto, and improve themselves therein? what Kingdom knows not this, if Envy or Ignorance cast not a Mist before their Eyes? Sceptres have often deigned to Kiss their hands; and in the Beauteous Grasp appeared as awful as when held by the rough Warrior. Many wholesome Laws own them their Original, and Justice has been impartially Administered: Mercy too has found a place, and the Oppressed plucked out of the hands of the Oppressor: Religion under their protection has flourished in its Purity, and War been prosperous under their Heroic Conduct: Arts have flourished by their countenance and skill: Learning and Learned Men Indulged and Improved, great has been their Sagacity and countless their Labours, but more the Virtues that shine in them, no where else sound brighter in their native Purity, even such as have raiseed the admiration of the wisest Sons of Men, and aught as a mark of goodness to have a valuable Estimation set upon them, that they may convince the folly of the Ignorant, and shame the Envious, and so regulate the World, that men may not for want of better knowledge be imposed on, to believe what is not, nor the wiser sort so far forget themselves, as to dishonour those who are the honour of Man kind.  
Greater things than these might be said upon the Subject, but as to these Particulars, for breviti's sake, what has been spoken may suffice, from which I shall proceed, to that which comes next to be considered which is the happiness Man Enjoys in being made capable of possessing a Blessing exceeding all that he can fancy upon Earth.  
So Soft so Loving, Charming and so Kind,  
That all the Creatu●'s to his use assigned,  
Comprised in one, all that in them is rare,  
Cannot by infinite degrees with this compare.  
Search for the Unicorn of Indian Breed,  
For the Camelian that on Air does feed,  
For the gay Phoenix in Arabian fields,  
Or for the Gold and Gems that India yields,  
With cold Imaus Top, Eagles Eyes than View,  
And Hibla covered with Milliferous Dew.  
View Sharons' Valleys all with Roses spread,  
An'th Cedar Crown, on Lebanon's Large head.  
Behold the place where spotless Lilies grow,  
In Native pride, or where the Rivers Flow,  
Rolling on Golden Sands their fluctant Waves,  
Or where the Sea, which rich Armaspia Laves.  
And leaves on the forsaken shore those Gems  
That Starlike glitter in King's Diadems.  
View all the Spicy Grove whose Fragrance greet  
The Traveller, before his Eyes can see't.  
View all the Gaudy Plumes which on the Wind,  
With out-spread wings an easy passage find.  
And all those Animals Earth does contain,  
To these, join those that cut the swelling Main.  
And still add more let Flora's Glory come,  
Nay Ceres her Gold sheaves with sum eat brought home.  
And kind Pomona with her giving hand.  
Nay Bacchus who o'er Men has large command.  
Let these and what of this kind, thought can frame,  
In one unite, In one their worth proclaim;  
Compared with Women, Scarce they'll find a name.   

The Happiness that accrues to Man in the possession of so great a Blessing as a Virtuous Woman.  
ABove all Earthly Blessings, for which Man ought to pay the most profound Adoration to the Tremendious Majesty of Heaven; Woman is deservedly placed, as being a part of himself, and more immediately made for his solace and delight, a Blessing by which a multitude of Blessings redound to him, such as cannot be received from any other Creature, because the means and opportunity in them are wanting; nor did the wise Creator think sit to order it otherwise, for as much as likenesses are mostly desired, and the Soul is so Essentially noble, that it detests Familiarity with any thing inferior to its self, looking down upon Creatures Irational, as things made for its Service, and subjected to it as in indeed they are for Man was made to seve his Maker, and all things else for the Service and Use of Man, wherefore nothing could be found complacient amongst Irational Creatures; all the Beauty of the Universe looked like a Clouded Star, till the bright Beauty of Female Excellency appeared, and like the Sun dispeld those Damps that heaviness of Mind had raised; and so pleasing at first was the Queen of Sublunar things, that Adam was wonderfully surprised to behold any Mortal frame so fair; and some have fancied that e'er he had better informed himself, he took her not to be of Mortal or Material substance, and thus imagine him to have accosted her.  
Fairest of Creatures, found the last but best,  
How am I with a sight so pleasing blest!  
If you are Mortal speak: But O! I fear  
No mortal frame so Beauteous can appear!  
So great a favour Heaven will not give  
To Mortal Man that must consented live,  
With what his Bounteous hand has given him,  
And not desire a dazzling Seraphim;  
Yet something strange does move my earnest Soul,  
Strange thoughts about my Feeble Fabric●roul,  
And to surpress them, 'tis in vain I strive,  
Without this Fair methinks I cannot live,  
Loadstone like my heart draws her, and she  
Like the Blessed Nedle's moving towards me.  
O! Great Creator, now I well perceive  
This is a Blessing thou intends to give,  
A happy Blessing, which makes all complete,  
A favour which must surely make me great,  
Since I on Earth find such a Charming Mate,  
In whom methinks the Graces all appear,  
And native Beauty shines as in its sphere,  
An air so pleasing from her Face do sty,  
Such Roses stain her Cheeks with Crimson dye,  
Such Beams of light dart front her piercing Eye,  
Whilst Lilies all her Beauteous structure spread,  
And with their Whiteness mix the pleasing Red,  
So Charming is she, that if not Enjoyed,  
All favours else are by that loss destroyed.  
But to come nearer to what is intended, Woman is certainly the greatest Earthly comfort Man can be capable of possessing, as being rightly termed the solace of his Life, and to Wave her, being part of his Original, or an Instrument in the hand of the Almighty to save the World from desolation; her virtues are for the most part admirable, and no less her judgement, and the other intellectual faculties of her Soul. That, as I have proved being nothing Inferior to that, in which Man centres his largest Pride and Boast, imagining it (as it truly is) a Ray of Essence, a Effluence of his Maker. Woman from her Infancy with pretty Smiles delights the World, and Cheers the hearts of her admiring Parents, and as she grows, Virtue takes its place well pleased to dwell in such a Fabric, and brings as her Attendants, Modesty, Sobriety and a winning Behaviour. No sooner is Woman possessed by Man in the happy State of Conubial Love, but she furuishes him with a shower of Blessings, wrapped in soft Delights and decked in Chastest Charms; mild and pliant is her Temper, and her Carriage towards him decent, and comely her Behaviour, her Love is beyond Expression, and her Tenderness such, that she values him on whom her heart is placed equal with all but her imortal happiness, as for her Life she counts it a Trifle, and had rather lose it than her Honour; she esteems nothing on Earth too good for her Beloved, and enforces all her Charms to please and render him the happy Father of hopeful Children; she is indeed his Internus Sensus, his second self, equally shareing his Joys and Afflictions, and is not like a Swallow that sings to the morning wake of his prosperity, and when the Winter of his Adversity comes, takes her way upon the Winds to seek a warmer Sun; her Smiles are not to be bought with Silver, nor her Love to be purchased with Gold, but are freely and entirely placed upon her Beloved; great is her diligence to please him, and as great her care not to offend him; when he rejoices, she rejoices; when he is grieved, she is sad, simpathising with him in all things, and is the secret Cabinet in which he dare repose his Secrets, and find them there as safe as in his Soul; a Repository she is of his abstrusest thoughts, and is ever tender of his honour, nothing she thinks too good for him, nor nothing she can do too much; in Health, she takes care for his necessaries, and is wonderfully tractable in forwarding his Affairs, in Sickness; she is more studious for his Health then her Interest, and puts up her Prayers and Vows to Heaven for his recovery, Expressing in all her actions a careful Love and Tenderness, and in her Words a venerable Esteem; so that without so great a virtue as Woman, Man must be miserable and forlorn as to his temporal Condition; nor ought he to esteem so great a Blessing unworthy his largest Thoughts, nor render the Almighty less Tribute of Praise and , for bestowing that last best favour on him, which could only complete his earthly Felicity.  
In making Woman Nature has been Lavish, and showed her curious Art in Forming a Creature soft and tempting, to allay the rough temper of Man by moderation and mildness, as the Fluid Air prevents the Firey Region from Calcinating the Earth, and renders that outrageous Element serviceable to Mankind. Great was the cunning Nature used (or rather the God of Nature) (not to refer so great a Work to second causes) in framing the lovely structure of the Softer Sex in every part, proporting what by sight or touch might yield delight, forgetting nothing that was admirable in itself, or might be pleasing to those whose curious thoughts could scan the best Perfections; wonder not then why the Sex is so admired by all the sages of the World, yet not so much as real Worth commands in true desert, as has been often intimated in the foregoing Pages; why then should Man decline so great a Blessing? why should not he, who is so proud of being Rational, use his Rationalty to a right end, and by temporal Love founded on Virtue, strive to raise his Soul to that which is Eternal endless, and not dated by degrees of time; a Love unalterable as Fate, sounded on a commixture of Blessings, in conversation with Angels, Arch-Angels, Cherubims and Seraphims; Thrones, Dominations, Prince-doms Virtues and Powers, all the Starry Choir of Brightness and Batitude; and higher yet, for Love is God, and God is Love, by it the order of the Visible World is maintained, and things not visible to mortal Eyes supported in their sacred order and concordence, 'tis that which makes all truly happy, and without it is no happiness in this World, nor the World to come.  
Then let us prise a Gift that is so fair,  
So good, so just, that she our love should share,  
To a degree, too great to be expressed,  
Who of all Blessing Earth affords, is best,  
Who only Crowns all Earthly Flappiness,  
And does Mankind beyond his wishes bless.  
A greater Blessing Heaven never gave  
To Mortal Man, but him that Man did save.   

The Reasons why Man's Happiness is not complete on Earth without the Charming Creature Woman.  
AS for the necessity of the Beauteous Sex it is evident, not only for the sake of Generation, but for that of Mutual Society; Man without them being as a Solitary Traveller, who Journeys through Wildernesses and Deserts, where Rational Creatures seldom give his Eyes the pleasure of beholding them; though some may object that the Conversation of Man with Man is materialy sufficient. I grant it is in general relating to indifferent affairs, but where the Soul claims a closer Union than such Innocent diversions can allow, that convers is of little moment. Woman was taken from Man, and therefore by a sympathy of Nature, and a secret contraction of the better part, she considers in being cruel to her temporal Original; she is cruel to herself, and in that cruelty offends her Maker, unless a singular vow of Chastity interposes, wherein her aim is to be a spotless Virgin, that so she may follow the Lamb that has taken away Original Sin, and given us leave and opportunity to be Regenerate and Born again through Faith and Reliance on his meritorious Death and passion, but to come nearer to the conclusion, 
Eternal love ought to be our chief aim,  
Life in our Saviour's death we d●ly claim,  
In his dear merits all our hopes must be,  
Zone of our everlasting life is he,  
A bright Meridian of Eternity;  
But how came this great Mystery to pass?  
Eternal Wisdom the Prime Author was:  
The thing is deep, and Mortal Minds are lost,  
Heaven nows alone what this dear Blessing cost.  
Consider then, and let us still adore  
Omnipotence, which our weak nature bore,  
Compassioning us; he laid aside  
Known Glory, & despising shame, he died  
●●●'raign o'er Death, with Death he yet complied.   
Having thus far discoursed, I shall proceed to the Character of a Virtuous Woman in all her Capacities.    

The GOLDEN CHARACTER Of a VIRTUOUS WOMAN In all her CAPACITIES.  
IN this case three things are more immediately to be considered, viz The Virgin State, and those of Marriage and Widowhood, and of these in their Order.  

A Virtuous Virgin may be properly called the Treasurey of Chastity and Innocence, delighting to live in that Estate, that she may have the better opportunity to do good, and render herself an example of Piety; Meekness and Humility are her constant Attendants, and Pride knows not her Dwelling: She delights not in much Discourse, and flies from Vanity: the Sound of vain words renders her restless and uneasy, till she has found a retirement: Modesty and a Comely Behaviour are the Ornaments wherewith she desires to be decked: Affable she is, and of a sweet Temper: her Words are few, and those delivered with deliberation: amongst Strangers she rarely speaks, unless she be asked any Question, or otherwise Business of Importance requires it: she chooseth not a single Life for itself, but in Reference to her better serving God: she improves her single life therewith to serve God more constantly: she counts herself better lost in modest Silence then found in bold Discourse: at the Repetition of any wanton Discourse she Blushes and turns away: for the future shuning those that give themselves up to such Vanity, yet when at any time she mentions Marriage it is done with seemly Reverence and regard to that Holy State: her Obedience to her Parents is wonderful, and Respects to her Superiors equals and inferiors no less; and indeed lives a Saintlike life upon Earth, void of offence towards God and Man; and as she lives with less Care, so she dies with more Cheerfulness.   

THE CHARACTER Of a VIRTUOUS WIFE.  
NOT without Reason does the Holy Scriptures Style a good Woman or Wife, the Crown of her Husband, for so she proves being the greatest Felicity a Man is capable off, being properly called his secon Self the Partner of his Joy and Grief, the safe repository of his Secrets, and Solace of his Life. A good Wife commandeth her Husband in equal Matter, by Constantly obeying him, she never Crosses him, in the height of his Anger, but patiently waits till it is abated, and then she mildly argues the Matter with him, not so much to condemn him, as to acquit herself. Her Husband's Secrets she seals up in her Breast. In her Husband's absence, she Officiates his place, in regarding and takeing care of his Affairs, but when he is present, she Intermedles in his concerns no further than she is required, she keeps at home constantly, unless urgent occasions require the contrary, and then she acquaints her Husband therewith, and has his leave before she sets forward, her Habit and Attire, is rather Neat than Costly, her Carriage is Modest, and her Words delivered with a mixture of Discretion and Gravetie: In her Husband's Afflictions, she ever bears a part, and uses her Endeavours to Consolate him: Her Children though many in Number, are none in Noise, her Nod or Look, being a sufficient Helm to Steer them as she pleases. The heaviest Work of her Servants, is made Light, by her orderly and sesonable Enjoining it. Wherefore her Service, is counted a Preferment, and her Teaching, better than Wages, and thus ' she is happy in herself, and renders others the like Felicity.   

THE CHARACTER Of a VIRTUOUS WIDOW.  
AVirtuous Widow has been the Esteem of all Ages, and found the Miracle of Piety, for the near approach of Death, even to taking from them the Centre of their Earthly affections, makes passed doubt a deeper impression than can be in others, and fills their Pensive Breasts with serious Thoughts, which turn to Meditations; and from thence as from a Fountain flows a stream of Prayers and Pious Ejaculations, which seldom are silent till the highest has regarded them. As for the Virtuous Widow, though her Grief is real, yet it is moderate: she doth not only live Sole and Single, but  and Honest, Though she go abroad some times, about her bu●●ess, she never makes it her business to go abroad, she Entirely Loves the Memory of her deceased Husband, and will hear no 〈◊〉 spoke off him, she Cherishes her Children: and Fancies in them their Father's Idea: she puts her Especial Confidence in God, the Father to the Fatherless, and Husband to Widows: she is Careful and Tender of her Reputation, yet not more Careful of her own Credit, then of God's Glory: she is Pitiful and bountiful to People in Distress: she walks Humbly before God in all Religious Duties: she affects not the vanity of Foolish Fashions: she roads constant Lectures to hersolf of her own Mortality, and in this State she continues all the Days of her appointed Time, Till her Change come.    
FINIS.   

BOOKS, newly Printed for John Harris, at the Harrow against the Church in the Poultry.  
[1] A Discourse of Divine Providence. 1. In General: That there is a Providence exercised by God in the World. 2. In Particular: How all God's Providences in the World, are in order to the good of his People. By the late Learned Divine Stephen Charnock, B. D. sometimes Fellow of New-Colledg in Oxon.  
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[2] A Pleasant and Compendious History of the first Inventors and Instituters of the most Famous Arts, Mysteries, Laws, Customs and Manners in the whole World. Together, with many other Rarities and remarkable things rarely known, and never before made public. To which are Added, several Curious Inventions, peculiarly attributed to England and Englishmen. The whole Work Alphabetically Digested, and very helpful to the Readers of History.  
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[3] A Discourse upon the Pharisee and the Publican. Wherein several great and weighty things are handled: As the Nature of Prayer, and of Obedience to the Law, with how far it obliges Christians, and wherein it consists: Wherein is also shown the equally deplorable condition of the Pharisee, or Hypocritical & Self-righteous Man, and of the Publican, or Sinner that lives in Sin, and in open violation of the Divine Laws: Together with the Way and Method of God's Freegrace in Pardoning Penitent Sinners; proving that he justifies them by imputing Christ's Righteousness to them.  
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[4] SIghs from Hell, Or, The Groans of a Damned Soul. Discovering, from the 16th of Luke, the Lamentable state of the Damned. And may fitly serve, as a Warning-Word to Sinners, both Old and Young, by Faith in Jesus Christ, to avoid the same place of Torment. With a Discovery of the Usefulness of the Scriptures, as our safe Conduct for avoiding the Torments of Hell. Both by John Bunyon, Author of the Pilgrim's Progress.  
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[5] THe Saints Comfort, in all, but more especially in Evil Times. Drawn from Twelve several Texts of Scripture; which are briesly explained in this small Piece. By T. G. Minister of the Gospel.  
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[6] THE True Fortune-Teller: Or, Guide to Knowledge. Discovering the whole Art of Chyromancy, Physiognomy, Metoposcopy, and Astrology. Containing, 1. A Description of the Planets, their power and influence over the Bodies of Men, Women, and Children. 2. Of the several Lines, Mounts, Marks, Angles, and sacred Characters in the Hand and Wrist; and by what Planets they are Governed as to good or bad Fortune. 3. Of Physiognomy. 4. Observations on the Eyes, Eyebrows, Nose, Ears, Chin, Neck, Hair, Beard, and Face. 5. Metoposcopy, or the signification of the Lines in the Face. 6. Of Moles and their significations. 7. Of Dreams and their Interpretations. 8. Of Nativities and their Calculation. 9 Of the Rod by which hidden Treasure is found. 10. Of Marriages, and at what time any Person shall be Married. 11. Rules to know the danger of Death. 12. Of good and bad Days. 13. The manner of Resolving doubtful Questions, as to Friends, Marriages, places of Abode, Health, Prosperity or Adversity, Love or Business. 14. Of Pythagoras his Wheel of Fortune. 15. Of the good and bad days in each Month relating to Health. To which are added, Aristoteles Observations of the Heavens, their motion. Of Fiery Meteors, Thunder, Lightning, Eclipses, Comets, Earthquakes, and Whirlwinds. Illustrated with several proper Figures.  
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[7] A Directory for Midwives: or a guide for Women, in their Conception. Bearing and Suckling their Children. The first part contains, 1. The Anatomy of the vessels of Generation. 2. The Formation of the Child in the Womb. 3. What hinders conception and its remedies. 4. what furthers conception. 5. A guide for women in conception. 6. Of miscarriage in women. 7. A guide for women in their Labour. 8. A guide for women in their Lying in. 9 Of Nursing children. by Nicholas Culpepper.  
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