ALBANIA: OR, CERTAIN CONCERNMENTS OF GREAT BRITANNY.  
WITH An Explication of the present state thereof; Truly represented under the feigned Person of ALBANIA.  
BY GEORGE RALEIGH.  Sed & bene velle meretur veniam, Cicero. 
LONDON, Printed for John Sweeting, and are to be sold at his shop, at the sign of the Angel, in Popes-head-Alley. 1641.   

TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.  
KINGS (Mighty Sovereign) like Planets in their Orbs (under that Primum Mobile, from whence all beings derive their existence and continuance) are seated in their several Thrones, to rule and guide the people committed to their charge by the sweet influence of Love, and unreprovable motion of their justice; which axiom of State more especially directs itself to your Majesty's consideration, who (as the Sun in respect of other Luminaries) do shine▪ in a sphere of such eminency, as besides the unparallelled lustre it retains at home, doth communicate its splendour to foreign parts, as a pattern for the greatest Potentates.  
And hereupon, as according to the propinquity or distance of the Sun in its annual peregrination, the elementary bodies receive their augmentation, or diminution accordingly: so are the hearts of all your loyal Subjects illuminated with the presence of this gracious aspect, and miserably overshadowed with sorrow in the least absence thereof.  
But blear eyes are no fit objects for such bright rays, nor are mean conceits allowable subjects for Royal apprehensions; nevertheless, as the Sun loseth nothing of its splendour, when it so fare declines in its beams, to kiss the low shrubs as well as the tall Cedars, and though it be alike diffusive to all, yet admits no taint in the touch of the vilest creature: So if your Majesty vouchsafe to cast down a gracious eye on the humble present of your meanest Subject (as from the hand of a more able giver) your Highness cannot suffer much in this abasement, but your goodness shall show itself transparent, and like that glorious mirror of all beautiful perfections.  
Howsoever I durst not to have presumed thus high upon any imagination that your Majesty wanted fare better information or advise, especially from so honourable an Assembly as that of the present Parliament; but as in a general obstruction of water currents, it is natural for the shallowest Brooks as deepest Rivers, to seek way for their passage; likewise in a common calamity, the meanest (who are commonly the first sufferers) cannot be blamed for putting a finger to the grief, nor justly constrained to express their complaints in silence only. But if my intentions have faulted in the matter or manner, (being errors of skill not will) I beseech your Majesty so fare to bear with either, as may pardon the presumption of him that is a daily Orator for your Majesty's temporal, and eternal happiness;  
George Raleigh.   

ALBANIA, OR, Certain Concernements of GREAT BRITANNY.  
ALas poor Princess Megala! (a Mirror to show that there is no contentment to be sought for in earthly transitories) sometimes happy in thy private fortunes, more happy to have lived by loving Neighbours, in a Country rich in large Provinces, potent in free States, and Princes; glorious in magnificent Cities, stately Temples, goodly Palaces, and large Edifices; adorned with delectable Groves, and Walks for the Muses; fenced with strong Castles, Citadels, and Bulwarks; graced with delightsome Gardens, curious Arbours, Crystal Fountains, artificial Columns, Pyramids, Spires, Obelisks; privileged with honourable Liberties, and immunities; famous for great Marts, inventive Craftsmen; canopyed as it were, in divers parts, with fair Woods, and spacious Forests, carpeted (if I may so speak) with flowery Meadows, and verdant Pastures; hung round about with Vineyards, and Embroidered with Corne-fields; inlaid with rich minerals; bordered with lofty Mountains, pleasant Valleys, and Rivers abounding in most sorts of delicate Fish, and for depth, capable of Vessels of sufficient burden, for the conveyance of its own, and Foreign Commodity.  
Alas! did I say, sometimes so happy, and must now say, (Sic transit gloria mundi)  

So in the turning of a glass,  
All worldly glory soon doth pass.   
Unfortunate, and most miserable Megala, in this last century of years, having spent more than an Age in pertinacious encounters, intestine Wars, and tragical turmoils; lying as it were all this while, weltering in the blood of no less than a million of Christian Souls, and Martial spirits; by means whereof, the Plague, and Famine (seconding the cruelty of the Sword) hath ushered in the massacring and mourning of thy Nobles, the lamentable shrieks and cries of Widows, and Orphans, the brutish ravishment of grave Matrons, and fair Virgins, the inhuman dashing in pieces of Infants and sucklings, the torturing of all sorts of people, by worse diabolical cruelties, than a Turk, or Inquisition do put in practice: So that  

Talia fando quis temperet a lachymis!  
To speak of this,  
What grief it is!   
And of these heavy misfortunes, what end doth there yet appear? how many spectators, how few true compassioners have there been? whiles on one side, the overweening Aquilinus (whose power makes the justness of his quarrel, and his quarrel is the cause of all these troubles) strengthened with the confederacy and aid of potent Allies, especially by that of the Lord of the silver Mountains, animated thereto by the benediction and encouragement of that arch-enemy of true Religion, the great Prince of ceremonies, and Keykeeper of Idolana (a City sometimes very famous for worthy Heroes, and glorious Martyrs, when virtue and verity were in most request, and now as notorious for superstitious orders of ignorant and lazy votaries, as infamous for allowed brothels, of lewd queans and strumpets.) But of all the rabble that attends upon their Demigod Regicida, a ravening Wolf in a Sheep's habit, a subtle pated agent in politic affairs (that common State medlar, never good till rotten) an Incendiary well known in Prince's Courts, and most parts of the habitable world, that have been hitherto discovered, one that is ever casting firebrands of Treason, and sedition, wheresoever he comes, or is any while admitted, though most times the sparks fly about his own ears, and that whiles he is even ready to put fire to his powderplots, and is at the height of his Machinations, whose impudence is such, that the often and manifest discovery of his treacherous designs, doth no whit shame or discourage him from the like attempts; Upon the first occasion, only intimate your desires by some large gift, or proffer, and you have him with his associates (whereof there are swarms in Verana, be the action never so dangerous or unwarrantable) pressed and serviceable for the execution: and therefore the Princes of Verana, especially the Monarches of the blessed Island, and Lily fields, have little cause to favour his person, or to trust to his flatteries.  
But by what an ill subject am I carried, from the consideration of what I was speaking, touching Aquilinus, who looks upon the distresses of Megala, with an eagle's eye; to prey upon her liberties, and fasten her in the chain of a perpetual slavery: And whereas that great Prince, who displays the Queen of Flowers in his Ensigns, casts an eye towards her at some distance, it is not so much in compassion of her dejected estate, as of the rising greatness of his ambitious competitour, who seeks by the ruin of all his Neighbours, to set up a Throne for himself, and his house of absolute Empiry▪ over all the Principalities in Verana, whiles others, which stand in opposition to his designs, wish well to the disconsolate Princess, but having not power answerable to their will, must, for their own ease and quiet, of necessity, sit down as they may, and expect the event with patience.  
But that the peerless Albania, of all others, should be so indulgent to herself contentments, and be a looker on with dry eyes, and not take more to heart the burning of a Neighbour's house, allied to her by more than the ties of ordinary relations, through a branch issued out of the same stock with her Sovereign, but lamentably afflicted, through the wrack and loss of her Rhenish darling, it seems wonderful, and that she is so senseless of the wound that is given her through the sides of that Princess, and her Royal offspring. And I fear it is too much her fault, herein common with other Nations, whom long Peace and Prosperity hath cast into a Lethargy of deep security, to applaud their own happiness, and swelling there with to behold foreign calamities, (as news not credible, or for a nine day's wonder) with the eyes of contempt and disgrace, nothing concerning their pity, or regard; making an ill use thereof to justify themselves as more righteous, and interessed in the favour of the Almighty (committing notwithstanding the same, or like sins, of a worse nature and higher degree) upon no other ground but that of Prescription, for the enjoyment of so much pleasure and plenty, so long without abatement, or interruption, together with immunity and freedom from the punishment their Neighbours have this while fallen into; whereas they might with more reason, suspect and fear, and by woeful arguments conclude, that the dregs of vengeance are reserved in the cup of the Divine justice (such a sting hath sin in it, and so bitter a potion doth it compound) for these wretches to suck out to the last drop, who make light of so gracious examples, and are regardless of such unusual mercies and many warnings afforded to them, so that there remains nothing but timely repentance, to bar the draught, which though it relish as an unsavoury pill to a dainty palate, yet to the more confiderate, and such as are sensible of their estate and deserts, I may not unfitly commend that of the Poet:  

Sed & haec meminisse juvabit.  
Often to mind on this,  
Will not be much amiss.   
Ah! careless, forgetful Albania: how is it possible, that a Nation as thine, surrounded with an Ocean of all delights, and Crowned with a Cornu copia of the greatest blessings, free from intestine mutinies, and foreign invasions hitherto (notwithstanding these bold affronts enterprised with better resolution than followed with success) should be thus unthankeful? Tell me, can the Records of any people under the son, speak of such a continued happiness as theirs, without some alteration? Call to mind, Albania, that incomparable benefit from Heaven was conferred upon thy Land, in its deliverance from the bondage and slavery of superstitious Idolana, whereby the light of God's true Worship hath shined upon thee in such clearness, as the Sun at noon day; and if therefore thy body were every day on the Altar of thanksgiving consumed to ashes, it would be all too little for a gratulatory sacrifice: for now  

Cessant oracula Delphis.  
All Pagan trumperies,  
Are fled and feigned lies.   
The blessed Island may with much comfort say, There are no sacrifices in me for gods, made, or created of mortal seed, such as proceed from the same mould, live in the same clay, and return into the same dust, my people attribute no protection of reasonable, or unreasonable creatures; Men, Nations, Cities, Temples, to created substances; neither Jupiter, Apollo, Mars, Venus, nor any of the male or female Planets, have any domination over our Worship: whether Jupiter Hammon, or Jupiter of Crete, Mercury of Athens, Venus of Paphos, Diana of Ephesus, be the Patrons and Patronesses of such places, comes not within our Creed: whether Aesoulapius have the governance of Physicians, Mars of Soldiers, Pan of Shepherds, Ceres' of Husbandmen, or Lucina be the women's goddess Midwife; as we abhor the names, so are we ignorant of the persons: the Dryads, Hamadryades, Nereids have left our Springs: The Sylvanes, Fawns, and Satyrs have forsaken our Woods, ever since the veiled sisters, and their cowled brethren were turned out of their cloisters: and we have heard no tales of Elves, Hobgoblins, Fairies, and Robin-good fellows: Albania is as free of Idolatrous Rites and Ceremonies, as she is of Bears, Wolves, and other noisome creatures.  
But (thanks be to the Almighty) we have the Worship of the only eternal Deity, in Truth and Spirit, and soundness of Doctrine in the Fundamentals, concerning right belief and practice, consenting in a sweet harmony with the other Churches of Verana, adorned with the decency of Discipline (instituted by a pious Prince, and Council) according to the purity of the primitive pattern, (as near as the times would permit) besides dignities, privileges, and maintenance allotted to the Prelates, and other Ministers of the Sacred Oracles (although perchance, not with that equal distribution, as admits not a just complaint, and requires a due consideration for redress) to encourage them in their studies, and diligences, according to their degrees and callings. And if any abuse themselves in their demeanours, or duties, (for they are men, and may err) the fault and penalty ought to reflect upon the persons, and not the Function.  
And farther had this Reformation extended, but that the death of that hopeful young Prince (Quo nulla aetas tulit meliorem; without disparagement to any be it spoken) and therefore fitly paralleled with the good Josias, and by a Zelotypian of subtle judgement, termed, The Mirror and prodigy of Princes; hastened (as 'tis thought) by some treacherous practices, gave a period to these expectations.  
And although, after the decease of this Worthy, in the Reign of his elder sister (a Lady of a temper mild enough by nature, had it not been wrested by ill counsel: and a stock good enough to have borne better fruit, had it not been ill grafted) there arose many black clouds in our Horizon, which obscured the sky, and through the persuasion of ill advised heads, and her too flexible yielding, dissolved in cataracts of blood, with such violence (the flashes of Lightning which broke through, menacing to set Religion all on a flame) that they seemed to bear down the groundwork of all former proceed before them: Yet ever blessed be the Omnipotent over-ruler, and disposer of the greatest Potentates, and their purposes; This sanguis Martyrum, proved to be but semen Ecclesiae, and the sparks that issued from the bonfires, in which so many learned and holy men fried for the witnessing of their Profession, flew into the eyes of their persecutors, and the shafts, they thus madly darted at Heaven, and the stars, rebounded into their own bosoms with a vengeance, whiles their Tyranny and lives ended shortly after, most of them in a fearful and horrible manner.  
And yet their incredulous abetters will not be so wise to take warning by such evident examples, imputing Gods just Judgements, either to second causes, or wrong ends; branding the relation with the credit of a Fable or Legend: as hereby willing rather to lose themselves, then forego any antiquated error, from the corruption of former times and ignorance to them conveyed.  
But this mist being vanished, the Sun began to shine again, when the Sceptre and true Religion passed under the sway of Leonissa (incomparable Leonissa) a Princess of an Heroic spirit, and much differing in disposition and belief from her sister, so that she might justly be termed, The Mirror of her sex, and glory of her Kingdom; whose excellencies (saith a worthy servant of hers, without flattery) may well be admired, but cannot be related in any measure, proportionable to the worth of their perfections. She was endowed with rare gifts of Nature; and adorned with exquisite ornaments of Art; well skilled in Languages, and in the Sciences; and could readily and pithily answer Ambassadors and Orators in their several Dialects. As concerning her behaviour, she was affable, and loving, and therefore highly beloved of all her good Subjects; she was feared, and envied of her enemies, respected and solicited by her Neighbours, whom, in their necessity, she divers times relieved, with Men, Monies, and Munition: she was successful in all her erterprises, victorious always in her attempts, either by sea or Land; and safegarded from so many treasons and conspiracies against her person and profession by the divine providence, that it seemed to work miracles in her defence, and to point with the finger that she maintained his cause whom he thus protected; and that as she subjected her actions to his glory, he inclined her subjects to loyal obedience, and willing supplies; so that her Exchequer was always well stored, and her people nothing grieved; for no new or extraordinary taxes were imposed, but by the way of a general Assembly, that was readily granted, which was reasonably required, and the giver was able enough, and not the less willing to give again, when occasion required.  
In this manner reigned this virtuous Empress, and lived to the years of an aged Matron, but died a religious Virgin, and all good men shed tears at her Exequys: Her loss was lamented of all, but such as were enemies to truth and the Religion she professed, and yet maugre the thunderbolts and bugbears of Idolana, the malicious practices and endeavours of Gloriosa, the calumnies of detracting Regicida, darted at her person, purposed against her Kingdom, and levelled at her birth and actions, those braving censures of the one vanished into the air, and (as a candle extinguished) left nothing behind them but a stinking snuff. The invincible actions of the second were shamefully, and (this was Gods own doing) totally defeated; but the virulency of the last returned the cup of venom into his own hand, and caused him to drink his bane therein, either wretchedly in other Countries, as a fugitive, or at home desperately on the gallows, as a traitor, whilst a name remains to her of happy memory, and will be in all ages as a precious ointment spread upon the face of the whole earth.  

Soloccubuit, nox nulla sequnta est.  
The Sun was gone,  
But night came none.   
The Prince was changed, the happiness remained. For when the want of issue seemed to put a mask on all faces, and to compass the Region of all hearts with a doubtful trembling, and jealousy of the next succession; behold, (without tumult or delay) a Lion Rampant of the Royal Stock, comes out of the North, and steps into the Throne with general applause, and (to double the content) brings along with him another Kingdom, like in complexion and profession, to the hopes of a perpetual Union (May they never attain their wishes which seek the discontinuance hereof, to the ruin of either!)  
In this Prince's person (being nursed at Helicon, and bred on Parnassus) the Graces and Muses might well be said to meet together, or (if Plato's Metempsychosis were admitted) that the soul of Palestina's Royal Prophet, and harmonious Psalmographist had animated it he was a judicious Divine, persuasive Orator, and ingenious Poet; very well skilled was he in the interpretation of sacred Oracles, singularly dexterous in the resolution of doubts, and determination of hard questions, and points of difficulty; powerfully able in crushing the controversies, and untwisting the Gordian knots of Cardinal Opposites; and that I feign nothing herein, or flatter in any sort, his Treatises are sufficient Apologists, and witnesses: (Let good Princes ever have the honour of their deserts) He easily bore away the Palm from all other of his rank, contemporary or of preceding ages. The truth is, he was not addicted tam Marti, quam Mercurio, he made more use of his pen than of his sword; neither can this any whit derogate from his commendation, or lessen the worth of his Judgement.  

Nulla salus bello, Pacem te poscimus omnes.  
No safety is in War,  
For Peace all suitors are.   
None but such as are of a turbulent spirit, or ignorant what War is, love to play the beasts and inhumanely gore each other, for to satisfy some carnal appetite of ambition, Covetousness, or revenge; The Soldier indeed will fight valiantly, only in a good cause, being necessitated thereto, either for God's glory, or the Kingdom's safety. Otherwise, if the undertaking respect some private sensual end, the action can be no other than brutish and reasonless, and here it is much better to purchase peace, though at a dear rate, then to begin a quarrel, though with much advantage. The noblest victory is that which is gotten without bloodshed; for the policy of the brain more than strength of arm is requisite in an accomplished Captain, and best deserves the Coronet: Men were not made to act Tragedies, nor to make the world a shambles for humane slaughters, saith a reverend man, and therefore that Worthy was well advised, and his consideration merited high Commendation, who had rather save one of his Subjects lives, then kill a thousand of his enemies: and that Emperor was fare from a bloody disposition, whose use was to hang out a white, next a black, ere he was forced to put forth the red flag: signifying thereby that he was more desirous, and would use all means to save, rather than destroy his enemy.  
And with these or the like Precedents his late Majesty induced, bend all his endeavours for the composure of those turmoils and differences which unhappily fell out betwixt the Princes (allies and confederates with him) in his time, whose earnestness herein too much led him into the confidence of a strangers soothe, and somewhat transported him (I confess) beyond his own inclination, to be more severe in Justice against his own, then otherwise he would have been: Which afterwards (as some Objécts are best discerned at a farther distance) he well perceived with some regret, and much blamed the foulness of their ingratitude, who abused his favours to the stain of his other virtues: howsoever his aim was nevertheless praiseworthy, in framing a silver Bridge for all enmities to pass over, whereby he purchased the blessed Title of Peacemaker, and therewith in all quiet manner ended a happy reign and life together.  
From whose ashes is sprung the Phoenix, on whose beauty all the eyes of the blessed Island are now cast, and for whose happiness, all the desires and prayers of the virtuously minded, are daily sent to the Throne of Grace. A Prince (not to conceal or palliate the Truth, where so manifest Authority warrants) as for Temperance, Continence, Justice, Clemency, bountifulness, and such like virtues, amongst his equals claims the priority: and from his Subjects the choicest of Obedience with all dutiful affections.  
And now whiles under the wings of this unmatched Paragon, sits the glad Albania secure from fear or danger, and at her leisure contemplates (as not suspecting any change) on the manifold kinds of happiness, she formerly, and now is wrapped in; and making a short progress through her Country, in conceit to view the particular delights thereof, and withal including the Seas round about, within the circumference of her thoughts; she seemed to see Neptune with both his arms, hugging and embracing the blessed Island as the darling of his delights, and on his Mantle of blue (as the favour of his Mistress) he wore a chain of goodly ships, and such as no Sea within his vast and ample dominions, could ever make show of the like, either for shape or use, a spectacle (considering the workmanship and munition) full of pleasure and terror together: amongst which one Sovereign, as Diana amongst her Nymphs,  

Velut inter Stellas  
Lima minores,  
As to our sight by fare  
The Moon exceeds each Star,   
gave such a lustre of worth in her eminency above the rest▪ to the eye of the judicious beholder, that she might be reputed well worthy of her name, and fit to be servant only to her great Master, and not unbeseeming his especial regard. On which rare object Albania would longer have stayed her sight and wonder, but that the Marine Commander with his Trident, was forcing sundry sorts of fishes in scoales, to shorewards, where Triton summoned his shell-subjects to join with them, and in numberless troops (the use nothing diminishing the increase, oh the goodness of our merciful and bountiful God) to attend there for the relief of the inhabitants: and this caused her to draw the eyes of her meditations thitherwards, and to magnify the Divine Providence, which had for every season fitting, stored her Coasts with so great abundance and variety of such delicate sustenance. And notwithstanding the plenty, she wished the Fisherman (a very profitable member in any Commonwealth, and one that if he use industry with art, deserves respect) would not make such spoil of the young Fry, as is too commonly used.  
Next, she considered the Harbours, which were many, secure, large, and capacious; so that a Fleet of numerous ships might anchor in them, without danger of any storm or damage, and sight each of other: although in some of them Time began to play the Tyrant, and thrust bones into their mouths, so that if a bountiful care did not quickly interpose itself for prevention, they might (not without inconvenience to some prime Towns, and their Prince's profit) be altogether choked.  
Into these Havens arrived daily from several parts of the world, Sails of several moulds and burdens, whereof some of the greater sort from the East, unladed Silk, Spices, Drugs, Indicoes, etc. From the South, Wines, Sugar, Oil, Fruit, Salt, Lyncloth, etc. From the North, Deals, Hemp, Flax, Furs, Tallow, etc. None came empty into their Harbours, but (as Bees into their Hives) with thighs full fraught of precious and delightful commodities, whiles others were weighing Anchor to set forth with their fine clothes, so much esteemed in all parts of the world; the Traffic whereof was so great in the Low Countries, that the value of their Sale yearly at Antwerp (if jews Guichardine misreckon not) amounted to more than four Millions, and the Wool in his compute which was vented at the Staple in Burges, to 500000. Florins, (where, by the way, may be easily conjectured how great the quantity of this commodity is, by the many Families of Spinsters, Weavers, Fuller's, that in most Towns of the blessed Island are set on work for the making hereof; besides others were fraughted with the purest Tin, Led, etc. provision of fish dried, pickled, etc. so that the ordinary Customs which accrued to the Crown from these Merchandises (truly collected, and faithfully returned) were Revenues of competency sufficient to maintain the State of more than a petty Prince.  
For the defence of the Havens, there were strong Castles and Bulwarks, raised in the most advantageous places, for safeguard and offence. And peradventure the charge would not be superfluous, and the work pay itself, if the Bays and Creeks were awed by the like command, and that the Forts which in their outsides presented such a warlike show to the beholder, were within furnished with able and trusty Governors, with Soldiers and munition answerable, encouraged by their due pay. And she did hope it was so, for her Eye could not pierce through the walls to disceme the contrary.  
Much taken with these objects of pleasure and delight, was the fortunate Albania, and the eye of her contemplation could have so journed longer on them, but that the wealthy, generous, and politic Merchants (the feet and hands of the Commonwealth, for exporting and taking in of her several necessaries) who were Owners of the Vessels, and maintainers of the Trade, drew her thoughts to the place of their residence, which by reason of the former consequences she conceited to be some glorious and well governed City; neither was she much deceived in her imagination, which at her entry within the gates presented to her sight, a large frame and Pile of stately building, no less pleasing in the diversity, then in the uniformity of their structures; but she had almost lost herself and forgot where she was, when she beheld the Royal Palace and Court adorned with so many grave, wise, and loyal spirits (and indeed all that would be Courtiers should be thus qualified) beautified with modest, native, and Angelical faces (for Virtue and Beauty, commonly hand together) otherwise, the fairest visages do but hid the foulest and most deformed souls; Loath was our glad Lady to remove her gazing from these spectacles, but that the spiring Temples built, and in reparation, shown a fare off, as well the piety as magnificence of the Prince who had such respect to the structures separated and dedicated to the use of holy employments, not only in garnishing the walls with commendable ornaments, but especially supplying the Desks, and Pulpits with learned and religious Ministers: (if it be otherwise any where, it is (I presume) as fare from his knowledge as his desire; and the more are those to blame, that being set in authority for this end, abuse their trust, and are negligent in a charge of so great importance, committed to them) whereby those sacred Oratories, and Schools are upon all occasions thronged with the press of all sorts of people that frequent them, to attend on the several devotions.  
From the Church she went to the Senate, and there much rejoiced to behold the Benches filled with a Perfect and Fraternity (she took them to be in heart as show, and that the scarlet outside, was not lined with a sackcloth inside) of a wealthy, Wise, and honourable Magistracy; and the fruits of their justice did in some measure so bespeak them. Where she saw a Beadle carting a Whore, and her Knave Bawd, (pity the Goatish Whoremaster, by favour or means should escape the search and punishment so narrowly) where she came by a Constable stocking the Drunkard, and idle Runagate. (good were it that all suspected persons should give an account of their Living and employments, and so perchance the hangman should not be so often employed to put a halter about the neck of the Murderer, and Thief as he doth: Long happy and peaceable may the Reign of our gracious Sovereign be, who is so careful that his Land be not defiled with blood, and that Justice hath so free proceeding against capital offences!) And though this Kingdom, (a happiness to be wished, too great to be enjoyed) cannot wholly be rid from lewd persons, and enormous offenders, (there will be ever lazy drones to lurk as long as there are busy Bees to labour) yet the comfort is, there are good Laws enacted, to suppress the common annoyances: and it is his Majesty's Will that they be put in execution. I cannot stand to repeat the diversity of observations hereupon, wherewith Albania stood possessed, nor how contented she was in viewing that Royal Citadel and Magazine of munition, and near thereto a goodly rank of buildings, crossing a River, in which the salt water flows and ebbs more than a day's journey from the Main, whose banks were beset with a row of sumptuous edifices and Gardens, with other like variety of pleasing objects, that, wheresoever she directed her eye, took it up with wonder, and this admiration increased the desire to see still farther, but fearing to surfeit with the delicacies of this City happiness, she deemed it would be no small comfort and recreation, to retire in her contemplation some while into the Country.  
Where in her travail, ascending the Hills of an easy rising, she beheld the soil (on both sides of her, transcendently fruitful) bespangled (if I may so speak) as the Firmament with Stars, with Golden fleeces, of more value than that the Argonauts of old adventured so boldly to bring from Colchos; and therefore the Shepherd Swaine is as famous as his Pastorals, and not unworthily have Princes, Captains, and Priests, borrowed their resemblances, and he that was fare above the greatest of men, disdained not to style himself the true Shepherd: but descending into the Valleys, she pastalong Green Meadows, lying by the Rivers, (each River having its store and variety of delicate Fishes) and replenished with sundry sorts of Cattle for increase and use; and in the Plains, hard by, she saw the Countryman tugging at the Plough, and thought it no scorn to look on so mean a person, and work, or to visit his homely Cottage, the one being so necessary for the being of the State, the other stored with provision sufficient to welcome and entertain his guest, as well as the Gentleman of other Countries. Neither did that lofty Poet of his time, any whit descend beneath himself, or the dignity of his strain, or thought it any abatement to his Muse, when he wrote that Poem of the Georgicke. But when she beheld the Gentleman's place, considered his vast, and well contrived buildings, with the pleasant Arbours, Walks, Ponds, Parkes, Woods, Lawns, Chases, that he was Master of, she could not imagine, but, where was such abundance of all things, to content a worldly desire, there went store of Hospitality with it. And indeed so it was in diebus illis, but I am sorry to speak it, Pride and Gaming, two unfruitful bastards of ease and plenty, like Mothwormes, have of late eaten much into this precious garment, for want of timely circumspection in the greater part. But Albania, walking aside out of the Common road, saw the wastes full of goodly timber Trees, but (to her no little grief) withal saw much felling of the old, and little planting of new, a neglect, which in time (if not prevented) might turn into a lamentable inconvenience, but the plenty of what she saw for the present, quickly wiped off the mistrust, or thought of any future misfortune. And now, though the sweetness much abated from the length of the Walk, yet (as sometimes, when we are glutted with pleasure, it breeds a loathing to be at so much ease) Albania was by degrees tired in her pace; and had rested herself on the next bank but that she was near by those famous Baths, so curious for their composure, so wholesome for the virtue of their waters, the Monument of Princely Beneficence. In these she bathed herself once, and again, and was quickly refreshed, so that having heard (and what ingenuous spirit hath not heard?) of those singnalr Academies, so much renowned for the seat, building, maintenance, and learning, that was as it were appropriated to them, that she thought, if she had neglected to take some view of them in this perambulation of her mind, she might have been esteemed of little judgement, in taking so much delight in things that reached to the outward senses, many whereof were of use but to please the fancy only, and to have neglected, or undervalved the Arts and Sciences whereby man was to be differenced from another Creature, and one reasonable man from another, without which a Prince in his Throne, a Captain in his Tent, a Governor on his Beach, were but as so many Statues fit to fill a place, and of little other use: for he that hath all the Wealth, Honour, and Pleasure the World can afford, without the gifts of the mind in some measure, cannot be said to live like a man; whereas, he that is endued with knowledge, the more he retires into himself from all carnal respects, soars the nearer to a Divine Nature, and is out of the reach of the common miseries of care and fear, with which mere worldings, and ignorant persons are so often overwhelmed: Upon those considerations she went, she saw, she heard; but my Oratory is too weak to express the height of her admiration, and it would require a Treatise, rather than a cursory Observation, to describe the worth of the Scholar, and the pleasure of the Schools. But whiles here she roved at pleasure in the Tower of her high Conceits, and reposed her thoughts in the imagination of a like continual and interrupted happiness, a deep sleep of security surprised her senses, whiles the fancy (still labouring upon the former objects) presented in a strange dream, (and dreams many times fall out too true) how vain and uncertain is the dependency upon worldly and temporary felicities; It seemed unto her, that in the midst of a forward Spring season, in a fair Sunshine day, she was recreating herself in a pleasant Grove, near the bubbling stream of a Crystal Fountain, and saw how all the banks and Borders thereabouts, were beset with goodly Trees of all sorts; on the boughs whereof, divers Birds according to their kinds, warbled out sundry notes of melodious Harmony, and in the thickets, she saw the Dear browzing on the tender leaves quietly, and how the ground was all mantled in green, here and there bestrewed with flowers, white and red, that blushed to see themselves (naked as they were) exposed to the eye of the beholder; so that in this place there wanted nothing to content the outward senses, but that on a sudden (to see the folly of such as spend their wits and time in building earthly Tabernacles, and purchasing worldly inheritances) the bright Sun became clouded all over, the Hemisphere darkened, the wind beginneth to blow, a storm came on violently, the drops are poured down in abundance, so that the clear streams grow muddy, the flowers hang down their heads, the Birds take their flight, the Beasts resort to their shelter: And Albania (all affrighted at this sudden change, starts, awakes, and looking into the Country round about her, and considering how things went in those places, her eye had formerly circuited, she found her fancy in this late vision, to be nothing misenformed, but wondered to see the face of all things, as it were in the turn of a hand, so strangely altered: for the Shepherd had driven away his flocks out of the field, and put up his pipe, the Husbandman hadleft his Plough, and was at a stand, whether he should Till his ground, and how he should pay his Rent, the Gentleman gave over his sports, and looks after his goods that were distrained, the Wife and Children cry out they are undone, because the poor Labourer that should relieve them is wrongfully troubled, and besides his wearisome travails and expenses must be content to sustain the wrong and damages at his own charges; the surety laments his own hard fortune, and cruelty of the oppressing Usurer, whiles he is constrained to pay the debt & interest, when the careless principal hath wherewithal to discharge it, and is untouched. One says he is unjustly punished for neglect of a service whereof (as he ought to have) he had no notice, another exclaims against Officers, that they take too large and extraordinary Fees, and in the mean time no offence committed, nor proved; the Tradesman blames the Monopolist, for engrossing the sale of commodities for his own particular advantage to the damage of the general; the Merchant accuseth the Projector, that unusual customs be imposed by his means; that so moneys be raised, it matters not by what means; that the Prince's name is used, and abused for a colour and cloak, and that the general assemblies, which were wont to be the only means for supplying the King's wants, and remedying the Country's grievances, hath been so often dissolved, that they did justly suspect that the authors thereof were no small offenders and much they doubted that their gracious Sovereign had not been rightly informed of their humble, hearty, and loyal intentions towards him, the dignity of his Crown, safety of his person, peace, and welfare of his Commonwealth. Many other complaints she heard, and grieved to hear, what is not fit to be so publicly related; briefly, there was murmuring in all sorts, discontent at all sides, and sadness in all countenances, so that the amazed Albania upon view thereof was terribly taken with a trembling in all parts of her, so that her members seemed disjointed, and ready to fall asunder, the pain increasing towards her heart made her look pale, and withal she became so faint, that, no longer able to support her weak limbs, she fell down, and lay without motion, as one dead, or entranced with some extreme passion, but long in this agony had she not continued, when the two Ladies, Agape, and Sympathia came happily to her relief, taking her into their arms, and carrying her into the next lodging, they gently laid her on a bed; And now the report, for ill news hath large wings, being spread fare abroad, Physicians, like vapours exhaled by the sun, repair to her from all parts▪ Porters, Peasants, and Horse-groomes, give their opinions; Markets, Inns, Taverns, Barbers shops and Bake-houses, have their council Tables; Women, and old Wives tell their tales, and prescribe remedies: but of all the rest, there were three notable Impostors, that took the cure on them, and that was Empericus a quacksalver, one that stood much upon experience, and knew effects only, without consideration of their causes, a man that was skilled more in the terms than the Art of his Profession, and was of such a plaufible tongue, that by his flatteries he could screw, and insinuate himself into the affection of his Patient; his physic consisted most in oils and plasters, that would draw a skin over the grief, and make a fair show to the eye, whiles it festered inwardly, and grew worse. The second was Chymicus, a Paracelsian, that had distilled the little brain he had in his Limbeck of folly together with his other metals, whiles he built Castles in the air, and blowed away his own and other men's silver, that he might be a beggar in purse and rich in conceit: His Recipes were all compounded of new projects and inventions, and the drugs he gave were so loathsome, and ineffectual, that the sick were forced to vomit them up again, and his Chrysoposis and Antidotes were like himself, of no virtue, and worth nothing. The last was Philargyros, a covetous Mountebank, whose love was more to his Fee, than knowledge or care was for his Patient. This bloodsucker was all in the drawing vein, so that with the Horseleeches, and Cupping-glasses, he applied to such parts as had more need of supply then abatement, he so weakened the rest, that he put all in danger. Such were the Physicians, and by them you might conceive more fear of harm, than hope of remedy, and so it proved; for these fellows, after much ado to little purpose, seeing by all symptoms that their medicines did work quite contrary effects, not knowing what course next to take, give over, and leave the Patient in worse case than they found her, and as they thought, desperately incurable; for as yet Albania was without sense of her malady, or remembrance of their cause: which the good old Chronos perceiving, and much pitying, as one that had been a constant friend to her for many years, had seen much in his time, and had overpassed many alterations in himself and others, posts away (for though he was aged, he was not slow paced) to a solitary grove in a remote Land, wherein was a cave so deep and obscure, that it was always night there, but he that was wont to travail no less in the greatest darkness than at midday, enters undauntedly, and returns with the fair Alitheia in his hand, whom he brings to see the light, and she (naked though she was) is not ashamed to be seen; to her he declares in what case he had left Albania, and the cause of his coming. Alitheia soon conceived, what in truth before she feared, when she last saw her, and therefore was much grieved at her departure so to leave her, but seeing the least delay was very dangerous, expostulating no farther with the old man about cirdumstances, she called to her an old servant of hers, named Veridicus, whom (intending with all speed, according as she heard or saw occasion, to follow after) she sent with Chronos, having given him sufficient instructions what to do; Veridicus was (as his name spoke him) an honest telltruth, though plain, yet bold, and though forward, yet respectful, and he was so well skilled in his Art, and so confident of his undertake, that if his prescriptions were carefully observed, he doubted not of such success as might be justly expected; and in this hope his ability and charity pressing him onward, he soon arrives with Chronos in a happy season, at the lodging where the sick Lady was; Veridicus stayed and knocked at the gate, Chronos passed on, (as his manner was) when forth comes Philauta a stately dame, and opens, but casting her eye upon Veridicus, and seeing him in such homely array, judging of the person by the attire, she disdainfully, without speaking a word, or ask what he would, retires herself, and shut fast the gate after: but Veridicus nothing dismayed with this affront well understanding from what subject it proceeded, knocks again, and with more earnestness, (such are the times for pooresuters) till that Novata, another of Albania's attendants, more desirous of novelties, than fearful of her Mistress' disturbances, let's him in without further question, and then understanding the cause of his coming, whether for to satisfy her curiosity, or because her Mistress was forsaken of all others, in this desperate estate she ushers him to her presence, who presently without more compliment or regard of the standers by, takes their sick Lady by the hand, feels the pulse, which sometimes was very slow in motion, and then presently as violent in agitation; he takes the Urinal, views her state, finds it to be of a very high sanguine colour, and much troubled; he looks on her visage, beholds it wan and ghastly; he would have asked her some questions, but she could not answer for want of the use of her senses, besides that, her tongue was all black and swollen, the which and other like symptoms, argued the patiented to be in a dangerous distemper in all parts of her body: And hereby he further perceived, that the two prime senses of sight and hearing, were so ill affected in their instrumental nerves, that all objects seemed to exceed or lessen from their due proportion in quantity and quality, so that discords were taken for unisons, and apparences, for true substances, and so on the contrary; and being in this manner presented to the common sense, were likewise delivered over to the fantasy, which by reason of divers fumes, engendered in that cell of the brain, caused the like error in the judgement and memory, and by reason of the ill affection of these superior intelligible faculties, he found the inferior, and more sensitive parts to partak and be oppressed with their particular maladies, as the heart to be much passionated with the dissimulations and waver of Liliana, the Lungs to be obstructed, and breath faintly through the hot and biting distillations of Idolana, the stomach to be overcharged with the gluttony and surfeitings of Aquilina, the belly tympanized with the windy vapours of Gloriosa, the Loins impostumatized with the inflammations of lustful Zelotypia, the hands blistered with the itchings of Argyria, her legs and feet lamed and swollen with the gout of Argoa, into which loathsome estate she was not so much fallen by means of native constitution or complexion, but through infection of the humours, by the corruption of the times, imitation, and too familiar converse with her Neighbours, the negligence and ignorance of covetous attendants, ill Counsellors, and unskilful Physicians: so that Veridicus considering her deplorable estate, much grieved thereat, and could not but abruptly in some short and passionate expostulation, thus express it. Oh Albania! distressed and pitiful Albania, and the more (said he) to be pitied in thy distress, because Albania! There is no time now to think on Megala, thy own misery is too much to think upon, happy hadst thou been, if thou couldst sooner have thought thyself unhappy; hadst thou been sensible of thy inward corrasives, as thou wert overjoyed with thy outward felicities, thy sore had not thus grown to an ulcer, nor the prick brought thee in danger of the Gangrene; thy too much overweening in prosperity, hath humbled thee to this grievous adversity, thy too much magnifying thy own power, and excellencies above thy Neighhours, hath now dejected thee to their contempt, and conspiracies; thy exalting thyself in comparison of all others, hath almost made thee unworthy the comparision for any. But I will not add reproach to misery. The occasion and cause require rather help to draw thee out of the danger thou art unworthily brought into, than enquiry by what means thou wert brought into the danger: Both since the time is short, and the disease sharp, the cure must be as quick, and the medicine of the greater virtue and operation, which the more it smarts, the sooner will heal. Have but the patience to endure, you shall the sooner find ease, and but pardon the rudeness of the Physician, and let me not be mistaken in the sincerity of my endeavours, you shall soon perceive, that in the least flattery is most friendship, and although a sweet bit doth best please a curious palate, yet that a bitter pill is more profitable, and that plain dealing hath no fellow.  
Having thus said, he again took her by the hand, and bid her be of good cheer, but perceiving that she was insensible of what he spoke or did, he saw it was high time from the apparent cause, to bethink himself of the convenient cure; and that first of all it was necessary to use the next means for restoring her to the use of her senses, that she might come to some feeling of that deplorable estate she was then in. To which purpose he spouts into her nostrils that precious water Mnemosyne, with which the obstacles of her memory were soon cleared, and the passages of her ears unstopped, so that she might truly distinguish the sounds which she heard; and to her eyes he applied a Gnosticke Collyrium, by virtue whereof all mists vanished from her sight, so that she could plainly discern objects presented to them, as they were indeed, and not as they seemed to be: Then in a potion (as well as he could) he gave her a Cordial of sincerity for the heart, a cleaning Electuary of integrity for the Lungs, a diet drink of temperance for the Stomach, a purge of humble dejections for the belly, a cooling ointment of continence for the Loins, a pleasing salve of contentment for the hands, and a quicke-working plaster of Action for the Legs and Feet; and so to each other Malady, he proportioned a proper medicine: and now that he might further know her mind by her speech, with a sovereign water, which Alitheia, had given him, and he knew to be effectual for that purpose, he washed her tongue, and presently she perceiving, that hereby she recovered free ability of speech, neglecting to take notice of any that stood about her, in a most pitiful manner, casting her eyes towards Heaven (a hopeful sign of a perfect recovery to ensue) often lifting up her hands, and then presently with them smiting her breast, she signified in the one, the heartiness of her gratulatory and manifested her true Repentance, and the sorrowful compunctions of her heart; by the other whiles sighing, and all the while bitterly sobbing (the tears trickling down her cheeks in great abundance) the first words she spoke were, O Ens Entium miserere mei! and then turning to Veridicus in all kind and thankful manner, acknowledged the benefit she had received from him, and promised a future mindfulness, and she requested him upon his former care, not yet to leave her in that case, for fear of a relapse, and for what course was farther to be used for perfecting of the cure, she relied upon his care, and would be ruled by his advice: she bemoaned her great ingratitude towards her Omnipotent Benefactor, and preserver, whom for his many and extraordinary blessings, she had requited with multitude of deep unkindnessrs and transgressions: she bewailed her overgreat neglect of the forlorn Megala, and overmuch credit, and respect of her cruel and treacherous enemy, foreign and domestic, and therefore judged herself worthily rewarded, in seeing the distractions of her own Country; But whiles she was thus bemoaning her many calamities, the noise of drums and trumpets that sounded over all the Country, came to her ears whereby she was stricken with a new terror of fearing some danger towards, by reason of the precedent evils; but upon demanding the cause, when news was brought her, that her sister Vnita was proclaimed a rebel, she could not forbear to cry out, wring her hands, tearing her hair with other like extreme passion of dolour, and impatience, till that the prudent Viridicus was constrained to use force with entreaties to bring her to reason, and he could not but sharply reprove her weakness, that she would play the Child, and be so afraid of others harm, whiles she was not yet cured of her own, and that it was above his Art to effect what only lay in the power and will of her Prince to do: and therefore he must be sued unto, or else what he could advise would be to small effect, only his endeavour should never be wanting, and what wanted of power in him to this effect, should be supplied with the greater willingness.  
Now the truth is, that Vnita upon the report of Albania's sickness and her own discontents, under colour of a visit contrary to the will and command of her Sovereign (as was supposed) had with troops of her Countrymen, marched beyond her limits, and made way by force of Arms, into the territories of her Neighbours, and committed Acts which in their first appearance savoured of some disobedience, and gave suspicion of ill intents, not only towards Albania, but to the Sovereign of both Kingdoms; and although their promises and protestations pretend the contrary, and argue mainly for the justness of such an entry, and though (to speak charitably) we believe their minds to accord with their words, I cannot see how actions of this nature can be justifyable, except you will allow extraordinary effects, to extraordinary occasions; In consideration whereof Albania was so dismayed with her sister's presumption and oversight in offending her Lord and Master, laying herself open to manifest contempt, and hazarding the safety of her King and Religion (as she then supposed by this indiscreet attempt) and hereupon, but more especially in regard of her own estate, she entreated Veridicus (as he had before advised) that he would speedily supplicate her gracious Sovereign, in her behalf, to give way that such course might be speedily taken for the redress of the evils happened to her, and her sister Vnita; as had been always successfully used by his Majesty's predecessors, for the preventing and abolishing like mischiefs: for otherwise there would be small hopes of her absolute recovery, and if she did miscarry, his Majesty could not promise himself secure safety, upon any ground that did yet appear.  
Veridicus, as well to content the disconsolate Lady, as to discharge his own duty, which bond him to expose himself to any travail or danger for the service of his Prince and Country, takes the charge upon him, and without delay, weighing the danger of relapse in Albania, and mistrusting the purposes of discontented Vnita, prepares for the Court, from which, pity it is, he had been so long absent.  
But at his departure he wisheth Albania to dismiss some of her old attendants, and commended unto her two of her Lady's kinswomen, Agatha and Fidelia, to be near unto her, and of her Council, for they had been brought up from their Infancy with Aletheia, and had learned of her how to speak and behave themselves, and so carrying themselves according to her instructions, all things have happily succeeded, which have been committed to their trust and managing. Farther he wished her to be very wary and circumspect with whom she did treat, or participate her affairs, not to give the least bearing to any speech that relished of flattery or vain delight, nor fix her eyes steadily for any time upon the fairest▪ carnal objects the world could afford, nor give countenance to the project of any insinuating Sycophant (under the pretence of private gain) against the common good; never to murmur at her Sovereign's Prerogative, nor to question his just commands, nor be unwilling to pay his lawful impositions; not to utter any thing passionately against his Officers, or their Commission, but leave them to their competent Judges; and evermore to be frequent in her Orisons to the supreme governor of all Creatures, that he would turn all to the best, and so direct the heart of her Prince, that he would yield a gracious ear, and set a period to all her troubles: and for her own ease, he wished her to fast often, and when she was forced by the necessity of nature, to take some repast, she should be sparing in her delicates, and eat not to the glutting of her appetite, so that these ill humours, which otherwise would abound, and issued from divers parts of her body, might be abated, and the whole better prepared for convenient physic, to the recovery of her former health, without dismembering any part of the same, if possibly it might be▪ and so he left her expecting the Ladies, whom he had appointed to wait on her.  
Veridicus was at the point to be gone, but bethinking himself that the access to the King for so plain and blunt a fellow as he was, (in a time of such employment and affairs of so high consequence, whereabouts the most Honourable and wisest heads of the Kingdom were assembled, to consult and determine; and that he should come with a tale already told) would not be easily granted, nor was it fit yet, considering his promise, and that his Sovereign would not disdain to receive a petition from the meanest Subject, presented in the way of due respect and loyalty, though he proceeded not in the journey, he presumed to take pen and write his mind, in a few petitionary lines; and that they might be as graciously accepted, as they were dutifully endited, he directed them to his sacred Majesty, by the hands of two virtuous and honourable Messengers, Sophia and Sophrosyna, to this effect.  
Most high and mighty Prince, as the eternal Majesty doth not disdain to cast down an eye of favour upon the humble supplication of the Royal Potentates on Earth: so Princes that take this supreme Lord for their pattern, sometimes think it no disparagement, to reach out a gracious hand, and receive a petition from their meanest Subject. It is true, that your Majesty is a Prince, for eminency in graces and honour, fare above others of this high calling, and I am your Subject of the lower rank, called Veridicus, that love to speak the Truth: I have had my breeding in the Country, my speech is as myself, plain, and rude, without Rhetoric or other Art. And therefore it may be judged too great presumption, for a person of so mean degree and parts, to come so near as the Chamber of such Royal presence; but knowing your Highness to be good, as well as great, and having heard that your Majesty, out of the gracious temper of your mild and virtuous disposition, and inclination towards the content and welfare of all your loyal Subjects, of what degree soever, have granted free access and audience to their just and reasonable requests, it hath 'em boldened me (though the meanest) amongst other (none being so bold as the blind Bayard) to address the desires of your subject and Handmaid the dejected Albania, to your Princely consideration, hoping that the uprightness of mind shall excuse the rudeness of the delivery, and that the honesty of the matter shall beg pardon for the messenger, and where duty is intended, no misconstruction shall have place, whiles I strive to be brief, that I be not offensive.  
It is not unknown to your sacred Majesty (ill fame hath a swift pace) how that Albania of late hath been surprised with so strange and unusual maladies, that her best Doctors are almost at their wit's end, and know not what to make of the cause or cure, except your Majesty give leave that the free practice of the skilful, according to the pattern of former times, be speedily put in execution, for searching into the root, and drawing forth the ill humours, that have been the means, and are the maintenance of her distempered estate.  
But Albania, your poor distressed supplicant, is not so much cast down with the consideration of her present misery, as with the grief she conceives of your Highness' displeasure towards her, for the neglect of duty and ill services, whereof she knowing herself as guiltless in her endeavours, and desires, as her accusers are malicious, and groundless in their purposes, humbly beseecheth that she be not condemned before she be heard, and that her cause may be freely pleaded before your Majesty, in that high Court of the general Assembly, and discussed in all points fully to the end, without her adversaries interruption or disturbance.  
No Subjects of any Prince (I speak confidently, what I know to be true) ever more hearty loved their Sovereign, or more desired his Honour and safety, than Yours: Witness how glad, when there was but mention of a Parliament, wherein they might show some real expressions of their willingness; then how cast down were they, when it was so suddenly dissolved, and they mistaken; but since it hath pleased your gracious Majesty, out of your wisdom, and innate clemency, according to the example of your most Worthy Predecessors, willingly to give a happy beginning, and loving promises of a fair continuance to another Assembly, upon the earnest request of your Worthy Nobles, and the general desire of your true hearted Commons, both for the remedying of all former misconceites, and prevention of future discontents, and inconveniencies, with what an unanimous acclamation of joy, vows, wishes, hath it been received? The Almighty grant, that no factious or ill-minded spirit to the general good, may stop or break off the lawful proceed therein.  
And now, as formerly, the hope and desire of all true hearts is, that the Truth of Religion may be supported, and maintained, and whatsoever makes not with it, or is against it, (how precious soever it be in show) may be taken away; Your Majesty hath piously given your word already, and shewby your daily practice, how your affection stands inclined, and it is nothing doubted of your part, of a firm continuance, but because no good thing can be made too sure, and for the benefit of succeeding times, it may not be impertinent to confirm it by some new Act, in such manner as by this Honourable Assembly, with your Majesty's approbation, shall be thought to sort most with the glory of God, and the purity of the primitive institutions; next to the honour of God, and removing of the present grievances, a confirmation of the just Laws and Liberties of the Kingdom is desired, and in this request, that the welfare and Honour of your Majesty is included, may be easily proved, as also that those of your Subjects, which stand up so stoutly for their laws and liberties (so warrantable as they are) are not the worst well-willers to the dignity of the Crown, whiles they seek not so much their own advantages herein, as those which are contrary minded are found to do, but declare themselves impartial in their designs, and that as fast and faithful vassals, not to be carried with the change of time or fortunes, as ill counsellors, whose projects, though at the first sight seem to promise much, yet in the issue do fail commonly. I suppose your Majesty would not desire to be King of such a base and slavish-minded people, as were careless observers, or wilful neglecters of those just Ordinances and Privileges, under which the Kingdom hath been so long time happy and prosperous: for as those Princes are accounted Tyrants, that rule only by compulsion of the Subjects against the Laws, so may those Subjects be esteemed no better than Asses that bear any burden is laid upon their backs, it is much to be suspected, that such as love innovations, and attempt change of government, may by the same reason be drawn in time to dislike of the Governors themselves. When we are in a good and sure way, it is safe keeping in it, for those bypaths which we conceive to be nearer, are hard to find, and more dangerous; and the policy is neither commendable nor profitable, to learn the hurt of ill counsel by experience. Now the way to maintain the King's Prerogative, (the greatest Prerogative of a King, is the preserving of his Justice) and to keep on foot the Liberties of his Subjects, is by that general Council (as now by your Majesty's gracious favour happily met together) of the whole Land presented in some particulars for that end, and that this hath been the readiest way of providing convenient supplies for the Prince's occasions, and necessities, for redressing the Country's grievances, and punishments of capital Offenders; neither can there be any other means devised, whereby to levy greater sums of money for the Kings use more speedily, or with like cheerfulness, and in such manner, that no person shall have just cause to complain, or be so impoverished, but upon another occasion shall be able and willing to give again, whereas (whatsoever others project or persuade to the contrary) taxes and impositions enforced on the Subject in an extraordinary manner, and way, are (experience too well showeth it) unwillingly, and but in part, with a great deal of murmur and grudging from those which are least able to bear extorted. For there is not the least Worm, but being trodden upon will turn tail, though he may not, nor dare make resistance; and every man in a common tumult will seek to shift his Choler, and the weaker must of necessity go to the Wall, and men (when they are driven to extremities) will be swayed more by passion then reason, and there is hard reclaiming of affection by force, when it is once alienated. Whereupon the common enemy taking, or making occasions, will cast in his hook, and fish in those troubled waters: all which this general Assembly may happily prevent, whereby the heart of the Prince and peopleunited in the adamantine links of reciprocal affection, things hereafter will go on in so fair and loving manner, that each part shall hold itself well satisfied, and no privy traitor, or open adversary whatsoever dare to practise against such combined forces. And this, most excellent Prince, is the main end that draws all true hearts upon their knees, to beg of your Highness, that as you have honoured this Assembly of your subjects with a happy beginning, and proffer of much favour, by the encouragement of your gracious presence, and promises; so you would be pleased (notwithstanding the importunities of any opposition) to give it the rights appertaining to the same, and suffer it to have such a peaceable progress, that your subject may be able to express the true intention of his desire, and manifest the sincere affection of his heart, in willingly performing what shall most stand with your Majesty's Honour, and safety of the Kingdom.  
But if under the pretext of loyalty (which cannot be imagined in hearts of such unstained Religion) there were harboured in any of this Assembly a desire to bring innovations into Church or Commonwealth, if they did seek to derogate any thing from your Majesty's honour, or just prerogative, to advance their own liberties by exemptions from their ancient deuce, or to bring in, or allow of any other kind of government, and authority, Civil, or Ecclesiastical, that might countercheck, or diminish from the Royal dignity of the Crown; if they did seek to monopolise any commodity for their particular advantage, had any project that did aim at any private end, and not concur with the good of the general State; if their grievances were feigned, or pretended, which they could not manifestly prove, or were not too sensible of, could they pitch upon any other course or way, whereby your Majesty's desires might be satisfied, wants supplied, and their grievances eased, neither the sorrowful Albania, true meaning Veridicus, or any other subject, that had the least spark of reason, or were well in his wits, would at this time insist in any needless, and unjust petition, to so Gracious Majesty, and rejoice to have induced the means of his Country's misery, together with the certain ruin of himself, and his posterity.  
But when is shall be proved to be otherwise, how much are they in blame, and what enemies to the State (I would sad experience did not witness it) which imputing the fault where is none, have been the hindrance of the proceed, and causes of the late dissolutions of this Assembly, whereby their actions might not be brought in question (a child may tumble a stone into a well, which a multitude of strong men shall hardly be able to draw out) and thereupon the opportunities of preventing the dangers, and expenses, which have since followed, have been omitted with other inconveniences, so fast coming on, that your Majesty is, as it were, now enforced upon this course, in much strictness of time, and turbulency of business, that the wisest under stand tremble to think what will be the issue, if this assembly have no better success than formerly: In the mean while, if such mean well as are suspected of this notorious injury done to their King & State (I can accuse none; but sure there cannot be smoke without fire) me thinks they of all other should desire the trial of a Parliament, that so they may be cleared from these foul aspersions, and their innocence manifested by a more general vote, and their accusers censured; and upon this ground was that worthy resolution of Leonissa observable, that if any man complained unjustly against a Magistrate, it were reason he should be severely punished; if justly, she was Queen of the small, as well as of the great: and hereby also shall the true authors be the sooner discouraged; and for example, receive their condign punishment, who although in way of excuse, may pretend your Highness' allowance for their do, yet while they principally sought the accomplishment of their own designs, with the dishonour of their Prince, and those (it is a mixime in Policy) that respect not their Prince's honour, cannot be well said to love his person, their actions can no way be justifiable, since those favourites that turn Apostates to due obedience, and abuse a favour afforded to them, to the injury of the Giver, do too much undervalue their Prince, and are of all ungrateful persons the worst, and deserve the highest of punishments. And by the discovery of these offenders your Majesty shall reap a double benefit. First, a freedom from ill counsel, and practices, with the gain of sounder hearts and advices. Secondly, a reunion of your subjects hearts and affections: to which for your Majesty's safety, the devises of all the Projectors in the world are nothing comparable; and in this regard the desire of a learned, & valiant Prince in his time was no less truly royal, than memorable, in that he had rather be master of his subjects hearts, than their goods; and Lord of their affections, rather than a Conqueror of his enemy's dominions: and besides this, your Majesty shall assure all doubting spirits, that you are more led in your resolutions by judgement than passion: and that you can make use of ill instruments no farther than to work out good effects by them: that your favour is swayed according to desert, that your deeds shall be effectual, as your promise hath been gracious, and hereby their gross stupidity, to the dispiriting, and terror of other like as thought to manage all the affairs of the State with such an high, and absolute hand, and in the mean time to dance in a net, undescryed, unpunished, shall more plainly appear, and the difference will be made evident betwixt such as counsel for their own ends, and relations, and others that do it merely out of duty, without other respects. Now what farther benefit will accrue to the Kingdom by demonstration of your Majesty's regard to the love and desires of your people's request, and how your Highness' prerogative can be no ways abridged, your Exchequer more plentifully furnished, your honourable intentions according to your own expectation accomplished, your friends and wellwishers comforted, your enemies, domestic, and foreign discouraged, time will shortly bring to light with most infallible evidences.  
But I fear in so fare pressing my message, I have forgot to whom I speak, and the person I was to represent, the distress of Albania (dread Sovereign) hath caused this excess of speech, wherein if I have been impertinent in any extravagances, or too tedious with needless tautologies, I hope your Majesty will graciously pardon these errors of love & duty, and your humble vassal shall ever pray for the prosperity of your long and peaceable Reign on earth, the enjoyment and felicity of an endless Reign in Heaven: both which he that is only able, the Lord Almighty, for his Son's sake grant unto you for his Glory, the Churches good, and your Majesty's eternal comfort.  
Veridieus having in this free manner delivered the desires of Albania to her Sovereign, thought she would not be satisfied, except her sister Vnita, were somewhat expostulated with by him, concerning her arrival at this time, and in such manner: but understanding her desire was not to treat with, or deliver the intentions of her mind to any but the general assembly, he saw his labour would be needless; yet howsoever, whiles he had pen and paper at hand, he wrote to her, and her associates briefly and plainly to this effect.  
Unconquered Vnita, and ye my brethren of the North (for so I may now presume to call you) what a joy to all true hearts is it to find, that the report of sinister affections towards the common good is found a liar; and that your intentions are hit herto justified by your loyalty, and fidelity towards the safety of your Prince, and the welfare of both Kingdoms? the enemies whereof, as they have showed their selves malicious, so much more treacherous in their designs, than they could with all their inventions impute to others by any of their forged calumniations. Good Lord! what a plot of mischief had they hammered out upon the anvil of their subtle devises to make us to misunderstand, and misconstrue each others words and actions? so that if the never failing mercy of God had not in the very moment of danger interposed it self to the preventing of what was intended, we had barbarously sheathed our swords in each others bosoms, and bathed them in the blood of our nearest friends, to the unspeakable grief of Verana, and long expected joy of Idolana.  
Alas it was fare from the thought of Albania, ever to conceive that her sister Vnita would presume to come near the presence of her Sovereign with a petition in one hand, and a sword in the other, without the extreme necessity of his Majesty, and his Kingdoms good enforcing it: neither could she believe that Vnita sought to have the person of their joint Liege under her absolute power, that his word might be wholly at her command: neither could she endure to hear with patience, that she would prove so unjust, as to covet some place of abode for her greater ease in her sister's possessions: but she is yet confident, and always hath been of the mind, that whereas she hath surprised Towns and Castles, fortified them with strong defences, it is more for the security of her retreat in safety, than for any enjoyment after her just desires are satisfied: neither can Albania any ways blame her demand of reparations for the wrongs and injuries she hath sustained, against those that have been the main cause thereof, as being now discovered to be the sole incentives of all the troubles in Church and Commonwealth, that have unhappily of late, fallen out to the disturbance of the blessed Island in both Kingdoms; How feign would they have caused the abused parties to fasten upon this belief, that Vnita by taking up arms, and coming in this warlike manner (since by their cruel plots there was no other way left open for admittance) had manifested an open rebellion against her Prince? whiles the event hath hitherto published, that her prime accusers have been the great offenders, by whose wicked contrivances, both Albania & Vnita were for a time hood-winked; and by a way, which they least suspected or dreamt, alike endangered to have fall'n headlong into an inevitable ruin of life, estate, religion, and all together.  
A cunning devil, thus to turn Angel of light, and under the colour of religion and justice, politicly to undermine the state of the Church, and the liberty of the subject, by its own means, and instruments, to betray the Court with insinuations of new projects, to defile the Temple with superstitious ceremonies, and the pulpit with new doctrines, and strange opinions, to breed jealousies betwixt a most loving Prince, and his loyal people, by breach of Parliaments, and perverting of justice: and having thus put all things into a general confusion (like the fish Sepia that blacks the water to blind the fisherman) to think to escape undiscerned, unavoided: But thanks to the Almighty, through his providence the net is broken, and we are delivered; it is through his great mercy, and not our foresight, that the common enemy (who stood waiting when the mine for our destruction would be fired, that he might have blown the coals to maintain the flames of a misconceived division) cannot yet by any secret or open stratagem of his, take advantage to do that harm he would, and hath long wished.  
Had the imagination of these wrongs to Albania been grounded upon mere suspicions, and no certain evidences, and lamentable experiences: or had there been cause to mistrust so much injustice and ambition in Vnita, under the pretext of right, to promote some private ends, could any man be so partial in his judgement, or senseless to think that the one would have taken up such bitter complaints, or the other thought to have wrought out her purposes by force of arms, and open violence against her sister (besides her other strength) assisted with a right cause, and so powerful a Sovereign; and suppose she might contest so fare with her in an unjust way, as to gain a victory or two upon great advantages, (the divine jnstice for our sins permitting her to take such a foil) yet Vnita could not be so ignorant in the mean while, as not to conceive her own extreme danger in one overthrow, which in this cause were most likely to fall out, and that in the upshot it had been fare better (it was well thought upon by an experienced Captain of his time) never to have fought, than thus to overcome; when besides the rebelling against her Sovereign, the wronging her dearest friends, to the infamy of her name, there must needs have followed the overthrow of her estate, life, and liberty, with an exposing of her posterity, friends, and religion itself, to the mercy of the common adversary, with the general damage to all the reformed Churches in Verana.  
And therefore truly they must be very malicious, and traitorously minded, that would go about to persuade, and Albania should be very simple to be persuaded of any such intents, or purposes of her sister thus towards her, who had she professed herself an enemy, had offered injuries and affronts beyond sufferance (God forbidden our sins should by any enemy's practices come to that height, or that neighbours, speakers of one language, subjects of one Sovereign, and professors of the same true religion, should so much forget themselves) yet it cannot enter into my thoughts, that Vnita would presently thrust herself into such a course of revenge, as thereby to bring her Country to utter desolation, and poverty, and subjugate her neck and liberties under the command of any foreign, or Idolatrous tyranny.  
But why mention I such impossibilities? O blind spirited Idolanist, and Machiavilian politic, that loves ever to be making of troubled waters, and fishing in them, what old fetches are these of thine, out of the treasury of thy Regicidian Fathers, and Counsellors, to raise jealousies, break amities, if ●● might be, betwixt all relations, smother truths, palliate falsehoods, to bring thy pernicious designs to those effects (how prejudicial soever) for which they were intended; but yet most foolish, unadvised, and desperate wretch, not to understand and learn, (by so many examples of the strange discovery, and just punishment of treacherous intendments against Princes and Religion in all ages) the certain misery and woeful ruin thou throwest thyself into, whiles God looks on these thy actions with an eye of revenging justice, the Angels with disdain, the devil with laughter, and all good men with just indignation! Go on thus to merit, thus to supererogate; A traitor's reward, will be always a traitors concomitant; like offences will require like punishments. I could never yet read, or hear of any traitors, but have been recompensed with hatred by their chief abetters: some Princes may be so unjust as to love the treason which maketh for their ends, but none have been so bad, either long to trust or love the traitors: and what reason have they to esteem such brutish and base spirited minds, as to attain a little transitory honour or pelf, will venture their souls, life, wit, understanding, goods, and what else they have, or hold dear, to betray their Prince and Country, unto the cruelty of their ancient, and bloody minded enemy? O how much is every loyal heart distasted with the thought of such a mischievous brood amongst a people of so much civility, religion and unstained nobility? Let Vnita pardon and bear with this passion to which my love and zeal for her welfare hath so fare transported me.  
And (to conclude) my hope is that I am not deceived of her well-like wish, and real intentions of good towards Albania, for the strengthening of their joint forces against the common enemy, and inseparable uniting of their hearts in a mutual affection betwixt themselves with a respectful duty towards God, and their Prince, in the purest manner of worship towards the one, and duest kind of obedience towards the other: and therefore my desire is, that both parties should hereafter meet rather to embrace than to stand in arms, much less to fight each against other; but jointly set upon their Sovereign with the weapons of prayers and tears; but upon his enemies, and the enemies of his allies with the sword and musket; and in the mean time to be importunate with the Almighty, so to direct the heart of the King, and bless the proceed of the Parliaments in both Kingdoms, that all discontents, and grievances on each side be removed, God glorified, the King satisfied, the good Subject pleased, and the bad punished, his enemies with those of the sword and musket: and our joint desire and expectation henceforth shall rest in this, that God will so direct the heart of the King, and bless the proceed of this Honourable▪ Assembly, that all discontents, and grievances on each side, shall be happily removed, and a time shortly follow for the manifest discovery, and just punishment of such as have been the disturbers of the peace, and quiet of both the Kingdoms; and the Almighty preserve us in this mind without faltering or dissimulation to promote those actions only which may tend to the maintenance, and increase of his Glory, in all our counsels and erterprises.  
By this time Veridicus imagining he had in some part discharged the office of a wellwisher, and impartial friend to Vnita, and her well minded Countrymen (howsoever by some malevolent spirits, it might be slighted, or not well accepted) sealed his letter, and sent it away, by an old servant of his, named Plerophoros. And hereupon returning to see how it went with his languishing patient, and to acquaint her with what he had done; in the way it was his chance to meet with Calopolites, an old acquaintance of his, and one that was chosen to be of the number of the general Council that was newly assembled in the behalf of Albania, and some necessary occurrences that much concerned her, and her sister Vnita, and therefore was so well imformed how the case stood betwixt them, that Veridicus needed not to make any new relation: to whom (though he were in some haste by reason of the weight and multitude of business that did require presence) the plain old man imparted, what came into his his mind for the present, though briefly, yet with tokens of some zealous earnestness.  
O Calopolites, I know you to be understanding, and honest, (as your name imports) and that these two virtues are very requisite for the charge you have undertaken, whereby you need not be instructed in what concerns your duty therein: yet give me leave to express what is expected of your friends, and acquaintance, that you would be especially mindful of what shall tend to the benefit of the Church, and the Glory of God, first by carefully heeding to the secret plots, and undermine of Idolana, for the excrease of Superstition, and Idolatry: secondly, by timely suppressing that Luciferian pride of such new Dogmatilts, as would intrude themselves into the Eternal throne, and dispute of the extent, and manner of the divine secrets by Election and Reprobation; and question the equity of God's Justice in its proceed according to humane reason, by loving one and hating another before either good or evil was committed by either of them; and murmur secretly, that his creatures are in his hands, as the clay in those of the Potter, to make some vessels of honour, others of dishonour, according to his good will and pleasure in all things. Moreover, they would have you to consider how grievously Albania suffers in her Estate, by the extortion of the Usurer, and griping officer, by pride in the excess of apparel, by gluttony, and idleness, through the multitude of Inns, Taverns, and Gaming house's: But I will not stay you longer with the inconveniences that grow from hence: you better can conceive of them, and apply fitting remedies: only let me desire you that since the besom is put into your hands by his Majesty's free bounty, that you would neglect no time, but be courageous (false fires and noises, are bugbears only to affright children) and having cleansed the trash that lies in open view upon the floor, you would ransack every little corner of this great house, and sweep down the spiders with their cobwebs of treachery and oppression from each window therein, plucking down the nests of all swallow flatterers, from the top of ehe chimneys, and casting all the filth out of doors, shut them so fast, and lock them so sure, that no false key may be able to give admittance hereafter to any that would enter to defile these rooms again.  
Thus ended Veridicus, and Calopolites promised to be mindful of what he had said, and so they lovingly parted, one to the Assembly, & the other to Albania, whom at his coming he found walking in her chamber, and his Lady Aletheia with her two kinswomen Agatha, and Fidelia in her company, by whom she had been much comforted. But when Veridicus (after due salutations to each of them) had acquainted her with what was past, and of the hopeful proceed in the Parliament, and the consideration of her cause, she was beyond measure cheered with the pleasing news.  
But Alethei● the mean while was schooling Agnoa a simple seduced virgin, which in her journey towards Idolana (by good chance mistaking the way) fell upon this place and company, and liked them so well, that she had no mind, seeing the times begin to alter (so hot was her zeal) to travel farther, but desired to be entertained for some time in the house, and service of Albania. But Agnoa, (said the Lady) are you so taken up with this fond conceit, to find more holiness in Idolana, than in your own Country? Do you think it any way commendable to take such a long and dangerous journey, to kiss the foot of a proud Prelate (if that favour may be granted) and receive the benediction from a man of many infirmities? Silly girl! that canst be persuaded to call him thy Holy Father, who neither careth for God nor man: for he thrusts himself into the seat of the one, and excommunicateth, and deposeth the other, of what degree soever. If he did fear God, he would not so derogate from his honour, and attribute so much to nature, Saints, Merits; He would not persecute his servants under the name of Heretics, for opposing his pride, and avarice, imputing such errors of doctrine to them, as they neither acknowledge, but profess the contrary, only to colour his actions, and bring them into hatred with those too credulous ignorants, whose belief is only fastened upon his elbows. But what means it to say the Athanasian Creed hath as much in it as is necessary to be believed, and yet to condemn those of Heresy, whose Creed with that of Athanasius is all one? But truly he doth not so much oppose their tenets, as defend his own errors. It is not so much for any untruth of that they believe, as that with their Articles of Faith, according to God's Word, they receive not alike his traditions (additions) withal, that they are condemned for Heretics. Now see the equity of the man, and hereby consider the holiness of your father, humble man, servant of servants, with a triple Crown, and Princes for his lackeys, riding in all pomp, or carried upon men's shoulders. chaste Priest, making marriage a Sacrament, but holding it less sin for a shaveling to lie with a concubine, than to wed a wife▪ What should I mention the toleration, and yearly rend of his public stews, or of the continency of his Votaries, and how salacious in their Covents, witness so many skulls, and relics of murdered infants. Religious Votary, that hast left the world for a cloister, and renounced the riches thereof to sell Indulgences, grant Dispensations, give Orders, and Titles, free souls out of a feigned Purgatory for mere charity, (for Omnia venalia Rome, was the saying of old) yea to allot so many years of pardon before the sins are committed! Temperate Saint, who countest it a true fast to abstain from flesh, and the mean while to feast, and surfeit on greater delicates! Holy Massmonger, that speakest untruths in an unknown language to the ignorant people, who coming to see what is spoken, and as little understanding what they see, worship they know not what! But good Lord! what monsters doth he make of thy Saints? How many heads, arms, legs, and other members have they to be worshipped? how many garments? how many pieces of the holy Cross? how many nails doth he suffer to be adored? what abundance of milk had the Virgin Mary to be reserved unto these times, for the increase of Idolana●s treasury? what an extraordinary work of piety for the Angels to transport her palace from Jerusalem to Loretto? Christian policy, to get what huge sums of money, by this or other lying Miracles: But how many Ladies are there? whilst one hath her name from this Church, another from that? what strange Saints doth the Pope make? (and he can canonize so many as he pleaseth) some of traitors, some of such as were persecutors of good men, and some of shadows, coined in the Idea of his imagination, and well suspected never to have been more, than by the fabulous report of foolish Legends, which are commonly repeated in the Sermons of the Friars, to withdraw the memories, and minds of their hearers from the love of the sacred Oracles. But to hear what blasphemies, and absurdities are contained therein, any modest ear would blush, and the Reader that made conscience of truth, would be altogether ashamed. But why stir I this filthy puddle? what doth not this pretended undertaker to manage all things in heaven & earth presume? He can make of a creature a God, as of bread in the Sacrament of the Eucharist by the virtue of Transubstantiation: He can make God as a creature, by turning the glory of God into the similitude of a corruptible creature. This Agnoa is thy holy Father, so omnipotent, and so rare a wonder worker. And I am not so much ashamed of thy gross ignorance (that may well be called the mother of such devotion) but of great Potentates and worldly wise politicians (so well do carnal doctrines agree with great wealth, and projects) that love to be blindfolded, and stumble in the dark in such a Sunshine of the Gospel, and light of the truth, as shines round about them▪ and yet they (as that silly old woman in Seneca, though she were stark blind, would not be persuaded that she could see nothing was caused only by the darkness of the room, and no defect of her eyesight) will make no question but that they only are in the right, and will maintain the infallibility of their supreme guider, and defend with tooth and nail, lies and wonders, treasons and murders, by clipping of Orthodox truths with an Index expurgato●ius, or harsh censure, and clapping in forged inventions, and manifest falsehoods into many of those learned Author's works, and treasure them up in the Archives of their Babylonish Vatican▪ that (according to the belief, and after the manner of their forefathers) they as the true Catholics of Verana, are only within the pales of the Church, and that all such as are otherwise minded are capital heretics, and worthy by sword and fire to be rooted out from the face of the earth, and the society of mankind. But thanks be to the Almighty that takes our part, so that (rage how they will) we shall never be left wholly to their power, although for our sins they may prove sometimes (as the Canaanites to the children of Israel in those times) thorns to our sides▪ It shall be for a trial to bring us to repentance, and cause us to stick more near unto our God, whom whilst we only serve will against all enemies tempopall or spiritual mightily defend us: but those which in this manner strive against him, are worthy in my judgement (I am not so uncharitable to have them drowned, and so to perish body and soul) to be set up to the chin in the mad man's pool, till they come to see their folly, and be capable of some recovery: and thus Agnoa (said thee) must you be dealt with, if you mean to stay here, or shortly resolve to recant your errors without delay, and declare your mind plainly without any equivocation▪ or mental reservation. Agnoa, who was (as it seems) of a very flexible disposition, and somewhat easy to be wrought upon, as having neither Sophistry, nor subtle distinctions, to set a fair colour upon a foul matter, nor impudency flatly to deny, or contradict those apparent truths, which Aletheia had delivered; and being out of the sight, and advise of any Erra Pater, that might dissuade her, promised to be ruled by their counsel.  
When Astene, one of Albania's faithful servants, and that was very careful of her Mistress' welfare, and guilty of nothing so much (if tenderness of conscience in things indifferent be an error) as of too nice restraint of Christian liberty, when she saw that Agnoa, whose breeding and condition did so much differ from hers, was like to be admitted for a fellow servant, she could not brook it upon any terms, and was about in a passionate way, to show some tokens of her displeasure, but that Aletheia (who well knew her nature) perceiving, and much misliking, by the way of prevention first began.  
Astene (said she) you need not be so much troubled (as by your countenance appears) in that we have condescended to the request of Agnoa, wherein we do neither approve, nor mean to bear with her ignorance and error; but hoping some good may be wrought upon her by reclaiming her from her wrong opinion, and instructing her in the knowledge of the truth, I am sure you cannot be so much her enemy as to begrudge her the one, nor so uncharitable, as not to join your helping hand with ours in the other. Let not her simpleness cause in you either disdain, or contempt, and consider that no one can presume to know so much, but that there is a great deal more to learn, neither need you be ashamed in somethings to be better informed. I confess you are very zealous in your profession, and (I believe) without dissimulation (and there cannot be too much zeal in matters that concern immediately the glory of God) but in some cause's zeal must be moderated with discretion, when a circumstance may be used or not; and the worship of God no ways lessened, or the more furthered thereby;▪ in which respect Obedience is better than Sacrifice. Bear you with Agnoa's infirmities, as those which are stronger bear with your weaknesses. Consider, we hate no one's person, but their ill qualities; and we judge 〈◊〉 to be so bad, as to deny him our prayers, and endeavours for his amendment. His obstinacy (when there is occasion) shall not diminish our charity. We do not detest Idolana so much, as not to desire, or be glad of her reformation in Doctrine and Manners. We depart only from her corruptions, as she is departed from the purer times, and Primitive Doctors. We go no further from the falsehood of her traditions, but as we may come nearer to the truth of God's Word. I wish her Doctrine were as consonant unto ours, as ours is to the Scriptures, and so agreeing with Us in Ceremonies, as we are different from it in superstitions. We do not any good we do the more as in opposition to her, but because it is commanded: and do not take the contrary of her actions to be the best rule to square our devotions. Wherein she errs not from the truth, we may not descent from her. Who would hate the good conditions of any man for the rest of the bad qualities in him? Who would fast the rather, or eat f●sh only upon Fridays, if the Papist should eat nothing but flesh that day? or who would make invitations the sooner upon those days designed by our adversaries to abstinence? Or, what Minister of the Gospel would be the less scrupulous to say his Service in white, if he did know a Priest of Idolana without Cope or other like Vestment to say his Mass in black? What hindrances are decent garments, and gestures of the body to the devotions of the heart? whilst I pray with understanding, hear for my edification, worship, and give thanks in spirit and truth? The habit may present itself to my eyes, it is the Doctrine shall go to mine heart. Outward shows and ceremonies, have their external respects, and serve as handmaids to wait on, and not to sit down with Religion their Mistress. Now for these acts of indifferency, shall not I do what is good and commendable, because the ill minded abuse the same act to Will-worship and Superstition? The Heathens of old had their Altars, Sacrifices, Temples, Priests. Did therefore the patriarchs, or God's people of those ages abstain from the worshipping of God by Sacrifices upon Altars by prayers, and invocations in Temples, by their Priests: But as we may not leave the use of any lawful thing for the abuse▪ of it, so we may use a good thing in the same manner the wicked doth without offence, nay we should offend if we did do it otherwise. And therefore if any Papist make his Prayer to God only in the name of Christ, I may not pray otherwise. As fare in his Creed as he goeth with the Word of God, and Orthodox consent, I am to go hand in hand with him. Nay if the devil himself confess Christ to be the Son of God, my confession therefore must not be otherwise. Perchance you are afraid by yielding obedience to these indifferent ceremonies in respect of Religion you shall give offence to a weak Christian. But is it convenient that to fancy one you should displease a multitude, or for fear of offending the Subject, care not to disobey the command of your Magistrate? Shall not I bow or kneel to God in the performance of holy duties, for fear lest I give suspicion of Idolatry, because the Heathens use this gesture in their Idolatrous adorations? Shall I not look towards the East when I pray, because the Pagans worship the rising of the Sun with their faces t●rned that way? nor to the West for fear of Judaisme? to the North, lest I seem to respect the witches of Biarmia? nor to the South, lest I be thought to favour the imposture of Mahomet? Which way then shall I turn mine eyes when I worship? God sees every where, his eyes are upon all the quarters of the world alike. What disorder, Astene, would there be in Religion, to teach and allow obedience unto Princes, and yet reserve a liberty to ourselves of infringing his equal Laws, and make ceremonies to be of the substance of Religion by denying an indifferency in them; whilst they trench not upon the rights of our belief, nor against good order, either in quantity or quality? Suppose the same, as I said before, to be used by Idolaters, yet was Asa and other Kings of Israel commended for pious: neither did the Prophets forsake their country or charges, although the high places were not taken away with the abuses presently. O Astene, disdain not the Church for her spots. Stumble not at straws to the grief and disturbance of Christian peace. If your own Conscience cannot yet persuade you of the truth of these things, seek not to be master of another's liberty, nor forsake not the society of the Church, where there is agreement in the chief materials for mere circumstances and forms. And where find you any precise Text for standing more than kneeling, or for wearing of a black coat rather than a white surplice. In these things it is not good to be overwise: and if any will be contentious (saith not the least of the Apostles) we have no such custom, nor the Churches of God. Be not so curious whilst you view the Threshold, to neglect the inside of the Temple: and whilst you quarrel at what seems wanting, you become ingrateful for what you have. Be thankful for the free enjoyment of the means of salvation in the Word truly preached, and Sacraments duly administered. Hereabout spend thy thoughts, employ thy meditations, & accordingly bend all thy endeavours, & practices. Leave the government of the several Churches to their own Magistrates, to whom it appertains. Stick not at names and degrees of authority in the Ministry, according to the eminency of their gifts, and the bounty of their superiors. If some be Doctors, other Pastors, and Teachers, of a meaner rank; if some be as Elders to rule and oversee, others but as Deacons and Ministers, to be set on work in the Lord's vineyard; all are but servants alike to their great Master, who doth employ them, and must pay them their wages. A Bishop, and every Minister have different respects in their functions concerning the Ceremonies, not the Doctrine of the Church: If they have any dignity above their fellow Ambassadors, they have the greater charge imposed upon them, and they exercise not Lordship over the Church, but as brethren rule with all humbleness and integrity. And as their places are greater, their life and conversation is more illustrious: for they are as lights set upon the top of the hill, that they may be seen farthest; they are as ears and eyes, which members are placed in the highest part of the body, because they are of chiefest use in the same. If they be not rightly qualified, as they ought, nor discharge the trust committed unto them, as they should, their title, and dignity will be more for their condemnation, than their excuse, and when the time of account cometh, that every man shall receive wages according to his work, their candles shall be put out: when others that have been more diligent and faithful in the employment of their talents to their Master's best advantage, for five shall receive ten; and in them the prediction of the Prophet shall be truly accomplished, They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, shall shine as the Stars for ever and ever.  
Now Astene, I have been the longer in my speech, not to divert, but to direct thy zeal. and I must needs commend this in thee, that thou art not lukewarm in thy profession: but I hope thou art not so much conceited of any perfection in thy ways, as that thou needest not information: nor of so little charity to construe these instructions in the worst sense, as to be swayed more by the custom of the times, than the validity of truth and reason.  
Aletheia had scarce ended, when Neophytes (who was there attendant, and desired to be retained for a Chapplaine to Albania) saw that Astene was thus reproved, who had so often taken exceptions (and not without cause) to some wild courses of his, and that she could not well reply to the reasons of Aletheia without cavil, or impertinency, could not refrain from smiling, and withal to upbraid the modest virgin (which he of all others had lest reason to do) with the strictness of her opinion; and now over straight laced Astene, says he, you that are so precise, and such a Puritan, have you nothing to say in the defence of your own cause, and yet presume to be an instructor of others? But when Aletheia perceived that Astene was much abashed at his reproof, and that he triumphed upon her weakness, not for any love to the truth, but the more to bolster up his own looseness, Fie Neophytes (said she) I am ashamed that a man of your profession and parts should be thus light in your actions, and uncircumspect in your speeches. I see you do not consider the dignity of your calling, nor the duty of your charge; the one doth require more gravity in your carriage, the other more charity in your words. Ministers cannot be too cautious in their speeches, and should be as children and lambs without offence. A jest or scurrilous word towards the meanest of your brethren, should be as fare from your tongues, as malice from your heart. It is more uncouth (said one well) to see a Minister wanton, or light in discourse, or behaviour, than it was for Socrates to ride upon a stick with children, or for old grave Cato to learn to fiddle. If Astene have offended (and her offence is the more pardonable, because not wilful) it should be your part to pity her weakness, not to make sport of it; and seek to inform her judgement better, by mild and loving admonitions, rather than to grieve her, or make her any way contemptible by your scorn. But why tell I these things to you that know them so well, and teach them to others? But here Agnoa, who all this while had been very attentive to what was spoken, could be no longer silent. The truth is (said she) the common report is such in Idolana, that the Preachers in Verana have as many Beliefs as Sects, and almost as many Sects as heads, so that every year they coin some new point of Doctrine, and their Ministers, which are the setters abroach, and teachers thereof, do least of all believe what they teach, for the most part are so licentious in their lives, and given to their ease and liberty, that it cannot be thought that they think that to be true in their hearts, which they speak with their tongues. And this is the cause that many in Idolana are deterred from consenting with you in opinion, or of joining with you in practice. Stay▪ Agnoa, not too fast, said Aletheia, the worst spoke in the wheel creaks first: you are too credulous of reports, as of other your superstitions: and where you have the least hint of any thing to work upon, you will make of mole hills mountains. I cannot excuse the courses, nor conditions of many in Verana, that by the manner of their living lay themselves open to censure and scandal. There is no Pomegranate wherein there may not be some grains rotten, but what is this to the sound fruit? But if you will be impartial, and look upon the manners of the Priests, and fraternities of most orders in Idolana, you shall find them fare to transcend in number, and nature the worst of ours, and in some sort to justify their actions: but the corruption of manners (that they say and do not) doth not proceed from the purity of Doctrine in any professors, nor the more prove it, I speak not this to extenuate the faults of our Ministers, or to aggravate those of the Priests in Idolana. Where there is corn, there will be some tares in all fields; and for the diversity of Sects, that are imputed to the disgrace of Verana, whilst our differences are about matters of circumstance, and not of substance, let the scandal return from whence it came, and Idolana keep it home to herself; whilst her Doctrines are as many as her errors, and her errors so many, that it would require more time than I mean to afford in counting the least part of them.  
But Neophytes (said she) I would nevertheless have you to be very careful of your ways, to be in no wise Cynical, or surly in your carriage towards the meanest; that you give no just cause to the enemy to speak ill of the truth by means of your conversation. Nor you, Astene, to wrangle so much about a ceremony, that the Doctrine be ill spoken of by your wilful opposition. And I would have both prefer the Glory of God, and the general good of the Church before any private pleasure or respects: and so fare condescend to comply with each others weakness, as God be not dishonoured, nor the parcel of truth betrayed to the obloquy of the common enemy. And think not Neophytes, that I usurp this liberty of speech to disparage your worth or calling: I know it is the most honourable of all others, and they that employ themselves diligently therein are worthy of double honour. You are, (if rightly qualified) the Ambassadors of the most High God, and King of Kings, and cannot be ignorant what care and circumspection there is required of Ambassadors in their words and behaviour, lest they be disrespected for the one, and their judgement questioned for the other. You are termed the Lights of the Word, and your light must not be hidden under a bushel, but so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your heavenly Father. Your light must be clear as burning, for the candle must be set on a candlestick, and not have too much snuff in it. You are called the salt of the earth, and therefore aught to be seasoned with ability of knowledge to teach, with holiness of life to give example, that you may be profitable to the Church, both by Doctrine and Conversation. You are named Shepherds, to lead your flock in the right way, and to feed them in the best pastures. You are Gods husbandmen to dress his vineyard, to work in his harvest; (the harvest is great, the labourers are few) your time is but short, your diligence must be the more in your study, in the Church, in visiting the sick, and in all other practices of Piety, and Charity, that come within the compass, and verge of your charge. But beware especially of Covetousness, and seek more the gain of your people's souls to God, than of their goods to yourselves. If they be forgetful of their duties, be not you therefore of yours. Be not transported with passion, and no unseemly, or uncharitable surmises in your Doctrine, nor consume your precious time in invectives against the persons of any, or in disquisition of impertinent truths, new opinions, school quirks, or needless controversies: but let the end of your calling always have the chief place in your thoughts, and endeavours. And when you are in the Pulpit, you must have a grounded assurance for what you deliver: I would have you strive to speak to the understanding of the Auditory, rather than to show the strength of your understanding: to deliver such matter as may be more for their edification, than your own applause: may more benefit the heart, than fancy the ear, and show that you seek more to profit, than to please. So whilst you strive to glorify God, and do good to his Church, you shall find your reward to be great, and your pains at last throughly recompensed: and therefore Neophytes, I hope you will take this advice in good part, and though you know better, what belongs to the discharge of your office (I should count him an unworthy Minister, that is ignorant of that which he hath undertaken) it cannot be displeasing unto you to be put in mind thereof, and to see what a friend thinks of it. I could say more, but you are of understanding to conceive what I would by the premises: and I could say no less, such is the love and esteem I bear towards the increase of religion, and honour of the Church.  
But no sooner had Aletheia concluded this speech, when the noise of the people (hearing of some hopes of Albania's recovery) that were come together to visit her, was so great, and their desire so earnest to see their Lady on foot, whose health did so much concern the safety of their estate, that Albania must of necessity present herself to the sight of all, and therefore she (glad Lady) descending into the great Hall, where they waited her coming, and having received their presents in sign of gratulation, she lovingly thanked them all; and after a short exhortation to them to continue in love and amity amongst themselves, she dismissed them with great content: but a few of the better sort she caused to stay, and led them up to the Chamber where Aletheia was, to whose knowledge and acquaintance she presented and commended them, as some of her sincere friends, and true wellwishers.  
Aletheia who could soon dive into the disposition of each nature, and knew how to accost each sort with a due respect, giving to every of them a kind salute, after some pause, when she beheld that they earnestly fixed their eyes on her, and were silent, and attentive to hear (for Abania had before prepared them to that purpose, and requested Aletheia in their behalf) what she would say or command, to give both satisfaction, she thus began.  
My Masters and Friends of Albania, happy in the enjoyment of a gracious Sovereign, and a fertile Country, I must needs commend your love to Albania, and care of her welfare. And to tell you the truth, she hath been of late afflicted with a great distemper, and though the case be much better with her than it hath been, through her Prince's bounty, and the confidence she hath in the fair proceed of a general Assembly: yet the means of a perfect cure and restitution of her to her former strength, lies mainly in your care, for the performance of such duties towards God, and your King, as Religion, and loyalty binds you to. And give me leave, since you offered me the occasion, to tell you without flattery, that the chief root of all your miseries is in yourselves; and therefore, I would not have you out of any self-love, or sinister respect, wholly to lay the burden of this great mishap befallen to Albania, upon foreign or higher causes, (though these may be made instruments thereof, justly for your punishment) nor for the remedy to depend principally upon any earthly means, no not the Policy and Honesty of the wisest heads in your Assembly, (their knowledge and power is but humane, they are men, and may err) but you must look home, and reflect your thoughts upon the consideration of your own ways for the one, and with humble minds, lift up your minds higher, to be made partakers of the other. There is a just God above that hath been, and daily is, offended with your heinous miscarriages, and wherein have not the best of you, some ways offended his Divine Majesty? Of ill thoughts and secret transgressions, you are most conscious yourselves, but those vices which walk in public view, and are acted in open face of the Sun, amongst all sorts of people, more or less, do convince the truth of what I speak, and to which your own consciences cannot but be witnesses. Is not Idolatry grown to that height, almost to countercheck true Religion amongst you by the increase of Popery. Are not the Articles of our Belief questioned? Is not Religion minced, and new fashioned by some that take too much liberty, to dally with matters of conscience? I appeal to those which are learned, which are like the Sun, whose brightness all admire, but no one can endure to look upon. Priefely, I cannot stand to make a catalogue of vices; Is there not much murmuring, distrust, and oppression in your griping Usurer, and covetous Officers? Is there not excessive Pride, covetousness (which Aristotle in his Politics calleth the Extremity of Poverty) gluttony (with lust and idleness, its consequences) in the wealthy? Is there not much malice, envy, and ambition, in such as so greedily seek after preferment and promotion? Is there not too much equivocation and falsehood in the Tradesman to sell his wares, and vent his commodities? Is there not too much blasphemy, cruelty, and rapine in the Soldier, that follows the war in a desperate mood, only to kill or he killed? What contention and multitude of Law-suites for want of Charity, do abound in every corner? How hard hearted are many, in giving of alms, or relieving the wants of a distressed Brother? What neglect and formality in Cod's Worship? How unaccustomed and dull are the spirits of most in the performing their ordinary works of Devotion, and about Religious Exercises? I do touch at the heads: There are so many instances, and so well known to you of particulars, that I shall but needlessly trouble you and Albania with their repetition. But instead of avoiding such and the like abuses, many are come to this height of impudence, as to shadow their vices under the habit of virtues. Drunkenness passeth with them for good fellowship: Prodigality is termed bounty: Covetousness misnamed good husbandry: Ambition hath the note of a brave mind and gallant spirit: Revenge is eryed up for the mark of valour and preservation of Honour: Pride is accounted fashionable handfomnesse and decency: Extortion and Oppression denote much policy and worldly wisdom. When, on the contrary, in religious matters, Virtues are commonly dosamed with the stain of their opposite vidos So be that is Zealous in his Profession, is counted factious: He that reproves the sins and cnormities of the time, a busybody: If a man partake not in lewdness with such as tempt him to bear them company therein, 'tis by reason of some self-conceit: If a man put up an injury, suffer an affront, he is esteemed a Coward, or of a base spirit: If he be liberal to those that want, heis a waster, and careless spender of his estate, and may want himself before he die: If he be temperate, continent, and spend not his time jovially in merry compavy, and pastime, he is thought to be proud, singular, or melancholic: His Devotion is condemned for hypocrisy, his reproof goes for malice; what is reason in others, in him is but opinions: Whereas the same man, would he but flatter, and humour men in their conditions, bear with their manners, and applaud all their courses, this were the only man, and worthy all respect. I speak not these things, as accusing you to be guilty, although I know, you are somewhat too conformable to the times, and too much seek your own ease. The public good is more in your talk, but I doubt me your private gain is more in your aim. But if it go not well with the general, your case must needs be lameutable. And there fore, I would have you timely redress such errors, as you find yourselves to be most guilty of, and reclaim others by your counsel and persuasions. You must not make any arm of flesh your stay, nor lay any false grounds in your imagination, that if things succeed according to your fancy, all will be well. Whilst God is offended, nothing can continue long well: therefore he must in the first place, and at all times be sought unto, by tears and Prayers. You must meet him with red eyes, blubbered cheeks, pale visage, pensive soul, protestations of humility, importunities for mercy. There must be a true humiliation for sins past, a settled purpose of amendment. You must pinion the wings of all high conceits of your own worth, and expiate forepast vices, with a sacrifice of the contrary virtues: And then I will assure you, that if all the forces of the world were banded against you for your overthrow; if all the subtle brains, and politic Machiavilians of Idolana were set together on work, their close or open plots to subvert your Religion, or endamage your state, should prove but spider's webs or twists of hemp with Achitophel and Haman, to choke their Authors: You shall enjoy your Liberties, Privileges, Religion, Peace, with as great freedom as heretofore.  
And now in the second place, I must advise you, as you be careful to give unto God those things which are Gods: so to render those things which are Caesar's, unto Caesar, custom to whom custom, tribute to whom tribute belongeth. You must acknowledge (as loyal Subjects) that your King is God's supreme Deputy, set over you to rule and govern you in all matters, Civil and Ecclesiastic. You may not prescribe him, in what manner you will be ruled, nor by what means. You may contest with him, if he offer wrong, by way of Supplication, and not of Dispute. If his Commands be just, you must willingly obey them: and herein what he enjoins strictly, you must, according to the utmost of your power, readily put in execution. But if he command any thing directly against the glory of God, the contrary of which God commands, Whether it be better to obey God or Men, judge you. But in this case, there must be sufferance of the penalty, and no resistance against the authority of your Prince. And for the wrong he seeks to do you, you must seek to God, to set him in the Right, though he take away your Liberties, Goods, and lives, contrary to all Laws and Equity: Yea, even to those, the performance of which (though by force he may not be constrained) in Conscience he is bound. Yet you must not curse him in your heart, nor touch a lap of his garment with such a thought, for he is the Lords Anointed. But what spend I breath in these things? You have a Religious and gracious Prince, one that is zealous of God's Glory, and will be careful of your good. You need not fear that he will be persuaded to any thing that shall oppose the one, or hinder the other. He will not wrong his own Soul, to hurt you in your Estates, or Persons. He well knows, that though he is not to be accountable to men, he hath a wiser, and stricter Judge (if he do not execute the charge committed unto him, in some sort as he should) will call him to account at last, because this High place and Authority over others, was not committed unto him for his own pleasure and ease, but for his Master's glory, and the benefit of the Church. And therefore, Prayers and Supplications ought to be made incessantly unto God, for his preservation and safety above all others: For where the Prince is good, that people of all others have most cause to rejoice, and bless God for him, and strive to please him in all his just desires. And in this respect, it must be fare from you to wish him any ill, to speak of him without beseeming respect, much more to join in any council or confederacy with his enemies, and most of all to take up arms, except at his Command, and for his defence. You ought not to murmur against his proceed, nor speak ill of his Officers, or Commissioners, upon every sleight suspicion.  
Charity will counterpoise the distractions of many occurrences: but rashness, and inconsiderateness in judgement, is an impetuous Passion, which bears down all Reason. When things go not as they should, and you know not who is in blame; cry down no man merely upon report, but leave offenders to the trial of the Laws, by their competent Judges. But when you are required, or any thing comes to your knowledge, which may prove dangerous to the State, not to be partial in Affection, to tremble at the sight of a high Tower, or gild a mudded wall, or fear the countenance of any man; (For time and justice will wear out the dreams and plots of wicked policy, and strengthen the fair proceed of Truth and Honesty) but boldly and impartially to discover what you know. And whensoever it shall be thought fit by the States and Commons, and that the King's necessities and occasions so require, to be furnished with a supply of moneys; that then without further question, you cheerfully contribute what shall be so imposed: And by your voluntary benevolences, as time and your abilities shall give you leave to testify that true affection and love to him, which you pretend.  
And these supplies will be with fare greater ease disbursed, if you please to subtract but somewhat from your superfluities: turn some of your excessive and often feast into fasts, or fewer dishes: take something from the price and trimming of your garments. Use such as may serve for decency and convenience: but be not like Antiques or like Apes to follow every new fashion. Restrain somewhat from your gamings and expenses of idle hours. Your appetite shall be never the less satisfied, and your bodies more healthy. Your attire according to your degree and calling shall not a jot be the more indecent, nor your bodies the less warm.  
Besides, the more Velvets and Silks are forborn, our own clothes shall be in wear, and the poor better set on▪ work in making of them. You shall find ways enough of more thrifty recreation, and have more comfort in the redeeming of your precious time, then in any mispending of it. And now I have showed you my advice as plainly as I can: and (it being my use, howsoever it be taken, to do good unto all, as occasion shall be offered) as I held myself in duty bound. And with this she paused, and they that heard her with great content, took their leave, with promise for their parts, and in the behalf of the rest that were absent, to be more careful of their carriage, and respectful of their duty towards God and their Sovereign.  
Aletheia, likewise would have taken her leave of Albania for some time, seeing her well onwards on the mending hand, but was interrupted by an occasion, which was unworthy her stay, or the relation, but that you may see what cruelty there is in the nature of a covetous wretch.  
Thus it happened, Albania's servants hearing a great lamentation and cry at their Lady's gate, went forth to see what it meant. Where they saw two Sergeants dragging a poor man to prison for another's debt, who desired that Albania would take some pity on his case, and his Wife, and Children that made this great moan, with earnest entreaties and tears besought the like. Whereupon one of the servants called Eleos, ran in presently, and acquainted his Lady with their request, who beingstill ready to further a work of Charity, (and the rather because Aletheia was then in place) gave present command that they should bring the Prisoner, and the party that sought this extremity against him, to her presence, and she would request Aletheia to be Judge in the cause: so by virtue of her command, the parties were both brought where the Ladies were. And truly the covetous wretch would not by any entreaties have been persuaded to have come of himself, so much did he abhor the company of such as were charitably minded, and was so afraid to look Authority in the face: but by the way he could not forbear cursing, and swearing, with fearful imprecations, that he would not lose a penny by any man. In the mean while, the poor man had acquainted the Ladies that the debt was none of his own; but that he had engaged himself by Bond to see him paid: that the debt was but small at the first, but that it had run on so ●●rre, that the Use exceeded the Principal: and the Creditor might have had his money long ere this, but that he was careless to take it in upon his Security, and intended when he saw time to take his best advantage: and that he now sued him (whiles the Principal had wherewith to satisfy) who was unable, if he should sell all he had, to pay so great a sum, and if he were laid in prison, his Wife, and Children were quite undone. This hard case of the poor man, and cruelty of the other, drew tears of pity from the eyes of the compassionate Ladies, and with all anger and disdain, forced a red colour in their cheeks. Thou unnatural wretch (said Aletheia) what moved thee to be so hard hearted against a poor man that owes thee nothing, nor hath any thing to pay?  
The cruel Pluto's, for so was he named, as wretched in condition, as crooked in Limbs, and wrinkled in countenance; as miserable in soul and poor in goodness, as ragged and patched in garments, could not deny what the poor man said, nor▪ would make any direct answer, to what was demanded, but still he insisted upon this tone, Give me my money, I will have the forfeiture of my Bonds, and Mortgages; I will be paid the Interest of my moneys to a Farthing. To a farthing! (said Alitheia) is this thy Religion? Religion! (replied he) tell them of Religion that care for it; Let me have my Money. Vile Atheist (said she) dost thou prefer thy▪ trash and pelf before the Service of God, and thy salvation? Yea (said the Idiot) that I do, and before Heaven also. This▪ world I know, that other I do not. God grant me to live still on earth, let him keep Heaven for himself. Speak of me what you will, so I may gain by it. If you be all hanged or drowned, I care not. Let this poor fool that had no more wit, but to bring himself within danger of my mercy, rot in Prison. Let his Wife and Children starve, let all his friends curse me, I shall thrive never the worse. These, and other like devilish speeches▪ this Earthworme uttered, so that Albania paled, Aletheia was sore affrighted, and both could not endure to hear the Monster any longer, but commanded the poor man to be set at liberty, and sent him home with some gifts to boot.  
Aletheia would have given some counsel to the wretch, but thinking it not fit at this time to cast Pearl befo●● Swine, she bid them cast him out upon the Dunghill among his companions, and in the mean while keep him there, till some other punishment might be devised for him, and such like, by the Honourable Court of Parliament.  
And surely it would draw a great blessing upon this Kingdom, if his Majesty and Council would take into their consideration the cruel ways of oppression and vexation used toward the poorer sort, and other by those who, that they may raise a great estate to themselves, care not how they come by it, though it be with the ruin of whole Families.  
But whilst the Ladies were thus disquieted by the late event, Chronos was come in post to fetch Aletheia to the general Assembly, who at this time greatly needed her presence. Who presently went away with him, having taken leave of Albania, and left her in the company of Agatha and Fidelia, and many other of her trusty servants, to whom Albania committing the care of her affairs, and shutting the doors of her Chamber, lay down upon her Couch a while to take some repose, and being laid, fell into a sweet sleep. But the Ladies that stayed by her, rejoicing that their Lady took her rest so quietly, and that a small noise would not awake her, took each her Instrument, and having played a while thereon, and seeing Albania stirred not the while, began altogether thus to sing.  

COme Zions Singers, sit all round,  
And each with voice and instrument,  
The sweetest strains of music sound,  
That Art, or fancy can invent.  
And all together loudly sing  
The praises of our Heavenly King.   

Likewise ye holy Shepherd swains,  
Well skilled in Songs and Temple-●ayes,  
Whilst that your flocks graze on the Plains,  
Chaunt bymnes unto Jehovahs' praise.  
And let the Choir with Echo's ring  
Of praises of our Heavenly King.   

Dear Heralds of our God proclaim,  
In those assemblies where you meet,  
The joy of our Jerusalem,  
With Hallelujahs publish it:  
That all which hear the same, may sing  
The praises of our heavenly King.   

Each age, each sex, and each degree,  
That love their King, the Church and State,  
Those hopes returned with joy may see,  
Were almost gone and lost of late.  
Then have not all just cause to sing  
The praises of our heavenly King?   

Me thought of late mine eyes did mark  
A gentle dove fly through the air,  
With Olive branch, when the shrill Lark  
To heaven-ward flew chirping, where  
Angels and Saints in Anthems sing  
The praises of our heavenly King.   

Cheer up sad hearts and you shall see  
All storms of fear will shortly cease:  
Your sighs to songs shall turned be,  
And tales of war to tunes of Peace.  
Instead of mourning all shall sing  
The praises of our Heavenly King.   

The Winter lasts not all the year,  
The longest night must yield to day,  
When that the Sun gins to clear,  
All mists and clouds must pack away.  
And now is time for us to sing  
The praises of our Heavenly King.   

Sleep on Albania, worthy Dame,  
And in thy Prince's grace be bold;  
Those wished thy woes shall find their shame,  
Their plots of mischief will not hold.  
They now shall wail, but thou shalt sing  
The praises of our heavenly King.   

God bless King, Lords, and Commons all,  
With hearts true love, and minds consent.  
Let no mischance to them befall,  
Whilst that they sit in Parliament.  
So shall King, Lords, and Commons sing  
The Praises of our Heavenly King.   
ANd now Albania, whether satisfied with the sweet repose she had taken, or wakened with the pleasant music of the voices, start up as from a trance with this joyful Acclamation.  
Ah happy Albania, happy Sovereign, and happy Vnita! and this she uttered with a most cheerful countenance (the Index of a like heart) and hereupon paused; when to her Ladies desiring to know the reason of this her exultation, she thus replied, that she had great cause to speak what she did, finding her state so well amended in all parts, and she could not in few words express the comfort she felt, and conceived by this alteration, and thought she should be hardly able to put a temper to the excess, but that the remembrance of her former griefs and mishaps, and the danger of relapse, through a careless security, together with those concernenences towards her Lord and Master, in respect of her duty and due services in a most exact obedience, required a moderation in her delights, and a circumspection in her behaviour; but fearing she had somewhat exceeded, and had been too passionate in the expression of her late complaints (which she imputed to the tenderness of her nature, having not of a long time been used to such changes) she desired the favour of the best interpretation, protesting withal, that howsoever her speeches might seem to savour of too much bitterness against some delinquents, her aim herein was not to particulars, nor so much against the persons of any, as their offences, and therefore deserved the greater pardon; and well considering that Humanum est errare, she hoped the parties guilty would not be so desperate to proceed on farther in those wicked courses, so clearly discovered, but speedily retire, and cast themselves down at the feet of his Majesty's clemency, and make some recompense to the injuryed parties, by their sincere amendment, and provident endeavours for the common good: and as for those loyal hearts (the constant friends and joint pursuers of hers and her sister's welfare) and uninterrupted happiness (having escaped the storm at home by the miraculous providence of the Almighty Lord,) she desired them to be nothing the more secure in their vigilant care of future occurrences, having always a provident eye, both at shore and to seawards, for the timely prevention of such inconveniences as might steal on them in their own, or be intended against them from foreign parts. And now Veridicus was returned from the Assembly, and upon notice was quickly admitted, where he much rejoiced to see how the cause stood with Albania, and desiring to have some conference with her in private, the Ladies gave place, having first demanded how things went and received only this answer, Good News.  
Which the Lord long continue to his glory, the King's honour, and the Kingdom's safety.  
FINIS.   

An Explanation of the reasons for some of the Appellations in this Treatise contained.  

ALbania, From the white cliffs.  
Megala, From the large extent.  
Aquilina From the Ensigns of the Eagle, and Flower de Luce.  
Liliana From the Ensigns of the Eagle, and Flower de Luce.  
Verana, From part of Christendom, which professeth Religion according to the truth of Scripture.  
Regicida, From the doctrine of King-killing.  
Idolana, From the frequency and diversity of image-adorations in that City.  
Agatha, The two properties of a good Servant, according to that, Well done thou good and faithful Servant.  
Fidelia, The two properties of a good Servant, according to that, Well done thou good and faithful Servant.  
Agnoa, From that the Papists hold ignorance to be the mother of devotion.  
Astene, From the tenderness of Censcience about things indifferent.  
Sympathia, From the requisites of Charity, and true Compassion.  
Agape, From the requisites of Charity, and true Compassion.  
Sophia, From the conditions of wisdom and modesty, necessary for such as are employed in Embassages.  
Sophrosyne, From the conditions of wisdom and modesty, necessary for such as are employed in Embassages.  
Pluto's, From the inordinate love of gain, and devilish ways for attaining of the same.   
The other denominations so speak themselves, as they need no further explication.  
Soli Deo laus,