The foreste or Collection of histories no lesse profitable, then pleasant and necessarie, dooen out of Frenche into Englishe, by Thomas Fortescue.

❧ The Seconde parte of the Col∣lection of Histories. (Book 2)

¶ What daunger it is to murmer againste Princes, as also what commendation they gayne by Clemencie. Chap. 1.

A Woonted sayinge it is, and founde emonge the most auncient Prouerbes, Princes haue handes broade, and longe cares, hence none other thinge at al inferringe, but that Kinges and greate states, can a farre of reuenge themselues on these that offend them, as that they also vnderstande what so of them is spoken in place couerte or secrete. For so many are there that séeke to liue in his grace and fauour, that on the multitude hath rule and dominion, that nothing may be kepte from him either vnknowen or hidden. Whence to all men is ge∣uen by the Learned in counsell, that of the Prince wée speake in secrete nothinge, for that in sutche case the Walles bothe heare and disclose againe our Treasons: and Plutarche, that the Birdes carry these woordes in the Ayre. And farther if it be daungerous, to vtter vnto Princes a truthe frankely and boldely, what shall wée iudge of them that mutter againste them priuely? The examples, that a man might to this pourpose alleage, are infinite: emonge whiche, bothe in the Gréeke and La∣tine Histories wée reade, that Antigonus one of the Ca∣pitaines and successours of Alexander the greate, his Campe not marchinge, but arrestinge in open fielde, be∣inge on a night a bedde in his Tente, hearde certaine of his Souldiers without, passe in traiterous talke against

him, supposinge not to haue benne vnderstoode of any, but he without any farther semblante of wrothe, in chaunge of voyce, as if he had benne some other, bespake them this softely, without greate brute or noyse: when yée speake any sutche woordes of the Kinge, sée that yée goe farther from his Tente, least he heare you. An other time the saide Antigonus, marchinge with his Armye in the deade of the night, paste through a place very fowle and mirie, his Souldiers almost forweried and tyred, by meanes whereof, they vttered somme distoyall woordes againste him, thinkinge that he had benne farre of and behinde him, but he beinge presente and vnderstandinge their treachery, not knowen from an other by meanes of the darkenesse, after hauinge donne his paine to helpe diuers of them out of the myre, that had so liberally talkte against him, saide with voice as before well coun∣terfeited, speake of the Kinge hardly what so euer you please, for that he hath brought you into so watrie a soile, but of me you haue good cause to thinke and saye well, for that by my helpe you are nowe paste the daunger. The patiencie of Phyrrus Kinge of the Epirotes, meri∣teth no lesse to be remembered of the posteritie: who when he laye in Italie in Armes againste the Romaynes, bothe he and his whole troupe in the Citie of Taranta, he hearde after supper certaine of his yonge Souldiers sit∣tinge at their table, to outrage againste him, whome when he had caused to be brought before him: demaun∣ded, whether thei had paste against him in such woordes, or not, to whom, one of them with countenance lesse al∣tered, saide: Kinge what so euer thou haste charged vs with, that all haue wée spoken: and farther be thou assu∣red, that if the wine had not failed vs, wée had yet againe spoken many worse then are these: lettinge him thereby, for their excuse to vnderstand, that the wine in this sorte had forste them to exile from duety and reason. At which his woordes, Phyrrus waxte not onely angry, but rather

on the contrary side, brake out into a greate laughter, sendinge them backe to their lodgynge without any an∣noye or hurte what so euer. The Emperour Tyberius, though otherwise a tyranne moste cruell and execrable, hath lefte vs also to this pourpose somethinges woorthy memorie: for perceiuinge on a time that one had compo∣sed an infamous Libel against him, and farther that the people with woordes disloyall, complained eche where of his excessiue crueltie, wherefore perswaded by somme to doe sharpe animaduersion and streight Iustice on them, sayde: that all Tongues ought to be frée in a Citie: then streight againe moued by some of his Councell, to make diligent searche and busie inquirie, to finde out the Au∣thour of the fore saide Libell, whiche he also refused as afore, sayinge: that he was not yet so voyde of affayres, that he would trouble him selfe with so simple a matter. Greate also was the Clemencie of Denis tyranne of Si∣cilia, vsed towardes an olde wooman of poore and meane condition: for beinge aduertised, that shée dayly prayed for the continuance of his Health and Honour, sente for her to know the cause why shée so mutche affected his as∣sured state and maintenance, consideringe all other his Subiectes desired his deathe generally, whereunto shée answeared: knowe right mightie Prince, that when I was a yonge Mayde, there raygned in this Countrie a moste fell and wicked tyranne, wherefore I prayed con∣tinually to the Gods for his suddaine death & destruction, by meane whereof in shorte time my requeste was fully accomplished. But after him succéeded then an other, farre yet more cruell, and more blouddy then the firste, for whose deathe, I neuer lefte on the Gods incessantly to call, till it had chaunst to him, as to the other aboue saide. After bothe these nowe comest thou, the woorste of the thrée, a Monster in faithe most malicious and loth∣some: and yet because an other might followe moste de∣testable of all, I neuer leaue to praye for thy health and,

preseruation, wishinge thée many yéeres in healthe, to thy contentmente. This bolde, and hardye answeare naughte gréeued at all this Tyrante, nor therefore dis∣deigned he her, that of custome disdeigned al others: but pardoned her to goe without annoye or offence. When Plato, the Father, and Prince of all Philosophers had made his longe aboade with this foresaide Denis, in the ende required his fauour to passe home againe into his Countrie: which obtained, the tyranne him selfe in con∣ductinge him of parte out of Sicilia, demaunded what he woulde reporte of him at Athens emonge the Philoso∣phers. To whom Plato, without staie freely and boldely answeared: these that liue in Athens, are not so idle nor haue they (know thou) to loose so mutche good time or lea∣sure, that they once will inquire, either of thée, or of thy behauiour. Whence although in deede he well percei∣ued, that for his naughtie life he that had onely spoken, yet patiently he tooke it, not malicinge the partie. I re∣member againe other twoo olde wéemen, whiche with like fréedome bespake their Kinges or Princes, the one a Macedonian to the King Demetrius, Sonne of the aboue remembered Antigonus, the other a Romaine to the Em∣perour Adrian, to whom bothe they framed bothe one, & the same answeare: for eche of them crauinge iustice at the Kinges handes, receiued for answeare, that thei pre∣sently coulde not attende on them: then sayde they, if you maie not vnderstande of our complainte, geue ouer then your Crownes to them that will do Iustice: which woordes the twoo Princes tooke bothe in better parte, ac∣quaintinge themselues with theire cases, and did them forth with right. Phillippe Kinge of Macedonie, taking his leaue of the Embassadours of Athens, and offeringe them sutche courtesie as is vsuall in like cases, demaun∣ded in the ende, whether they would that he should doo any thinge yet for them: to whom, one of them that had to name Democrates, knowinge that he in harte hated

the Athenians, lesse able to hide that whiche in harte he thought, saide: wée woulde that thou shouldest goe and hange thy selfe, and besides that, nothinge. At whiche answeare, as well al his companions, as the others then there presente, fearinge the Kinges indignation, were not a litle troubled: but the Kinge, as was his woonted Clemencie (or it maie be dissemblinge) not alteringe to wrothe in any other manner, turned him to the other Embassadours, and saide: you shall saie to the Athenians from me, that he that can supporte these sutche oppro∣brious woordes, hathe mutche more modestie then the sagest of Athens, whiche are so litle wise, that they know not when nor where to holde their peace. Domaratus cō∣ming to sée King Phillip, on a time when he was freash∣ly fallen out as well with his wife, as with the yonge Prince Alexander, of whom amonge other thinges the Kinge at the first demaunded, if all the Cities in Greece were in peace and well acquieted. But Domaratus that well knewe, nothinge was to him more likinge; then to heare of perpetuall discorde amonge his Subiectes: an∣sweared him right boldely, but reuerently withall, as well became a subiecte. Assuredly Kinge, for that you liue disquieted still at home, you aske me what dissenti∣ons may be in these your Cities abroade: but if you were in peace with these your people here, it shoulde stande more with your Honour, then thus to inquire of the ad∣uersities of others. Whereat the Kinge founde not him selfe at all aggreued, & consideringe that for iuste cause he honestly had reproued him, immediately grewe to a perfecte attonement with the Quéene, as well as with his Sonne and others. In what bolde fréedome and li∣bertie of woordes, Diogenes bespake that famous Prince Alexander, as also with what modestie, and howe he ac∣cepted it, is euident in the firste parte, where something is saide of the life of Diogenes. Farther if wée affecte ex∣amples of Christians, Pope Sixtus the fourth of the order

of the orde of sainct Frances, maie serue in this place, as fittyng to our purpose. To whom on a tyme elected, and chosen Pope, came one of his brethren, an olde religious Frier, whiche, after salutations past to and fro, on bothe sides, withdrewe hym self with the Bishoppe, into his secrete rreasurie, where as he shewed his poore brother greate heapes of costlie stones and iuels, and saied: frater¦mi, now can I not saie, as some tyme saied S. Peter, gold or siluer haue I none. It is true {quam} the other, neither can you saie to the impotent and diseased, as saied he, rise vp, and go, lettyng him there by priuely to vnderstand, that the Popes in these ages, wer now more vowed to riches then vnto vertue, or holines: who perceiuyng, that he no¦thyng straied from reason, yelded there to, without con∣tradiction, quietly. The semblable happened to an Arch∣bishoppe of Colonne, who as he paste the countrie, with a houge troope of horse men, curiouslie all armed, accor∣ding to the custome, and maner of Almaignie, founde by happe a poore workeman, toilyng hardly for his liuyng, whiche at the first sight of this prelate, brake out, into a great laughter, the cause of whiche demaūded, the poore man for the with saied: I laugh at the follie of that good prieste sainct Peter, prince, and maister of all other pre∣lates, whiche liued, and died here in extreme pouertie, to leaue his successours, in suche pompe, and iolitie. But this Archbishoppe againe the better to acquite hym: fel∣lowe I ride thus as thou seest, for that I am a Duke, as well as also a bishoppe: where at he laught againe more hartely then before, and beyng demaunded the seconde tyme, of that his vehemente passion, aunswered righte boldlie, with a sure, and staied countenance. I demaunde of thée, right honourable, that if the Duke of which thou speakest, were hence fallen into helle, where supposeste thou this good Archbishop should finde his quiet harbour. Where by he well inferred twoo contrary professions, agréed not well in one persone, and that offendyng in the

one, he could not acquite himself, by any gilful pretext or shadow of thother. At whiche this gentleman, then pre∣sently graueled, not hauyng what to saie, departed with shame to muche, and paste forthe on his waie. To speake also of Gentiles, Artaxerxes kyng of Persia, vnderstan∣dyng that a certaine capitaine of his, whiche he at his coste, from his cradle, and infancie, had nourished, had muttered against hym in maner, no lesse traiterous, thā in truthe disloiall, whom he would other waie none pu∣nishe, but sent to hym by an other, that he might at his pleasure talke of his prince and maister, for that he again of hym might speake, and do the semblable. Philippe fa∣ther of Alexander, aduertised that Nicanor had abused hym in woordes, was aduised by certaine his frendes, by proces (as the maner is) to call hym to his triall: to whō he aunswered, that Nicanor was not the worst man in Macedonie, and therefore firste would knowe, whether he had nede of any thing, for that he felt hymfelf bounde in conscience to aide hym: so findyng hym verie poore, in steede of deserued correction, in presence of many gaue him, a great, and riche present incontinently. This doen the same that before had accused him, saied, that Nicanor now spake greate good of his maiestie, to whō the kyng saied: now sée I well Sinicus (for so hight this foresaied accuser) that to bee well or euill spoken of, it lieth onely in myne owne handes. This saied prince, by his frendes an other tyme was aduised, to exile a certaine subiect of his, lesse circumspecte in his talke, and intemperate of tongue, whiche to doe he vtterly refuced, and saied, for as muche as he hath spoken of me his pleasure here, I will not that he doe the semblable, in other straunge lā∣des, and countries, lettyng others vnderstande, that whiche he had dooen of magnanimitie, and clemencie, proceded of sadde aduice, and assured counsaile. In these and suche like matters, this prince excelled all others of his tyme. He saied he was muche bounde to the gouer∣nours

and princes of Athens, for that it pleased them in∣iuriously to talke still as well of hym, as also of the order and maner of his gouernment: for by his daiely industrie and chaunge in thynges, from better to beter, he proued them to be but slaunderous liers. He neuer chastised any that outraged against him, onely he would cut of th'occa∣sion, that moued them. Whiche his vsages, if thei were of all menne well obserued, twoo notable commodities should thēce be gathered: the first, th'amendment of our owne liues, and maners, the second, the perpetuall exile and banishemente of all detractours, and slaunderers. A rare vertue is it assuredly, for a man not to accompte of that euil, that he well knoweth to haue been spoken be∣hinde hym: but a greate note of temperancie is it, not to waxe or bilius, or angrie, for the iniurie that is dooen vs in our presence, and openly.

Of what countrie Pilate was, and how he died, as also of a riuer so called, and of the propertie of thesame, and finally, of a certain caue, or denne in Dalmacia. Chap. 2.

PIlate of all the iudges that euer wer, or shall be, the moste dete∣stable and accurst, was a Frēche manne borne, and of the Citie of Lions, how bee it diuers of the saied countrie deny it, saiyng: that this name Poncius, descen∣ded * 1.1 out of a certain familie in I∣talie, from Poncius Freneus, I meane, capitain of the Samnites, which also did to slight, and vanqnished the Romaines. Whiche howe so euer it was, this Pilate (either for the onely respecte of his per∣sonage, either in consideration of the familie, whence he issued) aspired to moste honorable estate emong the Ro∣maines, and being familiarly acquainted with Tyberius

successour vnto Octauian, as of hym recorde bothe Iose∣phus, and Eusebius, was sente by hym, in the twelueth yere of his Empire, as lieutenaunt generall, to the citie of Hierusalem, whiche titled there hymself, proctour of the Empire. So gouerned Pilate then this holie citie, as also all the Prouince of Iudea, called Palestina. He conti∣nued, in this office .x. full yeres, in the seuenth of whiche, whiche was the .xviij. of the Emperours raigne, as ac∣compte Beda, and Euseblus, he gaue sentence of death, a∣gainst * 1.2 the sauiour, and redemer of mankinde, our Lorde and maker Iesus Christe, bothe God and manne, when came to passe these thynges, whiche the holie Euangeli∣stes remember vs of, in his death and passion: whose re∣surrection was suche, and so manifest in Hierusalem, al∣though thei laboured, what in them was to obscure it, that it was well perceiued of Pilate (were he though a wretche, of all others moste impious) that this resurrec∣tion, and other miracles wrought by Christ, were not by man doen, but by God onely. For whiche cause, as recor∣deth Paulus Orosius, Eusebius, and Tertulian in his Apo∣logies, he aduertised the Emperour at length of the mat∣ter: for it was the maner that the Consuls, and Procon∣suls, should continually write, to the Senate, at leaste, or to the Emperour, of all matters, whatsoeuer, with in the compasse of their Prouince, or territorie. These nouelties then muche troubled Tiberius, whiche with∣out staie, communicated them to his Lordes of the Se∣nate, aduisyng hym with them, whether it were expe∣diente, to honour, and adore, this Prophete for a GOD. Whiche he for this cause onely did, for that without the aucthoritie of the Senate, he could admitte no new God in Rome, besides, or beyonde their supersticious Idoles. But as the diuinitie nedeth not, nor yet can confirme it self, by the sole, and onely approbation of manne, so God here in permitted, that the Senate should then dooe no∣thyng. Yea, on the contrary rather (as sondrie good wri∣ters

haue) thei helde them ill contented, for that Pilate had not to them hereof writen also, as he then did to the Emperour. This notwithstanding Tiberius ordained by Proclamation, that no man should be so hardy, to touche or laie hande, on any professed christian. Now after this Pilate arrested hym in Rome, confirmed by the deuell, as his assured seruaunt, did neuer any thyng iustly, in a∣ny his charge or office. Of whiche, accused before Caius Caligula, successour to Tiberius, as also to haue propha∣ned the temples, and churches, erecting vnlawfull Ima∣ges and Idolles, and farther that he had robbed the com∣mon coafers, and threasories, with other greate crimes, and intollerable treacheries, was banished in fine, and sent home againe to Lions. Others saie to Vienna, and that he was there borne, where his intertainment was suche, and so muche pleasing, that he incontinently mur∣thered hym self: whiche thyng assuredly chaunced hym, by diuine, & heauenly permission, to the intent he sham∣fully might dye, by the handes of hym self, the moste vi∣leste and vniuste wretche in the whole worlde. These that hereof haue written, are the aboue remembred au∣thours, Beda in his booke De temporibus, and in his Ec∣clesiasticall historie, on thactes of the Apostles Eusebius reporteth that he thus slue hymself, the eighth yere after the death of the innocente lambe, Iesus, iudged to death, and deliuered to the bloodie Iewes, by hym. Of whose death, and passion, this accursed deuill, neuer soughte by any meanes his remission, or pardon, but paste hence in dispaire, to Sathan his patron: for the bountie of God is suche, and so greate, that though in deede he had senten∣sed his onely soonne to death, yet if he had repented hym of that his synfull crime, the verie same whom he had condemned to the crosse, had not withstandyng yet graū∣ted hym his portion in ioye with Christe. Farther a lake there is, or riuer, whiche also menne call Pilate, within the territories of Sueuia, adioynyng to Lucerna, in a cer∣taine

plaine, inuironed on all sides with high, and greate mountaines, from the highest of which (as some affirme for truth) he threwe hymself doune, and was drouned in that water. The cōmon opinion is, that euery yere ones he maketh there shewe of hym selfe, in the habite of a iudge: but who so euer he be, manne, or woman, that by happe then shall see hym, dieth assuredly, or the yere bee fully expired. For proofe whereof, I referre you to Ioa∣chimus Vadianus, a man singulerly learned, whose com∣mentaries writen on Pomponius Mela are extant: who also of this lake reporteth yet, an other thyng, no lesse knowen for true, then verie straunge and meruailous. He saieth that this water, is of this nature or propertie, that who so casteth into it, either a stone, clotte of yearth a pece of woode, or any other the semblable, this water forthwith so rageth, and rolleth with suche violente, and tēpestious impetuositie, that it passeth his bandes, drou∣neth and annoieth the whole countrie aboute it: whence the inhabitauntes are often tymes indomaged, in their corne, fruites, trees, and cattell. And againe that whiche moste straunge is, if these thynges bee not throwen in willingly, and of pretensed purpose, but by happe, or for∣tune, as least though one do slide in, it then neither alte∣reth, nor rageth in any kinde of maner. Further also saieth this foresaied Ioachiamus, a Swiser borne, that there are lawes, and constitutions, forbiddyng all men, vnder paine of death, to caste, or conueigh any thyng, in∣to the saied lake: and that diuers haue been executed, for infringyng this ordinaunce. Whiche whither it bee na∣turall, or miraculous, I durst not affirme, although wa∣ters haue straunge, & meruailous proprieties. For some of whiche it should not, be harde to yelde good reason, but for others difficill, or rather I iudge, impossible. The semblable vnto this, reciteth Plinie, saiyng that there is in Dalmacia, a verie deepe darke dungion, or denne, into whiche if any throwe, any stone, or weightie matter,

there issueth thence immediatly suche a violente, or blu∣steryng aire, or rather if I so mighte saie, a whirlyng winde, that it tourneth into a daungerous tempest, gre∣uyng, and annoiyng all the inhabitauntes of that coun∣trie. It maie bee, whiche I dare not to affirme, that the bodie of Pilate was throwen into that hole, and that the deuill there, by diuine permission, to his euerlastyng shame and ignomine, executeth these straunge, and in∣credible effectes.

In what degrees, and at what age a man and wo∣man should marrie. Chap. 3.

THe auncient Philosophers mo∣rall, were of sondrie opinions, touching thage in whiche man, should marrie hym self to a wo∣man, to the intent that the ye∣res of the one, might aunswere in proportion vnto the others, Aristotle, groundyng here on, so maie it be, that women both naturally conceiue, and beare children, euen vntil the si••∣tieth yere ended of their age, and that man is also able in his kinde, vntill the seuenteth expleate, saied that thei orderly should marrie at suche tyme, as bothe parties might leaue together, vnprofitable, and vnable in thacte of generation, in suche sorte that by the rule, or prescrip∣tion of the Philosopher, man should haue aboute twen∣tie yeres more then his wife. Hesiodus an Xenophon, graunt hym yet some thing lesse, supposyng it sufficient, that a manne of thirtie yeres, take a wife at fowertene. Licurgus lawe geuer to the Lacedemoniens, conformeth hymfelf to the opinion, and censure of Aristotle: for ge∣nerally he forbadde marriage vnto all men, before thei had past the seuen and thirtie yere, but vnto women the

seuententh onely. This Lycurgns his lawe was appro∣ued of many, for that in her more perfecte, and more ripe age, she more easily acquainteth her self, with y^e maners and behauiour of hym, that is giuen her for housebande. For as writeth Aristotle in his Economiques, the dispa∣ritie of maners, and difference in conditions, let perfecte loue betwixte the parties coupled: & yet neither approue I this ordinaunce of Aristotle, whiche willeth that man should haue twentie yeres more then woman (without offence, or preiudice be it ment, vnto so worthie a perso∣nage) my reason is this, that man beyng fullie sixtie ye∣res olde, although he yet then can doe some thyng, in the acte of generation, moste commonly if he liue longer, in the residue of his life, he is charged with infinite, and dai∣ly increase of maladies, so that before his wife aspire to the age of fortie, he to her shall bee a greate charge, and wearie paine, in place of a frende, a patrone, and a hous∣bande. Wherefore when there is lesse difference in their ages, thei are in like maner mortified as it were at one tyme, their mindes and intentes are also more confor∣mable, then when there is so greate inequalitie of yeres Neither doe I here saie that man, should not at all be el∣der, but rather that the space of eight, or ten yeres might suffice, so that the man at the age of twentie fiue, might chuse to hym a wife, at sixtene, or seuentene yeres, ha∣uyng some respecte to the course, or order of mannes life. Also let man take to wife, a woman yonge, a maide, of perfecte, and good complexion, not olde, no widowe, fra∣med to the maners, and humour of an other: for assured∣ly in their tender youth, thei are flexible, and bendyng, to what so man would haue them▪ obedient, and subiect still to his will, and pleasure. To whiche purpose we maie remember here, thexample of Timotheus, on the Flut, of all others, moste excellente and cunnyng, whiche for honeste stipende, imperted of his skill, to suche as would learne of hym. This Timotheus, before he would begin

with any (whatsoeuer) his scholer, he vsually demaūded if that he could plaie any thing, for of those, y^t had some ma∣ner of beginnyng, he euermore receiued double wage or salerie: his reason was, for that his pain was also dou∣ble, first to make them forget, and forgoe, their first cor∣rupt, and disordered vse in plaie, and then a freshe to in∣structe them, accordyng to his skilfull loare. Whiche ob∣seruation of his, well serueth vs for widowes, which are all readie trained to the peruerse appetite some tyme, and fonde phantasie of others, and therefore harde to bée drawen backe, from the wonted, and straunge deuises, of their firste friende, or housebande. For whiche cause I preferre, the mariage of a maide, before that of a widow besides the singuler affection, and assured remembrance, whiche commonly lieth rooted in the hartes of women, towardes these, with whō thei first of all were acquain∣ted. Concernyng the parentaige, or riches of the wife, a certaine yonge man, a Greke borne, came on a tyme to Pitacus, one of the seuen sages of Grece, requestyng his aduise, in his affaires of marriage. One offered me saith he, my choise of twoo yonge maides, the one throughout myne equall, in substance, and in birthe, the other farre surpasseth me in worshippe, and in gooddes, what shall I doe here in, whiche shall I chuse to wife? To whom Pi∣tacus aunswered, seest thou yonder children, that practise them selues at wastreles, go offer thy self to plaie emō∣gest them, and thei shall giue thee good counsaile, whiche he did, and as he approched, and offered hymself for one, thei perceiuyng that bothe in force, and in stature of bo∣die, he paste them, refused his companie, saiyng: that e∣uery man should betake hym to his fellowe, and equall. Whence he well, knewe for wife, whō he should take in marriage. Plutarche in his treatise, of thinstructiō, or brin gyng vp of children, willeth that manne marrie not his sōne, to a wife either more riche, or of better familie then he, saiyng, that who so alieth hymself, to his superiours,

and betters, in place of friēdes and alies, he findeth none but maisters. And farther if a riche woman, shall chuse a housebande poore, pride immediatly possesseth her, and mistres muste she be, and sowryng a lought continuallie with proude checkes will she serue hym. And farther, Menander saieth, that who so beyng poore, and taketh to wife a woman riche, maketh a plaine gifte of hymself to the woman, whiche he espouseth, and not she vnto hym. Licurgus emong the Lacedemonians ordained a Lawe, that no man with his doughter, should giue any kinde of dowrie, to th'intent thei trauailed, t'indowe themselues with vertue, for that cause and none other, to be desired in marriage. Although this lawe might seme now rigo∣rous to some, yet assuredly was it bothe honourable, and necessarie, for beyng ones well obserued in one, it likely also was, thai it should bee in an other: as for example, if the father in marriage of his wife, was of no parte in∣richte, neither in gooddes, nor in money, he then the lesse to his doughter, was bounde to impart with any thyng. Whence it lieth euident, that who so at any tyme, ente∣reth into the sacred lawes of wedlocke, should haue if he well dooe, no consideration at all of riches. But what? muche tyme should I lose, if I attempted to perswade here, for that all men are soiled in this lothsome abuse, wiueuyng for none other cause, but for pelfe onely. Yet saie I, notwithstandyng, that when a riche man mar∣rieth, he should not consider of the wealthe, or substance of the wife, but of her assured vertue, and modestie, bo∣rowing fit example of Alexander the great (who though he were so famous, that all the worlde spake of hym) tooke yet to wife Bersina, the doughter of Arbasus, not riche, or glitteryng, but vertuous onely, and descended of noble parentage: and yet in these daies, who so moste hath, moste busily hunteth, and hungereth this drosse. Hence cometh this often mislikyng in marriage, for ha∣uyng withdrawē the money, that couereth, for the most

part, all kinde of vices, thei incontinently lye open, more then manifeste vnto all men, whiche first we would not see blinded, with detestable auarice, or at least seyng thē would dissemble it, as guilefull doublers. Neither here mislike I, that man in race like, or in like familie, seke to hym the best, or moste fittyng to his apetite: as on the o∣ther side, I thinke it bothe ignominious, and dishonora∣ble, to matche in baser state, for the onely loue, and de∣sire of money. It nedeth not that I herein long dwell, for the yearth it self in this case, scholeth vs sufficiently: be∣stowe who so please, seede fine and delicate, in a roughe soile, lesse pleasaunte, and vnlaboured, and he shall reape there of fruite, little daintie, and vnsauerie, yea, though it spring of a séede, as is afore saied, verie delicate: and on the other side, who so bestoweth his seede lesse sauerie, in a soile fatte, and fertile, that whiche he thence repeth shall be swete, and delicate. Besides, if we doe our care∣full paine, for the better prouition, of a good breede, or race of horses, how muche the more should we then bee circumspecte, concernyng our children, our successours, and posteritie? In my phantasie, that man maketh small accompte of hymself, and euill satisfieth that obligation, where vnto he is borne, if he leaue not his child, of as ho∣nourable a linage, as hymselfe receiued, by dissente from his father, whiche is impossible, if he take wife, of wourse estate, or meaner condition, then hymself. Far∣ther, if he accompte of honour, or haue it in reputation, he thence heapeth to his children more ample possessiōs, and greater dignitie, then hymself at the firste, receiued from his father. How greate is mannes debte then, and what should his care be, to leaue his children of no imba∣sed race, but rather to better it, if it be possible, to the in∣tent his posteritie, finde no cause to complaine them of. Paulus Emilius recordeth, that Manestias an Athenian, soonne of Iphicrates, a moste renoumed, and famous ca∣pitaine, whose mother was of base, and vile condition,

whiche notwithstandyng Iphicrates had espoused, was demaunded, whom he beste loued his father, or his mo∣ther, who aunswered, his mother, where at thei mer∣uailyng, demaunded againe why: for that my father, said he, with small regarde begatte me, of parte a Thracian, and soonne of á poore mother: but she on the other side, hath borne me, of part an Athenian, the sonne, and heire of an excellent capitaine. Concerning the beautie of wo∣men, leauyng to speake of those, that counsaile vs to re∣fuse, bothe the faire, & the foule, prefarryng onely those, whom mediocritie commendeth: my aduise is, that man chuse euermore the beste, that he possible maie finde, the fairest I meane, and of cleareste complexion, so that she bee vertuous, as we before haue saied: otherwise, wishe I, that he chuse the hardeste fauoured, chaste with all, and honeste, rather then the faireste, of leude, and lighte demainure. My reason is, that wee should alwaies pre∣ferre the faireste, if for none other, yet for generation, and cause of the posteritie onely, to the intente our chil∣dren, bee suche as we would wishe, of moste perfecte, I meane, and amiable complexion. Virgil remembreth, that the goddes Iuno, desirous to gratifie her beloued Eo¦dus, promised to giue hym one of her faireste Nimphes, to the ende she should beare hym, children in beautie, re∣semblyng her self. We reade againe, that Archiadamus kyng of the Athenians, was condemned in a pecuniall paine, for that he had married a wife of small stature, his counsaille hardly chargyng hym, that he mente to leaue the race roiall, of little, thinne, wretched, and impotente bodies, as if thei were but halfe men. To conclude, ther∣fore, what so is, in any place aboue remembred, mine ad∣uise is, that it bee taken, as counsaile, and no commaun∣demēt, which you maie execute at your pleasures, with∣out daunger, or difficultie, as also without all exception of persones. For Matrimonie contracted, with the har∣der fauoured, is as holie as that other, with the moste

faireste, as good with the poorest, as also with the riche, with the widdowe also, as with the maide, or virgin, for that euery of them is lawfull, verteous, and honeste, groundyng on loue, whiche in greateste differentes, and cases of inequalitie, woorketh euer more a perfecte con∣formitie, and vnion.

Of the cordiall and hartie loue, that should be in maer∣riage, with diuers examples seruyng to that purpose. Chap. 4.

THE mutuall loue, and affection, be∣twixt man and his wife, bothe is, and ought to bee, for iuste cause commen∣ded, for that marriage of it self, is a thyng so excellent, as well for respect of hym, whiche firste did institute it, God, with the place also, of that in∣stitution, Paradis, as also that thence procedeth, th'onely propagation, and continuance of mankinde, with reme∣die sufficient against all sensuall appetites, and concupis∣cencie of the fleshe. All other amities incident in mannes life, with whom, or in what sorte, so euer thei happen, are loues improper, and affections lesse perfect▪ in respect of this so holy▪ and diuine. This is that same, that ioineth bothe bodie and soule together, this is that, that is con∣firmed, and sealed vnto vs, by a sacred miracle, neither is there any thing betwixt the married, in particularitie proper, for that betwixt the honest couple, the body, and will is one, that whiche neuer happeneth in any other kinde of amitie, whiche for small cause oftentymes is dissolued and broken: and that also whiche worste is, the moste assuredste of these affections, continueth but for a tyme, for gaine, or aduauntage: for proofe whereof, wee rarely haue heard of any, that without chaūge, haue still helde on, and neuer broken vntill death. For so daintie, and obnoxious, to all chaunges is mannes minde, that commonly we see newe friendes, to remoue, and dispos∣sesse,

for little cause, the olde: but that loue holdeth still, whiche is betwixte man, and his wife, neither maie it be sundred by any aduerse fortune, by infirmitie, pouer∣tie, mishappe, or chaunge of beautie, onely death hath power, to cutte this knotte in sunder. Some tymes it also liueth, and continueth after death, as we haue seen in certaine widdowes, of whiche wee could remember infinite examples, emongest whom aboue all others, we maie consider of the mutuall loue, or affection, betwixte our first parentes Eue, and Adam, vnto whom the fruite of life, vnder paine of death was prohibited. Adam not∣withstādyng, to gratifie his wife, refused not to hassarde hymself by breache of that commaundemente. When Paulina the wife of the sage and learned Seneca of Cor∣doua, vnderstode that cruell Nero had doen to death her husband, who by openyng all his vaines in a bathe, gaue vp his spirite, would not onely dye, to accompanie hym by death, but also did chuse to ende her smart, by the said maner of tormente, for more better accomplishemente whereof, the did her self to bee prickte, as did before her, Seneca. Whereof Nero, with spede aduertised, and kno∣wyng that it proceded of assured loue onely, caused her with greate diligence, to bee saued from the daunger of death: for beyng euen then on the poincte of passage, he caused her vaines skilfully to be bounde, carefully atten∣dyng on her, that she to her self, did none other kinde of violence: by meanes whereof, this chaste and verteous matrone, paste the reste of her life in greate paine, and miserie, paie, & coulerlesse, in signe of loiall loue, that she beare to her husbande. In the life of the Emperours, we also reade, that Lucius Vitellius, brother to the Emperor Vitellius, beyng on a nighte, in a perillous battaile, his wife, whiche hight Triata, by the greate, and inspeakable force of loue onely, came thrustyng in emong the souldi∣ars, to aide, and assiste Vitellius, mindyng in that straite, to liue, or dye with hym, where she then so did her pain∣full

indeuour, that she vtterly forgatte all feminine de∣bilitie, with small accompte of her life, or safetie, with∣out her husbande. Q. Curtius reciteth, that the kyng of Aira, vanquished by Alexander, spoiled, and depriued of a greate parte of his realme, paciently bare it, with a vali∣aunt, and manly courage, without any shewe of pain, or anguishe, but when newes was broughte hym, that his wife was dedde, in token that he more loued her, then he did his kyngdome, brake out into teares, and wepte ve∣rie bitterly. Ouide, Iuuenal, and Marcial with others, af∣firme that the wife of kyng Ad•…•…etus, chose willyngly to dye, to saue her sicke and diseased husbande, for hauing receiued aunswere from thoracle, that the kyng should liue, if any of his dearest frendes, would vouchsafe to dye for hym. Notwithstandyng, for the little credite, that menne commonly giue to Poetes, I had hereof saied no thyng, had not saincte Hierome hymself recoumpted it. Plinie the younger, in a letter of his writeth, that a cer∣taine Fisher, beyng sicke of an incurable disease, or ma∣ladie, by meanes whereof, he daiely indured suche tor∣mentes, and paines, as was almoste impossible, for man to sustaine, where at his wife moued with meruailous compassion, as she, that intierly, and hartely loued hym, seyng no hope of healthe, or recouerie, nor any where could finde any kinde of remedie, hauyng sought it euery where, to the vttermoste of her power, perswaded with her husbande, by death to make an ende of these gripyng paines saiyng: sithe that to death at some other tyme, of necessitie you •…•…ste yelde, preuente her commyng, to ende there by, this insupportable anguishe. To whiche her aduise, this poore wretche accorded: wherefore, pas∣syng forthe bothe to the toppe of an high rocke, this wo∣man there bounde her self verie faste to her housebande, whence castyng them selues doune, where dismembered together. Baptista Fulgosius the like historie remēbreth, of a poore labourer, or housebande man of Naples, which

walkyng with his wife, vpon the sandes, or sea coast, but she, for some her affaires, for slowyng her pace, was im∣mediatly apprehēded, by a small skiffe of Moores, whiche thyng her housebande, when he ones had perceiued, be∣ganne to screche, and torment hymself lamentablie, and in fine tooke the water, swimmyng after the bote, with moste dolefull teares, criyng still on the Marriners, to take hym also, sithe thei had his wife awaie with them, for prisoner, so was he in th'ende, to them also receiued, not without lesse meruaile of the Moores, then teares of his wife. Shortly after this, within few daies landed, thei bothe were presēted vnto the kyng of Thunnis, who vnderstandyng of all thynges, as thei truely had happe∣ned, was moued to compassion, and graunted them per∣don. To witnes of the good minde, that Artemisia bare to Mausolus, we onely must not consider, of that famous Sepulchre, whiche she to hym builte, and called Mauso∣leum, whiche also this daie, for the sumpteous, and curi∣ous woorke thereof, is accompted, not the leaste of the seuen wounders of the worlde, but also of others, her ho∣neste desertes towardes hym. The singuler affection al∣so, of Tiberius Gracchus, towardes his wife, is then the others, no lesse straunge, or meruailous, whose historie, though it be common, redde in Valerius Maximus, yet in fewe to touche it, shall not bee superfluous: he there∣fore, on a tyme findyng, twoo Serpentes in his bedde chamber, straungely amased at so l••thesome a sight, de∣maunded of the augurers, or sothsaiers, what it mighte portende, to whom was aunswered, that of necessitie he muste kill one, but if the male, then hymself should firste dye moste assuredly before his wife, but if the female, then contrary wise, his wife before hym: he then that better loued his wife, then himself, made perfect demon∣stration, of his loiall affection, for he rather did chuse to dye first hymself, then to see his wife to dye before hym, and so in killyng the male serpent, made chaunge of life

forthwith, as is aboue remembred, leauyng his wife af∣ter hym a widdowe, for some other. But here a manne maie for iuste cause doubt, whether she were more hap∣pie, that had suche a housebande, or more vnhappie in deede, that so infortunately loste hym. Harde were it to saie, whiche of these twoo followyng, should be argumēt of greatest loue: to wete, whether that woman, whiche willyngly, would haue dooen her self moste painfully to dye, onely for the griefe, conceiued of her housebandes death: on the other side or she, that continually so mour∣ned, that by languishyng paine, and teares, with sorowe to death consumed. Concernyng the first, for that parte, alreadie some thyng aboue is saied: as touchyng the se∣conde, a notable example finde wée, of a famous gentle∣woman, of Iulia to wete, the doughter of Iulius Caesar, wife also to that valiant, and renoumed capitaine Pom∣pie, to whom one presentyng a certaine robe of her hous∣bandes, all stained, & soiled, with the blood of one freashe∣ly wounded, supposyng incontinentely her housebande, traiterously to haue been murthered, before she could haue tyme, there of more to vnderstande, she sodainly so altered, with sorrowe, and displeasure, that she became straight senselesse, depriued of her feelyng, deliuered also (wherewith she then wente quicke) of an abortiue, and so foorthwith made chaunge, of this vncertaine life. By whose death, that generall peace. whiche by her meanes onely, was then cōtinued, almost throughout the whole worlde, was chaunged into warre, and bloodie hostilitie, principally, and first, bet wixte Caesar, and Pompie. The chaste loialtie of Lucretia, was suche towardes her hous∣bande, so well knowen, and so notorious, that super••lu∣ous were it to speake of it, for vnkindely abused by force of an vnchaste lecherer, s••ue her self in the presence of di∣uers worthie personages. The meruailous loue also, of the wife of Fernandus Goncales, an Earle or Counte, is no lesse in my iudgemente commendable, then was also

her policie, by whiche she deceiued the king, and well de∣liuered the countrie: for she in stature, not muche vnlike to her housebande, did on her his apparell, arrestyng still in prison, and he attired as woman, paste for the by her aduice, fledde thence, and escaped the angrie wrathe of the prince. Here might I longer dwell, with infinite ex∣amples, whiche I leaue to remember, not mindyng to bée tedious, whiche although the lawes of God forbidde, that we doe no murther, are notwithstandyng, worthie of perpetuall memorie, especially beyng executed, of Panimes, and Gentiles, whiche had no kinde of féelyng in Godslawes, and ordinaunces.

Of the straunge customes obserued by our elders in mariage. Chap. 5.

MAriage is contracted by the sole and onelie consent of man, and woman: but to the ende this consente may the better bée authorised, it is farther re∣quisite, that it bée manifested by cer∣taine exteriour signes, and words, for that GOD onlye knoweth, and sear∣cheth mans harte. Whence it cometh, that men, in this case, haue instituted sundrie ceremonious, and solemne ordenances. Concernyng these, this day in vre among the Christians, thei are euident, and knowen sufficient∣lye vnto all men: Wherfore I will payne my selfe pre∣sentlie to speake, of certaine auncient customes, practi∣sed as well in sundrie barbarous countries, as also amōg the olde Romaines theim selues, especiallie in their Esponsalles and Mariages, of whiche (so maie it be) the diuersitie maye lende some contentment to the reader. The aūcient Romaines as writeth Cicero maried them selues in two sortes, lottyng vnto theym twoo diuers kindes of wiues, accordyng to the diuersitie of their ma∣trimoniall

ceremonies. The one was more common, and called her selfe matrone, the other more proper, and was named mother of the familie. As touchyng the lat∣ter sorte, it maye easelie be thought that they so maried theym selues, as dooe in manner all Christians in oure daies. For the husbande would demaunde of his wife, whether she would be mother, and ruler of his familie, and she aunsweryng yea, would in case semblable also aske hym whether hee mente to be father of her familie againe, to whom if he gaue affirmatiue aunswere, then should they take eche other by the hande immediatly, in token of assured faith, and amitie, and this contract was reputed for most perfect and excellent. By whiche mea∣nes the wife so gained such place in the husbandes house, as otherwise she should haue hadde, hadde she been hys owne sister, for that she nowe came as by adoption, to be of the saide line, and as true doughter to her father in lawe, came to the inheritaunce at that instante with her husbande. This gathereth Boecius at large, writyng on the seconde of the Topiques of Cicero. The other ce∣remonie was muche more common, and therfore they were not reputed for mothers of the familie, thoughe they otherwise weere honoured by the name of matro∣nes. Farther the Romaines hadde againe this custome, that when they firste brought the yonge wife to her hus∣bandes house, she arrested her with out at the doore or gates, as one that might not enter before shee weere drawen in, there at by force, geuyng the world thereby to vnderstande, that thei by constraint, and not willyng∣lie came thether, where they shoulde loose their maiden∣hoode, or virginitie, and afterwarde when they woulde geue the maid, to her husbande she sate her downe (suche was the vsage) in her mothers lappe, whence the hus∣bande againe drewe her, the seconde tyme by force, the maide imbrasing her mother, as harde as she might pos∣siblie: whiche they chifely did in memorie of that, that

some tymes the Romaines hadde in manner sembleable taken, the Sabine maides out of the armes of their mo∣thers, by meanes where of Rome came in short tyme to be well peopled. Yet againe after these, before he might bedde her, the maide presented at one tyme bothe fire and water vnto hym, whiche they did to signifie as hath Plutarche and Lactantius, by these twoo elementes the secrete of generation, for that thei be the principall cau∣ses generatiue, in all kinde of thinges naturall. Others affirme for this cause, that the maide thereby shoulde promise sinceritie in harte, and loyaltie in behauiour, for the water naturally purgeth all ordure and immundici∣tie, and fire fineth and trieth all maner of metalles, sun∣deryng and partyng the purer from the grosse. Farther they supposed all mariages infortunate contracted in the moneth of Maie, and that for certaine fonde vani∣ties, and superstitious imaginations, without grounde or reason, and therfore remenbred of no man. Of these thinges we reade more largelie in Ouide and Plutarche. * 1.3 An other custome was this, that when the wife first en∣tered into her husbandes house, the husbande should vt∣ter with a hawte voice these two wordes, Caia Cecilia, and shée in maner semblable muste aunswere hym, Caio Cecilio, whiche they vsed, for that in the tyme of Tarquinius Priscus Kyng of the Romaines, there was a damsell in Rome chaste, discréete, sober, gentle and wise, adorned besides with all other vertues, rare in the feminine kinde, which had to name Caia Cecilia, but be∣fore she came to Rome called her felfe Tanaquila: for * 1.4 which cause the yong man pronounced these wordes, to minde his wife to immitate the other. There was also carried vsuallie before the maide, the firste daie that she came to dwell in her husbandes house, a Distaffe char∣ged with Flaxe, and a Spindle hangyng at it, to the in∣tente she might be mindfull to leue by her labour. Here∣of writeth Plinie, to whom I referre hym that more * 1.5

herein desireth. Besides all these an other thynge was yet practised by the Romaines, whiche was, when anie espoused, or tooke to wife a Widowe, the mariage was solemnized euermore in a holie day, but if a maide, then contrariwise continuallie on a woorke daie. And this Macrobius and Plutarche recorde at large, and againe saithe Plutarche all suche solemnizations finished on fe∣stiuall daies, were of purpose onlie don in suche tymes, to the intent that all the people then occupied in plaies, and pleasures, might not vnderstande of these seconde mariages of Widowes: but maides contrariwise were maried ordinarilie on labourynge daies, to suche effecte that the whole worlde might witnes of suche matches. Macrobius also saieth, that therefore vnto maides on these daies suche solemnities weere prohibited for that, as is aboue saide, they vsed a certaine ceremonie to take the bride by force out from the mothers lappe, which to do on the saboth, or holie daie, was a thing vnlawfull. I leaue heere to speake of other ceremoniall solemnities, ordinarily practised among the olde auncient Romaines, some thynge to speake nowe in this place of the Babilo∣nians, whiche in this sorte folowyng, gaue in mariage their doughters. In one appointed daie continuallie in the yere, they ordered in publike place all the yong mai∣dens marigeable in eache Citie, where the fairest and moste beautifull, were not married with anie monie, that their fathers, or other frendes, should at that time bestow on theim, but vnto suche, as woulde most large∣lie and moste frankelie disburse for them, whiche ordre they healde in theim that were nexte faire, without re∣specte of degree, or linage orderlie descending from degre vnto degrée, vntill they also came to the lesse faire or harde fauoured, which they also bestowed on those, that were contented to take leaste summes of monie with them, whiche euermore was taken of that, which was geuen for the fairest, so that in fine the latter sorte, was

as well maried as the first, without anie kinde of charge or coste to their parētes, these onely enricht, or domaged that pleased to take them. Marcus Antonius Sabellicus writeth, that the Venetians in olde tyme vsed also thys order: here muste you notwithstandyng, in this place consider, that all those that were of indifferent beautie, neither to be estemed faire, or ill feutered, were neither bought, nor solde, but at euen hande deliuered. Longe sith in Fraunce, to the intent their doughters should ne∣uer iustlie complaine theim, that they against their will or likyng were maried, they accustomed, when the fa∣ther ment to marie his doughter, to make a solemne or daintie bankette, vnto whiche the father woulde inuite a greate many of yonge menne of semblable parentage, and degree vnto hymself, of whiche all placed there at ta∣ble together, the father graunteth frée libertie of choise to his doughter, who to make shewe of hym, that in that companie beste pleased her, presented vnto hym in presence of thothers, a basin of water to washe after his diner. In a certaine toune of Africa called Leptina, the * 1.6 maner was, that the first day that the bride should come to her husebandes house, before she came, she shoulde sende vnto her mother in law, desiryng her to lende her, as hauyng néede therof, an earthen potte, whiche should refuce, with sharpe words, to doo her that little courtisie, to the intente onlie that from the firste daie, she might beginne to acquainte her selfe with the importunities of her mother, and by this hard, and vnkind refusall, learne to supporte what so after might followe. Amonge the Mesl••gites, they ordeined that eache man shoulde haue * 1.7 his wife, and yet euerie woman besides, was common to theim all, and all their wiues againe in maner sem∣bleable were not denied to anie man. Eusebius writeth, that the auncient Brytons, liued in like sorte scarse diffe∣rent in anie thing. The Arabians, those onlie I meane * 1.8 of Arabia foelix, hadde a law, or rather an vsage, that the

woman that maried her self, should forthwith be as frée, to all her husebandes kinsemen, as to her huseband, whō she onely hadde espoused: and as Strabo recoumpteth, when anie of theim wente to vse, or haue her companie, he should hange vppe at the doore or gate a certaine ring, to the intent that if any other in the meane tyme should come, he by the saide Ring should knowe, that the place was possessed, and therfore was vnlawfull at that time to enter: and farther againe thei hadde this respect also, that who so hardened hymself to séeke thacquaintaunce of anie woman, were he not of the saide race or alied vn∣to the others, he shoulde furthwith be dooen to die for it, without longer lette or staie. But it chaunced on a time, a woman verie faire, and of perfecte complexion, was a∣boue the reste verie buselie sought on, onlie by the alies, I meane of her husebande, by meane whereof, and of suche busie importunitie, she fastneth a Ring at her gate her selfe to the intente that who so among theim at anie tyme came thether, should suppose that there was some other with in with her, whiche her honest gyle stoode her in good stede certain daies, the ryng still hangyng at the gate without, till on a tyme all the kinsemen of the hus∣bande méetyng together, one among the reste determi∣ned to visite her, who findyng the signe vppe, as though there had been some mau there, and rememebryng that he had left them all before together, immagined that she had gotten some newe and straunge adulterer, wherfore he goeth, and immediatlie therof aduertised the others, whiche all together with the husebande approachyng, founde her contrarie to their expectation voyde of com∣panie and alone, whiche in their presence confessed the cause why she had doen it. Whiche her intention consi∣dered of, and founde grounded on vertue, eschuyng the lesse chast acquaintance of so greate a number of riuals, and further desirous to liue a more cōtinent life, though contrary to the brutal vsage, and maner of the countrie,

hauyng by their assent here in some reason, was rather well thought of, then of anie parte discommended.

¶ Of the excellencie of paintyng. Chapt. 6.

THere hath been, bothe emong the Ro∣maines, and Grekes, moste excellent men, in the skill of Paintyng. And al∣though also in our age, there haue béen deuers, singulerly well practised, and learned in this arte: yet suppose I thē farre to bee inferiours, to these of the olde tyme, and fore passed ages, consideryng what wee reade of their fined labours. As for example, of the twoo tables finished by Aristides, a painter of his tyme renou∣med, and famous, whiche as recordeth Plinie, were boughte by Iulius Caesar, for no lesse price then fower score talentes, onelie to dedicate theim to the goddesse Venus. And assuredlie though Caesar were a verie riche prince, yet was this price excessiue, and greate, conside∣ryng that the talent, as well by the accompte of Budeus, as also of some others, curious in this matter, counter∣poyseth sixe hundred Frenche crounes, now currant: so that Caesar, by this valuation, paide for these two tables 48000. Crounes of good and lawfull monie. It also is written by the saide Plinie, that Attalus king of the lesse Asia, disbursed fullie an hundred talentes, whiche va∣lue, by the first accompte. 60000. Crounes, for one onely table painted by the aboue saide Aristides. We maie in this place then safelie presume, that accordyng to the in∣crease, or decrease, of Prices, the excellencie of these sciences grewe also, or deminished. Brife in those daies paintyng was so muche honoured, that it was reputed in number of the liberall sciences. Plinie ••aieth that the Gréekes in suche sorte accompted of it, that it was not lawfull for anie their seruauntes to learne it: onely the * 1.9 soonnes of greate estates, and honourable personages

were permitted to exercise theimselues, in this practise. So grewe this skill then to be famous, and worthie, and not altogether assuredlie without cause, for that who so therein affecteth to be excellente, of necessitie muste bee learned in manie other matters. Geometrie to hym is requisite to vnderstande his perspectiues: also he shoulde bee learned in the other artes and scieuces, with an ab∣solute knowledge in infinite other thinges, the more perfectlie to order and obserue his proportions, with an assured consideration of the nature of al thinges, as shal bee to the beautie of his woorke, decent and necessarie, throughout to bee skilled as a Poete in all thinges, for that paintyng is nothing els, but a deade or dumme poe∣ste. Besides this, his lineamentes, and proportions must be suche, that the eye it selfe misse and faile therein, in iudgemente, as wee reade it some tymes happened to Zeuxis and Parrasus, both excellent painters, concerning the outwarde shewe, or appearaunce of their woorke. By * 1.10 meane whereof they accorded willingly together, that euery of theym should frame the finest peece he could, to thentent that who so wonde then the price, by common iudgement, should be reputed of the other, for most per∣fect and absolute. Zeuxis then presenteth a perfect péece, a table, in whiche he had with suche skill, and so artifici∣ally depainted certaine bounches, or clusters of Grapes to the quicke, that certaine Sparrowes espiyng it, and supposing they had been grapes, arrested theim to beake thereon, or preie, as is their vsage, which thing appeared merueilous and straunge in all mens iudgmente. Parra∣sus on the other side presented eake a table, on whiche, with suche perfection he wrought had then a Curtaine, that beyng brought to Zeuxis, to iudge or to consider of, (nowe drouned almost in pride, for that he had the poore and senlis birdes deceiued) demed it to bee, that which in déede it was not, stretchyng forth his hand to haue with∣drawen the Curtaine, as though some thynge had been

close hid, or wrought there vnder, saide with loude voice that some man should take awaie the Curtaine. But af∣terward perueiuyng that foulie he had failed, gaue sen∣tence without more that Parrasus was his better, consi∣deryng he had deceiued hym that was maister of his sci∣ence, which was in déede much more, then by some gyle∣full shewe, to drawe or to delude the poore and foolishe birdde. An other tyme this Zeuxis, in like table also de∣painted a yong boye or child, hauyng in his handes a dish well charged with Grapes, with so much art in deede, so well and finely fashioned, that the birddes againe as be∣fore, came fléeyng to beake thereon, whereat Zeuxis as all foreraged, greuing and misliking with that his owne worke saide, if that with equal skill I had depainted also the boye, the birddes with feare would then haue helde thē all a loofe, neither would thei haue been so bold to ap∣proche so nigh the boy. Plinie which recordeth these thin¦ges affirmeth, that Zeuxis was a man of greate wealth in his tyme, for what soeuer he wrought, he neuer solde it, but for price excessiue, reputyng his deuises to bee of suche excellencie, that if he solde theym not at his owne pleasure, he rather would giue theim, then take but lit∣tle for theim, and farther would saie that no money (if he should in deede esteme of his doynges, accordyng to their perfection) were able, in what quantitie so euer, iustlie to value theim. This Zeuxis with suche perfection de∣painted Penelope, that hymself therein, besides others, had most perfect likyng, by meanes whereof, he subscri∣bed these fewe wordes, commended of all menne: more easie shal it be, to all suche as shall beholde this, vnkind∣lie to enuie it, then with filed hande learnedlie to follow it. He besides these did manie other thinges, so perfecte, so absolute, and in suche sort estimed, that Plinie repor∣teth, that euen vntill his tyme, there was reserued of his doyng, a draught of Helena in Rome, as also some o∣ther thinges moste curiously depainted: and yet was

there, as hath Eusebius, from the tyme of his death, till Plinie afterward was, and did these thinges to wryting, by iuste accompte, fiue hundred and eight yeres. The A∣grigentines became suters vnto hym, to frame thē some skilfull purtratie, whiche they might offer vnto their Goddesse Iuno, but he to theim accorded nothing, before (by his commaundemente) thei had presented vnto hym a greate number of naked maides, of rare and comelie beautie, out of whiche he chose fiue, whiche among the reste he déemed to be fairest, and best feutered: who ta∣kyng from euerie of these, that whiche in theim best li∣ked hym, he finished this excellent, and this fore desired peece. Of Parrasus his competitor, straunge matters also finde we: Strabo writeth, that among sundry other thin∣ges, * 1.11 he fashioned in the I••le of Rhodes, a Satyre standing fast by a certaine Columne or Piller, on the highest part of whiche, he had depainted a Partridge: but although this Columne, and Satyre were absolutely doen, yet this Partridge so farre surpaste theim in perfection, that in the iudgement of all men she séemed to haue life, so that without regarde of thother parte of the table, eche man was amased at the excellencie of the birde, whose perfe∣ction in déede was suche and so absolute, that thei placing before the saied table certeine tame Partridges (as pre∣sentlie we may in cages verie easelie kepe theim) began to call, and offered to flie to hym, being as is aboue saied, onely painted. By meane whereof Parrasus besought the Magistrates of Rhodes, that he might with their licence deface and remoue hym, considering it stained the beau∣tie of the other partes of the table, whiche were assured∣lie most famous and excellent. Plinie also writeth of him matters straunge, and merueilous, affirming that some of his woorkes were also fonnde in Rome. And farther addeth that amonge others, sundrie his perfections, he had a subtill or secrete kinde of practise, besides his open and séemely proportions, whereby he gaue men, plainlie

to vnderstande the nature or conditions, of what soeuer he depainted, as is written, he did in the Idoll of the A∣theniens: which in such order and maner he handled, that besides the rare beautie, and excellencie of the subiecte, eche man might sée the ordenaunces, maners, and custo∣mes of the Atheniens: who as he was assuredly a prince in that his arte, so was he in all other thinges of a moste sharpe and fined witte, neither in drawyng his lines, or proportions was he bolder, then he was pleasaunt, with all men, merie and well disposed. Whence he ofte tymes would saie that paintyng had well schooled hym, in the perfecte loare and vsage of wisedome, and knowledge But beyng entered, into the consideration of this mat∣ter, it shall not bee besides the purpose, some thyng to speake in fewe of Apelles, Prince and maister of all o∣ther Painters, as also som what of Protogines, singuler * 1.12 also, and excellent in this arte.

Of that excellent Painter Apelles, as also of Protogenes an other in his tyme. Chap. 7.

THat of one, and of the saied subiecte, we haue here presently written twoo chapiters, is though for some others, yet chiefly for twoo causes: the one, for that the lengthe, and continued prorsis, wearieth commonlie, what∣soeuer the reader, whiche some times before thei come to the ende, forgette what thei redde at the first, or beginnyng: the other, for the dignitie of hym, of whom our penne shall speake here presently, well de∣serueth, or meriteth his chapiter a parte, to the intent, it maie the better bee considered of the readers. This then is Apelles in the skill of Paintyng, the onely Phenix, and mercour of all others. He had to maister one Panphi∣lus, * 1.13 verie excellent in his science, who neuer tooke scho∣ler

by the yere, for lesse price, then for one whole talente Attique, valuyng by our accompte, sixe hundred cro••nes sterlyng. In the tyme of this Apelles, Protogines also liued, in this arte moste famous, suche bothe, and so per∣fecte in their profession, that hardly men knewe, whiche merited higheste commendation. By meane whereof, Apelles aduertised of his excellencie, determined on a time, to go, to visite him, and happely in fewe daies arri∣uyng at Rhodes, where at that tyme Protogines dwelt, dissimulyng, that he was driuē thither, by aduerse winde and weather, and entering at the gates, or house of Pro∣togines, founde hym not, whom he sought, then present∣ly at home, and hauyng demaunded, where he might be, of an olde woman that kept the house, tooke leaue to de∣part about other his affaires, but this olde woman saied, whom shall I saie you are, that haue sought here Proto∣gines? Apelles straight takyng in hand a pinselle, whiche he there founde, tournyng to her, saied, thou shalt saie to Protogines, that he, that drewe this line here, would gladly haue spoken with hym, and in vttryng these wor∣des, framed there so curious a line, so straighte, & so well proportioned that it wel argued what he was, that with learned hande had drawen it. Now after this, Protogi∣nes immediatly retournyng, aduertised of all thinges, as is afore saied, who after he had aduised hym selfe, of this skilfull line, said, that besides Apelles, no man that liued, could dooe it: and so incontinently taketh in hande an o∣ther pinselle, and with a contrary coloure, vpon Apelles his line, draweth then the seconde, so fine and so well fa∣shioned, that besides hym self, none could, by common iudgement doe it, commaunding forthwith his woman, that if he by happe retourned, that she should shewe him that line, as also farther learne hym, that Protogines had doen it, whom he so muche desired. Apelles then re∣tournyng, the other beyng for the, the old woman, as she receiued in commaundement of her maister, presenteth

forthwith to him, this second line, to consider of. Where at, as all amased, at the greate aduantage, that Proto∣gines had gained, tooke in hande againe, the second time the pinselle, and sondereth in the middle Protogines his line againe, whiche hardly might be seen, so small it was & subtile, but with the third colour, Apelles notwithstan∣dyng, in suche extreme perfection, parteth bothe the o∣thers, that for the fowerth he leaueth, no kinde of place in the worlde. Protogines then retournyng, and seyng what had chaunced, confeste the truthe, Apelles to bee in deede his better, and runneth all aboute, with painfull care to seke hym, to the onely intente, he might doe hym conuenient honour, lodgyng hym in his house with hym, and with none other. After this, this table with these three lines onely, was broughte vnto Rome, where it longe was kepte, reputed for a miracle, vntill the raigne of Caesar, when as by sodaine fire, with greate sorowe, it was emong other thynges consumed. Apelles when he had nigh perfected any woorke, he vsually would sette it in open stréete to the vien, hymself close hid behinde it, to listen, and to espie, if any man with reason, therein re∣proued any thyng, acquaintyng hym self with the iudge∣ment, and censure of the people. Now on a tyme it chaū∣ced, that a Shoe maker should passe that waie, who high¦ly commendyng the resude of the woorke, founde some little faulte in the latchette of a shoe: by meane whereof Apelles vpon the saied table, writeth foorthwith these fewe woordes, or sentence, Apelles hath dooen this, but yet hath not doen it, giuyng all others thereby to vnder∣stande, that he not yet accompted it, or perfecte, or abso∣lute. He liued in the tyme of Alexander the greate, of whose grace, and fauour, in suche sorte he was assured, that Alexander commaunded by edicte, or proclamation, that none should bee so hardie to drawe, or depainte his purtraite, but onely Apelles, emong so many others. Farther he eftsones would goe visite him, when he was

workyng in his shoppe alone, whiche argueth the great reuerence, and estimation of that science, as also that A∣pelles surpassed euery other. Besides this, loe an other, a rare shewe of his friendship, for Apelles at his commaū∣demente, hauyng drawen to the quicke, and curiously proportioned, one of his fairest, and beste boloued concu∣bines, whiche had to name Campaspa, who was in deede * 1.14 so faire, so perfecte, and so well feautered, that this poore Painter, now became of her enamoureb: whiche thyng, as sone as Alexander ones perfectly vnderstoode, deter∣mined to leaue her, as in deede he did, giuing her for wife now, to his sure afflicted, and tormented friende Apelles. Whiche thyng might well be regestred, emong his most famous victories, for that subduyng his owne proper af∣fections (whiche is of all others the beste, and happieste conqueste) he contented hymself to forgoe her, bestowe∣yng her on an other. Some report that afterward, vpon the saied purtraite of Campaspa, he with excellente skill depainted y^e figure also of Venus. He could so artificially counterfaicte to the quicke, that on a tyme Ptolomie, as well one of Alexanders successours, as also kyng of E∣gipte (after whose death, he liued still in Ptolomies indi∣gnation) ordained a greate, a riche, and a solemne banket vnto the whiche, in plain derision, and mockerie, Apelles was inuited a geast in the kynges name, whom, whē the kyng espied, in greate ire, and disdain, demaunded whose geaste he was, and who had called hym thither: whiche when he vnderstoode, he tooke in hande a cole, and with∣out any aunswere, sodainly proportioned a certain face, or visage, whiche as it was knowen his, that vnhonest∣ly brought hym thither, so was it there by euidente, that he to name had Planus. Many other thynges right mer∣nailous, were also dooen by hym, whiche in this place would bee longe, and tedious to remember. In histories, notwithstandyng, we reade of thynges almoste impossi∣ble, as that he should depainte the scorchyng beames of

the Sunne, the lightnynges also, and thunders, with o∣thers the like, and semblable. His woorkes to conclude, were suche, and so excellent, that a certaine table of his, of parte by mishappe stained (in whiche Venus was pur∣traied, as issuyng out of the sea, whiche also Octauian, as an especiall ornamēt, did to be placed in the temple of Iu∣lius Caesar) could neuer after bée mended, for none durste bee so bolde, to take the thyng in hande, not able to con∣forme it to the first, and auncient paterne. Not long be∣fore his death (the laste thing that he did) he yet beganne an other, or draughte, or pourtraite, of the saied Venus, so perfecte, and so absolute, in all respectes, and partes, that diyng before he ended it, none after might be found, y^e durst, or could wel ende it. He depainted also a horse, in suche extreame perfection, that other Painters tooke it for a patrone, and example, whence hauyng in the ende pourtraied many a curious steede, and prickt with emu∣lation, eche huntyng after fame, would make some final proofe, whiche nighest touchte the marke, and so doyng to be brought, certaine horses out of a stable, leadyng thē before these others now depainted, which past, and past againe, as nothyng there at moued: but when Apelles his horse was brought into the place, the other began to braie, & stirre, as is their common vsage, whiche thing to do, thei refused at the presence of th' others: whence how farre he surpaste thē in th' excellencie of this worke, was euidente without more, and plaine to be séen of all men. Besides this, his happie witte was not onely séen, in his passyng skill of painting, but further, by his learned, and philosophicall sentences: for beyng commended of Pro∣togines, as one that farre excelled all others, in that his arte, aunswered, you are quoth he Protogines, myne e∣quall, and my fellowe, onely one faulte you haue, that you neuer solace your selfe, foredulled with incessaunte with wearie toile, & practise. Learnyng him therby, that continuall paine, and labours, without conuenient cesse,

or moderate recreation hurteth, and annoieth the spiri∣tes, and vnderstandyng, as on the other side some pretie pleasaunte exercise, comforteth the weried man▪ and hardneth hym a freshe, the better now to tolerate what soeuer his first, and principall indeuour. An other shew∣yng hym a certaine table of his doynge, vaunted that he had doen it, in shorte time, and in hast to whom he saied, I sée it in the woorke, though thou haddest tolde me no∣thyng. Now might we in this place speake also of Pro∣togines, of his fined woorkes, his graue and worthy sai∣ynges: although in this respect for his honour & renoume at the seige of Rhodes, the sole and onely practise of De∣metrius might suffice. Who if he once would haue geuen fire to a certain parte of the toune, had entred at his plea∣sure, and conquired the whole, but beyng assured that in the saied place, there was reserued a table depainted by Protogines, would by no intreatie attempte the thinge that waie, but rather would faile to sacke, and spoile the citie, then to burne this table of such price he estemed it. The first day therfore that he by happe beseiged it. Pro∣togines was founde without the Citie in a small or litle gardine, busied at his worke as if there had been nothing, who although in déede, he knewe the presence of the en∣nimie, yet woulde he not leaue to followe, therefore his wonted practise. So being brought forthwith, vnto De∣metrius, was demaunded how he durst in suche sorte to tarie, and arrest hym without the citie. I assured my self saied he, that thou wast here in armes, against the Rho∣dians only, and not against good sciences. This doen, this prince committed hym to certaine of his souldears, to the intente that while he was busied in his paintyng no man might disturbe, disquiet, or molest hym, whom also while he wrought, Demetrius in person came ofte times to be holde hym. Besides these, harde were it to remem∣ber how manie haue excelled in this skill, or science, as Aristides, Asclepiodorus, Nichomachus, Paneus the

brother of Fidias, with a multitude of others, which Pli∣nie in his fiue and thirtie booke remembreth. And to the intente that men herein, chalenge not to theim selues, all honour or praise, as to theim belongyng onely, wee may remember women their felowes, and their equal∣les, whiche haue doen straunge thinges, as anie aboue remembred: as for example, Timerata the doughter of Miconis, whiche in suche passing excellencie depainted for the Diana, that it long times afterwarde was moste carefully kepte, and honoured still in Ephesus, Irena, Ca∣lipsa, Olimpia, Lala Cizicena, with others also many, like famous for their skill in all ages to be honoured. In thys our tyme also many a good worke man leueth, of whom I will write nothing, leste remembryng one or twoo. I should wrong a greatar number.

Of a straunge maner of exile vsed in Athens, by mea∣nes of which the most honourable and worthiest per∣sonages were oftentymes banished, without any of∣fence, or faulte at all committed. Chap. 8.

THE seigneurie or common weale of Athens (as is to all menne well kno∣wen) was one of the most honorablest and richeste in the world: for after it leaft to be gouerned by kinges, resto∣red againe vnto desired libertie, it fo∣stered and gaue forthe, greate num∣bers of worthie men, in armes no lesse excellent, then in all kinde of good letters, of whiche all histories are eue∣rie where well furnished. But among all other profita∣ble lawes and customes, which thei carefullie obserued, for the onely conseruation of their gouernement, and li∣bertie, there was one amonge the reste as well verie straunge, as to theim onely proper, which thei notwith∣standyng

déemed verie fitte and necessarie, as well to re∣presse and chastice, the proude ambition, and intollera∣ble audacitie, of certaine their nobles, whiche waxed in oppression, and tyrannie so cruell, that the poore colde no where liue exempte from their malice, whiche was suche as here after followeth. At one certen and deter∣minate time, all the inhabitantes, of what estate or con∣ditiō soeuer, had full aucthoritie to exile and banishe (yea were it though without cause or reason) any one of their péeres, without respect, for the full space of tenne whole yeres, as if they hated hym, or feared lest he shoulde by tyrannie vsurpe, or ambitiously chuse to him, the whole gouernement or state, or if for any other cause in com∣mon, they either did malice, or disdaine his person, they proceded once assembled, in this sorte and maner. The magistrates first of all, to whom onely this charge was committed, hauyng (as is saied) assembled the multitude together, gaue to euery one of theim a little white stone or tile, in which eche man should write the name of him whom he desired at that tyme aboue all others to be ba∣nished, which after their inscription they restored again immediatly to the 'officers, whiche stones or tiles, the Greekes called (Ostraci) whence this maner of exile was also termed Ostracismus. These stones with their inscri∣ptions * 1.15 this brought in againe together, thei began forth with orderly to number, and if at leaste there were not founde with one inscription six thousande (for in these assembles, no man was against his will forced, to write anie mans name in his stone, vnlesse he founde hymselfe greued, or otherwise for his pleasure woulde vnkindlie do it) they exiled for that yere no man at al. But if there were founde six thousande or more altogether agréeyng on one, and the like number againe perhappes on some other, then would they carefully accompte, and number their stones, and he that was of moste in this sorte re∣membred, were he though some times the most vertu∣ous,

and moste riche within the citie, yet was he incon∣tinently banished for the space of tenne whole yeres, without any kinde of pardon, mitigation, or remission. Notwithstandyng in the meane tyme, no man depriued hym of his possessions, neither in his gooddes, or landes suffered he any domage, but according to his pleasure, or phantasie, he in all poinctes ordered theim, reapyng the fruictes or commodeties thereof, in as ample and large maner, as if he neuer had been forced to exile at all. Nei∣ther was this lawe, or custome onely ordeined, to cha∣stice and correct the ambious extortioner, but also to ap∣pease the rage of the common people, moued at times or incenste against their Princes: so that by generall con∣sente, the Commons inioynge thys aucthoritie or pri∣uelege, banished sometymes those, whose absence in déede, was to their coutrie verie profitable•• some tymes suche againe, onely by vnkinde and vnaduised ingrati∣tude, whom for their honest seruice doen to their coun∣trie, thei neither coulde, nor should without their greate harme or detrement haue wanted. For proofe whereof Themistocles that excellente capitaine (by whose onely counsaile and diligence, Xerxes was vanquished, and chast out of Grece. His nauie also discomfited and scatte∣red on the Sea, neither was Athens only by hym resto∣red to libertie, but also all Grece to their desired freedom) was by this practise vnkindly exiled. Like salerie recei∣ued Simon that renoumed Athenian, whiche liued euen then in the same tyme with the other, whiche also so of∣ten tymes had been in fielde for the safetie of his coun∣trie, wher, by his prowes, and counsaile, he accomplished suche enterprises, as peraduenture shall neuer anie one man againe after hym, to wéete he subdued the Persians on the Sea, and tooke of theim at one tyme twoo hun∣dred Gallies, and the same daie not hauyng throwly yet quailed their corrage, landed in good order with all his armie, geuing present bataile to the resude of that com∣panie,

which were then landed before hym, a houge and greate number, whom all notwithstandyng he victori∣ously conquered, by Sea and by lande a most fortunate Capitaine. Besides these his excellente vertues, he was also verie large and liberall vnto al men, makyng small accompte of his goods where with fortune aboue others had largely indued hym: he did continually to be opened his fildes, and gardeines, to the ende, the indigent might thence gather suche thinges as they had néede of: he se∣cretly also gaue to all men large almes, throughout the whole Citie, he péetied the afflicted, and comforted the néedie. He farther by expresse commaundemente, gaue charge to all his seruantes, that if thei any where founde an olde man bare or ill appareled, they forthwith should bestowe on hym, that theimselues hadde on presentlye, contēted to take for chaunge, their meane and poore ar∣raie. To conclude he daily prouided a greate feaste, for al poore men, without respecte, within the compasse of A∣thens, by meanes whereof in shorte tyme, he verie nigh hadde consumed whatsoeuer to hym was lefte by his fa∣ther Milciades. All these notwithstandyng his princelie demerites, neither coulde or were able to exempte him from this exile, from the vnknowen crueltie, and in∣gratitude of his countrie, as to their perpetuall ignomi∣nie at full recordeth it Cratinus a Poete comicall, and Gorgias Leontinus. In maner semblable was banished Aristides, the soonne of Lisimachus, who for his excellen∣cie, and vertuous life, was of all men for good cause sur∣named the iuste, notwstandyng the people both feared, & suspected hym continually. Aboute the time then that thei should proceade in these affaires, behold his straūge happe, worthy of consideration, there approacheth vnto hym one of the citisens, whiche as he colde not write, so neither knewe he at all Aristides, but by fame for hys vertues onely, requestyng hym to write vpon his tile or stone, the name of Aristides, whom he saied he woulde

helpe at that tyme to banishe. Wherat Aristides, as al∣together amased (for he neuer suspected any suche mat∣ter) called hym, and saied: frende come hether, hath A∣ristides doen thee any displeasure? Noe saied he, but it greueth me to heare hym surnamed Aristides the iuste. Plutarche in this sorte recordeth this matter, but Pau∣lus Emilius affirmeth, that he framed hym this aun∣swere: I knowe not Aristides, but I suppose it will lit∣tle profite hym, that with suche diligence, and in so short tyme, he hath attained to that fame, and honour, to bee called (as you heare) of all men Arististes the iuste. How be it, Aristides at all, gaue hym no aunswere, but wrote, as his will was, his owne name in his stone. By whiche meanes afterwarde, vnkindly exiled, neither waxte he angrie, or greeued with his countrie, but contrariwise moste quietly departynge, in presence of the multitude, and before theim all saied: I praie the immortall Gods, that the Athenians neuer fall into any such kinde of mi∣serie, that they shoulde haue néede of, or desire Aristides againe. And in déede so came it to passe, that within fewe daies afterwarde they repented theym of their folly, ac∣knowledging with greate grief their faulte and errour: for before these ten yeres of his exile were expired, yea in the sixte yere, by common consent, and suffrage of the people, he was called home againe, to his perpetuall ho∣nour, but to their ignominie, & the inexcusable shame: af∣ter which his retourne, he did sundry valiaunt, and wor∣thie exploytes, beyng in person presente, in that daunge∣rous conflict, on the Sea adioyning to the Isle Salamina, where Xerxes was vanquished, as also presente, at the ouerthrowe of Mardonius. So that as I firste saied, thys lotte' of exile for the most parte stil fell on the most wor∣thie, * 1.16 and most renoumed personages. Notwithstanding though hence grewe infinite discommodities, yet had it neuer the lesse, a certaine shewe, or countenaunce of ho∣nour or maiestie, especially that it helde menne from v∣surpation

an tyrannie, dréedyng the displeasure and au∣thoritie of the people. Plutarche writeth that the seigno∣rie of Athens on a tyme florishyng as well in wealth, as in martiall affaires, and chiualry, there were two great estates in honour like, excelling all others, Nicias thone, * 1.17 and Alcibiades the othe: which both in all thinges were verie curious and daintie, like ambitious and desirous of glory, pursuing eche the other with enuious emulation: the time now of this Ostracismus verie fast approaching of whiche we haue aboue remembred, both fearyng the imminent incōuenience, & peril, did what in theim was, to assure theimselues from the hard sentence of exile. In this tyme ther also was in Athens one that had to name Hiperbolus, of base condition, proude, notwitstanding, & verie seditious, whiche, not ignoraunt of the emulation betwixt Nicias, and Alcibiades, practised by all meanes, to increase the same, sowyng betwixte theym seedes of impacable discorde and dissention, hoping by this policie, to gain some reputation as also presupposing, that these twoo, this remainyng (as he well trusted) enimies, the one of theim shoulde be banished by the Ostracismus fol∣lowyng, by meane whereof, he imagined to gaine his place, and honour, and so consequently to be accompted one of the chéefest of the whole citie. But thei both verie shortly, well skilled of his practise, disdainyng that he of so meane estate, shoulde by this meanes become their equall, secretly asswaged their yre, and malice, plightyng present frendshippe, and amitie, eche to other, better li∣kyng to cease from their rancour and malice, then to a∣bide the hassard of this present shame, and infamie. This doen eche of theym attempted nowe busilie together to exile by the Ostracismus, the malicious, infortunate, and vnhappie wretche Hiperbolus. Wherin they so careful∣lie and so wisely traueiled, that they in déede accompli∣shed, that thei so then affected, folding hym in that snare, that he prouided had for others. At which thing y^e whole

multitude brake out into a laughter, beholdyng a wret∣che of so vile condition, in exile to be sente forth, whither so many, and so valiaunte a prince, had past before hym. But in the ende this mirth so chaunged into rancour, that this custome therewith ceaste also for euer.

Of sundrie excellent personages, whiche by the ingrati∣tude of their Countrie, haue vnkindly been banished. Chap. 9.

ALL histories are euerie where full, of the sundrie and manifolde ingratitu∣des, practised by the moste aunciente, and most famous Cities, euen against those, that most honourablie haue ser∣ued, and defended theim, in their ne∣cessities. We therefore shall remem∣ber here not many examples, for that to the studious in good histories, it should be lesse necessarie, and superflu∣ous. The greate father of the Romaine eloquence, and * 1.18 moste soueraigne oratour, or since, or before hym, which from the perilous coniuration of Cateline deliuered that proude, and pompous citie Rome, was notwithstanding at the sute of his enimie Claudius, in recompence of his desertes vnkindely banished. Which his exile, in Rome, was so muche bewailed, that twentie thousande in one daie wore mourning apparell for hym, by meane wher∣of, he was restored to his pristinate libertie, called home with greate ioye, to his inspekable honour. Demosthenes the sole prince of all gréeke eloquence, patrone, and pro∣tectour, of his countrie Athens, was also by the Atheni∣ans in his olde age, banished, and yet had they had, some countenance of occasion, sufficiente shoulde it not haue been, to haue exiled of theimselues, suche a one as was he. He lamented excessiuelie, and be weapte his depar∣ture, so that he wente thence in greate sorowe, and me∣lancolie,

who méetyng as he paste, certaine Atheniens, his heauie enemies, beganne to haue some feare, and to doubt theim merueilously, whiche not onely did hym no kinde of outrage, but contrariwise did solace, and aide hym, in what soeuer was to him or fittyng or necessarie. Whiche thing some tyme, considered well of hym, as also that he was reproued, for bewalynge his departure, saied againe to those, that did hym these curtisies. Howe would you, that I shoulde not beweepe this my partyng, seyng my selfe banished, from my natiue soyle and coun∣trie, where also mine enimies, are suche, and so honeste, that I must thinke my self most happie and fortunate of al men, if in some other place I may finde frendes, as as∣sured & comfortable? Metellus surnamed Numidicus, in reward of his victory, which he obtained against Iugurth kyng of Numidia, receiued vnkinde, and harde sentence of exile, onely for that he woulde not accorde vnto a cer∣teine lawe, whiche some others, at that tyme desired to establishe. Hannibal after that he had painfully in sudry daungers well serued his countrie, and although besides he was the most honourable, and most renoumed Capi∣taine of his tyme, yet might he not inioye the liberties of his countrie, but banished, was forste to range, an vn∣happie pilgrime about the world. Camillus was also vn∣iustly exiled from Rome, at which time the Gaules helde it in besiege and tooke it, and finally as they assaulted the capitoll it self, he beyng chosen againe in his banishment Dictatour, and Capitaine general of all his countrie, en∣tered, flewe, and discomfited theim, & restored the Citie, deliuering theim out of prisō that before had exiled him. Seruilius Halla, after hauynge preserued the libertie of Rome, from the ambitious oppression of Spurius Emi∣lius, Capitaine of the horse men, whiche by all meanes possible, affected the croune, and had also doen him open∣ly to die, in fine receiued in steede of iuste guerdone, through banishment to liue, an exiled Romaine. No coū∣trie

any where reade I of more bound vnto a man, then was Lacedemonie vnto Licurgus, especially for his la∣wes which he so prouidently gaue theim. And although he also were of moste holy, and vertuous conuersation, courtuous and of a gentle spirite, and nature, of whom, as of hym reporteth Valerius Maximus, the oracle of A∣pollo Pithius, this doubtfully aunswered, that he knewe not whether he might accompte him, either in the num∣ber of the gods, or els of mortall men: notwithstandyng he often tymes was pursued of the citisens with stones, beaten, and driuen by force out of their toune, and in the ende hauyng pluckte one of his eyes out of his heade, ba∣nishte hym also out of their lande & territorie. The sem∣blabe was also doen, to Solon, by the Atheniens, whiche also gaue them like lawes, and ordinaunces as th'other, whiche if they had (as was his will) continuallie obser∣ued, their Empire, by all presumption, had yet still con∣tinued. Besides that he also conquered, and recouered the Citie of Salamina, vnto theym, with the same also, aduertising theym of the rebellious coniuration of Pisi∣stratus, which by vsurpation and tyrannie, busily sought, and affected the Croune, was yet notwistandyng in his olde, and stoupyng yeres, with moste rigour exiled, not able by any meanes, at their handes to obtaine any one extreme coruer, or ende, hpon their frontires, whereso∣euer it should please them there to make ende yet of his werie life, but to cōclude, inexorable, thei exiled him, in∣to the Isle of Cyprus. Scipio Nasica, whiche was reputed for the moste vertuous, and worthiest manne in Rome, whiche also neither merited lesse honoure, in the ad∣ministration, and gouernemente of the weale pu∣blike, then the other Scipioes by their prowes, and courage in the field, he notwitstandyng after he had de∣liuered Rome, from the malice, and tyranny of the Gre∣kes, vnderstandyng of the enuie, and sinister opinion, that diuers Romaines had conceiued of his vertuous di∣merite,

fainyng that he wente some where in imbasie, withdrwe hymself,, of purpose, and willingly into Per∣gama, wherwithout malising againe his vngrate coun∣trie, ended the reste of his daies there in peace. In like maner Publius Lētulus, after he had with honour defen∣ded his countrie, repressyng also the furious attemptes of the Gréekes, was with like curtesie, for his paines exiled: howbeit before his departure thence into Sicelie, besought the gods immortall in the presence of the mul∣titude, that they neuer woulde permitte that he retour∣ned againe, to so vnkinde as were they, and so vnthank∣full a people. Boecius Seuerinus, a man to the aboue re∣membred in no poincte inferiour, was by Theodoricus the vsurper, dishonourably expulsed, onely for that he supposed, he would paine hymself, to restore his countrie againe to libertie. For this cause also Denis, that execra∣ble tyranne, exiled that most worthie Capitaine Dion of Siracusa, who by his exile afterwarde became so puis∣sant, that he againe reentred, and banished the tyranne, depriuyng hym, of that hys seignorie for euer, restoryng his countrie to the pristinate, and auncient libertie. The verie semblable happened to Trasibulus, a Capitaine A∣thenian, which by the fatall malice of thirtie tyrauntes, that then held the whole countrie in miserable subiecti∣on, was also vnnaturallie, and vnkindlie exiled. But he notwithstanding to reuenge himself on them, assembled together diuers others before expelled, with whom, as with the helpe also of Lisander, a Lacedemonian, retour∣ned in armes against Athens, and deliuered it from ser∣uitude. Publius Rutilius Consull of Rome, banished by the fauorites, or fauters of Silla, though, after desired to returne again, refused saiyng: I will that Rome rather take shame, that she hath so vniustly exiled me, then thanke her to returne again, that so rageth with tyran∣nie. Terquinins rhe proude, though not without cause in déede, but for his leude demainoure, caste out of Rome,

lost his honour, and royalme, for the vnchaste rape doen, by his soonne, on Lucretia. Milo Patricius an honourable Romaine, somewhat susspected, touchynge the death of Claudius, whose cause though it were of Cicero defen∣ded, was notwitstandyng exiled into Marseilla. Clistines was the firste, that instituted the lawe of banishment in Athens, and the first that by the lawe was thence exiled. Eustachius Pamphilius Bishoppe of Antioche, was ba∣nished for that he reproued the schismaticall secte of the Arians, in the tyme, & raigne of Constantine the greate. Paulus Diaconus that famous historiogripher, writeth that Pope Benedictus the firste, was contrarie to Gods lawes and mans lawes, driuen out of Rome, by his en∣nemie the Emperour Auton. The saide Auton vanqui∣shed the Emperour Beringerius, with his soonne Albert, and sente theim bothe into perpetuall erile. Hence wee learne now, that infinite greate personages haue been expelled from their countries, and in Rome it was estée∣med for so greate a punishment, that none was thence banished, before all the people had throwly, consulted of the matter. And assuredlye the affections that man bea∣reth, or ofte to beare to his countrie, is continually such, and so vehemente, that wee can not exile without ex∣treame paine, and languishe. For the consolation there∣fore, of all suche as shal be banished, Plutarche hath wri∣ten a singuler treatise, as also Erasmus, to the saide pur∣pose a notable Epistle. Seneca in like maner, in his booke of consolation, dedicated to Paulinus, touchyng the saide subiecte discourseth verie learnedlie.

Of a straunge aduenture betide a certaine prisoner, and how after his weary imprisonment, he was in the ende made free and deliuered. Chapt. 10.

AS thinges straunge, and miraculous should not to lightlie for any cause bee remembred, so neither minde I in this place to passe, or to reporte any thing, not lefte vs by some other of sufficient warrant. Alexander of Alexandria, a man as is aboue saide, well skilled in the sciences, writeth this among other things, as a truth most certaine. There was saieth he in Italie, the place he nameth not, a certaine greateprince, or gouernour of that countrie, whom by name he also leaueth, in his di∣scourse to remember, in all poinctes mercilis, cruell, and tyrannous. It chaūsed that a poore vassaule of his, a man of meane condition, against his will, and by happe, slewe hym a graye Hounde whiche he muche esteemed, wherat this tyraunte waxte forthwith so wroth, that presently he did hym to bée throwen into a greate and déepe doun∣geon, lockte vppe with many kayes, vnder safe and good garde. Shortly after his keper, in bringyng hym (as was his maner) hys repaste or diner, founde all the doores lockte, and barde, as he before had leafte theim: but en∣teryng into the place where vsually this prisoner arre∣sted hym, founde hym not, but his chaines or fetters all whole, and not sundred. Whiche thing reputed for straunge, and merueilous, was incontinently presented vnto the aboue remembred Gouernour, who with most diligence, that was to him possible, made generall search for hym, from house to house, but failed to heare of hym, any thing in the world. The case, in this respect, séemed therfore miraculous, for that the fetters were all found in the pryson that bounde hym, not crackte, or disriue∣ted, but fast and surely ioygned, the gates eke so posted that nothyng might passe therat. Thrée daies after this, the prysone so remaynyng, as before still fastened, the kéepers then voyde of al charge, or care, hearde notwith∣standyng a soden skriche, or crie, in the same place, wher

of custome this poore wretch before was lodged, and ha∣stynge to the place, to see what it might bee, founde the poore prysoner there crauyng hys dinner, who was as before, faste folded in hys fetters, hys face pale, wan, dreadfull to looke on, his eyes hollowe, and staryng, re∣semblyng more perfectly, a deade corse, then man liuing. These keepers hereat, altogether amased, demaunded hym where, or in what place he hadde suggerned, but he againe woulde aunswere theym nothyng, but that they forthwith shoulde bryng hym to the gonernour, for that he had to acquainte hym with matters of importaunce, wherof his lorde, and seigniour aduertised, was brought incontinently, accōpained of many, before whom and in whose presence, he presented thus hys charge. Findyng my selfe saieth he, prysoner, in so lothsome and obscure a pryson, I entred with verie payne, into déepe dispayre, callyng on the Fende for sucker, and assistaunce, to the intent he thence would carrie me, whither soeuer it best might like hym: who after small sute in terrible forme appeared, with whome in all pointes I throwly agreed, so that he thence would, and out of pryson deliuer mee. Immediatly then he tooke me, and remoued me thence, I knowe not how, which waie, nor whither, sodenly de∣scendyng into certaine déepe places, terrible, tempestu∣ous, obscure, and dreadfull, where I behelde infinite mil∣lions, and millions again of people, whiche with vnspea∣kable torment of fier, as well as otherwise, were so af∣flicted, as my tongue in no sorte canne speake or vtter, their tortors were ougly, and rampyng deuilles: there sawe I all sortes of people whatsoeuer, as Kinges, Po∣pes, Dukes, Prelates, with diuers of mine owne ac∣quaintaunce, late deade, and departed hence. Farther there founde I an olde frend of youres, of al others some tyme, most faithfull and assured, whiche of you demaun∣ded me muche, of your behauour, and maners, and whe∣ther you yet remained suche as you were wonte to bee

(to wéete) a fell, and most accursed tyranne: to whom I aunswered yea, and that you still remained, without chaunge the same, that he at hys death, and departure hence left you. By meanes wherof he moste instauntly besought me, that at my firste returne I shoulde, from hym earnestly aduertise you, to make chaunge of youre life, to leaue this your tyrannie, with none vnreasona∣bly taxis, to charge or greue the people, with many such others, the like and semblable, for he assertened me that your place was there lotted out with him, where you E∣ternally should smart for it, if in time you repented not. And to th'intēt you the better should credite me, he gaue me to remember you, by this signe or token: tell him said he, that when we both were in filde, and in armes toge∣ther, that he remember, that one a tyme our watche worde was suche, which, suche as it was in dede, the pri∣soner faithfully recounted. This vnderstoode, this greate lord or gouernour, began forthwith to feare, to tremble and appaule, assured that God onely, his frende, and hym selfe, knewe of thys watche worde, and besides theym none other, and then demaunded what apparell, hys frende hadde on hym presently, who aunswered that he was none otherwise cladde, then he was wonte to bee here, attired sumptuously in crimsin Satten. How be it saide he, in déede, it was none suche as it appeared, for it nothyng els was, but a burnyng, and continuall fier, for proofe wherof saide he, as I approached to haue thouchte hym by the sléeue, I burnte my hande, as you presentlie maye heere sée. Besides these he spake of other visions, both fearefull, and terrible, of whiche all when this gen∣tleman had well considered, he willed hym to be at liber∣tie, in his owne house or pallace. Some reporte that heé was so pale, and ougly, that hardly hys owne wife, or o∣ther his frendes coulde knowe hym. He after this liued not many daies, skarce of perfecte minde, f••antike and weake. Notwistandyng how fewe soeuer they were, he

spente theim yet vertuously, prouidynge onely for the health and safetie of hys soule, for hauyng ordered howe his goods should be after hym distributed, he continually spent the tyme, in bewailyng his offences. But how this matter profited, or called to repentance this noble man, therof writeth Alexander no one worde at all, onely af∣firmyng this history to be true.

That the bloodde of a Bulle causeth theim to die that drinke therof at any time, as also, who first brought the Bull to the yoke. Chap. 11.

FOr as much as a Bull is a beast so common, and ordinarie, that wee as well féede on hym in e∣uerie our necessities, as of that which he ingendereth mannes principall prouision, it mighte appeare straunge and contrary to nature, that his blood dronke warme, with out anie kinde of mixtion, shoulde impoyson, or cause man presently, to sterue, and to dye. Dioscorides notwithstandyng, as also * 1.19 Plinie affirme that hys blood warme, is verie pestilente, and venemous, and that it killeth whosoeuer thereof drinketh. Plutarche writing of Midas, of whom so many good histories, and fables also make mention, saieth that he beyng troubled with certaine terrible imaginations, or visions, in to whiche without amendmente he dai∣lie entred farder and farder, by no meanes able to finde any kinde of remedie, determined (which he also perfor∣med) to drinke the bloodde of a Bull strangled, whereof incontinentlie, and forth with he died, Themistocles an Athenian, and excellent Capitaine, whiche defended all Grece from the violence, and inuasions of Xerxes, exi∣led from his countrie, wente thence to the courte of Ar∣taxerxes,

vnto whom (for iust cause greued with his vn∣kynde countrie) he promised to vtter a certaine meane, how he should easely subdue and conquire all Grece: but when after the king called on him for the performaunce thereof, he then againe with minde wholy altered and chaūged, desired rather to die, then to acquite him of hys promes, and so fainyng that he first would sacrifice vnto Diana, drancke the bloodde of a Bull, whiche he then had sacrificed, whence he presently dyed as recordeth Plu∣tarche. * 1.20 The cause or reason that may hereof be geuen, why I saie, the blood of a bull droncke warme should kil, is borrowed of Aristotle, Plinie, and Dioscorides, who to * 1.21 geather affirme, that it is, for none other cause, but that this bloodde so druncke straungely congealeth, and hard∣neth incontinently, yea muche more then the bloodde of any other beaste: so that in quantitie, once entered into the stomake, it curdeth, causing faintnes and suffoca∣tion, and stoppeth with the same the forces of respira∣tion, and feelyng, whence sodenlie of necessitie follow∣eth also death. Plinie wryteth, that Colewo••rtes boyled in the abouesaide bloodde are verie medicinable againste an opilation: this bloodde then by it selfe drouncke is pe∣stilente, and venemous, but in composition mixt with o∣ther thinges, is both holsome and profitable. Manne (to whom god hath framed all thinges subiecte) hath by this beaste no lesse profite, and seruice, then by the others of that kynde, whiche he alone ingendreth. For which one∣ly cause Columella preferreth hym before all other bea∣stes, affirmyng that to kill a Bull, was in tymes paste, a crime verie heinous, and almost in déede capital. Plinie writeth of one that was banished, for that he kilde a bul. The firste that tamed the Bull, and laide youke on hys * 1.22 necke, was as Diodorus reporteth one Denis, or Dioni∣sius, the soonne of Iupiter and Proserpina. But Plinie in his seuenth booke déemeth the contrarie, affirmyng that it was an Athenian, and hight Briges, others some sup∣pose

that it was Triptolemus, of whom Virgill in thys sorte séemeth to saie, that he an infant, was maister not∣withstandyng, and inuentour of the crooked Plough. Ser∣uius indifferentlie attributeth it as well to Orsiris, as to Triptolemus. I suppose that Virgill leafte thereof to dis∣couer the name, of the inuentour of a thing so profitable, and necessarie, for that (as it maie bee presumed) it was not the inuention of one sole man onely: but rather the wante and lacke therof, hath forced man in this case to deuise or inuente some thyng, to whiche some others to perfect it, haue also after added some what. Trogus Pom∣peius recounteth, that Auidis Kyng of Spaine, was the firste that layde maisteryng hande on the wilde and sa∣uage Bull, the firste also that fitted theim to the yoke, or Plough: but in fine whosoeuer it were, verie necessarie is hys seruice, and profitable in mannes affaires. This beast feedeth contrarie to all others, for in takyng his re∣paste he goeth alwaies backwardes, all others, of what soeuer kynde, marchyng still on wardes. Aristotle wry∣teth * 1.23 of a certaine kind of Bulles in Frigia, whose hornes are not fastened in the inner parte of their heades, and in the bone, but tossyng to and fro, growe onely copled to the skinne, by meane whereof they so turne theym at their pleasure, as their eares, whiche thyng Elian in like sorte plainly recordeth. The first that tamed Bulles in Rome, and kilde theim for mannes vse, was Iulius Cae∣sar, whiche thyng Plinie recordeth largelie. This beaste hath this propertie of nature or qualitie lente hym that he skilefully prognosticateth of the weather continual∣ly, for when it shall raine, he foresheweth it, in moun∣tyng hys snoute, breathyng into the ayre, or otherwise in séekyng some couerte besides his wonted manner.

How necessarie water is in all the vses of mannes life, of the excellencie of this element, and how to finde or trie, the best water from the other. Chap. 12.

IN all, the vses of mannes life, no one thyng is founde more necessarie, then the elemente of water, for if he lacke at any tyme bread, he maie with sun∣dry kindes of meates as hearbes nou∣rishe the bodie, and if fire faile hym, sunderie thynges are yet good, and holsome to be eaten rawe, so that man maie continue, and liue of them for a tyme: but without water, neither can man, beast, or what so els is, liue, or continue in this worlde at all. There is neither herbe, neither plante, of what sort so euer he be, that without water, giueth any kinde of increase: for what so euer is, without exception it needeth some tymes water. Whence Thales Milesius, as also Hesiodus, imagined, that water was the begin∣nyng of all thynges, the moste auncient, and first of the other thre elementes, in vertue also, and force, without comparison surpassyng them: for as hath Plinie, and also Isidorus, water moisteth and subuerteth greate moun∣taines, it ruleth, and hath dominion ouer the whole face of the yearth, it quencheth fire, and chaunged, into va∣pours, it also mounteth, or passeth into euery the regi∣ons of the aire, whence after a time, again it descendeth to giue increase, and multiplie all thynges vpon yearth. Farther, God so muche estemed this elemente aboue the reste, that concludyng, to regenerate man againe by Baptisme, would that his safetie should growe of parte by this elemente. And in the beginnyng of the worlde, when he first deuided the waters, he in suche estimation had it, as hath the texte, y^t he almoste nexte would place it vnderneath the heauens, lesse mindyng in that place, that houge heape of water, that boundeth, and limiteth the partes of the yearth. The greatest torment that the Romaines, had at any tyme prouided for the cōdemned, was that thei were interdicted, bothe from water, and fire, remembryng water in this place before the other,

for the more assertained, and assured excellencie. Sithe then water is so necessarie, in euery the vses of mannes life, here must we then cōsider of waters, which are the better. For accomplishement whereof, this maie be the firste note, who so will passe through places straunge, and vnknowen, desirous to learne, whither the waters be there holsome, yea, or not, as also whether they bée to be caried any other where, as necessitie, at tymes, or for causes, maie require, first let hym diligently, & with ad∣uise consider, the places adiacent about the spryng, or ri∣uer, how long the inhabitantes there liue, their dispo∣sition, and nature. Whither thei be healthie, strong, and valiant, and of good complection, their iyes not infected, their legges of good proportion, and able, suche where so euer thei bee well witnes of the goodnes of their wa∣ter: but contrary, if you finde them, then contrary must be your iudgement. But if your spring be late founde, so that the fore saied experience, of no parte helpe vs, then will we referre you to the practises followyng. Take a basme of Brasse; or other vestell, cleane, neate, and very well polished, then throwe some droppes of that wate•• there on (of that water I meane, of whose goodnes you would make experimente) and if after it bee dried, you finde at all no kinde of stain, or marke; then is that wa∣ter assuredly, bothe good and holesome▪ An other good proofe maie be, if you please to boile of this water, in the saied vessell, and after it hath boiled, to let it for a tyme; to stande, to settle, and to coole, then after when ye shall empte it, if in the bottome, you finde no kinde of slime; or sande, then is that water to be reputed for good: and of these waters, if ye make proofe of two, that whiche hath least, is to be accōpted, without more the beste. Farther if in these vessels, or in the semblable, you doe to bée boi∣led any kinde of pulse, to make there with some potage, or other meate, as beanes, pease, or other of that sorte, that water in whiche thei first seeth, is beste. You must

consider also, if certainly you will, iudge of waters, in what place, or soile thei spring, and rise, if out of a sandie grounde, cleare, andneate, or contrary out of a mirie soile, foule, and vnpure, and whither there growe any Rushes, or other herbes, or weedes noisome, and pesti∣lente: but for better suretie, who so would drinke of a water vnknowen, or of suche, as he deemeth to bee in¦deede, lesse good, lette hym with a small fire, firste of all boile hym, and then after beyng colde, drinke of hym in his neede. Plinie writeth, that the Emperour Nero, so boiled his water, and then coolyng it in the Snowe, glo∣ried that he was the father of suche an inuention. The reason why water boiled, should therefore be more con∣ducible, is for that it is not pure, and simple in his owne nature, but is all together mixt, bothe with the earth, and the aire: notwithstandyng, the parte windie, as it easily resolueth, by the fire into vapours, so that other substaunce also terrestriall, by the saied vertue, or force of the fire (whose qualitie, is to trie, and disioigne contra∣ry natures) descendeth to the bottome, and lower par∣tes of the vessell. By whiche meanes, this boiled water romaineth lesse vaporous, all the windie substaunce thereof perfectly consumed: it also again is more subtile, and light, beyng this purified from the grosse and stimie substaunce, and so consequently more easie to be kepte, and conserued, compitently refreshyng, and moistyng the bodie, without any alteration, or opilation at all. Whence it is euidente, that these deepe welles, or tye pittes, giue none so good, and holesome waters, as are the others, principally for that, the water more sauou∣reth of some slimie nature, and that it is at no tyme, pu∣rified by any shewe of the soonne, as that also it more ea∣sily putrifieth then any other. How bee it, the more that you drawe out of any suche Welle, the better, and the more profitable becometh the water, for that by conti∣nuall motion, corruption lesse ingendereth, and nothing

better frō putrifaction preserueth any water, then per∣petuall, and incessante agitation: for ones corrupted, it impoisoneth the newe waters, in their springes theim selues, as letted or lackyng frée course or passage: but stil drawen, newe commeth on more freshe still, and saue∣rie. For whiche cause the water of standing pondes, and diches, is of all other moste pestilente, and venemous, whiche, for that it hardely springeth, and hardely passeth thence againe, putrifieth, and ingendereth sunderie im∣poisoned matters, and ofte tymes (whiche worste is) it corrupteth the aire, whence the inhabitauntes there a∣bout, are ordinarily infected. Consider we also, that these waters, whiche flowe towardes the Southe, are not so holesome, as those that runne to the North: for the aire in the Southe, is more vaporous, and moiste, whiche hurteth of parte, and impaireth the water: but in the Northe more subtile, and drie, whēce the water is more light, and more voide of ill mixtions. For whiche cause, that water is euer more beste, whiche is moste cleare, moste light, moste subtile, and moste purified, for it is, as we fore saied moste free, from the mixtion of the o∣ther elementes, and beyng set ouer the fire, wareth al∣so warme, and boileth before any other. Farther also, a verie certaine, and singuler proofe of waters is this, if ye circumspectly consider, whiche of them first, or before the other boileth, beyng bothe putre in like vessels, ouer one fire, with like consideration of tyme in them bothe, also whiche of them in like maner, firste retourneth to his naturall qualitie, to bee that, he firste was, colde in taste, and feelyng, for these are assured argumentes, of a most subtile, and pearsing substaunce: and for as much as the mixture of the yearth, with any kinde of water, forceth, or canseth some alteration in waight, it shall be good to chuse still, that whiche you finde lighteste, whiche easily you maie proue in this sorte, and maner followyng. You shall take twoo peces of linen clothe, of

one and the same weight, puttyng one into one water, and the other into the other, vntill they be both throwe moistned, and weete, then hang theim in the ayre, wher the Sunne shineth not on theim, so long vntill thei both be perfectly drie, rewaight theim then againe, and the cloth whiche you finde to peise or drawe deepest, argueth his water to bee vndoubtedly moste waightiest. Other some haue vsed for their more expedition to waigh them in vesseles pure, neate, cleane, in waight not differyng, with out any farther curiositie at all. Aristotle and Pli∣nie affirme, that the greatest cause of diuers qualities in waters, is, and riseth onelye of sundrie substaunces, or maners of their soiles, by the meanes of Stones, Trées Mines, and Mettalles, through which these springes or Riuers runne, and for this cause they become some hotte, some colde, some swéete some salte, some sauerie, some lesse sauerie: wherefore it is a sure, and an infalli∣ble rule, that these waters that haue no taste, smell, or sauour, are continually reputed, for the moste holsome, and beste. Al suche notwithstādyng, as haue hereof wri∣ten, togither affirme, that these springes, that passe tho∣rowe mines of gold, excell, without comparison, by ma∣ny degrées the others: for proofe whereof, these riuers are accompted moste worthie of all others, whiche in∣gender and preserue gold in their fine, and small sandes: but because we perticulerly, some thyng haue saied of the proprietie of springes, and riuers, we leaue here to wearie the reader with examples. Now then, sith some thynges haue been spoken of fountaines, and flouddes, it followeth that we consequently treate of rainie wa∣ters, whiche of some are reputed for verie soueraigne, and medicinable, but of others some accompted lesse pro¦fitable, or necessarie. Vitruuius and Columella, with cer∣taine other Phisitians, highly commende all rainie wa∣ters, but these especially that are receiued cleane, pure, without any kinde of grosse, or terrestriall substaunce:

for that of them selues, saie thei, these waters, are light, and voide of all mixtion, caused onely of vapours, which by their onely subtilitie, are taken vp into the aire, lea∣uyng, as maie bee supposed, all impure, or slimie sub∣staunce behinde theim. Some neuerthelesse, saie, that this water, descendyng in this sorte from aboue, prutri∣fieth incontinently, as is to bée seen in standyng pooles, or diches, whiche ingender infinite ordures. How bee it, to speake indifferently, this is not to be attributed, to a∣ny defaute, or imperfection in this water, but rather for that it is reserued in so vile a place, into whiche moste commonly flowe, all noisome sinckes, and vnsauerie gutters, with others of that sorte, lesse meete to bée here remembred, as also of parte, by the ordure, that it dra∣weth, and bryngeth with it, washyng the yearth, as it floweth into the aboue saied troughes, or diches, especi∣ally when it powreth doune, or raineth aboundauntlie. Wherefore, the cause of this sodaine corruption, of part procedeth from the extreme heate of the Sunne, of part for that it is so pure, and delicate, but mixte now with suche contagious, and lothesome impurities, that it im∣mediatly, and without staie, corrupteth of necessitie. Notwithstandyng, if this water so subtile, and well pu∣rified, were taken, fallyng from houses, voide of duste, or filthe, or rather before it touche any house, or other thing, were receiued into sonie cleane, and pure vessell, it maie be thought, that it would proue, more pure then any other, as also that it longer might bee, without pu∣trifaction preserned. Others some there are, that plain∣ly affirme the contrary, as Plinie that writeth it to bee * 1.24 nought, and vnholesome, who also commaundeth, that we neither drinke, or taste of it, for that these vapours, whence it in the beginnyng, and firste of all riseth, issue, and procede of diuerse thynges, as also of diuerse soiles, whence it also receiueth diuers, and different qualities, good, and badde, with like, and with the same facilitie.

And againe alleagyng some farther proofe, for his asser∣tion, answereth also to that, that we aboue remembred, lesse admitting it for comprobation sufficient, as to saie, that it therfore is pure, or light, because it is drawne in∣to the regions of the aire, whether it (as is euidente) not naturally mounteth, but is taken by secrete force, and violency of the sunne. Neither are these vapours, saieth he, which in the middle regiō of the aire, by extreme cold are altered into haile, or snowe, so pure, and so perfecte, as most men suppose them, but resolued into water, are rather founde in verie deede pestiferous, and noisome. Besides whiche defecte, he this againe addeth, that this rainie water, by the onely euaporation, and heate of the yearth, becommeth infected, euen in the same tyme, and instante that it raineth. For better proofe of whiche im∣puritie, it onely is to bee noted, how quickly, and how sone, it becometh putrified, of whiche wee haue experi∣ence, often tymes vpon the sea, where it impossible is, to preserue, suche waters from corruption. For these causes now cisternes, and depe welles, are of most men lesse commended. How be it, touchyng these differente, and contrary opinions, eche manne maie sentence, ac∣cordyng to his phantasie: as for my parte, I willynglie would not prefarre, a rainie water, before the others, although in truthe it bee, in cases more fittyng, and ne∣cessarie, and although also Plinie, whiche other wise, dis∣commendeth it, letteth not to reporte, that fishes in stā∣dyng pondes, and lakes, quickely waxe fatte, but then moste especially, when it moste aboundantly raineth, so as thei maie be thought still, to please moste in this wa∣ter. Theophrastus saieth, that all hearbes in the gardein wéedes, or grasse, what quantitie of water so euer you bestowe on theim, spring thence, notwithstandyng, in no respecte so well, as with some pleasaunte, or smalle showers of raine. In maner semblable writeth Plinie, of the reede, or bulle rushe, whiche the better to growe,

or prospere, thirsteth still for raine. Suche also is Aristo¦tles opinion, and consonante to the former, concernyng the fattyng, or impairyng of fishes.

By what policie we may drawe freash water out of the Sea: and why colde water in fallyng maketh grea∣tet noyse then it woulde doe, if it were warme: final∣ly why a Shippe on the salte water, beareth greater weight then on the freashe, Chap. 13.

ARistotle writeth, as also Plinie, that we shoulde frame certaine vessels of waxe, hollowe within, so bindyng, or closing theim, that in theim, be founde no hole, or vente, lettyng theim doune into the Sea, fastned in some Nette, or other fitte matter, with long lines, or cordes, whence, (after they there haue béen the space of one whole daie) if wée againe drawe theim, wee shall finde in euerie of theim a certaine quantitie of freshe water, suche, and so good, as in any spring, or fountaine. The reason why the salte water becometh freashe, by the entraunce into these vessels, is in thys sorte geuen vs of Aristotle, who saieth, that the waxe beyng a bodie both full of powres, and swéete, graunteth passage to the most pure and subtill parte of the water, which as it lea∣ueth without hys grosse, and saulte substaunce, so pear∣sing it sauereth of the waxie nature, swete and pleasant. In truthe if it be so, (I saie againe, if it bee so, for that I neuer yet practised in any sorte, this secrette) it might well serue in sundrie our necessities, whiche commonly betyde vs, in infinite our affaires. How be it, I suppose, that if thys falte water waxe freashe by the onely and sole enteraunce, in to the aboue saide vessels, the saied vessels in like sorte, filled also full with the Sea, shoulde

geue vs some small quantitie, or measure of freashe wa∣ter, for filled, as is afore saide, why shoulde not the purer parte, passe through these porie vessels, leauyng within, the slimie, or saulte substaunce of the Sea, as beyng cast voyde into the Sea, shoulde receiue there, by contrarie order inwardes, water pure, and immixte, without any droppe at all of the other? The reason seemeth one, as tending both to one ende, vnlesse we should dwell here, on some scrupulous difference, arguing that by the same meane: and by the same facillitie, this freashe water di∣stilleth not out, of the full vessell, as on the other side it entereth, into the voyde, and emptie: for that some ap∣pearaunce is, of greater force, in goyng out, then is (as some suppose) at the entraunce, or comyng in: how be it, who so curious is, may make easie proofe, both of the one & the other. Farther for their sakes, that please in these experimentes, one other thynge shall I write, in thys place not lesse necessarie. Who so filleth at anye tyme twoo Bottles of one measure, the mouth, & necke, of like length, and widnes, the one with boilyng water, the o∣ther all colde, and straigh waies will empte theim, af∣ter one sorte, without gile (at one tyme, I meane, and in one instante tegether) shall finde that the colde water will, as well be first out, as also that in fallyng, it assu∣redly will yelde a greater brute, or noyse: the boylynge water slidyng, on the other side, slowly and with lesse noyse. The reason is, that the warme water lesse poy∣seth then the colde, whiche by heate of the fier, hath loste nowe the greatest quantitie of his grosse vapours: so that when firste the colde water beginneth to streame forthe, that parte that is behinde still, by his weight pu∣sheth, and thrusteth on the former, by continuall force, or fight as it were, in suche sorte, that the onely weight firste causeth the colde Bottle to empte, as also by the same meane, it noiseth as is euident, or resoundeth som∣thing farther. Whiche aunswere as Aristotle, in this re∣specte

geueth, so also learneth he vs, of an other the like practise, which rather by experience, then reason, we see daily. A Shippe saieth he, in the Sea, or in the salte wa∣ter, carrieth farre a greater weight, then he dothe in the freashe: for the Sea (addeth he) is a more thicke or gros∣ser substaunce, and beareth a charge, or burthen more houge then the other, beyng of a nature in respecte more pure, and subtile. For proofe whereof, experience this learneth vs, that if we cast into a riuer an Egge, imme∣diatly it sinketh, and passeth to the bottome, but contra∣rie wise, if you throwe hym into the Sea, or salte water he swimmeth, as supported, by a greater force, or violēce.

Of the renoumed and greate Tamberlaine, of the king∣domes and countries that he subdued, and finally of his practise, and maner in warre. Chap. 14.

THere hath béen amonge the Grekes, Romaines, the people of Carthage, and others, innitfie, worthy and fa∣mous capitaines, which as they were right valiaunt, and fortunate in war: so were they no lesse fortunate, in that some others by writynge com∣mended their chiualrie to the posteritie for euer. But in our tyme we haue had one, in no respect inferiour to any of the others, in this one pointe notwithstandyng lesse happie, that no man hath vouchsaued, by hys penne in any sorte to commende him, to the posteritie following. So that I, who moste desired somethynge to speake of hym, haue béen forced together here, and there little pée¦ces, and pamphlets, scarce lendyng you any shewe of his conquirous exploytes, the same also confusely, and with¦out any order. This then, of whom we speake, was that greate and mightie Tamburlaine: who in hys tender

yeres was a poore labourer, or husbandman, or (as other some reporte) a common Soldiar, how be it, in the ende he became Lorde, of suche greate kingdomes, and seigno∣ries, that he in no pointe was inferiour to that prince of the worlde Alexander: or if he were, he yet came nexte him, of any other, that euer liued. He raigned in the yere of our Lord God, a thousande, three hundred fower score and tenne. Some suppose that he was a Parthian borne, a people lesse honorable, then dread of the Romaines: his farher and mother, were verie poore, and néedie: he not∣withstanding was of honest & vertuous conditions, wel fewtred, valiant, healthie, quicke & nimble, sharpe wit∣ted also, of ripe, and mature deliberation, and iudgemēt, imaginyng, and deuising, haute and greate enterprises, euen in that his most, and extreame penurie, as though he some times shoulde be a maister of many thinges. He was of a valiant and inuincible corage, so that from his Cradle, and infancie, it seemed he was vowed to Mars and merciall affaires onely. Where vnto he gaue hym selfe, with suche painefull indeuour, that hardlye a man might iudge, whether he were more happie in déede, in aduised cousel, or princely dexteritie. By meane of which his vertues, and others, that we shall hereafter remem∣ber, he in shorte tyme acquired such honour, and reputa∣tion, as is to be supposed man neuer shall do againe. His first beginning was, as writeth Baptista Fulgotius, that beyng the soonne of a poore manne, kepyng cattle in the filde, liuyng there with other boyes of his age, and con∣dition, was chosen in sport by the others for their kyng, and althought they had made in déede, this their election in plaie, he whose spirites were rauished, with greate, and high matters, forst theim to swere to him loialtie in al thinges, obeyng hym as king, wher, or when, it should please hym, in any matter to commaunde theim. After this othe then, in solemne sorte ministred, he charged eache of theim forthwith to sell their troope and cattell,

leauing this seruile and base trade of life, séeking to serue in warre, acceptyng hym for capitaine: whiche in deede they did, beyng quickly assembled of other worke men, and pastours, to the full number, at leaste, of fiue hun∣dred: with whom the firste attempte that euer be tooke in hande, was that they robde all suche marchauntes as anie where paste nigh theim, and after he imparted the spoyle so iustlie, that all his companions serued hym, with no lesse faithe then loue, and loyaltie, whiche occa∣sioned sundrie others, a newe to seeke, and followe hym. Of whiche newes in the ende, the Kinge of Persia aduer∣tised, sent forth vnder the conducte of one, of his capitai∣nes, a thousande horses well appointed to apprehende and take hym: at whose commyng, he so well knewe in this matter howe to beare hym, that of his enimie he soone had made hym, his assured frende, and companion: in suche sorte that they ioigned both their companies to∣gether, attempting, then before, enterprises much more greate, and more difficill. In the meane tyme a certaine discorde, or breache of amitie grewe, betwixte the Kyng of Persia and his brother, by occasion where of Tambur∣laine tooke parte with the Kynges brother, where he so ordered the matter in suche sorte, that he deposed the King, and aduaunced the other. After this, by this newe prince, in recompence of his seruice, he was ordained ge∣nerall of the greater parte of his armie, who vnder pre∣texte that he woulde conquire, ad subdue, other prouin∣ces to the Persians, mustered still, and gathered, more Souldiars at hys pleasure, with whom he so practised, that they easely reuolted like Rebels followyng hym, subduyng their Leage, and Soueraigne. This hauynge nowe deposed, whom he before aduaunced, he crouned hymself Kyng, and Lorde of that countrie. Now moued with compassion, towardes his owne countrie, whiche long tymes had been tributorie, to the Princes of Persia, and to the Sarrazins, did theim to be frée, from all seruice,

and exactions, lottyng to theim for Prince him selfe, and none other. After this consideryng with hym selfe, that he presentlie hadde gathered a houge and greate armie, moued priuie mutenies and rebelliōs in other countries, by meanes wherof, in prosis of tyme he conquired Syria, Armenia, Babylon, Mesopotamia, Scythia Asiatica, Al∣bania and Media, with others, manie territories, riche also & famous cities. And although we finde written no∣thing, of any his warres whatsoeuer, yet is it to be pre∣sumed y^t he fought many a bataile in open filde with the ennimie, before he had subdued so many, kingdomes and territories: for as muche as all those that remember of hym anie thyng, commende to vs the haute exploytes, of this moste valiaunte personage, and farther that hee so circumspectly ordered his companie, that in his Campe was neuer knowen, any brawle, or mutenie. He was verie courteous, liberall, doyng honour to all menne, ac∣cordynge to their demerites that woulde accompanie, or follow him, feared therefore equally, and loued of the people. He so painefullie, and with suche care instructed his Souldiars, that in an instante alwaies, if it were be∣houefull, either by sounde of Trompette, or any other, one, onely signe geuen, euerie man was founde in his charge, or quarter, yea though his armie were sutche, so greate, and so numerous, as neuer besides him selfe, con∣ducted anie other. In fewe his Campe resembled one of the best, and richest Cities in the worlde, for all kinde of offices were there founde in order, as also greate heapes of marchauntes to furnishe it with all necessaries. He in no case permitted any robberies, priuie figgyng, force, or violence, but with seueritie and rigour punished, whom soeuer he founde thereof, giltie, or culpable, by meanes where of his Campe, was no worse of all prouisions fur∣nished, then the best Citie in the worlde, in time of most safe, and assured securitie. His desire was, that his Sol∣diars shoulde euermore glory, in their martiall prowes, 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

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their vertue, and wisedome onely. He paide them their salerie, and wage, without fraude, he honoured, he prai∣sed, he imbrast, and kiste theim, kepyng theim notwith∣standyng in awe and subiection. This beyng king nowe, and Emperour, of sundrie Realmes, and Countries in Asia, greate troupes came to him still, out of euery quar∣ter, besides these that were in anie respect his subiectes, for the onely fame, of his honour, and vertue. So that his Campe grewe in short tyme to be greater, then euer was that of Darius or Xerxes, for soche as write of hym, reporte that he had, fower hundred thousand horsemen, but of foote men a greater number, by two hundred thou sande more, whiche all he ladde with hym, at the con∣queste of Asia the lesse: where of the greate Turke ad∣uertised, who then hight Baiaceth, Lorde and Prince of that countrie, but present then in person, at the siege of Constantinople, hauyng a little before subdued sundris prouinces, and partes of Grece, with other territories adiacent, and Tounes there aboute, thence growen to more wealth, and more feared, then any Prince in the world, was neuer the lesse constrained to raise his siege incontinentlie, passyng thence into Asia with all his ar∣mie, taking vppe still by the way, as many as was possi∣ble, so that as some affirme, he had as many horsemen as had the greate Tamburlaine, with a merueilous num∣ber of other Souldiars, bothe olde, and of muche expe∣rience, especially by meanes of the continuall warres, which he had still with the christiās. This Baiaceth now like a good, and like an expert Capitaine, seing that he no waie els might resiste, this puissante Emperour, deter∣mined to méete hym, and to geue hym present battaile, hauyng merueilous affiance in the approued manhoode, and vertue of his Souldiars. Wherefore marchyng on within fewe daies, they mette eache with other vppon the confines of Armenia, where both of theim orderyng as became good Capitaines their people, beganne in the

breake of day, the most cruell, and most terrible battaile that earst was euer harde of, consideryng the nomber on both partes, their experience, & pollicie, with the valiant currage, and prowes of their capitaines. This continued they in fighte euen almoste vntill night, with meruei∣lous sloughter on bothe sides, the victorie yet doubtfull, til, in the ende the Turkes beganne to fainte and to flée, more in déede opprest with the multitude, then that thei feared or other wise, the moste parte of theim with ho∣nour diyng manfully in the filde: and as one reporteth two hundred thousand were taken prisoners, after the battaile was ended, the resude slaine, and fledde for their better safetie. Whiche Baiaceth, of parte perceiuyng be∣fore the ende, how it woulde waie, to courage his people, and to withdrawe theim from flight, resisted in person valianntly the furious rage of the enimie. How be it, he therby gained such, and so many knokes, that as he was in the ende, in déede vnhorste, so was he for lake of res∣kewe presented to the greate Tamburlaine, who incon∣tinently closed hym vppe, in a Kaege of yron, carriynge hym still with hym, whither soeuer he after wente, pa∣sturyng hym with the croomes, that fell from hys table, and with other baddde morselles, as he had béen a dogge: whence assuredly we may learne not so much to affie in riches, or in the pompe of this world: for as muche as he that yesterdaie was Prince and Lorde, of all the worlde almost, is this daie fallen into suche extreame miserie, that he liueth worse then a dogge, fellowe to theim in cōpanie, and that by the meanes of him that was somē tymes a poore Sheaperde or if you rather will, as some reporte, a meane souldiour, who after as we seé aspired to suche honour, that in hys time none was founde that durst, or coulde abide hym: the other that descended of noble race or linage, constrained, to liue an abiecte, in most lothsum, and vile seruitude. This tragidie might suffice, to withdrawe men, from this transitorie pompe,

and honour, acquaintyng theimselues with Heauen and with heauenly thinges onely. Now this greate Tambur¦laine, this mightie Prince, and Emperour, ouer ranne all Asia the lesse, to the Turke before subiect, thence tur∣ning towards Egypte, conquired also Syria, Phenicia, and Palestina, with all other Cities on their borders, of what side so euer, and besides these Smirna, Antioch, Tripolis, Sebasta, and Damascus. Afterwarde being come, with al his armie into Egypte, the Soudan, and the kyng of Ara∣bia, with sundrie other Princes, assembled altogether, and presented hym battaile, but in the ende to their in∣specable detrement discomfited, were flaine, and spoiled at the pleasure of the ennimie: by meane whereof the Soudan saued hymself by flight. How be it, Tamburlaine had easely taken from hym all Egypte, hadde it not been, for the greate, and inaccessible, desertes in that country, through whiche to passe with so puisante an armie, was either impossible, or at the leaste verte difficill, not with∣standyng he subdued all suche partes of the Countrie as were next hym. Some report of hym, that he then hym helde best contented, when he founde his ennimy moste strong, and best able to resist hym, to thende he might be occasioned, to make proofe of hymself, what he was able to doe, and how muche in his necessitie: that whiche well chaunced hym at the citie of Damascus. For after he had taken the most honourable, and most valiante persona∣ges of the citie, the others retired into a certaine Castell or Holde, suche, and so stronge, that all menne accomp∣ted it inpregnable, where, neuer the lesse, desirous to growe, to some composition with hym, were vtterly re∣fused, no intreatie preuailyng▪ so that in fine, they muste néedes fight it out, or yelde theim to his mercie. And fin∣dyng no place, where he by any meanes might assaulte it, builte faste by it an other more high and stronge then that, where he so painfully, and in suche sorte dispatchte it, that the ennimie by no meanes colde or lette or an∣noie

hym, so that his Forte in the ende or equall, or ra∣ther higher then the other, beganne his batterie, suche, and so cruell, that it neuer ceaste daie nor night, vntill at last he had taken it. It is writen of him, that in all his as∣saultes, of any castell or citie, he vsually would hang out to be séen of the enimie, an Enseigne white, for the space of one full daie, whiche signified, (as was then to all men well knowen) that if those with in, woulde in that daye yelde theim, he then woulde take theim to mercie, with∣out any their losse of life or goods. The seconde daie hee did to bee hanged out an other all redde, lettyng theym thereby againe to vnderstande, that if they then woulde yelde, he onelie then woulde execute Th'officers, Magi∣strates, maisters of housholdes, and gouernours, pardo∣nyng, and forgeuyng all others whatsoeuer. The thirde daie he euer displaied, the thirde all blacke, signifiynge therby, that he then hadde shutte vp his gates from all compassion and clemencie, in such forte, that whosoeuer were in that daie taken, or in anie other then folowyng, shoulde assuredly die for it, without any respecte, either of man, or woman, little or greate, the Citie to be sackt, and burnt withall to ashes: whence assuredly it can not be saide, but that he was verie cruell, though otherwise adorned, with many rare vertues. But it is to be suppo∣sed, that god stirred hym vppe an instrument, to chastice these princes, these proude, and wicked natiōs. For bet∣ter proofe whereof Pope Pius, whiche liued in his tyme, or at leaste, eight or tenne yeres after hym, reporteth of hym saiyng, that on a tyme beseigyng, a strong and riche citie, which neither on the first, or second would yelde to him, which only daies, were daies of mercie, as is aboue saide, on the third day neuerthelesse affiyng on hope vn∣certaine, to obtaine at his handes some mercie, and par∣don, opened their gates, sendyng forth in order towar∣des hym, all their wemen, and children in white appa∣reled, bearing eche in their handes a branche of Oliue,

criyng with haute voice, humbly requestynge, and de∣maundyng pardon, in maner so pitifull, and lamentable to beholde, that besides him none other was but woulde haue accepted their solemne submission. This Tambur∣laine, notwithstandyng that beheld theim a farre of, in * 1.25 this order issuyng, so farre then exiled from all kinde of pitie, that he commaunded forthwith, a certaine troope of horsemen to ouer runne, to murther, and kill theym, not leauyng one a liue, of what condition soeuer, and af∣ter sackyng the Citie, resed it, euen vnto the verie foun∣dations. A certaine Marchaunte of Genua was then in his campe, who had often recourse to him, who also vsed hym in causes familiarly, and who for that this facte see∣med verie bloodie, and barbarous, hardned hymselfe to demaunde hym the cause why he vsed theim so cruelly, considering thei yelded themselues, crauing grace, & par∣don: to whom he aunswered in most furious wrath, and yre, his face redde and firie, his eyes all flamynge, with burnyng spearckles, as it were blasing out, on euerie side. Thou supposest me to be a man, but thou to muche abbusest me, for none other am I, but the wrathe, and vengeaunce of God, and ruine of the worlde: wherefore aduise thée well, that thou neuer againe presume, to bee founde in any place in my ••ight, or presence, if thou wilt that I chastice the•• not, accordyng to thy desert, and thy proude presumption. This Marchaunte with out more then sodenly retired, neither after that, was at any time seen in the campe of Tamburlaine. Those thinges this ac∣complished, this greate and mightie Personage hauyng conquired many countries, subdued and done to deathe suudrie Kinges and Princes, no where findyng any resi∣staunce in any parte of all Asia, retourned home againe into his countrie, charged with infinite heapes of Gold, and treasure, accōpanied also with the most honourable estates, of al the cūtries subdued by him, which brought with theim in like maner, the greatest parte also of

their wealth and substaunce, where he did to be builte a moste famous, & goodly citie, and to be inhabited of those (as we fore saied) that he brought with hym, whiche al∣together no lesse honourable then riche, in verie shorte tyme with the healpe of Tamburlaine, framed the most beautifull and moste sumptuous Citie in the worlde, whiche by the multitude of the people, was also meruei∣lously inlarged, abundaunt, and full of al kinde of riches. But in the ende this Tamburlaine, though he maintai∣ned his estate, in suche aucthoritie and honour, yet as a man in the ende, he paieth, the debte due vnto nature, leauyng behinde hym twoo soonnes, not such as was the father, as afterwarde appeared by many plaine, and eui∣dent signes: for as well by their mutuall discorde, eache malicing the other, as also by their insufficiencie, with the lacke of age and experience, they were not able to kéepe, and maintaine the Empire conquired by their fa∣ther. For the children of Baiaceth, whom they yet helde as prisoner, aduertised of this their discorde, and dissen∣tion, came into Asia with valiaunt courage, and diligen∣cie, by the aide of suche people as they founde willing to assiste theim, recoueryng their possessions, and territori∣es fore loste, whiche, in maner semblable did they other Princes, whiche Tamburlaine before had also subdued. So that this Empire in prosis of tyme so declined, that in our age there remaineth nowe no remembraunce at all of hym, ne of his posteritie or linage, in what respecte soeuer. How be it, true it is, that Baptista Ignatius, a dili∣gent searcher of auncient antiquities, reporteth that he leafte twoo soonnes, Princes and Protectours of all the countries, subdued by hym, reachyng, and extendynge e∣uen vnto the Riuer of Euphrates, as al so their successors after theim, euen vntill the tyme of Kinge Vsancasan againste whom the Turke. Mahomet, waiged some tymes bataile. And the Heires of this Vsancasam, as most men surmise, aduaunced theimselues, to the ho∣nour,

and name of the first Sophi, whēce now is deriued the empire of Sophi, whiche liueth this daie, as sworne ennimie to the Turke. Whiche how soeuer it be, it is to be supposed, that this historie of Tamburlaine, had it of a∣nie been written, woulde haue been a matter worthie both of penne and paper: for that greate exploytes, no doubte were happily atchiued of hym: but as for me I neuer founde more, then I here presently haue writen, neither suppose I that any other thinge, is of anye other man writen, this onely excepted, where on all men ac∣corde, that he neuer sawe the backe, or frounyng face of fortune, that he neuer was vanquished, or put to slighte by any, that he neuer tooke matter in hande, that he brought not to the wished effect, and that his corage, and industrie neuer failed hym to bryng it to good ende. By meanes whereof we maie, for iuste cause compare hym with any other whatsoeuer, though renoumed in tymes past. This then that I here geue you, that al haue I bor∣rowed of Baptista Fulgotius, Pope Pius, Platina vppon the life of Boniface the ninth, of Mathew Palmier, and of Cambinus a Florentine, writyng the historie, and ex∣ploytes of the Turkes.

Of many lakes, and fountaines, the waters of whiche haue sundrie, and straunge proprieties. Chapt. 15.

IN the Chapiter, where we a∣boue, some thyng spake in ge∣nerall, of the perfection of wa∣ters, we promised to intreate of the proprietie, or effecte, of certaine springes, or lakes, in perticuler: of which all, the first shall bée the riuer of Iudea, As∣faltida, whiche also was after called the immoueable, or deade sea. Of this water Pli∣nie,

Columella, and Diodorus Syculus, reporte many thynges, bothe straunge, and meruailous. Firste, that there ingendereth, neither fishe, foule, or any other li∣uynge creature, and that nothyng hauyng life, maie there in be drouned, so that if you throwe into it, a man, or any other creature, he by no meanes shall perishe there in, yea, though he be bounde in suche sorte, that he neither swimme, or moue. These thinges are recited by Plinie: and Aristotle to giue some naturall reason for it, * 1.26 saieth, that the water of this riuer, is verie salte, grosse, troublesome, and thicke. Cornelius Tacitus addeth also this, an other proprietie, that it neuer moueth, or riseth in any waues, for no winde, what so euer, or greate, or vehemente. These foresaied aucthours affirme, as also Solinus, that at one certaine tyme, there gathereth to∣gether in this lake, a straunge kinde of frothe, or slime, whiche is so good, and so strong a morter, that hardly a∣ny waighte, or other force dissolueth it. Diodorus Sycu∣lus termeth it Bitumen, and Asfalta, so that it semeth to take his denomination, of this riuer Asfaltida. Of other lakes we reade, that ingender the like slime, or morter, as that, that adioigneth so nigh vnto Babilon, with the frothe of whiche, Semiramis did to be built those famous walles of Babilon. Into this water of Iudea, descendeth the sloodde of Iordaine, whose water is moste pure, and excellent: but enteryng into the other, looseth his pristi∣nate vertue, by the onely impuritie, and imperfection of the other. It is written, that Domician sent thether of purpose, to be ascertained of the truthe, concernyng this matter, and receiued for aunswere, as is afore saied. Pli∣nie remembereth vs of an other in Italie, called Aue••••a nigh vnto the sea, or goulfe of Bayas: and this lake is of this propertie, or condition, that there passeth no birde, of what kinde so euer he be, ouer it, but immediatly he falleth doune dead into it. The Poete Lucretius, yeldeth this reasō for it, saiyng: that by the meanes of the great

number of trees, that on bothe sides inuiron it, and of parte by meanes of the continuall shadowe, there ascen∣deth suche a vapour, so grosse, and so infectious, that im∣mediately it stifleth, or impoisoneth the birdes: and far∣ther he addeth, that it of parte also procedeth, of certaine obnoxious, and sulfured mines there. Theophrastus, and Plinie, accorde bothe tegether, of a riuer in Iudea called Licos, as also of an other in Ethiopia, of like and sembla∣ble nature, hauyng the proprieties of oile, or the like matter, whiche put into a lampe, giue lighte, and burne incontinently. Pomponius Mela, and Solinus, writyng of Ethiopia, affirme, that there is a lake, or riuer, verie swete, pleasante, and cleare, in whiche notwithstanding if any man washe hym self, he issueth thence againe all annointed, as if he came out of a bathe of oile. The sem∣blable to this reporteth Vitruuius, saiyng: that there is a certaine floudde in Cilicia, as also nigh vnto Carthage, a well of the same propertie. Solinus, Theophrastus, and Isidorus affirme, that thei haue heard of twoo diuers welles, of the one, of whiche twoo, if a woman fertile, chaunce to drinke, she from that tyme euer after, shall liue sterill, and baron: and contrary wise, if a woman sterill, by happe, drinke of the other, she forthwith beco∣meth fruitfull, and beareth children aboundantly. Thei againe remember vs of an other in Arcadia, of whiche who so drinketh, stearueth immediatly. Aristotle in his questions naturall, speaketh of one in Thracia, of like, and semblable effecte, as also of an other, equall to it in Sarmatia. Herodotus hath, whiche Plinie, and Solinus confirme, that the riuer Hypenis, bothe great and wide, descendyng doune from Scithia, is a water right hole∣some, and sauourie, into the which, neuer the lesse, after the enteraunce of a little spring, or fountaine, it waxeth so bitter, and so vnsauerie, onely by the saltnesse, or vn∣pleasante taste of that welle, that it is vnpossible for any man, in any wise to drinke of it. The saied aucthours a∣gaine

as also Isidorus remember vs, of twoo other foun∣taines, or springes in Boecia, of whiche the one beyng drounke, vtterly taketh from vs our memorie, the other preserueth it, causyng these that there of drinke at any tyme, freshely to call to minde againe, what thei before had, or loste, or forgotten. Of twoo others also, the one mouyng, and prouokyng menne to venerie, the other druonke cooleth, and mortifieth their affections. In Si∣cilia there is a fountaine, whiche the inhabitauntes call Aretuza, of which (besides the multitude of fishe therin, as also that it was an offēce, to take, or to eate of theim) a straunge, and thyng incredible, is crediblie reported, whiche is, that within this water, many notable thyn∣ges haue been founde, whiche in tymes long before, had been throwne, into the riuer Alfea, whiche is in Achaia, a conntrie of Grece: by meanes whereof thei maintain, and affirme, that the water of this riuer, passeth tho∣rowe the entrailes of the yearth, springyng, and risyng againe in the aboue saied fountaine, passyng vnder the sea, betwixte Sicilia, and Achaia. The aucthours that re∣porte it, are of suche credite, and learnyng, that thei ea∣sily maie harden an other man, to write it againe after them. Seneca affirmeth it, Plinie, and Ponponius Mela, * 1.27 Strabo, and Seruius commentyng on the tenth Eglogue of Virgil. Solinus, and Isidorus haue this of an other foū∣taine, in to whiche, who so putteth his hande (for the affirmation, or negation of any thyng) takyng a corpo∣rall othe, if he there proteste any thyng, againste the truth, or veritie, his iyes incontinently will drie vp, and waxe blinde. Plinie recordeth the verie semblable, also of an other riuer, whiche brunte of the hande of a periu∣red wretche, whiche reportyng an vntruthe, swore by the saied water, thrustyng his hande into it. Philostra∣tus in his seconde booke, of the life of Apollo, saieth that there was a certain riuer, in whiche, who so washte his handes, and feete, beyng in deede a wilfull, and reatch∣lesse

periurer, was incontinently couered, with a foule, add lothsome leprosie. Diodorus Siculus hath the like al∣so of an other. But if these thynges to any manne, seme lesse worthie of credite, knowe he, that Isidorus a man vertuous, and learned, in the reporte of theim, hath fol∣lowed in moste places, the aucthours aboue remembred and writeth also of many others, as of the welle of Ia∣cob in Idumea, whiche fower tymes in the yere, chaun∣geth his colour, and from three monethes, to three, wa∣xeth thicke, and troublesome, it now is blacke, now red, now gréene, and at laste retonrneth to his naturall co∣lour againe. Of a riuer also that runneth through the countrie, of the Troglotides, whiche three tymes in the * 1.28 daie, and night, chaungeth his taste, or sauour, to weete, from sweete to bitter, and from bitter to swéete againe. Of an other water also in Iudea, whiche continually in the Saboth daie, is founde to be drie, whiche Plinie assu∣reth vs, writyng also of an other fountaine, emong the Garamantes, whiche in the daie, is euermore so swéete, and colde, that it is impossible for any manne to drinke of it, and contrary in the night, is againe so warme, that it burneth his hande, that presumeth to touche it, and hath to name, the fountaine, or welle of the Sunne. Of this fountaine haue writen, as of a thing moste certain, Arrianus, Diodorus, Siculus, Quintus Curtius. in his hi∣storie of Alexander, Solinus, and the Poete Lucretius, * 1.29 who there of hath giuen a Philosophicall, and naturall reason. Besides these, like straunge is the nature of the welle Eleusina, whose water is verie freshe, cleare, and standyng, how be it, if any man plaie on an instrument, swéete, and musicall, by it, so nigh I meane, that the wa∣ter maie be supposed to heare it, it forthwith beginneth in suche sorte to swell, that it ouersloweth bothe banke, and border, as though it had some pleasure, or secrete li∣kyng in musike: this reporteth Aristotle in his meruai∣les of nature, Solinus also, and the old Poete Ennius. Vi∣trunius

writeth of the riuer Chimera, whose water in taste is verie delectable, and pleasaunte, but partyng in∣to twoo troughes, or twoo sundrie chanels, the one con∣tinueth swéete still, the other bitter, and vnsauerie, how bée it, it maie bée supposed, that he borroweth this alre∣red qualitie, of the soile, or ground onely, through which he passeth, and so that alteration is lesse to be meruailed at: as also it maie bée thought, that these diuers proprie∣ties, of these, other waters also, should not so muche amase, and trouble vs, if wee knewe the occasions, and causes, of their effectes. The same ones againe, make yet farther mention, of an other streame, hayung to name Silar, whiche, what so euer is caste into it, conuer∣teth it straight into a stone, or stonie substaunce. In Ili∣rica there is a welle, whose water is bothe swéete, and pleasaunt, but burneth what so euer is throwne into it, in sort, as if it were a perfecte fire. There is in Epirus an other fountaine, into whiche if ye putte a Torche ligh∣ted, it extinguisheth, but if you putte hym in not ligh∣ted, he taketh fire thence, and burneth: from noone euer more he ebbeth, as it were, and in the ende waxeth drie, but the night growyng on, he growes againe with suche spede, that at midnight, he is full, and beginneth to ouer run his banckes, or limites. An other fountaine is there also in Persia, of whiche, who so drinketh, loseth inconti∣nētly his téeth. There are in Arcadia certaine springes, whiche distill, and droppe out of the sides of sunderie mountaines, whose waters al, are so excessiue cold, that there is no kinde of vessell, be it of golde, siluer, or any o∣ther mettall, that is able in any wise, to holde, and kepe theim, but breake them all, with extremitie of coldnes, onely the horne of an asse his foote excepted, whiche cō∣taineth, and kéepeth theim, as if it were any other, com∣mon kinde of water. Wée would hardly credite in this place, that there are certaine riuers, bothe greate, and wide, that sodainly passe doune, entering into the boiles

of the yearth, whiche afterwarde brake out againe, in places farre of, and farre distante from thence, if wee had not experience hereof, and suche as maie not bee de∣nied, for example of some, Vadiana in Spaine, Tigris in Armenia, whiche springeth in Mesopotamia, Licus in Asia. There are certaine springes also, of freshe water, whiche passyng into the sea, runne wholie vpon the sea, without any commixtion in any sorte with it: of whiche there is one, betwixte Sicilia, and the Isle Enaria, adioy∣gnyng vnto Naples. In Egipte, it is euidente, that it rai∣neth not at all, but that Nilus ouerflowyng the countrie moisteneth it naturally, whence it giueth her fruite, of all sortes aboundantly. Twoo riuers are there also in Boecia, in the one of whiche, all shepe that are watered, beare onely blacke wolle, and besides that none other, the other contrary, cause theim that drinke thereof, to beare white wolle onely. In Arabia, there is a welle, at whiche (as before) what sheepe so euer water theim, beare there wolle, not as the others, white, or blacke, but redde all. Of all these waters, hauyng suche straūge proprieties, Aristotle disputeth at fulle, and copiously. The riuer Lincestis maketh hym drunke, as sone as a∣ny wine, that drinketh of hym. In the Isle of Cea, as recordeth Plinie, there was a fountaiue, of whiche, who so dranke ones, became forthwith stupide, and insense∣ble, of no more felyng, or witte, then an Asse. In Thrace there is an other lake, of whom, who so drinketh, or swimmeth in hym, sterueth without more, neuer to be recouered. There is also in Pontus a riuer, in whiche are founde certaine stones, that will burne, whiche also then take on fire, when the winde is euer more grea∣test, and by how muche the more, thei be couered in the water, so muche the better, and soner burne thei. Besi∣des these, diuers haue written, of diuers other kindes of waters, as of some that heale certaine griefes, or mala∣dies, of whiche sorte there is one founde in Italie, called

Zize, whiche remedieth, or salueth all hurtes, what so e∣uer in the iye: an other in Achaia, of whiche if a woman with childe drinke, she shall be assured, of good, and spée∣die deliueraunce. Others also there are, that remedie many other infirmities, as the stone, the leprosie, the fe∣uers both tertian, and quartain, of which Theophrastus Plinie, & Vitruuius remēber vs. In Mesopotamia also is founde an other riuer, whose water, if you smell to it, is bothe pleasaunte, and odoriferous. Baptista Fulgotius, in his recollection writeth, that there is also, a welle in Englande, into whiche, if you throwe any kinde of wood it will within the space of one yere, bée conuerted into a stone. He also faithfully confirmeth that, whiche Al∣bertus surnamed the greate, in persone experimented, in a certaine well, in high Almaignie: and Albertus wri∣teth, that he puttyng his hande into the water, hauyng in it a bough, that part that was vnder the water, chaū∣ged into a stone, the other parte, as before, continuyng that it was. The saied Fulgotius, reporteth yet, another matter as straunge, of a welle also, about whiche if hap∣pely you walke, not vtteryng any worde, or voice, at all, the water then continueth, as before, still, and cleare, but if you speake any thyng, be it neuer so softe, or little, it then beginneth to rage, and to trouble, as to behold it, were verie straunge, and meruailous: he notwithstan∣dyng, reporteth to haue experimented it in persone, who while he attentiuely behelde it with silence, found it as is aboue said, bothe quiete, and cleare, but when he ones spake, it then began to trouble, as if one, within of pur∣pose, with some instrument had laboured it. In Fraūce also is another, equall in coldnes with any of the aboue remembred, and yet often tymes ••lames of fire, haue been séen to issue out of it. Plinie writeth, that moste men are scrupulous in these matters, and make consci∣ence to credite them: how be it assuredly, the secretes of nature, are in maner inscrutable, though in deede, more

euidently séen, in this elemente of water, then in any o∣ther thyng. And farther, in the worlde so many thynges are, so straunge, and so meruailous, that we iustly maie repute no thyng (though lesse common) therefore impos∣sible: especially these that are certified vs, of menne, of suche credite, as are all those, whom we here haue alled∣ged. Besides this, we are truely certified, euen by those that haue séen it, liuyng yet in our tyme, that in one of the Isles of Canaria, called Ferra, beyng an Isle populus, and verie well inhabited, in a certaine place verie nigh the middle, thei haue none other water, then that which distilleth, as is well knowne, moste aboundantly, out of the leaues, or braunches of a certatne trée, at the foote of whiche tree, neither any thyng nigh it, is there to bee founde any spryng, or other water, neuer the lesse this tree continueth alwaies so moiste, that bothe from his braunches, leaues, and boughes, it euer distilleth in suche quantitie, and aboundance, that bothe nighte, and daie, thei fette there, to serue all their necessities, whiche hardly we should haue credited, had wée onely founde it written. Wherefore, let it not seme straunge, or incre∣dible to any, that whiche, wée haue here tofore recited: for this elemente of water is very puissaunte, and mer∣uailous, whose force, and hidden qualities, are not to all men, so familiar, and well knowen. As concernyng the sea also, it is reported to bée in Winter, more warme then in the Sommer, as againe more salte in Autumne then in other tymes any. Moste true it is also, that in some partes of the sea, to weete, in those that bée farrest of, from the lande, no snowe falleth, at any tyme, what so euer. Of all these thynges, sundrie haue giuen sundrie good reasons, of whiche, the greater parte, attribute it, to th'onely proprietie, or qualitie of the soile, mines, sto∣nes, trees, and mettalles, where fountaines haue their sprynges, where riuers, and lakes runne. For better proofe whereof, that it so is in déede, by daiely experience

we well are instructed, that vines, and other fruictes, of one, and the same kinde; are more better, and more sa∣uery in one soile, then in another, for that some are swete some sharpe and sower, some good and profitable, others againe infectious, and noisome. The aire also it self, then corrupteth, and is pestilente, when it passeth ouer any countrie, lesse holsome, or impoisoned. What meruaile then is it, if the water that washeth, and penetrateth the yearth, stones, mettalles, hearbes, rootes and trees, with infinite suche, and others the semblable, receiue holsome, or lesse holsome proprieties, or natures, be thei neuer so straunge, so rare, or incredible, especially aided also by some influences, of the starres, and Planettes.

Of diuers straunge thinges, whiche happened at the birth and death of our sauiour Christe, recited by sundrie fa∣mous, and learned historians, besides these that are recor∣ded by the Euangelistes in the scriptures. Chap. 16.

ALthough these thynges, writen by the Euangelistes, whiche happened at the birth, and death of our sauiour, straūge in déede, and very miraculous are of all others moste certaine, and worthy of credite: yet it semeth to me no thyng, or very little from the pur∣pose, if we remember here some other thynges, perhaps not lesse meruailous, fine, and considred of, euen of those that haue written them. Paulus Orosius, and Eutropius writyng of Octauian, with whom also accordeth Eusebi∣us, saiyng: that at the birthe of our sauiour Christe, into this worlde, there happened to breake vp, euen at that instante, a certaine spryng that ranne with oile, by the space of one daie, in an Inne, or common Tauerne, in the citee of Rome. And it seemeth that this spryng, no thyng els signified, but the commyng of Christ, to wete, of the annointed, by whom, and in whom, all christians

are. The publike Inne, into whiche all men indifferent∣ly, and without respecte are receiued, and lodged, signi∣fieth our true mother, the holy and true Churche, the greate Inne, or common lodgyng, for all faithfull Chri∣stians: out of whiche should passe, and procede incessant∣ly, all maner of people vertuous, and louyng God. Eutro∣pius to this also adioigneth, that as well in sundrie pla∣ces aboute Rome, as in Rome it self, euen in the full, plaine, and cleare daie, was séen a circle, whiche perfect∣ly compassed the Sunne rounde about, no lesse bright, or cleare, then the Sunne it self, giuing also as muche light or rather more then it. Paulus Orosius in like sorte re∣porteth, that euen at the same tyme, the Senate, and people of Rome to gether, offered to Octauian Augustus, the title of chief prince, or soueraigne lorde, and siegnior whiche he refused in any wise to accept, prognosticating (lesse thinkyng there on) that an other more greater, and more puissante then he was borne, to whom onely, and alone, this title appertained. Commestor in his hi∣storie semblablie affirmeth, that the Temple, dedicated by the Romaines, to the goddesse Peace, then felle, and sundred on euery side, or quarter: and farther saith, that at the first erection of this temple; the inhabitantes con∣sulted with the Oracle of Apollo, to knowe how long it should continue, and stande, whiche aunswered, vntill a virgine should beare a childe: whiche thei estemed to bée a thyng impossible, and that therefore, their Churche shoulde stande eternally: how bee it, at the deliuerie of the virgine, the mother of our redemer, and prince of heauen, it fell doune, and suered, eche parte from other. Whence also Lucas of Tuy, in the Chronicles of Spain writeth, that he some tymes founde in the aunciente Annaleis, or recordes of that countrie (hauyng by confe∣rence, and computation founde out the tyme) that in the very same night, that our Sauiour was borne, there ap∣pered in Spaine precisely at midnight, a certaine cloude

that in suche sorte gaue light to the countrie, as if it had then been, the middle of the daie, or noone tide. I also re∣member that S. Hierome reporteth, that at the same tyme, when the virgine fled into Egipte, with her sonne all the Idolles, and Images of their goddes there, felle doune, and defaste them selues, vpon their aultars, and other places, and that the Oracles, that these goddes, or better to saie, these deuilles, to deceiue the people, gaue foorthe then at tymes, then ceaste, neuer after giuyng them any aunswere, what so euer. This miracle allea∣ged in this sorte by sainct Hierome, semeth also to be ap∣proued by that famous, and moste excellente, though a Panime, Plutarche, who without any credite that he gaue to these thynges, as also that he knewe not, or how or why they chaunsed, hath written neuer the lesse, a perticuler treatise of the defect, or ende of these Oracles: for euen then in his tyme, whiche was shortly after the passion of Christe, men perceiued that these Oracles be∣gan to fainte, and faile: neither allegaeth he, for it in his treatise, any other reason, but that there should be dead, as he supposed, some spirites, whiche he spake, as a man voide, or lesse skilled in the faithe, for that he vnderstode not, that the deuilles, or spirites, were immortall. Not∣withstandyng, straunge is it, and worthie of considera∣tion, to sée how euidently the deuill shewed hym self, to bée conquered, and subdued, and that after the death of our sauiour, he so remained discomforted, that he neuer again was able, to frame in any suche sort, an aunswer: and that the Gentiles also, not able, in déede to yelde a∣ny cause, or reason why, had some féelyng of this default, and surceassyng from his function. By meane whereof Plutarche tooke on hym to write this treatise, in which emong others, in effecte he hath these wordes (of which Eusebius maketh mention, writyng to Theodorus, as of a moste notable, and meruailous matter) I remember that I haue heard saie, saieth he, of Emilian the oratour,

a man prudente and wise, and well knowen to many of you, that his father, on a tyme commyng, by the sea to∣wardes Italie, and passyng on a night, by a certaine Isle called Paraxis, euen when all in the Shippe were then still, and quiete, thei heard a greate, and dreadfull voice, whiche srom the Isle called to them, Ataman, Ataman, (suche was the pilotes name of the shippe, an Egiptian borne) & although this voice were ones, and againe vn∣derstoode by Ataman, yet was he not so hardie, to frame to it an annswere, vntill the third time, whē he said who is there? what is it that calleth me? what wouldest thou haue? To whō this voice again, more louder thē before, saied: Ataman, my will is, that when thou passest by the goulfe, which hath to name Laguna, that thou there re∣member * 1.30 to crie out, and certifie the said goulfe, that the greate God Pan is deade. Whiche vnderstoode, all those that were in the shippe, feared, counsailyng the saied pi∣lote, to leaue vndooen his charge, neither any thyng to arreste, or staie at the goulfe, especially if the winde would serue them to passe further: but approchyng nigh the place, of whiche this voice, admonished hym, the ship arrested, and the sea waxte calme, not hauyng winde to passe presently any farther: by meanes whereof, thei generally concluded, that Atman should there dooe his legation, or imbacie, whiche the better to doe, he moun∣teth vp into the poupe, or hinder parte of the ship, where he crieth as loude, as he could possible, saiyng: I will that ye knowe, that the greate God Pan is deade: whiche woorde, as sone as he ones had vttered: thei heard incon∣tinently, suche terrible lamentations, and cries, houling and complainyng, aboue that maie be saied: in suche sort that the sea it self resounded these complaintes, whiche continued moste dolorous, and lamētable a great while: by meanes whereof the Mariners, though meruailously afraied, hauyng the winde good againe, followed their course, & arriuyng at Rome, made rehearsal of this their,

aduenture. Whereof the Emperour Tiberius aduerti∣sed, and desirous to be certified of the truthe, and none o∣ther, founde to conclude, as is aboue rehearsed. Whence it is euident, that the deuilles euery where sorowed the natiuitie of our Sauiour, and redemer Christe, for that he was onely their ruine, and destruction. For by iuste, and true supputation of tyme, we finde that this happe∣ned, at the tyme of his Passion, or perhaps, some thyng before, then I meane, whe he banished, and exiled them, out of the worlde. It is to be presupposed, that this great God Pan (accordyng to the immitation of Pan, the God of Shepherdes) whiche thei saied was deade, was some capitaine, and maister deuill, whiche at that tyme loste his Empire, as did also the others. Besides all these Io∣sephus writeth, that at the same tyme was heard in the temple of Hierusalem, a voice (though in déede ther was no liuyng creature with in) whiche lamentably cried, and saied thus, let vs goe hence, and leaue this countrie in haste, as who would saie, thei truely knewe, that the tyme of their paine, and persecution was at hande, and that it drewe on faste, euen by the death of hym, that gaue life vnto others. In the Gospell of the Nazarites it is reade, that in the daie of his Passion, that sumptuous gate of their Temple, whiche thei neuer lefte for any coste, to adorne, and beautifie, fell doune to the grounde, and was vtterly defaced. Consider now in that daie, what straunge, and meruailous thynges happened, though the Euangelistes haue paste theim, as thynges lesse worthie memorie. The eclipce also of the Sunne, whiche continued thrée howers, the full space in deede, that Christ was on the crosse, was not naturall, as are the others, whiche by th'onely coniunction of the Sunne and Moone chaunce vs, but was miraculous, and con∣trary to the course, and order of nature. Suche therefore as lesse knowe how the Sunne is eclipsed, must vnder∣stande, that it onely happeneth, by coniunction of the a∣boue

saied bodies, the Mooue passyng, or goyng betwixt the Sunne, and the yearth: neuer the lesse, this eclipse happened, in th'opposition of these planettes, the Moone then full, and hundred and eightie degrées, distant frō the Sūne, in the vnder hemisphere, then at the citée of Hie∣rusalem: for proofe whereof, besides the testimonies of infinite good writers, the scriptures them selues, record it manifestly: for certain it is, that the lambe was neuer Sacrificed, but in the .xiiij. of the Moone, whiche Lambe was eaten by Christ, and his disciples, but one daie one∣ly before his death, as is commaunded in the .xij. of Exo∣dus, in Leuiticus also the xxiij. And the nexte daie follo∣wyng, whiche was the daie of vnleauened bread, Christ the Lambe vnspotted, was vnkindly crucified, the Moon then of necessitie in her full, and opposite to the Sunne, whiche then could no more eclipse the Sunne, then any other Planete. It then was to conclude miraculous, and contrary to the order of nature, doen onely by the onmi∣potente, and sole power of GOD, whiche depriued the Sunne of light, for that thrée howers space. By occasion whereof, that worthie personage Denis Areopagita, be∣yng at y^e time presente at Athens, and beholding in this sorte, the Sunne to be obscured, and knowyng on the o∣ther side, as a learned Astrologian, that this eclipse was contrary to the order of natue, saied openly with a loude voice, to bée heard of all menne: either the frame of the worlde shall bée dissolued, either the God of nature pre∣sently suffereth. For whiche cause, as one reporteth, the sages of Athens straungely disturbed, did to bee builte incontinently, an aulter, to the God vnknowen, whe∣ther afterward saincte Paule arriuyng, learned theim, who was that God vnknowne, and that he was Jesus Christ, God and man, our redemer, whiche then, and at that tyme, suffered for our saluation: by meanes where∣of, he conuerted, greate numbers to the faithe. Some neuer the lesse haue doubted, whether this defecte were

generall, and vniuersall throughout the worlde, groun∣dyng here on, though the Euangelist saieth, that it was synne vpon the whole face of the yearth, that, that was onely, but a phrace, or maner of speache, as muche to saie as in all the countrie there about, of whiche opinion was that learned doctour Origen: but what? Wee sée that in Grece, yea, in Athens it self, this defecte of the Sunne was perceiued of all men, whiche leadeth me to suppose, that it was generall, to bée seen, and considered through out our whole hemisphere, in what place, or where so e∣uer the Sunne that tyme appered. Whiche I therefore saie, for that in all the other hemisphere, where it then was night, no man could sée any thyng, no she we then of the Sunne at all there, for at one tyme he onely ligh∣teth the halfe worlde, the other he obscureth with his owne proper shadowe. How bee it, the Moone then be∣yng in her fulle, not hauyng any other lighte, then that, whiche she taketh or borroweth of the Sunne, and yet then beyng in the hemisphere, whiche is vnder vs, be∣came also to bee vehemently eclipsed, and darkened, by th'onely want of the light, and she we of the Sunne. By which meanes, an vniuersall shadow, couered the whole yearth, the Moone, and starres, not able to giue other light, then that whiche thē selues receiue of the Sunne.

Of many places alleaged by sundrie good authors, ma∣king mention of Christe, and of his life. Chap. 17.

EFtsones haue I harde the que∣stion demaunded, of manie a curious, and learned Clarke, whence it was, or whence it proceaded, that the Gentiles, and Paynimes, so sildome re∣membred anie thing of our sa∣uiour Christe in all their wri∣tinges, of his life, and miracles

so manie in number, published and made common to the worlde by his disciples, for as muche as the saide Paini∣mes and Gentiles haue well remembred sundrie other things, which were doen, and chaunsed euen in the same tyme, in many respectes of lesse waight or importance. Where vnto I aunswere, that it lesse true were to af∣firme, that these auncient historians haue here of writ∣ten nothing, for in infinite places haue thei discoursed of these thinges, of whiche some fewe notes I haue briefly here gathered, for their onely contentation, that neuer were acquainted with these foresaid historiogriphers. In the seconde place also we muste consider, that the faithe and lawe of grace geuen vs by Christe, begun by himself first, and by his disciples, published, and receaued of cer∣taine that determined to liue and die therin: other some rebellious, and obstinate, so deepe drouned in sinne, that they made no scruple to refuse it, but to the vtterest of their might pursued, and persecuted it. Besides these the thirde sorte were neuters, that healde the meane, to whom, though this religion seemed iuste and vertuous, yet as well for feare of persecution, and tyrannie, as also for some other worldely considerations, this vertuous profession was also of theim neglected. The worlde then standyng this in thrée opinions deuided, those that pro∣fessed Christe did thinges straunge and miraculous, of whom many beare true, and assured witnes, of whiche number are Dionysius Areopagita, Tertulian, Lactan∣tius Firmianus, Eusebius, Paulus Orosius, with many o∣thers, which long were here to recounte, or remember. These others accursed that persecuted this Churche, as a thing straunge, abhorring from their lawe indeuoured what in theim was, vtterly to abandō it, couering christ his miracles, his life, & his doctrine, for whiche cause thei refuced to write of him at all, or at least they that in any sorte, wrote any thinge of hym, did it to the intente to staine and obscure his glory, of which predicament were

these predestinate to damnation, Porphyrius, Iulianus, Vincentius, Celsus, Africanus, Lucianus, with others many, the members of Sathan: against whom most lear∣nedly hath written S. Ciprian, Origen, Augustine, and others. The others that for feare, or for consideration of gaine, haue lefte to loue Christe, to learne, and knowe his Gospel, for the same causes haue also, in their kookes leafte to remember of hym: or if at leaste any of theim, haue anie thinge spoken of hym, the same hath been freaghted with skoffes, and lies passing hym ouer, in as fewe as was possible. Yet neuerthelesse, euen as he, that woulde couer a veritie, vnder the shadowe of disguised treatcheries, it eftsones falleth out, by the preuie pro∣prietie, and secret nature of the veritie, that he that fai∣nest woulde couer it, so euill fauouredly disguiseth, and fardleth the matter, that in the ende it ill sauoureth, the truth, mawgre his bearde, breakyng out moste plaine and euident. Euen so hath it happened, to both these sor∣tes, of these afore remembred people: whiche although thei toiled to discredite, and to staine with ignominie, the miracles wrought by our sauiour, and his professed doc∣trine, yet came it so to passe, that as often tymes as thei, therof wrote any thing, some thing thei vttered, in suche sorte as was euident, both their dispitefull malice, and puritie of that doctrine. Here colde I remember manie thinges, writen by the Sybilles, but for as much as that, y^t thei wrote, procéeded not of theimselues, but from that spirite of prophicie, whiche God had lente or graunted theim, though they were in déede nothyng better then infidels, I will leaue of theim to speake any thinge, ha∣styng to thothers. Our first then and most euident testi∣monie, though also with the same not leaste common, is, and shalbe of the most and greatest ennimies of christia∣nitie, among others of Iosephus a Iewe both by consan∣guinitie, * 1.31 and nation, as by his life also, and profession: his wordes are these: In this time liued Iesus a wise and

learned man if it be lafull to terme hym a man, for that assuredly he did thinges straunge, and mearuailous, a maister and teacher of those that loued him, and sought the truth, he ioygned vnto him greate nūbers, as wel of Iewes, as Gentiles, this man was christ. And although he afterwardes were accused by men of greate aucthori∣tie, fautors I meane, and fauourars of our religion, don to death also, and by the same crucified, he not withstan∣ding was neuer yet forsaken of those that before, hadde willingly followed hym, wherfore the thirde daie again after his death, he appeared to theim aliue, according as the Prophetes by diuine inspiration had before spoken and prophicied of hym. And euen in this our time, the do∣ctrine, and name of Christians dwelleth yet, and euer shal doe vnto the ende in the worlde. These then are the wordes of Iosephus, whiche wrote of the ruine, and de∣struction of Hierusalem, a witnes presente in person, at that subuersion, whiche chaunsed full fortie yeres after the passion of our redemour. Pilate in like sorte whiche gaue sentence of death against him, witnesseth in maner semblable of his meruailous miracles, of whiche by hys letters he certified the Emperour Tyberius, by meanes wherof he consulted with the Senate, to know whether they would admitte Iesus Christe, to be reuerenced, and adored for God, and although they woulde, in no wise there vnto accorde, yet Tyberius of hymself streatly in∣hibited, that no man shoulde be so hardie, to touche, or greue a Christian. As concernyng the yearthquake, and darknyng of the Sunne, continuyng the full tyme that Christ was on the Crosse, we haue also good testimonies and assured of Ethnikes. Flegon a gréeke historiogripher, borne in Asia, of whom Swydas especially remembreth, reporteth for a thing almost incredible, that in the forth yere, of the two hundred and tenth Olympiade, whiche by iust accompte was in the eightinth yere of the raigne of Tyberius, at whiche tyme our sauiour suffered, there

was a greate Eclipse of the Sunne, suche as earste had neuer been séen, or written of, continuyng from the sixt hower, euen vnto the ninth, and farther during the time of this defect of the Sunne, such and so inspekable, were the yearthequakes in Asia, and Bithinia, that infinite houses fell doune to the grounde. It appeareth farther, that besides this Flégon that in the same time liued, Pli∣nie also felte it, and discoursed on the saide matter, for saieth he in the tyme of Themprour Tyberius, greater yearth quakes were then seen, then euer had been be∣fore, by meanes of whiche were subuerted twelue fa∣mous cities in Asia, with infinite and innumerable o∣ther houses, and buildynges: in suche sort that the histo∣riogriphers Gentiles, though lesse wéetyng the cause, lefte not yet to write the miracles of Christ. The other miracle of the veale of the Temple that sundred, Iose∣phus in like sorte recordeth it faithefully. The cruell murther dooen by Herode, vppon the harmelesse inno∣centes, is writen, of on other Iewe, whiche hight Phy∣lon, an historian of greate aucthoritie, in his abridgemēt of tyme, where he thus muche reporteth, that Herode did to bee murthered certaine yong infantes, and with them also his owne naturall soonne, for that he heard say that Christ, the king promised to the Iewes, was borne and this man liued in the tyme of Herode the Tetrarche, as him selfe writeth. This history of the innocentes, is of Macrobius also, more fully remembred, a man excel∣lentlie learned and of greate antiquitie, who in rehersall of certaine pleasant, and merie conceites of the Empe∣rour Octauian (aboute the tyme of the birth, or natiuitie of our sauiour) whiche saied, beyng aduertised of the cru∣eltie of Herode, as well towardes hys owne soonne, as also the others, that he rather would be a Hogge in the house of Herode, then his soonne, whiche he saied for that the Iewes did neuer eate any swines fleshe, whiche pre∣tie ieste is repeted by Dion in the life of the saide Empe∣rour,

so that in fine there were many miracles, written as wel by Iewes, as by Gentiles lesse supposing to haue witnessed them, to haue been doen by Christe, besides in∣finite the others reported by Christians. What farther shall I write of the auncient Emperours, and what thei thought of our faith, as what discourtisies they also pra∣ctised, against the true professors of Christ, and his truth? The first good Bishoppe or seruaunt of Christ S. Peter, S. Paule also a faithfull minister, were doen to death at the commaundement of the Emperoar Nero, thirtiesix yeres after the death of our redemour, at whiche tyme was the greate persecution of the Churche, of whiche the Gentiles left not to make mentiō, as among others many, these twoo especially, Cornelius Tacitus, and Sue∣tonius Tranquillus, whiche liued at that tyme, bothe fa∣mous, and honourable. Suetonius in the life of Nero, spe∣kyng of certaine his owne ordinaunces, faieth that hee tormented, and afflicted with sundry and greuous puish∣mentes, a certaine kinde of people whiche called theim∣selues Christians, folloyng a newe faith or religon. And Cornelius T. writyng of the saied Nero, affirmeth, that he chastised and pursued with terrible tormentes, a sort of people, named commonly Christians, the author of whiche name saieth he, was Christ of Hierusalem, the verie same, whiche Pilate gouernour of ludea, did openly to be crucified, by whose death his doctrine grewe more and more, and increased. But consider wee also what some other Gentiles haue written, of honour, and au∣thoritie like vnto the others. Plinie the yonger, in one of his Epistles, demaūdeth of the Emperour Traian whose Liuetenāt he was in Asia, how he would that he should punishe the Christians, that were aceused, and brought before hym: and the better to informe his Lorde of what soeuer he founde against them, he among other thinges many reporteth, that these Christians rise ordinarilie, at certaine houres of the night, assembling, and meetyng

together, singyng Hymmes, and Songes of praise vnto Iesus Christe, whom they honoured for their God and Messias, and besides this meetyng in congregations to∣gether, they made also vowes not to doe annoie, or do∣mage to anie, not robbyng or takyng from any manne what so euer, that they would not committe adulterie, that thei neuer woulde false their faith, or promis, not to denie, what soeuer had been lent theim, or committed to their kepyng. And farther the saide Plinie writeth, that they alwaies did feede, or eate together, not holding or possessyng any thyng, as proper or priuate. By these are well knowen, what were euen then, the exercises of the christians, as also for what cause the worlde pursued theim. Those thinges were recorded thus by an idola∣trous infidell, sixtie yeres fullie after the Passion of our Lorde and sauiour. Vnto whiche letters the Emperour aunswered, for as muche as thei were accused of no kind of riote, or wrong, he should in no wise afflict, or chastice theim; ••e yet make any inquisition, what so euer a∣gainst theim: not withstandyng, when they shoulde yet be accused before hym, that he then did his pain, to with∣drawe theim from that Religion: but if they in no wise would forgo, or leaue it, that he should not for all that, do theim any kinde of violence. How be it, true it is, that this saied Emperour Traian, before this as an infidell, and deceaued by the guile, and fraude of the accusers, pu∣nished both, and persecuted, the poore harmlis christians. After succided in th'empire his Nephew Adrian, of whō Aelius Lampridius, an historiogripher, voide of faithe, and idolatrus, writeth that he began first to honour the christians, permitting theim to liue after their loore, and order, and that hym selfe also, with the people reueren∣sed Christ, building, and grauntyng theim Temples, for their behoofe, but afterwardes alteryng his good minde and zeale towardes theim, began cruelly again, and odi∣ously to persecute theim, abused by the maisters of his

false cerimonies, as by the Bishops also of his false gods, perswadyng with hym, that if he any waie fauoured the Christians, that all the worlde woulde shortly be con∣uerted to that lawe, whence a generall rume would fol∣lowe to their gods and religion, all whiche is reported by Petrus Crinitus. It is written in the life of Saturninus, that from Seuerinus the Consull, a letter was writen to the said Adrian the'mperor, wherin he certified him, that in Egipt were sundrie christiās, among which some cal∣led theimselues Bishops, of which all, no one was found at any tyme idle, but busied still euerie one aboute some exercise, or other, and that there was none, no not the blinde, nor the goutie, but tooke some kinde of paine, and liued by their labour, which all honoured one onely god, whiche also was honoured for God of the Iewes. Wee reade also in the histories of that tyme, that this Empe∣rour, this beginnyng, to abuse the Christians, by the in∣stigation, as is said, of his high priestes, and bishops, there was a certaine his Ambassadour Serenus Eramyus; an Ethnike borne, as also was he, that wrote to hym, aduer∣tising hym that it was no little crueltie, to condescende in suche sorte, to the miserable ruine, and oppression of the Christians, beyng of nothing els accused, but of the obseruation onely of their faith and religion, in no other respecte or blame worthie, or culpable. By meanes of whiche letter, the Emperour, inhibited Minutus Fon∣danus then Proconsul in Asia, that he in no wise condem∣ned any Christian what so euer, not beyng conuicted of any other crime, but of that onely, of their faithe, and profession.

That menne borne of base condition, should not leaue, by al meanes possible, to attempte to reache, and aspire vnto honour, with certaine examples seruyng to that purpose. Chap. 18.

GEnerallie we sée, that men descending of a noble house, or familie, becom also in tyme berie valiaunt, and honoura∣ble, immitatyng the noblesse of their birth, and vertue, of their •…•…ncestours: how be it, for that there is no law, nor no rule so certaine, which suffereth o•• admitteth not some kinde of exception, this also maie be saied, to faile with the others: for some times the father wise, learned, aduised, and honest, hath a soonne idle, ab∣iecte, lesse wise and vnprofitable: and yet againe admit that this rule were more certaine, more intallible, and more assured, then in déede it is, yet should not thei, that descende of poore, and meane parentage, leaue to at∣tempte, by incessuante paine, and industrie, to aspire to the seate, of vertue, and honour: for that these families, that this daie are reputed for auncient, and noble, haus taken their beginnyng, and spryng of vertue, noblyng their posteritie, and successours with honour. Where∣fore, the better to animate men, to asspire to great mat∣ters, I will remember the examples of some in perticu∣ler, issuyng out of meane, and simple parentage, whiche in the endo, excolled in honour, and vertue. And in the firste place, Viriat a Portugale, so muche renoumed e∣mong the historiens, especially Romaines, on whom he eftsones did cruell, and bloodie reuenge. This man was the soonne of a poore Shepherde, and in his youth a••ded his father in his charge: but hauyng his harte inclined to matters more high, and of greater importaunce, lefte to keepe Shepe, and other tamed beastes, followyng more busily the chase of the wilde, and sauage, where in he ex∣celled in courage all others. After this the Romaines, in∣uadyng the Spaniardes, he gathered, and assembled cer∣taine his companions, by whose helpe he skirmishte, at tymes, with the enemie, at tymes also againe, for prac∣tise with his friendes, where he so valiaunte was, so no∣ble,

and couragious, that in fewe daies he had gathe∣red an armie sufficiente, with whiche being entered the field, he gaue battaile to the Romaines, in defence of that countrie: whiche warres, or rather enmitie continued fowertene yeres, duryng whiche tyme, he obtained a∣gainste theim, sundrie greate, and honourable victories. By meanes whereof, he grewe in honour, and aucthori∣tie, dreade, and faired for his prowes continually of his enemie: but in fine, vnkindly by treason was slaine, to the greate discomforte, and sorrowe of all his armie, by whiche he was (as duetie would) moste pompously bu∣ried. Arsaces kyng of the Parthians, was of suche base, and simple parentage, that no manne could speake of, or knewe any of pis parentes. Who, after he had withdra∣wen hymself, from the subiection, and obedience of Ale∣xander, he ordained the first kyngdome, that euer was emong the Parthians, a people, no lesse renoumed, then dread, in déede, of the Romaines. By meanes of whose onely passyng prowes, and valiauncie, all other kynges his successors, for the sole memorie, and reuerence of his name, although thei neuer wer crouned, by inheritance or succession, were called Arsacides, as the Romain Em∣perours, tooke also the name of Caesar, for the loue of greate Caesar Octauian Augustus. That excellente capi∣taine Agathocles, whiche for his surpassyng wisedome, and mandhoode, was created kyng of Sicilia, and main∣tained cruell battaile, againste the people of Carthage, was notwithstandyng, of so meane a familie, that as I remember, his father was a Potter, whence he beyng aduaunced, to the honor of a kyng, did neuer the lesse, as often tymes as he banketted, his table to bée furnished, with vesselles, as well of claie, as also of golde, or siluer, to the intente he still might haue in minde; and remem∣ber, the place of his beginnyng, his fathers house, and fa∣milie. The example also of Ptolomie, well serueth to this purpose, beyng one of the moste worthiest capitai∣nes

of Alexander, after whose death, he became kyng of Egipt, and of Siria, suche, and so vertuous, that his succes∣sors there would after him be called all Ptolomies. This Ptolomie was the soonne of a gentleman, that highte * 1.32 Lac, whiche neuer had better office then that, of commō horse man, in the cāpe of Alexander. Iphicrates an Athe∣nian, was in Marciall affaires, very well skilled, he van∣quished the Lacedemonians, in plaine, and open battaile and valiauntly withstoode, the impetúositie of Epami∣nondas, a capitaine Theban, bothe renoumed, and hono∣rable. Thesame he was whom Artaxerxes king of Per∣sia, assigned capitaine generall, ouer all his whole armie, when he had to doe, or delt with the Egiptians. Yet know wee neuer the lesse (as is euidently written of hym) that he was the ••••••nne, of none other, then of a poore Cobler. I had al moste paste ouer Eumenes, one of the moste worthieste capitaines of Alexander, as well for his valiauntie, as learnyng, and good counsaile: whose life, and famous gestes, are bothe recorded of Plutarche, and Paulus Emilius, who concernyng wealthe and aboū∣dance of riches, though he were lesse gracious, in the ••ight of Fortune, yet was he in the policies of warre, se∣conde to manne, reno•…•…ed, and honourable, by his owne onely de•…•…es, by no manne aduaunced, but by his onely paine, and trauaile, beyng the sonne of a poore man, and as some deme, a Carter. Emongall other se••∣gniories, and honours in the worlde, none was there e∣uer, so greate, and so puissaunt, as was that, some tymes the Empire of Rome, whiche was ordered continually, by suche excellent person ages so ripe in vertue, so abso∣lute, and perfects, and yet for all that, sundrie haue there attained euen vnto the highest, and soueraigne degrée of gouernment, descendyng of very simple, and of base pa∣rentage. Elius Part•…•…x Emperour of Rome, was the soonne of a certaine artificer, his graundfather a liber∣tine (whiche is to saie, suche as was some tymes a bonde * 1.33

man, but was againe afterward, for some iuste cause in∣fraunchiste) that notwithstandyng, for his vertue, and honestie, was assigned by the Romaines, their soue∣raigne, and Emperour, and afterward to giue example, to others of lowe condition, he caused the Shoppe, to bée doen about with Marble, curiously cutte, where his fa∣ther before hym, wrought, to gette his liuyng. Neither asspired this Elius, issued of base parentage, vnto the Em∣pire onely: for Diocletian, that so muche adorned Rome, with his magnificall, and triumphaunte victories, was the soonne of none other, then a common Scribe, or No∣tarie, some faie that his father was a booke binder, and hymself a bonde man borne. Valentinian was also crou∣ned Emperour, but was the soonne, notwithstandyng of a Roper. The Emperour Probus, had to father a gar∣diner. The renoumed Aurelius, whom euery age honou∣reth, issued out of so obseure a familie, that the historie∣griphers, lesse agrée emong theim selues, of his spryng, and beginnyng. Maximinus also was the soonne of a Smithe, or as others some will, a Carter. Marcus Iulius Lucinus, as also Bonosus, by their prudente policie, go∣uerned the saied Empire, of whiche, the firste was an housband mannes soonne of Dacia, the other the soonne of a poore, and stipendarie schoole maister. Of this sorte was there many other Emperours in Rome, whom, all for breuities sake, I leaue to remember, as Mauricius Iustinus, predecessour to Iustinian. Gale•…•…s also, in the be∣ginnyng a Shepherde. From this haute, and supreme dignitie, let vs descende to the •…•…a of Rome, vnto which asspired men, of like condition with the others. As Pope Ihon the twoo and twenteth, whiche was the soonne of a Shoomaker, a Frenche man borne▪ notwithstandyng for his learnyng, and wisedome, elected bishoppe, which increased their rentes, and patrimonie busily. Pope Ni∣cholas the fifte, hauyng the name, tofore of Th••mas, was the soonne of a poore P•…•…. P••p••▪ S•…•… •…•…he fo∣werth,

first called Frances, by professiō a frier, had to fa∣ther a poore sea man, or mariner. I could in this place re∣mēber many others, whō al of purpose, I leaue to name for that suche offices, are lesse due to nobilitie of blood, but rather to the learned, & vertues what so euer. Whereof Christ himself hath left vs good exāple: for the first that euer satte in that chaire, whom also Christ himself there placed, was that good, and true pastour S. Peter, which before laboured the seas for his liuyng, a Fisher, whom from thence Christ elected, to bée a fisher of men. Hence descendyng againe vnto kynges, and Princes, the Ro∣maines to them chose Tarquinius Priscus for their kyng, the soonne of a straunger, and marchaunte of Corinthe, and that which more was, banished out of his countrie, who neuer the lesse, augmented the confines of his king dome, the number as well of Senatours, as also theim of the order of knighthoode: he appoincted newe estates, bothe for their seruice, and ceremonies to the goddes, so that the people nothyng at all repented theim, to haue chosen them a straunger, for their kyng and soueraigne. Seruius Tullius liued also longe tyme kyng of Rome, he obtained greate victories, and triumphed thrée tymes, reputed notwithstandyng, to bée the soonne of a poore bonde woman, whence he continually held the name of Seruius. The kynges of Lumbardie, if thei were not so aunciente, as the others of Rome, yet were thei in re∣specte, no lesse famous, then thei: The thirde of whiche hauyng to name Lamusius, was the sonne of a beggerly, and common strumpette, whiche also beyng deliuered at the same tyme, of twoo other childrē, as a moste wret∣ched, and beastly woman, threwe them into a depe, and stinkyng ditche, in whiche also was some kinde of wa∣ter: by happe kyng Agelmonde passyng that waie, found this childe almoste drouned in the water, and mouyng hym soughtly, with the ende of his launce (whiche he at that tyme had presente there in hande) to the ende he 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

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more perfectely might féele what it was, but this childe euen then newely borne, féelyng it self touched, taketh hold of the launce, with one of his handes, not lettyng it to slippe, or slide frō him againe, whiche thing the prince consideryng, all amased at the straunge force, of this yonge, little creature, caused it to bée taken thence, and carefully to bée fostered, and for that the place where he founde it, was called Lama, he did hym thence to bée na∣med Lamusius: whiche afterwardes was suche a one, and so fauoured of Fortune, that in the ende, he was crouned kyng of the Lumbardes, who liued there in honour, and his succession after hym, euen vntill the tyme of the vn∣fortunate kyng Albouine, when all came to ruine, sub∣uersion, and destruction. An other matter like straunge to this, happened in Bohemia, where as one Primislas the soonne of a Plough manne, was then chosen kyng, when he moste busily, was labouryng the soile in the fielde. For at that tyme the Bohemians, not knowyng whom thei might chuse for their kyng, did to passe out a horse vnbridled into the fieldes, lettyng hym to go, whe∣ther it best liked him, hauing all determined, with moste assured purpose, to make him their king, before whō this horse arrested, so came it thē to passe, that the horse first staied hym before this Primislas, busied then in turnyng the gleabe, a simple Carter: so beyng forthwith confir∣med (as is before) their soueraigne, he ordered hym self, and his kyngdome very wisely. He ordained many good and profitable lawes, he cōpassed the citie of Prage with walles, besides many other thynges, merityng perpetu∣all laude, and commendation. The greate Tamburlaine also, whose famous exploites, are of parte aboue remē∣bred, was at the first a Shepherde, as we before rehear∣sed. The valiaunte, and vertuous capitaine, father of Frances Sforca, whose succession and posteritie, euen vn∣till this our tyme, haue béen Dukes continually of Mil∣laine, was borne in a badde village, called Cotignoll, the

sonne of a poore, and nedie worke man: but he naturally inclined to Martiall affaires, of a valiaunt harte, & very couragious, left that his fathers simple vocation, folow∣yng a troope of soldiars, whiche past through the coūtrie, and in th'ende by continuaunce, and skilfull practise, pro∣ued a moste famous, and renoumed capitain. C. Marius a Consull Romaine, issued of simple parentage, borne in the village Arpinum, was neuer the lesse suche, and so * 1.34 politike a capitaine, that all the worlde yet speaketh this daie of his valiauncie: he seuen tymes was chosen Consull in Rome, duryng whiche tyme, he obtained suche, and so greate victories, that he also twise (to his perpetuall honour, and commendation) triumphed. M. T. Cicero, the father, and prince of Latine eloquencie, well skilled also in euery the Sciences, was Consull in Rome, and Proconsul in Asia, and yet was he also borne in a simple cotage, in Arpinum, by birthe, and parentage a very meane, and abiecte Romaine. Ventidius also the soonne of a moste simple, and abiecte personage, was some tymes, by profession a Muletour: but leauyng that vocation, followed the warres of Caesar, by whose fauor he obtained, through his prowes, and vertue, that he shortly was appoincted capitaine of a bande, and after that againe vnder him, generall of the whole armie, and from thence was called to the honour of a bishoppe, and in fine, from thence mounted, to the estate of a Consull: who wagyng battaile with the Parthians, triumphant∣ly conquered them, and was the first that euer apparan∣tly, and throughly quailed their courages. It should also be long, in this place to remember, all those that issuyng from obscure race, or parentage, haue notwithstandyng, by their excellencie in learning, béen aduaūced to greate estimation, and honour. Virgill was the soonne of none other, then a Potter, yet aspired he to be called, the beste Poete emong the Latines. Horace in myne opinion, ex∣celled in poetrie, no Prince of birthe, but muche like vn∣to

the others. Eustatius, and Pāpinus, were the soonnes of twoo, that had been bondinen, but bothe manumit∣ted. Theophrastus the Philosopher, had to father a badde Tailer, or Bodger. Menedemus also, to whom for his singuler learnyng, the Athenians erected a sumptuous Image, was the sonne of a poore artificer. Besides these we reade of infinite others, whom all I passe, as a thing moste assured, and euidente. By these examples, it now thus lieth manifeste, that of what estate so euer, or con∣dition manne be borne, he maie if he will, attaine some tyme to honor, so that he walke still, in the pathe of ver∣tue, whiche onely is acquired by incessaunte paine, and diligencie, with a finall consideration of heauen, our wi∣shed citie, for who so other wise dooeth, if he in deede mighte possiblie, conquere the whole, the wide, and the waste worlde, what aduauntage should he haue, for the same, to loose the soule, after this life transitorie?

Of the opinion that the olde Romaines, and other aun∣cient countries had of fortune, and how they plast her in the number of their Gods: in what forme or figure they also depainted her: and finally that there is no fortune at all among the Christians, attributyng the cause of all thinges vnto God. Chap. 19.

FOR as muche as we haue some thing writtē of the instabilitie of the world, and that by sundrie examples, of sun∣dry worthy, and famous personages (that which euery of them attributed falsly vnto fortune) reason would now that we also in this place speake some what, of that, whiche the Gentiles, and Heathens haue immagined of this vanitie, in fine concludyng, as is our promis with the Christians. Among others many, and shamefull errors, which the olde sages, and wise philoso∣phers,

haue built vppon mans onely, and sole obserua∣tion, not feeling at all of that true, and heauenly wisedo∣me, this was the chéefe and principall occasion, for that not vnderstandyng the causes, whence these effectes pro∣ceaded, as also not why they were, or who ordained theim, sundrie of theim termed theim the verie workes of fortune, as all soodden aduentures, thinges I meane some times lesse desired, or thought on: neither haue thei yet staied there, but fortune not beyng any other thinge, then a plaine imagination, voide as well of al quantitie, as of substaunce or qualitie, haue déemed her to bee some celestiall or diuine nature, some mistris of much might, and perticuler Goddesse, vnto whom they attributed what so chaūsed in mans life, were it, without respect, in thinges prosperous or aduersitie. They supposed her to gouerne, or to holde in hande the bridle, of what so hap∣pened to vs ether fortunate, or contrarie, and so is this follie now growen to this point, that Virgill feareth not * 1.35 to name her, omnipotent, and almightie: and Cicero in his offices blustreth out in this sorte. Who is he that fée∣leth not the arme of fortune to be right strōg, and migh∣tie, of equall powre, and force, both in good and euell: for if she vouchsafe to assiste vs, with her prosperous winde, then mount we on high to the toppe of our desires: but if it contrarie, then liue we afflicted in miserable extremi∣tie. Salust a learned, and eloquent historiogripher, saieth that fortune is maistris and lady ouer all thinges. With theim also accordeth Iuuenal in these wordes: if fortune will, of a simple aduocate, thou shalt be made a Consull: if the same againe, so please, from the estate of a Consull, thou shalt fall doune to that, of a poore and néedy aduocat, in suche sorte that they attributed all puissance vnto for∣tune. And yet merueilous is it to sée, how that beyng of this opiniō, thei so commonly and vnfrendly blasphemed still against her, terming her by names, and Epithitons, vnkinde exilyng far frō al reuerence, far also from al ho∣nour.

Plinie saieth, that through out the whole world, in all places, and at all houres, and by all men of what de∣gree so euer, onely fortune, & she alone is called on, she is desired, she is accused, she is pursued with enmitie, and malice, on her alone all men thinke, she onely is praised, she onely is blamed, she onely is charged with iniuries and reproches, she onely is honoured, she onely estemed, she onely is reputed for vncertaine, and mutable, of ma∣ny she is accōpted blinde, and instable, inconstant, fickle still chaungyng, and variable, and commonly to the lesse worthy very large & fauourable. The causes to her we attribute, of our expenses, and receptes, and in all oure accomptes, or like busines to be doen, she holdeth still the one side, and the other of our booke: in such sorte that we be of condition so seruile, that this monster of vs, is ado∣red for a God, and so by this meane would God to be vn∣certaine. Hetherto Plinie. Our ancestours framed to her sundry kindes of Images I meane of straunge and di∣uers figures, accordyng to the diuersitie of effectes, that they imagined to be in her. When they would attribu∣te to her the cause of anie victory, they depainted her in valiaunt shape, fearce, stoute, and manly, hauyng a tem∣ple perticularlie dedicated vnto mightie fortune, whiche (as supposeth Liuie) was builte by the Consul Camillus, with the praie, and spoiles he gotte at the ouerthrowe of the Hetruscians: where in prosis of time afterwardes, it also was ordeined, that her feast should there be celebra∣ted, the fiue and twenteth continually of Iune, of parte for that Hasdrubal was on that daie vanquished by the Romaines, as also the same daie Massinissa their frende conquired in like sort kyng Syphax of Numidia. Besides this an other Temple was dedicated to her by the Ro∣maines, twoo little miles, or there aboute from Rome, where she was purtraied in shape like a womā, for that in that same place Coriolanus comyng in armes against his countrie, was wonne by the humble sute, and in∣treatie

of his mother, so that in fine hee returned, and perdoned the Citie, whiche of purpose he came to sacke, to burne, and to destroie. And in this shape of a woman, purtraied there in an Image, some accursed sprite or de∣uill, by gile streight entered, whiche often tymes thence spake, reputed for an oracle. The thirde temple also had thei dedicated to ill fortune: at whiche tyme thei so blin∣ded were in that their fonde deuotion; that they suppo∣sed all thinges should prosperously succéede with hym, that busily adored, or reuerenced this fortune, but vnto hym that sacrificed not, ne appeased her by offerynges, all thynges should goe amisse, where he so theim attem∣pted. And of all these abuses the deuell hymself was au∣ther, to that intent onely thei should repose their whole hope, and affiaunce still in him: as happened some times, for proofe therof to Galba, who for that he had taken a∣waie, a coller of Golde, from this Image of Fortune, to dedicate the same, or offer it to Venus, as is reported in sundrie good histories, fortune the saied night immedi∣atly then folowyng, appeared vnto hym, with dreedfull wordes, minasing, wherof he also died or many daies ex∣pired. The vanitie of this people was suche then, and so aucthorised, that they yet had also an other Image of for∣tune, semely bearded, imaginyng all those, that had her in especiall adoration, shoulde haue verie faire beardes, well coloured, and well growen: but those that disdained her, or none at all, or the contrarie. All these thinges did they for diuersitie of respectes, and considerations in her: and withall to signifie her omnipotēcie, or power, which they déemed all she had, purtraiyng her in sundrie, and diuers sortes a goddesse. The philosopher Cebes, depain∣ted her in the shape, or figure of a woman, but as furious with al, blinde and with out féeling, mounted on a roūde stone, denotyng her instabilitie. Vupal was the firste in Gréece, that framed any shape or purtraite, of fortune, in the toune of Smirna; which he depainted with a veale

vpon her head, hauing in her hande a horne of abūdance. The Scithians purtraied her a woman without feete, hauyng not withstandyng both handes, and winges. O∣thers some fashioned her, with the stearne of a shippe in one hande, as also with the foresaied horne of abundance in the other: thence inferring that shee had dominiō ouer all, disposing all thinges, throughout the worlde as was to her roiall maiestie best séemyng. Some others againe of fine, and brittle glasse, because she was so fickle, with out all holde or staie. Others also depainted her turnyng of a wheele, on the highest parte of which, some present∣ly were placed, some also were climbyng, as thoug they would get vp, some also fallyng into ruine, and dispaire. One also resembleth her, not vnaptly to a Commedie, in whiche some enter at tymes, with countenance, of kinges, and greate Personages, and streight againe chaungyng their habite, or apparell, put on the faces, or countenaunces of bondmenne, for that in this life, wée haue none other suretie, to daie to liue in pompe, to mo∣rowe in rācke beggerie. Socrates compared her to a com∣mon place, or theater without order, where commonly it happened, the worthiest in déede, to be eftsones worst placed. Others some againe, purtraied her all blinde: and to this purpose Apuleus, hath these woordes in his golden Asse. For iust cause did our elders, depainte For∣tune blind, for continually she giueth, to the lesse vertu∣ous, and vnhoneste, neuer for his demerites, preferryng any persone, voide of all election, or distinction of menne for vertue, aduauncyng the ribaulde, and the gracelesse tretcherer, whom if she had iyes to beholde, or to consi∣der, she then would flie in haste, from these her accursed dearlynges. Infinite is the number of aucthorities, that might be alleaged, concernyng the names, or titles, that haue béen of many assigned vnto Fortune. Valerius, and Claudian, letted not to call her dispitefull, and enuious: Ouidius in fastis, right mightie and puissaunte, but in his

Epistles, accursed, and dispitefull. Iuuenall in his Satires froward, and peruerse. Lucian traiterous, and periured. Siluius Italicus, false, and subtile. Virgill in one place na∣meth her omnipotēt, and almightie, but in others again inconstaunte, vnfaithfull, and disloiall. Cicero of whom we also aboue some thing remembred, who also then ac∣coumpted her, a Princes moste of might, and guide also to them that would, or did liue iustly, saieth that nothing is so contrary to reason, and to constancie, as is thesame Fortune. And yet for all this, the vanitie of the auncient Romaines, was suche, and so greate, that thei stil adored her, whom thei knewe to bee blinde, falce, instable, and inconstaunte, dedicatyng to thesame, bothe sumptuous, and costly Temples, vowyng theim selues, so busily, to these superstitions, that the Emperours theim selues, had euermore the Image of Fortune, in their sleapyng chambers. But when any of theim died, the same was then transported into the chamber of his successor. The firste that framed a Temple, to Fortune in Rome, was Seruius Tullius, as recordeth Liue, the sixte kyng by or∣der; and iuste accoumpte of the Romaines: though Plu∣tarche in his booke of the fortune of the Romaines, af∣firme that it was Marcius the fowerth kyng there, whi∣che framed as is euidente, a Temple to virill Fortune. Seruius notwithstandyng, gaue Fortune all these na∣mes, to witte, of valiaunte Fortune, little Fortune, prosperous Fortune, aduerse Fortune, triumphaunte Fortune, with others more, suche, to these the like, and semblable, to euery of whiche, he dedicateth a parte, a riche, a faire and asumptuous temple. The first of virile or rather valiaunte Fortune, stoode nigh vnto Tyber, where all yonge maidens, that were of age mariagable, came to offer their presentes, with all reuerence, and deuotion: in whiche Temple thei also did of all their ap∣parell, all naked, saue their smocke, before this Idoll of Fortune, discoueryng their me heames, and eche their

deformities, if thei had any priuie imperfection, imma∣ginyng that this Idoll, would assuredly conceale it, and so for theim woorke, by some secrete vertue, that those, thaut should marrie theim, should neuer at all perceiue it, that whiche Ouide reporteth in his Fastis. And as this Empire grewe still, to be more greate, and puissaunte, so grewe this fonde deuotion, throughout emong the Romaines, erectyng to her Temples, accordyng to the difference, or diuersitie of her names: and this not one∣ly in Rome, or other tounes aboute it, but in euery the partes, what so euer, of all Italie. In fine, then must we thinke, that all these vanities, with many others the semblable, whiche maie in this place bée remembred, to this purpose, was a plain illusion, and deception of men, walkyng in darkenesse, affiyng, and trustyng in their owne proper wisedome. For what so euer is, dwellyng in this worlde, in heauen I meane, in yearth, or els be∣lowe in hell, thei still are, and procede, from the inscru∣table prouidence, and wisedome of GOD: neither is it Fortune, chaunce, or aduenture, for that all in him haue cause of their beyng, by hym thei also holde their course, and eke their order. And againe, though many of vs bee founde, of so grosse a féelyng, or vnderstandyng, that wee either hardly, or not at all perceiue, the increase, or suc∣cesse of thynges, not to be of Fortune, but that what so euer is, or any waie multiplieth, the same to issue, and procede from the principall, firste, and chief cause God, maker, creatour, and gouernour of all, whiche for an as∣sured veritie, we muste acknowledge, and imbrace, that would, or doe desire, to be numbred for Christians. Lact. Firmianus letteth not to laugh at, or deride those men, whiche attribute the aduentures of the worlde, to For∣tune. S. Augustine in his retractations, repenteth hym of his errour, that he followyng the common phrace, or wonted maner in speache, did attribute the good happe of man, in like sorte also to Fortune, highly cōmendyng

in the saied place kyng Dauid, for that he ascribed euery his tribulations, to the inscrutable, and secrete iudge∣mentes of God onely. This then muste we beleue, that what so euer is, or any where hath his beyng, that the same bothe is, and proceadeth still from God. Farther also, besides that sundrie our elders, had some feelyng in this matter. Saluste also sawe it, and boldly therefore pronounced, that eche man was the firste, and principall cause of his fortune, and in his proheme, of his warre of Iugurthe, saieth: that the slothfull, and negligent person, complaineth still of Fortune, but without any iuste cause, or reason. Iuuenal more plainly in his tenth Satire affirmeth that where aduice is, there Fortune still exi∣leth, though wée repute her for a goddesse, and lodge her in the heauens. Other Philosophers were there, whiche though thei also affirmed, that Fortune of her self, could in deede doe nothyng, beleued it notwithstandyng, that she was an instrument, or aide, to the diuine prouidence, as if God should stande in nede of some other, to assiste hym: whiche is no lesse vaine, then the opinions aboue rehearsed, and also others some, that in this place might be remembred, whiche I all leaue, as also to be tedious, onely passyng in fewe, there by yet to admonishe the ignoraunte, and simple Christian what so euer, that he forsake his fonde, and foolishe custome, to gréeue, or to mislike at any tyme with Fortune, when any thing be∣tideth hym, contrary to his expectation. For in fine, this must we knowe, that God disposeth mannes affaires a∣lone, to whom, and to none other, in euery our necessi∣ties, we muste appeale, and crie, for his assistaunt grace and succour.

That sundrie beastes, by some priuie naturall instinct, haue foreknowleage of thynges to come: as also of many countries, by the onely force of little wormes, brought to be desolate, and forsaken. Chap. 20.

NOt onely the naturall instincte of sundrie creatures, brute, and voide of reason, might suffice to learne vs, the inwarde proprie∣ties of thinges infinite, as how, and in what sorte, thei mighte please, and profite vs, as in the vse, or practise of Phisicke, or o∣therwise: but also a noumber of them, birdes, and foules I meane, as well as any other, haue some priuie feelyng, of euery the chaunge, and alte∣ration of weather, as when we shall haue raine, winde, pleasaunt tymes, or tempestes, instructyng here in man as if he sawe it presently. As then wée sée that Shepe, prognosticate of raine, when moste busily thei disporte, in skippyng to and fro. The semblable is perceiued most plainly in the bullocke, especially when he licketh direc∣tly againste the heare, liftyng his snoute a lofte into the aire, bellowyng, and breathyng eftsones on the ground, féedyng with the same more busily, then is his wont, or maner. The yeawe when she diggeth the grounde with her foote: as also when the goates couet nighest, to slepe together: when also the antes, walke thickest in a ranke in greater heapes also, then is their vsuall maner, run∣nyng eche on other, as troubled, or amased, these all bee markes assured of moisture, raine, and weather. When Lyons leaue their wonted ranges, and soiles, and séeke a newe to preie in other countries, then bee you well as∣sured, of greate drieth that yere followyng. Elian recor∣deth, that the goates of Libia, knowe certainly, when firste the Caniculer daies begin, and by euident demon∣strations, bothe féele, and perceiue, when it will in dede, or likely is to raine. When Woulfes drawe in troopes towardes houses, and villages, and come nigher into the sight of men, then is their common wonte, an infallible rule is it, of a tempest shortly followyng. Fishes also no

lesse straungely prognosticate, and diuine, of euery these chaunges, and mutations of tymes. When the Dolphi∣nes leape, very busily in the Sea, discoueryng theim sel∣ues, by mounting aboue the water, then greate windes shall followe, especially from that parte, whence thei seme to come: but contrary, when thei trouble the wa∣ter, beatyng them selues there in, a more certaine signe then that, can none be of faire weather. When the frog crooketh more, and more loude then is her wonte, she fore learneth vs of raine, and of tempestious weather. Neither are birdes exempted from this priuileage, of whiche as muche, or more, maie wée write to this pur∣pose, then of all other beastes, of what sort so euer. The foules of the sea, when thei refuse the deapth, and hasten to the shore, denote some stormie blaste, and sodaine chaunge of weather. If the Cranes flie in the aire with out any brute, or noise, then promes thei a calme: but if thei crie, and slie in heapes disordered, then be ye well assured, thei promes you the cōtrary. When the crowe flieth frō the maine lande, to the sea, she there by as wel prognosticateth, some chaunge of weather, and raine, as also when she plaineth with mournfull noise, and crie. If the shriche Oule, houle muche, in any storme tempestu∣ous, it denoteth some presente chaunge vnto the bet∣ter: but if in a calme she syng, besides her wonted ma∣ner, it noteth againe, as on the other side, some spedy al∣teration. Plutarche writeth, that when the Crowe syn∣geth with a rawe, and horse voice, not lettyng to beate her self busily with her winges, she fore learneth vs of winde, and raine in aboundance. The same also is euidēt vnto vs, by the saied birde againe, as when the Sunne is fallyng in the poincte of the Weste, if he skippe, and syng, mountyng sodainly into the aire, streight fallyng doune againe, as if he scarce could flie, beginnyng then again his plaie, euen as before, threatnyng as we might saie, some blusteryng storme, or tempeste. Greate troo∣pes

againe of white birdes, ordinarilie assēble, and mete in heapes together, immediatly before some greate chaunge, or alteration of weather. When the Cocke, the Capon, with euery other kinde of Pultrie, beate eft∣sones their winges, aduaunce theim selues, and syng, as also reioisyng in outward shewe, and apperance, it is as moste suppose, a true presage, or signe of present winde, and weather. When the Larke syngeth very earely in the mornyng, whē also the Ducke doeth washe, or bath her self, beakyng, trimmyng, and orderyng her feathers, it euidently denoteth excesse of winde, and raine. When the Swallowe flieth so nigh vnto the water, that a man would thinke, she still would touche, or strike it, a pre∣sage no lesse sure, of raine, is this then the others. Elian writeth, that the Snite hath full, and perfecte felyng, of th'increase aswell, as decrease of the Moone. But I feare I greue the reader, with these fore paste exāples: wher∣fore I now will speake, of certaine beastes, whiche haue forced men to leaue, and forgoe, their countrie, the same all not greate, and mightie, but some also small, and foi∣ble. And to this purpose Elian recordeth, that in certaine partes of Italie, the rootes of trées, and hearbes, were in suche sorte by Rattes destroied, that the inhabitantes in fine (though thei did their paine to kill theim) were not∣withstandyng faine, through penurie to foregoe, and to forsake their countrie. Marcus Varro reporteth, that there was a greate toune in Spaine, situate, or standing in a sandie soile, whiche was by Conies, in suche sort vn∣dermined, that in th'ende it suncke, & came to extreame ruine. Neither onely haue these thynges happened, in wide, and open countries, but also in Islandes inuironed with the sea, where bothe Rattes, & Mice, haue in suche aboundance swarmed, that thei haue forste the inhabi∣tantes to leaue their place, & dwelling: for proofe where∣of, one of the Isles Ciclades, called Gyare, was by the onely force, of these foresaid vermaine, left voide of man

destitute, and inhabitable. Thesaied aucthours again re∣porte, that there was also in Fraunce, a famous toune, whiche by the onely multitude of Todes, and Frogges there, was also by the inhabitauntes, lefte, and for∣saken. The semblable chaunsed, as is euident, in Africa, by the onely malice of Locustes, and Grashoppers. The∣ophrastus * 1.36 remembreth of an other countrie, which was by Palmers destroied, and forsaken. An other Prouince was there also in Libia, very fruitfull, fertile, and aboū∣dant, from whiche the inhabitantes were chaste, by the furious rage of Lions: how bée it, as it was no meruaile, so neither was it shame, for man to leaue his countrie, by the malice of this beaste. But the greate weakenes, and imbecillitie of manne, is sufficiently seen, in that whiche Plinie reporteth, of a certaine Prouince, vpon the limites of Ethiopia, where as Antes, Scorpions, and other small vermaine, did to exile thence all the in∣habitantes. The people of Megaris in Grece, were dri∣uen by Bées onely, to leaue, and flie their citie: as in like sorte, by the Waspe, some times also the Ephesians. An∣tenor writyng also of the Isle of Crete (as from him reporteth it Elian againe) saieth that a certaine multitude of Bées, chaste out of a greate citie, all the inhabitantes thereof, vsyng their houses, in steede of Buttes, or Hiues. Many suche o∣thers straunge, and rare matters, are redde, and recorded in olde, and aunci∣ente histo∣ries.

The ende of the seconde parte.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Poncius Fre∣neus.
• * 1.2

  Beda in his booke of time. Eusebius in his first booke of time.
• * 1.3

  Ouid. in fastis. Plaut. in pro∣blematis.
• * 1.4

  Caia Cecilia. Tanaquila.
• * 1.5

  Plinie lib. 8. Cap. 40.
• * 1.6

  Leptina.
• * 1.7

  Messagites.
• * 1.8

  Britous. Arabians.
• * 1.9

  Noble menne onely admit∣ted to painting
• * 1.10

  Zeuxis and Parrasus.
• * 1.11

  Strabo in his 14. booke.
• * 1.12

  Apelles. Protogines.
• * 1.13

  Pamphilus A∣pelles his mai∣ster.
• * 1.14

  Campaspa a concubine of Alexanders.
• * 1.15

  Ostracismus.
• * 1.16

  Mardonius was one of Xerxes Capi∣taines.
• * 1.17

  Nicias, and Al∣cibiades, eache enuious of o∣thers honour.
• * 1.18

  Cicero.
• * 1.19

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. in his▪ 6 booke. Pli. in his. 28.
• * 1.20

  Plutarch in the life of Themi∣stocles.
• * 1.21

  Aristotle in his thirde boke, de animalibus. Plinie in his leuenth booke Dioscorides in his sixte boke.
• * 1.22

  Diodorus in his fourth and fifte booke.
• * 1.23

  Aristotle in his thirde boke de animalibus.
• * 1.24

  Plinie in his 32. boke, and third chapiter.
• * 1.25

  A barbarus crueltie of Tamburlaine.
• * 1.26

  Plinie in his 5. booke, and Ar. in the thirde of his Mereo.
• * 1.27

  Sen. in the. 3. booke of his naturall que∣stions. Pom. M. in his seconde booke Strabo in the. 6
• * 1.28

  A people in A∣frica whiche dwell in caues and eate the fleshe of Ser∣pentes.
• * 1.29

  Lucretius in his sixt booke.
• * 1.30

  Laguna.
• * 1.31

  Iosephus in the seconde booke of his antiqui∣ties.
• * 1.32

  Lac. the father of Ptolomie.
• * 1.33

  What a Liber∣taine 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.34

  Arpinum.
• * 1.35

  Virgill in the eight of his Eneid.
• * 1.36

  The Palmer is alitte worme lōg and rough hauyng manie legges, and in laune may bee called bruchus, or campe••, or multipeda.