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

¶ The thirde parte of the Forrest, or collection of diuers lessons. (Book 3)

How profitable a thing the inuention of letters was, who firste founde or inuented theim, as also how the Hebrue Characters signifie some thyng of theim selues, that whiche is incident to no other kinde of letters, of what sorte or kinde so euer. Chap. 1.

IF wée accompte those worthy of greate thankes, and praises, that haue by studie founde out, and inuented the artes liberal, and mechanical, those also that haue left vs diuers other thin∣ges, and doctrines, as well ap∣pertainyng to the comfort, and consolation of the soule, as also to the vse, and exercise of the bodie. Howe muche then more stande we bounde vnto those, that first of all haue geuen vs the vse of letters, whiche onely preserue, and kéepe, all other inuentions: for without theim nothyng maie be reserued to the posteritie, no deuice whatsoeuer canne liue, or remaine: besides that, that by letters also, man continueth in euerie succession as immortall for euer. By theim what so was doen a thousande yeres hence is in suche sorte offered, and presented vnto vs, as if betwixt vs, and theim no time at all had passed. By thē man attaineth to all discipline, and sciences, by theym man in these daies perfectly acquainteth hymselfe, with that, whiche others before hym well knewe, and were learned in, as by the same againe, what so euer man, in this present age inuenteth, is preserued, and laide vppe for the posteritie followyng. By theim is fully sien, and

perfectly represented, what so at any time hath in anie sorte been doen, in suche assured wise, and in suche ample maner, that it might seeme alwaies to haue continued still in doyng, whiche neuer had been possible, but by the onely meane, and commodetie of letters. Nether Plato, neither Aristotle, neither infinite other philosophers had helde still the reputation, whiche their learnyng meri∣ted. To conclude it canne none otherwise be saide, but that the moste worthie, and moste excellent inuention, that euer was by man thought on, is that same, of the first findyng of letters, whiche who so woulde hardely credite, let hym chiefly consider of those thinges that bee written, whiche all should as well be vtterly loaste, and forlorne, as also againe that no newe thing might be re∣serued to the posteritie. Sith then by letters we reape, suche, and so greate commodities, it were reason wee speake some thing, of their firste aucthonr or inuentour. How be it, it is laborous to searche here in a troth, the di∣uersities of opinions so differēt, and so many. The Gen∣tiles in this case disagrée with the Christians, the Chri∣stians againe among theim selues. Plinie, touching thys * 1.1 different, remembreth sundrie opinions, and amonge o∣thers addeth his aduice, whiche in my iudgemente hath more shew of troth then any other. First he saieth they were founde out by the Assirians, in Assiria, though o∣thers some attribute it, to Mercurie in Egipte. Some a∣gaine affirme, that the Pelagians first brought theym in∣uented by theim, in to Italie: and that they were againe transported into Grece by the Phenicians, with Cad∣mus there capitaine, whiche onely then knewe sixtene, and no more, and that after in the warre of Troie, Pala∣medes vnto the firste, adioyned other fower: but Plinie after that he had alleaged the opinions of many, he con∣cludeth, that in his opinion, letters were euen from the beginnyng eternall, to wéete, that thei beganne, euen at the first, with the worlde. That the firste knowledge of

letters, neuer the lesse came, by the Pheniciens in to Grece, Herodotus, with others many plainly affirme it: the Egiptians notwithstandyng vaunte theimselues as * 1.2 wel of the first inuention of letters, as of the artes. Dio∣dorus Siculus attributeth it, as is fore saide to Mercurie, how be it the same Diodorus Siculus in his fowerth boke * 1.3 saieth, that some imagen that the Ethiopians, both firste had, and knewe this excellent vse of letters, and that the Egiptians, in trueth, borrowed this skille afterwarde of theim, so that, of these writers we can not gather the as∣sured truth, which we so muche desire. Concernyng this matter, yet are there others, Iewes a greate many, as wel as also Christians, which attribute this first inuen∣tion only vnto Moyses, who was before any the letters, or writynges of the Gentiles, for that Cadmus of whom we fore spake, whom we also saide to haue brought the firste letters into Grece, was in the tyme of Othoniel, duke, and Capitaine of Israel, whiche liued fortie and se∣uen yeres, after the written lawe was geuē vnto Moy∣ses. These that are of this opinion, amonge whiche wee finde Eupolemus, and Artabanus, heathen historiogri∣phers, affirme that the Egiptians first learned there let∣ters of Moyses, and that thei afterwarde imperted of their knowledge to the Phenicians, whence after againe Cadmus, past with them into Grece. Artabanus noteth, that this Mercurie whiche all agrée on, to haue made the first profession of letters in Egipte, was Moyses himself called of the Egiptians Mercurie. Philon, an Hebrue, a man of greate aucthoritie, saieth that the inuention of letters was yet againe more auncient, who saieth that Adā was the first authour of theim, & in deede thei either were inuented by Adam, or by his children, or by them at the leaste of the first age before the generall fludde, or inundation preserued by Noe, and his successours euen vntill the tyme of Abraham, and from hym againe vntil Moyses. And thus is the iudgement, or opinion of Sainct

Augustine. Whiche is verified by the aucthoritie of Iose∣phus saiyng, that the nephewes of Adam, sones of Seth, * 1.4 aduaunced or erected two sumptuous pillers, the one of stone, the other of claie, in whiche they wrote, or ingra∣ned all the sciences: affirmyng that himselfe sawe one of theim in Syria. We finde also that S. Iude the Appo∣stle, alleageth in a certaine Epistle of his, the booke of E∣noch, whiche also liued, before the fludde. So that wee must not doubt, but that Adam, and his children, whiche were so wise, whiche also had experience of so many thin¦ges, were also they, that firste founde out the vse of let∣ters, and that Noe which afterward was both lettered, and learned, carefully preserued theim in his Arke with hym: howe be it after that, in the confusion of tongues, whiche happened at the erection of the Tower of Babi∣lon, it may be that the greatest parte of the worlde loste then, and there the knowledge of the saied letters again, which onely remained in the family of Heber, of, or from whom afterwarde descended the Hebrues, who (as wee fore saide) neuer loste their firste and aunciente tongue. Which as it is true, so Sainct Augustine reporteth it in his booke aboue alleaged, Eusebius also in his first booke, of his preparation Euangelicall, as also the greater part of the learned of our tyme. Wherefore as well Philon, as also these others, whiche supposed Moyses to haue be∣en the first father of letters, were there in all to geather deceaued, for that it is euident, that these bookes and hi∣stories that were written by Moyses were not as they déeme, the firste of all others, ne yet before the auncient studie of Philosophie, the sadde, and sage saiynges also of the Grekes, as proueth Sainct Augustine sufficiently in the same place, Iosephus against the grammariā Apion, Eusebius also and Iustinus martirs. I conclude then that letters, were first, and before Moyses, for that we finde it recorded, that Moyses hymselfe learned the artes, and sciences of the Egiptians, which I well knowe not, how

he colde haue accomplished, if they before had hadde, no feelyng in letters, although in déede, it be manifest, that they hadde certaine signes, called literae hierogliphicae, by meanes of whiche as is aboue saide, euery of theym suf∣ficientlye and well vnderstoode the other. From Adam then drawe wee the originall of letters, as also that A∣braham was after skilled of theim in Siria: whence it co∣meth, that Plinie hath varied in his opinion, whiche wée haue in fewe now to fore remembred. It nedeth nothing in this place to searche the beginnyng, or cause, of the v∣suall frame, or proportion of our characters, for that eche man maie facion theim, as is to hym best seemyng, as we daily see euery man alter at his pleasure, adding signes, some tymes, in steede or place, of letters, as affirmeth S. Hierome in the prologue, of his boke of lawes, that when Esdras, the greate scribe and doctour of the lawe, newe wrote, or drewe it out, in to some better fourme, hee founde there straunge, and newe characters of letters, whiche the Iewes after vsed, euen in the tyme of sainct Hierome, as they also doe, euen at this presente daie, whiche Hebrue letters, haue a priuate proprietie inci∣dent to no other letters, of any countrie or nation: for the voice, or name, of euerie of theim, geueth significa∣tion of some one thing, or other. The firste called Aleph, signifieth discipline, the seconde Beth signifieth a house: Gymel, an other letter, fillyng vp, or abundance: Daleth, tables or bookes: the others also signifie, and denote, other thinges, whiche all I leaue, as also to be tedious. Who so here in is curious, and desireth to knowe more may reade Eusebius, in his firste booke, de preparatione E∣uangelica.

Where on our elders wrote before the inuention of Pa∣per, and with what kinde of instrument, how Pa∣per, and Parchement were firste founde out. Who first inuented the maner or skille of Printyng, as also what inestimable profite thence riseth, and in fine by what meane a blinde man maie write. Chap. 2.

SOme what haue we after a sorte spo∣ken, in the former chapiter, of the in∣uention of letters, it resteth nowe that we also searche, on what matter our elders, or first fathers wrote, and although directly we shall not be able here of to discourse, ne yet where on thei wrote, before y^e general inundation in the first age, for the matter is both doubtfull & difficill, to wéete, whe∣ther thei had letters then, in very déede, ye or not, though we haue past it, as proued by the aucthoritie of Iosephus, as also aided, to that purpose, with some other profe, or reasons. Notwithstanding according to the opinion of al men, the first writers had no kinde, or maner of Paper, but wrote continually on the leaues of the Date tree, whence came that worde of leaues of bookes vsed at this daie. After this thei wrote againe on the rindes of trées, but especially on those that most easely were drawen, or taken from the trée, as the Elme, the Ashe, the palme or Burche trée, from which thei tooke the innermost rinde, that I meane, betwixte the cruste and the trée, of whiche subtilly and finely polished, thei framed, and facioned all their bokes, artificially conioigning, and fastnyng theim together. And for as muche as, in that time, these rindes were called by the latin men libri, hence haue bokes held from y^e time, to name this word libri, though thei this day far differ in y^e matter as is euidēt. Now after this againe an other waie was foūd, to write in plates of leade, very

thinne, and perfectly fined, of whiche some curious, and priuate persones, made aswell pillers as also bookes, in which thei regestred all publike, and common actes. Be∣sides this, they yet founde an other waie to write, to wéete, on Liuen cloth, fined and polished, with certaine coloures. Here also is, and in this place to bée noted, that they then wrote not, as wee nowe do with pennes, but with Reades, whiche in latine may bee called Calami, which also some vse, euen yet, in this daie. An other kind of Paper was yet founde againe, whiche was made, as it were of certaine little trées, called (as wee finde) by the name of Papers, which, in déede were none other, then a sorte, or kinde of bull rushes, ordinarely growing, in marshes adionyng to the riuer of Nile. Of which sorte some others are founde in Siria, nigh to the floodde Eu∣phrates, as recordeth Plinie, hauyng the name, as the o∣thers, of papers, little thinne leaues, or skinnes haue they, betwixt the rinde and the inner parts, whiche fine∣ly taken or drawen out, with the poincte of an Néelde, trimde afterwarde with a certaine glue, or paste made with meale, tempered with boyled water and vineagar, was in the ende made a good, and perfect paper, to write drawe, or doo anything theron: and by how muche the nigher, you drewe the skinnes, from the inwarde parte of this Rushe, or Reede, by so muche was it both better, and more fine, and so accordyng to the goodnesse or diffe∣rence of theim, thei also had diuers and different names. Who so desireth here in more, let hym reade Plinie. And * 1.5 for as muche as, this Réede, Rushe, or little trée, was called paper, the name is thence deriued of that paper, vsed by vs this daie, whiche is made of small péeces, or shreedes of linnen clothe, throwly wasted and worne to nothing. Varro affirmeth that the first inuentiō to make paper of these little trées, or rushes, was in the tyme of Alexander the greate, euen then when Alexandria was * 1.6 by hym firste founded. How be it Plinie proueth it to bée

more auncient, by certaine bookes which Terence did to be digde out of the grounde, whiche before had been Nu∣ma Pompilius his bookes, kinge of Rome, founde in the same Tombe, where he was buried, whose leaues were of the saide rushe, whiche we aboue remembred. And al∣though Liuie haue otherwise written of this Toumbe, affirming that there were two founde by L. Patilius, yet be we of the minde, that Numa was long before Alexan¦der. With Liuie here in accorde, both Lactātius, and Plu∣tarche in the life of Numa, Plinies opinion notwithstan∣dyng is of most menne approued. Some write that this worde Charta, tooke his originall, or denomination of a certaine Toune nigh vnto Tyre, called Carta, whence Dido altering the name, called it afterwarde Carthage. Our elders also wrote in tables weaxt, thinne, and well fined, framyng there letters with sharpe, and small pun∣chions, which theim selues then termed, by the name of stiles. Whence it cometh that wee nowe vsually saie, that who so well inditeth, writeth a good stile, bor∣rowyng the name, of the instrumente that they then wrote with. Also before the innention of paper, where on we presently write, the aunciente custome was, all other fore vsed meanes seposed, to write continuallie on Parchment onely, made of shepe skinnes, of whiche remembreth vs well Herodotus, whose inuention Var∣ro attributeth to the inhabitauntes of Pergama, whose king then was Eumenes, whence in latin it is called at this daie pergamenum, in englishe parchement. And wher as in latine it is also called Membrana, it taketh as maie he thought the name of the inuentour. Neuerthelesse in my iudgement, men wrote on these skines, longe before that tyme, remembred by Varro, specified in like sorte afterward by Plinie, for that Iosephus writeth, that the * 1.7 bookes of the Hebrues, and sundrie others, which were manie yeres before Eumenes, were also writtē on these skinnes, as aboue saied. As also when he reciteth that E∣leasar

Prince of the Préestes, sente the bookes, of holie scripture vnto Ptolomie, with the seuētie interpreters, to the intent, they for hym, should translate theim, from the hebrue into greke, affirmyng that Ptolomie, bothe straungely was amased and meruailed at the subtle ioy∣ning of these skinnes, or parchmentes together. Whēce it is aperte, that what so euer was written, in any sort, in parchmente, was of longer, and greater continuance, then if it had béen doen, in these rindes or leaues, though in déede thei both were of more antiquitie, then the first. By meanes whereof, this vse of Parchemente, neither hath, neither will bee, at anye tyme againe leafte, and since that paper againe, whiche we daily now vse, is so easie to make, and in suche abundaunce, that it both hel∣peth, and profiteth all kinde of studentes. But aboue all other thinges without cōparison we must confesse, that the skill of printyng, (by the onely meanes of whiche, suche heapes of bookes come, of all sortes to our handes) is amonge all other inuentions, that ether be, or earste haue been, in what sorte so euer, to be preferred: whiche, as is written, was first of al inuented by an Almaine, in∣habitant of Magonce, and hight Ihon Faust (though Po∣lidore * 1.8 otherwise surname hym Petra) by whose accompt the first printyng of bookes was there, in the yere of our redemption, a thousand, fower hundred, fiftie and thrée. And shortly afterwarde an other Almaine by name Cō∣radus practised this arte firste of all in Italie. Howe be it Volateranus writeth that thei were twoo, and both bro∣thers, which past thence into Italy, beginnyng to printe in Rome, in the yere of oure Lorde a thousande, fower hundred, sixtie, and fiue. The first bookes that were im∣printed were sainct Augustines de ciuitate dei, and the di∣uine institutions of Lactantius Firmianus. After thys grewe there manie, excellente personages, as well in Germanie, and Fraunce, as also in Italie, which besides their arte, or skill in printyng, were also perfectly, and

passyng well learned, as Baldus, Manucius, Badus, Coli∣neus, and Frobenius, verie diligent, and painefull in cor∣rection of the lettre, with infinite others, whose names to be shorte I leaue of to remember. By meanes wherof many bookes, in maner lost and hidded, were at laste pu∣blished, to the inspekable profite, & commoditie of man, whiche was in déede the chife cause of so many learned men, as this daie are euerie where to be founde through∣out all Christendome: whiche before both seldome, and with greate paine attained, to this absolute knowledge, and perfection in learnyng. But admit here that it were not the first, and principal cause, yet am I of that minde, that it assuredly is the greatest cause, for that with lesse paine, wee peruse nowe suche as are perfectly corrected, findyng the others euerie where full of faultes, blottes and errours, committed for the most parte, either by the lesse skil, or little care of the writer: but if any one were founde, perhaps emong the others faultles, neither was he to be had, or to bée perused of all men, so that good let∣ters then florished not, as thei now, and this daie, doe v∣niuersally euery where. How be it since licence first was graunted, by Princes to Printe, all bookes, fabulous, wanton, and fruitles, farre better had it béen, in this re∣spect doubtles, that the waie to printe had neuer béen, to man yet, or knowne, or vnfolded: For it destroieth and withdraweth from vertue the good minde, principally of youth, whiche noseled in these follies, lesse affecteth, or desireth the studie of better lessōs. Leauing then to speak more of the commodities of printyng, descende we to the next, the practise of hand writing, which also in my iudge∣ment, is this daie more perfecte, more curious, and more absolute, then at any tyme heretofore, in what age so e∣uer. Concernyng which matter, Quintilian giueth some rules, not lesse worthie to bee obserued, as also the lear∣ned Erasmus in his booke, of good, and perfect pronuncia∣tion. But of this kinde of hande writyng, will I onely

speake, by the sole meanes of whiche, as hath the said E∣rasmus, certaine blinde menne haue learned orderly to write. Thei did to bee made a table of Porphire, of bone, or otherwise of mettall, in whiche was ingraued, euery the letters, as a. b. c. &c. then tooke thei in hande some small, and pretie instrumente, at the poincte very fine, sharpe, and subtile, suche, and so well fined, that with ease thei might drawe it, through euery the aboue saied letters, their handes at first by some other, wel directed, whiche thyng by long practise, thei shall in the ende con∣ceiue, hauyng the true forme of eche letter in minde, fo∣lowyng it still, with continuall vse, and industrie, by lit∣tle, and little, shall in the ende growe so perfecte that af∣terward thei shall bee able, to frame them on any other matter, where though thei some tymes faile, yet com∣monly, and for the moste parte, thei shal doe it well. And thus in fine, thei maie write in paper, by iuste order, and proportion, what so euer, either offereth it self to the minde, or phantasie.

Of the first Libraries that euer were in the worlde, and how the men, of that tyme vsed, to haue the Ima∣ges, or purtraites of the learned in theim. Chap. 3.

IT is to be thought, that the firste boo∣kes, and libraries, that euer were in the worlde, were in the beginnyng a∣mong the Hebrues: for as it is euidēt, that letters were there first knowen, and the perfect vse of theim, so is it to be supposed, that they also had some care, to kéepe, and preserue, that which they at any time had committed to writing. That whiche is as well veri∣fied by the aucthoritie of Iosephus here after alleaged, as also by that wee reade in holy write. Isidorus reporteth

that after the Chaldians hadde burned the library of the Hebrues, with all and euerie their bookes of the lawe, the Hebrues being retourned backe againe into Hierusa∣lem, the prophet Esdras illumined by the holy ghoste, re∣medied this harme, writyng againe these bookes, and reducing theim into the number of twentie two, which was the precise number of the letters of their Alphabet. Whence it is manifest that after Moyses had written, the Hebrues incontinently framed to theim selues a li∣brary, for the better conseruation of the saied bookes of their lawe, as well these I meane, that wee presently haue of the olde Testament, as also the others, of which we before remembred, among whiche was the booke of Enoch, alleaged, or sited by sainct Iude the Apostle, in his Epistle aboue specified, the boke of the warres of our sa∣uiour, wherof mentiō is in the twenty and one chapiter of the booke of Numbers, the booke also of the true ser∣uauntes of God, vouchte in the seconde booke, and firste Chapiter of the kinges, the booke of Samuel the prophet, remembred in the last Chapiter, of Paralipomenon, the booke of Nathan the Prophet, with many others, which all séemed to haue bien brunt, or other wise consumed. So that it appeareth euidently, that the Iewes had their libraries, and that those of the Gentiles, were after thē and later. The Gréekes report, that the firste that euer ordained any publike library was Pisistratus tyranne of Athens, whiche after was augmented and inricht by the Athenians: whither when as Xerxes after warde came, he remoued the library thence into Persia, where it was diligently, and carefully preserued, vntill longe tyme af∣ter, that Seleucus, named Nicanor gatte them thence, and brough theim backe againe to Athens. These thin∣ges are reported of Aulus Gellius, and Isidorus, whiche both affirme that this library, grewe daily after this, to * 1.9 be verie riche of all bookes of what sort so euer. How be it the library of Alexandria in Egypte, whiche king Pto∣lomi••

by his onely meanes framed, was assuredly the moste excellenst of all others in the world, for that there in was founde all the olde Testament, the other scriptu∣res also of the seuentie two interpreters with infinite o∣thers, famous, and learned workes. P••inie not withstan∣dyng againe reporteth, that the kynge Eumenes in con∣tempte of Ptolomie, did an other to be erected in the Ci∣tie of Pergama. A. Gellius, and Am. Mercellinus writte that in the library at Alexandria in Egypte, were at one tyme seuen hundren thousande bokes. Seneca in like sort on the number accordeth with theim, whiche althogh it might seme almoste incredible, yet who so hath redde of the sumptuous larges, and excessiue profutiō of the kin∣ges of Egypte, as well about sepulchers, Piramides, tem∣ples, as also other common buildyngs, and shippes, with infinite suche others, of inestimable price, some parte, of the whiche Budeus, in his annotations on the pandectes verie well remembereth vs, and Lazarus of Baif, in hys booke intituled, ars naualis, reporteth that this librarie séemed nothing to hym impossible. From euery parte, and corner of the worlde, bookes were daily brought, to the better furnishyng of this library, written also in all tongues what so euer then knowen, of which none had any charge, but suche as were beste learned. Some for the poetes, some for histories, others some also for the o∣thers, of other faculties and sciences, whiche all were wasted and consumed with fier by the impacable fury of the Soldiours of Caesar, whiche euen thether followed, and pursued the great and mighty Pompe, ouerrunning also at that same tyme the force of Ptolomie, brother to Cleopatra. Concerning that other, so riche of bookes, and so famous, by the paine and labour of Eumenes in Parga∣ma, Plutarche in the life of Marcus Antonius, saieth, that he thether had gathered two hundred thousand volumes euery one from other of sundrie, and diuers matters. As touchyng the library in Grece, Strabo affirmeth, that A∣ristotle

was the first that euer gathered or brought toge∣ther any bookes in Athens: where in he lesse accordeth with other historiogriphers, whiche attribute the com∣mendation of that so honest a dimerite onely to Pisistra∣tus whiche was as is euident many yeres before Aristo∣tle, wherefore we muste in this place vnderstande, that Strabo mente his wordes of a meane, and priuate perso∣nage, and not of king, or prince, as was in effecte Pisistra∣tus. Howbeit, very likely it is, that Aristotle herein was aided, by the busie paine of Alexander. After all these an other was erected in Rome, both publike, and common by Asinius Pelion. But the first that euer brought greate store of boakes thether was Paulus Emilius, after the conqueste of Perseus. And after hym againe L. Lucullus, which he brought among other thinges as a praie out of Pontus. Iulius Caesar againe, with like care inrichte thys library, committyng it to the charge, or kéepyuge of M. Varro, whiche afterwardes with some others in Rome was brunte & destroyed, by meanes of the often sackyng and subuersion of that citie. Whiche neuer the lesse was restored againe by the Emperour Domitian, who euery where and in all countries made diligent searche for boo∣kes, causing with the same, that famous library in Gre∣ce, to be trasported and brought from thēce vnto Rome, whence it is euident, that al Ptolomies librarie was not there consumed as we before saide it to bee with fier, for that some parte of it was now cōueighed to Rome. Far∣ther Paulus Orosius geueth vs to thincke, that it throw∣ly in deede was not brunt, and consumed, when he saith that there were burned only four hundred thousand, for that the number of bookes there, as we reade in others, was no lesse then seuen hundred thousande, so that wee may conclude thre hundred thousand to be saued, how be it, diuers histories passe this in such sorte, as if none had been reserued from the rage of the fier. But to retourne to the library of Rome, the saide Paulus Orosius saieth,

that in the daies of the Emperour Commodus, this saide library was once againe burned, and that Gordian (as the others) to repaire it, gathered againe fiftie two thou¦sande volumes, whiche all as some reporte were geuen hym by the testamēt of Seranus Samoniquus, whose thei first were as hath Iulius Capitolinus. Besides these were many others both noble, and riche libraries, gathered by our elders, as well priuate, and meane menne, as greate Lordes and Princes. The firste library that euer was knowen among the Christians, was that, as recordeth Esidorus of Panphilius the Martir, whose life is at large writtē by Eusebius, in whose studie after his death, were founde thirtie thousande diuers volumes. One common vsage or custome, was ordinary in the olde age, to weete, that they had in their secret Cabinetes, or Studies, the perfect Image and purtraite, of all suche as had in anie sorte, excelled in learnyng. Plinie writeth, that Marcus Varro beyng yet then liuyng, merited for hys rare ver∣tue, and knowledge in good letters, that hys Image shoulde haue place, in the library of Asinius Polion. Ci∣cero wrote to Fabian, that hee shoulde prouide hym, of some purtraites, the better to adorne and beautifie hys study. Plinie the yonger writing to Iulius Seuerus, saieth, that Ere. Seuerus, a man verie well lettered, would order in his studie among other his purtraites, the Images of Cornelius, and Titus Arius. Of these thinges finde wee euerie where sufficient, and good proofe: whose libraries as also those of other learned men, and greate Princes, whiche after in successe, and processe of tyme followed, were destroied, and defaced by the Gothee, and Vanda∣les, vntill now, that in our tyme by the greate bounty of God, infinite are founde both studious and learned, that haue gathered together houge heapes of bookes, though not in deede the tenth parte, of these aboue remembred, by our ancestours. And assuredly a greate nōber of those, whiche from their tyme vntill now haue been carefully

preserued founde neuer the lesse ill written, lesse perfect, and incorrected, in suche sorte that had it not been, for the grerte paines, of certaine worthy personages, hardlie had they euer been brought to any kinde of perfection.

¶ Of the amitie and enmitie of sundrie thinges, issuyng by priuie, hidden, and secrete proprieties. Chap. 4.

THe aunciente philosopher Heraclitus, as also others some after hym, helde and maintained, in their disputati∣ons this opinion, that eche thyng had his firste cause or beginnyng, by con∣corde, and discorde, by peace, and en∣mitie, whiche is in all thynges of what kinde soeuer, whence also issued the generation, and corruption of them: on whiche poinct of Philosophie I lesse mynde here to dwell, of parte for that it is bothe intricate, and difficill of parte also, for that the reader in my phantasie, shall thence reape as little fruicte, as he shall conceiue pleasure. Notwithstādyng, we shall some what saie, of the secrete loue, and hatered, whiche natu∣rally is in many thynges, whiche, whence, or how it co∣meth no manne directly knoweth: and is therefore assu∣redly, no lesse straunge, then marueilous. As first of all, the enmitie betwixte the Dogge, and the Catte, be∣twixte Oile, and Pitche, the Harte, and the Serpente, with many suche others, whiche in suche sorte malice, and enuie eche the other, this secrete rancor, of no parte proceading from th'elementes: for the difference, or con∣trarietie in thynges mixte, or compounde, is to all men aperte, and euident, as wee sée. The water first disaccor∣deth, as of nature contrary with the fire, for that the fire is hotte and drie, but the water contrary, these elemen∣teseche to other opposite, and repugnaunte. The water

and the yearth, accorde well together, but in this respect onely, that thei bothe bee colde: in the other, that one be∣yng moiste, that other drie, eche here leaueth the other, as his auncient enemie. Betwixt the fire, and the yearth there is a conformitie, to wéete, in that thei bothe be drie a contrarietie againe, euen betwene theim bothe dwel∣leth, the fire hoate, that other colde. So that as these ele∣mentes of parte, agrée together, so also disagrée thei, of, parte as is euidente. All thynges then what so euer are, caused of these elementes, must be subiecte of necessitie∣to these contrary qualities, whiche bee in these elemen∣tes, whence thei mixte are, and compounded. Wherfore that thyng, in whiche ruleth moste, some elementarie qualitie, boroweth his name of the saied qualitie: and so wée saie it to bée, either hoate, colde, moiste, or drie, some in more high degrée then others, accordyng to the predo∣minant force, in any these elementes. And this these bo∣dies, contrary either to other, are the onely, and sole cau∣ses of contrary effectes, so that whence this discrepante, or different nature in thynges is, is now manifeste, and nedeth no farther explication. But this other enmitie, that proceadeth not from any the elementes, but rather from some hidden proprietie, or secrete influence, to find the true cause, and occasion thereof, would aske more earneste studie, and longer contremplation. The Dogge and Catte (as is aboue saied) eche hateth other, neither knowe we the cause why. Other creatures also sée wée, that mutually are affectioned either to other, neither issueth this their loue, from any the elementes, whereof thei are composed. The Asse eateth Fenell gyante, or o∣therwise Sagapene, whiche in Latine maie also be called ferula, and findeth it bothe good, and toothsome, whiche to all other beastes, of Horse kinde, is a very starcke, and plain poison. The Fox ioieth, and liketh of the Serpent whiche neuer the lesse, enuieth all other beastes what so euer. Neither is this lesse to be meruailed emong men,

then also emong any other creatures, for that man nei∣ther knowyng why, ne yet for what cause, eftsones at the firste sighte, when he shall méete an other, neuer ha∣uyng before, or seen, or knowen hym, will notwithstan∣dyng disdaine, and hate hym, and immediatly findyng a∣gaine the second, no lesse straunge to hym, then the first, will well conceiue of hym, loue, and like hym, and that whiche more is, sometyme will bothe honour, and reue∣rence hym, yea, though he be in déede, for causes iuste his inferiour, little accoumptyng of the others, were thei though in truthe greate Lordes, and Rulers. Againe, we sometymes sée, twoo men so straungely affectioned, that the one voweth hym self to the will, and aduice of the other, whiche oftsones hath happened, betwixte the seruaunte, and maister, so that by nature it séemeth (the order of reason inuerted) that the vassaule was the bet∣ter; no reason to bée giuen, of so greate a disorder. In case semblable suche subiection, poudered sometymes, with malicious enmitie, bothe is, and chaunceth emong bir∣des also, as betwixte the Eagle, and the Swanne, the Crowe, and the Kite, whiche at times hardneth her self, to take a preie from the Crowe, euen out of her folded foote, or pinchyng pawes sliyng. Like enmitie is also be∣twixte the Chough, and the Kite; the Egle also, and the Goose, in suche sorte, that if you laie but one feather of an Egle, emong many, or in a heape of these of a Goose, that one wasteth, and consumeth all the others to nothyng. The Harte is mortall enemie vnto the Snake, for with his vehemente respiration, aboute her hole, he draweth the Snake out, by force of his breath onely: and without more incontinently deuoureth hym: for proofe whereof, who so pleaseth to burne, onely some small parte, or por∣tion of his horne, shall finde that no Serpent, will abide the smell thereof. The Crowe, the Asse, and Bulle, in like sorte disagrée, whose iyes the Crowe still beaketh, and laboureth to plucke out. The birde called Flore, skil∣fully

counterfaiteth the braiyng of a Horse, by meanes whereof, he as commonly feareth the horse, as the horse by the same meanes feareth also hym. Greate enemies to the Woulfe, is the Foxe, the Asse, and the Bulle, be∣twixt the Vultur also, and the Ele, nature hath proclai∣med continuall warre, and hostilitie. The mightie Lion dreadeth, and feareth the Cocke, he also flieth the sighte of fire, and the noice of a carte, the Panther in like sorte, the presence of the Hinde: the Scorpion pursueth with fatall enmitie, the Tarentula, whiche in Latin we maie call Falanga, whose venime, when he hath bitten any mā is no waie (as some write) cured, but by pleasant harmo∣nie, and Musicke, and the malice of these twoo beastes is suche, and so impacable, that who also is stonge, or bitten of the Scorpion, findeth presente remedie in that oile, where the Tarentula, or Falanga hath tofore béen drou∣ned. The monsterous, and houge Elephante, bothe fea∣reth, and flieth the simple Serpent, he trembleth at the presence, and sight, of a shepe, he by no meanes indureth the grunnyng of a Hogge. The Horse, Asse, or Moile, with greate paine abideth to sée the We sell, the Snite, or woode Cocke, hardly dwelleth in the sight of the house Cocke. There is a kinde of Faucons, whiche Aristotle calleth Tico, that liueth in continuall warre, and enmi∣tie with the Fox, neuer missing to fight with him, where he so at any tyme findeth hym. Elian mindeth vs or inces∣sante malice, betwixte an other sorte of Faucons, called Pelagra, and the Crowe, betwixte the Crowe againe al∣so, and the harmeles Turtle. Betwixt the Oule and the Curlue, & in fine, betwixt the partridge and the Tortuis The Pelican aboue all other birdes, hateth the Quaile, and the Horse, without comparison, with moste pain in∣dureth the shamois. Like enmitie is also naturallye e∣mong fishes, the Crabbe maie not abide in cōpanie with the Oister, the Dolphin, and the Whale slie eche the o∣ther, the Cunger naturally hateth the Lampraie, and

Oister. The Oister on the Ele, hath suche a predomināt, and malicious force, and the Ele in suche sorte abhorreth and feareth hym, that if by happe she ones sée hym, she incontinently dieth thereof. The Pike fatally prosecu∣teth, the fishe of some, called Mongilla, or Mugra: the Snake beholding a man appareiled, wisheth him harme and hardeneth her self, as she maie, to bite, and annoye hym, but seyng the same naked, feareth againe, and flieth hym. The Ratte, or Mouse rather, is to the Snake an auncient enemie, as well when she is busied in couching her Egges, as also in the Winter, when she lieth deepe hidden, in the intrailes of the yearth: by meanes where∣of, the Snake to liue in more securitie, heapeth togither in her hole, good store of prouision, meates fitte, and wel pleasyng her aduersarie the Mouse, to the intente that the Mouse beyng well fedde therewith, she at that time might forget, her farther rage, and malice. The Woul∣fes malice towardes the Shepe is suche, and so naturall, that if you make a drumme of the skinne of a Woulfe, the Shepe with no lesse feare, flieth the sounde thereof, then if the Woulfe were liuyng, and present then before hym. Farther also some others affirme, that if you make any stringes for the Viall, or Lute, of the guttes as well of the Shepe, as of the Woulfe also, you neuer shall ac∣corde them, or frame thence any harmonie. If ye hange the skinne of a Woulfe, either in your stable, or Shepe∣house, or where your flocke is fodthered, the sighte, and feare thereof, forceth theim to forget their feedyng. The Mouse by a secret proprietie, so muche enuieth the Scor∣pion, that whom so euer he impoisoneth, is by clappyng of a Mouse, on the parte affected, cured. The Viper and Snake, dread meruailously the Crabbe, whiche natural∣ly hath ouer these wormes, suche assured maisterie, that if a hogge by happe, should be bitten of the Viper, he im∣mediately expelleth the poison, hauyng eaten of the Crabbe. Besides, whiche moste straunge is, as sone as

the Sunne entreth into the signe of Cancer, all Serpen∣tes then languishe, as sicke of some maladie. The fishe called Scorpio, and the Crocodile, wage continuall bat∣taile, eche killyng still the other. The Panther in suche sorte feareth the Ounce: that as some write, he suffereth hymself to be slaine of hym, without any kinde of resi∣stance: and also if you hang the Panthers skinne, in that place where you kéepe the Ounce; the Panthers skinne will then pill, waste, and consume. Suche is the enmitie also of the Chough, and the Dawe, that as Aristotle re∣porteth, eche robbeth, and destroieth the others Egges. The Waspe liueth in continuall warre with the Spi∣der: as doeth the Ducke also; with the Mouse or Ratte, eche séekyng to deuoure, and eate the others yonge ones. The Kite continually malliceth, and hateth the Foxe. There is a small kinde of Haukes, whiche Plinie calleth Esalon, whiche with fatall enmitie, pursueth still the Crowe, he searcheth out her neste, and destroieth her eg∣ges. The hogge hardly indureth the presence of the we∣sell. The Woulfe, and Lion are enemies so contrary, that the blood of the one, will not bee mixte with the o∣ther. The Mole or Wante, so disliketh of the Ante, that he abideth not in the place, where the others bee. The Spider wageth priuie warre, against the Serpent, and as Plinie reporteth, doeth hym shamefully to dye. Besi∣des all these, emong thynges also voide, and lackyng life, like repugnancie, or contrarietie of nature is to be found for as wee firste saied, oile is enemie to Pitche, for triall whereof, who so putteth oile into a pitchie vessell, shall sée that the Pitche will sone consume the Oile. Oile a∣gaine disagréeth with water: as dooeth also in like sorte Lime, but Oile and Lime liue in perpetual league, and amitie. The Olife hath a secrete, & hidden force, against the vnchast lecherer, suche in déede, and so straunge, that as it is written, if a woman lesse chaste, attempt to plāt hym, she shall languishe, and die of it, the trée also withe∣reth.

The Colewort hardly groweth, beyng sowen nigh to Maioram. Salte water waxeth swéete, mixte with Wheaton flower, in suche sorte, that within twoo ho∣wers afterward, a man maie easily drinke thereof. Wee might in this place loade the reader, with infinite suche examples, of fatall, and mortall enmitie, as well emōg thynges hauyng life, as also others insensible, whiche al to tarrie, were long and tedious: as on the other side also wee might speake of many thynges, that secretly occord well by the priuie instincte of nature, as of the Pecocke, and the Pigion, the Turtle, and the Popingaie, the Thrushe, and the Crane. Aristotle reporteth a straunge example of amitie, betwixte a certaine kinde of Sparo∣wes, and the Crocodile, he saieth, that this houge beaste openeth his mouthe, to th'intent, this little birde should come in there at, to beake, trimme, and make cleane his téethe, to purge his gummes, and ease him euery where, and in fine addeth that this Sparrowe, feedeth, and plea∣seth, in that lothsome filthe, he there gathereth. It is also saied, that the Fore loueth well the Crowe, the Dawe also the Henne of India, and in fine the Larke, an other birde called the Ioncke. The Foxe is neuer indomaged by any kinde of Snake, the Pigion ioieth in the presence of the Turtle, the Partridge also with her beloued the Wooddoue. The fishe, in Latine called Talpa marina, is aboue all others fauoured, and beloued of the Whale, whiche as witnesseth Plinie, rolleth carefully before her, aduisyng her where to shoune the whirlyng gulfes, and déepe holes. Beholde now the meruailous woorkes, and secrete force of nature, through the prouidence of GOD, moued, by the influence of the Starres, and Planettes, whiche all wee finde sufficiently, and well aucthorised, by Plinie, Aristoile, Albertus Magnus, Elian, Marbodeus the Poete, in his bookes of the nature, and proprietie of sto∣nes, with many others, bothe auncient, and late writers as well of the nature of beastes, as of other thynges.

By what meanes both amitie and enmitie procede from the heauenly, and celestiall influence: and why a man hateth or loueth another. Chap. 5.

AS we haue aboue saied concerning the secrette, and priuie force of nature, so are there certaine Starres and Pla∣nettes, whiche haue more perticuler dominion on some thinges, then on some others, forcyng by their priuate influence some assured proprieties, whiche neither are caused, bee of any elimentarie qua∣lities: how be it, we neither yet may properly saie, that there is any hostilitie, or discorde betwixt the starres or fignes in heauen. Notwithstandyng the auncient philo∣sophers and Astrologians, consideryng the sundrie and contrarie effectes of the influēces, caused by the Starres and Planettes in these our yearthly corruptible and in∣feriour bodies, by their onely motions and irradiations, haue attributed vnto theim for iust cause, diuers quali∣ties, as well of ametie, as enmitie together, whereof we finde most aperte, and plaine demonstration as well in Guido Bonatus, as Schonerus, and infinite others, Mars and Venus are enimies to Saturne, Iupiter also and Mer∣curie malice eche th'other: the Sūne and the Moone with all other Planettes liue in leage perpetuall, and amitie with Iupiter, Mars onely excepted, generall ennimie to theim all, Venus alone exemted. Iupiter and Venus with like loue imbrace the Sunne, whose cōtraries are Mars Mercurie, and the Moone. Venus fauoureth all th'others, and is sole ennimie to Sarurne. So is there then betwixt these (whiche to be shorte I passe ouer) bothe amitie, and enmitie, as is aboue saied. The case then thus standyng those thynges that are subiecte, as gouerned by any one Planette, muste, by inclination naturall, either lone, or

disdaine, what so els is subiect to any other, bée it either Planet, signe, or constellation, accordyng to the confor∣mitie or diuersitie of nature, whiche shall bee betwixte these starres whiche rule, and raigne ouer thē, and then is this enmitie, of greatest force, and efficacie. Whē that betwixt the natures, & qualities of these Planets, vnto which thei bée in any respecte subiecte, bée of moste repu∣gnant, and contrary nature: as on th'other side, that mu∣tuall amitie, shall so muche be the strōger, as the confor∣mitie of these celestiall bodies, shall bée either nigher, or greater. And this supernall force, or cōstellation, no lesse extendeth it self to man, then it also doeth to euery other creature. How bée it man, beyng of more frée, and adui∣sed determination, although he of parte féele this repu∣gnancie, or inclination, yet by grace is he able to with∣stande, and resiste it, where as other creatures voide of reason, not vsyng this priuilege, are ordered, and carried euery where, accordyng to their naturall inclination, e∣xecutyng to their vttereste, what so séemeth to theim a∣greable: thesame also is incident to hearbes, and to plan∣tes. Concernyng the mutuall loue, or affection betwixte men, Astronomers affirme, and emong thē their Prince Ptolomie, that those, that in their natiuitie, shall haue one, and the same signe, for their ascendente, shall like, and loue very friendly togither, as also semblably those, that haue bothe the Sunne, and the Moone, in any one signe togither. And againe, thei adde that to thesaid pur∣pose, it sufficeth to haue one also, and the same Planette dominatour, in their birthe, or natiuitie, for it naturally prouoketh loue, and conformitie of nature, or if one Pla∣net, to bothe be not perhappes lorde, it yet sufficeth, that the two, be frendes themselues togither, or that, the one beholde the other, with good, and fauourable asspecte: whiche easily is séen, the figures of bothe natiuities ere∣cted. Greate helpe also groweth to this conformitie, if their haue some parte of Fortune, in the same signe, or

house togither, and that the house, or signe, in which the Moone shall bée, in the natiuitie of the one, shall haue a fauourable asspecte, in the birthe of the other: for as thei more, or lesse shall accord in these conditions, so shall the affections of the parties increase, or els diminish. Whēce it is, that twoo menne hauyng to doe, one, and the same thyng, the third without his desertes, or cause what soe∣uer, is affectionate, and leaueth, as sworne friend to that one, and on the other side wisheth harme, and sinister Fortune to that other, without any annoye, or offence on that side committed: whiche might happen to twoo suche, whose ascendentes were of repugnante qualities, and of a contrary triplicitie, the lordes also of their nati∣uities, of nature opposite, and enemies, as the Sunne, and Moone in opposition, in signes of diuers natures, and that these Planettes, in the birthe of the firste, bee in vn∣fortunate asspectes, to these of that other. For these thin∣ges, and suche others, as here might bée alleaged, are the causes why one beholdyng an other, conceiueth straight against hym, some inwarde disdaine, or pleasure (as is e∣uident when we sée twoo men plaiyng togither, fight, or dispute for what matter so euer) for that neither stan∣dyng bound, to the one, or the other, neither euer hauing knowen theim, who, or whence thei are, wisheth not∣withstandyng, the desired victorie soner, to the one, then to the other. Concernyng that, whereof we haue spoken that one manne without any occasion, should so muche dread, or feare an other, that he submitteth hymself, and boweth, faine, and gladde to bee ruled by hym, though in¦deede he bee his better, more worthie, or more honoura∣ble, the case is euidente, and by experience common. Of whiche al, Ptolomie giueth this reason, saiyng: that who so in his natiuitie, shall haue his lorde, or ruler, or for bet¦ter demonstration, to exēplifie of twoo, of which the one hauyng the lorde of his natiuitie, in some signe ascendēt, in the firste, or Easte angle, the other in the Southe, or

tenth angle, the house of honour, he naturally ruleth, or∣dereth, and gouerneth the other. The semblable againe also chaunceth to those, in whose natiuities, the one hath that Planette for his lorde, whiche to the other is moste vnfortunate, voide of euery kinde of dignitie. If twoo also haue one, and the same signe, for their ascendēt or otherwise for their lorde, and ruler one Planet, he to whom this Planet shall bée of moste force, and aucthori∣tie (as was aboue said in beastes voide of reason) shal na∣turally rule, and haue dominion ouer the other. When then this aduauntage, happeneth to suche a one, as is of the other, bothe loued and fauoured, he by meane there∣of, immediatly bothe ordereth, and gouerneth hym: but if it chaunce, or betide, percase to a poore seruaunt, or vas∣saule, he then assuredly is faithfull, obedient, and loiall, if to twoo friendes of equall birthe and habilitie (as is, and hath many tymes béen seen) eche then liueth with other, in moste perfecte integritie, the one for the moste parte orderyng, euery the affaires, or busines of the other.

¶ That the memorie maie be hurte, and that it also by arte, and by pollicie maie be fortified. Chapt. 6.

EVen as the memorie in manne, is a thing moste excellent, so also is it ve∣ry daintie, an delicate, obnoxious, and subiecte, to sundrie misfortunes, as to sicknesse, hurtes, and woundes on the heade, age, sodaine feare, faules from high places, with many suche others. All whiche offende, and hurte the memorie, indomaging her vsuall place, or seate, as also the organes, or instru∣mentes thereof. Whence it commeth in this place to bée considered, that some by the weakenesse, and debilitie of memorie, haue vtterly forgotten all thynges, what

soeuer thei ones knew, or otherwise had learned. Some again in one thyng haue béen onely maihemed, as Plinie * 1.10 well noteth, of Messala Coruinus, who after a disease (of whiche he well recouered) liued euer afterward in suche case, that he neuer could remember, his owne proper name. Valerius also discoursyng of miracles, reporteth that a learned man, by the knocke of a stone, whiche he receiued on the head, forgatte what soeuer he before had profited, in any the Sciences, or other good studies, and yet not withstandyng in al other affaires, was of memo∣rie as freshe, and as perfecte as at any other tyme. An o∣ther by a faule, from a place on high, forgat also to know his owne naturall parentes. I haue bothe red, and heard it reported, that Franciscus Barbarus, a man of our tyme, not meanely learned, but especially in the Greke, wher∣in he moste pleasured, by the meane of a maladie, wher∣with he was troubled, forgate all what soeuer he before had gained, in the ripe, and exacte knowledge of the saied tongue: remainyng in all other thinges, no lesse learned then at the firste, a thyng in trouthe very straunge, and merueilous. It is also recorded, that Georgius Trapes. a man famous for his learnyng, forgatte in his age, what so in good letters, he tofore had profited. And as we finde here, that memorie in manne, by sundrie occasions, maie well be weakened, so also finde we some, that naturally haue had fainte, and slippyng memories. The Emperor Claudius here in so holted, as Suetonius writyng his life, reporteth, that some tymes hauyng in bedde by hym his wife, incontinently after he had talkte any thyng with her, he so became vnmindefull of hym self, and all other thynges, that he would aske where she was, why she came not to bedde, and why she so longe taried. And ha∣uyng doen to death on a tyme, a noble man, the daie fol∣lowing made inquirie for hym again, to determine with the others of his counsaill on controuersies. Herodotus Sophista had a soonne, of so simple a memorie, that by no:

labour possible, he could learne, or attaine to the knowe∣ledge of the letters by order, by meanes whereof, the fa∣ther (who so muche desired, his enteraunce in learning) the better to bryng hym to some kind of féelyng, did to be fostered in his house, twentie fower younge boies, all of his owne age, to euery of whiche for name, he gaue the name of a letter, to the intente that he acquainted with theim, and callyng theim by the ir names, might also remember the noumber, and order of the letters. And as it is said aboue, that sodaine feare eftfones troubleth the memorie, so assuredly true is it, that although in deede it vtterly destroie not the memorie, yet at times it forceth manne, to forgette these thinges, that he before careful∣ly with paiue, had committed vnto her, as it ones happe∣ned to Demosthenes, a moste excellent Oratour, whiche passyng imbassadour, to Philippe king of Macedonie, felt in hym self so straunge an alteration, beyng presente to vtter his charge, before so puissante a prince, that hauing past in some little parte, of his premeditated oration, ar∣rested of the sodaine, forgettyng that whiche remained, as if he neuer had before thought thereon or in any sorte digested it. The very semblable reade wée of Theophra∣tus, whiche being mounted in his chaire, would haue vt∣tered some woordes, before the Areopagites of Athens, of Herodes the Atheniā, who receiued in charge, to haue spoken before the Emperour Marcus Antonius: of Era∣clides in the presence of the Emperour Seuerus, at least, as is lefte vs, by recorde, of Philostratus. And almoste in this our age Bartholomeus Socinus, borne at Sienna, a man absolutely grounded, and learned in the lawes, assi∣gned imbassadour for his countrie, vnto Pope Alexandre in whose presence (as the maner is) when he a little while had spoken, abashed some thyng by the sighte, and present beyng there of these princes, whiche were there assembled, beyonde the wonted number, forgat hymself, sodainly so amased, that he farther in order, could not pro¦nounce

one woorde. To me also suche an alteration ones happened, as was that other aboue remembred of De∣mosthenes (not that I would here enter into comparisō) in the presence of a worshipfull, and learned audience, and that by the greate affection, whiche I had, to the con∣sideration of my cause, whiche in suche sorte altered me, before all the senators, that I lesse able was to ende my matter there beganne, though before I had wel thought * 1.11 there on and well disposed it in order. Now that the me∣morie maie bee aided, and preserued by arte, can of no man, what soeuer, for any cause bee doubted, of whiche, and whose remedie, many a learned hande hath curious∣ly written. As Solinus, and Quintilian bothe at large, and in many. Seneca also in the place aboue alleaged, where he reporteth this arte memoratiue, to be so facill, and easie, that in fewe daies all men, maie bee well skil∣led therein. It is also written, that Cineas, the ambassa∣dour of the renoumed Pirrhus, practised this arte to help, and aide his memorie. Plinie, and Quintilian write, that Simonides firste founde this meane, to preserue the me∣morie, although the saied Plinie affirme, that Metrodo∣rus reduced it afterwarde to perfection, who also by that arte meruailously fortified, and confirmed his owne me∣morie. Cicero in his boke de oratore, Quintilian also, and Valerius in his miracles, reporteth, that Simonides on a tyme inuited, with sundrie others, to a greate bankette, the house where thei feasted, sodainly fel doune, by mea∣nes wherof no one escaped that death, Simonides excep∣ted, who euen in that instante rose, and went forthe, cal∣led by some one, he neuer yet knewe who, by whiche happe at that tyme, he there saued his life. And the histo∣ries recorde, that when the deade bodies were drawen out, whiche were many, all inuited geastes, to that so infortunate a dinner, Simonides declared where, and in what order euery of theim were plaste, and satte at the table, euen then, and in that instante, when the house so

fell on theim. The examples that might bee alleaged, in this place, to this purpose, are many, but it sufficeth vs, to arreste on that, whiche is saied. One other thyng also, riseth here to be noted, whiche is that the Philosophers, and principally Aristotle, finde a scruple, or difference, be∣twixte the memorie, and recordation, for that memorie saie thei maie be, as well in beastes, as in man, although not in so perfecte, and in so absolute a sorte, and maner, but recordation to man onely, and to hym alone is pro∣per, whiche is to recorde with discourse, studiyng on thin∣ges, as in cases of contemplation, descendyng from the generall, to the partes, and perticulers, not omittyng, the circumstances bothe of tyme, and persones, and that all with due consideration, and aduise: for beastes voide of reason, remember also the place, where thei at any tyme haue hardly been intreated, the Horse shunneth to dwell, where he hath been harmed, and in like sorte all others, more or lesse in their degrées. But as wee haue saied, recordation then in man, is muche more absolute, and perfect, assisted with sounde aduise, and intelligence, orderly passyng from matter to matter. So that accor∣dyng to the opinion of Aristotle, that manne, that hath a moste sharpe, and fined witte, is also of better recordatiō then an other, though some other perhaps exceade hym, in the perfection of memorie: for that to recorde well, is a certain maner of inuestigation, whiche forceth the me∣morie as it were slepyng to awake, to call to minde, and to remember, any thyng, what soeuer, wherefore the moste quicke, and beste fined wittes, soneste conceiue thynges, and committe them to memorie, and memorie by recordation, maketh of them again, at all times faith∣full restitution. The Grekes emong others many, the vanities of their Goddes, adored, or reuerenced a God∣desse of memorie, in suche sorte that this force, or power, of the minde, hath euermore béen hadde, in greate reue∣rence, and estimation. Wherefore to conclude, man stā∣deth

highly bounde vnto God, for this so heauenly, and excellent a benefite, and ought studiously to indeuour, to maintaine, and preserue it. Marcilius Ficinus in his boke, de triplici vita giueth sundrie instructions, and preceptes to this purpose.

In what honour, and reputation, Philosophers, Poetes, and all others, in what arte, or science, soeuer they were learned, liued with Emperours, Kynges, and Princes, in tymes past. Chap. 7.

TRulie and for iuste cause maie we not complaine, of the want of learned men, in euerie arte and science: but on th'other side I see good letters to mourne, that they nowe bee not so well estimed, and thought of, ne yet so well recompensed of princes in this age, as the well lettered in tymes paste were, by Emproures, Kinges, and other noble personages in those daies. And to speake the truth, whither in déede thei haue so good reason to plaine them I will passe it nowe in fewe, and in place of disputation, wil only remīber here some fewe histories, or examples of auncient princes, and sundrie Monarkes, which so fo∣stored and fauoured the studious, & learned, that entring into comparison of their vertuous demerites, with these others that liue now in these our vnhappie daies, it may be euidēt to all men, what cause thei haue in truth to sor∣rowe, and to complaine. Firste to beginne with that most excellent, and most victorious Pompe, of whom we reade, that when he subdued, and vanquished Mithrida∣tes, with others many victories, and aduentures of ar∣mes, beyng entered Athens, with all his spoyles trium∣phantly,

the Ensignes and Standers of his ennimies borne before him, as was thā the maner of the Consul∣les, and Romaine Capitaines, was aduertised that the Philosopher Possidonius laie presently then sicke, and diseased in his bedde, who desirous to visite hym, woulde not onely honour hym with hys personall presence, but approchyng nigh vnto his house, commaunded that hys foresaide imperiall Ensignes, should also be carried into the philosophers Chamber with him: for that in his ad∣uice, all Kinges, and Emperours, ought true duetie, and reuerence to learning, and vertue. This then, and in this manner bowed he to this poore manne, that woulde haue refused to haue stoopt to any Prince then liuynge. Denis the tyrante Kyng of Siracusa, hauyng wounde by intreatie, the diuine Plato to come, and visite hym, and vnderstandyng that he was on the waie comyng, issued in meruailous pompe of purpose to méete hym, whom he receaued into his owne coache, drawen with white hor∣ses, with most greate and solemne triumphe, that was to be deuised possible, for the marueilous reputation, in those daies, due to the learned. Alexander determinyng to sacke, and destroie the toune of Thebes, commaunded first that no man should touche in any wise, the house of the Poete Pindarus. In what honour Virgil liued, and reputation with Octauian, is euident to all men through out the whole worlde, whom the people of Rome healde in suche admiration, that as Plinie in his seuenth booke amplie recordeth, when hee entered into the Theatre to pronoūce some his verses, al the multitude roase to him, doyng hym no lesse reuerence, then they did to the Em∣perour: and that which more is Silius Italicus a famous Poete a Spaniarde borne, hadde his daie of natiuitie of all menne so solemnized, that they more carefully did, with more reuerence, and deuotion prepare to adorne to blisse, and sanctifie that daie, then they did any others, that hadde any care to solemnize, or beutifie his owne

birth. The giftes also that were presented vnto Virgil, as well by Octauian, Mecaenas, and others, were sutche, and so riche as reporteth Seruius, that he in shorte tyme was found to be worth no lesse then six thousande Sester∣ces in redie mony, whiche with vs mounte to twoo hun∣dred, and fiftie thousande frenche Crounes: he hadde in Rome a sumptuous, and an honorable palais, by meanes wherof ••uuinal in his seuenth Satyre, accompted him for one of the richeste in that tyme. On a daie this Poete in the presence of Octauiā, & Liuia his wife, mother to Mar∣cellus, vtteryng certē verses of his AEneidos, and draw∣yng to the ende, where he with suche an excellent grace, and comely maiestie, had also some thinge saide of the a∣boue remembred Marcellus, whiche lately before hadde then yelded to nature, in suche sorte, that the poore pas∣sionate, and sorrowfull mother, beganne to faint, falling into an extasie, not hearing the ende or last of his verses. But after warde reuiued, commyng againe to her selfe, cōmaunded that for euery verse that she then had loast, that ten Sesterces shoulde bee numbered forthwith vnto Virgil, who after that she fainted pronounced, by accom¦pte, iuste one and twentie, for whiche all he receaued as was her commaundemente a rewarde mountyng to the value of fiue thousand Duckettes. It is written that the people of Siracusa, had certen Athenians prisoners, which by hart had learned some verses, out of the Greke poete Euripides, which at tymes thei applied in talke, as occasiō best serued theim, by meanes wherof onely, in th'onour of that Poete, they infranchiste theim, deliuered theim, and sent theim home into their countrie, Scipio Africa∣nus, carried euermore in warre with hym, duryng his life, the Image or purtraite of the learned Ennius, and diyng ordained, that it should be fastned on his tombe, or sepulchre. Silius Italicus a worthy poet, was by meanes of Domician thrée tymes Consull in Rome, which Mer∣cial recordeth in an Epigramme thus beginnyng Augu∣sto

pia thura: but what? what honour the princes of our tyme haue dooen either to Polician, Pontanus, to San∣nazar and suche others, I neuer yet any where hearde a∣ny thing at all. And againe to speake of others, that liue yet presently, as Ronsarde in France Belay and others, Poetes lauriate, and learned men of worthy memorie. But some will saie, they yet liue, and therefore may be aduaunced, of litle tyme and fewe yeres, though of great wisedome, and readyng, whiche all might bee compared to these, whiche longe since were, of rare wisedome, and grauitie. Mithridates also, to speake againe of our elders had Plato, for his learnyng, in suche admiration, that de∣sirous to haue his purtraite or Image, caused eche wher to be sought one Silan to doe it, for that, for his excellen∣cie he surpassed all others, for in those daies it was ac∣compted a singuler honour, to haue in places publike, the true purtraites of the learned, neither was it lawfull to haue any of these tables, or paintynges, but of suche as had dooen some vertuous exploytes, by their wisedome and learnyng commended to the posteritie. For whiche cause the Athenians hadde the Image of Demosthenes, with a subscription of suche, and so muche honour, as ne∣uer to fore had been graunted to any: it was thus of hym writen, that if the puisance of Demosthenes, hadde been suche as was his wisedome, the Kyng of Macedonie had then neuer entered into Grece. Iosephus the Iewe being brought to Rome, prisoner and captiue, amōg th'others of Hierusalem, had notwithstanding, for that he had wri∣ten of the antiquitie of the Iewes, hys Image erected a∣mong the others of Rome. The Athenians straungely a∣gaine rauished with the singuler excellencie of Phaleri∣cus auditour, and disciple of Theophrastus, did his Image to be placed in thirtie partes of their Citie. Now then if these men were in this sort honoured, it can not be gain∣saide but that they also receaued salaries equiualent, to these their honors. For as Athenes writeth in his ninth

booke de Sinosophistis, Aristotle for his booke de animalibus receaued of Alexander eight hundred talentes, whiche might value of our monie, four hundred, and fower score thousande frenche Crounes or there aboute, which also is verified by Plinie in his eight booke, who reporteth that Alexander so muche desired to haue this woorke fi∣nished, and ended, that he sent many thousandes through out al Grece, and Asia, with his expresse letters and com∣maundementes, that thei should as well be obaied as in∣structed, in what so euer they sought, concerning the vse nature, manner, and custome, of beastes, foules, fishes, and suche others, to the intent they might be skilled in euerie their naturall proprieties and qualities, to the in∣tent they thereof might aduertise Aristotle. If Homere the onely Phaenix of all the Greke Poetes, had happelie liued in the daies of Alexander, it is to be presumed that he would haue doen hym no lesse honour, then to Aristo∣tle, for that on a tyme a certen little Cheaste beyng pre∣sented to him, in whiche Darius had euer kepte his riche, and sweete ointementes, saied (verie gladde that his hap was then to haue it) that he woulde kéepe, and preserue there in a farre more precious Oile, and with the same coucheth Homeres bookes with in it, with whiche he dai∣ly busied hymself, continually readyng theim. The Em∣perour Traian, for his learning onely, so muche honoured the philosopher Dion, that when hee to recreate hymsef, woulde passe in to the fieldes, he did hym to be plaste by him, in his owne proper Coache, and so would enter, with hym in to Rome, in moste triumphant maner. In these warres which the'mperour Octauian had in Egypt against M. Antonius, heesaied that he had leafte to sacke and spoile Alexandria, for the only honour and renoume of Alexander that builte it, and of parte also of the Phi∣losopher Arrias. The saide Emperour also, ordained Cornelius Gallus Tribune of the people, only for that he was so excellente a Poete. Snetonius in the life of Ve∣spasian

sheweth, what rewardes in the olde tyme were lotted to the learned. For though (saieth he) that this Emperour were noted of auarice, yet fauoured hee notwithstandynge learned exercises, and the lettered, and gaue to euery the maisters, or readers of the scien∣ces, suche annuall stipendes, and grosse summes of mo∣nie, that reducyng theim in to our monie, accordyng to the computation of Beroaldus and Budeus, eche receiued yerely twoo thousande, and fiue hundred Ducketes. By the testimonie of Plinie in his seuenth booke, writyng of Isocrates a Greke Oratour, is euident in what sorte learnyng was reuerenced: for (saieth he) this Isocrates, hauing spoken opeuly for a certain man, in recompence forth with, receaued twentie talentes, mountyng to the summe of twelue thousande frenche Crounes. It is also redde that the Emperour Antonius, soonne to Seuerus, gaue to Appian, so manie Duckettes of Golde, as there were verses in a greate booke, whiche he then had dige∣sted, of the nature, and proprietie, of all kinde of fishes. Themperour Gratiā oduertised, that Ausonius the poe∣te, wrote a verse with no lesse good grace, then assured facilitie, called him to the honor of a consull immediatly, then which, none was greater, sauing that of The'mpe∣rour. Domiciā also, though he were otherwise, accursed, and impius, inricht with greate rewardes the Poete Eustachius, whom in the daie of his natiuitie (euen in his most pompous and curious solemnitie) he did to sitte at his owne proper table, cro•…•…yng hym with baie, or law∣rell, where with poetes in those daies were principally honoured. Seleyus Vasa a Poete lirique, was imbrased of the Emperour Vespasian, with curtuous, and frendly wordes euery where intertained, and in fine receaued of hym, no lesse rewardes then the other aforesaide Arrian for his history compiled by hym in Greke of the famous oxploites, of the renoumed Alexander, as also that hee was otherwise well lettered, was ordained Consull of

Rome by Adrian & Antoninus. Nether were these men onely this honoured liuyng, but in like sorte also after their death, by the posteritie, as is manifest, in that Pto∣lome kyng of Egypt, did to be erected both an Image, and Temple, nolesse sumptuous to Homer, thā to any other his goddes, what so euer. In Mantua also, long after his death, was erected an other, to the poete Virgil. That ex∣cellent Horace, though we lesse assure our serues, of hys greate substaunce, and wealth, yet was he aduaunced to greate officies, by Octauian the Emperour. Here colde I remember you many other examples seruyng to thys purpose, but I leaue to be tedious. Now if any wil ob∣iecte here that the fage Seneca, was cruelly doen to death by the wretched Nero, I answere he was a tyranne, and did it therefore besides reason, and that he liuyng was in Rome of greate worshippe and substaunce. It is a true, and auncient prouerbe, honours make the learned, and nourishe the sciences. So finde we that in the daies, of these Kynges, and Emperours, when they so fauoured the studious, and lettered, greate store was eche where founde of men wise, and learned, as when Octauian li∣ued, Claudius, and Adrian, Vespasian, Antoninus, Alex∣ander and others. And to speake of others that liued in these our daies, as of the Emperonr Sigismonde, Robert Kyng of Sicilia, Nicholas the fifte Bishoppe of Rome, Al∣phonsus, and Mathias kinges of Naples, & Hungarie, these also of the house of Medecis in Florence: the slower of which house liueth this daie crouned in France, follow∣yng the steppes, and vertues of his elders, but especially of that good kyng Frauncis, in whose tyme France so flo∣rished in learnyng, that it iustly might haue béen saied an other Grece, or Athens.

That lernyng is necessarie as well vnto Princes as also to all Capitaines, that liue at any tymes in armes. Chap. 8.

I Mighte here remember many aun∣cient histories, besides the true, and assured proofes, that Princes in times paste were for the moste parte lear∣ned, as that they also knewe, that no∣thynge, for fitte, or good gouerne∣mente was more necessarie, then to taste, or sauour in any sorte of good letters. But for as much as these thinges are euident, plaine, and well kno∣wen, I will not dwell long, or staie here much on theim. We reade not withstandyng that Philippe Kyng of Ma∣donie, seyng Alexander to bee borne to hym, Aristotle then in Athens, he sent hym a letter to thys purpose no∣table, recited by Plutarche, and A. Gellius, in whiche he * 1.12 yeldeth his humble thankes vnto the gods, not so muche for that he hadde a sonne then borne, as for that he was borne in the daies of Aristotle: whēce it is, euen in these fewe euident, howe muche this good prince affected and desired that his sonne should be fostered in all kinde of li∣trature, to th'intent he might be suche a prince and capi∣taine, as was his fathers desire he should, and as he after proued, whom as sone as he was of age fit for studie, hée gaue hym (as is saide) Aristotle for maister, whom pre∣sentlie he inrichte with greate and large salaries, reedi∣fiing also for the loue of this his sonne, a houge and waist citie, which he to fore had raced, where he did to be builte for hym also a schole more sumptuous, and gaie, then earst had else béen sien. Antigonus also king some tymes of Macedonie, well knowyng how necessarie learnyng was for gouernmente, tickled with the renoume of the famous Zeno, a Philosopher moste excellent, & prince of the Stoikes, desired beyōd measure, to haue him at home with hym, whiche thyng he straighte attempted by let∣ters, and ambassadours: whiche letters Diogenes Laer∣cius in this sorte remembreth: Antigonus kyng to Zeno Philosopher gretyng: I knowe well that in riches, in the

giftes of Fortune, and in suche others, like thynges of reputatiō, I farre excell, and passe thée euery waie: how be it, I gladly also confesse, that thou again exceadest me, in the true felicltie, in the studies of the artes, the scien∣ces, and Philosophie. Wherefore my desire is, that thou shouldest suggeourne here with me: whiche thyng I be∣seche thée graunte, and accorde me, to the ende, that I maie vse this thy desired cōpanie: whiche doyng, be thou assured, that thou shalte not onely rule, and maister me, but also shalt order, all others the Macedonians, for who so well instructeth, and ordereth well the Prince, schoo∣leth with bountie, and vertue, all his subiectes: and that this is true, wee commonly dooe sée, that suche as is the kyng, suche also are his vassaules, and suche as is the ca∣pitaine, suche continually are founde, and séen to bee his souldiers. These letters receiued, by this venerable Phi∣losopher, he sorrowed that he could not, by meanes of his greate age, aunswere the expectation of this vertuous, and good prince, but sent hym of parte, to contente hym with all, twoo of his wiseste, and beste learned scholers, by whose industrie, he profited bothe in vertue, and lear∣nyng. Aristotle in like sorte, whose auditour Alexander was, for the space of fiue full yeres, profited him, his scho∣ler in suche sort, that he afterward proued a moste excel∣lente, and wise prince, suche in deede, and so perfecte, as none was founde to hym comparable, throughout the whole worlde. Beyng in the middle of his armie, he ne∣uer would leaue, or abandon his studie, but with his sworde did to bee saied, vnder his beddes heade, Homers Iliades, and other bookes, whiche he vsually carried. So y^t as appereth, he made equall accōpte, as well I meane of the studie of Philosophie, and good letters, as also of the conqueste of greate kyngdomes, and countries. And farther saieth Plutarche, A. Gellius, and Themistocles, that he beyng busied, aboute the conqueste of Asia, was aduertised, that Aristotle had published, certaine bookes

of naturall Philosophie, the same in déede, whiche he had painfully tofore redde to hym: by meanes whereof, he wrote to hym in effecte, as followeth. In very truthe A∣ristotle, thou haste not dooen well, in makyng common these bookes, of Philosophie, by thee composed, sor how in thine owne iudgement, maie I now surpasse others, if this now, whiche thou some tymes didste teache me, by thy meanes become common, and well knowen vnto all men? Knowe assuredly, that I more affecte to ercell others in learning, then in any the riches, or kingdomes, of the worlde. Whiche thing as sone as it was, ones vn∣derstoode of Aristotle, he aunswered that his bookes, whiche he then had printed, were so intricate, obscure, and difficill, that it was impossible, for any man to profit by theim, if hymself did not firste of all expounde, and in∣terprete them. Pirrhus an excellente capitaine, and kyng of the Epirotes, whiche long liued in armes, at de••••aunce with the Romaines, who also at tymes discomfited, and vanquishte theim, not onely busied hymself, in the often readyng of the Sciences, but also published certaine boo∣kes, of whiche some were written, of the policies, or pre∣ceptes of warre. That whiche alsoin our tyme, hath doen that worthie personage, Gulielmus de Bellai, seigni∣our of Langei. What shall we also write of Iulius Caesar, the firste Emperour, and beste capitaine that euer ledde souldiar, he no lesse profited in the studie of letters, then of armes: who firste was a studente, before he would be a souldiar, and after as occasion, or tyme, mighte serue hym, would visite the schooles, or Vniuersities, of Poe∣tes, and marchyng still, or trauaillyng, would write, or reade some thyng. On a tyme beyng at Alexandria in E∣gipte, the better to saue hym self, beyng in mernailous daunger, skilled in swimmyng, committed hym self to the water, through whiche he carried in one hande, the bookes, whiche he had written, giuyng others to vnder∣stande, that he no lesse helde theim deare to hym, them

his life, hauyng no lesse care to saue the one, then the o∣ther: and what he had profited, in the studie of good lear∣nyng, his commentaries, whiche he hath lefte vs suffici∣ently witnes. And not onely Caesar, but all th'other Em∣perours, verifie the same, whiche we here haue reported, whiche also were for the moste parte, good capitaines, and gouernors: who also when so euer thei were inricht with children, acquainted them straight, and out of hand with their bookes, prouidyng them excellente maisters, and learned men out of Grece. Very fewe knowe, what men the twoo Catoes were, how valiant in Martiall ex∣ploites, what graue, and wise Philosophers. Censorinus the greate, so vowed hymself to studie, that what he was and how he profited, his writynges yet dooe witnes: he was an worthie Oratour, and well skilled in histories, vniuersally learned, in all studies, and sciēces, the Greke tongue he beganne in his olde, and stoopyng age. The o∣ther surnamed Vticensis, though he were in deede lesse subtile, and sharpe witted, yet soughte he to haue with hym, suche as he could finde any where, the beste lear∣ned, emong whom he retained the Philosopher Antipa∣ter, and so gaue hym self totally vnto his studie, that as Cicero reporteth in his bookes de finibus, he hardely might be drawen at any tyme, from his papers, in suche sorte, that he neuer entered into the Senate, without some booke to busie hym self, if he happely might haue there so muche leasure. Scipio Africanus that triumphed ouer Hanniball, was so inamored with the study of good learnyng, that he neuer lefte to haue, the Poete Ennius with hym: and after all his warres, and triumphant vic∣tories, gaue hymself moste earnestly, to continuaunce of reading. Hannibal his cōpetitor, though he were in déede of Africa, had not withstandyng his bookes, in his tentes continually with hym, neither would he in tyme of war intermit, or leaue any tyme fitte for studie, but in what place so euer he came, yea, though some daungers were

imminent, yet would he retain with hym still, Silan and Sasilas, all bothe Lacedomoniens, by meanes whereof, he became right learned in the Greke. We haue also tofore saied, that Denis the tyranne, retained with hym the di∣uine Plato for maister, and that he also helde with hym, many others well learned. Who after he was banished, and chast out of his countrie, one in derision, boldly bour∣dyng with hym, demaunded in what stéede, his Philoso∣phie, sometyme learned of Plato, now stoode hym. To whom he answered, that it very well then serued him, patiētly to supporte, and indure that his aduersitie. The∣mistocles also that excellent capitaine, had in armes, and in studie, like, and equall pleasure, he continually confer∣red with Anaxagoras the Milesian. Epaminondas with these others, capitaines of Grece, were all very studious and eloquente Oratours. Mithridates in all his warres, whiche by the space of fourtie yeres, he had continually with the Romaines, neuer lefte or forsooke, by meanes of any the force, or furie of his enemies, his wonted pain or labour in studie. He also as the others, had sunderie Philosophers with hym. Octauian Augustus assigned to hymself, certaine howers in the daie, for his studie, nei∣ther lefte he that his wonte, in the tyme of warre, lea∣dyng with hym to that purpose, sundrie excellent perso∣nages, as Apollodorus of Pergama, the Philosopher A∣sperarius, Asimius Polion, Valerius, Messala, Virgil, Oui∣de, and many suche others. Before this Emperour was Lucius Lucullus, a moste excellent, and famous capitain, whiche neuer lefte, or abandoned in tyme of warre his studie, and in tyme of peace, gaue intertainment, to greet troopes of the learned. Paulus Emilius, that subdued the kyng Persius, besides that hym self, was in good letters moste excellente, did his paine to the vttereste, that his children should be like hym, so that at his incessant, and moste earnest sute, he obtained in the ende Metrodorus of the Athenians, a maister to instructe, and bryng vp his

children. But to what ende name I so many here by or∣der? Pompeius, Q. Fabianus the greate, M. Brutus, Traia∣nus, Adrianus, M. Antonius, were all very studious, whose bookes, letters, and orations yet ertante, witnes what the men were, of what iudgement, and learnyng. In fine therefore, if I nothyng be deceiued, fewe good ca∣pitaines euer were there, that were not addicted to the studie of good letters. How bee it, twoo there were of whose learnyng, wee nothyng canne finde, or reade any where, to weete, Caius Marius, and Marcus Marcellus: Marcellus neuer the lesse, as some recorde, loued, fauou∣red, and defended eche where the learned, so that wée maie presume, that he also was lettered, though in deede (as is saied) we no suche thyng, haue yet founde written and yet of parte it well appereth, that he throughly was not vnlearned, by his wise defence of Archimedes, at the sackyng of Siracusa: although in déede, he yet suffered not without the greate grief, and sorrowe of Marcellus. Let then the capitaines of this our age saie, what them beste liketh, and that, to be wel lettered, is a thing lesse neces∣sarie, but I to them will saie, and to suche, as that main∣taine, that thei obstinatly seke to couer, their foule de∣faulte, and ignoraunce. Wee reade againe that oure el∣ders, in no respecte lesse estemed, the bookes of the lear∣ned, then the force, or puissuance of infinite their capitai∣nes, affectioned also to studie, and to learnyng, aswell re∣membreth Robartus Valturinus, in his hooke, of the stra∣tagemmes of warre.

¶ Of a straunge medicine, where with Faustine the wife of M. Aurelius was cured, languishing, and consumyng with infinite, and extreame passions, of vnchaste, and disloiall loue, as also of some thyn∣ges remediyng the saied passions. Chapt. 9.

THat, that affection, or prison of the minde, whiche ordinarily wée terme by the name of loue, is a passion so ve∣hement, and of so greate force, wee nede onely to consulte, but with those that haue felt it, with those I meane, whose examples are notorious, hono∣rable, greate, and stately personages, whiche so farre he∣rein, suffered theimselues to bee caried awaie, that some of theim haue languished, and died of that follie. Iulius Capitolinus, amōg many other examples, remembreth, that which chaunced to Faustine, doughter to Antonius, wife to the Emperour M. Aurelius, whiche became ina∣mored of a certaine sworde plaier, or fensor, in such sorte that for the only desire, that she had to vse his companie, wasted, and consumed, death euen at hande with herre. Whiche thing vnderstoode, as also the cause thereof, by Aurelius, he assembled greate numbers incōtinently, as well of Phisicians, as also of Astronomers, with theim to consulte, if it were possible for some remedy. Amonge whom in fine, this was the conclusion, that the Fensor secretly should bee doen to die, of whose bloodde a good draught was presented vnto Faustine (so couertly that she nether knewe whence it was, or what) with this de∣termination, that immediatly after she had receaued it, the Emperour should acquaint hymselfe in wonted ma∣ner with her. This remedy as it séemeth very straunge, and meruailous, so cleane did it alter, her fonde and foo∣lishe phantasie, in suche manner, that she neuer after, at any tyme remembred him, and as it is, in the saide histo∣rie recorded, at that tyme he begate on her Antonius Comodus, whiche after proued so cruel, and bluddy, that he more resembled the aboue saide sworde plaier, whose blooodde the mother drancke, at the tyme of her con∣ception, then the Emperour whose soonne he was, by meanes wherof also the fore saide Comodus would euer

more bee conuersante, and in companie with Fensors, whiche also witneseth Eutropius in the life of this Com∣modus. The Phisicians of Grece, as also of Arabia, ac∣compte this disease, or torment of loue, among th'others the moste daungerous infirmities of mans bodie, proui∣dyng sundry salues, & remedies therefore, for it. Cadmus the Milesian, as reciteth Suydas hath written one whole boke of the only remedies to chase & remoue loue. Ouide also hath well saide in his bookes de remedio amoris. And among other healpes, whiche the Phisicians haue pre∣scribed against this franticke maladie, one is, that vnto those, troubled with these passions, greate weaghty mat¦ters, and affaires of importaunce be offered, suche as e∣qually concerne both their profite, and their honour, to the intent that the minde busied aboute these matters, may alienate and straunge it self, from the imagination that offendeth: they also geue in rule, that suche shoulde abstaine from all wanton toies, of ether daintie, or dalli∣yng damsels. Plinie saith that against this passion it shal * 1.13 be good to take that duste, or powdre, whereon a Mule hath in any place waltered or soiled her selfe, sprinckling or casting the same on the amorous: or as Cardanus wil in his booke of subtilties, to rubbe hym, with the sweate of a Mule heate, and well chafete. The Phisicians also learne vs, how we shall know the partie, on whom the amorous, is at any tyme inamored, and the same rule is it, by whiche Erasistratus Phisician to the king Seleucus, vnderstoode of the disordinate loue of Antiochus towar∣des his mother in law, the Quéene Stratonica. For being extreame sicke, and in meruailous daunger, hauing cho∣sen rather to die, then in any wise to vtter the cause of his tormentes, proceadyng of loue onely, whiche he bare to his fathers wife, who then enteryng in to the cham∣ber, when the Phisician felte the pulse of his vnhappie patient, whiche so vehemently, on the soden moued, a•• the comming of the Quéene, that Erasistratus forthwith

perceiued, that he on her was inamored, and she the one∣ly and sole cause of his grief. By meane where of he did his busie paine, in good ordre to aduertise the kyng here of, whiche matter how he handled would be long here to write, and the historie besides is well knowen, and com∣mon, which thing as soone as it was once knowen to the father, seing the daunger be presently was in, if no reme¦die were then prouided, contented hym selfe (though it farre was beside the intention of the sonne, whiche ra∣ther, did wishe, or chuse any shameful death, then by the detriment of his father, to purchase hym health) to for∣goe, and leaue the Quéene, geuyng her for wife to his tormented soonne. And here also, to speake the trueth, both the age, and beautie of this dame, as also the ma∣riage whiche after followed, was muche more comfor∣mabie in the sonne, thê in the father. By meanes wher∣of Antiochus liued many yeres afterwarde, in greate ioye, & wealth with his dearelibeloued Stratonica. The history is very pretie, written by Plutarche in the life of Demetrius, whence it is, that in suche cases, Phisicians geue in commaundement to féele the pulce of the passio∣nate partie, rehearsing, and remembryng the names of many, and among theim the partie also beloued, whose name when so euer, it shall in anie sorte be vttered, the pulce of the amorous will then more busily skippe, or daunce, then at any other tyme, and this easely may you finde still the partie so beloued. By many other signes, it also is euident, either when one loueth, as also where, or whom, whiche I leaue to speake of, as sufficientlie kno∣wen to all men.

Who first did sette or plante the Vine, who also did first to drike water in wine, to whom also, and how the Romaines firste af all forbadde the vse of wine, with some other thinges concernyng this purpose. Chap. 10.

OF all kinde of fruictes, whiche the yearth produceth (these I vn∣derstande where of wee make ly∣cors) none is so profitable in mine aduice as is the Vine, so that he be moderatlie, and with discretion v∣sed. For whiche cause onely Ana∣crases saide, that the Vine geueth or presenteth vnto vs thrée grapes: the first of pleasure: the seconde of dronkennesse: the thirde of teares, mour∣nyng and sorrowe, in suche sorte, that who so passeth the first grape, to wete a litle wine, moderatly, and seldome, in takyng it receaueth greate shame and domage. Our prophane authors, that neuer were acquainted with, or euer hearde of the scriptures, deuise, and imagen sundry inuentors of wine. Diodorus Siculus, in his fourthe boke attributeth as well the inuention of wine, as also that he first founde to plante or sette the Vine, to Denis the soonne of Iupiter, called otherwise Bacchus, and pater li∣ber, so termed for the liberty and force of wine. For whi∣che cause thei dedicated to him a Temple vnder the Ca∣pitoll in Rome, where were celebrated these feastes, which thei commonly called Dionisians, or Bacchanalia, verie lassiuious, and full of impudicitie. And that this in∣uention was truelie attributed to this Denis, Virgil wel assureth it vs, in his firste entree, into his seconde boke of Georgikes: although Marcianus Capellus affirme that he only skilled the Gréekes to make wine. Others write that it was Icarus father of Erigonus whiche first found the meane to make wine in Athens, where after warde beyng drounke▪ was slaine of the people. In Italie they saie that Saturne there first had wine, whiche he brought from out the Isle of Candia. Plutarche writeth that Ar∣••us an Etruscian, enrichte Fraunce with the firste Vine that euer was there. But the trueth is that the first in∣uentor of wine, was Noe, as also the first that euer was

droncke, whiche witnes (besides that whiche is redde in the ninth of Genesis) Lactantius Firmianus and Iosephus * 1.14 whiche Noe immediatly after he issued out of the Arke, planted the Vine with his owne proper handes, and drinking after, of the fructe therof, was also first drunke: in whiche that his disease sleapyng, he so discouered hym self, that, that there betided hym, which is writtē of him in Genesis. After this men léeking of this kinde of licour, drancke it at first pure, and with out water: for as recor∣deth Plinie one named Stasius, was the first that did wa∣ter * 1.15 into wine to qualifie it. By meane whereof greate good hath followed, with the preseruation of health through out the whole worlde, for that wine so tempe∣red hath his most excellent effectes. Plato by Macrobius, in his seconde booke recordeth, that wine taken mode∣ratly fortifieth the vnderstandyng, it augmenteth the puissance, force, and strength, it yeldeth the harte ioious, it taketh from man all sorroufull, and pensiue imagina∣tions. Plinie saieth that the honest, and resonable vse of * 1.16 wine delaied, increaseth the force, blo••dde, and couler in mans face, the vaines saieth he, are strēghtned by wine, the sight sharpened, the stomake comforted, the appetite thence groweth, Vrine also prouoked, it hastneth sléepe, and disturneth Vomites, it purgeth melancolie, and re∣ioiseth the harte, & in fine profiteth in many other vses. Asclepiades the Phisician hath written a whole booke, of the only vertue of wine. Sainct Paule writyng to Timo∣thie counseleth hym to drinke a little wine, the better to strengthen, and comforte his stomake. The Phisicions vse wine in many their medicines, for that wine wil re∣storeth health, increaseth bloodde, it offendeth not anie melancoly humours, it dissipateth and drieth ••eame, it moisteneth and fitteth choller to be purged. Plato intro∣ducing Socrates, commendeth wine saiyng, euen as rain moderate geueth increase of all hearbaege, tempe steous inundations vtterly destroiyng it: so wine with 〈…〉〈…〉

ration reioiseth man, and coumforteth his spirites, but coutrariwise, in abundaunce, scorcheth, and consumeth hym. Among all other sweete, and pleasing odours, the smel also of wine is of the Philosophers commended, for that it addeth force (as is saide) to the vitall spirites, it is very subtill, and soone penetrateth: but what so euer is spoken or saide any where of wine, that still is mente of wine moderatly taken, and delaied. The auncient Ro∣maines forbad the vse of wine, to women as well, as al∣so to children, as hath Valerius, writyng the customes, * 1.17 & lawes of the Romaines. So that as Plime saieth, that in those daies, when Romulus raigned in Rome, a certen Citisen slewe his wife, for that she had dronke wine and although the murtherer were immediatly apprehended and taken, yet the Prince with out sute would pardon that offence. Thei estemed it a fault so greate and igno∣minious, to sée a woman bouse, or drinke wine, that as Fabian reporteth, a certaine maide hauyng stolen, the kaies of a wine Seller, preuely to haue dronke or ta∣sted there, of wine, was by famine done to die, euen by her owne parentes, for that faulte. For this cause men vsed to kisse women on the mouth, to féele, or perceiue, if they had drinke of wine. It is recorded, that N. Domi∣cian, beyng ordained, some tymes, a iudge in Rome, de∣priued a woman there of her Dourie, for that she hadde dronke more wine, then was for her health either ne∣cessarie, or conuenable. Salomon in his Prouerbes prohibeteth wine, to kinges as well, as also to there counsell, for that in dronkennesse saieth he nothyng is kepte socrette, or concealed: the pore mans cause also is then not considered of, or harde iudgmente at the leaste proceadeth then against hym. We reade not with stan∣dyng, that it was permitted to the kynges of Egypte, to drinke wine, but that moderatly, and by appointed mea∣sures. A•…•… R••mulus inuited to a feast, would hard∣ly see, or taste an•• wine, for 〈…〉〈…〉eth he must•…•…

I determen of a greate, and weightie matter. Auicenna saieth, that who so geueth wine to a child to drinke, hea∣peth one flamyng fier on an other. Aristotle inhibiteth * 1.18 wine to be geuen Infantes, as also to all Nurses, that geue sucke of their bodies. Plato, by his lawes, in hys bo∣kes de republica, though he séeme in the firste to aucthorise the drinkyng of wine, yet in the seconde saieth, manne must drinke little wine, wel drouned in water, and that also in no wise before he bee eightine yeres olde, in the presence continually of olde menne vntill he be fortie, to the intente that if he exceede, he receaue punishment for his excesse of theim. But after that age he permitteth, that the quantitie be of some parte augmented, to mitti∣gate, or asswage the coldnes, and melancoly, of those ye∣res. How be it, his minde is, that a certaine measure bee prescribed theim: farther he excludeth all seruauntes of what age so euer, iudges also, and magistrates, and such as haue offices, or charge in the weale publike. To stu∣dentes also he geueth in counsell, that they sauer not of wine, and as concernyng bondmen, the same order was also, obserued of theim in Rome. Auicenna accoumpteth Plato his lawes, as good rules in Phisicke, with whom also accordeth Galene, in this matter. Alexander Aphro∣diseus in his problemes affirmeth, that those, that neuer drincke, other licour then water, haue as wel their sight, as all other their senses, more sharpe, and fine, then thei that drinke continually wine. But howe to water, and ordre our wine, there are sundry rules, and opinions: He¦siodus commaundeth, that to one cuppe of wine, ye adde thrée of water: Atheneus saieth, that the auncient Gree∣kes, did fiue partes of water, to be mixt commonly with twoo of wine, and some tymes) whiche more was) thrée partes of water with one of wine, which accordeth with the rule of Hesiodus. And this maie here be noted, that the Grekes neuer did to be poured water into their wine but wine continually, in small quantitie, in to their wa∣ter,

by meane where of Theophrastus assureth vs, that these twoo licours are more perfectly medled. And this did our elders, not onely well droune, and water their wine, but dranke there of also in very small quantitie. Eubolus the Greke Poete, bringeth in Bacchus, speaking to the Elders or Sages of that age, I will geue you to drinke of wine, but thre times at your refection, the first for health, the seconde for the good smell there of, the third to inforce sleape, how oftē so euer you more drinke, it al sauoureth of disorder, and dronkennes. Apuleus Pa∣niasis, the same that wrote of the diuersitie of meates, is with the other, of one, and the same iudgement, saiynge that ye may once drinke incontinently after grace, the seconde cuppe moueth, or quickeneth in vs Venus, the thirde is cause of shame, and dishonor. Iulius Caesar verie sildome, woulde taste, or drincke of wine, which thinge Suetonius reporteth, by the testimony of Cato, the same I meane that was ennimie vnto Caesar. The excellente Demosthenes also, or fewe times, or neuer dranke of a∣ny wine. Apollo Tianeus of whom so many thinges are so famously written, as hee neuer did eate any kinde of fleashe, so also did hee neuer drinke any droppe of wine. And among all Christians in these daies temperancie in drinkyng is highly commended. Saincte Iames the lesse, neuer dranke in his life ether wine or Ale, nether would he eate of any kinde of fleashe, imitating there in Sainct Ihon the Baptiste. The semblable finde we of Fulgentius the Bishoppe, of Emerys also the soonne of Steuen, kinge of Polonia. Iosephus in his antiquities highly extolleth * 1.19 that vertuous modesty of the Esseiens (whiche were one of the three sectes, that were among the Iewes, the Pha∣rasies, and Saduces the other two) whiche as he saieth ne∣uer dranke wine. In a certen Epistle Saincte Hierome sharpely reproueth Preestes, bousinge, or pleasinge any thing at all in wine, addyng that Sainct Paule, aduiseth theim to the contrarie, and farther saieth, that in the old

lawe, these that had charge, or office in the Churche, ne∣uer dranke either wine, or other kinde of licour, that coulde, or might force theim any waie to lightnes. Good potte men in these daies, and gallant tasters, approue their wines by these fower qualities, he must be delecta∣ble in mouth, to please the taste, he must smell well and farre of, to content their riche Noses, he muste bee well coloured, pure, and neate to please the eye, and in fine it must haue his commendation of the soile, to wéete, that it came from a hoate, and high countrie: and of this good wine they quickly can make vinegar, but of the commo∣dities or discōmodities herof, I presently leaue to speake more in this place.

Of infinite discommodities, whiche take their springe of wine immoderatly vsed, as also what Phisicians they were, that thought it good, and medicinable, some tymes to be dronke. Chap. 11.

THough Wine in some diseases bothe healpe and comforte na∣ture, yet thence rise so manie mischiues, if it immoderatlie be taken, that the discommodi∣ties thereof passe, and surmoūt the commodeties, in suche sort that it might séeme better, wée neuer had séen, or knowen it, contentyng our selues with water, whiche in the begin∣nyng was onely geuen vs: of parte for that we can ima∣gen nothing to be better: of parte also, that all other crea¦tures content theim selues with the same. Consider wee * 1.20 also, that by wine, sundrie haue loste the vse of their sen∣ses, some their liues, some also all hope of saluation, and their soules. And although men well knowe the greate inconueniences that betide theim by wine, yet so farre

of be they from any intention to eschwe it, that they no∣thing so much séeke, as continuall occasions, to bouse, and drinke incessantly, in suche sorte that fewe houres in the daie may passe theim, in whiche they kisse not the cuppe, at least fiue or sixe tymes, not slightly, and for facions sake, but with staryng eyes gladly, and with right good deuotion. Plinie writeth, that where as many eftsones drinke, nether for any néede, or thirst thereto prouoking theim, that wine amōg al other licours hath this nature, or proprietie, that with ease it will be dronke, ye though you nothing nede it. But afterward it handleth those, ac∣cordyng to their demerites, paiyng theim the paine, of that sinne, and excesse, the vapours thereof mountyng a∣lofte in to the braine, depriuyng theim incontinentlie of the vse of eche their senses, resemblyng for the tyme, some dull and brutishe beaste, and after thei at times, by vse, haue learned well to abuse theim selues, this infirmi∣tie then taketh holde and full possession of theim, and or∣dereth theim as doeth the hungrie Catte the Mouse, I meane it either killeth theim, or at leaste it chargeth them with infinite discommodities, and ineuitable infir∣mities, tormentes muche worse then present death in déede, as the Goute, the Palsie, both in handes and féete, the dropsie, the eies stand staring full of blooddy humors, the Liuer inflamed, the face full of fier, and verie richely coulered, the Nose ful of rubies, with many other honest and pretie commodities, of very good grace, and much to be desired. Cato saied, that dronkennes was a voluntary * 1.21 folly: Plinie saieth, that it dulleth, and weakeneth the memory: prouoking dreames, very terrible, and fearful. Seneca writyng to Lucullus affirmeth, that it meameth and féebleth both the armes, and legges, prouokyng men to lasciuious thoughtes, and venerie. Deonisins Areopa∣gita, alleageth out of Plato, drounkennes to resemble, some lustie yong daunser, whose thighes in the begin∣nyng are sore, hardly able to beare hym, néedyng some

staffe, or croache to rest, or staie on, she also is well skil∣led, to alure, and drawe vnto her, with frēdly face reioy∣sing, her dronken Souldiars daily. Sainct Paule writing to the Ephesians, aduertiseth theim to flie, and to forsake wine, the spring, and beginnyng of all vnchaste liuynge. Salomon also, who so drinketh wine in abundance, and excesse, neuer keepeth counsell or secrette, what so euer. Whence grewe for iuste cause, this olde, and auncient Prouerbe, wine runneth without showes, to wéete se∣cretly, priuely, pleasantly, hardly séen, or perceiued, sha∣mefully discoueryng mans foule, and vitious apetites. To this purpose; the Poete Eschilus also saide, that as in a glasse is sien, the true fewture of the body, so also is sien in wine, the affections of the minde. Plato saieth that wine maketh plaine, and euidente demonstration of the manners, and conditions of all menne. Hence haue wee good exāples, in Noe both and in Loth: for the one beyng dronke, discouered his secrete partes, whence he became infamous to al men: and Sodome against Loth had at all no powre, whom wine notwithstandyng, not hardly af∣ter conquired, blindyng hym, to abuse his owne naturall doughter. Beholde here the fructes then and forces of wine. Among the lawes of Solon, one of the seuen wise men, or sages of Grece, it was ordained, that what prince so euer, was founde or knowen dronke, should therefore immediatly be executed to death. Pitacus also decréed, an other of the saied sages, that who so beyng dronke, com∣mitted any offence, shoulde assuredly receiue double pu∣nishement there fore, once for the trespas, and fault by hym committed, and the seconde tyme for his dronken∣nes, the cause of the wrong doen. Aristotle in his proble∣mes geueth a reason, why such as are geuen to wine, are lesse able in the acte of generation: as also an other, why among suche as are dronke, some be pleasant, some sory, some ioyous, some terrible. Some Phisicians also are there, among whom I onely remember Auicenna, and

Rasis, whiche affirme it to be a thyng very medicinable, and holsome, at times to be dronke, though not ordinari∣ly, and commonly: but their reasons, wherfore, nothing at all content me, by meanes whereof, I vtterly refuce to be of their opinion. And where as diuers honourable personages haue been subiect to wine, had they assuredly forsaken, that there wonted vse in bousing, their glory, and renoume had so muche been the greater. Alexander y^e greate was taxed of this vice, so that as some good wri∣ters, haue least vs plainly of hym, he did in these his cup∣pes, sundry his frendes to death, and afterwarde repen∣ting him, of that his rage, and malice, would for reuenge haue slaine also hym selfe, and surely it maie be thought, that by meanes of these hys tyrannies, he in the ende al∣so was traitrously impoisoned. Marcus Antonius, one of the three pillers of the Romaine empire, hauyng espou∣sed the sister of Octauian, pleasing to muche, as the other also in wine, cōsequently acquainted himself with Cleo∣patra Quéene of Egypte, by meanes where of in fine, hee both lost his life, and also the empire, first vanquished by wine, and after by Octauian. The Emperour Tiberius, as in hym were many, and sundry greate defaultes, yet none so much annoied hym, as that he to much loued ex∣cesse of wine, & drinking, whēce in place of his name Ti∣berius, was eftsones in derision, of many called Biberius, endyng at the laste an infortunate and wretched miser. Denis the yonger, tyranne of Sicilia, so much was geuen to excessiue drinking, that he became blinde, in both eies vnprofitable. Cleomedes King of the Spartiens, practising to immitate the Scithians in bousing, and did so valiant∣ly by his lusty quaffing, that he proued in the ende, a sen∣lis, and lothsum monster. It is reported that the Philo∣sopher Archesilas died of dronkennes, and no other ma∣ladie. The Poete Anacreon was also a greate drinker, and in drinkyng was chockte with the Pepin of a grape, whiche entered by the wrong waie or passage through

hys throate. The Bishoppe Flauius, renoumed for his learning, reporteth that Bonosus so pleased in wine, that Aurelius would saie of him, that he was not borne to liue but to drinke: and herein he farre exceaded all others, for when so euer he dranke, or els in what quantie, he neuer thence was séen, or drounke, or lesse aduised. But it maie be supposed, that he paste it againe in vrine, as fast as he receiued it, how be it in the ende, he escaped not the pain of his excesse, and malice, for that beeyng vanquished of Probus, was in moste shamefull, and lothsome maner hāged. Some also write, that the king Antiochus, which was, maugre his bearde, subdued by the Romaines, so muche giuen, to strong wines, and feasting, that he spent the greater parte of his tyme in sleapyng: by meanes whereof, he committed almoste the whole gouernment of the Empire, to twoo his chosen, and very trustie dear∣••yn̄ges, hymself banquettyng, and disportyng still, with a certaine yonge damosell, so that when after he should mete in field with the Romaines, his armie was straight disordered, & he an effeminate captiue. Eschilus the poete also did please in drincke, by meanes whereof Sophocles left not to saie vnto hym, Eschilus these thynges, that thou hast saied, and doen, haue onely paste thée by happe, and by fortune, and by no knowledge that thou haste, or ought that thou vnderstandest.

¶ Of certaine greate personages, whiche died, called hēce by those, whiche before them selues, vniustly had caused to be executed, euen in the instante, and tyme to them assigned, as also some what of the Archebishoppe of Magonce or Ments. Chap. 12.

WHen the aide of man faileth those, to whom by man some wrong, and grief is doen, God assuredly notwithstandyng, neuer leaueth to assiste theim: and although it chaunce not at suche tymes, so sone, and so apertly, as

percase some would, or could in harte desire, yet God that knoweth when, and howe, he shoulde auenge hym, on those that haue vniustly opprest, or wronged the innocente, so woorketh that at tymes suche tre∣cheries come to lighte, and eke mannes falce iudgemen∣tes, to his heauie condemnation. Whereof wée could re∣member many true, & straunge examples, emong which we reade of a certaine knight, of the house of the Tem∣pliers, executed as is supposed, very vniustly: this knight an Italian, borne in Naples, beholding as he paste to the place of execution, Pope Clement the fifte of that name, aduaunced in a windowe, as pleasyng in this spectacle, whiche onely did this sentence, to passe againste hym wrongfully, and nigh to hym Philippe, surnamed Bel∣lus, kyng then of Fraunce, saied to hym with a high, and loude voice incontinently: O thou cruell, and merci∣les Clement, for as muche as in the worlde, none other iudge is, to whom, from thy vniust sentence, I might ap∣peale, I appeale yet from thée, and from thy greate iniu∣stice, vnto him that all séeth, that true, and vpright iudge Iesus Christe the rightuous, before whom I thee asso∣men, as also the kyng there (at whose sute, thou hast sen∣tensed me to death) to appere in persone bothe, before his tribunall seate, there to receiue, as ye by me haue deser∣ued, without fauour, or perciallitie, without respecte of persones, and that also within the space, of one yere fol∣lowyng. And so it came to passe, that as he there had ci∣ted them, the Pope died, iuste at the tyme appoincted, as also the kyng to holde theother companie. Whiche thing assuredly, onely proceded, from the inscrutable iudgemē∣tes, and iustice of God. The semblable also happened, to Ferdinande the fowerth kyng of Castile, whiche also did to death, twoo other worthie knightes, of pretensed ma∣lice, not hauyng any shadowe, or pretexte at all of iustice whom no sorowfull teares, or often supplications could, or might deliuer, from the blouddie miser. In fine there∣fore

arrestyng, without more, on this extremitie, cited the king in like maner, as before, within thirtie daies fo∣lowng, to appere before that iudge, the laste of whiche in déede, he made chaunge of life for death, and so departed hence. Suche was the happe also, of a capitain, of certain gallies, of the toune of Genua, of whiche Baptista Fulgo∣sius, in this sorte reporteth, that he tooke a little Boate, or Barke of Catelongna, in whiche also was an other, or capitaine, or gentleman, which neuer had dooen to the in∣habitātes of Genua any wrōg, or iniurie, neuerthelesse, for that priuate malice, y^t this Capitaine of Genua, bare to the Catelanes, cōmaunded that he should incōtinently be hanged, who mournfully besought hym, not to do him that, or any so greate vilanie, for that he neuer had of∣fended, nor hym, ne yet his countrie, but findyng in the ende no kinde of grace, or fauour, his laste recourse was vnto the diuine Iustice, saiyng to this cruell, and to this merciles capitain. that sith he nedes would take his life, for no cause from hym, that he then presently appealed, for iustice vnto God, assummonyng also hym, with hym that daie to appere, before the Iudiciall seate, or throne of the moste highest, to yelde to hym accompt, of that his greate iniustice, in whiche same daie as the others, this capitain also died and past to plaide his cause, in the true courte in deede of iustice, where as well maie bee presu∣med, suche was his rewarde, as his tretcherie had deser∣ued. I could here longer dwell, in others like to these, but for a finall example, I will one, onely, more, remember you, no lesse perchaunce straunge, then very true, and certaine, whiche happened at Magonce in Almaignie, troublyng, & disorderyng the whole state of that citie, as briefly remembreth Gontier the Poete, in his descriptiō of the life, and geastes of Fredericke the Emperour, the firste of that name, as he recordeth. The bishoppe Con∣tadus in his historie also recordeth it, as also Henry the sixte, soonne to the saied Fredericke. In this fore saied

toune then, of Ments, or Magonce, in the yere of our Lorde a thousande, a hundred, fiftie, or some thyng more, there dwelte an Archebishop, who had to name Henrie, a man for his vertues, of all men eche where renoumed: this Archebishoppe then as became a good pastour, pu∣nished synne, and vice seuerely, with a speciall regard to his flocke, and charge, true seruaunte vnto GOD, and friende vnto his neighbour: by occasion whereof, some li∣bertines, and enemies of Gods honour, beganne to ma∣lice, & to enuie his estate and conditiō, so that he was ac∣cused of euill demanure before the Pope, and saied to bée lesse worthie, of suche an office, or honour, chargyng him with many open, and slaunderous infamies, whiche vn∣derstoode by the Pope, although in trouthe, he thought hym to bee bothe iuste, and vertuous, yet would he not deny audience, to those that craued it, and hauyng heard their plaint, aduertised thereof incontinently the Arch∣bishop. By meanes whereof, the better, to discharge, and pourge hym, he chose out emong his friendes, suche a one as he loued moste, for whom also he had doen, more then for any other, this was a Prieste, or Prelate, and had to name Arnoulde, highly aduaunced, to sundrie dignities, by the bishop. This Arnoulde now was riche, eloquent, and learned, and beyng entered into Rome, suborned by the deuill, determined on a sodaine, to depriue his lorde, and maister, inrichyng hym self with that honour, if it were possible: whiche thyng the better to accomplishe, with greate summes of money, he corrupted twoo impi∣ous, and twoo accursed Cardinalles, before whom (to the hearyng of this cause deputed) in place to haue spokē the truthe, as bothe faithe, and loialtie willed, he vttered a∣gainste hym, what so he fasly could imagine, saiyng, that he more stode bounde to god, & to the truthe, then in any wise he was, or could be vnto man, and therefore muste nedes confesse, that the bishop in deede was suche, as he to be was accused: by meanes whereof, the Pope, as ab∣used

by this Arnoulde, sente vnto Magonce, these twoo honeste Cardinalles, there to depriue, and remoue the Archebishope, whiche beyng arriued, caused by prorses this good manne to appere before theim, whose matter was there in suche order handeled, that sentence was there in fine pronounced againste hym, depriued of that honour, and of that postorall dignitie, in whose rome this Arnoulde, was presently then substituted, whiche so had solde his maister, as Iudas did our sauiour: at which sen∣tence vttered, the Archebishop saied, God knoweth that I am vniustly here condemned, how bee it, I minde not to appeale from this your sentence, for that I surely knowe, that you soner shal be credited though liers, then I in truthe, wherefore I receiue this sentence, a punish∣mente for my synnes, appealyng neuer the lesse from you, vnto the eternall Iudge, before whom, I assomon you all three to appere, at whiche woordes, these Prela∣tes burste out into a laughter, saiyng: that when so he wente before, thei incontinently would followe hym. This chaunsed in the yere of mannes redemption, a thousande, a hundred, fiftie and sixe, whiche wronge this good priest tooke verie paciently, withdrawyng hymself into a certain monasterie, where he obserued the straite rules of that order, without any coule, or habite religi∣ous. But to conclude, God neuer long permitteth suche tretcherie, and iniustice any where vnpunished, to the intente especially, that the innocencie of the iuste, might the better alwaies be knowen. One yere and a halfe af∣ter this, this Henry died very vertuously in his Abbey, mountyng straight into heauen, as maie well bee presu∣med. Newes hereof was broughte, and of his death to Rome, whereat these twoo Cardinalles, foorthwith be∣gan to ieaste, either chargyng other, to séeke and searche out the Archebishop according as thei had promised. And beholde immediatly, or within very fewe daies after∣ward, the one of them was so brused, by mishappe of his

owne seruaunte, that his bowelles, and intrailes burste out at his foundment. The other fel madde incontinent∣ly in suche extremitie, that he brake his bones, eatyng, and deuouryng his owne wretched carrion, and as con∣cernyng Arnoulde, in recompence of his disloialtie, and sedicious tumultes, whiche he moste carefully fostered eche where emong the people, he became so odious, and lothsome to the multitude, that about that tyme, thei al∣so inuironed hym, shutte vp into a monasterie, where in fine thei tooke hym, and mangled him most miserablie, castyng his carriō into the diche of the citie, where it laie full thrée daies followyng, all the people, as well womē, as menne, doyng to it, though dedde, the moste villanie that was possible,

¶ Of a pretie guile practised by a vertuous, and good Quene, towardes her housebande, by meanes where of, I ames Kyng of Aragon was begotten, and of his birthe, and death. Chapt. 13.

IN the old Chronicles, or annales of A∣ragon, it is recorded, that the Lorde Peter Counte of Barcelon, after∣ward by succession, the seuenth kyng of Aragon, receiued in marriage the ladie Marie, doughter to the Earle of Mont Pesulin, nephue to the Em∣perour of Constantinople, a ladie no lesse faire, then ver∣tuous, and honest. The kyng notwithstādyng, who plea∣sed muche in varietie of concubines, and therefore lesse forste of this faire, and vertuous ladie, not vsyng her cō∣panie, as reason woulde he should haue dooen, ministred to her occasion, of greate annoye, and sorrowe, and espe∣cially for that, the kyng had then no issue to inherite, and succede, in that kyngdome after hym. Wherfore by the

meanes, of one, of the kynges owne Chamberlaines, whiche also perhaps, had serued hym in other suche like affaires, she was conueighed vnto him, though vnder the pretexte, and name of an other, where hauyng vsed his companie, to her full contentation, and the kyng percei∣uyng, that it drewe towardes daie, commaunded her to withdrawe her self, for the sauyng of his honour: but she saied, my housebande, and my lorde, I am none suche as you suppose me to be, but am your wife, your obediente, and your lawfull bedfellowe, dooe me what paine, or sorrowe, shall beste like you, for assuredly I will not de∣parte out from your companie, before you doe to bee cal∣led, some one of sufficient credite, that maie if neede bee, witnes, that I alone this night, was with you, and with none other, to the intent, that if it please God, to graunt me, to be with childe by you, whiche is my sole, and one∣ly desire, that the worlde then maie knowe, that it also is yours. The kyng consideryng of her honest guile, was (though in deede he thought, that he had been serued o∣therwise) contented to fatisfie that her expectation, and did to bée there of witnesses, twoo honest, and sober gen∣tlemē. Now so it came to passe, that this vertuous dame, within shorte tyme after, knewe well she had conceiued, and at the terme by accompte, well aunsweryng to this purpose, was deliuered of a soonne, the firste daie of Fe∣bruarie, in the yere of our Lorde, a thousande, a hundred ninetie, and sixe, whiche as sone as he was borne, the Quéene commaunded immediatly, that he should be car∣ried to the Churche, and incontinently as thei (whiche is to be considered) to whom this charge, was carefully cō∣mitted, were on the point of entrie into the Churche, or Temple, the priestes assuredly lesse wetyng of any suche matter, began to syng Te deum laudamus, in moste so∣lemne maner. And thence departing afterward with the saied childe, vnto an other Churche, thei also not knowe∣yng of any such gehaste commyng, euen as he entred be∣ganne

that Psalme of Benedictus dominus deus Israel, whiche was a meruailous signe, and assured presage, of the great vertue, and bountie, that should be in the yong prince. And the Kyng and Quéene, not knowyng now what name thei beste might giue hym, did to bee lighted twelue Torches of equall length, and bignes, lottyng to euery of theim, the name of an Apostle, with this deter∣mination, that the name of that Torche, that first should be consumed, should be giuen to this Prince, for name at his Baptisme: and the first that failed, was that of sainct Iames. So afterward then baptised, thei gaue hym Ia∣mes to name, he was an excellente Prince, in peace no lesse wise then valiaunte, and fortunate in all affaires of warre. His inuasions, and incursions were terrible a∣gainst the Mores, he was large, and liberall at all tymes to his souldiars: and emong others his notable attemp∣tes, he leuiyng on a tyme a greate, and grosse armie, past into the Isle of Maiorque, whiche then was onely inhabited of the Mores, where he foughte many, bothe bloudie, and daungerous battailes, but after he there long had besieged their principall citie, in th'ende wonne it, as all the other Isles adioignyng nigh vnto it, and in fine subdued all the other Mores, as also the citie of Car∣thage it self. He had many children, as well soonnes, as doughters, whiche all while he liued, he aduaunsed to greate and mearueilous honours. The Prince Peter was after hym kyng also of Aragon, Iames kyng of the Isles Maiorque, and Minorque, his thirde soonne was Archebishop of Toledo, the ladie Yollant, was espoused to the kyng of Castile, the ladie Isabeau, to the kyng of Fraūce, the ladie Vrroque, to the lorde Emanuel prince also of Castile, and the prince Peter in his fathers daies espoused the doughter of the kyng of Nauar. This kyng liued seuentie and twoo yeres, and died then vertuously, and in his death bedde chose to him, the habite of a religi∣ous man, renounsyng his kyngdome, and his roiall scep∣ter,

with assured determination, if he euer had recouered of that maladie, to haue imploied the residue of his daies in the sole seruice, and veneration of God: but his paines growyng, and doublyng continually, he gaue ouer vnto nature, in the towne of Valence, in the yere of our lorde God, a thousande, twoo hundred, sixtie and sixe, in the be∣ginnyng of the moneth of August.

¶ Of an aunciente and straunge custome, obserued by the inhabitauntes, of the Prouince of Carinthia, at the coronation of their prince: as also how thei sharp∣ly punished thieues. Chapt. 14.

POpe Pius, the seconde of that name, a manne no lesse learned, then painfull, and still busied in aunciente histories, when he li∣ued, reporteth in his Cosmogra∣phie, or description of the worlde that the prouince of Carinthia is inclosed, within the territorie, and seignorie of Austria, & saieth that the inhabitauntes there, at the coronation of their prince, vsed a very straunge, and pretie custome, whiche also is remembred by A. Sabellicus in his tenth Decade, as also by Sebastianus Munsterus, in his newe Cosmo∣graphie. In this Prouince of Carinthia, there is a greate plaine, of very olde, and ruinous bulidynges, as if the were the steppes, or monumētes of some auncient citie, in whiche also standeth a certaine greate stone, where∣vpon (at the coronation of their newe duke, the daie and tyme appointed) a housebande man, or labourer inconti∣nently ascendeth, vnto whom that office by inheritance belongeth. On his right hande standeth, nigh to hym a blacke Cowe: and on his left, a lame, a weake, and an ill

fauored Mare. Rounde about the stone, standeth a great heape of clounes, or countrie carels. Then commeth the Duke on, with a greate noumber on horsebacke, all in very good, and in decent order, hauyng twelue ensignes borne there before them, of which one is more large, and more apparent then the others, whiche is borne by a cer∣taine Earle there, by especiall priueledge: so now appro∣cheth this Archduke, cladde like a shepherd, vnto y^e stone, where as is plaste this carell, who incontinentlie crieth out with a loude and haute voice, demaunding what hée might be, that cometh in such pompous, & in such proude arraie? to whom the others aunswere, that stande there about hym, he is the Prince, and gouernour of this coun∣trie. Then thundereth out this vilaine, as harde as he maie possiblie: is he a iudge rightuous? will he doe iustice to all men? will he seke the aduauncement, and commo∣ditie of the countrie? will he defende it, and saue it from the enemie? Is he a free man, and of a free house borne? Is he valiante, and worthie of honour? Is he a true chri∣stian man, and will he defende the faithe? Thei all aun∣swere yea, he is, and euer shall be. Then beginneth he a∣gaine a freashe to demaunde: by what right maie he dis∣possesse me of this place? Then aunswereth the Earle, that bare that beste enseigne, thou shalt receiue for this thy place, sixtie Duckettes of golde, this Cowe also, and Mare, in like sort shall be thine, also the Princes roabe, whiche he laste of al did of, finally thy familie, and kinne shall all bee free, from all kinde of taxes, or paimentes, what soeuer. This carell then giueth the Prince, a small buffette on the cheke, admonishing him to be an vpright, and a vertuous Iudge, and so leauyng the stone, giueth place vnto the duke, carriyng thence with him his cowe, and his Mare. Then alighteth the Duke from his horse, and goeth vp on the stone, where hauyng a sworde na∣ked in his hande, brandishyng it, tourneth to euery parte of the stone, promisyng to minister true, and indifferent

iustice to all men. This dooen, one bringeth hym water to drinke, out of a poore labourers, or housebandmannes cappe, whereof hauyng tasted, he descendeth incontinen∣tly, thereby makyng shewe, that he vtterly condemneth th'use of wine. Then taketh he his horse again, and with hym all his companie, passyng thence to some Churche, where thei heare Masse, after whiche he dispoileth hym self, of his ragde, and ill fauoured robes, puttyng on hym apparell of Princely estate, and honour, then dineth he, and his nobilitie, in moste sumptuous maner, after whi∣che he retourneth to the saied stone againe, hearyng the complaintes, and greifes of all men, doyng them iustice, without percialitie. And these are the Ceremonies ob∣serued, in the creation of this Duke. An other custome haue thei, in the punishyng of thefte, whiche is no lesse cruell, then in truthe vniuste, especially to be vsed emōg christian men: for hauing any small suspition, or surmise in this case, against any man, thei doe hym immediately to death, without any farther triall, and the third daie af∣ter, thei examine the witnesses, & al suche as can in that case giue euidence, as diligently, and as straitely as thei can possibly: so as if that in th'ende, he in déede be thereof founde culpable, then hangeth he on the gibbotte, vntill he rotte of by peeces: but contrary wise, if thei finde him innocente, then take thei hym thence, honouryng hym with glorious, and with solemne obsequies, with many praiers also, & almose, for his soules health. And as those of Carinthia, dealte this straightly with their Thieues, so also some other Countries, haue dooen their paine to foster theim, as the Egiptians, of whom A. Gel. con∣cernyng * 1.22 this matter writeth. Also the Lacedemoniens, whiche permitted their children to robbe, and steale eue∣ry where, to the intent thei might bee the more hardie, and apte there to in warre. How bee it Draco, that gaue lawes to the Atheniens, ordeined that all kinde of theft what so euer, should be punished with none other paine,

then death: by meanes whereof, Solon after saied, that he had written that his lawe with blood, whiche he mi∣tigated, doyng it to be more easie, and fauourable. That maner, whiche nowe is ordinarily eche where vsed, to hang, or to strangle thieues on the gibbotte, was first or∣dained ••y the Emperour Frederike the thirde, as wri∣teth that famous, and excellent L. Viues, in the seuenth booke of his disciplines.

¶ In what parte of the Zodiacke the Sunne, and the Moone, as also the other Planettes, were in the crea∣tion of the worlde, and when the first were made, of the beginnyng also of yeres, and tymes. Chapt. 15.

AS saieth the Philosopher, man natu∣rally is curious to searche, & to knowe thynges, and there to bendeth he his full force, and indeuour, lesse conten∣tyng him self with these thinges, whi∣che onely concerne hym, but farther he toileth with meruailous presump∣tion, to haue some feelyng, of thynges impossible, or at leaste very difficill. Neither hath this his labour, been all together in vaine, though it some times haue also fai∣led, of the desired ende, for that by incessante contempla∣tion, and continuall studie, sunderie thynges haue been founde out, whiche semed bothe supernaturall, and im∣possible, as the motions of the heauens, the true course bothe of starres, and Planetes, their influences, and for∣ces, with others the like, and semblable: emong whiche is also comprised, that whiche I now muste speake of, to wete, in what tyme of the yere, and in what daie, the worlde firste beganne, or to speake it better, when, or at what season, God firste created the worlde: where tyme ••••irste began, and the yere to be accompted, in what place

the Sunne was, when he first began his course, the Moon also with the other Planettes, Aristotle as with hym, many other Philosophers, paste these scruples, accoump∣tyng neuer on them, not tasting at all, or sauouring of our faith, demyng that the worlde had béen in deede eternall, neuer to haue begun, or, neuer to haue endyng: but these others, that were not ignoraunt of these thynges, know∣yng by iuste accompte, when the worlde firste did begin, are deuided into twoo sundrie, and cōtray opinions. Some emong theim saied, that in that verie instante, when the worlde first was created, the Sunne was precisely in the firste degree of Aries, whiche was aequinoctium Vernale whiche happened at that tyme, in the eleuenth of March. But others again contrary, that the world had his begin∣nyng, the Sunne beyng founde directly, in the first of Li∣bra, whiche tyme wee call aequinoctium Autumnale, and commonly chaunseth in the thirtenth, or fowertenth of September. And of this opinion, were certaine Egiptiēs, Arabies, and Grekes, as recordeth Linconiensis, in a cer∣tain treatise of his, dedicated to Pope Clement, and Vin∣centius in his mirrour historiall. Those that rested on this opinion, for their proofe vsed this reason, whiche howe weake it is, and what smalle shewe of trothe it hath, shall bee here after, in place conueniente saied: For saie thei, all fruites on the yearth were ripe now, and in their perfection, the yearth of verie necessitie, was then also moste perfecte, alledgyng for their proofe, these woordes * 1.23 out of Deuteronomie, God in the beginnyng made al thin¦ges absolute, and perfecte. Others some againe affirme, that then was the firste beginnyng, bothe of tymes, and yeres, when the daie was of moste howers, and at his longeste, whiche is at the entrie of the Sunne into Can∣cer, aboute the eleuenth, or twelueth of Iune. Iulius Fir∣micus, an aucthour aunciente. and of greate aucthoritie in Astronomie, saieth in the beginnyng of his thirde booke, that in the firste creation of the worlde, the Sonne was

in the fiftenth degrée of Leo, in whiche signe he hath his greateste dignitie, or honour, especially for that it is ter∣med, the house of the Sunne, and in this sorte discourseth he of the other Planetes. But the moste reasonable opi∣nion of all others, and moste agrean••e assuredly vnto the truthe, is that, when bothe the worlde, and the heauens, were first made, the Sunne was then founde in the first pointe of Aries, whiche mighte bee in the Monethe of Marche, the Somer then beginnyng to come, and growe on. Whiche assertion (besides other likelihoodes, that we also shall remember) is also confirmed by the moste parte of auncient writers, as well Christians, as also Heathēs, emong whiche, we finde Sainct Hierome, Ambrose, and Basill, with others, whiche all togither accorde, that the firste beginnyng was, as is aboue saied, in aequinoctio ve∣ris. And although it might appeare, that there was yet some little difference betwixte them, for that some will, that this woorke was wrought in Marche, but some a lit∣tle after, in the Monethe of Aprill. Yet here on thei well agree, that it was in the Spring, as also in the Equinoxe whiche presently is in Marche, for, as is saied, the Equi∣noxe is not euer firme. For Christ hymself died the .xxv. daie of Marche, and at that time, was the daie, euen with the night, and now this equation, is but about the eleuēth of Marche, whence it well maie be presumed, that in the beginnyng, it was in Aprill. For whiche cause some, ac∣compted Aprill for the first monethe, other some March, & yet thei all wil saie, that then this frame was wrought when that the Sunne firste entered into the signe of A∣ries, and that then is this Equinoxe, whiche well is pro∣ued by the scriptures, where it is saied, that in the Mo∣nethe Nisan, whiche with vs is Marche, the yere began to haue his first daie of accompte. Vincent also in the be∣ginnyng * 1.24 of his mirrour historiall saieth, that the aunciēt Hebrues, beganne their yere in the Monethe of Marche, for that then was the Equinoxe, saieth he, whence, and

from whiche tyme, the worlde tooke his beginning. Cer∣tain Gentiles also, defende, and maintain, with like care this opinion, as Elpaco in his treatise, written of Astro∣logie, where he saieth that the Chaldeans, excellente A∣stronomers, supposed that the firste daie, in whiche the worlde was created, the Sunne entered into the first de∣gree of Aries, whiche opinion is maintained of most part of Astronomers, as well aunciente, as newe, and late writers. When then the Sunne was founde in that poincte, then also was the beginnyng of the yere: then al∣so the firste daie, for before that was none other, neither can it bee denied, but that the firste daie that was made, was also the firste daie in the accoumpt of yeres, for that before it was neither tyme, or yeres. For whiche cause onely, this signe of Aries, is of all the others reckened the first, and foremoste. And who so will iudge, and diuine of thynges to come, he erecteth his figures, calculatyng con∣tinually, from that fore saied poincte, or beginnyng of the worlde. And farther it is plain, by an euident coniecture, that God when he first created the wide, & wast worlde, that he then also plaste the Sunne (as is saied) in Aries, as maie well be gathered of that, whiche is fore saied, in the chapiter, of the daie and tyme, in whiche our sauiour suffered, to wete, that this Planete was in that place, in the creatiō, that he also was in at the regeneration, whē Christ hymself suffered his death, and his passion, which happened, as is there saied, in this Equinoxe, so often to fore remembred. It also semeth credible, that it therfore was so, for that those that haue any felyng in the sphere, or otherwise in Astronomie, shall well perceiue, that the Sunne beyng entered into this signe of Aries, makyng * 1.25 there his reuolution, by the space of one whole daie, no corner is on the yearth, whiche he in that daie ones, lea∣ueth, or to comforte, or solace, with his presence, whiche at no tyme chaunseth in any other poinctes of the Zo∣diake, for that where soeuer he els bee, some place is on

the yeareh, where the Sunne is not in that daie séen: but beyng in this degree (as is saied) or in his opposite, no parte of the worlde is there, whiche in that daie, ones seeth hym not. And it semeth reasonable, that the Sūne when he firste of all beganne his circuite, that he there, and in suche place should beginne, where he might visite euery the partes of the whole worlde, and that, that, ra∣ther should bee, in the firste of Aries, then of Libra, it of parte is euidente by that, whiche wee haue saied, that in the daie of the death, or Passion of our sauiour, this Pla∣net was in that verie same place, in whiche he also hath a certain perticuler dignitie. Restyng then on this poinct as on a truthe assured, thei doubtles are deceiued, that imagined the worlde firste beganne, in the Equinoxe of September, though it pleased theim to saie, that then all fruites were ripe, and in season, whiche if we well consi∣der, is nothyng so in deede: for when thei are ripe in the Northe parte of the worlde, thei nothyng at all, then are so in the Southe, but in verie truthe, and assuredlie the contrary. For whiche cause, I neither would leane to the opinion of those, whiche saied, that in this Equinoxe of Marche (whiche is in the same beginnyng, whiche we in deede approue) was, or ought to bee, the entrie therefore of the worlde, for that then, & at that tyme is the spring, for that flowers also, and grasse eche where then begin to come that then also all beastes, acquainte them with their matche, for if it be to vs, as it can not be gainsaied, the commyng and beginnyng of all graine, and grasse, it then is Winter, or at the leaste Autumne, to these that inhabite the Southe partes of the worlde. These then maie suffice, with the aucthorities aboue remembred, to satisfie and contente, the reasonable in this matter al∣though the yere Romaine, whiche onely now is vsed, take his beginnyng of the firste daie of Ianuarie: whiche thyng happened by the fonde deuotion, and superstition onely, whiche the Gentiles vsed towardes their God Ia∣nus,

doing their yere to beginne by his name, as the chri∣stians did theirs, from the natiuitie of Christe, although then in deede, the yere had not his beginnyng. The Ro∣maines also beganne their yere in Marche, as writeth M. Varro, and Macrobius in his firste booke, Ouide also in Fastis, with many others. Farther GOD shewed to vs his greate fauour, and goodnes, in that it pleased hym, to place our firste parentes, Eue and Adam, in these Septen∣trionall partes of the worlde, after their exile, and detru∣tion out of Paradise terrestriall, whiche bothe entered in∣to this worlde, at the firste commyng of the Spryng, fin∣dyng the yearth then greene, and flowred, the aire verie swete; temperate; and pleasaunte, the better to solas, and comforte them in their miserie; and nakednesse, whiche at none other tyme of the yere, could so well haue chaunsed them. But passe we this matter now, as sufficiently pro∣ued; and speake we of the other Planetes, especially of the Moone, as one emong the others of moste force, and ver∣tue, whiche as some suppose in the firste daie, or instaunte of her creation, was placed by diuine prouidence, in con∣iunction with the Sunne: others saie that she was then at full, and in direct opposition Sainct Augustine cōmenting on the fifte of Genesis, remembreth bothe, these remem∣bered opinions, saiyng: that thei that maintaine, that she then was in opposition, argue that it was not reason, in that her firste creation, that she either should lacke, or bée defectuous in any thyng. The others saie that it is more credible, that she in coniunction beganne there her firste daie, so increasyng, accordyng to our accompte in her age: but to abridge this controuersie, in myne opinion, she at her first beyng was in plaine, and perfecte oppositiō with the Sunne, whiche opinion is moste receiued of the lear∣ned. Augustine in the place aboue alledged, and Rabanus also on the twelueth of Exodus, arrest them bothe on this opinion, accordyng with that whiche is redde in the scrip∣tures, where as it is saied, that God made twoo excellent

lightes, the one to lende comforte, and brightnes to the daie, the other and the lesse, to shine in the night. But in that instant it self, when the Sunne first appered, he gaue light on the sodaine, to the one halfe of the worlde, so that in that halfe, it presently was daie, the other beyng darck, and couered with the shadowe of the yearth. How bee it, it semeth reasonable, that on that other moitie of the earth, cladde as is saied with the night, and darknes, the Moone there should doe her charge, and office, in illightnyng it, so as thei bothe were created at one, and the same instant, so thei bothe also might execute their office at one instante, the one giuyng light, and solace to the daie, the other not obscuryng, or darkenyng the night, euenso, and in suche sorte, as hath in deede the texte, for then was verified that parte of scripture, the whole worlde through lightened, bothe on the one side, and the other. And contrarywise, if the Moone then had been founde in coniuction, then this common light could not haue chaunsed, vntil fiftene daies after, and farther three, or fower daies muste also firste haue paste, before her light could haue béen seen, or percei∣ued any where, and the same should haue been a verie small light also, as that whiche we see, when she fower, or fiue daies is of age. Wherefore these two in conclusion as∣suredly, gaue light to the whole worlde, at one instante in the heginnyng. And againe I saie, the Moone then beyng in opposition with the Sunne, of necessitie had her beyng then in the contrary signe, in Libra, which thing thus stā∣dyng, she executed that daie, the effectes of the Sunne, vi∣sityng euery parte of the worlde, in that one daies course, whiche to haue doen had been then impossible, hadde she been plaste in any other parte of the Zodiake, by meanes whereof this opinion hath more plaine, and more euident shewe of truthe, though Iulius Firmicus gladly would in∣ferre, that this Planette in her firste creation, founde her firste place, in the fiftenth of Cancer, where in deede, she hath her greatest dignities, of whiche opinion is also Ma∣crobius

in his firste booke de somnio Scipionis. As con∣cernyng the other Planettes, it should bee more difficill for me to vtter herein a truthe, then in any respecte profi∣table, to hym that would faine knowe it, for which cause I leaue to dwell here on, in many. How bee it Iulius Fir∣micus, in his seconde booke alleaged, hardeneth hym self to assigne them their places, in whiche at the firste, euery of them was, as Saturn{us} in Capricorno, Iupiter in Sagita∣rio. Marsin Scorpione, Venus in Libra, Mercurius in Vir∣gine, whiche are the signes, in whiche thei haue greateste force, and dignitie, signes appoincted to these Planettes, sor their houses. Of whiche mynde herein, is also Elpacus, as well remembreth Ioannes Agricanus, in his summa∣rie intituled Agricane. Macrobius also in his booke aboue alleaged De somnio Scipionis, accordeth plainly with Iu∣lius Firmicus, who lotteth to them, the same signes aboue remembred: although others some haue supposed the con∣trary, and that thei all in that instante, were in coniuncti∣on with the Sunne, whiche opinion the Mouncke walte∣rus, in his treatise of the ages of the worlde, affirmeth that the aunciente Indiens helde for most assured. But in truthe I suppose, that GOD. so plaste, and ordered these starres, eche one in his place distaunte, and seuered from other, not méetyng in any coniunction with the Sunne, to the intent that euery of them in that firste daie, might with his glitteryng beames, giue light vnto the yearth, whiche had béen impossible for them to haue dooen, if thei had béen in coniunctiō with the Sūne, for that being nigh vnto hym, within the space, I meane, of certaine degrées, he so couereth, and drouneth their little light, that thei or hardly, or not at all might haue béen séen from the yearth But how, or in what sorte, so euer it were beyng created, and framed, accordyng to the will, and pleasure of GOD it sufficeth, saieth Saincte Augustine, that thei were by hym in any sorte perfected, and framed.

That men maie take example of Birdes, Wormes, and other creatures, to liue a iust, and a vertuous life. Chap. 16.

AS we haue, aboue by occasion, some thing spokē of these creatures, though to some other intent, and purpose, so nowe shall wee breflie, and in fewe speake, how their example maie bee profitable, to mans bodie no lesse, then to his vnderstandyng and minde. For assuredly who so diligently and attentiuely, will consi∣der as well the nature, as the properties also of beastes, he thence shall not onelie take good instructions of life, for the better preseruation, and maintenaūce of the bo∣die, but lessons also to frame, and perfect his maners. Whence is it that manne liueth not in peace with his neighbour, seyng the ametie, and concorde, of beastes to∣gether, how they accompanie, and ioigne in one, in euery kinde, defending theim selues to their vtterest, from the force of any other? How is it, that man shameth not, to liue a trifelyng, and an idle loyterer, consideryng howe painfully and busely the poore Ante toileth, in the somer gathering her prouision and store for the winter? What subiectes are thei that doe not true seruice and honour to their Prince, consideryng the true loue, and obedience, of the litle Bée towardes her soueraigne? Why take not these publike weales, whiche haue no Prince, but liue in cōmon, example to liue quietly, with out grudge, or mutinie, of the foresaide litle antes, whiche dwell to∣gether in greate multitudes, with good order, doyng iu∣stice, eche one, to the other? And Princes on the other side, why also aduise they theim not, with what lenitie, and curtesie, they ought still to vse their subiectes especi∣ally when thei behold the Kyng of the Bées, for no cause to greue or offende any of the others? Greate Persona∣ges,

and noble men, maie learne an example of humility by the Camell, whiche then stoopeth, and kneleth when he shall be charged. The good and loyall husbande, may learne to schole himself, in the rules of chastitie, by bir∣des, by the Turtell I meane and by the Doue, whiche both, the male, as well as also the female, for none other cause then death, what so euer, seuer or disioigne, hauing once acquainted theim selues together. Farther it is al∣so written of the Turtle, that hauyng once loast by anie occasion her mate, that she neuer after chuseth, or lot∣teth to her any other. Saincte Ambrose counseleth all vertuous widowes to imitate this example of continen∣cie in the Turtle. And here in most beastes excéede vs in perfection: among whom, as sone as the femal hath once conceaued, she neuer séeketh or desireth againe, the male in long tyme after. They also serue vs for examples in temperancie, for commonly thei wil eate no more then nature asketh, ne sléepe they more, then necessitie requi∣reth. To defende maintaine, and well to order our hou∣ses, to be merie, and liberall towardes our famely, and charge, the Cocke well instructeth vs in this place with his example: for he geueth out again of his owne mouth meate to his hennes, and farther to cherishe, and keepe theim, leaueth not to expose hymselfe to euerie kinde of daunger. The greate obligation of all children to war∣des their parentes, and in what sorte thei ought, both to serue, and succour theim, the Storke most plainlie, and most euidētly she weth vs, whiche lodge in their neastes, foster, and prouide for, their olde, their weake, and their foible parentes, as thei by them were fostered and fedde in their youth. Why shameth not man to fainte through feare or timiditie, consideryng the Lions prowis, and inuincible courage? Faithe, amitie, with the perpetuall recordation or memory of a good turne, reast, or dwell cōtinually in the dogge, whiche neuer forgetteh his mai∣ster, whom he hath serued, loueth, and falloweth hym,

neuer leauyng to be thanckful, for y^e breade, that he hath receiued. Man that would profite hymselfe, by the vse of an other mannes goodes, without his hurte, or domage, must so there in learne to ordre and beare hym selfe, as doth the litle Bée whiche draweth Honie out of the flo∣wers without offēce, or annoy, in any wise doen to them. The order and meane that man shoulde vse, for the pre∣seruation of his health, is not only geuen vs of one beast, but sufficiently of many, which knowe what foode may annoie, or greue theim, chaungyng from place to place, as occasion, and tyme of the yere requireth, inhabityng places agreyng to their complexion, and nature, passyng man here in, as also in all other thinges. Whie refuseth manne to learne, and to be instructed in these thinges, of whiche he is ignorant, hauyng vnderstandyng, and eue∣ry his senses? Whie leaueth he any thing lesse assaide, or vnatempted? the Elephante practiseth that which is taught hym, the Dogge by paine becommeth skilfull in many thinges, and the birde in fine by long watche, is taught to prate, or to speake. Who so hireth the Night∣tingale with her diuersitie of notes, eake also manie o∣ther birdes like pleasaunt and sweete, how is it that he lesse pleaseth in the skille of musike? Why practiseth not manne to bee exquisite in all kinde of buildynges, consi∣deryng how artificially the litle Swallowe frameth to her a lodgyng, with what diuersitie of matter she forti∣fieth, and strenghneth it? What better proportion is v∣sed in Geometrie, then that whiche vseth the litle poore Spider? what Astrologian diuineth better of the chaūge of weather then doth the Ante, or the fishe which is cal∣led Vranoscopos (as hath Galen) whose eye so standeth, * 1.26 that the euermore loketh vpwardes. Why prognosticate not men, and why iudge thei not of these matters? How many other excellencies, and perfections are in beastes, of whiche menne haue some learned, and daily yet do le∣arne? The firste inuention to make holes, or passages

through the yerth, as also the firste knowledge of that place to be habitable, manne receaued at the beginnyng from the Badger and the Foxe The maner, and facion, to twist and make silke, man hath learned, and receaued of the little worme, whiche in latine is called commonly Seres, by meanes whereof we now twist woll and other thinges. After this of the Spider, manne also learned to spinne thréede, and of hym to make Nettes, to deceaue, and take birdes. Of beastes also hath manne learned to swimme in the water: for no one is there of them, that swimmeth not, but mā naturally vnapte therto, by long paine some thing profiteth there in. Howe we by theim are skilled: in some experimētes in phisicke, is els where saide, as also some what, of the alteration, and chaunge of the weather: and yet on theim féede we onely, in our necessitie, and hunger, in suche sorte that I knowe not howe we possibly might leaue theim. Of their skinne, heare, and wolle we frame to vs apparel, from straunge countries thei bring to vs, what so we haue néede of, and being so necessarie, force man there to seke theim. They labour, and turne the earth, whēce we reape our breade and most parte of other fruictes, so that they be the chefe staie, and sustentation of mans life, and althogh thei bee ouerlaboured by vs, beaten, and hardly vsed, yet neuer leaue thei to be obedient, to knowe, and to followe vs. In battaile oftentimes, they not onely fight, but die for vs, and in tyme of peace, they serue in euerie our vses. But speake we now how thei profite, the minde, or the soule, a matter, then the other of greater weight, and impor∣tance. Now whence then shall man, take better, or more examples, for vertuous life, or perfection in maners, thē he may from many, and sundry kindes of beastes? All these vertues, which philosophers haue so carefully leaft vs, are founded on similitudes, and parables of beastes: Oratours to perswade drawe from theim comparisons, as also all others that haue well, and eligantly written.

GOD hymselfe, and his sainctes, moste vsually in holy wréete, and most commonly instructe vs, by the maners and conditions, of rude, and brute beastes, leadyng vs to perfection, and integritie of life, willyng manne to bée prudent, as is the Serpent, simple also as is the Doue, meke and gentle as is the Lambe, strong again and con∣stante as is the Lion. This then by the examples, of mute, and dull beastes, we are taught to be men resona∣ble, and spirituall. We also finde many offices, and esta∣tes of the Churche, applied, and compared to beastes, ac∣cordyng to their propertie. By the Oxe (as hath Sainct Augustine, on the seconde of Ihon) are signified these that publishe, and preache, the sacred scriptures. And ac∣cordyng to this interpretation saithe he, the Prophetes, and the Apostles, were reputed as Oxen, but suche as did labour, and husebande our soules, sowyng, and plantyng in theim, the true worde of God. Saincte Paule, and also Salomon in his prouerbes saieth: thou shalt not mousell the mouth of the Oxe that trauaileth. The holy doctours and preachers of the woorde, whiche with their lawes, and doctrine, gouerne, and defende the Churche are efte∣sones termed by the name of Dogges, whiche Saincte Gregorie affirmeth, writyng on these woordes of Iob: Quorum nō dignabar patres ponere cū canibus gregis mei. The same Saincte Gregorie, also moueth vs to a contempla∣tiue life, if not for other cause, yet by y^t sole example, and imitation of the goate, which continually climeth vppe, in to high and haute places, passyng as it were there hys tyme in contemplation, vtteryng to that purpose these woordes of Leuiticus: out of the troope lette the Goate be offered. And againe he saieth that the true preachers should imitate the Cocke, groundyng on these wordes of Iob, where he saieth: who hath geuen intelligence to the Cocke? adding, that as the Cocke, so preache they, in the darkenes, and in the shaddowe of this life, the light and cōforte, of the life to come, wakyng vs with their admo∣nitions,

and remouing vs from sleape, criyng and saiyng continually with Saincte Paule, the night is paste, and the daie at hande. And an other saieth, it is tyme that we arise, and forgeate againe to sleape, looke abrode ye iust, and sinne not. The true, the holy, and the immaculate Churche, is semblably campared also to a Doue, for as hath Salamon in Canticis, O how faire, and beautifull art thou, O thy eyes, the eyes of a very Doue. Farther we sée, that of fower Euangelistes, thrée of theim were fi∣gured by three beastes. If I woulde dwell longer in thys matter, I should haue muche to doe, and should parcase wearie also the reader. But aboue all other examples, that of our sauiour, and redemour, Iesus Christe is nota∣ble, whiche also woulde be figured by a beaste, as is eui∣dent by Sainct Ihon, in his Apocalypse saiyng: the Lion of the race of ••uda is victorious. And Dauid in his Psal∣mes saieth, he is raised as a Liō: with many such others long to remember: as S. Matthewe where he saieth, O Hierusalem, Hierusalē, how often times would I haue ga∣thered thy children together, euen as the Henne clocketh her Chickens vnder her winges but thou wouleest not. Euen so then as Christe compareth his workes, to the properties of beastes, so shall man doe well to receaue instructions by theim, the better thence to frame, and more vertuously his life. And on the other side what shame and infamie is it to man, to see howe beastes per∣fectly followe euery one their nature, & man the sole and onely creature, that sauereth of reason, so much abuseth that superexcellent gifte lente hym: for he who onely should honour God most, offendenth stil his maiestie far aboue al the others, neglectyng, and abusing his graces continually: in suche sorte that some beastes there are, of whom man should rather take example, then of some men that liue presently among vs: for more feling haue they of iustice, and lesse offende they in euerie respecte, then man which knoweth, or should do, what is his due∣tie.

And therfore saith god by the mouth of Esaie, the Oxe knoweth his lorde and maister, the Asse also her Cribbe or Maunger: but Israel knoweth him not, nether will his people vnderstande hym.

Why triumphes were first vsed in Rome, as againe how many they were, that there also triumphed, what a Triumphe is, and that there is twoo sortes of theim. Chap. 17.

MOrally to speake, and after the maner of man, two thinges principally moue vs to attempte greate and dangerous affaires, in peace as well, as also in warre. The firste is renoume, and ho∣nour, the second none other, then vti∣litie, and gaine. The noble harte, and valiaunt courage chiefly desireth, and affecteth the first, the minde abiecte, base, and vngentle, gréedily hunteth for gaine, and saliry. Cicero in an oration of his pro Ar∣chia poeta, saieth, that we all are drawen with desire of commendation, and who so in déede is most famous, and honorable, is most, and aboue others stirred there with, demaunding none other paiment, or guerdon, of his ver∣tue, then onely glory, and praise of the people. The same Cicero againe in an other pro Milone, saieth, that the true, wise, and valiaunt gentleman, so muche toileth not at all for wage, and gaine, as he doeth for honour, which followeth his paines. Whiche thing well considered by the auncient Romaines, they assuredly more sought then all other nations, besides their salary, to honour, and ex∣tolle, with all kinde of reuerence, suche as had doen any notable, and vertuous exploites. In suche sorte, that in shorte time was found in Rome, more store of excellent Capitaines, and prudent gouernours, then in any other

place, through the worlde whatsoeuer, by meanes wher∣of thei after got the vniuersall empire. For which cause, aswell for exāple of this tyme present, as also to content the curious in antiquities, I thought it good in this place, to discourse of the true order, & maner, which the Romai∣nes vsed, in giuyng fame, & renoume, to their capitaines victorious. And for that emong al other honours, the tri∣umph was the greatest, we will there begin, letting the reader to vnderstande, that a triūphe was a forme of en∣trie, or welcome into Rome, doen to y^e capitain generall, with moste pōpe, & solēnitie, that was possible to be doen in any wise to man: & although these triūphes wer much vsed in Rome, yet wer thei not the first inuentors of thē For Diodorus Siculus, & Plinie saie, that Denis, of the an∣tiquitie, * 1.27 called Dionis, or other wise pater liber, was the first that euer triūphed in the world. It semeth also that the people of Carthage, vsed some tymes in like sorte to triumphe: for as Iustine recordeth, emong other thynges that were writtē of Hasdrubal, he fower tymes in his life triumphed magnifically. We in maner semblable reade, of the triumphes of the kinges of Egipt, but principally of the kynge Sosestris. How be it to speake here in truely, these triumphes were neuer els where so solemnized, as they were at tymes in Rome, for on that daie, that any Capitaine there triumphed, the whole multitude ceste from euery kinde of labour, as not lawfull for theim at that tyme to do any thing what so euer. The inhabitan∣tes then of euery the townes adiacent, came runnyng to Rome, to beholde this spectacle: then was all the citie ouer, the Temples, the gates, and the streates, yea and the windowes hangde eche where with clothe of Golde and of Siluer, with silkes, with boughes, with flowers o∣doriferus, and with all other costly, and sumptuous sigh∣tes possible, which might geue any token, or note of ioie. The Senate, the Préestes, and Nobilitie of Rome, with al the other citisens that were of any countinance, went

out into the fieldes honorably appareled, to receaue hym that triumphed then entryng into Rome, all clad in pur∣ple, and crouned with Laurel, moūted in a coache of gold, drawē with iiij. white stedes. All the captiues marchyng before hym, attired as bond men, with their heades sha∣uen: and the generall, or kyng hym self, that was at that tyme taken, went nighest before the coache of any one other. His owne Souldiars entred the Citie in good or∣der, euery of theim hauyng in his hand a Laurell. Before hym also paste other Chariotes, or Waggons all char∣ged with armour taken from the ennimie, & with theim also past all the treasure, and plate that he had gotten, as well of Siluer, as of Golde, all the money, and Iuels of what sort so euer, and with the same also, but a parte, al giftes and presentes, that he had receaued of any prin∣ces or cities, frendes, or assistātes to the people of Rome. Before hym also paste, greate Castels, Fortresses, and Engines of warre, most skilfully framed, or facioned in woodde, representyng the tounes, and holdes that he had rased: and in marching made shewes, and countenances of battaile, but especially of suche, as had chaunsed theim in that voiage, doone in suche sorte, and so representyng the thing in deede, that it made theim to tremble that attentiuely behelde it. And these shewes were ordinari∣ly so many, and so diuers, that the triumphe commonlie continued full three daies, to the intente that all these thinges might orderly be doen. In euery triumphe were many straunge inuentions (as showes, and pageantes) with others the semblable long here to remember. Ne∣ther was it lawfull vnto all capitaines, ne yet for all vi∣ctories, what so euer, to triumphe, but certaine notable lawes, and customes were established, for which onely, and for none other, the triumphe was graunted. The ca∣pitaine that demaunded that honour, entered not at the firste in to Rome, but the Senate woulde sende hym an aunswere thereof vnto Vatican, to wéete, whether they

woulde licence hym to triumphe or not. Firste no gene∣ral, or other capitaine, of what condition so euer he were mighte at any tyme triumphe, were he not a Consul, Proconsul, or Dictator, for the triumphe was neuer graunted to man of meaner condition, by meanes wher∣of it was denied to M. Mercellus, that most victoriouslie conquired, and subdued Siracusa, as also to Scipio that o∣uerranne all Spain. Againe to the obtainyng of this fore saide honor, it was also requisite, that the battaile fought with the ennimy should be greate, and daungerous, and that there should be slaine therin, a boue fiue thousande. Of these thinges writeth Valerius Maximus. It is also written, that Cato, and L. Marius tribunes, ordained a lawe, to dooe sharpe, and seueare, animaduertion on all Capitaines that should make false report of the number slaine. Neither was it sufficient to winde the battaile, were it neuer so blooddy and dangerous: but he also must make tributory, and subiect the whole prouince, leauyng it quiet, and in peace to his successor, bringing also home with hym his army victorious. For which cause as Liuie recordeth, the triumphe was denied to Titus Manlius, though in truthe he hadde obtained greate victories in Spaine, for that after him thei were forced to ouerrunne the countrie againe, to wage newe battaile, to kepe by force, and defende that whiche before was gotten. For this cause also Quintus Fabius the greate, triumphed not, though in deede he once had subdued all Cāpagna, as also recordeth Valerius Maximus. It also was the maner that he that triumphed, should inuite to hym that might, the Consuls to supper, which they vtterly (suche was the maner) refused, for that, at that feaste, was at no time a∣nie, to whom greater honour was doen then to the tri∣umpher. These triumphes were euer ended in the tem∣ple of Iupiter, with in the Capitoll, where he offered vp the whole spoile whiche he had taken from the ennimie, where also (for greater solemnization) publicke assemble

was then made. And to the intente that this Capitaine shoulde not glory to muche of this honour doen to hym, it is reported that a bonde man should that day be placed by hym, to whom it was permitted to skoffe, and deride hym, in suche sorte, and manner, as it beste should like hym, where of sundry examples are found in olde histo∣ries. But to make more plaine this kinde of triumphe if it be possible, we wil remember some, but first of al that, of Paulus Aemilius, a capitaine Romaine, moste famous, and valiaunte, to whom, for that he had subdued, and ta∣ken Persius king of Macedonie, vtterly spoilyng, and wa∣styng his countrie, the triumphe was graunted, by com∣mon suffrage of all men, who as Plutarche reciteth, tri∣umphed in this maner. First of all, the inhabitantes of Rome, as well as of other places nigh adiacente, were that daie seen in their most sumptuous, and riche attire, euery of them indeuouring to place himself, in some too∣tyng hole, or windowe, the better, and with more ease, to beholde this spectacle. All the temples in Rome, were on euery side open, hangde, and apparelied, with moste cost∣ly furniture, with grene boughes, & perfumes, of no smal value, the streates also were like gaie, and glorious. And for that the multitude of people in the citie, was then in∣finite, as well of straungers, as also of others, a number of sticklers was appoincted, to make through the strea∣tes, easie waie, and passage, and for that the diuersitie of shewes, were suche, and so many, necessitie constrained them, to parte them into three daies: the first hardly suf∣ficed, in good order to bryng in the banners, standardes, and ensignes of the conquered, the Colossi, Images, and tables of price, whiche all were brought in on cartes, ve∣rie curiously depainted, and trimmed. On the second daie came in the armour of the kyng conquered, as also of all th'other Macedomens, whiche as thei were riche, bright, and glitteryng, so were thei with moste cunnyng to the she we ordered, and couched on cartes. After these cartes

entered three thousande men in order, bearyng nothyng but money open, and to bee seen, and that in houge char∣gers, and vesselles of siluer, waighyng euery one three talentes at the leaste, of whiche were three hundred and fiftie in noumber, fower menne lotted to euery vessell. The others, the residue I meane of this three thousand) brought in cundites streming, most artificially wrought with other plate all siluer, no lesse faire, then massie, and in passyng of these companies, in iuste and semely order, thei ended the second daie in most pompous solemnitie. The thirde daie, euen in the breake, or spryng thereof, with the firste band entered (a ioyous signe of conquest) infinite flutes, drommes, trumpettes, with others suche like Martiall, and warlike instrumentes, soundyng all togither, not delicately, or swetely, but in moste terrible and cruell maner that was possible, in suche sort, as thei presently should ioigne in battaile: and after them came an hundreth and twentie Kine, all white, hauyng their hornes curiously gilted, their bodies couered with cer∣tain riche vailes, whiche thei accompted as sacred or ho∣lie, bearyng also garlandes of flowers on their heddes, driuen by certaine yonge boies, no lesse well fauoured, then curiously attired, to the place where thei should bee to their goddes Sacrificed, after whom also, came other children againe, charged with greate platers of gold, and siluer for the Sacrifice. After these came others againe, seuentie and seuen, whiche in vesselles of golde, carried all the gold that thei had gathered in coigne: after whom came then thei, that carried the greate gobblet, poisyng fully tenne talentes of gold, whiche Paulus Aemilius had dooen to be made, sette also, and inrichte with stones of rare price: and thei that bare these vessels of golde, were suche as were nighest, and beste beloued of these kinges, to wete, of Antigonus. Seleucus, and other kynges of Macedonie, and especially of Persius the honourableste of them. After this followed the couche of the kynge con∣quered,

with his owne proper armour laied a parte to be seen, his diademe, or croune, with his scepter roiall, laied in semely order, to the vewe, vpon his armour. After his coache came prisoners on foote, the little infauntes, his owne naturall children, and followyng theim, a greate troope of his seruauntes, and officers, as maisters of the houshold secretaries, vshers, comptrollers, chamberlai∣nes, with others suche of his courte, or familie, all wee∣pyng and wailyng, in maner so dolorous, seyng them sel∣ues brought nowe into suche seruitude, and extremitie, that thei moued to compassion, all suche as beheld them. Of the kynges children there were twoo boies, and one maide, of age yet then so yonge, and tēder, that thei were lesse capable of their infortune, and miserie, by meanes whereof the people were more moued to pitie, sorrowe∣yng in straunge maner, to see them in that miserie. In this triumphe, then followed the father, his owne childrē after the vsage of his countrie, cladde all in blacke, who marchte by his countenaunce all amased, and fearfull, as in deede he had good cause, his presente estate considered. Then followed the kyng, sundrie of his approued frien∣des, which beholding in that plight, their vnhappie prince brake out into teares, and sighes, so bitterly, that the Ro∣maines themselues, be wepte that their infortunacie. Af∣ter these folowed one, carriyng certain diademes, whiche some auncient cities in Grece, had presented vnto Aemi∣lius, who immediatly followed in persone triumphantly, mounted in a chariotte, appareiled with purple Tissue, hauyng a bough of Laurell in his hande, with a croune al∣so of thesame on his hedde, whom followed his owne sol∣diours, bothe foote menne, and horse menne, all armed in moste decente order, holdyng also eche of them a Laurell bough in his hande, their ensiegnes, and banners soldiour like displaied, syngyng delicate songes, in the honour of their capitaine triumphyng, with many other like mat∣ters moste roiall, and magnificent. This then was the

order of Aemilius his triumphe in Rome. Th'others for the most parte followed also this order, addyng or dimi∣nishyng some fewe thinges as best liked theim, and laste of all offered vppe the spoile or bootie, in the temple of Iu∣piter with in the Capitoll, where in suche forme and ma∣ner, as their vaine religion required, they gaue thankes to their Gods, for their victorie obtained. And although in this sorte thei commonly obserued their triumphes, yet were there certaine lawes, that of parte limited the ma∣ner of these triumphes, and that accordyng to the deme∣rites of the triumphant, makyng distinction, and diffe∣rence both of the stréetes and gates whereat thei should enter, the tymes also, by the Senate were appointed theim, but as touchyng all other thnyges, as shewes, plaies, bankettes, and suche others, it was lawfull for e∣uery man accordong to his apetite, to inriche, and beauti∣fie his triūphe, as best pleased him: and as for his Coache he also vsed that, as was to hym best semyng, for it is eui∣dent that some drewe them with fower white horses, o∣thers some with bulles. The greate Pompe when he tri∣umphed for his victories in Africa, he entered Rome, hys Chariote trained with Elephantes. Suetonius recordeth that when Caesar triūphed, he entred Rome, drawne with fortie Elephantes: in mauer semblable came in the Em∣perour Gordian also. And as Flauius writeth the Empe∣rour Aurelius whiche in like maner was also king of the Gothes, had his Coache triumphant drawen with wilde Hartes: M. Antonius also with Lions. The Romaine ca∣pitaines farther vsually accustomed, to haue euermore in their triumphant Coache with theim, one childe verie yong; or some tymes more: whiche Cicero well remem∣bereth in his oration pro Murena. Some also broughte with theim, from the place where thei conquired infinite numbers of straunge and sauage beastes, as Lions, Oun∣ces, Beares, Tigers, Rinocerons, Panthers, Droma∣daries, Elephantes, with many such others, as did Titus

and Vespasian, as recordeth Iosephus. Other some also entered, with most diuersitie of musicke that was possi∣ble, vsing as well their instrumentes, as their voices, with inspekable others, suche harmonious delectotions: among all which triumphes, some were more exquisite, and more absolute thē the others, as those of Pompe, and Caesar, these also of the two Scipioes, brothers, and in fine these of the Emperours, whereof Blondus remembereth in his booke, de Roma triumphante: and as writeth Pau∣lus Orosius, there triumphed in Rome at sundrie tymes, thrée hundred, and twenty famous Capitaines, the laste of whiche all was the Emperour Probus, in whose time the Empire firste beganne to decline. There was also v∣sed in Rome an other kinde of welcome, or solemne re∣ceauyng, whiche was some thing lesse costly, and lesse ho∣nourable then the triumphe, whiche they termed, or cal∣led an ouation, which as A. Gellius recordeth, was graū∣ted vnto Capitaines for their victories, then I saie, when some one thinge or other failed in theim, so that they might not by their cōstitutions demande the triumphe: as for example, if the Capitaine were nether Consul, or Proconsul, or had conquired at his pleasure without any daungerous resistance, or for that the battaile was lesse cruell and blooddy, or for that he had subdued a people bar∣barous, and of small reputation, or that the warre was enterprised, without expresse commaundement from the Senate, or for other suche like, and semblable causes. So that in place then of the triumphe, this Ouation was graunted theim, whiche was in suche sorte as followeth. The Capitaine entered Rome on horse backe, in steade of a Coach, and some also at the firste came in on foote, * 1.28 crouned with hearbes, whiche were offered vnto Venus for that these victories were rather estemed venerius, then Martial. Neither entered the souldiars of these capi∣taines armed, ne yet sounded they any Trompette, or Dromme which might geue or force some Martial noise,

but vsed onely flutes, vials, and others, swete, & musicall instrumentes. How be it, thei brought with them in opē she we their praie, or bootie, the Senate meting thē with∣out the citie in the fieldes, feastyng, praising, and cōmen∣dyng them merueilously, whiche honour (though in déede farre inferiour to th'other) sundry honorable personages hath both yet sought, & accepted it. The firste that in this sorte was receaued in to Rome, was Posthumius Liber∣tus, for his victorie obtained against the Sabines, and next Marcus Marcellus, for his victorie in Siracusa. Suetonius writeth, that Octauian{us} Caesar, entered Rome also with this petie triumph post bella Philippica, and his other war∣res in Sicilie. Plinie writeth that there were sundry Ca∣pitaines, to whom the triumphe beyng denied, conten∣ted theimselues notwithstandyng with this kinde of O∣uation. The cause why this little triumphe was termed by this name, was for that the sacrifice whiche the Ca∣pitaine did, or offered that daie, was of a sheepe, whiche may in latin be called Ouis, but thei that triumphed offe∣red a Bull, so that from this worde Ouis, came that other of Ouation, their welcome, or ioious receauyng in to Rome againe. Others saie that it tooke his beginnyng of that voice of y^e people Oe, or other wise Oue, but for that * 1.29 to reste here on is a matter of lesse importance, let it suf∣fice that thei called it an Ouation, whether it tooke his denomination, ether of that first latin worde Ouis, or els of that other Oe, or Oue. It farther was permitted to all Capitaines triumphant, that thei should sette vppe their Images, in all Temples, and common places, that they should erect at their pleasure any Columnes, or pillours, geuyng theim the name of Pillours triumphant, builte of Marble, workyng in theim, in moste curious manner possible, euery their battailes, and victories, to their per∣petuall renoume, and honour, a shewe of whiche, is yet this daie to be seen in Rome. Whiche thinges thei firste did, followyng, the Trophees of the Grekes, whiche also

were doen in suche sorte as followeth. In the very same place, where any Capitaine, obtained the victory against his ennimy, he did to be set vp there a greate, and houge tree, cuttyng from the same, all his armes, or boughes, fastnyng to the stocke, the armure of the vanquished, to his perpetuall honour, and renoume, and this called thei a Trophe, of that Greke word Tropi, whiche may signifie conuertion, flight, or retraite, for that in that place, the ennimy was put to flight: and this with these Trophes, the Romaines first acquainted theimselues, for as Salust writeth, Pompe on a time hauyng vāquished the Spani∣ardes, plaste his trophes, on the toppes, of the moūtaines Pirenei, whiche vsage by tracte of tyme, grewe after into suche estimation, that thei made them of stone, wronght artificially. How bee it, this thyng semeth to bee of more antiquitie, and that other nations also before the Grekes vsed it, for it is redde in the fiftenth Chapiter of the firste booke of the Kynges, that Saul hauing vanquished Agag King of the Amalachites, came after to mounte Carmell, where he erected an arche triumphall, in the onely re∣membrance, and memorie of his victories. To conclude the honour of a triumphe was suche, and so estimed, that no one other was so much desired in Rome, so that their Capitaines refused no paine, no perill, or daunger, howe greate, or what soeuer, so that in fine thei might attaine to that inestimable honour. Besides, these Capitaines that thus triumphed, became merueilous riche, by the spoiles of the conquered, to theim also were geuen, great presentes by their frēdes: which I onely to this purpose, in this place would remember, that princes might hence learne, how to recompense, and reward their capitaines, and other soldiars what so euer, accordyng to their deser∣tes: for commonly in these daies, the daintie coward, and nise Carpette man, is more largely considered of, then those that imploie, both their gooddes, and their liues, in the seruice of the Prince, and defence of their countrie.

¶ What names the Romaine capitaines gained by their victories. Chapt. 18.

THe capitaines of Rome, were yet be∣sides their triumphes, in an other lort honoured, to wete, by names, and sur∣names giuen them, of the people, and prouinces, whiche thei had conquered, and subdued, whiche assuredly was no small recompēce, for their worthy de∣merits. Somtimes thei also gat additiōs to their names for their onely prowes, or courage in armes, whēce sun∣drie families in Rome grewe, moste famous, and hono∣rable. First we maie speake of the thre Metelli, of which the one (as hath Saluste, & besides him others) for hauyng vanquished the kyng Iugurthe, and conquered his coun∣trie, and all the territories of Numidia, was called Nu∣midicus. The other Quintus Metellus, for his victorie ob∣tained againste the kyng of Macedonie, was surnamed Macedonicus, and the laste Creticus, for that he subdued the Isle of Crete. Before these were Marcius Coriolanus and Sergius Fidenatus, of which the first gatte that name, for that he subdued to the Romaines, the citie Corialis, the seconde, for that he brought Tributorie Fidena in I∣talie. And finally an other Metellus was there named Balearicus, for that he subdued to the Romaine Empire, the Isles Baleares, whiche other wise haue this daie to name Maiorque, and Minorque, with the others adioy∣nyng to theim. Lucius Numius, was surnamed Acaicus, for that he conquered Acaia, and Corinthe. Brutus also for that he subdued the Gaules, receiued in recompence, the name of Gaulois. The twoo Scipioes brothers, were also honoured with the names, of twoo sundrie nations, by them vanquished, and subdued: the one Africanus, the other Asiaticus, for that he bothe conquered Antioche,

and Asia, and was the firste that euer brought, any Ro∣maine ensiegne into Asia. After this the other Scipio, sonne to Paulus Aemelius (of whose triumph aboue some thyng is saied) and nephewe by adoption, vnto the greate Scipio, was also as th'other, surnamed Africanus, for that he bothe assailed, and wōne, the riche, and famous citie of Carthage. He also receiued for like guerdon, the name of Numantinus, or Numāticus, whiche was to hym no lesse honour, then the other, for hauyng sackte Numantia in Spaine. It is also readde, that Emperours themselues ioied, in the names of tounes, and places by them con∣quered, vysyng thesame euer more, in their letters Pa∣tentes, and other instrumentes, as did Seuerus, and after hym his successours: as for the conqueste of Arabia, Par∣thia, Armenia, Germania, and others, the one named him¦self Arabicus, an other Parthicus, an other againe Arme∣nicus, Germanicus, and Asiaticus, eche honouryng hym¦self, with his victories obtained. For other causes also, y^t Romaines, at times gained like names of honor, as Mar∣cus Manlius, who for that he defended the Capitoll from the violente force of the Frenche men, gained the name of Capitolinus. The familie of the Toroquates, receiued firste that name, for that o•••• of them toke by force from the necke of his enemie, a chaine, or coller, in Latin tor∣ques. Q. Fabius the greate, who for his delaies, and dali∣aunce vsed with Hannibal, deliueryng by the same mea∣nes also his countrie, was surnamed afterwardes Cunc¦tator: For this cause he also was called the Targette of Rome, whiche turned hym to great aduantage, and ho∣nor. Marcus Marcellus, which liued also at thesame time, for his valiaunte prowes, and courage, and continuance in stel••e, still againste his enemie, was in fine called the knife, or sworde of Hanniball. That excellente capitaine Silas, though he were cruel, was not withstādyng for his happie victories, surnamed Fortunate. Pompe for his so many, so honourable, and so re•…•…ed victories, was

through the worlde called Pompe the greate, then whi∣che name, I knowe not what might bee more roiall, or magnificent. And thus were those names giuen, to those vertuous capitaines, in suche sorte, that their generalles, and conductours of armies, were also termed by the na∣mes of Emperours, whiche this daie of all others, is the supreme, and higheste dignitie, so that thei were, either Pretors, Consuls, or Proconsuls, and that also had sub∣dued his enemie in some famous battaille, had also de∣stroied, and wasted his whole countrie, slaine, and mur∣thered greate heapes of his subiectes, and finally by the losse of twoo thousande of his owne, to haue slaine tenne thousande of the contrary, at the leaste, for other wise he gained not the name of an emperour. This happie name gate Iulius Caesar, the father of Iulius Caesar, for his vic∣torie; whiche he obtained againste the Samnites, and Lu∣cans, in the daies, and tyme of Silas. Pompe was also cal∣led Emperour, for his fortunate victorie in Africa, against Domician. Cicero assigned Proconsul in that warre, a∣gainste the Parthians, was by his soldiours, for his happie successe, continually called Emperour. Iulius Caesar also before he was elected Emperour, was, for that he was fortunatein warre, euery where called Emperour. But what capitaine so euer founde not his aduersary strong, and puissaunte, suche as durste, and would, bothe meete, and incounter with hym, neither merited, or obtained that name of an Emperour, yea, he sharpely was repro∣ued, that ambiciously desired it. Hence Marcus Antonius semed to grudge, and m••rmure, for that hauyng sackte a greate citie, on the farther side of the riuer of Euphrates, that the name of Emperour, was notwithstandyng, de∣nied hym. After this Iulius Caesar, and his successours, af∣fectyng the seigniorie of Rome; and knowing how odious the name of a kyng was, vnto all the people, did them sel∣ues to be called, by the name of Emperours, whiche from that tyme hath continued, euen vntill this daie, a name of

all others moste reuerente, and honourable. And as the Romaines, this honoured their owne capitaines, with these titles, so in maner semblable, neither left, or forgate thei to gratifie any straunger, that for friendship serued, or liued in wage with theim, in maner as ample, as if he had been borne in Rome: and as thei founde them hardy, and valiaunte, so were thei gratious, and large, in recom∣pensyng their seruice: so gaue thei vnto Atalus a parte of Asia, with the title (for more ample satisfaction) of a king of which benefite, he neuer became obliuious, or vngrate∣full, for diyng, he retourned the profites therof, to Rome again. A. Eumenes brother to this Atlaus, for that he ha•• bothe painfully, and faithfully serued the Romaines, a∣gainst Antiochus, the Senate gaue hym in recompence, all the tounes, that thei had gotten of Antiochus in Asia. Vnto Iotar kyng of Galicia, for hauyng aided Pompe a∣gainst Mithridates, thei gaue the whole prouince of little Armenia. In like sorte thei rewarded Massinisla kyng of Numidia, receiued by Scipio for companion, and frende to the people of Rome, to whom thei franckly gaue what so euer, he had gotten from Siphax, whiche had aided the Citezeins of Carthage, against the others of Rome. Nei∣ther thus rewarded thei princes, and greate personages onely, but vnto men of base condition, thei presented iu∣les, offices, and honours. The Consull Marius, cōsidering the notable courage, of twoo small bandes, whiche mer∣uailously withstoode the furious, and violent incursions of the Cimbrians, whiche then were entered vpon the * 1.30 frontires, or confines of Italie, infranchest them imme∣diatly, reputing them for citezeins of Rome, wherof beyng reproued, as hauyng doen it against their lawes, saied, that in the middle of that fight, when blowes were dealt thic∣keste, he heard no lawe speake in what sorte so euer.

The ende of the thirde parte.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Plinie in his seuenth boke,
• * 1.2

  Herodotus.
• * 1.3

  Diodorus. Sic.
• * 1.4

  S. Augustine in his eightinth booke, de ciui∣tate dei. Iosephus in his first booke of his aniquities.
• * 1.5

  Plinie in his thirtine boke, the eleuenth and twel••te Chapiters.
• * 1.6

  Alaxandria was founded by Alex. 320. yeres before the incarnatiō of Christ. Plin. in his. 31. booke, and ix. Chapiter.
• * 1.7

  Iosephus in his 12. booke of antiqnities,
• * 1.8

  Whé and who first founde the skille of printyng.
• * 1.9

  A. Gel. in his sixte booke. Isidorus in his sixte booke.
• * 1.10

  Plinie lib. 7. cap. 8.
• * 1.11

  Pet. Crinitus lib. 5. cap. 3.
• * 1.12

  A. Gel libr. 15. cap. 3.
• * 1.13

  Plinie lib. 13.
• * 1.14

  Lac. li. 2. insti, diuinarum. Iosep. li. 1. an••.
• * 1.15

  Plinie lib. 7. cap. 5▪ 6.
• * 1.16

  Plinie leb. 2••▪ cap. 1.
• * 1.17

  ••al. lib. 2. Plinie. lib. 14.
• * 1.18

  Arist. li. 7. pol.
• * 1.19

  Iosephus lib. 8. ant.
• * 1.20

  All creatures saue man con∣tent theim sel∣ues with wa∣ter.
• * 1.21

  All creatures saue man, con∣tente thē selues vvith vvater.
• * 1.22

  Lib. 11. nocti. Atticarum.
• * 1.23

  Deute. 32.
• * 1.24

  Exodus. 12.
• * 1.25

  Or in the con∣trary poincte the firste of Libra.
• * 1.26

  Vranoscopos a fishe hauyng but one eye.
• * 1.27

  Diod. Sic. li. 6. Plinie lib. 2.
• * 1.28

  A. Gellius lib. 6 cap. 6. noct. At.
• * 1.29

  Or it might be saied to rise of the latin word Ouo, whiche is to reioice. Whence also is deriued Ouatio and frō thence this Ouation.
• * 1.30

  Cimbria is that vvhich vve novv call Den∣marke.