The rogue: or The life of Guzman de Alfarache. VVritten in Spanish by Matheo Aleman, seruant to his Catholike Maiestie, and borne in Seuill

CHAPTER IV.

Guzman de Alfarache, recounteth to a Carrier what had betided him with his Hostesse: And discourseth of laughing. After that, hee tels two short Tales; one, of a couetoas Physician; the other of two young men, how they vs'd the said Hostesse: And vpon the neck of that fals into a learned Dis∣course, touching the pardoning of iniuries.

TRoubled in minde, full of care and thoughts, and pen∣siuely musing with my self, I lay all along on the ground, leaning mine head vpon mine arme; when by chance a Carrier hapt to passe by, who went along with empty Mules, which were to be laden with Wine at the Vil∣lage called Caçalla de la Sierra. He seeing me sitting in this melancholly manner, a Yong Strippling, all alone, afflicted in minde, handsome in my person, and reasona∣bly well clad, as one that had beene much made of heretofore, began (as I then conceiued) to pitie my troubles, and to take compassion of me, asking me, what the matter was, that I was so sad. I told him all that had hapned vnto me in my Inne; and had scarce made an end of my Tale, when he brake forth into such a Youle of laughing, that he was ready to burst, and I to breake forth into choller. And that face of mine, which before was as pale as ashes, was set on fire by those coales of anger, which were kindled in my brest a∣gainst him. But because I was not then a Cock that stood vpon my owne dunghill, nor scarce mine owne man; as also for that I found my selfe dis∣armed, and as it were in a desart by my selfe: I held my tongue, and said no∣thing vnto him, because I could not crowe as I would. For it is discretion to dissemble that, which a man cannot helpe; Patiently brooking this his rather grinning, then laughing: And those ends that are doubtfull in their obtaining, must be throughly first consulted on, and be reduced to some certain grounds and Principles. For opinions are various, and honours vitreous, glassy, and subiect to breaking. And if I should there, at that time, haue mis-behaued my selfe, happely he would haue laid hold on me first, and by aduenturing to gaine vpon him, I might haue runne the hazzard, if not the certainty of lo∣sing all. For Competition is a thing to be auoided. But if it cannot be auoided, but that we must needs haue it, let it be with our equals; and rather of the two, with thy Superiours, then thy inferiours; but haue a care that thou doe not ouer-match thy selfe with those that are too strong for thee, lest they trample vpon thee, and tread thee vnder foot. Euery thing hath its Vice, and there must an account be giuen of it. But although I did forbeare him; yet he had so heated me, that out of the warmth of that choller, which yet boyled within me, I could not choose but tell him:

My friend; Doe you see me coated for a Foole; or with a Fooles Cap on my head? Or what else is it that occasions you thus to laugh? He, rather in∣creasing, then ceasing his laughter, as if it had beene a taske put vpon him, or * 1.1 a part that he had beene enioyned to play: so fast it came from him, that ga∣ping with his mouth fist-wide, he let his head fall on tone side, (for hee was not able for laughing to hold it vpright:) and laying both his hands as hard as he was able, one while vpon his belly, another on his sides, for feare of burst∣ing; he was scarce able to sit vpon his Beast for falling, and seemed with his extreme straining of himselfe, as if he would at euery bout haue come tum∣bled downe on the ground.

I was about to answere him some three or foure times, but I could neuer come to doe it: for I no sooner offered to speake vnto him, but he presently

fell a fresh to his laughing till he chuck't againe; so did his pot runne ouer, when it once fell a boyling.

God be thanked yet at last, after this great invndation and sudden breaking forth of waters, (that those ouer-flowings of Tagus could not be greater) be∣gan to fall by little and little, by patches and by pieces, now a word & then a word, as well as he could, hauing taken a little breath, deliuering his minde by halfes, like one that stumbles and goes, and goes and stumbles, he blunderd forth these words vnto me: My good Youth, I doe not laugh at your ill suc∣cesse, nor doe your mis-fortunes glad me any whit at all: but I laugh at that, which hapned to this woman scarce two houres since. Did you happely meet with two young fellowes, that were Camerades, and walkt along together, and seemed by their habit to be Souldiers; the one clad in a medley greene suite; the other in a gray or ash-colour'd cloth, with a white doublet cut to the skin? These two (quoth I) by your description, if my memory doe not faile me, when I left the Inne, remained there behinde, beeing newly come in, when I went my way, and called for their dinner. These then (said the Carrier) are those that haue reuenged your quarrell. And the iest, that they put vpon the Hostesse, is that which I now laugh at. But if you goe my way, get vp vpon one of these beasts; & as we ride along I will tell you how it was. I thankt him for his kindnesse, as I had good cause so to doe, considering my present necessitie, rendring him such good language, as I thought might make sufficient paiment for such a courtesie. For good words requite good workes, when a man is not able to pay him, that he is beholding vnto, in better mo∣ney; * 1.2 and that he is in necessitie, to whom the kindnesse is done.

Mounting my selfe then vpon this ill accoutred Gennet, howbeit it was no better then a plaine Asse with a pack-saddle; yet it seemed to me a Silla de manos, or easie hand-Chayre, a Litter or a Coach, drawne with foure horses. For some succour, in case of necessitie, although it bee little, yet it helpeth much; and that which is but a triffle to him that giues, is an infinit supply to him that wants: it is like a little stone, that is throwne into a smooth & cleere water, which makes not only many, but great circles also. And then is a kind∣nesse most to be esteemed, when it comes in a good coniuncture, albeit it al∣wayes comes well, and neuer too late, so as it come at last. Now (me thought) I saw Heauen opened, and my honest Carrier appearing vnto me in the shape of an Angell. His face was as ioyfull vnto me, as that of the desired Physician is to him that is afflicted with sicknesse. I say, desired; because (as perhaps you may haue heard) a Physician hath three faces. Of a man, when wee see him, and haue no need of him: Of an Angell, when we are sicke, and cannot bee * 1.3 without him; and of a Diuell, when at one and the selfe-same time our sick∣nesse, and our purse ends together, and yet for his priuate interest and to gaine a fee, he followes vs with dayly visits. As it hapned to a Gentleman in Ma∣drid, * 1.4 who hauing sent for a Physician, for a certaine infirmity, where-withall he was troubled, euery visit that he made, gaue him a Crowne. The humour ceased; but his Physician was not in the humour to cease from comming vnto him.

Now the Gentleman, when he saw that he was thorow well, and that his Physician did still continue his Visits, he got him vp one morning very early, and went to Church.

Now, when the Physician came to visit him, and found him not at home, he asked his seruant whither he was gone. He (like a foole as he was) for there are seruants still inow for their Masters hurt, but few for their profit, told him, that he was gone forth to Masse to such a Church. My nimble Doctor, putting spurres to his Mule for to make the more haste, went with all speed to the said Church, and searching for him, at last he found him; and then said vnto him; What a-Gods name, Sir, doe you meane to commit so great an

excesse, as to go abroad without my leaue? The Gentleman, who knew well inough what he came for, and seeing that now he had no more need of him, put his hand in his pocket, tooke out his purse, drew foorth a Crowne, and putting it in his hand, told him; Here, take it; (master Doctor) for by the faith of a Gentleman, I now perceiue, that this sacred place cannot priuiledge me from you.

See here, how farre the couetousnesse of a foolish Physician carries him; and how farre the vertue of a quicke and noble disposition, this other Gentleman.

I betooke me to my beast, and fetching my rise, I got vp vpon his backe, and away vve went together: and wee had scarce gone a furlong from the place, but we met with two Church-men that sate there hard by, expecting some passengers, that would carry them on horse-backe towards Caçalla, (for there was their dwelling) and had beene at Seuill about a certaine Suit in Law. By their carriage and their countenance you might well know their good life and their pouertie. They were well spoken men, very kind, and very cour∣teous; the one was about some 36. yeeres of age, the other aboue fifty. They made the Carrier stay, they agreed with him; and, doing as I had done be∣fore, they got each of them vp vpon his Asse, and wee proceeded on our iourney.

But all this while, so great was the laughter of this honest man, and so ex∣cessiue beyond all measure, that he could scarce go on with his tale: for be∣twixt euery word he would let go the sluce of his sides, whilest like a Flood that furiously breakes foorth, his laughing suddenly flushes out vpon him: and as in houses, where men vittaile vpon the way, a man shall meet many times with a bare couple of Hens onely amongst fiue hundred persons; and see what they want in good cheere, they make vp with good mirth: so this mans laughter was three-fold more then his discourse; so farre did his spleene out-talke his tongue. These his delayes were so many Speares in my sides; euery deferring was a farther prouoking: so that I was all this while vpon thornes. For he that hath a longing desire to know a thing, vvould willingly haue one word come treading on the heeles of another; and with a quicke and nimble pace come (if it were possible) huddling all at once out of the mouth.

Neuer any woman that hath beene with child, did euer more earnestly long for any thing, then I did to know the successe of this businesse. Mee thought I did consume and pine away while I vvas held in this suspence, I could haue burst for anger, that my eares vvere put off, from hauing a pre∣sent hearing: for I could not but expect, that some great matter must arise from such a glorious and ingenious Fabricke, as this made show to be. I be∣gan to conceit vvith my selfe, whether some fire falne from heauen, had con∣sumed the house, and all that was therein: or whether those young fellowes had set the house on fire, and rosted my Hostesse aliue: or at least (for a lesser reuenge could not be taken ofso vile a creature) whether or no they had stript her starke naked, and hung her vp by the heeles vpon an Oliue-tree, and gi∣uen her some thousand lashes, till they had left her for dead: for lesser things then these, his laughter could not promise. Howbeit, I must confesse, had I beene then so wise and considerate, as I should haue beene, I ought not to haue * 1.5 look't for any great matter, or to presume that any good thing could proceed from one, that was thus immoderate in his laughter. For euen that which is moderate, doth in a kind of manner, accuse a man of lightnesse, argue indis∣cretion, want of iudgement, and store of vanity: but that vvhich is dis-com∣posed, and out of Reasons compasse, is (though there be neuer so much occa∣sion offered) the marke of a mad-man, and the onely note of an absolute Asse, or complete Foole.

At last (God be thanked) this Mountaine brought foorth its Mouse: in

conclusion, he told vs, (but with a thousand stops and iumpes, and his won∣ted bounds and curuets of laughing) that he hauing stayd to drinke a little * 1.6 wine, and to tarry the comming of a Companion of his, whom he had left be∣hind, he perceiued, that the Hostesse of the house brought in on a Plate, a Froyze of sixe egges; three of them starke naught, the other not so bad; which she set before them: and going about to diuide this their Froyze or Tansey in twaine, it seemed vnto them, that it made a certaine kind of resistance, refu∣sing (as it were) to be parted, one piece hanging (like torne ragges) at the taile of another. Whereupon, because this seemed to be somewhat a bad signe, and such as they did not vvell like of; they began to search a little more narrowly, vvhat should be the cause thereof. They vvere not long in discoue∣ring the truth; for they might discern certaine knobs and knurs in it; which, had it bin any body but my self, he might at first sight haue seen how the world went, and vvhere the fault lay; but being a young Lad, I should easily haue swallowed such a Gudgeon, and should in good manners haue slightly past it ouer. But these vvere a little more curious, and more Court-like, and sifted it out so finely, that they found to their seeming, three little round bumps, like three little Chickens heads all clotted together. And this cleared the doubt; for finding the bils of these pretty fooles somewhat hard growne and none of the tendrest, the pad that lay in the straw vvas presently perceiued. And they taking one of them betweene their fingers, going about to crush and breake it in pieces, it put foorth his bill, and began (though dead) to peepe foorth its head, and spake alowd vnto them, and told them plainely, vvhence, and what he vvas. So they couered the Plate, clapping another thereupon, and vvhispered somewhat in secret amongst themselues: vvhat it vvas, I then knew not, howbeit afterwards it did manifest it selfe; for presently one of them called out, and sayd; Hostesse, haue you any thing else for vs? she had a little before (in their sight) bought a a 1.7 Sabalo, (vvhich is a Fish like a Shad) which she had put vpon the ground for to rub off the scales of it, telling them; I haue such a Fish here, vvhereof (if you vvill) I shall spare you a slice or two, other meat haue I none. I pray (mother) said they, broyle it vs quickly then, for we must be gone; and if it stand vvith your good liking, set a price what you will haue for it all, and vve vvill carry it home along vvith vs. She said, it being cut out into pieces, euery slice wil yeeld me a Royal, and I cannot bate you a farthing of it. They said, No: they thought it vvas too much, one Royall profit in the vvhole, vvere very good gaines.

At last they agreed for two Royals; for a bad pay-master neuer reckons vvhat he receiueth, nor stands a hucking for that, vvhich he is to take vp vp∣on trust. It vvent against her heart to let them haue it so, howbeit the gaine of two Royals in foure, for so short a time as she layd it out of her purse, did worke much vvith her, and made her vvilling at last to let them haue it. She cuts it out into pieces, broyles two of them, they eate it, the rest they vvrapt vp in a Napkin of her owne; and after they had fill'd their bellies, being not vvell contented with their ill vsage, in stead of paying their Reckoning, they reckoned vvithout paying. For one of the young fellowes, taking the Froyze of egges in his right hand, vvent directly thither where the old vvoman was vnpanching the belly of an old rotten sheepe, that had dyed in some ditch, to make thereof Tripes and Chitterlings, or (as the Spanish word hath it) b 1.8 Mon∣dongo's; and vvith all the force that he had, threw it full in the face of her, see∣ling vp both her eyes therewith, which looked like an old vvall all to bedaw∣bed with rough-cast. Which plaistred eyes of hers, he had made so blind and painefull vnto her, that not daring to open them, she cryed out, as if shee had beene mad, whilest this his other Companion, behauing himselfe, as if he had rebuked him for it, and that he might be ashamed to vse a poore old woman in this vnciuill kind of fashion, threw me a handfull of hot ashes in the very

face of her, and so they got them out of dores, telling her, as they went away; Ah you old rotten Carrion, Qui en tal haze, que tal pague, you are now payd in your owne money: what you got by your coozening, you may now put it in your eye.

She was toothlesse, chap-falne, hollow-eyed, and wappering withall, her haire sluttishly hanging about her eares, vnkempt, and as greazie, as it vvas knotty; a fouler Swine no man euer saw: mealed she was all ouer, like a Mul∣let dressed with Flowre, or a Flounder that is ready for the frying-pan; with a gesture so graciously scuruie, a looke so pleasantly fierce, and in all the rest so handsomely ill-fauoured, that as oft as you shall but thinke either of it or her, you cannot (if your life should lye vpon it) but you must needes burst foorth into laughter.

With this, he ended his storie, telling vs, that he had now matter inough to laugh at all the dayes of his life. Whereunto I answered; And I to weepe. Why, quoth he? Because when time was, I did not do the like: but like a co∣ward (as I was) suffered my reuenge to come from anothers hand. But I vow (if God giue me life and health) it shall cost her deare; I will make her pay for the old and the new; I will haue my penny-woorths out of her, and make my selfe that full amends, that the longest day she ha's to liue, she shall thinke vp∣on the egges, and the Youth.

The good honest Clergie-men much condemned their Hostesse, and did as much reprooue my speech; for that I seemed to be grieued, that I had not done her a mischiefe. They both set themselues against me, and turning to∣wards me, the ancienter of the two, seeing mee so angry and full of choler, spake thus vnto me:

Your hot and young blood moues you to say that, vvhich your owne good nature and ingenuous disposition vvill by and by confesse to be ill: and I hope in God, that I shall worke so much good vpon you, that you will be sorry for the present, for what you haue sayd, and study to correct hereafter, not onely the acting of any such violent deed, but the very thought of it.

Saint Mathew in the fift Chapter of his holy Gospell, and S. Luke in his * 1.9 sixt, reade vs this Lesson; Loue your enemies, and do good to them that hate you. Wherein you are first to consider, that the Euangelist doth not say, Doe good vnto those, that do ill vnto you; but he sayth; Do good to them that hate you. For suppose that your enemy should hate you, yet is it impossible that he should hurt you, vnlesse you will your selfe. For, it being an infallible truth, that we are to account those as true goods, which are to continue for euer: and that those which faile vs to morrow, (as they often do) are more proper∣ly * 1.10 to be called euils, for the ill vse which vve make of them: since that in the trust that we haue in them, & nos ipsos, & illa amittimus, wee lose both them and our selues. We may reckon these our enemies, to be our best friends; and * 1.11 these our friends to be our greatest enemies; in regard of the effects which a∣rise from the one and the other: for, from our enemies, ariseth all our true good; and from our friends, our assured hurt. Wee may plainely perceiue, * 1.12 how that the greatest good that we can draw from the faithfullest friend that we haue in this world, can be no more, then to pleasure vs, either with his purse, by giuing vs all that he hath; or by his life, by employing it in those things that giue vs content; or by his honour, by not sticking to hazard that for vs, when our reputation shall lie at the stake. In which two latter none will aduenture themselues; or there are so few of them to be found, that I doubt we shall not be able to produce any example in these times wherein we liue. But say it were so indeed, and that there were some such kind of men now adayes, and should iumpe together in all these three repeated particu∣lars, when they haue done all that they can, it is much lesse (if in that which is not at all, a magis and a minus; a more, or a lesse, may be found) then a Geo∣metricall

point. For, when he hath giuen me all that hee hath in this world, (were it neuer so much) it is too small a substance to free me from hell. Be∣sides, men do not now adayes spend their wealth, and their riches vpon the vertuous, but such as are conditioned like themselues, and assist them in their sinnes; and these are the friends that they reckon of, and to these their purse is open.

If for my sake, my friend should lose his life, one minute of time is not ad∣ded thereby vnto mine; if he should put his honour in perill, nay say, he should be willing to lose it quite for his loue to me, I say, that is not honour, nor may it be so called: for true honor is that, vvhich is ingaged in the seruice of God; and whatsoeuer is otherwise, and hath not some reference thereunto, is false and euill. So that, whatsoeuer my friend shall throw vpon me, being it is temporall and of no continuance, it is vnprofitable, vaine, and of little or no woorth at all. But my enemy, proues all pure wheat; all turnes to profit, that comes from him to me; so that my selfe will be willing to make true vse * 1.13 thereof. For from his ill-wishing to me, doe I come to wish well vnto him; and therefore God will vvish well againe vnto me, and do me good, (though I deserue ill) for that I do good for ill. If I pardon him a light iniury, to me are forgiuen and remitted an infinit number of sinnes; and if he speake ill of me, and I speake well of him, his euill language cannot hurt me; and his bit∣ter tongue shall bring me a blessing; Come ye blessed of my Father, &c. So that by his thoughts, words, and workes, my enemy makes mine to be good and true.

And what is the cause, thinke you, of this so great a wonder, and whence is the force of this so excellent a vertue? I shall tell it you, because it is a thing commanded by God, because it is his expresse will and commandement so to do. And if we are to obserue that of the Princes of this world, much better (without comparison) is it, to keep that which is commanded vs by the King of heauen: before vvhom are humbled all the hearts both of heauen and earth. And that saying of his, I command you this, is a * 1.14 sweet conserue, which is applied to the distasted palate of him that is commanded. As if the Physi∣cians should prescribe their sicke Patients to take flowres of Oranges, young preserued Wall-nuts, buds of Limmons, rindes of Pome-Citrons, the rootes of wild a 1.15 Borage, or Buglosse. What shall I say more? O my good Lord, doe not giue me any such thing! for a body that is strong and in health, can by no meanes away with it, but is rather vnpleasing then otherwise. But for the better swallowing of these Pilles, and to make the rellish the sweeter, they are so well candyed and rolled vp in Sugar, that what was hard in it selfe to be taken downe, is now become sweet and sauoury vnto vs. The like effect doth this sweet Conserue of Gods Word worke with vs. I commend (saith the Text) that ye loue your enemies. This is a dainty Sauce, made for that soure Morsell, which before was so vnsauoury to our tastes. So that, that which goes most against our stomackes, and which flesh and blood can hardly in∣dure, by reason of its bitternesse, being to our concupiscences and fleshly de∣sires, no better then very Gall and Worm-wood; The Spirit tels vs in the voyce of a good Physician, now it is made more pleasant, more sauoury and sweeter for you, since that Christ our Redeemer hath so commanded it. So that if a man should now strike me on the one cheek, I would turne the other: for it is an honour vnto vs punctually to obserue those orders which are deli∣uered vnto vs by those that are set in authority ouer vs, and not to breake them in the least branch or tittle.

A Generall doth command one of his Captaines, that he make good such a strong place or passage, by which the enemy is to passe; where, if he will him∣selfe, it shall be in his power to ouercome him, and to kill him: but his Gene∣rall tels him; Take heed, I charge you, for it much importeth my Seruice, and

it is my pleasure so to haue it, that when he shall passe by you, you offend him not, but let him goe quietly along, notwithstanding that he should giue you cause to the contrarie, and prouoke you all that he can to fight with him.

Now when this his enemy shall passe thus along by him, and shall braue him to his face, and reuile him with reprochfull and iniurious termes, calling this Captaine Coward, and other the like disgracefull names, will this Cap∣taine (thinke you) though thus mightily abused, and affronted in the face of the whole Armie, offer him hereupon any offence at all, or violently set vpon him? No certainly: But he will rather laugh at him, as a Braggadoccio, and vaine-boaster; and though he could easily haue ouerthrowne him, and kill'd him at pleasure; yet he doth it not onely because he would keepe that Order which was giuen vnto him: And if he should haue broken it, he had done ve∣ry ill, and contrary to his duty, and therefore had well deserued to be puni∣shed for it. What reason then is it, that we should not diligently obserue the orders and ordinances, giuen vs by God? Why should we goe about to breake them; or seeke euen in the least kinde of manner to contradict them? If a Captaine, for his pay onely, and vpon hope of some better preferment (which is a hazzard, whether he shall euer attaine there-unto or no) shall bee so punctuall: why should not we be as obseruant, since we shall gaine thereby * 1.16 a celestiall reward, which is reserued for vs? Especially, since that hee that made the Law, had the first handsell of it himselfe, and submitted himselfe thereunto, by suffering and receiuing from that vnhallowed and sacrilegious hand of an vnder-officer, a great buffet on that most sacred face of his, with∣out returning him so much as an euill word, or any angry looke.

If God himselfe could be content to indure such rough vsage, and pocket it vp with so much patience: Why should this same Nada del hombre, this same nothing of man, this res nihili, why I say should he be puffed vp with pride, * 1.17 transported with passion, and stand vpon his puntos, and termes of honour? And why, for to receiue satisfaction of a poore silly word, shot out vn-awares, or aduisedly; or howsoeuer (complaining of the infinitenesse of the wrong) breaking forth into rage, should one Christian challenge the field of another, seeking amongst Infidels, as if he were one of them himselfe, a a 1.18 place, where to fight it out; or (to speake more truely) to thrust themselues wilful∣ly into the hands of the Diuell their mortall enemy, flying from those of their Creator?

Of whom we may learne, that when he was to leaue this world, and was to seale his last Will and Testament, he suffered himselfe to bee nayled to the Crosse, his body to be bored, his flesh to be torne, being full of paine, and go∣red all in bloud, from the sole of his foot, euen to the crowne of his head, whose haire did cleaue to his most precious bloud, being congealed and clod∣ded together in hard-plotted Knots, and matted, as it were, with the cruell wounds, occasioned by that his sharpe thorny crowne, which they scornefully crowned him withall. And when he was to take his leaue of his Mother, and * 1.19 that his beloued Disciple, amongst other his last words that he vttered, as it were by way of his last request, and charge vnto them, and in that his violent and extreme agony, which was then plucking vp his soule by the rootes from his diuine body, he prayed vnto his eternall Father, that hee would pardon those that had thus persecuted him, and put him to this so shamefull and pain∣full a death.

This mildnesse of our Sauiour, was imitated by Saint Christopher: who, * 1.20 when he had a sound boxe on the eare giuen him, calling that to mind, which his Master had before receiued, told him that strooke him; If I were not a Christian, I would be reuenged on thee. So that reuenge then, is a member put apart from the children of the Church our Mother.

The like blowe was giuen to Saint Bernard in the presence of his brethren; * 1.21

and they being very earnest to reuenge this wrong done vnto him, hee ranne in amongst them, telling them, It is not fit, that we should reuenge the iniuries done vs by others, when as wee doe all day-long, kneeling humbly on our knees, craue pardon for our owne offences.

Saint Steuen, when they were stoning him to death, doth not grieue for * 1.22 those cruell blowes, which bereaue him of his life; but his sorrow was, to see that these bloudy Ministers should lose their soules; and grieuing for them, desires God, euen then, when the pangs of death were vpon him, that hee would pardon his persecutors, and Saul especially; who being deceiued, and zealous of his Law, thought to merit heauen by looking to the Cloakes and other cloathes belonging to those that were the Executioners; to the end that hauing nothing to hinder their armes, they might, being ridde of those lets, wound him with the greater force.

And so feruent was his Prayer; that this glorious Apostle Saint Paul vvas afterwards reduced to the faith; who like a wise Doctor, well experienced in * 1.23 this doctrine, finding it to be so necessary a thing, and so much importing our saluation, as nothing more, giues vs this good counsell: That we should for∣get and lay aside all anger; that we should not suffer the Sunne to goe downe vpon our wrath. Rather blesse then curse your persecutors: Giue them to eate, if they suffer hunger; and if they be a-thirst, giue them drinke: which if you shall not doe, the same measure that you mete vnto others, shall be mete vnto you againe: and as you forgiue, so shall you be forgiuen.

The Apostle Saint Iames saith; Without mercy shall they be iudged, that haue no mercy: and the rigour of iustice shall be returned on those that are * 1.24 rigorous.

Very fearefull of the breach of this diuine precept, was Constantine the Great; who, when one told him, how his enemies, to affront him, had in con∣tempt * 1.25 and scorne of him, throwne stones at his picture, wounding him with their strokes in the head and the face; so great was his modesty, that neglect∣ing the iniury, he began to touch & feele with his hands from place to place all the seuerall parts of his body: Asking, when he had so done; What are be∣come of these blowes; where are those wounds you talk off? I feele none, nor haue I any paine of all those thou tell'st me, they haue done vnto me. Giuing thereby to vnderstand, that there is no dishonour done to any, but to him that will esteeme it so. Besides, he was willing thereby to inferre, that who∣soeuer does thee an iniury, shall not scape scot-free, or goe cleere away with it, though thou doe not reuenge it; nay, though thou for thy part shouldst pardon the wrong that he hath done thee: For what iniury he hath offered vnto thee, he hath likewise offered the like vnto God, whose, both thou and he art. Duenno tiene est a hazienda; these goods haue an owner; And therefore you must not be your owne caruers. For, if in a Princes Palace, or a Kings Court, any affront shal be done, it is likewise done vnto the Lord thereof: nor shall the pardon of him that is affronted be sufficient absolutely to excuse the other, because by that indiscreet act of his, and inferred iniury, are likewise iniured the lawes of that Prince, the good gouernment of his house questio∣ned, and his Kingdome scandalized thereby. And therefore God saith, Re∣uenge * 1.26 belongeth vnto me; and when I see my time, I shall punish the offen∣der: Vengeance is mine, and mine owne hands shall execute the same. Wret∣ched then is that man, who is thus threatned; for if Gods owne hands shall giue him his chastisement, better had it beene that he had neuer beene borne. So that thou must neuer requite ill with ill, vnlesse thou wilt that ill shall light vpon thy selfe. Moreouer, thou shalt merit much thereby, and thou shalt be thine owne pay-master: for, by imitating him that commandeth thee, thou shalt be made like vnto him. Giue way therefore to the ire and fury of your persecutors, that you may merit Gods fauour: Thanke him for these out∣rages

and wrongs that are done you, and you shall in requitall receiue glory: and obtaine eternall rest.—And there he rested.—

I would fame haue committed to memory that good doctrine which hee deliuered vnto me to this purpose, that I might repeat it heere vnto you. For it was all heauenly stuffe. Fine, most fine holy Scripture. From that time forward I vnfeignedly propounded to my selfe to make true profit thereof. And if it be well considered, he spake very home, and well vnto mee. What greater •…•…uenge can there be, then that a man may be reuenged if hee will? * 1.27 Posse, nolle, nobile, is as true a saying as it is old: And what thing can bee more foule then reuenge, being that it is a passion of iniustice? And such a one, as none is more odious in the sight both of God and Man? For it is onely proper vnto brute beasts. Reuenge is but a kinde of cowardize, and a certain * 1.28 Actus foeminilis, an effeminate Act, and womanish kinde of weakenesse: Whereas the forgiuing of a wrong, is a glorious kinde of Victory. The re∣uengefull man makes himselfe the Reus, when by pardoning, he might bee made the Actor; that is, in stead of an Accuser, the Accused. What greater presumption can there be in the world, then that the creature should vsurpe the office of his Creator? appropriating that vnto him, which is none of his; and going away (as we say) with another mans wealth, whereunto hee hath no right in the world? If thou thy selfe art not thine owne, nor in thine owne * 1.29 disposall; neither hast thou any thing of thine owne in thee, that he, who (as thou sayst) hath offended thee, can take from thee. Such actions as these, thou canst not commence thy selfe, they belong vnto thy Lord, which is God: Leaue vengeance therefore vnto him. God will take it of the wicked, tar∣diùs aut citiùs, at one time or another, early or late. And that cannot bee ter∣med too late, which is in a continuall inclination to its end. And to take it out of his hands, is a heynous offence, a mighty mis-regard, and a contempt in the highest degree.

But admit satisfaction should belong vnto thee, and that the Law were in thine owne hands; tell me, I pray thee, What thing can be more noble, then to doe good? And what more good, then not to do ill? One onely, which is this; To doe good vnto him, that doth ill vnto thee, and doth persecute thee, as it is commanded vs, which we are bound to obey. For, to repay ill with ill, is the Diuels office; to doe good to him, that doth good vnto thee, is a natu∣rall debt betweene man and man; nay, the wilde beasts of the Forrest doe ac∣knowledge as much, and doe not waxe furious against those, that do not seeke to hurt them. But to procure and worke that mans good, that would doe thee a mischiefe, and cut thy throat, if it were in his power to doe it; this is opus supernaturale, a worke aboue the reach of nature: it is that diuine Lad∣der, whereby we climbe vp by the rounds of Charitie, to glorious Eterni∣tie; it is that key of the crosse, which openeth the gates of Heauen: it is the soules sweet peace; and the bodies quiet rest. But reuenge is a life with∣out quietnesse; one cals vpon another, and all vnto death. Is not he a foole, nay, worse then a mad-man, who, if his doublet chance to wring him, will thrust his ponyard into his owne body? And what other thing is reuenge, then to doe ill vnto our selues, out of a desire to doe ill vnto others? And to plucke out both our owne eyes, to put out one of our enemies? Or to spit a∣gainst heauen, that it may presently fall againe in our owne faces? Seneca vn∣derstood * 1.30 this doctrine wonderfull well, when an enemy of his hauing giuen him a boxe of the eare in the Market-place, and all that saw it, did incite him to complaine thereof vnto the Iustice; he smiling vpon them, said vnto them, Were it not a foolish part in me (thinke you) to call a beast into the Court? As if he should haue said, With that buffet, hee like a beast did expresse his rage; and I like a man, did scorne and contemne this his brutish behauiour. Can there be any brutishnesse greater then to doe ill? Or can there bee any

greatnesse like vnto that, which shall despise the ill that is done him, and set light by it?

The Duke of Orleans hauing formerly beene iniured by one, when he was * 1.31 afterward King of France, he was put in minde, that hee might now be re∣uenged of the wrong he then receiued: for now it was in his power to doe it. But he, looking sowrely on him that did so aduise him, told him; it was not fit, that the King of France, should reuenge the wrongs of the Duke of Orleans. If, for a man to conquer himselfe, be counted so great a Victory; * 1.32 Why, by subduing our appetites, allaying our anger, and rebating our ran∣cour; doe not we gaine vnto our selues this glorious Palme? Since that, (be∣sides that which is promised vnto vs in the future) euen in this life also, wee shall auoid many mischiefes, which may either take away our life from vs, or rob vs of this our vaine honour, and consume our wealth. O good God, had I beene a good Lad, that which I heard from that good man, I might haue been the better for it all the dayes of my life. But I was young, and past it quickly ouer; that treasure was ill bestow'd vpon me, I lost it; it was corne that fell in the high-way, it did not thriue with me. His good conuer∣sation and doctrine entertained vs to Cantillana, whither we came about Sun-set: I with a good desire to my Supper, and my Companion with an earnest expectation to haue his, but that neuer came. The two Clergie men made their ranke apart, and went to a friends house that they were acquain∣ted withall in the Towne, and we to our Inne.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The description of laughter.
• * 1.2

  Kinde words currant money in case of necessity.
• * 1.3

  A Physician hath three faces.
• * 1.4

  A Tale of a Phy∣sician that lou'd money too well. In Spaine your Physicians fee is ordinarily two shillings; t•…•…e bet∣ter sort giue foure shillings, and the▪ best seldom aboue a •…•…rowne. The nature of Scr•…•…ants.
• * 1.5

  Excessiue laugh∣ter condemned.
• * 1.6

  A iest put vpon an Ho•…•…esse by two young fel∣lowes.
• a 1.7

  Sabalo, is a knowne fish, and a sauoury, and is called Sabalo, quasi Sapalo à Sapore. In La∣tine they call it Alofa, Frista, Clupea. In fresh water it doth vs•…•…ally dye. Rondelecio de Piscibus, lib. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. cap. 15.
• b 1.8

  Mondongo, is a •…•…odge-podge made of the in∣trailes and trot∣ters of a sheepe, or other beast, boyled, and sold at euery corner of the streets in Spaine to poore folkes.
• * 1.9

  A discourse tou∣ching the pardo∣ning of m•…•…s.
• * 1.10

  T•…•…ue good is that which is ete•…•…all.
• * 1.11

  The goods of this •…•…orld are not good.
• * 1.12

  A faithful friend, what go•…•…d he may do •…•…s.
• * 1.13

  The good we re∣ceiue from our enemies.
• * 1.14

  Gods cōmande∣ments are sweet.
• a 1.15

  The Spanish word is Escor∣zonera. This •…•…rbe the I a∣•…•…es call Vipe∣rina, a species of that which they call Barba de Cabron. It is called Escor∣zonera, be∣cause it is good against the ve∣nyme of Toades, and all other ve∣nymous Vermin; and amongst the rest, the Viper. This Plant was first found out in Spaine in Ca∣talunna, by a slaue of Barba∣ry. And in har∣uest-time men be∣ing slung by Vi∣pe•…•…s, they gaue them the iuyce of this herbe, wher∣with they were healed. There is excellent good now in this kind, in the Sierras de Cuenca in Spaine. Vide Mathiolo, lib. 2. cap. 137. Et Couarru∣uias, verb. Es∣co•…•…zonera. We must obay God.
• * 1.16

  God rewardeth the obedient.
• * 1.17

  Man ought to be humble, not proud.
• a 1.18

  The Duell, in Spaine is a capitall crime. And therefore the Spaniards, when they 〈◊〉〈◊〉1 the Field, g•…•…e into Barba∣ry to end their quarrell.
• * 1.19

  A lesson for the forgiuing of our enemies.
• * 1.20

  Saint Christo∣pher his •…•…wer to one that 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 him.
• * 1.21

  S. Bernards saying, touching the suffering of i•…•…ies.
• * 1.22

  S. Steuen prayes for his persecutors.
• * 1.23

  S. Paul teacheth vs to forgiue our enemies.
• * 1.24

  S. Iames in∣structeth vs to be mercifull.
• * 1.25

  Constantine the Great, & his great patience.
• * 1.26

  God fauoureth and defendeth the wronged.
• * 1.27

  Injury, how foule a thing it is.
• * 1.28

  Reuenge, what it is.
• * 1.29

  Man hath no∣thing that is his, no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so much as himselfe.
• * 1.30

  Seneca's saying touching e•…•…nge.
• * 1.31

  The French Kings answere.
• * 1.32

  Fortior, qui se, quàm qui fortissima vin∣cit moenia.