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

CHAP. VIII.

Guzman de Alfarache comes to Genoa, where being knowne by his kindred, he is fea∣sted by them. He perswades euery one to liue vertuously; And showes the hurt, which Murmurers, Hypocrites, and false Witnesses, bring to mens soules, honours, and riches; He deliuereth the great profit, we shall gaine, by auoiding such venemous Basiliskes. And concludes with telling vs, who are true thieues indeed.

LOng will the vessell keepe that his sent and sauour, where∣with * 1.1 at first it hath beene fully seasoned. If the course of my life, the occasions and the chances that befell me, Loue, & Feare, had not opened the eyes of my vnderstan∣ding; if these I say, could not awaken me, and rouse me vp from the sleepe of my sinnes, and those vices, where∣in I was full'd so fast asleepe, I cannot perswade my selfe, that any other humane forces are of power to doe it. And howbeit, with stratagems, inuentions, deuices, and diuers other meanes, it might be brought otherwise to passe; yet not with that easinesse and facility, (as some may imagine.) For it will require a large Discourse, how, and in what sort, a man ought to make his election, by distinguishing profit, from dis-profit; iust, from vniust; and good, from ill. And when it once comes to this point, the businesse so stands then with him, That hee that will be but willing to put his owne helping hand to get out of that mire of sinne, wherein hee lies wal∣lowing, * 1.2 and endeuour to free himselfe from that muddy sinke of vice, those good inspirations of heauen, shall neuer be wanting vnto him, which fauou∣ring, and furthering his vertuous actions, will adde strength vnto his weak∣nesse,

and raise him vp from the death of sinne, to the life of grace. To the end, that knowing and acknowledging his fore-passed errors, he may learne to cor∣rect his faults for the present, and for the future, grow vp to perfection. But they that are deuoid of reason, who like the Bull, shut their eyes, and bowe * 1.3 downe their heads to giue a blow, following their owne wilfull appetite, sel∣dome or neuer, shall come to the knowledge of their owne misery. Because, like they that are blind, they will not see; and like those that are deafe, they will not heare: and out of a headstrong and wilfull humour, will not giue way, that any should crosse them in their lewd courses. They take great ioy and de∣light in walking in the path of their owne lusts; it seeming so long vnto them, that it shall neuer haue an end, or that this life of theirs shall euer come to be cut off; whose happinesse (they make account) doth onely consist in this their vaine and idle idolatry. These are men of a large life, but a farre larger conscience. They loue the broad, better then the narrow way. They know full well, that they doe ill; and therefore doe ill, because they haue no mind to doe well. They feigne them-selues to be ignorant of that, which they are not willing to vnderstand; yet wot well enough, that the thred of their life, goes daily wearing and wasting away; and that the string by which it holds, must cracke and breake in sunder, in the end; and then their perpetuall downe-fall, will fearfully and with a great deale of terror, present it selfe vnto them.

But because wee see that Gods hands are nayled fast, that they stirre not against vs, and that he is much grieued and afflicted for vs; we thinke, it would much vexe him, that we should be vexed. Such fooles as these, say to them-selues; * 1.4 we feele no paine, nor haue any aches, but are sound and lusty; wee want no money, but haue the world at will; our house is well furnisht, we haue plenty of prouision; let vs lye downe and sleepe, and take our ease, stretching our selues on our yuorie beds; let vs liue as merry as the day is long, sport while we may; we haue time enough before vs, we need not to make so much haste to goe vnto God, shortning that life, (by lessening our pleasures) which God hath allotted vnto vs. They deferre their doing of good, and put off their amendment of life, from an houre, to a day; from a day, to a weeke; from a weeke, to a month; from a month, to a yeare; and from one yeare, to many: so that houres, dayes, weekes, months, and yeares, runne posting along by vs; but this quando, this when, is not yet come; this time, that we should repent and amend our sinfull liues; And when it doth come, it shall bee happy for vs, if it come not too late. This is that debt which is said to be recouered at three seuerall payments; but if neither in our youth, our manhood, nor in our elder age, we doe satisfie this debt, the punishment that will light vpon vs for non payment, will be certaine, sharpe, and sodaine.

What meanes the Vsurer, that he hath not God in his mind, nor doth once thinke vpon him, acknowledging no other God, but his vngodly gaine? What * 1.5 the Wanton, who to please his lust, adoreth her, whom he ought rather to hate? and placeth all his happinesse in that, which he knowes must turne to his eter∣nall torment? What the Epicure, or the proud man, that sonne of Lucifer, who makes it his common practice, to martyr the innocent, being more cruell there∣in, then Dioclesian, oppressing the righteous, and persecuting the vertuous? What the vnprofitable Murmurer, who hoping to make himselfe a fortune, seekes to vndoe other men? Scraping, like the a 1.6 hen, to her owne hurt; whilst * 1.7 vsing diligences to preiudice others, they light vpon that, which workes their owne bane?

The man, that is honest, well able to liue, and of a good life, and ciuill conuersation, doth not rob, filch, nor steale; for he liues contented with those fauours which God hath beene pleased to bestow vpon him; hee maintaines himselfe with that, (be it more, or little) that he hath, feeds his familie, and sustaines both himselfe, and others. And such as these, are wont, in their con∣templations,

to lift vp their eyes to heauen, and to breathe forth this sweet and thankfull meditation: O Lord, I haue as much, as is needfull for me, and some∣what (I thanke thee) to spare, to giue vnto others. And these good Christians * 1.8 count it an happinesse and honor vnto them, when through Gods blessing, and goodnesse towards them, they are able to say; that they haue something yet remaining of their store, to giue vnto the poore, and such as need their reliefe.

The thiefe he steales, because it is his onely maintenance, hauing no other * 1.9 meanes to liue. And when all is gone, and that he hath nothing of his owne, he seekes to snatch from others, if he can but once come to lay his hands on it. He that is a noble Gentleman, will euer so farre forth respect his honour and credit as is fitting for him, and seeke to maintaine his port, and to liue like him-selfe, in a liberall and plentifull manner; but yet will not sticke to grace, and doe good to others.

But on the contrary, the Murmurer maintaines himselfe with the honor of * 1.10 his friend, and of his neighbour, robbing him of his good name, and lessening his worth, as much as in him lies; for, if he rob not others of it, he thinkes he shall not haue any for him-selfe. It is as strange, as to bee pittied, that the sea, should breed fishes, that haue no tongue; and the earth bring forth men, that haue too much: that the sea should afford vs Soles; and the earth, men that haue no soules.

Your Hypocrites, who boast their letters of credit, which they haue giuen * 1.11 to the world; are like vnto those that play at Tennis, who strike the ball against the ground, that it may the better come to their hand, and tossing it to and fro in the ayre, keepe it vp a good while, till it come to be either a chase, or a losse. But of all other, most wretched, and most miserable are those men, who make long prayers with their lips, and deuoure with their mouthes, the goods of the poore, the widow, and the fatherlesse. Wherefore God will seuerely punish these holy offenders; holy in outward show, but not in heart. An Hypocrite, is like vnto a gun, that is charg'd; for euery man doth not know, what is within it, or whether it be charg'd or no; but if you once put fire to it, the least sparke wil send forth a bullet, that shall ouerthrow a gyant, and lay him on the ground: So, your Hypocrite, vpon euery little occasion, how-soeuer hee may seeme for the present to haue no harme in him, will vent his malice, and be ready to doe you a mischiefe; and when you least thinke of it, giue you such a blow, that your shall neuer be able to rise againe.

There are a certaine sort of men, that are like vnto your dry witherd Peare∣trees; * 1.12 leane, tall, and stooping; hanging their heads in their bosomes, as if they would seeme to bee Saints, and goe lapt vp in a long thred-bare cloake, as if they were to accompany a Coarse to the graue, or were them-selues to be inter∣red. These are fooles of the first forme; and will with this their dissimulation and graue carriage, make vs beleeue, that they are wonderfull wise, and of great vnderstanding. These I say are principall fooles; they will steale you foure or fiue sentences out of this, or that other Author, whereof they make a Galli∣mafrie, seruing them in, as a dish of their owne making, recommending it vnto vs as theirs. They feigne their iustice, to be equall with that of Traianes; their sanctitie, with that of Saint Paul; their wisedome, with that of Salomon; their sincerity, with that of Saint Francis; yet vnder this cloake, what shall you find? If you search it well, you shall find, an hypocriticall knaue, a seeming Sanctifice∣tur, but as arrant a villaine, as euer trode vpon a shooe of leather. They carry a leane, and meager countenance, but their workes flourished ouer with pain∣ting; little breeches, but large consciences; nothing but yes verily, and indeed, in their mouthes; but their heart is full of lies; a publike kind of cha∣rity, but an insatiable secret auarice; they manifest a kinde of abstinence and fasting, as well from meates, as temporall meanes; but their throats are so drie,

and their thirst so great, that they will swallow vp the whole Sea, deuoure other mens estates, and yet be so farre from being satisfied therewith, that they remaine as thristy as they did before. They say, they haue enough, and more then enough, and that much lesse would serue their turne, and is more then they are worthy of; yet are they so greedily giuen, that they are neuer conten∣ted, and nothing can fill their hungry maw. They are like vnto your Dates; soft and sweet without, but hard and stonie within. They carry hony-combes in their mouthes, but wormewood in their hearts. They haue sweet tongues, but sowre soules. Great pitie is to be taken of these men, for that they suffer so much, and enioy so little; and are finally condemned to Hell, for this one poore fading vanitie, to be esteemed honest and religious, when indeed they are nothing lesse. So that, they neither cloath their backs, nor feed their bel∣lies, according to their owne content and liking, but goe vp and downe in a miserable kinde of manner, afflicted, hunger-staru'd, withered, pale, and wanne, denying them-selues ordinarie necessaries for the vse of this life, not being able truly to say, that they haue had one houre of content in this world, bearing alwayes about them a troubled bodie, and an vnquiet minde, their corps, and conscience equally suffering. Now if this, which they thus, and in this manner suffer, as they doe it, and endure it, onely for the worlds sake, and to seeme out∣wardly holy, that thereby they may gaine a good opinion amongst men; if they would doe this, I say, for Gods sake, laying aside their dissimulation, and not debarring them-selues of those good blessings, which God hath created for mans vse and comfort; questionlesse, in so doing, they might leade a happy life in this world, and enioy euerlasting happinesse in the world to come.

Let vs say something of your false witnesse; whose punishment doth giue satisfaction to the people, and is pleasing vnto all men, taking pleasure in their * 1.13 chasticement, in regard of the hainousnesse of their offence. For, for a matter of sixe Marauedis, a thing of nothing, you shall haue them sweare sixe thousand falshoods, and take away sixe hundred thousand mens credits, and estates from them, which lies not afterwards in their power to make restitution thereof. And as your day-labourers, and other workemen, repaire to certaine set-places, appointed for that purpose, to be hired by those that haue occasion to vse them; so doe these kind of men come to your Courts, your Consistories, your places of publike businesse, euen to the very Offices where your Notaries are a writing, to learne how things goe there, and to offer their seruice to those that haue need of them. And if this were all, the matter were not great, but it is worse then you thinke it is; for the very Officers of the Courts them-selues, doe maintaine and countenance these lewd fellowes, that in those causes that occurre (as occasion shall serue,) they may make vse of them for their aduan∣tage, suborning them to beare false witnesse, for the prouing of such, or such a businesse, which they will not sticke to testifie vpon oath. This I assure you, that I now tell you, is no iest; nor doe I therefore speake it vnto you, to make you beleeue that which is not so; nor doe I lie one iot, in all that I haue said vnto you. For there are false witnesses enough to be found, if any man be di∣sposed to buy them. And are as frequent in your Notaries Office; as Conserues in an Apothecaries shop. Or like horse-leeches in a glasse, ready prepared for the businesse, when-soeuer you shall be pleased to put them vpon it. Let those that haue a minde vnto them, goe to D. N. his Office; I was about to name him, before I was aware, but tis all one; for I am sure you all know him, or can giue a shrewd guesse whom I meane; there shall you haue these Knights of the Poste, at all kind of prices, as you shall haue pies in a Cookes shop; some for eight Royals, some for foure, some for two, and some for halfe a Royall, as choosing rather to play small game, then wholly to sit out.

But if it be a weighty cause indeed, there is also another sort of them, of a higher rank, and at a higher rate, as we see there are pies for weddings, and for

great feasts, which will cost you somewhat more then ordinary; these are those, that are Musket-proofe, and will (to strike the matter dead) not sticke to sweare, that vpon their owne knowledge, for these foure-score yeares, they re∣member such and such a conueyance was past thus and thus, such a piece of land past ouer after this or that manner, and a hundred the like.

Like to that Country-clowne, who being a shallow braind coxe-combe, a * 1.14 very lob-cocke, being brought into the Court by his Land-lord, to wit∣nesse a thing in his behalfe; and instructed by him, that when hee should be askt how old hee was, should answer, he was eighty yeares old. The silly fellow, did not well vnderstand him, but being desirous (as it should seeme) to doe his Land-lord a pleasure, being demanded touching his age, tooke his oath, that he was eight hundred yeares old. And albeit the Notary wondring at this so inconsiderate and vnaduised an oath, did aduise him to take heed what hee said; he clownishly made answer, Doe thou take heed how thou writest, and stand not a sifting of other mens liues, but let euery man bee as old as hee will him-selfe. Afterwards, the Notary reading the report of this witnesse, when he came to the point concerning his age, the Iudge apprehended it to bee the Notaries error, and would haue punisht him for it; but hee excused himselfe, saying; That he did no more, then what did belong to his office, in setting that downe aright, which he receiued from the witnesse his owne mouth; and that although he had admonished him thereof, and bid him be better aduised, yet he stood stifly in it, and ratified what he had said before, saying; That he was of that age, and that he should so set it downe. The Iudges caus'd the wit∣nesse to make his personall appearance; and demanding of him, why hee had sworne, that he was eight hundred yeares old. Because (and it like your Lord∣ships) it was for the seruice of God, and the Conde, my master.

There are store of false witnesses euery where, the streets are full of them, they are to be hyred for money, but he that will saue his purse, and haue them for nothing, let him seeke out some kinsman or other, that is his enemie, with whom thou wagest law; for he to be reuenged of him, will sweare any thing against the whole generation of thy aduersarie. But from these malitious min∣ded men, good Lord deliuer vs. For they doe vs the greatest hurt.

But let vs leaue these kinde of men, and come to those of mine owne occu∣pation, and to that our Companie, or Brotherhood, which is the ancientest and greatest that is in the world. For I would not haue thee to tit me in the teeth, that I haue a pen for others, and let mine owne stand idle in my standish, or else cause it to runne another way. I will not passe by this doore, without knock∣ing at it, and that soundly too; I will not lye lazing in the shade, nor making my selfe merry in the Tauerne.

A thiefe, what will he not doe, to steale? Which word Thiefe, I apply to * 1.15 such poore sinfull creatures as my selfe. As for your great rich theoues, such as ride on their foot-clothes of veluet, that hang their houses with hangings of tiss•…•…e and costly arras, and couer the floores of their chambers with gold and silke, and curious Turky-carpets, and often hang such poore snakes as wee are, I haue nothing to say to them. For wee are farre inferiour vnto them, and are those little fishes, which these great ones doe deuoure. They liue braue∣ly, vpheld by their reputation, graced by their power, and fauoured by flatte∣rie; These, are of that strength, that they breake the gallowes; hempe was not sowen for them, nor for them were your Galleys built, except it be to beare command in them. Of which command, it may be, that we shall remember to say something in its proper time and place, if we hap to come thither, as I hope in God, we shall. But let vs now speake of those theeues, that are not fit to be left out, such as my selfe, and my seruant Say•…•…vedra. We will not touch vpon those that rob Iustice; for there are none such I trow that will doe so, nor is it knowne, who they be. And if peraduenture there be any such, that haue

done so, we haue already spoken thereof at large in our first Part. Nor will we speake of your Rulers, nor Gouernours, nor your Counsellors of State, for we haue likewise created thereof heretofore; besides, their managing of these matters, is not of any importance at all, or worth the talking of. For take them out of their tracke, put them from their whole-sale, and turne them to retayle, or remoue them from that pond, wherein they haue liu'd, and they are to seeke which way to winde them-selues; I will not giue a button for the best of them.

But some perhaps will taxe me, and say; That thou art, as they are; both birds of a feather; seeing thou art so willing to smother their lyes, their de∣ceits, and their falshoods. For, if it should be demanded, what meanes hath Master N? The answer would be; Sir, He is a Regidor. What, is he no more then a Regidor? How liues he then thus gallantly? How can his Office alone maintaine this brauery, hauing no set reuenues, or other rents comming in be∣sides, considering what a port he carryes, what a house he keepes, what store of seruants, and horses, that continually attend him? You say well Sir. But I per∣ceiue by you, that you doe not truly vnderstand the mysterie of it, nor rightly conceiue, how this may be brought about. True it is, that he hath no rents, but he hath his renters, and none can execute that Office without his licence, paying him so much rent for it; whereof the greatest part comes to the Regidor, the rest remaines to the renter, to the end, that he also may liue, and haue where-withall to discharge his rent. But why doest thou not speake freely what thou knowest concerning these men? I may not, nor I dare not; for if any man should presume to speake of them, oppose himselfe, though neuer so little against them, or but once offer to question either their lifes, or their acti∣ons, they will make him hold his peace with a pestilence, they will neuer suffer him to liue in quiet, but force him for his owne ease to flie the Country. For being (as they are) men of great place and power, they will presently fall a fee∣ling, to finde a b 1.16 straw in thine eare; that is, they will seeke a hole in thy coat, * 1.17 and picke some one quarrell or other against thee, and either by right, or by wrong, they will ouerthrow thee, if not vtterly vndoe thee. They are like vnto your Cupping-glasses; which (where they once fasten) sit close and hard to thy skin, and neuer leaue drawing and sucking, till they haue haled from thee what they would haue, nor is there any taking of them off, till they be as full as they can hold. I could also tell thee, that no man dares say; Blacke is their eye; or goe about to haue them punisht. For whosoeuer he be, that offers that, it fares with him, as it vsually doth with your pipkins; which when they are set full of water ouer the fire, they no sooner begin to boyle, but the water runneth ouer, and puts out the fire that was the occasion thereof.

Vnderstand you me now? Yes marry doe I: And, it may be, they passe ouer these things the better, by reason of their good Angels of guard, which free them from those blowes, that would otherwise fall vpon them, and rid them out of all their troubles. I could tell thee likewise somewhat which thou hast left out, that if these men, after they were hanged, should haue their causes heard, and see what they could say for them-selues, euen those very men would then plead stiffely against them, who heretofore were in their fauour; but now for the feare, that they haue of them, they are well content to eat their meat in quiet, and to hold their tongues. I could tell thee besides, if I would vnmaske these men, that they fare daintily at other mens cost, haue what they will, ei∣ther for nothing, or dog-cheape, making the poore to pay for it, who must pay most, and fare worst. But it is now time to make a full point, and to leaue them with their Agentes, and Consentientes, their instruments, and their copart∣ners to them-selues: For in conclusion, they are, as thou art; and worse then thou, and doe much more hurt; for thou doest but damnifie one house alone; but these a whole Country.

O what good counsell dost thou giue mee! But let mee wish thee (my friend) to make vse of it thy selfe. Think'st thou perhaps to saue thine owne fingers from burning, to take the c 1.18 Cat by the foote, and therewith to rake the * 1.19 coales out of the Ouen? If thou knowest this to be true, or hast any thing else to say of them, speake it your selfe for me: for I haue told thee all that I know, and I would not willingly that they should deale with mee, as thou say est they deale with others: for I haue no minde to come vnder their lash. Suffice it thee, that contrary to that decorum that is fitting for the greatnesse of their place and quality; I haue inlarged my selfe in speaking more already; then may well become mee. Nor am I willing to oblige my selfe anew, to sift their liues, nor diue into their doings, being there is no good to bee gotten by it, if things runne along in this straine there in Italy, God bee thanked, that I am going for Spaine, where no such robberies as these are vsed. But because I am a Spaniard, thou wilt say, that all the world is my Countrey; it is true; and in saying so, thou doest not lye. But shall I tell thee one thing? I know how all this may bee remedied, and that very easily too, to the great augmentation and good of the Common-wealth, and by the generall consent of all good sub∣iects, to Gods good seruice, and the Kings great honour; but for the better effecting thereof, I must be forced to follow the King, presenting his Maiestie with memoriall vpon memoriall, Petition vpon Petition: and when I shall haue brought the businesse to a good passe, and as it were to the very vpshot, such a Fauourite, or such a great Lord, Don B. buzzes him in the eare, and tels him, that it is an idle and foolish Proiect, and vnable to take effect. For, it re∣flecting generally vpon them all, they out of their great power will trample me vnder foote, and crush mee, that I shall neuer bee able to lift vp my head any more, leauing mee in farre poorer taking, then I was before. But I am affraid to wade too farre in this deepe water, for feare of drowning. A shallower ford is safer, and fitter for me to dippe my foote in: because I speake the truth, they count mee a base and obscure fellow; and for that I presume to giue them wholsome counsell and sound aduice, they call mee Rogue, brand me with the name of Picaro, and thrust mee out of doores by head and shoulders, scorning such a Iack-sauce, and down-right raskall as I am. But they shall not carry it away so. Let them take their course, and wee will take ours, treading in the steps of our noble Ancestors: and (God grant) that they that come after, doe no worse then wee doe, Onely, I will bee bold to tell you thus much; that there are farre more thieues then there are Physitians. Neither need any man to make himselfe such a Saint, as to take offence when hee heares the name of a thiefe spoken of, shewing himselfe queasie-stomack'd, and seeking to disgrace him, till hee aske this question of himselfe; whether, either here, or there, hee hath not in his life time playd thee thiefe himselfe? And to this end, I would haue him to know; that to steale, is no other thing then to detaine that which * 1.20 is another mans, contrary to the will of its owner.

For mine owne part, I would make no more reckning, that a man did not know that I had any thing of his, then if hee did know it, and had giuen it me with his owne hand, so as hee bee not able to hurt mee, and haue not the po∣wer to take it away from mee againe by force. I learned this Lesson from my Childhood, though I did not alwayes put it in practice. I was like vnto a tree, that is cut downe to the very roote, which leaues some liue-sap still remaining, by meanes whereof it growes in time to bee a new Plant, and begins to beare the same fruit it did before. And you shall see by and by, how quickly I returne to my old bias. While I left off stealing, I was like vnto forc'd∣earth, I was out of my proper Center; now, with a little vse, I am come to the same lewd course that I ran before. When I was a Lad, I was quick and nimble, I had a facility in filching, and could lay hand on any thing, were it neuer so hard to come by. But now that I am turn'd Man, me thought at the first, I was

growne gowty, both in my feete and hands; I found my selfe much slower, and duller then I was wont to bee: but in a very short time I recouered my for∣mer health.

I continued my accustomed thefts, & took such pleasure in them, as a Souldi∣er could not more in his armes; nor a Ginet in his trappings, and other his rich furniture. When any doubts did arise, I did resolue them; if they were to seeke for Plots, I did inuent them: and in all weighty businesses, I was their safe∣gard and defence: they would hearken vnto my aduice, as to the answeres of some Oracle; there being no man that would contradict my rules, nor with∣stand my lawes, nor reply to any thing that I should once determine. Those that were best practiz'd amongst them that frequented the Hospitall of Sarago∣ca, and Guadalupe came short of me; though I vs'd the trade but now and then, like the intermissions of an Ague: for, when all things else fail'd mee, and that I knew not what shift to make, I had this, my fiue finger for a helpe, this did neuer forsake mee in the time of neede: it was sure money in my purse, and stucke as close to my necke, as my Lord Embassadors chaine did, which a long time escaped many a faire danger. The trade of thieuing was as proper to me, as laughing is proper to man; nay, I had almost said, that it was as a Character not to bee blotted out, such deepe impression had it taken in my soule. But when I did not exercise the same, it was not any want of good will; for that was euer ready, and at hand.

I, and Sayavedra went out of Milan well lined, and better prouided of all things that were needfull for our iourney: so that there was no man but would * 1.21 haue taken mee for a very rich man, and one of note and quality. But how ma∣ny * 1.22 bee there that might very well haue said, Sit downe d 1.23 Gallants, and fall to; for this feast is prouided for you. For, as a mans apparell is, so e 1.24 is his esteeme: And they that know not a man otherwise, make their censure according to * 1.25 his cloathes. If thou wert Cicero himselfe, and shouldst goe ill clad, thou shouldst be no longer Cicero, at least a scuruy Cicero, whom the world would scorne, and count a mad man. For there is no other wisedome, nor learning in the world, then the hauing of so much more wealth, and so much more land then another man. And he that is not so, may like a dog, goe shake his eares without doors: he is like money that is not currant; he passes not for any thing where-soeuer hee come. They will neither offer thee a chaire to sit downe, nor giue thee the vpper hand, when they shal see thee vvithout a feather, though thou bee rich apparelled with vertue and knowledge; but of such now a dayes, there is little or no reckoning made. But if thou bee gloriously set out, and richly suted, though thou be neuer so base a Groome, euery mans eye is vpon thee, euery mans hat ready to honour thee. Bee thou as base and vile as any dunghill; yet if it bee couered ouer with greene grasse, many will set themselues downe vp∣on it, and there recreate and refresh themselues. But Catulus was not of this * 1.26 minde; who when hee saw Nonius riding in a triumphant Chariot, stickt not to say, what a deale of dung doth this Cart carry? Giuing vs thereby to vn∣derstand, that dignities doe not grace the vicious. But there are now but few Catuls, though there bee many Nonii. Nay, wert thou but good Alchimie, that shall bee adored in thee, because of its glorious and gaudy glittering. Men doe iudge now more by the eye, then the eare; by what they see, then by what they heare: the outside is more looked on, then the inside looked into: a rich rayment sounds louder then a good report. No man considers what thy knowledge is, but what thy wealth is: they talke not so much of thy vertue, as of thy purse: and of thy purse, not what thou hast in it, but what thou spendest out of it. I was well appointed, well apparelled, and g owne fowre inches thicke, with other folkes f 1.27 fat.

When I came to Genoa, they knew not in my Lodging what cheere to make mee, nor how to please mee in my diet, I was growne so dainty and so curious.

I then began to call to minde the first entrance that I made into that Citie, and * 1.28 in how different a manner I was there receiued; and how I was forced from thence, carrying my Crosse vpon my shoulders; and how now they receiue mee, spreading their cloakes on the ground. Wee alighted, and fell to our victuals. That day I was willing to take mine ease, and to rest my selfe after my iourney. The next morning I apparelled my selfe, à lo Romano, no Ro∣mane of them all could weare a fairer Cloake, & Sotana, in which I walked vp and downe the streets. All mens eyes were cast vpon mee, as well for that I was a stranger, as likewise in regard I was well clad, and of a presence not to be despised. They askt my seruant, who I was? Hee told them, Don Iuan de Guzman, a Gentleman of Seuilla: And when I heard them inquire after mee, * 1.29 I would pop vp my head, stretching out my necke, some what more then ordi∣nary, thinking vvith my selfe, that I had some ten pound vveight of Bread more in my Belly, then I had before: so Peacocke-like was I blowne vp with Pride, and such store of this puffe-past of vaine-glory had I swallowed downe my throat. Hee told them that I vvas newly come from Rome. They de∣manded farther of him, if I were rich; because they saw me come from thence in a differing fashion from the rest: for they that goe to the Court of Rome, and to other Princes Courts, are like vnto those that go to the vvarres, who thinke * 1.30 all the world must now bee theirs, and that they haue already finished what they went for; vvith which vaine hopes they vsing to flatter themselues; they lash out into extraordinary expences vpon the vvay, as likewise in the Court; till the Court leaues them so curtail'd, that they haue scarce ere a ragge left them to couer their breech; returning home afterwards, vveary in their bo∣dies, poore in their purses, discontented in their mindes, and driuen to that extreame want, that they must either almost starue or begge their bread. They goe thither fresh and liuely, flush of money, and rich in cloathes; whom I can liken to nothing better, then to the fish called the Tunny; vvhich, when it is full of spawne, is also full of fish, fat and faire to see to, and is very good meate; but vvhen her Spawne is gone from her, shee turnes lanke, leane, and vnseaso∣nable; prouing as vnprofitable to the stomacke, as it is vnpleasing to the Palate.

They likewise enquired of him, whether I were to continue there for any long time, or past onely along as a Traueller, taking it in my way. To all which questions, Sayavedra gaue such answers, as I could my selfe haue wisht: Tel∣ling them that I was the only sonne of a widow-gentle-woman, of very good quality, being a wonderfull wealthy dame, which was wife to a certain Gentle∣man of Genoa, and that I was come thither to expect certaine Letters and di∣spatches, and then to returne backe againe to Rome; and that in the interim, I would recreate my selfe here in Genoa, taking much pleasure in the sight of this stat•…•…ly City; for that I knew not when I should make my returne, nor for what part, or whither I should euer haue the like opportunity to see it againe. The Inne, where I lay, was the best in all the Towne, and is commonly called, L'Hosteria di santa Marta, whither the most part of your Noblemen, and Gentlemen did vsually resort. There wee remained, making merry, and spen∣ding our money, without doing our selues any g 1.31 good at all in point of profit, nor did we as yet goe about it. And in keeping thus our ground, wee came to gaine ground. The Clocke doth not alwayes strike, but staies till its houre comes, and when by a little and a little the time creepes on, that is limited thereunto, why then it strikes. I playd now and then, but not for much money, with some other guests, that were in the house, more for company sake, and to passe away the time, then any thing else, not vsing any other helpe then mine owne fortune, and skill in gaming; Sayavedra had now no hand in the busi∣nesse, nor did I vse to set his plough a worke, saue in deepe and fat grounds, where there was hope of a plentifull haruest; I kept him for Holidayes, his at∣tendance

was, when there was a great feast, and a full boord; but for such poore pittances as these, not worth the sitting downe for, I was well content hee should spare his labor. For, when the losings or the gettings could not be much, the best course then (me thought) was to proceed plainly and sincerely. Yet, * 1.32 when I plaid small game, I went along with a leaden foot, marking and obser∣uing this, and that other Card; and if Fortune did not fauour me, and that my crosse-carding was such, that I could not light on a lucky encounter, I would giue off with a little losse: but if the wind blew faire, and that I found good fortune was comming towards me, I neuer left following my good lucke, till I had swept vnto me all the money on the boord.

And it so fell out, that hauing one day wonne a matter of a hundred Crowns, and somewhat more, it was a Captaines hap, that had the command of a Gally, to sit by me, who I perceiu'd, lik't very well of my manner of play, and was very glad that I had got the money; and reading in his lookes, that he had no great store of Crownes in his purse, but was rather in extreame want and ne∣cessity, I gaue him sixe Doblones of two, which in that coniuncture, considering his pouerty, seemed vnto him to be sixe thousand.

There is a time, when one single Royall, is more to a man then a hundred; nay a thousand perhaps at another time, will not doe him so much good. For the which he made me such a thankfull acknowledgement, as if the fauour I had done him, had beene much more then it was, or some matter of greater moment. And this fell out very happily for me; for hauing afterwards vnder∣stood from him-selfe, of what disease he was sicke, and where his griefe lay, at that instant, was mine owne remedy likewise represented vnto me, and quickly found out, that I was to make him the needle that must knit my net. In a word, I effected what I desired. He spends nothing, who buyes that he hath need of. I distributed likewise some few Crownes amongst the rest of the stan∣ders by, to make them the better deuoted, and affectioned towards mee, and that I might leaue euery man well pleas'd and contented. Insomuch, that by this my affable, franke and bountifull carriage, I grew into that credit and good opinion amongst them, that I had wonne their hearts, and got the good w•…•…ll and loue of all men; and it is an old saying, That hee that sowes h 1.33 well, * 1.34 reapes well. And I can assure you, that as many as conuersed with me, would haue hazarded their liues for me, if need had beene. Wherewith I found my selfe so iocond, my body so lightsome, my heart so comforted, my blood so cleare, and my spirits so quickned, that my cheekes were as fresh, and red as the Rose, and mine eyes did sparkle, and lookt so merrily, as if they had laught for ioy.

This Captaine was called Fauelo; not that this was his proper name, but because it was giuen him by a certaine Mistresse of his, whom hee sometimes serued; which he was willing still to retaine in remembrance of her beauty, and his owne misfortune; the whole story whereof, hee at large related vnto me; as how dearly she loued him, how much she made of him, indearing the sweetnesse of her disposition, her gentle behauiour, and the gracefulnesse of her person; all which commendable qualities, poysoned with some vaine and false appearances, were drowned in the end by a desperate torment of iealou∣sie, and such other beastly thoughts, as are still waiting vpon it. And from that time forward, he would neuer suffer me to be alone, but was for the most part continually with me, and did embrace my friendship with the greatest loue that could be. Whereupon, I intreated him, that he would be pleased to make vse of my person, if I might be any way seruiceable vnto him, and to be my guest, and take such fare as I had, and though I knew I did bid him to his losse, as keeping a better Table of his owne, yet for my sake, and the contentment I should take therein, he ought in courtesie to accept of it. I omitted no meanes, for the obliging of him vnto me, and the continuing of him still to bee my

friend. He had me along with him to his Galley, feasted me, and made me take my pleasure in her, all along the coast, plowing daily such deepe furrowes for the better taking root of this our new friendship and acquaintance, that if mine had gone on in the true course of vertue, there it might haue found a Hauen wherein to haue harbourd it selfe. But I was made of nothing but fraud and deceit. Yet would I be alwayes laying a firme foundation, that might well haue seru'd for the raising of a better building: but at last it came all to nothing; be∣ing (like that foolish builder) who knew better how to beginne, then to make an end of his building. Wee did communicate many particular accidents and secrets each to other, but hee came not within my shirt, he had not pierced into my bosome, Sayavedra onely kept the key of that Cabinet, and none but hee knew the secrets of my soule.

This Favelo was of a good behauiour, witty, discreet, valiant, patient, and yet full of mettall, qualities well befitting so valiant a Captaine, and so amo∣rous a Souldier, by meanes whereof he liu'd alwayes in want. And it is a com∣mon mis-fortune that accompanies these good qualities, that they are still way∣ted on by pouerty (or to speake more properly) by beggery. Now I, who was not ignorant of his wants, sought in all that I could to releeue his necessi∣ties, and to free him from these his extremities, that thereby I might bind him the surer vnto me. I carryed my selfe so fairly and so cunningly, both with him, and as many as I conuersed withall, that (like Hawkes) I made them all to stoope to my lure. And within a few dayes, my name and credit was so good amongst them, that I could battle largely vpon it, and might haue receiued any courtsie in that City, if I had beene willing to make vse thereof. Whereupon, partly out of this, and partly the ancient desire that I had to know something concerning my selfe, lest the not knowing of it, might make me take thought, and so sicken, and dye of griefe; considering with my selfe, that being in that good state I now was in, a handsome young fellow, well clad, good parts, and a good purse, no man whatsoeuer could hold it any disparagement vnto him, to acknowledge mee for his kinsman; but that which did most sway with me, * 1.35 was the earnest desire that I had to be fully reuenged of him, who had abused me in that base manner. This did often trouble me; nor could I sleepe in quiet, as oft as I thought vpon it.

I had not staid long in towne, but I found out a father and a mother, and came to know all my kindred. Those, which before threw stones at mee, as if I had beene some strange curre, whom they would chase out of their doores, did beginne now to quarrell, who should haue me first home to his house, who make mee greatest cheere, who giue me the noblest entertainment, one seeking to out-vye another. The very first day that I made this enquiry, my kindred was more (I imagine) then my credit, and might be better knowne then trusted amongst them; for no man is ashamed to owne a rich man for his kinsman, though hee be vicious and ill giuen; but all flye from a vertuous man, if they once haue him in the winde, and finde that he stinkes of pouerty, I need not to indeare this poynt vnto you, it is so common a thing.

Riches, is like vnto fire, which albeit it belong to a different place, and is * 1.36 onely prouided for one particular roome, yet notwithstanding as many as come neere vnto it, warme themselues, though they take not so much as a coale * 1.37 from thence; and i 1.38 the more fire, the more heate. How many shall you see war∣ming them-selues by the fire in a rich mans hall? of whom, if you shall but aske what they make there, or what's their businesse? They will answer you; No great businesse. Doe they perhaps giue me any thing? Alas, what doest thou get, by curring fauour with them, by soothing them vp, by crowching and creeping vnto them, by assisting day and night in base and seruile offices, mis∣spending that time, which thou mightst better bestow in gaining thy meate else-where? It is true Sir, that I benefit my selfe here but little, yet can I not

choose, but come and warme my selfe at Sen̄or N. house, as others doe. You, and such others as you be, tell me I pray, what you are? and be not angry with me, if I plainly tell you, you are all fooles.

But to returne againe into our way. Many of my kindred came vnto mee, euery one desiring to make himselfe better knowne vnto me, and offering his seruice in such complementall manner, as was befitting my fashion; and there was one amongst the rest, who for to honor, and oblige me the more, did chal∣lenge ancient kindred of me, euen from our great grand-fathers. I would, for curiosities sake, faine know, what was become of that good old man, which put that former tricke vpon me; and that I might doe it without any the least suspition or iealousie in the world, I demanded of them, whether my father had any more brothers? or if hee had, whether any of them were yet aliue, or no? For, I was euer of the minde, that he that plaid the rogue with me, was my Vnckle. They told me, yes. That there were three of them in all, my Father, and two more: and that the middle most was dead, but that the eldest of all was liuing, and that he dwelt here in the Citie. They told me that he had liu'd a bachelor all the dayes of his life, that he was a man of great meanes, and the top of all our kindred, and gaue such particular tokens of him, whereby I came to know him. I said that I would goe kisse his hands the next day: But when this was told him, and that hee vnderstood of my qualitie, albeit he were very old, he came trudg•…•…ng with his st•…•…ffe in his hand, as decrepit as he was, to visit me, accompanyed with some of the chiefest of our linage. I knew him as soone as euer I saw him, though he was now growne very lame and aged. I was glad to see him, but sory that hee was so old, I could haue wisht him much younger, that he might the longer haue felt the smart of those ierkes, that I was resolued to bestow on him. I count that man a foole, who to reuenge himselfe of his enemy, will take away his life; for that being ended, all his paine is ended with it. When I would take a reuenge, I would handle it so, as I did with these my kinsmen, that they may not forget it as long as they liue, but beare the wofull remembrance of it with them to their graues. I desired to be reuenged of this man, and wisht that hee had beene at least in the same state as I left him, that I might in the same, haue paid him the debt I ow'd him: who had without any cause or reason in the world, vs'd mee so vnworthily. He made mee many offers of his house; the very naming onely whereof, made my bloud to boyle in my brest.

Now (me thought) the Bats were fluttering about mine eares, that the Gnats began to sting me, and that from vnderneath the bed, crept out those old Hob∣gobblins, and fire-spitting deuils, which tormented mee heretofore. No, no; once was enough of this iest; I would bite no more at this bait. The Cat hath * 1.39 k 1.40 cozened me once, and is gone away with her prey, but she shall serue mee so no more. I shall take heede of her against another time. Marry, I said to my selfe; Onely Sayavedra, may put another tricke vpon me, but it will not bee much for his profit. But (excepting him) let any man else deceiue mee the se∣cond time, and I will freely forgiue him.

We talked of many things; and amongst diuers other questions, he deman∣ded of me, if I had beene heretofore in Genoa? Are you thereabouts (thought I;) I shall watch you well enough for that, you shall not catch me with thie trap, as old and crafty as you be. So (lying at my close fights) I answered him, that I had not; onely I told him, that much about some three yeares since, that I past this way, but could not (though I would) stay longer then one night, because I was going in great haste to Rome, vpon pretension of a certaine bene∣fice. * 1.41 Then he told me, with a great deale of pause & deliberation, dreaming per∣haps that he had lighted on a story that should please me wonderfull well, Some seuen yeares agoe, little more or lesse, there came hither (my good Cozen) to this towne, a little roguish boy; whom none that saw him, but would haue

taken him to be a thiefe, or at least a young disciple of theirs; who, that hee might the more easily rob me, came to my house, giuing mee some particular signes and tokens of my brother, that is now in glory; as also of your mother; telling me, that hee was his sonne, and my nephew; This is true that I tell you (Cozen) thus, and in this manner came he vnto me: but hee lookt so like a Rogue, and we had that suspition of him, that not owning him for our kins∣man, lest his infamy might reflect vpon our family, and turne to our disgrace, we sought to make him leaue this Citie, and so he did, by meanes of a pretty plot which we had deuised for him. I can assure you (Cozen) that hee went flying from hence, like a dog that hath a bladder, with some few rattling pibles in it, tide to his tayle; we could neuer more set sight on him, nor doe we know whether he be dead or aliue, as if the earth had then swallowed him vp quicke. With the leualtos & high-bounding capers that he cut, flying finely in the aire, with no other help then a Couerlet, without the which, (you know) your tum∣blers cannot handsomely doe their feates of actiuity; I very well remember that he left my bed, (whether out of feare, or what other accident I know not) full of honey-combes. This iest prou'd a very good one; for fearing (if he staid any longer here) to haue a worse put vpon him, hee got him packing, and so we were fairly rid of him. And I cannot choose but laugh, as oft as I thinke vpon it: For questionlesse this Rogue had a purpose to deceiue vs. But I be∣leeue he will remember this nights lodging (if he be yet aliue) the longest day that he hath to liue. And I haue beene often angry with my selfe, and haue beshrewd my fingers a thousand times ouer and ouer, that I vs'd him no worse.

All that liad formerly past, he related vnto me very solemnly, omitting no one circumstance: As the contriuing of the plot, his making him goe supper∣lesse to bed (supposing that might haue holpe to saue his sheets) and which was worse then all the rest, his tossing in a blanket.

I poore man, that was this little rogue that had suffered all this, and had re∣ceiued such hard measure from them, apprehended it so feelingly, as if I had beene afraid I should haue gone to this geare againe: My flesh did breake out (me thought) into chops; and like the wound of a murtherd man, did open of it selfe, and began to bleed afresh, (vpon the hearing of this tale) as if the mur∣derer were present. And albeit, I sensibly perceiued in my selfe, that the co∣lour of my face did receiue some alteration, hauing changed its naturall hew, yet did I dissemble it the best that I could; and then, euen then at that very instant, did I whet the razor of my reuenge. Not so much moued thereunto, out of my former hunger, that I had to doe it; as this his present boasting, what fine feats he had done; seeming to take a pride and a glory in doing an vndeserued mischiefe. For I hold it a greater sinne (and doubtlesse so it is) to boast an ill, then to doe it. I did itch all the while this tale was on foot, and knew not which way to looke, nor what to say. At last I said vnto him; I can not call to minde, who this youth should be that did so earnestly long to haue honourable parents; yet are we beholding vnto him, (if haply he be aliue, and haue escaped with life from Ronçesvalles) that of all other noble Houses (where∣of there are so many in the world) he would vouchsafe to make choyce of ours, to honour himselfe there withall. And if such another stripling as he, should chance to come to my house, I would show him all the kindnesse I could, till I had fally inform'd my selfe of the truth, and had assured knowledge, whether he came vnto me out of an euill, or good intent. For there are some Cases, and so me such strange and vnexpected casualties, whereunto mans courses are incident, that euen persons, of great, both worth and valour, escape in that mi∣raculous manner, and are by their misfortunes, brought to that low ebbe, that they are asham'd of them-selues. But this wag, when I had sifted and sounded him throughly, and found out his intent, I would haue dealt with him, as hee

would haue dealt with mee: For Pouertie neither quits Vertue, nor Riches giue it. And in case it should not haue fallen out as my suspitious thoughts had suggested it, and that (for ought I saw) he had no euill intention towards me, nor any purpose to doe me any harm, I should haue fauourd him all that I could, and haue secretly dismist him from me. And in a word, though hee had not beene my kinsman, yet for the good choice that he made, and the good liking he had to our name, preferring it before any other, surely hee should not haue fared the worse for that. And if I had not giuen him any money in his purse, yet would I at least haue vs'd him ciuilly, and not sent him away discontented, who (as it should seeme by him) was not very well pleased with his entertain∣ment. Goe to, goe to, (Cozen) (said the oldman) had you seene him, as I did, you would haue told me another tale then now you do. And for mine own part, (I must confesse vnto you) it did me good at the heart, that I had thus firkt my young Rogue; and (as I told you before) I am very sory that I did not handle him worse, and giue him that condigne punishment, which the heynousnesse of the offence did deserue. For you neuer saw such a tatterd Rascall as he was in all your life; and being thus all to be rent and torne, and not a ragge (sauing your reuerence) to couer his breech, yet this shake-rag, this young impudent Rogue, did not sticke to challenge kindred of vs, and that hee was lineally de∣scended of our house, and in so neare a degree, as you haue heard. And because he brought not his wedding garment with him, but was thus poore and basely clad, we gaue him Iacke Drums entertainment, and shut him out of doores, ha∣uing lapt him first in a blanket, where hee was handsomely canuast; and with this he went his way. Iust about the same time (said I) was I with my mother in Sevill. And it's not yet full three yeere since I left her. I was their onely sonne, nor had my parents any other children saue my selfe. It was euen at my tongues end, and almost out of my mouth ere I was aware, that I had two fa∣thers; but quickly mending that fault, I went on, as followeth: My father left me well to liue, being neither so much, as there-with to be able to spend lauish∣ly; nor yet so little, that with good gouernment, I might not liue handsomely. I cannot boast my selfe to be rich, nor iustly complaine that I am poore. Be∣sides, my mother was alwayes a prudent and prouident woman, well gouern'd, a small waster, and a great huswife.

All they that were there present, were willing to giue me the hearing, and were wondrous glad of it, not well knowing in what Sanctuary they might place me, nor how sufficiently to feast me, nor could they satisfie them-selues in point of good manners, if they did not giue me the right hand, and being two, if they did not put me in the l 1.42 midst betweene them both. Then did I softly say to my selfe; O vanity, whither wilt thou? how doest thou runne af∣ter those that are fortunate, as long as they saile with a faire wind. But when that fayles thee, how in a moment doe thy friends forsake thee, how many changes doest thou find in an instant? And how truly, did I now come to know that they are euermore fauoured and resp•…•…cted, from whom any hope may bee had, that one way or other, they may be benefited by them? and this is the reason why few doe helpe the needy, and all runne after the rich.

We are the children of pride, and rather flatterers then friends. For if wee were true friends indeed, and were charitably minded, wee would haue re∣course to the contrary. Especially, we knowing how acceptable a thing it is in the sight of God, that euery one should be as sensible of his neighbours mise∣ries, as his owne, seeking to doe the same good vnto him, as we would haue to be done vnto our selues, were wee in the same wretched case, as he is. I was now become the idoll of my kindred, so much was I adored by them. I had bought me at an m 1.43 Almoneda, a faire Cupboord of plate, which cost mee almost eight hundred Ducats; and for no other end in the world, but to close vp this my wound the better, I inuited all my kindred together, with some other of

my friends one day to dinner, I made them a great feast, bestow'd a costly ban∣ket vpon them, cheared them all vp, made wonderfull much of them, and gaue them all the kinde entertainment I could possibly deuise. After dinner, wee goe to play, I get the money, but gaue it almost all away in barato to the stan∣ders by. And with this coniuring tricke thus I carried them through the Ayre, I was able to doe what I would doe with them. O that I could haue then whi∣spered them softly in the eare, and haue told them; Know (Gentlemen) that * 1.44 you feed vpon your owne flesh; that the n 1.45 wolfe is in the midst of your flocks; and that hee, whom they make so much of, is hee, whom they so much wronged. O, if they did but know so much, how would they blesse them selues, what a world of crosses would they make in euery corner of their houses, that they might not be troubled with a double labour all the dayes of their life after to doe the same thing againe, a thousand and a thousand times ouer? For now their mattresses were a quilting, and their beds a making, wherein they were like to take but little rest, and fetch more friscalls in the ayre, then when they tost mee in the blanket; so that they shall haue as good cause to thinke vpon mee, as I vpon them; and remember one another the better as long as wee liue. But my paine was already past; and theirs was now comming vpon them. O, if they but knew, that he that is thus with them in sheeps-cloathing, shall ere long breake sodainly in vpon them, like a roaring and raging lyon, how would they looke one vpon another? But it is well as it is; for ere they and I part, we will quit scores, and make them to know me a little better, and what it is to abuse one in that manner as they did me, and to scorne and despise their owne blood. It is a fine stale, or call, to take a bird withall, to haue a good eoram vobis, to spend brauely, to goe gallantly, and to be a Don Iuan de Guzman; but it had beene better for them, that I had beene poore Guzman de Alfarache with his tatterd cloathes, then Don Iuan de Guzman in all his gallantry. They vs'd me with a great deale of courtesie, and gaue me very kinde entertainment, but because I had a queazy stomacke, and was troubled with many qualmes, like a woman that is a breeding, out of that longing desire that I had to be reuenged, nothing would downe with me, or if it did, it would make no stay, but I should pre∣sently puke it vp againe. For in such cases, a mans thoughts are euer of a bad digestion; it being the nature of iniuries, not to be easily concocted. So that I did continually beat my braines about it, plodding with my selfe how I should best effect it; and in this vertuous exercise had I set my wits a working, and all these my noble entertainments tended to no other end then this. For * 1.46 it had beene great folly in me, to haue made such great preparation to no pur∣pose. And vnprofitable is that power, which is not reduced to act. I did but * 1.47 wait for a happy coniuncture, for euery thing hath its o 1.48 quando, its when it should be done. For we cannot execute all things, at all times. Besides there are some houres that are vnlucky, some starres that are crosse, and some planets that are malignant; whose contagious breath we are to flie from, and keepe our selues aloofe from their infectious ayre, lest they chance to worke our destruction.

Thus then did I leysurely stay, looking for a fit occasion, passing those dayes that I remained there, in feasting and banquetting, and all other delightfull pleasures; one vvhile walking downe to the Sea-side, to take the fresh ayre; o∣therwhiles, going to recreate my selfe in their sweet and pleasant Gardens, vvhich are very curiously kept; and now and then visiting the faire Dames of Genoa.

My Kinsmen, vvould faigne haue made mee to marry a Gentlewoman of * 1.49 very good quality, but of a small Dowry: but I durst not venture vpon her, for the reasons before recited: and being besides to steale away from thence very shortly, our egges p 1.50 must haue beene buried in the ashes; yet did I shew

my selfe very thankfull vnto them for these their good vvishes towards mee; neither accepting, nor refusing their offer, that I might goe entertaining and leading them along till I had hit the marke that I aymed at. For, certaine it is, that a man may then easiliest knock out his enemies braines, vvhen his aduer∣sary thinkes there is no such treachery intended against him, and rests most se∣cure. And here vvill wee rest a while.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Quo semel im∣buta recens, &c
• * 1.2

  The force of ver∣tue.
• * 1.3

  Men without reason, and who they be.
• * 1.4

  The language of fooles.
• * 1.5

  An exageration against the ene∣mies of vertue.
• a 1.6

  Escarua la gallina por su mal.
• * 1.7

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.8

  The honest Chri∣stian.
• * 1.9

  The Thiefe.
• * 1.10

  Murmurers.
• * 1.11

  Hypocrite.
• * 1.12

  Dissemblers.
• * 1.13

  False witnesses.
• * 1.14

  A Country fel∣lowes mistake: for ochenta an̄os, he names ochoçientos.
• * 1.15

  Of Theeues. Who be the braue theeues.
• b 1.16

  Buscan la paja 〈◊〉〈◊〉 el oydo.
• * 1.17

  Prouerbe.
• c 1.18

  Sacar las bra∣sas, con la mano del gato.
• * 1.19

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.20

  What stealing is.
• * 1.21

  Guzman goes for Milan.
• * 1.22

  Prouerbe.
• d 1.23

  Come, man∣gas, que a voso∣tras es la fiesta.
• e 1.24

  •…•…gan a cada vno, como lo ven t•…•…atado. Good cloathes re∣commend a man more then know∣ledge.
• * 1.25

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.26

  Catulus his say∣ing of Nonius.
• f 1.27

  The Spanish word is Enxun∣dia Adeps por∣cinus, interior pinguedo porci inueterata. Also; lo gordo, que las 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tie∣nen en la ouera.
• * 1.28

  Guzman arriues a•…•… Ge∣noa.
• * 1.29

  The effects of Pride and Vain∣glory.
• * 1.30

  The fruits of following the Court and Wars.
• g 1.31

  The Spanish phrase 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Sin besar, y tocar, en cosa d•…•… pro∣uecho.
• * 1.32

  The common course amongst gamesters.
• h 1.33

  Quien bien siemora, bien coge.
• * 1.34

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.35

  Guzman begins to thinke vpon the reuenge he meant to take of his kinsman.
• * 1.36

  Riches compared to fire.
• * 1.37

  Prouerbe.
• i 1.38

  Mas fuego, mas calor.
• * 1.39

  Prouerbe.
• k 1.40

  Vna fue, y •…•…leuosela el gato. I cannot find whether this vna isr ser'd, and therefore re∣serre it to others to find it out.
• * 1.41

  This Story you shall find, more a•…•… large, in the first Part, first Chapt. an the third Book.
• l 1.42

  The middle place esteemed in Spaine, to be the best.
• m 1.43

  A publike out crie: Or an open sale of goods at the second hand.
• * 1.44

  Prouerbe.
• n 1.45

  En el hato, està el lobo.
• * 1.46

  Inanis potentia, quae non redu∣citur ad actum.
• * 1.47

  Prouerbe.
• o 1.48

  Cada cosa, tiene su quan∣do.
• * 1.49

  Prouerbe.
• p 1.50

  A•…•…s de dar con los hue∣uo•…•… en la ceni∣za.