I ragguagli di Parnasso, or, Advertisements from Parnassus in two centuries : with the politick touch-stone / written originally in Italian by that famous Roman Trajano Bocalini ; and now put into English by the Right Honourable Henry, Earl of Monmouth.

The XLIV. ADVERTISEMENT.

Batista Platina, being bastenado'd by Agustino Niso, com∣plains to Apollo (little to his reputation) of the injury received.

BAtista Platina, who keeps the Pastrey shop in the corner of the Herb-market as he the other day was raising a piece of dainty Paste, Agustino Niso da Sessa, that famous Neapolitan Philosopher en∣tred his shop, and took up the rowling pin wherewith Platina made his Paste, and did so cudgel him with it, as certainly he would have slain him, had not some of the Vertuosi, who heard the noise, run in, and hindred him. Platina being thus ill dealt withal, caused himself to be brought before Apollo; to whom he sorely complained of Niso, and said, That he was not so much grieved at the blows he had received, as that he had never deserved to be so foully affronted by that Philosopher, whom he had always so deerly loved. Apollo did with much grief rescent Niso's extravagancy, and gave order for him to be forthwith sent for: who when he appeared, was ask'd by his Majestie, what had moved him so to dishonour such a Vertuoso as Platina. Niso boldly replyed, That by reason of Platina's evil proceeding with him, he was forced so to re∣venge a shameful slash, which he had given him over the face from one ear to another. Platina with tears, said to Niso, I have always admired your worth Agustino, and loved you as dearly as my own soul, and you, without any cause, have offended your friend, whom you were bound to love and reward. Niso turned then to Apollo, and told him, That he being desirous some few days before to give a private supper to some Neapolitan Vertuosi, had sent to Platina's shop for a Veal Pye, for which he was presently paid; and that Platina, whom he had never of∣fend, had to no end placed his Arms over his shop door, whereby he had published him throughout Parnassus, to be one of those useless persons, who delighting in Gluttony, study nothing but how to eat vvell. Platina excused himself, and said that he had placed his arms over his door, to honour him, not out of any infamy to him. Apollo then bad Platina hold his peace; for you (said he) have well deserved the mischief vvhich hath befallen you; for the arms of men of honor, and of such a Philo∣losophers

as is my beloved Niso, ought to be seen in Libraries, no•…•… i•…•… Cooks shops, vvhere none but those of smell feasts ought to ha•…•…g; for there is no fouller defect nor vice, then to study hovv to please the pal∣lat, and to make the base and shameful profession to hunt after good victuals.