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 LVII. ADVERTISEMENT.

The Prince of Epire's first son being born, he is thereat so af∣flicted, as he forbids that any shews of joy be made for it in his State.

THe last Letter that came from Epire, bears date the 22 of this present month, and they tell us of the birth of a son to the Prince of Epire; and say that he being the first-born, the people of that Country were not only exceedingly joyed to see their Prince his succession secured, but that they and many of the neighbouring Lords prepared to make extraordina∣ry demonstrations of gladness. But the Prince was the only man who in this publick rejoycing was so very sad, as he forbad the Steward of his house, who went to take order for the expence of bone-fires, fire-works, and other expressions of joy for the birth of their young Master, to shew any signes of jollity; and bad him make the Fountains run with. Wi•…•…e, to proclaim open Court for forty daies in his house, spend a hundred thou∣sand crowns in Tilt and Turney, when he himself should have a son 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the Lord Steward wondred much at this the Princes answer, to whom he said, What means this, Si•…•…, is not the child that is bo•…•… your son, your wife having brought him forth twelve months after you were married▪ I now find, said the Prince, that privat me•…•… are not much acquainted •…•…ith the Interests of Princes. But to let you see that I have reason for what I say, tell me how old I am▪ Eighteen the twel•…•…th of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 month▪ re∣plyed the Steward. Confess then, said the Prince, that the child 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now born, is my brother, not my son; for privat men 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 children from their brethren by their birth•…•…; but Pri•…•… by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 age: and know that those shall be my best beloved sons, who shall be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…o me when I shall be 50 years old; and when any such shall be born, I will be content that extraordinary joy shall be shewn: For when sons are born

to a young Prince as I am, bels should rather toll out for sorrow, to Fu∣nerals, than Trumpets sound for joy: A Prince who marries whilst he is young, runs hazard of having a multitude of sons, which is the true stone of offence, of whatsoever State; this is so great a truth, as a King can re∣ceive no greater blessing from heaven, than to have but one only son a∣live. Moreover, a Prince who hath many sons whilst he is young, ought not to covet long life; for as Fathers desire to die with Supreme power in their hand; so sons, when they come to certain years of age, have not patience to wait till the Fruit of Government grow to be ripe by their Fathers death: for many great Kings have had sons, who blinded with a desire of reigning, would rather hazard their healths with eating green Grapes in Iune, then tarry till they should be ripe in September. If it be so, said the Steward, I must confess the condition of Princes is to be de∣plored in that, wherein we privat men do envie them. Know then, said the Prince, that when my son▪ who is now born, shall come to be one and twenty years old, and I shall not put him into full possession of this my Principality, if he shall then chance to contrive any thing against my Per∣son, or my State, it is I that shall therein have erred more then he. For it will be as great a discourtesie in me, not to resigne over unto him my State then, as it would be inhumanity in me, if when I should be eating at a plentifull Table, I should see him stand by, ready to starve for hunger, and not bid him eat.