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 LXI. ADVERTISEMENT.

Juvinal refuseth a Challenge given him by Francisco Berni, to contend with him in Satyrical Poetry.

SOme Latin and Itallian Poets fell some few daies ago, a comparing the Itallian and Latin Poetry, when Lodovico Ariosto thinking that the Latins did too much undervalue Itallian Poetry, by too highly exalting their own, said that the Itallians yielded to the Latins for the Heroick Verse, which was grave and stately in the Latin tongue, and did observe a delightful cadence, by coupling the Dactils and Spondeas so excellently well; but that in Lyrick Poetry, he was of opinion they might march hand in hand together; and that for what concerned Satyrical Verse, the Itallians were so far advanced, as in the tartness of their pleasant concepti∣ons, in the mordacity of their more grave affairs, and in their easie ex∣pressing their conceits, they far exceeded the Latins. The Latins ap∣proved not of Ariostos opinion, and said in their own defence, they saw not why the Italian Poets should so much presume upon their skill in Satyri∣cal Poetry, there not being any one of them who might deservedly be compared to Iuvenal, nor who durst vie with Persius. Francisco Berni was present at this discourse, who having gon beyond all the terms of the bitterest backbiting, had so wounded even Aretines self with his cut∣ting Verses, as he bore the shamefull badges thereof in his face, brest, and hands. This man told the Latin Poets, that Iuvenal in respect of him, was an ignorant fellow in Satyrical Poetry; and that he would maintain this truth which he had spoken, fairly and freely, the first and second time, and even till blood came, in a bush of Bryars, not only against Iuvi∣nal, but against whatsoever other Satyrical Poet, yea though he had the advantage of a Commentator. It is not to be said how highly all the La∣tin Poets were incenst at the hearing of these words; who to abate the edge of this arrogant mans too great presumption, and to maintain the name of Latin, so much injured, they had like to have used superchery to him; but Horatio Venosino, desirous that this question might be fairly and honorably decided, appeased the incenst mindes of the Latin Poets, and told Berni, that he lied in all that he had said to the prejudice of Iu∣vinals honor; and that he had slandered a Poet whose pens he was not worthy to make clean, and that he in Iuvinals name accepted the chal∣lenge. He therefore wisht him to appear the first day in Bellona's field, with eights and thirds, where Iuvinal should give him a good account of himself, with his Heroick Verses in his hand. This being said, Berni, ac∣companied with his brother-Poets, went to arm himself, and Horatio hast∣ed to find out Iuvinal, whom he acquainted with all that had past between him and Barni. Iuvinal being astonished at the novelty of the business, pawsed a good while, then said, Horatio, if you have accepted the chal∣lenge in my name, try you the business with him, for I dare not. As for Latin Poets, I fear no mans face, neither do I care a fig for a thousand; but I tremble at the very naming of an Italian Satyrist. Horatio seeing his own

honor, and the like of all Latin Poets in such danger, encouraged Iuvinal, and bad him remember that he was the Prince of Satyrical Poets, and that such a one as he, who had deserved the happiness to have Commentators, a thing so much coveted by learned Poets, ought not to be afraid of Ber∣nies railing; and told him there was no proportion to be held between the powerfull weapons of Heroick Verse, between the excellent blade of the Latin tongue, and the faint Italian Verse, made by chance, and so strictly tied to rhime, as Italian Poets having their hand bound up with the cords thereof, they could make no down-right blows, nor lead a streight stockado, as occasion should require, as was clearly seen by Mauro, who in the dangerous combat which he had, when labouring in the bean∣field, he was set upon by an enemy, and thinking to make a full and mor∣tal thrust at his belly, his rithme forced him to give it him on his back, which purchast him the name of Treachery. The more the Venetian Poet incouraged and inheartned Iuvinal, the more did his fear encrease. The news of this challenge was by this time so spread abroad amongst the Vertuosi, as it came to Apollos ears, who was very much pleased thereat, for he delighted exceedingly to see two Litterati buckle together in fury, and wound one anothers reputation handsomly; for, for the most part, the Vertuosi speak and write, but so so in cold bloud; but when heated and chafed with anger, they do things beyond human wit, in defence of their reputation, and to purchase renown. Wherefore hearing of Iuvinals back∣wardness, he caused him speedily to be sent for, and sharply upbraided his cowardliness, and recommended the reputation of Latin Satyres unto him. Then Iuvinal said thus in his own defence to his Majesty; Sir, I have the same courage that I formerly had, nor do I fear to encounter a dozen Latin Satyrists; I beseech your Majesty to remember, that the ex∣cellency of Satyrical Poetry consists not in having a bold wit, quick spi∣rit, a detracting Talent, in sharp bitter reparties, handsom Sonnets, and ready replies; but in the condition of the times wherein men live: for in corrupt times, the vein of Satyres is very fluent; and the times wherein I lived, cannot any waies be compared to the wickedness and cosenage of this present age. If Berni should appear within the Lists, and should as∣sail me within the launce of modern vices, such as were not known in my daies, would he not drive me out of the List? Apollo hearing this an∣swer, had no more to say, but declared, that though Iuvinal baulked the quarrel, he suffered not in his honour, nor did he do any thing misbecom∣ing an honourable Cavalier Poet; for it was not Bernis wit that he feared, but his corrupt times, too unequal to those of Iuvinals.