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 XC. ADVERTISEMENT.

Apollo visits the Prisons, and in his visitation dispatches the causes of many Litterati accused of sundry faults, and imprisoned for debt.

BY ancient custom Apollo never intermeddles in civil affairs, but leaves them wholly to be proceeded in by the Judges; for (as it hath been said) he is so exactly diligent in chusing his Officers, as every one in this State may be sure to have justice rightly administred: but in criminal affairs, wherein the life and reputation of his Litterati are con∣cerned, he with great diligence and exemplary patience, will understand, know and see into every the least circumstance. So as his Majestie having reserved the whole power of Judicature therein unto himself, his other Judges have little to do in this Tribunal, but to give in information a∣gainst the guilty. Certainly a most excellent custom, and worthy to be known and imitated by those unwary Princes, who shamefully aban∣doning the protection of the accused party, which they ought to take so to heart, leave it to the discretion of one onely Judge, who is oft times corrupt, sometimes ignorant, and always passionate; a thing so detestable, as where good Laws are established, a hundred Judges are thought too little a number to judge the life of one man. Hence it is Apollo many ages ago did very wisely in Parnassus institute the custom of visiting Ptisons, where all criminal causes of the Prisoners are decided by his Majestie, and the civil of such as are in for debt. On Tuesday last then, his Majestie attended by all the criminal and civil benches, went to the Pegasean prisons▪ where the prisoners appeared.

The first was Felino Sandeo, very famous in the Canonical Laws. Angelo de Malefiis, who was to open the cause, said, That that Lawyer was two years ago made Deputy of that Island by the Prince of Andro, where he shamefully suffered some chief men of his Government to ty∣ranize over, and to afflict the poor, the widows and orphans, and that he suffered these insolent people, to pay Artificers by bastonadoing them. This information being given in; Apollo turned to Felino, and asked him, How it was possible such a one as he could commit the ex∣cess which he stood accused of? Felino answered, That he had suffici∣ently witnessed his knowledge in the Laws, and his resolution to punish tyrants, in his other Governments which he had had of Focide, Pindus, Libetres and Mittilene; but that in Andro he had omitted doing his duty, not out of ignorance, but out of meer wisdom; and that the Prince of Andro's ill nature had been the onely cause of this his errour; for having found that many personages of singular worth, and gifts of mind, who had been Governors of the Isle of Andro before him, had endangered themselves onely for having administred justice exactly, and done their duty compleatly well; and this onely through the malicious persecutions of those who were not suffered to tyranize, he had of pur∣pose

neglected his duty, and what he knew he ought chiefly to have done: and that the Prince of Andro was not onely faulty in easily believing all sort of wickedness in his State-Ministers, upon the very first impression, but very desirous to hear accusations which malicious men do often make against able and honest Officers, and appeared a friend to the im∣peachers: Wherefore for such like proceedings, he had not onely not feared to treat his Prince so ill; but was glad to pay him with such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as he had deserved. Apollo mightily admiring Felino's defence, did not onely gratiously imbrace him as innocent; but commended his error, as one who wisely knew how to commodate his actions to his Princes genius, and iudged him innocent of the fault which he had confessed; and afterward said publikely, That Princes who were not eagerly •…•…∣vent in protecting their Officers, and who were friends to such informa∣tions as was made against them by the scum of people, deserved not to be served by men of honor. Then because he turned his eyes upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Baldo dalla Rovere, Duke of Urbine, he remembred all men of the good Government of his son Francisco Maria, and of the custom which he holds in his State, where he punisheth those Officers severely, who in the administration of justice hold not the ballance upright, as also those who persecute them without reason.

Next Cornelius Tacitus, who had been imprisoned some weeks before, upon the accusations of the most famous Philosophers of the State, was brought before Apollo, and accused for having spoke a miss of Poverty, since in his Annals he had not stuck to call her summum malorum. Tacit. lib. 4. An. and Diogenes the Cinick, who pleaded against him; told Apollo, That it being apparent that men who were wealthy, hated to take pains, and sit up late to acquire learning, he would have all men to know, that poverty was the true foundation of all Science, which if it should be hated, would prove the greatest calami•…•…y which could be∣fal the Liberal Arts. After Diogenes, the Attorney Bossio, demanded, That Tacitus his fault being evidently true, his sentence might be pro∣nounced. And Apollo decreed, That Tacitus should first abjure the words which he had said, and that he should be imprisoned for the space of four years in Saxum Seriphum. Then Tacitus with his wonted vivacity of wit, and his usual liberty of language, said, Sir, I know not why I should be commanded to praise poverty, when these Judges who are to con∣demn me, think her to be so shameful a thing, as they have not doubt∣ed to place her amongst the true tokens of torture which they would not have done if a wealthy mind might have been found in a poor man. This defence wrought such confusion in the minds of all the Visitors, as Apollo, lest the world might take notice of the shame that was put upon the Doctors, Judges and Tribunals, by an accused person, thought it a lesser evil to let him have his Liberty.

Next to Tacitus, Nicholas Perenotta da Granuela was brought into the Visitation; and it was informed, That he was imprisoned for publish∣ing a volume De bono Libertatis. Of the which (as it appeared in his process) he was so capital an enemy, as that he was the chiefest cause why the Emperor Charls the fifth, did inslave many famous Common∣wealths of Europe. Apollo having heard the relation, decreed, That Parenotto should be banished Pernassus for ever, as he who had impudent∣ly gain-said the Delfick Edict, wherein the Litterati are strictly forbid∣den

to write of such things whereof they do not make publike profession. For that the vertues of Sobriety, Chastity, and other honorable moral Sciences were made ridiculous, when celebrated by men given to lust, and glu•…•…ony, and to other vices. As if such vertues had not power I enough to drive vice from out the souls of men, and in lieu thereof to, introduce good and honest life; and as if it were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which wicked men whisper continually up and down the streets, that the Liberal Sciences are onely learnt to be made merchandise of, and to make men understand them, but neither believe nor practise them.

Perenotto's cause being over, an unfortunate Doctor of Law, was brought loaded with irons, before Apollo, who was imprisoned, for that not being onely a very excellent Advocate, but very skilful in all other choice Sciences; either blinded by folly, or contaminated by lewd∣ness of mind, he from being a gainful Advocate in his Countrey, and a well reputed Litterato, was become a shameful and wretched Souldier; changing by so unhappy a Metamorphosis his pen into a sword, his book into harquebuses, the defending of men with his mouth, to kil∣ling them with daggers, and the reading of good discipline in a famous University, into the desperate exercise of assaulting strong holds. Apollo being very much offended with so undeserving a man, in much anger said unto him, Ah thou Traytor and Rebel to Learning, knowest thou not that the woful exercise of war is onely fit for such ignorant people, who like so much unuseful flesh, are onely good for the •…•…bles of war; and altogether unworthy to be followed by those to whom their deserving parents have left the rich and honourable patrimony of the Liberal Sciences; which some Princes have prohibited in their States, for no other reason, but that they open the eyes of the blind, and enlighten the souls of foolish people, making them know the cunning and im∣posturism which the Princes of the world have used to make an occupa∣tion seem profitable and honourable, which is so much to be abhorr'd. And this being said, his Majestie gave sentence, That that Doctor should for ever be inhibited admittance into any Library, that he should be for∣bidden the contentments of writing and reading; and that for the ex∣ample of others, he should be declared to be ignorant. The unifortu∣nate Doctor hearing so sad a sentence, pleaded loud for mercy; and said, That his error not having proceeded out of malice, but out of meer ig∣norance, he was a subject fit for his Majesties pitty; and that it was not the desire of riches, nor the thirsting after mans blood, which had made him gird the sword about him, and betake him to the mysterie of war, but onely that he might purchase glory thereby. Apollo was then more incensed; and replyed unto the Doctor thus, And what glory (thou wicked one) couldst thou hope for, by the unhappy practice of killing men, of plundering Countreys, burning Cities, deflowering Virgins and in murthering them that thou mayest make them consent to so barbarous dishonesty? knows thou not that my Litterati are those that with their pen eternize the names of military men? knowest thou not that all glo∣•…•…y won by the sword, uniess when taken up for Religion, or for the de∣fence of a mans Countrey is false Alchimy and merchandize, fit onely for hair-brained fools? When the honour which my Vertuosi win by their learning, and by handling their pen, is always the purest refined gold which will bear the Test.

The Doctors cause having received this end, Giovan Giorgio Tressino that famous Vicentian Poet, came before Apollo, and throwing himself down before his feet; said, Sir, Your Majestie knows that unfortunate I, to amend the many Inconveniences, which are in the Italian Tongue even to this day, was the first who when I published my Poem of Italia Liberaia endeavoured to bring the Omicron, Eupselon, Omega, and other Greek Letters, which I thought very requisite for that language, into my own Tongue; so to shun the frequent equivocations which are evidently seen therein, for want of such letters; in which enterprize having been at great charges, I contracted those debts for which I am now imprisoned; for men who by natural instinct, Veteribus, etiam quae •…•…sus evidenter arguit stare malunt did not approve of this my new In∣vention. And unless your Majestie put in betwixt my misery, and my Creditors rage, I, who have taken such pains for the service of Learn∣ing, am like to end my days in the stench of this loathsom Prison. Apollo was very sensible of Tressino's misery; and asked him, Whether he was in case to pay his Creditors any moneys by the moneth? To which Tressino answered, He could not assign over unto them more then five Crowns a moneth. Which Apollo, turning towards the Creditors, de∣sired them to be contented with. But they, who would have the whole sum, answered discourteously. And Apollo asking them, Whether or no they were so inhumane as to be paid by the price of blood? The Mer∣chants with their wonted incivility answered, That he must either re∣solve to pay the whole debt, or that parting with his personal estate, he should according to the Laws made against Bankrupts, wear a green hat, and they vvould be satisfied. Apollo was so very angry at this their in∣humanity, as rising up upon his feet, and turning towards Tressino's Creditors; Will you then (said he) be paid by this Vertuoso's shame, and loss of honor? What Law is that which you alledge, which will have men forgo their reputation, without which they are not worthy to live? and if even amongst the most barbarous Nations which inhabit the earth, there be no Law found that a man shoul lose his life for debt, how can there be a Law in my State, where all exquisiteness of Law is professed, which bereaves a man of his honor, which is much more dear to man then life? What crueller wilde beast can there be, what more venemous Asp or Viper, then he who regards not his reputation? good Lavvs, and such as ought to be obeyed, do never disrobe a man of his honor, but love that those who vvant it, should by all means possible en∣deavor the purchase thereof, that they should covet it more then any earthly Treasure, and set a greater valuation upon it. The Creditors mightily affrighted at these words, ran from the Visitation.

Whereupon Cressino somewhat encouraged, told Apollo, That if his Majestie would endow him vvith a povver of making Knights, he vvas sure his Creditors vvould take the honor of Knighthood from him in full payment of his debts. Apollo at the hearing of this foolish request, broke forth into loud laughter; and told Tressino, He vvas sorry to see him still pursue ridiculous novelties. Tressino replied, That his request was no nevv invention, but a thing much used; and that the famous Roman Republique, and after them many great Lords, vvho might very vvell have paid their Creditors vvith ready money, paid the obli∣gations of blood, and debts due for long and costly service with Lavvrel,

and the Order of Knighthood. Then Apollo smiled again, and told Tris∣sino, that he built Castles in the arte; for he must be another manner of man then he, that would sell meer smoak for good Merchandize.

Tressino being dispatcht, Process was read against a base humerous Doctor of the Law, whose name the higher Powers will have concealed; where it was said, That in Governments which he had had, he would of∣ten in publick audiences, with great pride and surquedry, behave himself insolently, even with noble and honorably conditioned personages, saying that he would send them to the Gallies, would have their heads taken off, and make them be hanged before the Palace Gate. The Doctor said in excuse of this his error, that he did this to make himself terrible to the people, and to make himself be obeyed. Apollo, after he had put him in mind that good Officers, and men of honor, made themselves dreadful to the people by an equally rigorous, and uncorrupt Justice, and not by in∣solent threats, gave order that that Doctor, whose genius appeared fitter to command slaves, then men of honor, should be sent to be Auditor of the Gallies.

Immediately after, Nicholas Franco Beneventano's cause was heard, who shooting at a great Wolf with a gun charged with small hail-shot, the Wolf being lightly hurt, flew upon him according to his custom, and with his teeth tore his left thigh: Those that were present at the Visitati∣on, wondred very much why he should be questioned, who deserved ra∣ther to be comforted for the danger he had run, and cured of the wounds he had received. But Apollo, who was not well pleased that one of his Litterati should have committed so great a piece of folly, since he had alwaies told his Vertuosi that they must take off their hats to cruel and dangerous beasts, and suffer them to pass by quietly, or else shoot at them with a musket loaded with ram'd bullets, and so lay him flat on his back, condemned the Litterato to the usual punishment of imprudency, that none should excuse his error; none should pitty him, and that all men should laugh at him.

This cause was no sooner ended, but Cratippus, the Athenian Philo∣sopher appeared at the visitation, and the Information against him was, That the Duke of Ephesus had given to him his only son to be brought up by him; to whom when he came to mature years, he relinquisht the Government of his State, wherein the young Prince proved as unapt, as he proved famous for Philosophy: for he was timerous in the handling of arms, and incapable of State-affairs; and the singular goodness and honesty which he had learnt of Cratippus, which would have been great∣ly admired in a privat man, was in him interpreted want of wit: That therefore the Philosopher not having instructed that young Prince in such things as were to be known by one who was to govern so numerous a people, the Duke of Ephesus re-demanded the sallary he had given him. Apollo was mightily displeased with Cratippus his imprisonment; and turning to the Duke who was there present, told him, that he should not blame Cratippus for his sons unap•…•…ss to Government, but his own bad choice; for that Vertuoso having taught his P•…•…pel the Science which he did publickly profess, had fully discharged his duty: And that such a one as he, ought to know that Arsenals, Armories, and State-Councels, were Schools for Princes children; and that the Scholarship which they ought to learn, was the Philosophy, the Poetry which was several times every

week read in the wise Senat of Venice, that Captains, Counsellers, and Secretaries of State, were the best instructers of Princes children; and the memory of their Ancesters, the glorious actions of such Princes, as both in peace and war had done things worthy to be admired and imita∣ted, the rods wherewith they ought to be whipt.

Constantius Albicini was next brought before Apollo, whom his Maje∣sty did mightily abominate, as one who was publickly known to be a prime finder out of vexatious inventions. His process said, That he being re∣quested by an avaritious Prince, to invent some new way for him, how to raise money from his Subjects without offending or angring them, advised him to give out, that he was likely to be unexpectedly assaulted by his e∣nemies, who would possess themselves of his State; that therefore it was necessary to fortifie the Metropolitan City; to effect the which so re∣quisite work, he must proclaim a new Tax, which would be easily grant∣ed by them who apprehended the danger of their lives, goods, and ho∣nors; that then he should in all haste begin the works which he must con∣tinue for one year, that the second year he should proceed therein more slowly, and that the third year he should give it quite over; for that the people being accustomed for those two years space to pay such an Impo∣sition, would willingly continue the payment of it. And because the chief Magistrate of the City had a rich revennue worth forty thousand crowns a year, which this covetous Prince did much thirst after, he told him, that to make himself Master thereof, and to invite the Citizens to make a free gift thereof unto him, he was only to provide two friends, the one of which should stand up in a publick Councel, and should advise, that it were good and fit to reward the Prince for his excellent Govern∣ment, with freely parting with two years revennue unto him; and that the other friend, whilst the Proposition was discussing, should say openly, That to give their suffrages in secret, was an action misbecoming a faith∣ful people towards their Prince, where the ungrateful and disloyal had opportunity to obscure the fidelity of Loyal Subjects. That therefore men should speak their mind alowd, and the Votes be so decided; for the rabble-rout, allured by the shortness of the time, would grant that for a few years, which they should never regain. It was aver'd in the same process, that this same Constanso had confest that he had told the same Prince, that an exeellent way to get money of his Subjects, was to inhi∣bit somewhat which was greatly desired, and much used in his State, as the extravagancy in aparrel, costly Jewels, and too exorbitant portions; that if any one should afterward desire a dispensation therein, it might be granted him; but upon a good acknowledgment, and upon paying well for the Seals.

Apollo having heard this wicked mans so great iniquity, and wondring that so much rascallity could be found in any one man, brake forth into these words; Puniendos rerum atrocium Ministros. Tacit. lib. 13. Ann. and then gave sentence, that this Divel incarnate should be thrown into the Boat where Melossus, Melampus, Lisisca, and other Poets Dogs were kept, by which he was presently torne in pieces and devoured.

This being over, the Commendador Hanibal Caro, was brought to the visitation, and his Majesty was told, that the quarrels between the Com∣mendador and Castelvetro, were wel known unto him; which could no otherwise be accommodated, then by taking security that they should

not offend one another. After which Castelvetro passing one morning often before the Commendadors house; the Poet did so call to mind the injury he had received by that rigorous sentence, as by a railing Sonnet, which was a thing prohibited, he wounded Castelvetro's honor. Apollo, contrary to all mens beleef, commanded that the Commendador should be presently set at liberty; and said that Castelvetro deserved to be se∣verely punisht for his being so foolishly adventurous: For knowing that he had so hainously offended a revengful man, he did foolishly to trust his life upon money-security; and so much the rather for that Castelvetro knew that the Marchigiani, who were otherwise very gallant men, but ve∣ry bloudy, have less patience then discretion.

Caro's cause being ended, Aristides, that great Athenian Senator was brought to the Visitation, who was imprisoned for having given out great quantity of Corn to the people of Athens in a very hard year. Aristi∣des imprisonment appeared altogether unjust to most of the Visitors; but Apollo, who was of a contrary opinion, told them in severe words, that in free Countries, where people are more jealous of the publick Liberty, then in any other sort of Principality, in exercising charity, men should observe that pious Precept, of not letting the right hand know what the left hand did: For in all Commonwealths, too vain-glorious alms, and done out of too much ostentation, were very dangerous; that therefore he should hereafter forbear to use such charity towards the poor, which smelt more of ambition, then of any true zeal or piety; and which might make men suspect that they were rather done out of a desire of purcha∣sing Principalities on earth, then to gain the Kingdom of Heaven.

Pietro Pomponatio, a Mantuan, appeared next all besmeared with sweat, and very ill acoutred, who was found composing a Book, wherein by foolish and sophistical arguments he endeavored to prove, that the soul of man was mortal. Apollo, not able to look upon so wicked a wretch, com∣manded that his Library should be presently burnt, and that he himself should be consumed in the same flames; for that fool deserved not the advantage of books, who laboured thereby only to prove that men were beasts. Pomponatio cryed out then with a loud voice, protesting that he believed the mortality of the soul only as a Philosopher. Then said A∣pollo to the Executioners, Let him be burnt only as a Philosopher.

A Prisoner was afterwards heard, who said that he being of Coos, had entred bond for one, who was not sent thither as Governor by his Prince, and who having committed many Larcenaries, fled from thence by night, wherefore he was forced to pay the whole summe which was laid to the charge of that thief-Officer. Apollo wondring at this mans imprisonment, turned to the Prince of Coos, who was there President, and told him, that the sure way to have an Officer rule well, lay not in his security to stand a Trial, but was only grounded upon the Princes good choice: That there∣fore the prisoner who had entred security upon firm belief that his Lord and Master would never have imployed such lewd men in places of such importance, should by all means be set at liberty; and that the punishment belonging of right to him that had done the fault, the Prince should pay his forfeiture, who had been so abusive in his charge, of whom he might at his leasure repair himself. To which the Prince answered, that his Of∣ficer was a stranger, another Princes subject; and therefore he could have no right against him. Apollo reply'd, That he having been so very a

fool, as to make use of a forreiner, whilst he might be served by his own subjects, he had no reason to complain of his loss: For that Shepherd who was so foolish, as to lead other folks sheep to feed, ought to blame none but himself, if when he brought them back at night to their folds, he could neither shear nor milk them.

This was the end of that imprisoned security, which the Prince of Coos liked not, though all the Visitors were well pleased with it. Tito Strozzi, the famous Ferara Poet was the next that appeared, imprisoned upon the Suit of Francisco Filelpho, who having given him some mo∣neys to deliver to Cintio Geraldi, a Creditor of his; Strozzo, as soon as he had it; lost it at play; which Filelpho complained of in the Visitati∣on. Apollo, who knew that Strozzi wanted a leg, merrily asked Filel∣pho, whether if a man should have bought a blind horse in his Market of Tolentino, the buyer might redemand his money which was ill laid out? To which Filelpho answered, That whosoever bought a beast that was palpably defective, could blame nothing but his own folly. If it be so, saies Apollo, you have judged aright Filelpho in your own cause. Filel∣pho understood then whither his Majesties question tended, and being much afflicted, answered, that he was not ignorant of the common Pro∣verb, That one must be carefull how he deals with those that Nature hath markt; but that he did not hold it to be alwaies true: Know Filelpho, said Apollo, that Proverbs are nothing else but experimented Sentences, approved sayings; and I tell you, that Mother Nature in procuring men, may be fitly said to imitate a conscientious Potter, who when he takes his Vessel out of the Furnace, if he find any that have holes in them, that be not sufficiently baked, or that have any other imperfection, to the end that unwary people may not take them for good, he breaks off one of their ears, or gives them some other mark of being amiss. And because all men cannot be born equally honest, as nor can all the Potters pots come equally perfect out of the Furnace; as let a Garden be never so well look∣ed unto, and weeded, it is impossible but some nettles, or other weeds will spring up; Dame Nature, who greatly hates cheaters, and crosbiters, to the end that honest men be not deceived by hollow brains, crafty pates, and half-baked wits, as soon as she sees any such born, she puts out one of their eys, breaks an arm or leg, by which evident signs, tying a bel about the horses neck that is given to kicking, and fastning a board to the oxes horns which use to thrust therewith, she admonisheth all men to be aware of such.

Giovan Battista Amalteo's Cause was discust immediately after, who was imprisoned for having called Nero's liberality which he used to Corne∣lius Tacitus, when he rewarded him for the praises he had given him, with 25 Mules loaded with Gold, foolish prodigality, that Ipsi non aderat infrae servos ingenium. Tacit. lib. 13. Ann. The fault committed by Amalteo, appeared to Apollo, and to all the Visitors to be so hainous; and the rather, for that all the Schools in Parnassus hold it for an undeniable maxim, That whatsoever excessive gift given by a magnanimous Prince to a Vertuoso, in reward for any favour received from him, should not be termed prodi∣gality: For a Prince that thirsts after true glory, of which, Unum insati∣abiliter parandum, prosperam sui memoriam. Tacit. lib. 4. Ann. The merit of one pen ful of that pure ink, which smoothly laid on paper, makes mens names glorious and immortal, cannot be sufficiently rewarded by mou•…•… of Diamonds and Rubies. Apollo was therefore so highly in∣censt

against Amalteo for this so great fault, as he adjudged him to live two years amongst the ignorant.

Presently after appeared a Litterato in the Visitation, who did not only believe that damn'd and execrable opinion, That the man was happier who had his purse full of gold, then he who had his head full of knowledg; but did by all the industry he had, endeavor to insinuate it into other men. Apollo being much moved at the hainousness of this fault, sentenced the guilty person to be sew'd up in a sack, and to be thrown with his head down∣ward into the deepest part of Aganippa's well. It must not here be o∣mitted, that this rascal was so obstinate in his erronious opinion, as that he would not only not gain-say himself at the hour of death; but still affirm∣ed more obstinately then ever, that he died in the true opinion, that study was but Merchandize, and that Scholarship was only learnt out of a design to get money; and that therefore it appeared that Philosophy and Theo∣logy, were without all doubt the noblest; but Physick and Law, were the most esteemed, and most imbraced Sciences.

Baiardo, one of the Judges of Assize of this Court, read afterwards the process made against Manfredo, King of Naples, wherein it was proved, that by night he had stoln Lisbia from Catullus, that so dearly loved her, whom he sent home stript, and rob'd of all her Jewels, after he had enjoy'd her many weeks: Which injury Catullus did so lowdly com∣plain of in the Visitation, as it grew near the point of insolency; for high∣ly incenst with anger, without respect either to the place, or persons be∣fore whom he spake, he called Manfredo a base bastard. Apollo, to shew his Judges that it was not possible to teach a too highly exasperated mind to keep within bounds, though he seemed to be much offended at the lit∣tle respect Catullus had born him, gave him but a gentle reprehension; and then commanded that Manfredo, Gratis ubique; should be set at liber∣ty, and said that bastards were most commonly vitious, and given to ri∣baldry, only to increase the glory and prerogative of holy marriage; and that wise Nature, to teach male. Asses to have only to do with she Asses, and Mares to couple only with Stallions of their own kind, had so order∣ed it, that from the coupling of he Asses and Mares, nothing should come but Mules, beasts so damnably given to kicking, only to the end that men, to shun the getting of spurious issue, might be the more ambitious to be∣get legitimate children, who might in coming from the mothers womb, bring down Gods blessing with them. And that therefore bastard-chil∣dren not being bound to live vertuously, it was of courtesie when they lived well. Catullus not being herewith satisfied, but growing still more mad, Apollo, with some appearance of anger, bad him hold his peace; for he who kept a piece of stinking flesh in his house, ought not complain if it were troubled with flies.

Catullus being thus dismist, the same Baiardo read a Process made against Scipio Ammirato, a Polititian, who was convinced of having com∣mitted many hainous offences; as for having taught a Prince who pu∣nisht his people with new and vexatious Taxes, to honest them by the names of Donatives, Subsedies, and Aids, to the end that they might cause no innovation in his State; and who stuck not to term a most hate∣ful Imposition, the mountain of Piety. Moreover for that he had taught an eminent Citizen of Phosides, who desired to be attended by roaring Boys and Hectors, being backt by whom he might tyrannize, and

make himself be dreaded by all men; that he should keep in his house an open Apertiment with Dice, Cards, Tables, and have a Bawdi house the next dore to him, for that these were the true Dequois, or call-Ducks, which ticed in the scum of the City, and the lewdest sort of people: and that he should advise the Prince of Epire, who was a bitter enemy to the Laconians, and who sorely persecuted some Senators that were of a mili∣tary genius, and being gallant men, cared not to be assumed to the Princi∣pality of Laconia, lest the publick practice of persecution, might draw the hatred of the Senat upon them, which was exasperated to see the vertue and merit of the most eminent Senators in such sort persecuted, that I say, he should advise that Prince to colour over so great and apparent lewdness, with pretence that those Senators had deep designs. Apollo marvailed much at this Polititians so great perfidiousness, and after having freely de∣clared, that now much to his dislike, he had found that Polititians were Gypsies, Cheats, Coney-catchers, and Pick-pockets, he gave order that this Monster of Nature should be thrown headlong down from the Tarpeian Rock.

This was Ammirato's end, when the same Baiard•…•… gave in process a∣gainst the Judge of Guido, who was not only convinced by the testimo∣ny of divers witnesses, but by his own confession, that he had openly made sale of Justice, to him that would give most for it. Apollo highly of∣fended at the immensity of such a fault, gave sentence that the guilty par∣ty should undergo the usual punishment for sale of Justice: which was, That he should be flead alive. The Serjeants did already drag the wretch to the place of execution, when he fetching a deep sigh, cryed out, O un∣fortunate man that I am, O my monies, by which I might have lived in all sorts of delitiousness, how through my want of wit, are you now be∣come the cause of my shameful and dreadful death. These words which were heard by all the Visitors, wrought very much with his Majesty; who sending to have the Judge brought back, asked him what it was he com∣plained of? and what relation his fault in the administration of Justice, which is granted to men of worth and merit, had to the money which he said he had spent so ill? Sir, said the Judge, The Office whereby I have deserved so ill at your Majesties hands, was not granted by the Prince of Guido to my Learning, nor to my deserts, but to 70000 unlucky crowns, which I gave two years ago for the place: So as I may very well com∣plain of having purchast so great misery by my ready-money. Apollo having heard this, gave order immediately that the prisoner should be set at liberty; and said that he judged and declared him to be innocent: That therefore he should presently return to his Charge, and to the eternal in∣famy of the Prince of Guido, continue the ignominious Merchandize of selling Justice; for it was impossible to keep a man from selling that which he had bought.

The last that appeared in the Visitation, was the famous Bartolomeo d'Alviano, whom the Attorney-General accused, for that in a dispute which arose betwixt him and Iulius Cesar Scaliger, he had called him a scurvy Scholar. Apollo much resented this excess in Alviano, and said unto him, If my Litterati, adorn'd with so many vertues, full of Science, who have perfect knowledge of the course of the heavens, of the vertue of hearbs, who understand the propriety of plants, the worth of Mine∣rals, and all the Miracles of Nature, are not truely Noble, who are they

that deserve to be termed Noble? Perhaps those that are ignorant? Perhaps those vitious people, who being sunk even to the chin in idleness, sports, gluttony, and lust, have nothing praise-worthy in them; but the vertues and long series of their predecessors glory? And if gold, for the vertue it hath of not being consumed by fire, eaten by rust, corroded by Aquafortis, and for other rare qualities, was deservedly reputed the King of Mettals; if the Diamond and Ruby, for their incredible hardness, were the Princes of all Jewels; Why should not my Litterati, who know and understand so much more then all other men, deserve to be rather termed Demy Gods than Kings? and said that there was a great diffe∣rence between innobling the body by rich vestments, and cloathing the soul with pretious Sciences. Then Apollo turned toward Alviano, and said unto him, My alwaies famous Sabellico, Bembo, Giovio, Guicchardine, who have so by their pens illustrated thee, and the labours of my Vertu∣osi, which have rendred thee immortal: When did they ever deserve to be by thee rewarded by so inormous an injury, by such ingratitude? This so exasperated discourse of Apollo was the more efficacious with the Vi∣sitors, in that it was accompanied by the noise of all the Litterati that stood by, who incredibly incenst against Alviano, cry'd out for Justice: After this, the Court, by order from Apollo, voted for sentence, and pro∣pounded all sorts of severe punishments for the prisoners penalty.

This was Alviano's case, when the State of Venice hearing of this so important accident, and being very tender of Alviano's honor, came in all haste to the Visitation, and prostrating her self before his Majesties feet, with a generous submission, said, That she would never rise from be∣fore them, till she had obtained full and free pardon from his Majestie, for that her couragious Captain: And that though she might plead a new Edict of his Majesties, wherein it was declared, That those who should have taken up arms against barbarous Nations in defiance of Free Coun∣tries, should never lose his Majesties favour for any fault they should com∣mit, though capital; yet she beg'd her dear Alviano's pardon, who had lost so much bloud for her, suffered so many hardships, and run so many dangers, from his Majesties meer grace, which all the world knew be∣longed to him of justice. When the Litterati had heard th•…•…se affectio∣nate intreaties, and had called to mind what gracious acceptions that no∣ble Queen had alwaies given in her Court to all the Vertuosi that repair∣ed thither, their conceived anger was so appeased, as they cryed out aloud, Orace, Grace. Whereupon Apollo raising up that Noble Queen from the ground with his hand, placed her first amongst the Illustrious Muses; and then told her, that he could not deny any thing that she demanded, he willingly forgave Alviano for point of punishment; but he would have him give fitting satisfaction to Learning, and to his vertuosi whom he had so offended. The Alviano, before almost half dead for fear (so much doth the fear of shame more terrifie a man of honor, then certain danger of death) took courage, and said, That being so low of stature as they all saw he was, he ought to be born withall, if his cholar was soon stirred, which was that which had caused him to do amiss; but that con∣fessing his error, he declared to all the world, that he who was of choice Learning, and good demeanor was as Noble as any one born of the house of Austria, or of the bloud-Royal of France, although his Father were a Hangman.