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The XLV. ADVERTISEMENT.
A chief subject of the Province of Macedonia, being hi∣red by the Prince of Epire at a great salary, when he came to know the right cause why that pension was given him, doth magnanimously refuse it.
THe Prince of Epire, who gives great Pensions to the chief Coun∣sellors of divers of his neighbouring Potentates, hath for a long time past, paid great sums of money yearly to a chief Baron of Mace∣donia, who is very well beloved, and hath many followers in that Nati∣on: who believing that this the Prince of Epires Liberality, proceeded from meer love, & sincerity of mind, to free himself from the superio∣rity of any other Prince, which might disturb him in his service, that he might be the more able to serve the Prince of Epire to the utmost of his power, sold all his estate in Macedonia, and by the monies which he got for it, purchast great store of Land in Epire, whither he went to make his aboad, intending for the future to make Epire his Countrey; and applyed himself with such assiduity, and so faithfully to the service of that Prince; as he surpast all the rest of his Highness servants in his diligence, and care in all those things of importance, wherein he was trusted. But going to the pay-masters to receive his wonted half years Pension, he much to his astonishment found, that by order from the Treasurers, his Pension was taken away. Which he presently acquaint∣ed the Prince with, and complained that whilst the merits of his ser∣vice increased, his reward was lessened. The Prince answered, that he having changed his Country, and being of a friend become his servant, his case was altered. That he could purchase that of his equals which though he named it not, yet the Baron might be wise enough to under∣stand; that upon all occasions he could purchase loyalty, and diligence a great deal better cheap of his own vassals. The Baron understood then whither the Pension tended that had been assigned him by the Prince of Epire, and blushing very much, stoutly answered him, Sir, the reputation which I live in in my Countrey, hath cost me an ounce of blood for every ten pounds worth thereof, in all the war that hath hap∣ned in Europe since I wrote man; let not your Highness think me so great a Prodigal, as that I will sell it you for 3 shillings the pound. And after this having withdrawn himself from his new Barony which he had purchast in Epire, he took his leave of the Prince, and returned to his own Country, admired and commended by all men for that his noble resolution, but imitated but by a few.