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The LII. ADVERTISEMENT.
An Italian Gentleman, for having lost much bloud in the ser∣vice of a great Prince, is honoured by him with a Noble Order of Knighthood, who being but slightly esteemed of by those of his own Countrey, asks Apollo by what rea∣sons he may satisfie those his deriders, that he was the more richly rewarded, in that he was paid in Honour, and not in Gold or Silver.
THe Gentleman of Italy who came to this Court the last week, did not (as many did believe) negotiate the publick affairs of any Prince, but treated of some things concerning his own particular self: For being brought to have Audience of his Majesty, he told him, that having for many years served a great Prince in his important Wars, for the much bloud which he had lost, and monies which he had therein spent, he was rewarded by that liberal Prince with a most Noble Order of Knighthood; and that when he returned to his own Countrey, that rich reward was laught at by those his fellow-Citizens, who love no∣thing but ready money: That therefore he most humbly beseeched his Majesty that he would be pleased to furnish him with such reasons as might serve him to convince those his deriders. To this Apollo answer∣ed, That he might sufficiently satisfie every one by giving an account of the annual Revenue of the Commendum of his Order of Knighthood. The Gentleman said, The Order of his Knighthood had no advantage of Commendum. To which Apollo said, That his affairs being in so sad a condition, it could not by any conclusive reason be proved, that the ho∣nour of Knighthood added more to him who received it, in point of honour and reputation, then what he had formerly merited by his ho∣nourable actions; but that it was the simplicity of mind, and sincerity of heart, which did believe well in the favour of Princes.