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 LVI. ADVERTISEMENT.

Gonsalvo Ferrante Cordua, not having obtained the con∣firmation of his desired Title of Magnus, from the reve∣rend Colledge of Historians, demands an other place in Pernassus of Apollo, from whence he is likewise ex∣cluded.

GOnsalvo Cordua was very much grieved at the repulse which he re∣ceived from the History Colledge when he was denyed the Title of Great; and to try whether the favor and recommendation of Prin∣ces were available to effect business in Pernassus, which justice could not do, he addrest himself for help to his King Ferdinando; whom ha∣ving acquained with his business; and received for answer from that wise King, that he should have thought them very simple who should have favoured a subject of his in obtaining the Title of great to be confer∣red upon him, which made him Little: that he was none of those who would commit so great an error, as to desire such glory might be at∣chieved by others, as did greatly lessen his honor, and that his Consci∣ence told him, he must be so charitable to himself, as to endeavour that the whole glory of the purchase of the kingdom of Naples might be attributed more to his wisdom, then to Cordua's valour. Wherefore Gonsalvo being much incens't at so resolute and sharp an answer, went presently to Apollo, and told him, that since it had not pleased the Colledge of Historians to think him worthy to be ranked with Pompey, Alexander, Charles the Emperor, and others, who for their glorious Actions had deserved the Title of Great; that yet he might be favoured with adm•…•…ttance into the squadron of his Majesties Gens d'Armes, wherein was that famous Bellisarius, Bartholomeus Alvianus, Pietro Navarro, Antonio de Leva, Count Petigliano, Lorenzo de Ceri, and many other famous warriours. Apollo graciously granted Gonsalvo what he desired; but it fell out that whilst in his Majesties presence, the ce∣remony of putting on the accustomed upper weed was a performing, whereat all the chief military men of this Court gave their attendance, Bossio the Atturney General accused Gonsalvo of Perjury. Apollo, who doth very much abhor those who are noted for falsifying their words with men, much more those who are perjured before God, al∣lowed the Atturney-General three days to make good his impeach∣ment, and ordered that Gonsalvo's business might be adjourned until then. Gonsalvo being very much troubled at this foul imputation, told the Atturney Bossio, that he had always profestfidelity, and that he did not onely wonder, but was very much scandalized, that so wicked an accusation should be laid upon such a one as he, born and bred up in a kingdom where loyalty to his King, and fidelity to every privat man, did abound as much as in any other place of the world. Bossio answer∣ed

him, desiring that he would be pleased to relate the case of the im∣prisonment of the Duke of Calavria, how it had been carryed, for for what appeared to him, it would be proved, that he was not troubled without reason. Gonsalvo said, that having besieged the young Duke of Calavria in the Castle of Taranto, who was son to Frederick the last King of Naples, he capitulated with that young Duke when he resol∣ved upon rendering, that he should have free leave to go whither he pleased best, and that he plighted his faith to keep this promise, and ther∣upon he received the holy Eucharist; but that afterwards falsifying his oath, he made sure of the Dukes person, whom he sent with a good guard prisoner into Spain. Apollo seemed then to be mightily offended with Gonsalvo, and told him, that so wicked and execrable an action ren∣dred him altogether unworthy of any place in Pernassus, and therefore willed him to get quickly out of his State. Gonsalvo was much con∣fused and astonished at this so severe sentence, and answered in his ex∣cuse, that though he acknowledged it to be a very foul action, yet that he was necessitated to do it for his Kings service; for it being a pra∣ctised rule amongst good Politicians, that no Prince doth securely pos∣sess any conquered State, whilst they live who were driven out of it, the noble acquisition of the kingdom of Naples, could not be esteemed a compleat victory, unless he had secured that Prince his person: Apollo was so far from allowing of Gonsalvo's excuse, as growing much more incenst, he bad him be sure not to be seen any more above two days in Pernassus, which should not be a receptacle for those, who by their acti∣ons shewed they more respected the service of men, then the good will of God. Then did his Majesties Masters of the Ceremonies, drive Gonsalvo out of the house; who whilst he went disconsolately down the stairs, told the Atturney Bossio, that apparent wrong was done unto him; for Caesar, who to purchase the Roman Empire, had not onely violated the laws of God and man, but was the first Author of that wicked saying, That all things were lawful which conduced to govern∣ment, was seen to have a glorious place in Pernassus, from whence he was so unjustly driven out. 'Tis said that Bossiv boldly answered Gon∣salvo, that Caesars example did not square with him; for it was one thing to commit foul actions, thereby to purchase a kingdom to a mans self, and another thing to do the like to purchase one for ones Master. For by the laws both of God and man, a Pander deserved greater pu∣nishment, who meerly out of the malignity of a depraved mind de∣lighted in doing ill, then he who committed Fornication out of the frail∣ty of the flesh.