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EVANGELUS,
A rich Citizen of Ta∣rentum, who attempted to get the prize at the Pythian Games, and because he was nei∣ther strong nor nimble enough to dispute the prize of the Race, he endeavoured to obtain that of Musick. Wherefore he came to Delphi at the perswasion of his Flatterers, and presented himself at the Games dressed in a Gown of Golden Linnen, and crowned with Laurel, the Leaves whereof were of Massy Gold, and the Fruit composed with great Emeralds. His Harp was also made of Gold, set off with precious Stones, and adorn'd with the Figures of Orpheus, Apollo, and the Muses. At this sumptuous apparel the whole Company was struck with admiration, and they conceived great hopes to see and hear wonderful things; but when he came about to sing and play upon his Harp, instead of wonders that were expected from him, they heard but a pitiful shrill voice, which he was never able to bring in tune with his Harp, and to accumulate misfortunes, when he at∣tempted to strike the strings of his Harp a little harder, he broke three of them. The whole company fell a laughing, and the more willingly, because they were well pleased with another Musician who had plaid before him: Then laughing being turned into anger, the Presidents of the Games ordered that he should be whipp'd off the Stage, and being all over bloody he was forced to cross the Scene, taking up the Ornaments of his Harp which fell down under the lashes.