Epistolæ Ho-elianæ familiar letters domestic and forren divided into sundry sections, partly historicall, politicall, philosophicall, vpon emergent occasions / by James Howell.

XXXVI. To Robert Brown Esquire, at the Middle-Temple, from Venice.

Robin,

I Have now enough of the Maiden Citie, and this week I am to go further into Italy; for though I have bin a good while in Venice, yet I cannot say I have bin hitherto upon the Continent of Italy, for this Citie is nought else but a knot of Islands in the Adriatic Sea, joyn'd in one body by Bridges, and a good way di∣stant from the firm Land: I have lighted upon very choice com∣pany, your Cousin Brown, and Master Web, and we all take the R•…•… of Lombardy; but we made an order amongst our selves, that our discours be alwayes in the Language of the Countrey, under penalty of a for •…•…iture, which is to be indispensably payed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sy•…•…s made us a curious feast lately, wher in a Cup of the richest Greek we had your health, and I could not tell whi∣ther the Wine or the remembrance of you was sweeter; for it was naturally a kind of Aromatic Wine, which left a fragrant perfu∣ming kind of farewell behind it. I have sent you a Runlet of it in the Ship Lion, and if it com safe and unprick'd, I pray bestow som Bottles upon the Lady (you know) with my humble Service. When you write next to Master Simns, I pray acknowledg the good Hospitality, and extraordinary civilities I received from him: Before I conclude, I will acquaint you with a common say∣ing that is us'd of this dainty Citie of Venice.

Venetia, Venetia, chi non te vede non te Pregia, Ma chi t'há troppo veduto te Despreggia.

English'd and Rim'd thus (though I know you need no Translati∣on, you understand so much of Italian,)

Venice, Venice, none Thee unseen can prize, Who hath seen thee too much will Thee despise.

I will conclude with that famous Hexastic which Sanz•••••••••••• made of this rare Cite, which pleaseth me much better.

Viderat Hadriatis Venetam Neptunus in undis Stare urbem, & toti ponere jura Mari; Nunc mihi Tarpeias quantum vis Jupiter Arces O••••••ice, & illa tui moenia Martis, ait, Sic Pelago Tibrim praefers, urbem aspice utramque Illam homines dices, hanc posuisse Deos.

When Neptun saw in Adrian Surges stand Venice, and give the Sea Laws of command: Now Jove said he, Object thy Capitoll, And Mars proud Walls: This were for to extoll Tyber beyond the Main▪ both Towns behold, R〈…〉〈…〉 men thou'lt say, Venice the Gods did mould.

Sanz•••••••••••• had given him by Saint Mark a hundred 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 evry one of these Verses, which amounts to about 300 pounds. It would be long before the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of London would do the like: Witne•…•… that •…•…old reward, or rather those cold drops of W•…•… which were cast upon my Countreyman Sir Hugh Middleto•…•…, for beinging Ware River through her Streets, the most serviceable and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sor•…•…est benefit that ever she received.

The parcell of Italian Books that you writ for, you shall receive 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Master Leat, if it please God to send the Ship to safe Port; and I take it as a favour, that you imploy me in any thing that m•…•…y •…•…nduce to your contentment; because

I am your serious Servitor, J. H.

Ven: 12. Aug. 1621.