A German diet, or, The ballance of Europe wherein the power and vveaknes ... of all the kingdoms and states of Christendom are impartially poiz'd : at a solemn convention of som German princes in sundry elaborat orations pro & con ... / by James Howell, Esq.

THE ORATION OF MAGNUS Duke of VVIRTEMBERG, AND TECCIA Earl of MONTPELGARD, &c. Lord of HEIDENHAM, &c. For SPAIN.

Most Illustrious Princes, &c.

THe Province I have undertaken, and the task that is impos'd on me, is to speak something of that most Ancient, and noble Countrey of Spain; therfore while I put my self under that hot Clime, I humbly desire the heat of your Affections, and ac∣customed candor may goe along with me.

The Emperour Charls the V. a Prince of approved judg∣ment, although he was born, and bred in Germanie, (for he intitled himself Citizen of Gant) yet he lov'd Spain with a more profuse love then any other Region, making his residence there most commonly when he was not engag'd in the French; German, and African Wars; In so much that when he had transmitted, and made a voluntary resignment of all his King∣doms, he reserv'd that Country for his last randevous; And as it is curiously ob∣serv'd by divers Caesarean Writers, when he hois'd saile from Sudeburg with Eleo∣nor Queen of France, and Mary Queen of Hungary his two sisters, and with pro∣pitious gales had landed in Spain, he fell down prostrat upon the first ground he trod, and kissing it, brake out into these words: Salve mihi optatissima Tellus, nudus ex utero matris exivi, nudus ad te tanquam alteram matrem redeo, & quod unum possum, pro tam multis in me meritis corpusculum hoc, & ossa mea do dedicoque. Haile O most wished Country, I came naked out of my mothers •…•…womb, and I re∣turn naked to thee as to another mother. And, which is the onely thing I can do now, I give up and dedicate to thee this body and bones of mine, for so many bene∣fits I have receav'd from thee. Now there be many eminent arguments for the high prerogatives of Spain,—Adeò sunt multa loquacem Ut lassare queant Fabium; They are so numerous that they wold tyre the best Orator, but I will end eavour to wind all up upon a small bottom.

Spain hath bin reputed from the beginning a most considerable Countrey, wit∣nes the Roman by whom she was prima tentata, and ultima subacta; first attempted, and last subdued: For the old Romans, as now the Ecclesiastique Lords of Rome, sought most after those places where the plenty and pleasure of the soyl might strive with their desire to make them happy, as it is now the humor of our new Iasons (the Iesuits) to plant themselfs there wher ther are fat and golden returns. But ther be other extraordinary conveniences in Spain, the subtile and cleer temper of the air, the salubrity of the soyle, and the constancy of one sort of weather a long time, in so much that Homer and other Authors have plac'd there the Elisian Fields.

Ther are no grosse caliginous vapours rising up there out of any Fenns, gorsy grounds or loughs. Ther are most delicat breezes that blow from the Sea, and penetrating the circumambient Air, use to refresh both man, and all sorts of brute animalls, attenuating and chasing away all dull terrestriall meteors; Nay, Navi∣gators when they sayle along the Sea, do come to know when they are nere the coasts of Spain, by the fragrant odor which Rosemary and other aromatique Ve∣getalls, that grow there up and down the fields do usually transmit and cast into the Air; Spain is neither parch'd with so violent a Sun as Afrique is, nor disquietted with such impetuous winds as France, or shaken with such Earthquakes as Italy, or benum'd with excessive cold as other Regions are, but she partakes of all these in a middle kind of temperature. Spain doth not only furnish Europe, but the Indian also with most generous Wines, most perfect Oil, most pure Salt, excellent gaules, the best fruits, as Almonds, Figgs, Raisins, Orenges, Lemons, Pom∣grannets; and all other kind of Vegitals, as Roots, Herbs and flowers, which are there in a greater perfection then in other Countreys.

The bowells of Spain abound also with excellent mettalls, what Iron, what Steel goes beyond that of Biscay? What Quicksilver comparable to that of Medina? What gold purer then that which is found in Tagus? What Silke better then that of Granada and Valentia? What Flax so good as that of Murcia? What wool primer then that of Segovia? witnes the testimony of Martial,

Vellera nativo pallent ibi flava metallo, Et linit Hesperium bractea viva pecus.

The Pasture, and soyl in som places is so exuberant, that the milk cannot turn to whey, nor can Cheese be made unless you intermingle water with the milk 'tis so creamy and thick, and this is observ'd about Cales and other parts.

Now for Horses, that generous animall, Spain is well known to excell all other Countries, read Boterus, or Quinqueranus and they will tell you that the Cor∣dovan Ginetts in fierceness surpasse those of Turky, in swiftness those of Barbary, in bewty those of Italy, som of those Ginets are sold for above 1000. Duckets a peece, they are so daintily limm'd, as if they were made of wax; The Ginets of Asturia called Asturcones, are also brave mettall'd animals. They go so wan∣tonly, as if they danced all the way, their feet moving in a kind of regular glome∣ration, as Martiall hath it,

Hic brevis ad numerum rapidos qui colligit ungues, Venit ab Auriferis gentibus Astur equus.

For Marble, and other curious Stones, for Architecture, Spain is known to have Variety and what may seem miraculous; Not far from Barcelona, ther is a Mountain call'd Mondivi, and by the antients Mons Iovis, wherein there is an inex∣hausted quarrey of usefull stones for structure, for although great quantities are hewn out of the body of the hill every day, yet let the place rest but a while, and nature will quickly heale the Ulcers, and fill the place again as if it had never bi•…•… touch'd. The Monastery of Saint Laurence nere the Escurial can witnes what

dainty Marble, and Free stone Spain abounds withall, a stupendous fabrique, an egregious and Imperiall peece, which stood Philip the 2. in more then 20. millions of Gold; Let Aegypt bragg as long as she will of her Pyramids, Greece of her Fanes and Temples, Rome of her Amphitheaters, and Palaces, Babilon of her Walls, France of her Louvre, Venice of her Arsenal, Milan of her Cittadel, Turkey of her Baths, This Monastery and Royall Pallace doth exceed them all far, for matter and form; It harbors and maintains 100. Fryers, wherof every one is allowed his Man and his Mule, with great nombers of Officers; besides ther is a stately Edifice annexed homogeneous to the rest (which is part of Saint Laurence's Grideiron) that may lodg four Kings, and every one have a ca∣pacious quarter. 'Tis incredible to think how many hundred weight the very keyes of the Monastery weigh. For delicate Orchyards, curious Aqueducts and Fountains, for Grotts and Groves, for Galleries and Ambulatories, for neatnes and amaenity of all things, you wold be so transported, that you wold think your self to be in som earthly Paradis. And if Hee who will take an exact survay of this stately structure must goe above 33. miles, passing from roome to roome, from quadrangle to qua∣drangle, with other places annexed, judg you therby of the magnitude and vast∣nes of the whole. He may be said to carrie a Pompion in his breast in lieu of a Heart, that wold not be inflamed with a desire to see this eighth wonder of the world.

Now for Cities I pray who will dare to make any comparison with Sevill in point of Wealth, where divers Fleets com yeerly from the Indies laden with ingots of Gold, and balasted with barrs of Silver, as also with Gemms, and other rich Commodities, in so much that Sevill alone payes the King in duties, and imports above a Million every yeer; therfor that proverb is not ill grounded, which saith, Quien no ha visto Sevilla, non ha visto Mar avilla, Qui no ha visto Lisb•…•…a, no ha visto cosa boa; I will now passe from Sevill to Ulissipolis the Citty of Ulissis or Leisbon, the very name tells her antiquity; for largenes, and com∣merce, she vayles to no Citty under the Sun, she was the first happy discove∣resse of the East Indies, whence she hath a world of Spices, and Jewels that her Caraks bring yeerly, and which she dispenseth up and down the world; What a delicat Citty is Granada, what a glorious peece is her Allhambra which may be called a Citty of it selfe, rather then a royall Castle or Pallace, for it is of such an amplitud that it will hold 40. thousand Men; What Town is more renowned then Toledo? where 17. Generall Councells have bin kept, and no Citty can say so much: what a Heavenly Temple is there? What a stately antient Palace where the Gothic Kings resided? What a rich Archbishoprick hath she, worth 300. thousand Crownes in annuall rent? What a Noble Aqueduct will you find there of the workmanship of Ianelli Turiano of Cremona, who was so famous for invention of hidraulique fabriques; In this antient Citty ther be above 10000. Soules, that earn their living by spinning, twisting, and weaving of Wool and Silk; What place can compare with Vallodolid for a large Market place 700. paces compasse? The Royal City of Leon hath the Sepulchers of •…•…7. Kings: Where can you find a more industrious people then in Segovia, where a beggar is held a Monster; For salubrity of air what town is like Madrid, the greatest Village in the World, and the most Populous, made so by the residence meerly of his Catholique Majestie, and his Councells, in so much that at one time there was a cense made there of neer upon a Million of soules. Charles the Emperour removed hither of purpose to be cur'd of a quartan Ague, and he recovered, which made it first so famous: What a beuteous brave built Citty is Valentia, where there is a kind of spring all the yeer long? The only place to make a stranger forget his own Countrey; The brute Animalls, there make themselfs beds of Rosemary and other Aromatique flowers; This Citty affoorded lately two Popes of the Family of Borgia, Calixtus the 3. and Alexander the 6. When Queen Margaret, Philip the 3. wife passed through that City, the pomp of her entertainment amounted to 300. thousand Crowns. What a commodious place for negotiation is Bilbo or Flaviobriga, whence above 50. Shipps are laden with Wools every yeer, and transported to other Regions? What a stately thing is

Barcelona, situated so commodiously upon the Mediterranean, and to be an Arse∣nall for the Kings gallies? What a Rendevous for Devotion is Compostella, where ther is such a frequency of Pilgrims to visit the body of Saint Iames the Apostle? Pompey the Great in his Trophyes which he erected on the Pyrenean Hills, makes mention of 946. Towns thence to the furthest part of Spain; Ther is nere Anti∣quera a choice kind of Morter call'd Tarra, which is far more solid and lasting then the playster of Paris, and makes a more firm incrustation upon walls. Nere Corunna ther be quarrys whence Jaspers are hewn out; But I will passe now to Minneralls, Pliny in his natural History affirms that Spain had great plenty of Lead, Iron, Brasse, Silver, Gold, Marble, and of speculares lapides, a certain kind of specular stones which being cut thin will be as cleer as Crystall, wherwith in former times windows were usd to be glazed; In so much that Possidonius saith, Pluto the God of riches dwelt in som of the subteranean parts of Spain. Moreover George Agricola avers, that among those Regions where mettals were digged, Spain was the first, Thrace the second, Great Brittain the third, France the fourth, Greece the fifth. In Biscay where the antient'st Inhabitans of Spain dwell, ther be such rich veins of Steel and Iron, that Vulcan was said to have his chiefest Forge there, and Mars his Armory; Pliny speaks of a whole mountain in Cantabria (now Biscay) which is all of Iron, whereunto Martiall alludes,

Auro Bilbilis, & superba ferro.

'Tis wonderful what is read in the Roman story, that about Carthagena ther were 40. thousand Men that digged in the Mines of Silver, which affoorded 25000. Drachmas every day, amounting according to Budaeus his calcule to 2500. Crowns; This no meaner man then Strabo affirmes: He goes further and saith, that Hannibal had begun a mine which affoorded 3000. Crownes every day. It is well known what Diodorus writes of the Pyreny mountains, that they were once very thick of Gold and Silver mines, that the Phaenicians the first traders by Sea of any people upon earth came often thither for tresure; If we will give credit to Livie (and what Historian I pray is more Magisteriall?) He will tell us, that the spoils which the Romans in a few yeers brought from Spain came to 600. thou∣sand weight of Silver, and 10000. of Gold; so that Spain was then to Rome, what America is now to Spain. Nay, som are of opinion that Tortosa in Spain, was that Tharsis whether Salomon sent his fleet for treasure, and they ground the probabi∣lity of this opinion upon the frequent Navigation of the Tyrians and Phenicians then into Spain.

But shall we passe with a dry foot the waters of Spain? Strabo, Pomponius Me∣la, and Ptolomy assimilat Spain to an Ox hide stretched upon the ground, whose sides are all washed with the circumfluent Sea, the North side with the Cantabrian, the West with the Atlantique, the South with the Herculean or Balearique Sea, but the neck of the hide lying Westward is bound by the Pyreny Hills, where the di∣stance twixt the Cantabrian, and Meditterranean Seas is so small in som places, that Iohn Vaseus leaves it upon Records, that when he travelled through Biscay he might from the top of Mount Adrian, see both the Seas. Besides these various Seas that like so many Laundresses wash the skirts of Spain, there are 150. Rivers that water the Continent up and down, and upon those Rivers ther are about 600. Bridges; besides som ponds, lakes, baths and Fountains; In the field of Xerezcher are above 1500. Springs. Among other Rivers ther is Guadiana which playes bopiepe with passengers, for she suddenly steales away out of sight, and runs aboue 20. Miles in subterrenean Caverns under ground, and then she popps up againe to the ey of the beholder at Villa Harta; Wherupon when the Spaniards speake of their miracles they say ther is a bridg in Spain whereon many thousand heards of Cattle do usually feed. Ther are som Spanish Rivers, where they fish for gold sane, in so much that the Portugals do glory, that their Crown is made of their own gold, viz. of the sands of Tagus, then which no oare is purer.

Ther are variety of things more that might be produced for the glory of Spain, which made Claudian to break out into this Elogium.

Quod dignum memorare tuis, Hispania, Terris Vox humana valet? primo lavat aequore solem India, tu fessos exacta luce Iugales Proluis, inque tuo respirant sydera fluctu, Dives equis, frugum facilis, pretiosa Metallis.

Pacatus though a Frenchman gives this Encomium of Spain, Hispania terris om∣nibus terra foelicior cui excolendae, &c. Spain a Countrey more happy then all Coun∣treys, whom the Supreme Fabricator of the world hath indulged extraordinarily in point of agriculture and riches: she is not obnoxious to faint Southern heats, or fierce Northern blasts, but she is favoured with the temper of both the Poles; And being wall'd in by the Pyreneans, with the gentle waves of three or four Seas, she may be said to be a little world of her self▪ What a nomber of noble Citties shine up and down? she hath golden streams, rocks of Jewells, mines of all Met∣tals, &c.

But (most noble Auditors) having expatiated my self thus up and down the Countrey, let me speak somthing of the Inhabitants; And who knows not but the Spaniard hath bin ever reputed and felt to be a stout magnanimous people, con∣temners of death, and mighty conservators of liberty? we may beleeve Lilius herin, where he sings

Prodiga geris animi, & properare facillima mortem; Namque ubi transcendit florentes viribus annos, Impatiens aevi spernit novisse senectae, Et fati modus in dextra est.

The patience of the Spaniard is admirable, ther are a world of examples hereof; Iustin speaks of a boy, that having bin reveng'd of his Master, did exult and laugh in the midst of torment: and when Augustus Caesar had debell'd the Bislayners, they write that most of them rather then becom slaves to a Forrener, made themselfs a∣way either by Fyre, the Sword, or Poyson: Mothers slew their children, and chil∣dren their Fathers.

Cantaber ante omnes hyemisque, aestusque famisque Invictus—

Besides the Spaniards did much glory to die in the field, for the incolumity of their Countrey, and rather perish by Famine, then yeeld up their Fortresses. Witnes the siege of Sagunto called now Morviedre in Valentia, who when the peo∣ple of the town could no longer repell the punique armes, and the strength and stratagems of Hannibal, they brought all their Jewells, Tresure and Wealth to the Market place, together with their wifes and children, and made a bonefire of them∣selfs, and all the rest, rather then by a base succumbency to yeald themselfs slaves to an African. So that Hannibal in taking Sagunto might be said not to have taken the Citty of Sagunto, but the tomb of the Saguntins. What shall I speak of Nu∣mantia beleagerd no lesse then 14. yeers, though she had no walls or bastion but the bodies of the Inhabitants, no stones but humane bones, to defend her self against a furious Enemy, she had but 4000. men against 40000. Romans. At last when the fatal destroyer of Citties, Scipio Africanus, had taken her, he found rather a large Sepulchre of dead men then a Citty, for the Numantines held out so long till they devoured one another, and when the bodies of the dead were rifled, they found in their bosoms joynts of human bodies, which they had killed for food, in so much that it was not in the Roman force, but Famine that took Numantia.

For their fidelity the Spaniards have bin very signal in all ages, which induc'd Iulius Caesar to have a gard of them, and Augustus Caesar a band of Biscayners or Cantabrians. But how far the vertu and valour of the Spaniards prevailed against the Romans let Paterculus be heard to speak, Per ducentos annos in Hispanis multo mutuoque certatum est sanguine—For the space of 200. yeers, ther were so many and mutuall conflicts of bloud, that many of the Roman Emperours, and Armies being lost, much reproch, and sometimes great danger resulted to Rome; How many of their Scipios were destroyed there? how VIRIATUS for ten yeers toge∣ther did shake them? what a disgracefull truce Pompey made, and Mancinus a more disgracefull. In all Sertorius his time it was doubtfull whether Spain shold be tributary to Rome, or Rome to Spain.

But why do I fly to Pagan instances, when ther are so many Christian Examples at hand? Sancho King of Castile (I pray listen attentively to this stupendous story) I say Sancho King of Castile took Tariffa from the Moors, but he being anxious and doubtfull whether he shold keep it or no, by reason of the vicinity of the enemy, and the great expences that it wold put him to, Alfonso Perez rise up and told the King that he wold undertake to secure & keep the place: Thereupon the Moore by the help of the King of Morocco came with a numerous Army before the Town, and Alphonso's Son being taken prisoner at a sallie, the Generall of the Moores desiring a parley upon the walls with Alfonso, he shewed him his Son, protesting unto him that he wold torture and slay his Son, unlesse he wold yeeld up the place: Alphonso being not a whit abash'd, told him, that if he had a hundred Sons, he would prefer his honour and Countrey before all; so the Moor having barbarously kill'd young Alphonso, They of the Town made such a resolut sallie the next day, that they ut∣terly routed the Moores, and took so many prisoners, that he offered 100. Moors for a Victime for his son. To this Alonso the Family of the illustrious Dukes of Me∣dina Sidonia ow their rise.

The Spaniards are admirable for their military discipline, being exactly obedient to their Comanders, and lesse subject to mutiny then any peeple. They are allwayes true to their trust, witnes that Spanish Centinel who was found dead in the morning in a Tower upon the Cittadel of Antwerp with his Musket in his hand in a defensive posture, and standing on his leggs all frozen. Moreover ther is no people so mu∣tually charitable and carefull of their nationall honor then the Spaniards.

For their modern exploits the name of Alvaro Sandeo is terrible to this day a∣mong the Moors, for having invaded Barbary with 4000. Spaniards, and beat before him above 16. miles, 20000 Moores, with but 800. of his own: The memory of the 2000. Spaniards, is irksome to the French to this day, who routed and quite discomfited Gaston de Foix who had quintuple the nomber: Gonzalo, call'd the great Captain 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is much spoken of amongst them to this day, for having with such admirable fortitude taken away the Kingdom of Naples from Lewis the 12. and being return'd to Spain, the King took off a Gold chain from off his own neck and hang'd it about his; Antonio de Leiva was a stout and sedulous Comman∣der, so was the Count de Fuentes Don Pedro Encques, who did not only defend, but extend the boundaries of Belgium for the King his Master, and in the midst of a double warr took such Towns, that might be in the wish but not in the hope of the Flemish. The Italians do yet tremble at the name of Don Fernand Alvarez Duke of Alva and his ghost, who wold not take Rome when he could. He who terrified France, secur'd Hungary, subdued Afrique, and appeas'd both Germans high and low; He who chastis'd Spain, He who first after the death of Don Sebastian told King Philip, that it was fitting he shold see the rites of buriall to be perform'd in Lisbon for King Sebastian. Then Henry being dead, in lesse then 50. dayes space he enter'd, survay'd, and subjugated all Portugall; And it was said se regnum Lu∣sitanieum eo modo, quo regnum caelorum acquiritur, cepisse, &c. That he had taken the Kingdom of Portugall in the same manner as the Kingdom of Heaven is got, that is, by eating bread and drinking water, and abstaining from other mens goods. And this was sayd, because his Souldiers liv'd upon their allowance only, having no

benefit of booty in any Towns as they passed, such a regular and strict Order was observed in his Army. We Germans do yet contemplat with admiration the ex∣ploit that a band of Spanish Soldiers did perform in the Saxon warr, when stripping themselfs naked, they leap'd into the Elve with their Swords in their mouths, and swimming to the other side did fight for new cloathes, and did notable feats after∣wards; Don Christopher Mandragon did do things in the low Countreys beyond belief. I could produce here a long scrowle of other late notable Spanish Comman∣ders: therfore all things well ponder'd it may be justly said Hispania Rerum potitur in Europa. The Spaniards are the men of Europe, and their King the considerablest Monark, for he hath not only all Spain united under him, and reduc'd to one Em∣pire, but he hath taken footing both in Germany and France by the House of Bur∣gandy; He possesseth above half Italy by having the Duchie of Milan with the King∣domes of Naples and Calabria, the first is the heart of Lombardy, and the second the very marrow of Italy; Then hath he Sicily, Sardinia, the Baleares, and all the Ilands in the Mediterranean. He hath Piombino in Toscany, Port Hercules, Te∣lamon, Orbitello, Porto Longone, all which bind the Italians to their good beha∣viour towards him. Genoa is as it were under his protection, like a Partridge under a Faulcons wings, who can seize upon the prey when he lift▪ That Citty being his scale for conveyance of his tresure is grown infinitely rich by his money, and tied to him by an indissoluble knot: Nay, Rome her self, by making som of the Cardinalls his Pensioneries, is much at his devotion; The Spaniard hath don more then Alexander the Great, for he hath not only got much of the old world, but conquered a new one, for which the Greek sighed so much. And if we beleeve the Civill Lawyers he hath don this justly, for 'tis the sentence of the Almighty, Quic∣quid calcaverit pes tuus—Wheresoever thou shalt tread with thy foot, shall be thine, the Heavens is the Lords, but he hath given the Earth among the Sonns of Men. Moreover Reason dictats unto us, that men who live like brute Animalls, or wild Beasts, shold be reduc'd to civility, and to the knowledg of the true God. Be∣sides, it is the Law of Nations, Quae bona nullius sunt ea fieri Occupantium, Those goods which are no bodies, may be any ones if he venture for them.

The Portingals have by their painfull discoveries made all the best ports of Afrique as it were their own by way of commerce, as also the maritime coasts of Asia, they found a way by the Cape of good Hope to the Orientall Indies. Fran∣cisco Almeyde did dissipat Campsen with his Egiptian Fleet, and Alphonso Albur∣querque did subdue Goa, and placed there a Vice Roy: then he reduc'd Malaca, and erected a Castle at Calecut, and brought the Inhabitants from worshiping the Devill, to adore the true God, and this he did when thousands of Infidells were arm'd against so many hundreds of Christians.

O immortall God, what glorious exploits did Fernando Cortez achieve in the Occidental Indies, indeed they were rather miracles then exploits; And as Lupus Suarez, Sequera, Meneses, Vascus Gama, Gratia•…•… Norogna, Iuan de Castro, by foyling the Emperour of Cambaia did establish unto the Crown of Portugal the East Indies, and som part of the Antipodes, on the other Hemispher, so did Chri∣stopher Columbus (who though an Italian, yet his fleet was Spanish) Americus Vespu∣tius, Iuan de Puente, Ferdinand Magellan, Fernandez Cortez, de Vargas, & Pizar∣ro, reduce and settle the new world to the Crown of Spain; They civiliz'd the Savage Inhabitans, and Coloniz'd the Countrey with Christians, subjugated so many Heathenish Emperors, and introduced Religion and vertue; And I pray what Heros can be compared to those Worthies of Spain who perform'd all this? what Age ever produc'd the like? when had Envy more matter to work upon? Let the fable of the Argonauts be now exploded, let Bacchus and Hercules descend from Heaven, and let Spaniards take their room; Let that so much cryed up Argo come down from among the celestiall bodies, for she made but a small short voy∣age through the Pontique Sea, and let that glorious galeon which conducted Ma∣gellan to the discovery of a new world, let that happy vessell be fixed among the Starrs, and make a new Constellation, let her Pilot Iuan Sebastian Canoaa

Mountaneer of Spain, a most excellent Navigator make also another aste∣risme.

But, most noble Princes, me thinks I see a kind of amazement in your counte∣nances at these mighty exploits of the Spaniards from the Rising Sun to his Setting; But it is a hard question to determine whether the Indians reap'd more benefit by the Europaeans, or Europe by them: but if a judicious soule enter into a true contem∣plation of the business, he will make it no question at all; 'Tis true that we have receav'd from the Indies gemms and gold which I confesse are the most precious productions of nature; but what did the Indians receave from us by way of bar∣ter? They receav'd Christianity, and vertu, civility and knowledg, government and Policy; All these benedictions the Viracochas, for so the Savage call the Christians, the Spaniards brought among them. It was the Spanish Navigation, who first con∣futed that grosse opinion and hereticall tenet (for there was a Bishop imprisoned in Rome for holding the contrary) that ther were no Antipodes; Therfore the rest of Europe, and indeed of Asia and Afrique also shold vayle unto the Spaniard, and respect him more then any Nation for this blessing of discovery, which it seems the God of Nature had reserved for him from the beginning; and a mighty blessing it was, and we must needs acknowledg it so, if we descend into the tru speculation of the thing, for therby ther was as much of the terrestriall globe discovered, as for extent and amplitude did equall the old world. But what a world of dangers and difficulties did they overcom? on the one side the incertitude of the thing, and the perills of the vast confused Ocean did offer themselfs, on the other the expences of the voyage, and the despair of more provision when the old store was spent, and in case they shold discover and take footing on a new Earth, the Savages might prove stranger then they. 'Tis tru, that such thoughts as these did possesse and puzzle them a while, but at last their courage and magnanimity was such, that it broak through all these difficulties: and as a wild Boar being taken within the toyles doth try all wayes, turn about and struggle how to get out, at last when all will not serve, he lyes down betwixt quietness and despair, putting himself upon the mercy of the Huntsman, so that American fortune being tyed to that fear which possess'd it, at last doth prostrat her self at the feet of the Spanish vertu, tying her self therunto by a perpetuall tribut; she brings her afterwards golden mines, and moun∣tains, yea Rivers running with gold, Seas full of Perl, som parts of the earth labouring with gems with all kind of arromatick Spices, sweet woods, with new Species of birds, beasts, plants and fishes; All these things did India afford the Spaniard for a gratefull return of his indefatigable and hazardous pains in coming to visit her: The mines of Potosi in Peru yeeld 30000. Crowns every day in good gold ore, The Mines of Mexico much more in Silver. But what exchanges did Spain make to Amenia for this tresure? Mary she afforded her a far more precious thing, even Christian Re∣ligion; and what a world of pains did the Spaniards take to plant that among them at first? It is recorded by Borerus that one Franciscan Frier did Christen 400000. Americans in the Sacred Laver of regeneration; In so much that the Spaniards may term themselfs with arrogance the Apostles of the new world: They were the first who cultivated that Vineyard, the first that brought light out of darknes; and as the Fryers in the West, so did the Iesuits in the East Indies take infinite pains in planting Christianity, and their piety and diligence hath succeeded so well that it is got into the Court of the great Emperour of China. What brave atchievments are these to conquer and subdu Souls, which is more then to subjugat the body? Certainly the Spaniards may be call'd the Grandees of these times above any other people.

Now although ther be a kind of proverbiall saying, Espanam las Armas, Italia la pluma, Spain is for the Pike, and not so proper for the pen; for the Sword, not for Sciences, which the Italians are more apt unto; Though som Authors do brand them to be somwhat idle and Phlegmatique, yet I could muster up here a whole Regiment of acute and learned wits in all faculties: And first for Theologie; I pray what great lights of the Church were Vigilantius, Aquilius, Severus, Prudentius,

Osius, Avitus Presbyter, Marcianus, Paulus Orosius, Pacianus and Dexter his Son, Audentius, Isiodorus, Iustinian, Leander, Martinus, Fulgentius, Eladius, Eu∣tropius; To whom may be added, though of a Judaicall adventitious tribe and sect, yet great learned men in their way, Rabbi Abenezra, Rabbi Moyses, Rabbi David Chimchi, Moses of Corduba, Rabbi Camora.

Franciscus Ximenez Cardinall and Archbishop of Toledo employed 60. thousand Crowns, for the Editions of the Complutensian Bible, a great Spirit certainly, and born under a happy Star, for these times and for the ornament of Spain, for he in∣cited others to workes of vertue; Franciscus de Sancta Aelia compos'd an usefull Ecclesiastique Dictionary; But what a nomber of renound Bishops both for piety and erudition hath Spain had? what shall I speak of Hierom Osorius, Andrew Re∣sendius, Benedictus Arius Montanus, who by a rare and most singular benignity, and for a great example to posterity, entertained Lipsius, not only for a friend, but as a Son, and invited him to Spain, and as he continued to make him his Asso∣ciat in his life time, so he made him his successor at his death: What eminent men have the Dominicans produc'd? Lewis of Granada was born for the advancement of Piety: what credit did Franciscus Forerius pourchase in the Tridentine Councell, though he died a violent death?

Now, touching the Fathers of the Society, the Iesuits, what saintlike men were Hieronimus Pradus, Villalpandus, Tunianus Pererius, Tolletus, who was first of that Order that was coopted by Clement the 8. into the Colledge of Cardinalls? What a man was Maldonatus? what a bright Star he was both for candor of Ma∣ners, for quicknes of wit, for profound speculations in Philosophy and Theologie, and for singular piety, who studying ten yeers together in Clermont Colledg in Paris, brought the French to have a better opinion of the Iesuits by his example, whereas before they were so much hated: What rare Commentaries hath he upon the four Evangelists, published by the care and charge of Puteanus, who was of the same Society? which Comentaries never the lesse 'tis thought by the judgment of the learnedst men, had bin better and purer if they had com out in his life time. But what shall I instance in particular men, go to the whole Order of Iesuits first found∣ed by a Spaniard, and you shall find in the new and old world above three hundred and fifty Colleges of their Society, the greatest Seminaries for institution of youth, and a rigid practise of piety that are in the Christian world, but specially for the pro∣pagation of Christianity among Infidels: in the Kingdome of Iaponia alone, it is credibly reported that they converted two hundred thousand of Soules, among whom were three Iaponian Kings, who made a pilgrimage to Rome to the amaze∣ment of all the world. Henry the Great of France came to have such an opinion of this so pious and prudent order, that he conferred Mountains of favours upon them, for he gave them not only one of his best palaces in his life time, but he be∣queathed them his heart after his death; Certainly the Jesuits are men of extraor∣dinary talents, They are said to be Timothies in their Houses, Chrysostomes in the Pulpit, and Augustins in the Chair; Being excited by their example, Sancta Teresia a woman of a Masculine spirit rise up, and did mighty and miraculous things, for being a little stepped in yeers, she tooke a Monasticall life upon her, where she liv'd with such austerity, that is wonderfull and transcending the frayle sexe of wo∣men; she was the foundresse and Instauratrix of a new Order of reclus'd Virgins, and 'twere mervailous to relate what encrease this order receav'd not only in Spain, but in both the Indies, and other parts of Christendom, being encourag'd by the countenance of Pope Sixtus quintus and Clement the 8.

Now for great Doctors and eminent men in the Civill Lawes, Spain hath bred as profound as any, witnes Calixtus the third. Fortunius Garzia, Coraviva Aspil∣cueta the Navarrin a man of celebrous integrity as well as of knowledg: For when Caranca Archbishop of Toledo, was by the permission of Philip the second, sum∣mon'd and brought to Rome for suspition of being a Sectarian, Doctor Aspilcueta being his old friend, and having 80. yeers on his back went purposely to Rome, and defended the Archbishop with such strenuous arguments, that he brought him off

cleer. He also made good the title of the Kingdom of Navarre to Charles the Em∣perour, when it was litigated, to the satisfaction of all rationall men; To him may be added Ferd: Vasquius Pinellus, the two Vergaras, Emanuel Soarez, Villalobos, Alvarus Valascus, Gutierez, and Goveanus, whom Cujaeius consesseth to be the truest Iustinian interpreter that ever was.

For Physitions, what part of the Univers hath produc'd more famous men then Spain? as Averroes of Cordova, Rasis Almansor, Messahallath, Avicenna of Sevill, Nonius, Amatus, Christopher a Vega, Garcias ab Horto, Franciscus Valessus, with divers other, able to make a whole College of Physitions of them∣selfs.

Now for Philosophers, Rhetoritians and Poets, Spain hath produc'd many mas∣culine births also that way, what a Man of Men was Seneca the Philosopher? who in precepts of morality outwent and excell'd

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,

not only all his contemporaries, but all that went before him or came behind him; Next to the Philosopher I wil bring in Seneca the Rhetor, of whom among other rarities 'tis written, that ther being two thousand names told him, he presently repeated them all exactly in his Oration; Lucan shall enter next, then Silius Italicus, after him Martiall Collumella, Fabius Quintili∣anus, Pomponius Mela, Trogus Pompeius, Iustinus the Great, Alphonso King of Castile. Henry Infant of Portugal, Arnoldus Villanovanus, Raymundus Lullius, Lu∣dovicus Vives, Nonius, Salinus, Antperez, Morales, Surita, Geomecius, and Baro∣sius the best compiler of the Indian History; all these by their workes have deserv'd infinitely much of all the Common-wealth of Learning: To these may be ad∣ded that miracle of women-kind, Aloysia Sigea, who was practically vers'd in 5. severall languages, as Latin Greek, Hebrew, Syriaque, and Chaldaique, in so much that the letters are yet extant which Paul the third writ to this Toledo Virgin: I could muster here great nombers of learned men more whom Spain hath bred.

Quos aget penna metuente solvi Fama superstes.

What therfor Ausonius sung to Augustus Caesar in poeticall amplifications, I will now mention in part unto you, it being so proper for the subject.

Bellandi, Fandique potens Hispania honorem Bis meret, ut geminos titulos, qui praelia musis Temperat & Geti•…•…um moderatur Apolline Martem, Arma inter quantum cessat de tempore belli, Indulget Clariis tantum inter castra Camaenis.

I com now to the vastnes of the Spanish Monarchy, and certainly without con∣trolment it is the greatest that hath been since the Creation, considering all things; It may be sayed take all the Members thereof together, to be ten times bigger then the Ottoman Empire, although he hath in Europe the better part of Hungary, Bos∣nia, Servia, Bulgaria, Macedon, Epire, Greece, Peloponesus, Thrace, and the Iles in the Archipelago: All though he can go from Buda in Hungary, nere to Tauris and all in his own Territories; Nay it is of more extent then the Roman Empire was, when she was mounted to the highest pitch of power, and Spaciousnesse; for the Domini∣nions of Philip now King of Spain expand themselfs further. The Sun doth perpe∣tually shine upon som part of the Phillippean Monarchy, for if it sets in one clime, it then riseth in another. He hath dominion on both the Hemisphers, and none of all the four Monarchies could say so much, nor any Potentat now living but him∣self; Therfore he may well joyn the Sphear of the world to his armes, and better share Empires with Iove then Augustus Caesar could; his Scepter points at the four Cardinal corners of the world, East, West, North and South, for of those

360. degrees in the Aequinoctiall, Portugall alone is said to occupie 200.

Iupiter in coelis, in Terra regnat Iberus.

Most Illustrious Auditors, you have hitherto heard the magnitude of the Spanish Monarchy, but that which tends most to the glory of Spain, is her policy and pru∣dence in governing so many distinct Regions, so many squandred Kingdoms, so many millions of people of differing humours, customes and constitutions. To be able to Rule so many Nations is more then to raign over them; the one is imputed to the outward strength of bodies, the other to the Sagacity of the brain; but for Spain her self ther is that sweet harmony twixt the Prince and peeple, the one in obeying, the other in bearing rule, that it is admirable, and here the Spanish King hath the advantage of all other Imperando & parendo. He is neither King of Asses as the French is, nor the King of Devills as the English is, nor the King of Kings as the Emperour glories to be, but the King of Spain is Rex Hominum, the King of Men: he may also be termed the King of Princes, according to the Character which Claudian gives Spain, that she was Principibus faecunda piis—

There also as he signs—Fruges, aera•…•…ia, Miles Vndique conveniunt totoque ex orbe leguntur▪ Haec generat qui cuncta regunt—

Therfore let Candy the Cradle of Iove, let Thebes the Mother of Hercules, and Delos the nurse of two Gods yeeld to Spain. It was she who brought forth Trajan to the world, who was as good as Augustus was happie; she gave Hadrian the Empe∣rour, she gave Theodosius the first, and the first of Emperours for Morality and Vertue, who rays'd and rear'd up again the Roman Monarchy when she was tot∣tering; Ferdinand the first, who was an Infant of Spain, a Prince who for liberty and justice, for mansuetude and munificence, for assiduity and vigilance, for piety and peace was inferiour to none of his progenitors, and to this day they keep in Spain the Cradle, and Rattles he us'd when he was a child in Complutum where he was born, which Town enjoyes to this day some speciall immunities for his Nati∣vity there.

But Spain gave all these Princes to other Nations; how many hath she affoorded her self? she gave Ferdinand of Aragon a Prince of incomparable piety and prowesse who first lay'd the foundation of the Spanish Monarchy, by matching with Donam Isabella Queen of Castile, a heavenly Princesse, she gave Philip the second, call'd the prudent, and so he was, to a proverb; how cautious was he in administration of Justice? how circumspect in distribution of Offices? how judicious in rewarding of Men? &c. how wary in conferring of honors? for he was us'd to say, that honors conferred upon an unworthy man, was like sound Meat cast into a corrupt Sto∣mack; What a great example of Parsimony was he? yet Magnificent to a miracle, witnes the eighth wonder of the world, the Escuriall, which stupendous fabrick he not only saw all finished before his death, though the building continued many yeers, but he enjoy'd it himself twelve yeers, and carried his own bones to be buried in the Pantheon he had built there. He was so choyce in the election of his Servants, that he had no Barber for his Ambassador, nor Taylor for his Herald, nor Physition for his Chancellor, as we read of Lewis the XI. of France, nor a Faukner to his chief Fa∣vorit as the last French King had. But that which was signall in this wise K. was, that he never attempted any great busines but he wold first refer it to the Councel of Con∣science; And before the Acquisition of Portugall he shewed a notable example here∣of; For King Sebastian being slain in a rash War against the Moores, and Henry dying a little after, ther were many Candidates and pretenders for the Lusitanian Crown, first Philip himself, then Philibert Duke of Savoy, after him Farnessius Duke of Parma, then Iohn Duke of Bragansa, and lastly Katherine de Medici; King Philip, though twas in vain to compasse this busines•…•… by Legations, therfore he did it with his Legions; yet he paus'd long upon the busines, referring it to the debate of the learnedst Theologues, and Civill Doctors, where it

was eventilated, and canvas'd to and fro with all the wit and arguments the brain of man could affoord pro & con; At last the title and right being adjudg'd for him, and having fairly demanded it in a peaceable way, and being put off, he raiseth an Army answerable to the greatnes of the work, and yet being advanc'd to the bor∣ders he made a halt, and summons again both Divines and Civillians to deliver their knowledg and consciences herin, conjuring them by God and the sacred Faith to do it with integrity, and freedom; Herupon they all unanimously concur'd in the confirmation of their former judgment, as Ripsius doth testifie; After this great transaction, he sends the Duke of Alva with an army to take possession of his right, wherin he was so prosperous that he invaded, survay'd, and subjugated the whole Kingdom of Portugall in a very short time, utterly defeating Don Antonio, whom though King Philip might have surpriz'd a good while before lurking in a Monastery, yet he would not do it; Besides, he caus'd the Duke of Bragansa's Son, being Captif among the Moores, to be redeem'd at his own charge, and when he could have detained him, yet he suffer'd him to go where he would: Now having debell'd and absolutely reduc'd the Kingdom of Portugall, among ma∣ny others who were his Opposers, the Doctors of Conimbria were most busy, yet he sent them not only a generall pardon, but encreased the exhibitions of the University; This mighty King was also a great Lover of his Countrey, preferring the publick incolumity therof before his own bloud; his only Son Charls, who being a youngman of a restles ambitious spirit, and being weary of the compliance he ow'd his Father, was us'd to carry Pistolls ready cock'd about him in the day, and put them under his pillow in the night; He confest to his ghostly Father, that he had a purpose to kill a Man, and being denied absolution from him, he desir'd that he would give him unconsecrated bread before the Congregation to avoid pub∣lick offence; King Philip being told of this confin'd his Son, and put him over to the Councell of the Inquisition; The Councell deliver'd their opinion, and humbly thought that since his Majesty could pardon those whom he hated most, he might well pardon him whom he lov'd most; And so made instance in Charles the Great, who pardon'd his Son Pepin for a conjuration against his person, and having at∣tempted it the second time, only committed him to a Monastery; The King her∣upon answer'd, that by the Law of Nature he was to love his Son, but he lov'd Spain better: therupon he put a question to them, whether the pardon he shold give his Son would not prove a Sin rather then an Act of Mercy, considering the publick calamities that might thence ensue, therfore he asked them which was to be pre∣ferr'd the peoples good or his Son's? They answered certainly, the peoples; So he transmitted him to that Councell, conjuring them in his name, who is to judg the Angells one day, and will make no distinction twixt Kings and Coblers to do justice herin; So the young Prince was adjudg'd, and Sentence of Death passed upon him; Good God! what passions did struggle in the Father, when he was to sign the Sen∣tence? and tis his paternall affection to the chaire of Justice: he was a Father, ther∣fore his affections could not grow to such a hatred, but they might returne to their own nature; But after many such conflicts, he chose rather to be Pater Patriae, then Pater Caroli, to be Father of Spain then Father of a Son, and make naturall respects yeeld to prudentiall; So the young Prince dyed, yet not by the Executioners hand, but as 'twas rumor'd by Poyson; Thus to the consternation of all the world the Phosphorus of Spain fell to the West, and suddenly set and divers of his Favorites with him, if you desire to know the yeer this Cronogram will tell you.

fILIUs ante DIeM patrIos InqUIrIt In annes.

This Phillip was also famous for his Piety as well as Iustice, which made Gregory the 13. to break out in these words, The prolongation of my life can little availe the Catholick Church, but pray for the health of King Philip, for his life concerns her more. He was wonderfully constant to himself, he was always without passion,

and somtimes above them, of a marvailous Equanimity, and Longanimity, wit∣ness his patience in his sicknesses, wherof he had many, but that which brought him to his grave was the Pediculary disease, which though nasty and gastly, yet he endur'd it with invincible patience. When he found his glasse almost run out, he sent for his Son and Daughter, and upon his death-bed told them, In this small afflicted body you see to how small a threed the pomp and splendor of all Earthly Mag∣nitude doth hang, my Mortall life is upon departing, the care of my Sepulchre, and rites of exequies, I commend unto you with my blessing. Among many other ther is one remarkable passage in this Kings life; when the Duke of Alva was upon point of going to Portugall, he had a great desire to kisse the Kings hand, but to the amazement of all the world, he was denyed at that time, which made the Duke to say, that his Master had sent him to conquer Kingdoms, being tyed with chains and fetters.

His Son Philip the second, did equall him in Piety, and in nothing els, we know what a Saint-like man he was, having his Beads alwayes either about his neck, or in his hands.

I will hold you no longer, only I will tell you that the Kings of Spain more then any other have don miraculous and immortall things; For as God almighty when he builds, creates no lesse then a world, When he is angry, sends no lesse then an uni∣versall deluge; When he conferrs grace to mankind, sends no lesse then his own Son; When he rewards, gives no lesse then Paradise; when he warrs, employs no lesse then Legions of Angells and makes the Elements to fight, the Sea to open, and the Sun to stand; so if finite things may beare any proportion with infinity, the Kings of Spain are borne to do no petty things, but mighty matters; When they build; they erect no lesse then an Escuriall; If they are angry, they drive forth whole Nations, as the Moores and the Iews; If they reflect upon the publique good, they sacrifice no lesse then their own Sons; If they desire to oblige any, they restore Kings as Muleasses to Tunis, and make Popes of their Schoolmasters; when they take armes, then they conquer not only whole Kingdoms, but new Worlds.

Therfore my dearest Brother, Frederique Achilles, and you most Illustrious Cosens and Auditors, I think I shall derogat from no other Region, if taking King and Countrey together, I preferr the Spaniard for glory and amplitude of Domini∣ons, for fulgor of Majesty, for the longest arm'd Monark, for Men and Mines, for Iles and Continents, I say I do no wrong to any, if I prefer him before any other Prince or Potentat upon the earthly Globe.

DIXI.