The gallery of heroick women written in French by Peter Le Moyne of the Society of Jesus ; translated into English by the Marquesse of Winchester.

[illustration]

DEBORE 〈…〉〈…〉

(Book Jewish)

THE GALLERY OF HEROICK WOMEN. (Book Jewish)

The Gallant Jewes. (Book Jewish)

DEBORA.

THIS Country so delightfull to the eye, and so adorn'd with the riches and orna∣ments of Nature, is the western Part of Palestine. You cannot choose but know it at first sight by that verdure which makes it enjoy as it were a perpetuall spring; And by those tufts of Palms and Cedars which serve as naturall Garlands to crown it. These Towns and Cities which appear afar off are not built by the Israelites. They have as yet erected in this Country nothing but flying Towns and walking Cities. They have only built with Canvas and Cordage: All their Houses have been hitherto but field habitations: And during the obstinate and continual wars wherein they were imployed, their thoughts were more taken up in rendring souldiers war∣like and forming Captians; then in hiring Masons and making

Architects. Besides at present the whole Countrey is fild with the rumour of wars and preparrd against the Cananites. Ten thousand men selected out of two Tribes, are rlready advan∣ced towards Mount Thabor: And the men you behold in arms about the great Palm are the most remarkable of the people, whom Debora the Prophetesse and Governesse of Is∣rael retained with Barac to instruct them in the discipline of war, and excite them to act gallantly.

You never beheld a Tribunall like that of this Governesse. Surely their enters more splendor and pride in the Thrones of Kings, but lesse naturall Majesty and true Glory. This is not the work of a year, nor the master-peece of a Carver: It is of the Suns own modeling, that Illustrious and universall Artist, which forms Mettalls and precious Stones. And you may belie••e, that having wrought a whole age to perfect it, he hath not kept from thence that soveraign spirit, and those pleasing Rayes▪ which draw respect in dazeling the sight. The greatest splendor and the chiefe glory thereof neverthelesse is derived to it from Debora, who gave it her Name, and chose it for the Seat of her Justice. The Graces when she gives Au∣dience under this Palme, serve her son Herralds and Guards; And at all the Decrees she pronounceth, every lease seems pli∣able to crowne her words.

Surely also no woman was ever heard to speak more sove∣raingly, nor with an Authority, accompanied with more sweet∣nesse and efficacy. Prophesie and Law were never expounded by a more powerfull Mouth. And it is a wonder that all the Offices of Regal Dignity, being so weighty and combersome, are not felt by so beautifull a head. She often gave Judge∣ments, and composed differences under this Palme: At present she gives our Orders for the Combate, and exhorts her Of∣ficers; and within a few houres you shall see her upon the head of Troops joyning action to Command and contributing by her courage and example, to the victory which she her self had prophesied. Though you hear not her words, and that even her voice doth not reach you, yet her very Countenance is intelligible and perswasive: Her Gesture and Looks give

vigour and lustre to her speech: And from her very eyes, which are the two fairest peeces of her Eloquence, there issues forth something, I know not what, of vigour and bright∣nesse, which would make it self to be understood by the deafest persons, and perswade the most incredulous; which would even cast fire into the coldest, and excite the most drowsie and stupid souls.

Barac and the other chief Commanders by hearing her, took a second courage and a new zeal. They fight already in desire and thought; in the agitation of their hearts and with the fiercenesse of their looks. The encounter is hot in their ima∣gination, and the vanquish'd enemies are forced to flie. There is not a Souldier so ill armed, there is not a Commander so little versed in war, who hath not victorious visions; who a∣lone and without striking a blow puts not a whole Troop of Canaanites to flight; who figures not to himself the possessing the Head of their General, and the Crown of their King loaden with chains. But as yet there is not one drop of blood shed in their imaginary Combats; there is not a Launce bro∣ken, nor a dart thrown: And it would be fine sport to the enemies, if they had no other defeat to fear. There is ano∣ther field of battel, and other dangers which attend them, they shall have no occasion to defend themselves at so great a di∣stance, and to fight against Apparitions: And by a revoluti∣on which they expect not, and humane Prudence cannot prevent, their fortune which they believe to be so well establi∣shed and guarded by so great a multitude of armed chariots and offensive engines, will be suddenly ruined by two VVo∣men.

See how this Palme already crowns one of them, she bears not onely the Name of Debora; but seems to be animated by her spirit, and to possesse like her a warlike soul and a prophetick Instinct. Her verdant youth more gay and pleasing then ordi∣nary, is a presage of victory. Her very arms embracing the Queen Regent applaud her promises, and infuse courage into her Auditors: You would say that they congratulate her ap∣proaching Triumph, and demand for their share of the booty

a Trophy of the arms of the enemies General. But behold, Debora armed and ready for the Combat: her elevated arm testifies the impatience of her zeal: and her heart appears al∣ready inflamed in her eyes and on her face. Her grace never∣thelesse is not altered by it; her animosity is becoming and modest; and from this little fiercenesse, which is as the flow∣er or cream of choler, and a tincture of zeal added to her o∣ther natural attractives, a third quality and a mixture of cou∣rage and sweetnesse is formed, which will work a double effect upon the Enemie, and at once, and in an instant imprint in them, both terrour and reverence.

SONNET.

DEBORA speaks.

A conqu••ring Sybil I, a Prophetesse, With Voice and Arm serv'd Israel in distresse: My Prophesies and brave exploits made Fame Through Idumea trumpet forth my Name.

My just Decrees beneath the Palme, did cause My Words to be erected into Laws: The Character to Kings and Judges given, My brow did wear, stampt by the band of Heaven.

What cannot Vertue do, with Beauty grac'd? My self without a purple Robe she plac'd In such a blest Regality, as nere Knew what Conspiracies or Rebels were.

Without or Guard or Forts I was secure; I did not make my Subjects necks endure The yoke of Cittadels; but having gain'd Th' Affection of their Hearts, I freely reignd.

ELOGIE OF DEBORA.

HISTORY doth not furnish us with a Gallant Woman more ancient then Debora, to whom I give the first place in this Gallery. She succeeded Moses and Joshua, and inherited from the first, the Spirit of Prophesie, from the second, Courage and military vertue: and from both, Authority and Magistracy. Priest∣hood excepted, she exercised all the Offices, and filled up all the Dig∣nities of that time: and out of her divided graces, a Prophet, a Judge and Captain was formed. Her Audiences had something I know not what of military: she exercised there a kinde of field Magistracy; and gave them under a Palme of her own Name, which served her for a Tribunal of Triumph, and crown'd her Decrees, as well as her Vi∣ctories. God having chosen her to break the yoke of his people, and to redeem them from the bondage of the Canaanites, she assisted with her Person in the battel given them by Bara••, and contributed her con∣duct, predictions and courage, to the glory of that day. She con∣tributed thereunto even her last hopes: and though the were a Wi∣dow, and that her husband had lest her but a spark of what remained, (to make use of a sacred word) yet she hazarded in that fight with this spark the resource of her blood, the foundation of her house, and the seed of her posterity. I speak according to the sence of the Doctors, who believed that Barac was the Son of this excellent Mo∣ther, that he became a Souldier and Captain under her discipline, and had learn'd of her how to fight and overcome. So that in his time, to joyn my words with those of S. Ambrose, a Widow was seen govern∣ing a holy Nation, a Widow distributing rights, and arbitrary duties, a Widow mediating between God and his people; a Widow or∣daining peace and war; a Widow directing combats and victories, a Widow leading an Armie, nay the Mother and Commandresse of the General of an Armie. And the untractable and mutinous Jews, whom no human prudence could govern in time of peace, faint hearted and van∣quish'd Jews, whom no valour of men could defend in time of war, were reduced to order and military discipline, became docible and vi¦ctorious under the Regency of a Widow. The wonder is, and it must be added here to crown her memorie, that no complaint was made, not any fault found during this Regency. And the sacred Writ which hath not concealed the defects of the Patriarchs, and hath published to posterity the dissidence of Moses and Aaron, the imprudence of Jo∣shua, the incontinence of Samson, the fall of David, and the follies of So∣lomon, sound nothing to reprehend in Debora, and left us only her Pro∣phesies and Hymns, her Laws and Victories. This example is wonderful, and our sex hath reason to be jealous of it, there was in this woman wherewith to form three great men: and this triple Spirit which was given at once and in grosse, might satisfie for the government of three Races, if it had been placed severally and bestowed by intervals.

MORAL REFLECTION.

FRom time to time such examples are seen, to the end we should be advertised, that souls of the first magnitude may be found in bodies of the second sex: that the instruments which God em∣ployes receive their vertue from his hand, and not from their own mat∣ter▪ and that the authority and impression of his finger upon what faces soever merits respect, and requires obedience. We ought to sub∣mit to those Powers he hath established, as we are subject to his Sun and Planets. And as we undertake not to prescribe Laws to the Pla∣nets, and to order the course of the Sun, but leave them to the gui∣dance of those intelligences which move them, and equally bear and without murmuring the sweetnesse and force of their influences: so ought we not by an unlawful usurpation, and which would appear a certain sac••••ledge of State, to set our selves in the Seat of Magistracy, and undertake to judge our Judges and rule our Masters. We must not degrade Authoritie, nor make our Soveraigns our subalterns. Let us rest content in beseeching God to inspire them. And this prayer once made, let us leave them to the inspiration of God and to the conduct of their good Angels, who are their invisible Counsel. And what ever arives to us from them, let us bear it with equality of minde, and remember that there is no losse comparable to that of obedience.

Certainly if S. Paul wills us to be subject to superiour Powers, and to bear even with our most rigorous and insupportable Masters, far mote just is it that we submit to the Powers, whose commands are milde and pleasing, and which are, like Debora, assisted by fair Vertues and Graces. It seems that God acts more visible by those, and that his Authority is more resplendant and appears most clearly through theirs▪ The obedience likewise which men render them is commonly more blessed and victorious: and if we consider what is done under Deboram Judea, under Pulcheria at Constantinople, under Amal••sonta in Loembardy, under Isabella an Spain, and lastly in Flanders under Mar∣ga•••••••• Dutchesse of Par••••a, we will confesse that such miracles are wrought under the government of women as have not been done un∣der that of men.

The hand of God is not shortened; and our Regent, not to speak of others, hath much of resemblance with the Jewish Regent. She hath the spirit of wisdom, which is an habitual, constant, and peaceable Prophesie. She gains battels in her Closet, and at the foot of Al∣ta••▪ She gives Judgements under the Palme of the deceased King, and under her own: and if her good intentions be not obstructed, she will suddenly render them under the Olive, and Peace shall be the co∣ronation of her Vertues.

MORAL QUESTION.

Whether Women be capable of Government?

I Know very well that there be Politicians who are against the go∣vernment of Women; but I know also, that these Polititians are no Evangelists, and that there is no Creed as yet made of their Opini∣nions. The example of Debora is a famous and Prophetical proof a∣gainst their Doctrine. It is adeclaration of God himself to which there are no Axioms to oppose. And when we see a woman made the Go∣vernese of his people, and the General of his Armies, a Woman who gave Judgements, and gained Battels, a Woman who had the mission of Prophets, and the Authority of Judges, which were then particu∣lar Soveraigns and Kings without 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and D••adem: It cannot be said that Women are absolutely uncapable of Government without opposing the Sacred History, or accusing with contempt the choice which God made of her for the ruling that Nation which he himself hath sanctified.

States are not governed by a beard not by an austere Countenance: they are ruled by the strength of wit, and with the vigour and activity of reason: and Wit may be as strong, and Reason as vigorous in the Head of a Woman, as in that of a Man. There are some Planets called Males, and others Females. These are not lesse regular not lesse active then those: they have not lesse light, nor are guided by lesse perfect Intelligences. As for the want of heat, and the excesse of moisture where with Women are reproached, besides that these are but super∣ficial differences, which reach not to the soul, nor can place any me∣quality between mindes; it will be granted me, that not the hot and cholerick, but the cold and phlegmatick are the wisemen.

Let us say▪ likewise that it imports not of what colour, or of what stuff a Pilots garment be made, provided he understand the Card, and have the knowledge of the Windes and Stars▪ little more doth it im∣port of what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Complexion the body is, serving but for a gar∣ment to the soul with governs. The main importance is, that this soul be well instructed and directed: and it is not from the bulk the instruction is formed: it is not the strength of the nerves which pro∣duces good Counsels If wit and prudence were so meanly de••••••ed, the Law-makers and Wise men of Greece would have been Wrastlers. That ancient Senat, which was the purest and most spiritual part of the Roman World, would have been a company of Gladiators: and if now adayes the Ministers of State were to apply themselves to wrastling and running, we must choose them amongst Smiths and Seamen. I here have been some weak and tender Princes, to whom the affairs of two King∣doms seemed of no weight; and who governed both on this side and

beyond the Seas without quitting their Closets. Some strong and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ones have been seen who bowed under the lightest, and were disturbed with the most easy and gentle affairs. They might be excellent Wrasile••••, but were most unfit to be Princes. They were composed of the Arms and Feet of the State, and could bear all its Office•••• but they were not composed of the Head; they had not the form, not could perform the functions of it.

It is not then the vegitable part which forms great Princes. The good conduct proceeds not from the strength of the Arms, not from the well closing of the Shoulders: the Stern is handled otherwise then the Oa••, and other forces and hands are required for the Scepter, then the Hatchet. Women as well as Men may have these hands and forces. Prudence and Magnanimity which are the two principal instruments of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, appertain to both sexes. There is as much discourse con∣cerning the sight and courage of the Female, as of the Male Eagles. The heart of a ••••onesse is as great as the heart of a Lion. And the female Palm as well as the male, serves to make Crowns, and support Trophies.

Women are accused of excesse, inconstancy, and weaknesse: and notorious examples of them are alleadged which cannot be disavowed. But surely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proceed from persons, and not from sexes: and if we abandon reason, to act by producing presidents and memorials, I fear very much that the Catalogue of bad Princes will be found more ample, and their actions more dark and staind with blood, then those of bad Princesses. Let us speak freely, our Abab was little better then their Jeva∣b••l, not our Manasses then their Athalia, our Tiberius and Caligula were not better then their Cleopatra and Messaline; and three or four hours of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reign proved more fatal to the Roman Empire, then the whole life of his Mother Agrippina, if we except the night of his conception, and the day which brought him forth.

Women cannot only reproach us with the Monsters of our sex which dishonoured Diadems and sullyed Sceptres; but may also alleadg the Vertues and Graces of their own; which bore them with Dignity and managed them with addresse. And not to introduce Amazons and o∣thers in the time of Fables, which are the imaginary spaces of History: Zenobia conserv'd the conquests of her husband Odenatus, and stoutly up∣held the Forces of the Empire. Pulcheria governed under Theodocius and Marcian, and had Vertue enough to supply the duties of two Empe∣rours, and to contribute unto the happinesse of two Reigns. The Re∣gency of Bl••••ch was more fortunate to France, then all the lives of its slothful Kings. But it is not needful to look so far back into History to finde women, who have governed with wisdom and courage. Some of them may be found there, whose memory is very fresh, and who but lately appeared upon the stage.

EXAMPLE.

Isabel Infanta of Spain, Arch Dutchesse of the Low-Countreys.

I Hear daily that the same is said of Spaniards as of Hawks: and it is a common saying, That the Females are better then the Males: but in my opinion the saying is biting and over sharp: And it would sa∣vour much more of Civility to say with one of our Authors, that great Queens, and Women sit for commands are of Spain; as great Kings, and valiant Men are of France. To alledg none but celebrious and remarkable example, Blanch the Mother of S. Lewis, Isabel the Wife of Ferdinand, Margarite Daughter to Charles the fift, and Isabel her Neece the Daughter of Philip the second are sufficiently illustrious, and of credit enough to defend this truth. And their bare Names without other discourse, may be invincible Arguments, and of soveraign Au∣thority to such as would prove, that the Princesses of Spain understand the Art of ruling powerfully, and with a Majestical grace; that they know how to manage the Scepter with address: and that there is no Crown so weighty, which is not well supported on their Heads. I will reserve the two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for another subject, and content my self to give a touch with my Pensil upon the two last. They are not as yet clean out of our sight: and we have their pictures drawn to the life, and their blood with their spirit in our good Queen their Neece.

Isabel the Intanta of Spain and Arch-Dutchesse of the Low-Countreys hath thown to what height the understanding of Women may advance in the Science of well governing. And though fortune made her not a great Queen, yet Vertue made her a Heroesse, who gives place in no∣thing to those that make the greatest noise in History. I shall not need to produce Testimonies thereupon, or to cite Books and Authors. Our whole Age is equally knowing in the life of this wise Princess: her memory is publikely honoured in all the Courts of Europe: nay even such as were no Friends to her House, had for her the Castilian heart and the Flemish spirit. They have applauded her in good earnest with handsfree from the Dominion of Spain: and besides she is daily crown∣ed at Paris and Leyden, as well as at Madrid and Bruxels.

Her vertues were no shadowes nor parcels of vertues; they were so∣lid and perfect ones: vertues for every use and of every form: and Po∣licie is acquainted with no vertues which had not in her all their force and extent. Though they have all an affinity with each other, yet all of them have not the same resemblance, nor the same functions in the civil life. There are some which are born with us, and are as it were the advances and graces of Nature. There are some which must be acqui∣red, and are the fruits of labour and study. There are some which are

strong and vigorous, fit for action: there are pleasing and polished ones which serve onely for shew. The Infanta possessed them all: and what most imports, she had them all great, and in a condition to pra∣ctise them with splendor.

First, she was born with this graceful Soveraignty, and by natural right, which hath its title and force upon the face of beautifull per∣sons: and this Soveraignty is a powerful and very useful piece when it is well managed: it governs by the bare aspect the most harsh and least tractable hearts. It softens the hardest commands, and takes from them what is biting and vexatious: it would infuse even mildenesse and grace into Tyranny. Certainly it is not beauty which deliberates, which judgeth, which enacts Laws and Ordinances. But the Common people, for whom the most part of Laws and Ordinances are made, is an Animal into which there enters more of the body then minde, and which obeyes more by sense then reason. Likewise it is true that this flower lasts not long, and appears only in the Spring: but saded Roses retain full a good odour: And besides that the Infanta kept all her life time certain remnants beautiful enough, of this first flower; these very remnants were supported by so sweet and becoming a Majestie; they were accompanied with so many graces and civilities, and so many other flowers of the latter season were mixed with them, as no body could well distinguish between them and those of Youth.

The Intellect is the eye of Wisdom, and the guide of all vertues. It is the chief Minister of Princes, and their natural Counseller: and Po∣licie can effect nothing if it be not enlightned by it. The Infanta's understanding was ranked amongst the most elevated and capable ones, and could suffice for all the parts and duties of Government. There were no affairs so vast or weighty, which it did not compre∣hend and manage with ease: there were none so obscure which it did not inlighten: none so confused which it did not set in order. Her Counsellers were never busied to finde her wayes and expedients: it was enough to give their approbation to those she furnished of her own: and she never furnished any which were not advantagious, and according to the measure of affairs. Besides this capacity of minde, and this interiour prudence even borne with her, she used great care, and extraordinary diligence to study the capacity of other men, and had the dexterity to appropriate to her self by a discreet and judicious Do∣••••••••, the understanding and prudence of those Ministers that assisted her. This Do••••lity so much esteemed by Politicians, and so highly preferred before an opiniative and presumptuous ability, was to her as an universal science, and a second capacity of greater use, and lesse subject to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then the first. Thereby the being yet in Spain, and in the School of her Father King Philip the second, she replenished her self with the lights and science of this Prince, the ablest of his time in the science of Kings. Thereby she framed an abridgement of the experi∣ence and great age of the Spanish Ministers, and applyed it to her own

use. Thereby remaining single in the Government of Flanders after the Decease of the Arch-Duke Albertus, she made the understanding of Cardinal de la C••e••a her own. She added to his Prudence that of Marquess Spi••••la, and of President Rosa: And all the wise principles of State, wherewith the Grandees at Court were inriched, became her own.

Moreover this Capacity did not consume it self in vain speculations in wandring and fruitlesse Idea's; it was active and attempting, bold and laborious. And there have been some Princes of great repute, who acted lesse Gallantly and with lesse vigour then this Princess. The pains she took in Audiences is incredible: the never made affairs wait upon her: never was her Closet or minde shut to them▪ never did the accuse them of importunity, nor complained of their crowding in. Likewise she never remitted them to the care of her Officers: she was as jealous of them, as if she had inspired them with understanding and conduct, as if her hands had brought happinesse to them, as it they had taken addresse and light from her presence. Secretaries were to her rather Officers for shew, then use. She her self finished the most difficult and important dispatches: and when it was needful to write in commanding terms, and in a maiestical stile▪ when it was necessary to use the Character of Grace, and civil, and obliging expressions, she did not pay with borrowed words, or hired conceptions, her minde furnished her abundantly with all that could perswade Soveraignly, and with Dignity, and with all that was capable of gaining hearts, or taking them by force.

When she was resolved for the siege of Breeds, which served so long for the exercise and spectacle of all Europe, and which was before the siege of R••••bel the Idea and Masterpiece of the military Science, she wrote with her own hand for aid to all the Princes her Allies; to all the Communities of the Low-Countreys for Contributions and Convoyes; to all the Commanders of her Troops to issue forth Commissions, and to give out Orders. And it may be said, that all the chief Engines of this famous Enterprise received from her mouth, from her hand, and pre∣sence, a spirit of Authority which infused vigour into them, and made them act with successe.

She wanted not even courage and addresse in military affairs: but her courage was bound up, and her military addresse restrained. And had she not been so famous, and so very exemplar amongst modest and pious women she might have had the first place amongst the valiant and Heroick. It not suiting with her condition to sight with her hands, she sought with manly counsels, and bold resolutions. She imployed the valour of the heart and the courage of the countenance, where it was not permitted her to use the strength of the Arm. She marched con∣fidently even into the mouth of danger, and expected it sometimes with a steady pace, though only armed with the stability of her mind, and the Dignity of her looks. Such as have written the History of the wars in

Fl••nders sa••, that before the battel of Newport she was pleased to be present at the general Randezvous of the whole Army before Bruges; and that the went from one company to another, animating the Soul∣diers with the fire which issued forth of her eyes and mouth, and with the money the scattered abroad with her hands. They adde that at the S••ege of Oste••d she visited their Quarters on horseback: she encou∣••aged the Souldiers, and sent them to fight fortified with presents and promises: she ordered the batteries, and she her self levelled the Ca∣nons, as if she had a desire to manifest thereby, (to use this saying of the Poet) that the Goddesses can thunder as well as the Gods; and that they have like them their Arcenals and Thunderbolts. Certainly if it hath been said, that the military sweat of the first Consuls, and those hands which tasted of Liberty, gave to the earth they cul∣tivated a stately secundity mixed with glory; I doubt not but the Canons levelled by this I rincesse, received from her eyes and cou∣rage a second fire which gave spirit to the first, and redoubled its force.

But her most usual dutie in her Armies was not to make breaches and ruine walls, it was a wholsome and charitable duty: a duty of P••ety and mercy: and this duty contributed to victory: this mercie assisted to the taking of Towns and the gaining of battels. Knowing that there are some enemies more formidable, then those against whom men arm and intrench themselves: and that the Canon com∣posed of Iron and Fire is lesse destructive to Armies, then necessities and maladies, she took a particular care of the infirme Souldiers; she caused them to be liberally and abundantly furnished with necessaries. She disposed of her Jewels and moneys laid up for her trifling pleasures, to provide them Drugs: and the lost hours, which another would have imployed at play, and recreative walks, she imployed in furnish∣ing them with pla••••ters and making swath-bands for such as were wounded. I have been told of some Princes who tore their shirts to binde up their Souldiers wounds: I know the name of that Person who once made his Diadem serve to the same use. But concerning this matter I have learnt nothing, nor read any thing of Antiquity which is not very ordinary, if compared with the Charity of the Infanta. It is very credible, that the vertue of those Remedies was no ways weak∣ned by this Charity: and I doubt not but the Plaisters and Swath-bands, which passed through so pure and beneficial hands, preserved more Souldiers, then Casks and Curresses. Whereupon I call to minde that couragious Victorius, who was called the Mother of Camps and Armies. This name indeed is full of glory, and in my opinion of higher value then the Statues and Triumphs of many Emperours: but of what esteem soever it be, the Infanta deserved it by a better title then Victo∣rius: she was not only the Mother of her Armies, but even the Preserver of them: her charitable acts made them subsist, her presence and Piety made them overcome.

To these imployment of the field we must joyn the inclination and dexterity she had in that innocent war and pastime which is used in Woods, without effusion of human blood, and without leaving Wi∣dows and Orphans. She there gave a little more freedom to her mo∣desty, and suffered its bounds to be a little more enlarged: we know likewise that she there performed all that a most couragious and dex∣terous person could have done. And as if she had delighted in a danger wherein she might be humanly valiant, and overcome without doing hurt; she was seen to encounter chafed Wilde-boats with a jave∣lin in her hand; And to shew in this single sport a•• serious a valour and as true courage as would have been requisite on a breach or in a set Battel.

There is a haughty capacity and a swelling Pride: There is a savage Courage and a magnanimity which would fain strike a terrour into others. This alliance of vices with vertues was not observed in the In∣fanta, she was both modest and capable: she was humble and prudent: and her magnanimity though high and couragious was yet sweetned by a goodnesse victorious without Arms, and conquering without vio∣lence, which gained her more hearts, then all the forces of Spain could overcome. This goodness did onely acquire her the love of her Sub∣jects; but it gained her Subjects where she had no Jurisdiction: It entertained her servants without Pensions or Wages. It made her Do∣minion of a larger extent then her own Country. It made her reign of a longer durance then her life. Besides it was an universal goodnesse for all uses: a goodnesse without delay or resence: at all howers and in all proportions: a spring of goodnesse which could not be exhausted by any effusion: a goodnesse ingenious to do good; and to do it seasonably and to the purpose▪ to do it with a good grace and Majesty.

It is wonderfull that this awful Princess, who at her pleasure gives li∣mits to Fortune and Ambition, and extinguishes the most enflamed Pas∣sions; it is wonderfull I say, that even death it self could not suspend the inclination she had to do good: and the last breach of her life was a spirit of grace, and an effusion of good deeds. She had received the last Sacraments, and her soul strengthned with the bread of the strong, and prepared by extream unction, expected only the moment of ex∣piring, when she remembred that many petitions were remaining in her Cabinet unanswered. These were petitions of the afflicted and miserable, who were apparently in danger of never coming out of their misery, if she drew them not forth before the alteration which her death was ready to produce in affairs: she gave order that these peti∣tions should be brought her; and causing her head and hand to be raised up, she imployed all that remained of her sight and motion to signe them in the best manner she was able. Surely she could not die more gloriously, nor with a more noble and natural essusion of good∣ness. And this makes me remember the Sun, which still enlightens the Earth, and doth good to it, even when it is in the Eclipse. Thereby

she supports whole houses which are ready to sall: she raiseth up some which were already fallen: and this last trembling of her head sup∣ported Communities and wrought the preservation of many Families. This was the right way of reigning charitably, and exercising a most benigne Soveraignty, to give pardons and grant favours in the very sight, and even in the arms of death. This was the true way of dying Royally, and after an Heroick manner, to rise up out of the bed of death, that she might save Families from shipwrack which were rea∣die to perish, and to employ the last breath of her life, to make the miserable revive▪ to restore them hope, goods, repose, and Fortunes at the very rendring up her soul. Surely those ancient Heroes who took a vanity to die standing, and to have their bodies upright, and their souls elevated never died so nobly, nor in so good a posture. And that Prince, the delight of Mankinde, who reckoned amongst his acquisitions the goods he had bestowed, and counted amongst his losses all those which were remaining, how thristy a manager soever he were of favours and benefits, yet he never arrived to that height as to oblige by his last breath, and to do good in the last motion of his Soul.

There are forced favours and constrained benefits, which fall but by drops: there are some which carry with them as it were the stings of repulses and ••ll Language, and serve onely to distaste those that re∣ceive them. Nothing of this Nature came from the Infanta. Her favours were without delay, and often prevented the asking: they were all pure, and without thorns: and her benefits resembled gold which should grow without earth and ordure: they were not only of great value and solidity, but they had besides much lustre; they sur∣prized the heart and dazled the sight.

This Grace of doing good was the particular character, and as it were the proper Beauty and Mark of the Infanta. All her actions, I say her most serious and vigorous actions were imbued therewith: her piety it self had taken a tincture of it: and though her vertue were one of the highest and ••reest from ostentation, yet she never did any thing fiercely and with shagrin: she acted nothing which was not gallant and civill, which was not done with reflection and study, which relished not of quaintnes••e and magnificence: Nay, it is said, that even her se∣venties did not distaste; and that her very rigours were obliging. Whereupon it is related, that when she was in Spain, a certain Knight less wounded in his heart then head, having entertained her with some discourses, into which there entred fire and adoration, the wise Prin∣cesse who knew very well that there was something of Eudimien and of the Moon in this man, had more pity then anger for him. And to free her self dexterously from his importunities procured the King her Father to give him an honourable employment attended with a great Revenue which carried him far enough off from Spain. Thereby she sa∣tisfied Vertue without exaspirating the Graces, and proved at once so

rigorous and indulgent to this melancholly person, that with one stroke she punished his love, and made him a Fortune.

Above all, this goodness of the Infanta appeared admirable in sup∣porting ruined Powers, in comforting great wounded Fortunes in con∣serving the Lustre and Dignity of eclipsed Planets put out of their Houses and Courses. To perform the like acts of mercy, another sort of charity is required then is practised in Hospitals: and the pain of an ulcerated Prince demands other lenitives then the pain of a broken Leg, and of an Arm cut off. The Infanta did sundry times such good deeds, and her charities have ascended even to crowned Heads. Princes flying to her for protection, and decayed Princesses found with her their House and Rank. They found there preparatives and remedies for their wounds, even pretious preparatives, and agreable and perfumed remedies: and the Hand it self which touched them was so skilful, as to charm their anguish, and to take away the seeling, and almost the very remembrance of their falls.

Authority which is to Princes a Crown without matter, and a cha∣racter of invisible Majesty; which is in them a vertue that acts with∣out motion, and procures them obedience without force or violence: This Authority I say, which is formed out of the vertue of a Prince, and out of the esteem of his Subjects, was soveraign in the Infanta, and alone affected more then all the Engines of Spain assisted with all the Mines of the Indies could have done. She neither wanted Armies nor Cittadels to support her Commands: and what she did with two words, another could not have done with four Cittadels, and as many Armies. Her Subjects obeyed her intentions, what marks soever they had of them, and by what mouth soever they were declared. Even strangers and enemies honoured her Name, and had for her, submissions of re∣spects, and compla••••ncies of esteem; even to that degree that the French, who had not respected the Kings Authority before the Barri∣ers of the L••••••re; and the Royal Pallace yielded respect to the Autho∣rity of the Infanta even upon the Frontiers of her Countrey, and had a scruple to sight threescore leagues from Bruxel••.

All these vertues of Peace and war which became familiar and do∣mestick to the Infanta, which assisted her in her Closet, and followed her in the field, were under the conduct of another superiour vertue, and of a higher discent. I speak of Religion which is the Tutresse of States, and ought to be the Superintendent of Policie. That truly was the predominant vertue of this great Princesse: but it was not a super∣stitious and timerous Religion, a Religion of scruples and apish fa∣ces; much lesse was it of those artificial and painted ones, which com∣pose and fit themselves for shew, which have studied looks, and tears of reserve for the publick, which deride in private the masked part they act in Churches. The Infanta was solidly religious, and even with vigour of spirit: she was humble and submissive to God without de∣jection: she dr••aded him with that respectful fear which is the only

fear of the wise and constant. Noblenesse and Dignity were to her so inherent, as they entred in a manner against her will into all her good works: And in her least devotions there was a tincture of Majesty, and some thing I know not, what which had a touch of the greatness of her birth. And surely to speak my thoughts of it▪ Great men are not permitted to be lesse devout then mean persons: and crowned heads owe no lesse subjection to God then others. But the devotion of Great ones ought to be more magnificent and resplendent, then that of in∣feriour persons: And crowned heads even in their submissions, and when they humble themselves have a lustre and motion of dignitie which others want. The fire of the mountains which God himself hath touched is another kinde of fire, then all those which are enkin∣dled with the sat and moisture of the valleyes: And the majestical submission of the ••alm, bowing under the weight of its fruits, renders far more honour to Heaven, then the lightness of a reed under the first winde which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it.

As the greatnesse and dignity of the Infanta assisted her piety, and had their place and share in all her devotions: so her piety entred into all the actions of greatnesse and dignity which related either to her quality or office. It had the first rank and principal Authority in her Counsel: It was present in the beginning and end of all her enter∣prises; It gave them the platforms and designes of all that was to be executed, both within and out of her Dominions: And what propo∣sition soever was made either for Peace or War, it was alwayes the first heard. This Piety had likewise its part in the liberalities and profusi∣ons of the Infanta, and dispensed them so Christianly and with so gene∣ral a Charity, as they overflowed even into the ••ouses of the poor. By this means Churches and Hospitals became the festival recreations of the Palace▪ Citizens did not fast for the good ch•••••• of Courtiers: And mercy as well as magnificence did honour to the publick. Even diver∣tisements and pastimes were practised in the sight of this piety proper for all uses: It brought thither order and discipline: It took from them even the indecency of gesture, and the immodesty of discourse: It only left them a serious and regular gallantry, and a most pure and spotlesse joy. Affairs were also blessed and prosperous in the hands of so religious a Princesse. Flanders was never more happy then in her time: And it hath been very evident since her death, that war and ill fortune bore her respect while she lived. But the vertues of this great Princesse detain us too long: behold more matter then is requisite to crown her. Let us make the draught which we promised of her Aunt the Dutchesse of Parma; and let us examine whether there will be mat∣ter enough to compose a fair crown to her memory.

Margarite of Austria Dutchesse of Parma and Go∣vernesse of the Low-Countreys.

MARGARITE of Austria Dutchesse of Parma may well be placed with the Infanta Isabel her Neece, and serve as an advan∣tagious and modern proof for the Government of Women. She had much of the spirit and addresse of Charles the Fift; I say of that spirit of government and authority, and of that politick addresse which did more mischief to France, then all the forces and machina∣tions of the Empire united and combined against her. She being sprightly and already capable by her birth, it was not very difficult to polish her self by practise, and to adde to so excellent a nature, as to a rare and valuable matter, perfect habits, and exquisite and accomplish∣ed comportments. She received the first strokes of these habits in the Court of Florence, where adversity furnished her all it could with the best impressions, and most exact and fairest forms. A second marriage having caused her to passe from thence into the house of Fer••ese, the discipline and cares of Paul the Third, the ablest person of his time in the Science of Princes, compleated in her minde the rough draught she had brought from the School of the Medicean Family.

A while after she was called to the Government of the Low-Coun∣treyes by Philip the Second, who had less regard in this choice to the blood and memory of Charles his Father, then to his proper interest, and to the conservation of his Patrimony of seventeen Provinces. They remained yet all in peace and obedience when the Dutchess of Parma arrived there: and there was then no speech of Factions or States, Guex or Hereticks. But this calm lasted not long: And the Heresies of Germany and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which had crept into those Provinces quickly drew thither Rebellion after the dissention. This alteration of time gave work enough to the Governess: but it was a glorious work and full of reputation, wherein she had Kings for her Encou∣ragers, and was looked on by all Europe with astonishment. It was likewise to the wise and speculative of that time a wonderful spectacle to see a woman wrastle alone against so great and dangerous a storm. Yet she got the upper hand at last: and after nine yeers of agitation, she brought back the vessel into the Haven in despite of the windes and tides, which had forced it out. I say that she was to wrastle alone against the storm; because the Councel it self had begun the trouble, and the Ministers hired to save the vessel were the first that split it, and made way for the waves.

Grau••••lle Archbishop of Arra••, whom King Philip had assigned to the Governe••s for an honourable Spye, and a Pedagogue raised to the degree of a Minister of State, gave her more jealousie and distrust then good advice, and proved rather obstructive, then assistant to her. His

Corrivals and Enemies accused him of all the ill had hapned. Such as stood indifferent, suspected him for raising a tumult in the vessel, to the end the stern might be wholly left to himself. As for the Prince of Orange. the Earls of I••••mond and H••rn, the Marquesse of Berg, and other D••tch Lords, being all declared enemies against Granville, and secret Corrivals to each other, all suspected of Rebellion, and ill affected to the Domination of strangers, they brought nothing to the Councel, but a spirit of contradiction and confusion; nothing but interested and partial opinions, nothing but hidden conspiracies and open ani∣mosities. By which means they more imbroyled then assisted the Go∣verness and not daring either to reject or take their advice, she might be truly said to be abandoned amongst all these guides, because they were either ••uspected or disloyal▪ and that it was equally dangerous either to leave or follow them. Nevertheless she forcibly overcame all these difficulties. she de••te••ously loosned her self from these incombrances: And after di••erted and discovered conspiracies▪ after extinguished, and chastised ••••ditions, after the revolt of Towns reduced to obedience, she chased away Rebellion and Heresie out of Flanders: she sweetly and de••••erously tyed up again the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which gaped after liberty, and had already broken a piece of his chain. The States of Holland would have been at present but a Republick in Idea; and Leyden would have been 〈…〉〈…〉 to Spain as to Bruxels, if King Philip had left for a longer time the Government unto the Dutchess of Parma. Ruy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the Duke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were indeed of this opinion: Likewise none but indulgent and popular Ministers were ignorant, that clemency is more persuasive, and make•• it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 better obeyed then severity. But the advice of Car∣dinal Spinosa and the Duke of Al••a carrying it against their opinions; the King concluded upon the way of rigour and force. The duke of Al••a. being sent to put them in execution, opened afresh with fire and sword those wounds, which lenitives had closed up: and what the dex∣tent•• and mildeness of a wise and obliging woman had re-established, was ••••••ned by the violence•• of a bloody and rigorous Minister of State. Philip to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this errour resolved to send back the Dutchess into ••lande••••, which very earnestly demanded her, believing that its cure could come from no other hand then hers. But he desired it too late and out of season God thought that she had laboured enough, and sufficiently overcome; and therefore called her to give her repose, and the crowns she had merited. The Flemings being out of hope to have her Person, conserved her Memory: They honoured her in Publick, and in their houses, and whereas they had solemnly, and with ringing of Bells thrown down that insolent and proud statue which the Duke of Al••a had caused to be set up in the Citadel of Antwerp, they erected in their hearts, which were stronger then Citadels, a statue of pure esteem and glory to the Dutchess of Parma.

[illustration]

[illustration]

IAHEL 〈…〉〈…〉

Iahel.

THERE is now an end of the Cananites and of their Fortune: their Armie composed of so many Troops and Engins of war was defeated by the Israelites, who are still pursuing the remainder of it. And all the presages are deceitful, nay even Prophesie it self is a lyer, or their Empire shaken by this Blow will not much longer expect its fall: the Earth is covered over with the bloody parcels of so formidable a Bodi••; some of them have fallen upon all the Mountains, and into all the Valleys of the Countrey; and the stately Head thereof, which hath hitherto rolled along, happens to be broken in pieces by the Hand of this Woman. It is Jahel who hath finished the overthrow of the Canaanites by the death of their General, whom she killed with a Nail in her own ••ent, where he had sheltred himself after the routing of his Armie: she is still moved with the blow she so lately struck. Certainly she could not have given a more hazardous one, nor of greater conse∣quence: and the Age of our fore-fathers which was an Age of Miracles and of prodigious Adventures, hath never seen any thing of like Courage, nor of greater Fame.

The joy she felt at the successe of so high an enterprise adds new lustre to her eyes, and a second grace to her face. The con¦fidence of her looks corresponds with the boldnesse of the Action; her hands armed with the fatal Hamm••r which pro∣ved of more force then the warlike Engines of the Enemies, and performed more then all the Lances and Swords of the Israelites, prepared themselves to gain a second Victory: And

yet her Hands all heated as they are with breaking the Chain and Yoak of Israel upon the Head of Sisera▪ seem willing to give the like blow even unto the Ghost of the Cananean King, whom her imagination hath brought Captive to her, and loaden with Chains.

Neverthelesse Sisera wrastleth in vain against the Earth. At the same time he pushes with his arms as it were to force her to give back: and by a contrary effort he seems willing to carry her away with his head. His heart strives within to succour the wounded part, and not being able of himself to assist it, with all the remainder of his force, he conveyes thither Anger, Rage, and Despair. These impotent and furious Passions appear confusedly, and with horror on his face swollen with the blood and spirits which are there poured out from the whole bodie. It would be hard to distinguish them by their proper features, and by the Colours which are natural to them: All of them have participated of the Anguish which is mingled with them, and are grown either pale with Death which entred by this wound, or red with the blood which flowed from thence.

His eyes, which to him had been ill Advisers and unfaithful guards, and had suffered themselves to be surprised by beauty and sleep, bewail the mortal errour they had committed, and seem willing to cast forth with their blood and tears the pleasing poyson which they have taken in from the looks of J••hel: Besides they turn up and down in their last pains, as if they sought her out to reproach her of Infidelity; And the very sight of Debora and Barac hapning to be present at this Tra∣gick spectacle increases their torment and begets in him a se∣cond confusion: The victory of his Enemies proves a tor∣ment to him: Death, nay even such a death made it another death to him. But the third yet more sensible and cruel death was, that his enemies in his very presence and sight rejoyce at his death and at their victory.

Surely also this sight may be called the death of Sisera, and the wound which he received therby in his heart though it cast forth no blood at all, is yet more painful to him then that of his pierced head; You would say that he is ready to dart out of

his mouth a thousand Blasphemies against Heaven, and as many Imprecations against Jahel; But his voice is stifled with the presse of his passions, and dies in his throat; There issueth forth of it nothing but froth, which is the blood of his in∣flamed rage, and not being able to blaspheme with his tongue, he blasphemeth with his countenance and the motion of his lips. Debora and Barac look upon him in silence, and with a kinde of Religious horror. Astonishment which opens their mouth, deprives them of breath, and their stretched out hands seem willing to speak for their tongues that are tyed up.

The very servants which are of their Train are strucken with the like amazement; and as if there were a charm in this spe∣ctacle, it took from them their voice by gazing on it. Sisera who could not astonish them by his valour, and with a sword in his hand, doth now amaze them by his punishment, and with the Nail in his head. And if all the people should be de∣stroyed, if the Ark it self were a captive, and if the Cheru∣b••••s which guard it were prisoners, there could not appear more Trouble in the minde of Barac, nor more Emotion up∣on the face of Debora. But this trouble and Emotion will be quickly followed with joy, and every one resuming the Fun∣ction which this spectacle hath suspended, Debora inspired with the spirit of Prophesie shall sing a Hymn unto God of the won∣ders which have finished so great a war with the point of a nail, and destroyed the Empire of the Canaanites with the stroke of a hammer and by the hand of a woman.

SONNET.

IN Jahels Bresta Hero's Soul survives, Which prompts her modest thoughts to brave atchives: Her flaming eyes declare with how much heat, She did an Army in one Head defeat.

Sisera her strugling, his black Soul doth groan, That by a Womans hand he's overthrown:

It quits his Breast, amazed Rage conceives, And in his Blood its wrath enkindled leaves.

Behold Man's ••ickle state, how neer ally'd His Ruine is to his insulting Pride; And with what ease this Ball is ev'ry way By Fortune racketed, to finde her play.

She can advance him when in most despair, As though she rais'd him with a puff of Air: As strangly too, without her VVheels full poise, She by the p••••cking of a Nail destroyes.

THE ELOGIE OF JAHEL.

JAHEL gave the last blow unto the Pride of the Canaan••••es, and finishing the victory which Debora had begun, she shewed that God had chosen the hands of a Woman to break the yoke of his peo∣ple. Sisera the Lieutenant General of Jabin, seeing his Army defeated by the Israelites, saved himself a∣••oot in the Tent of Jahel: But Death knows no Sanctuar•• or place of Refuge: And it is evident, that she suffered him 〈…〉〈…〉 in the heat of the conflict, to kill him afterwards more at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and at more lea••ure out of the Battel. Jahel inspired by God 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And to quench the extream thi•••• which labour, flight and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had caused, presented him with milk to drink.

There are some dangerous charities and courtesies whereof we must bewa••••: And sometimes the presence of Women have defeated those who could not be overcome by stratagems or armed Legions. 〈…〉〈…〉 together with the freshness of this drink having 〈…〉〈…〉 unfortunate Sisera, Jahel without noise pulled up one of the Nail▪ wherewith her Tent was fastned, and with the blow of a 〈…〉〈…〉 to deep into his head, as the Nail pierced it clean through▪ and entred into the earth with his blood and Soul. This Wo∣man wa•• worth an Armie, and a Nail in her hand effected that which ten thousand 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and as many Swords were not able to effect.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 may well believe that this action was done by inspiration▪ other∣w•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 not have violated Hospitality, which is naturally holy 〈…〉〈…〉 to the Law of Nations. She would not have corrupted 〈…〉〈…〉 and favour, not have sta••nd it with blood and murther:

She would have at least respected the gentlenesse of her Sex, and the sanctity of her Tent: But it was Gods will on that day, that two Wo∣men should work the Redemption of a whole Nation. And that by this example they should teach posterity that great forces are not ne∣cessary to great Actions, that the powers of the earth break asunder if never so little touched, and that without framing Engines or rolling mountains there needs but one thrust to cause the fall of a Colessus.

A MORAL REFLECTION.

I Fear that if I propose the Example of Jahel to gallant women, they will reject my proposition and abhor the blood and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this Precedent. Nevertheless they may imitate her without violating the Law•• of Hospitality, without exasperating the mildeness of their Sex; without ••••taging o•• framing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with blood. There are no more Canaanites to overcome▪ not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there another Sisera to vanquish: But there are 〈…〉〈…〉, there are com∣manding and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Passion, which are to the 〈…〉〈…〉 at that day what Sisera and the Canaanites were heretofore to the Israelites: Not only Men ought to take up arms against these spiritual 〈…〉〈…〉 but even Wo∣men also must enter into this war, and the 〈…〉〈…〉 which they should hold with them would be a kinde of treason and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Above all, it there be any woman who hath entertained some Sisera in her 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who hath opened her heart, and promised security unto some predomi∣nant Passion, the ought to be advertised, that this sort of charity is destructive and not to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in▪ and that toward 〈…〉〈…〉 mercy proves 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and fidelity scandalous and of dangerous example. Saul was reproved for the 〈…〉〈…〉 thrown to the king of the Amale∣kites, and because he was pitiful out of ••••ason, and against the will of God, he lost both ••rown and 〈…〉〈…〉. Take heed of the li••e fault, if you be not prepared against the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 misfortune. And if you have afforded a place of retreat to some Soveraign passion, to some Capital and com∣manding vice. Remember that you are bound in honour both to betr••y it, and to keep no faith with it, as it is a Sisera to you, so ought you to be a Jahel to it, and you shall be to it an Heroick and victorious Jahel, if you ••ull it asleep with the blood of the Lamb, and plane a Nail of the Cross in the Head of it.

A MORAL QUESTION.

Whether there was Infidelity in the Act of Jahel?

THe act of Jahel is not numbred amongst those which instantly gain approbation, and which at first sight informs the understanding. The colour of it is not so beautifull, nor the face of it so taking. There appeareth therein much dexterity and courage: but there is de∣••••ipt in this address, and this courage hath something of barbarous in it: 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the breach of faith seems in that action very evident, cabinet and chamber 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cannot fail to fill their Common places there∣with▪ and to compose a piece against the infidelity of women: But here and every where else we must defie seeming illusions and the false lights of the superficie•••• We must beware of fastning our opinions up∣on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of things, and of judging by the colour. The outside 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deceitful and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into beliefe. And very often colours are more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and have more Justice about vice then vertue. Moreover since the holy Ghost himself hath set forth the praise of Jahel, since he hath inspired her with a prophetick mouth, and hath even dictated it to one of his writers, we need not fear to hazard our esteem upon his appro∣bation, not make a scruple to honour the memory of a vertue, where∣of he hath lest us the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and picture after his own manner.

There was then prudence and conduct, addresse and courage in this action of Jahel, and particularly fidelity which is questioned was here∣in couragious and magnanimous: It was fortified with zeal, and con∣secrated to Religion. I know not whether Jahel might owe something to Sisera and the Canaanites who were the enemies of God, Tyrants over his people, and publick oppressors of the posterity of the Patriarchs. But I know very well that she could not engage unto them a second faith against the first which she owed to God against the Law of her fore∣fathers and to the ruine of that holy nation: A treaty of this nature had been an Aposta••ie of State and Religion: and she could not have kept her word without the breach of her saith, without betraying her brethren, without sinning against God and Moses.

The Holy Scripture very well observes that there was some kinde of peace between the house of her husband Hebar, and the Canaanites. But this was not a regular peace, and according to usual forms: It was but a good interval hardly and dearly purchased by the weakest side, It was but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and pillages which the Canaanites ac∣corded to the house of Hebar in respect of the contributions they drew from them: And doubtlesse this Accord on Hebars part was without pre••udice to the faith he owed to God and his people, and this particu∣lar repose which he purchased was not a falling off from the common cause. It was in all probability of the same nature as particular Trea∣ties

are now adayes between common people residing upon Frontiers, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sword with money, who divert the ••undation and in••oad of the Enemie by contributions which they lay upon them; this is properly called, and without abusing the term, so con••ure a tem∣pest, and charm wilde beasts. But these charms and comutations do not binde the Common people who put them in practise. They live within the limits of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and under the duty of joyning as occasion serves with the Troop of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of ma••••hing against the com¦mon enemie, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same beasts which they themselves had enchanted.

The Treatie of Hebar with the Canaanites was in this form. It was not a surrender of his right, not a dispensation of his duty; It was an innocent Charm against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sword, against Tyrants and oppres∣sors. And the wa•• undertaken against them proceeding from the will of God, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by expresse revelation, and declared by the Reg••n•• Prophet••••, as he might list himself without any ••reachers amongst the Troops, and ••oyn hi•• Arms with the common Arm•• for the liberty of the people. In Jahel with a good Conscience and me••••t might let her hand to the same work: the might be a••ding by her 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and forces to break the Cha•••• of her brethren: she might finish by a parti∣cular inspiration the victory which Debora had begun with publick. Au∣thority, and by the Spirit of Prophesie.

This particular inspiration supported the common Interest, and strengthened natural reason: And Jahel ex••ited on the one side, and perswaded on the other, exposed for the people both her life and repu∣tation to a hazardou•• enterprise, and which might leave her an ill ••ame. Thereby the performed an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Act of fidelity towards God whom she obeyed, towards the ••aw of her Ancesters which she established by the ruine of the opposite Power, towards her people, whole ••oke she brake, and whose chain•• she rent in pieces, towards posterity to which she conserved both Religion and the Sanctuary, Freedom and Hope.

Neverthelese this Act is reckoned amongst those extr••ordinary one•• which surpa•••• received Laws, and exceed such measures as are in use. It may well 〈◊〉〈◊〉 us admiration and respect, but we cannot 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a mo∣del of it, and draw copies from thence. And since Fidelity is an essen¦tial part in a Gallant Woman, it is proper to produce some example•• whereby vertue all Pure and without the least appearance of stain may serve as well for Imitation as Shew.

EXAMPLE.

Joan of Beaufort Queen of Scotland, and Catherine Douglas.

IT is with the History of Scotland as with those frightful pictures wherein nothing is represented but dead and wounded Bodies; no∣thing but fired houses and ruines. One cannot ingage himself in it without passing over blood and murthers; nay even upon sacred blood, and paracide murthers, and it is very strange that so little a crown should be divided by so many factions and so often stained with the death of those who have worn it.

That of James the First was a Tragedy which might passe for an Ori∣•••• either in the time of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or in the Age of Oedipus; But as there is never any Age represented so cruel wherein some person of good life doth not inter••••ne, who reads not upon the stage lessons of Vertue and corrects the scandal which others give. Two women who were present at the death of this good Prince, gave an example of Fide∣lity which cannot be seen now adayes in history without applauding and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, at least in thought.

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Scotchman being possessed with the Ambition of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which is a bloody Devil, and the Instigator of Paracid••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against his Nephew King James: and because he could not depose him but by death, resolved to have his head to obtain his crown: This resolution 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taken, and obstinately determined, he seeks out trusts and resolute Executioners, and without going out of his own 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he found some who were truly fit instruments for such an under∣t•••••••• At the appointed day a Groom of the Kings Bed-chamber 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them in, and shews them the door without defence. This Trai∣tor 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the ••arl had taken away the bolt, as if he meant to cor∣rupt and 〈…〉〈…〉 it to his crime.

All things being prepar••d for the Execution, and the moment of the last Act approaching, an Officer discovered the Conspirators, and desiring to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Kings Bedchamber from whence he newly came, he drew upon himself their first blows, and the prologue of their fury. At the 〈…〉〈…〉 Assassinate Catherine D••••glas who was attending on the 〈…〉〈…〉 to the door, and finding it without any stay, and uncapable 〈…〉〈…〉 her courage and necessity, (which is inventive, 〈…〉〈…〉 thing defensive) makes her arm supply the place of 〈…〉〈…〉 Groom of the Chamber had taken away. 〈…〉〈…〉 had been as strong as her heart, the door would have 〈…〉〈…〉 and sword, nay even against Engines and Canon••: 〈…〉〈…〉 for this use, it was broken at the first assault, and the 〈…〉〈…〉 over the belly of the faithful Lady, entred furiously 〈…〉〈…〉 who had no other guard then his Queen.

This good and couragious Princess was no way frighted at the glit∣tering of so many swords already staind with blood, and even reaking with the murther which was newly committed at the door. She boldly advanced before her husband, and alone acted the part of al the Archers of his Guard: But the match was too unequal, and fidelity being aban∣doned, and without arms could not resist a multitude, nor overcome an armed Furie.

The King being thrown on the ground, the Queen cast herself upon him, and covered him with her body, to the end at least he might not be wounded but through her wounds, nor receive death but through her own: Her Sex was not respected, the Vertues and Graces of her person proved no Sanctuary to her: she received two blows upon her husbands body: and these furious Murtherers having at last by Violence taken her from him, the poor Prince being man∣gled all over with wounds, rendered up his soul in the tears and blood of his wife; The Author of this execrable Patricide, and the cruel executioners who had assisted him with their hands, carried not far the blood of their Prince. Divine Justice, and the revenging Angel of Kings followed them by the track and voice of this blood which cryed out against them; and there was none of them which was not brought to condigne punishment: there was made the same ex∣ample in several spectacles, and the people had full leasure to be in∣structed, and to glut themselves with their punishment. The detestable Earl of Ath••e was reserved for the last act of the Tragidy, which lasted three dayes; in each of which he appeared under several Engines of torment and terrour, with a Crown of hot iron upon his head. And thereby unfortunatly and contrary to his own sense was verified the vain prediction of a woman, who had assured him, that he should be one day solemnly crowned, and before a great assembly of people.

We may learn by this History that the Majesty of Kings is sacred; that their blood and lives are holy things, and that there is in Heaven a particular Tribunal, and selected Executioners established against those who violate them. From hence also it is learnt, that the end of Ambi∣tion is commonly bloody and tragical, and that it is a dangerous thing and full of hazard to commit crimes and to attempt upon the promises of a Fortune-Teller. In fine to return to my subject we are taught thereby that the strength of hands is not necessary for the force of Acti∣on, that delicate and polished Graces can do as much as couragious and strong Vertues, and that Women are no lesse capable of an Heroick and eminent fidelity then Men.

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IVDITH 〈…〉〈…〉

Iudith.

THIS strong place which seems to be borne upon the top of this Rock is the Citie of Bethulia; And this Camp which takes up all the Plain about it is the Camp of the As••yrians who besiege it. You may boldly approach it, and pass securely and without fear even to the Tent of Holofernes. Wine and sleep have defeated all the Courts of Guards. They have not left a Centinel which was not laid on the ground; even the Fires which should watch for the whole Camp become drowsy, and are half extinguished. You would say that they have been cor∣rupted, or forgotten the ancient Discipline: Do not accuse the liberty of the Souldiers, nor the negligence of the Commanders. A stronger vertue then the Souldiers, and a greater Authority then the Officers hath overcome them both, and con••ounded the duties and orders of War.

This defeat without murther or effusion of blood is a blow from the Angel of Israel who is come in person to defend the Frontiers of his Countrey; He hath made darknesse which hath something I know not what, of resemblance with that which he heretofore caused in Egypt. And the Night was ad∣vanced by his command to contribute its silence and obscurity to the great Action which he prepares. But this obscurity serves onely for the enemies of the people of God, this intelli∣gent night is discreet, like that of Egypt; it knows how to distin∣guish

the faithful, and to put a difference of persons. That which is cloudy and dark for other shall be light for us. And were there nothing but the brightnesse of these luminous spi∣rits added to the resplendency of the zeal and eyes of Judith, which seem to infire all the pretious stones of that stately Pa∣villion, yet there would be enough to discern from thence the Tragedie which is begun in the Tent of Holofernes.

All things are disposed there, to a strange revolution; and this fatal conjuncture hath in an instant reduced to extremity the life of Holofernes, the honour of Judith, and the safety of Be∣thulia. The gallant and victorious Widow who so couragi∣ously exposeth her honour for the safety of her people, hath but this moment to manage; and if she doth not happily manage it and with successe, there is an end of her honour and the safety of her people; there is an end of Bethulia, even of Jerusalem it self and of the Temple besieged in Bethulia: It is her work to save all this; and all this cannot be done but by one stroak and by the death of Holofernes. Behold how she is prepared to give this fatal and important blow, which must cut of an hun∣dred and fifty thousand-heads, and restore spirit and heart to twelve desolate Provinces. She did not cause Legions or armed Elephants to march before her; she came not accompanied with Giants or Engins of war: she is only invironed with Beauty and Graces: But it is a bold and victorious Beauty, they are magnanimous and conquering Graces: she is onely guarded with attractives and graceful charms: but they are violent attractives, and forcible charms. She is equally dange∣rous and graceful, and wounds even by that which delights: Not onely her eyes are piercing, and the lightning which God hath placed in them doth dazel the sight; but even her very feet contributed to the victory, and the eyes of her Buskins have surprized Holofernes by the eye, and enslaved his Soul.

These arms, though divinely reinforced and purified with a Heavenly ray, could not have overcome alone. They effected nothing but after prayer, fasting, and tears. And though these which are spiritual, and of an invisible temper have not wrought upon the sight of Holofernes, yet they have

done it upon the heart of God, and opened a passage whereby Safety came upon his people, and Death upon his enemies. Ju∣deth is ready to give a beginning to both, The exterminating Angel who assists her, puts not a Lance of Fire into her Hand, nor the point of a Thunderbolt brought down from Heaven; such noble weapons, and descending from so great a height are not necessary for this execution: And God doth not use to leave to the haughty the title of a glorious and renowned death. He presents to her the sword of Holofernes, and putting it into her Hand, he setled confidence and boldnesse in her Heart. You would take this fatal sword for the stroke of a Thunderbolt: you would swear that it is all composed of light∣ning: But these lightnings are not like those which are formed in the clouds: they come to it from a Diamond and a Rubie whereof the ••ilt is composed: and what lustre soever it re∣ceives from these fires of pre••ious stones which adorn it, it ex∣pects more from the innocence and vertue of this fair hand which is ready to imploy it. You would say that it glittereth from the impatience it hath to be serviceable to a stroke, which will be worth many Battels, and which shall be heard by all Ages.

Judeth receives it couragiously and with confidence; but her courage is far from fiercenesse, and her confidence appears modest and submissive, Her faith renewed in this perilous mo∣ment, and her zeal breaking forth, enlighten her face, and diffuse themselves by her mouth. And her eyes are lifted up toward Heaven, as if they did shew the way to the prayers she sends thither in silence and accompanied with the spirit it of her tears. There is nothing which so pure a soul, and so holy tears may not obtain; and the voice of this silence is too power∣ful and pressing not to be heard. But though it were strong e∣nough to penetrate Heaven, and to make it self to be heard of God, yet it reacheth not the ear of Holofernes. Beast that he is, he is far from waking at this voice, he would not awake at that of Heaven, though it should thunder with all its force. He hath not only lost both spirit and motion: but even his hea••ing and sight are bound up: and he is more fastned by the fume of

wine and the vapours of sleep, then he would be by six great cords and as many cha••s.

Do not believe that in this plight he dreams of the taking of Bethulia or the sacking of Jerusalem, that any Siege is laid, or any battel fought in his Head. No Armies are now there to lead, nor Kingdoms to overcome. Judeth is there alone what War, Glory, and Nabuchodonezer were before. But it is not th•••• Judeth whom vertue, zeal, and these Angels have brought: It is a Judeth, not unlike a cheating dream, which hath trans∣formed a Heroe••s into a mincing Dame; and this mincing and imaginary Judeth shall be suddenly overthrown by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and chast one. The sword which you see in her hand shall do her Justice upon this cheating dream. And all these vain Ideas shall be drowned in the blood of the Dreamer, and shall fall with his Head.

Whilst the measures once more the greatness of her Enter∣prize, and that her last tears demand of God courage, and proportion••d forces; the Angels who brought her thither re∣ma••n as a Guard about her person at the door of the Tent. Her Angel Guardian lights her with a Torch, and at the same time bowing down the Pike of Holofernes (which he had seized on) seems to assure her with his looks and gesture that he will second her, if her hand should fail. Observe the Acti∣on of these Angels who sport with a cask and Cuyrass: There is a mysterie in their Action, and what they sport at, is the assurance and instruction of Judeth; They break in pieces the Armer of Holofernes, which was thought to be all composed of solid Fires, and of well tempered and well hammer'd Inchant∣ments; and which was so long the general terrour of all Asia: In breaking it, they deride the infirmity of human powers; and you see that they shew the pieces of it to Judeth, to assure her that there is nothing to be feared, having guards and seconds to whom Diamonds and Steel are but Glass and Tiffany.

As for those whom you see at the door of the Tent, they stand there to chase away fear and apparitions from this Maid, whom Judeth placed there for a Guard. They remain in that place to repell the Devils, Enemies of Gods people, which

might come to the aid of Holofernes. Their arms though seem∣ingly obscure are yet composed of a Celestial and most resplen∣dant matter: but because lightnings might issue from them which would awaken the whole Camp, they themselves ob∣scured them and suppressed all their light. Neverthelesse this restraint is no longer needfull for them. Behold Judeth coming forth with the ••ead of Holofernes and the Heart of all these dif∣ferent bodies, which are half dead with wine and sleep, and which shall quickly be dispatched by the Israelites. The blood still reaks after the sword, and where it passes, the earth greedily drinks up the drops which fall from it.

You believe indeed that the joy of this Victory is not little in the heart of the Conqueresse: It is there so great as it is di∣lated on her face, and her eyes have received thereby a second fire with a new and accessory light. It will suddenly appear far greater in Bethulia where the generous Widow is impatiently expected: and to which place she is going to carry, with the Head and Death of the Publick Enemy, the life and freedom of all the people.

SONNET.

PRoud Holofern is laid, the sun his light Hath mixt with darkness to commence the night: Whose shadow Judeth for her veil doth take, Lest with her Beauties lustre he should wake.

The sword which this chaste wonder doth advance Addes a fierce splendour to her Countenance: And in this exigent to quell all Fear. Thou speaks her Angel-Guardian in her ear.

Shrink thou not Judeth, let thy Foe be sped, He is already little lesse then dead:

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For Sleep and Wine, by their joynt forces, have Begun thy Conquest, and the Tyrants grave.

It would beseem thee ill to be afraid Of him thou hast thy humble Captive made: Well may thy Arm his Head and Body part, Who with thy ••••es hast from him torn his Heart.

THE ELOGIE OF JVDETH.

IT is not necessary for me to say who Judeth was, and what Act she hath done; she is sufficiently known to every one: For above the space of two thousand yeers she is in all Countreyes, and in the sight of all Nations still cut∣ting off the Head of Holofernes, and raising the siege of Bethulia. This part of her life hath been indeed the most radiant and remarkable, but peradventure not the most laborious or Heroick; and she more easily defeated Holofernes invironed with a whole Armie, then Pleasure and Grief, Covetousnesse and Fear, then her own Beauty and Youth. She was victorious nevertheless in all sorts of conflicts, and got the upper hand both of pleasing and terrifying Enemie••. At the Death of her Husband she overcame Grief by resig∣nation, and shewed, that with the blood of Patriarchs her Predeces∣sors, she had inherited their Faith and Constancie: This first Adver∣sary being mastered, the overcame also Idlenesse, Pleasures, and the latter Affections, which are the second and most dangerous Enemies of young Widows. She not being able to renounce her Youth, nor to be rid of her Beauty, which were to her like suspected Domesticks, and hard to be preserved: she kept them continually shut up; and likewise ••••aring lest they should make an escape, she weakned them by Prayer, Labor, ••asting, and Hair-cloth.

She grew warlike by these Domestick and Private Combats, and pre∣pared her self all alone, and in one single night for this famous Field, in which the Fortune of the Assyrians was ruined by the Blow received from the Hand of a victorious Woman, and the Head of a vanquished Man▪ Besides, in this so magnanimous and perillous an enterprise she was to overcome, not only a man whom Love had disarmed, and Wine and Sleep had secured, but to overcome the power of Gold, to which armed Legion•• submit and strong Forts are rendered; she was to over∣come the sparklings of pretious stones, which wound even souls which are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the sharpest point of swords: she was to overcome pleasures, which is stronger then valour it self, and triumpheth every day over the Victorious.

Besides these pleasing and flattering enemies certain cruel and ter∣rible ones presented themselves, which she was likewise obliged to overcome: Her Enterprise could not prove successeful to her but by miracle; and if it took no effect, she was to passe through all the hands of a furious Army; she must suffer all the punishments and Deaths which inraged Tyranny can inflict; she measured all these punishments, and numbred all these Deaths: And upon a serious consideration of them all the undertook in their very sight and presence this memorable Action, by which with one stroak she shewed her self not onely more couragious and valiant, but more intelligent and prudent then all Judea which she preserved, and all Assyria which she overcame.

A MORAL REFLECTION.

WOmen have not every day Holofernes's to vanquish; but every day they have occasion to fight against excess, vanity, delights, and all pleasing and troublesome passions; The memory of this Heroick Woman may instruct them in all the enterprises and exer∣cises of this war, which though made in shadow and without effusion of blood ceaseth not to be laborious, and made with vigour of spirit and stability of courage. Let them learn then from this illustrious and glo∣rious Mistresse to discipline their graces, and to give to them devotion and zeal, To imprison dangerous Beauty, and to take from it all the weapons wherewith it might offend, Let them learn from her to re∣form Widowhood, and to put themselves under the yoke of God, after they are free from that of men. Let them learn from her to be loyal to the memory of their deceased Husbands, never to divorce them∣selves from their Names, and to place under their ashes all the fire which may be remaining in them: as for this celebrious Act, by which Judith overcame all Assyria a Tent, and struck off with one blow the head of a whole Armie, It teacheth men that Heroick Vertue proceeds from the Heart, and not the Sex, that valour clothed with iron is not alwayes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and that the weakest and most tender hands may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the safety of Nations when God directs them.

A MORAL QUESTION.

Concerning the Choice which God hath made of Women for the pre∣servation of States reduced to Extremity.

IT is noted in the Book of Judges, and observed there as a wonder and prodig••••••, that meeknesse was once born of force, and that nou∣rishment 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of him that devout•• It is a wonder which 〈…〉〈…〉 of prodigie, and which nevertheless hath not been yet observed▪ that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is a portion of meekness, and that the hand•• accu∣sed to have been the Autho•••• of Death, have brought safety and given 〈◊〉〈◊〉. However, this second wonder is true, and no lesse surprizing then the first, not lesse proper to frame a 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Problem, and a specious 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The examples thereof are likewise less 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and more known; 〈…〉〈…〉 to be seen of them almost in all the Regions of History; And God hath renewed them a•• often as he hath chosen the hand•• of Women other to establish tottering States, or to support their 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The great wonder in this is, that God hath almost made this choice 〈…〉〈…〉 Counsels and Hope, and in the last confusion 〈…〉〈…〉 And in occasions wherein the Arms of the strong were 〈…〉〈…〉 Heads exhausted▪ he hath raised up Women, who 〈…〉〈…〉 the valiant and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who have taken away 〈…〉〈…〉 and the Sword held over the Head of Nations: who have chased away from surrendred ••owns Armies already victorious; who 〈…〉〈…〉 and Courage to vanquished King, who 〈…〉〈…〉 and fallen Crown. It suffi••••th to be∣lieve that such works are not done, but by the hand of God, and with much of hi•• spirit and by the Vertue of miracles. There are neverthe∣le•••• appearances and Reasons within the reach of out sight, which in this particular make good his Providence.

〈…〉〈…〉 Power appears therein more independant, and his Wisd••m 〈◊〉〈◊〉 infallible and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. There is very often De••eption in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thought, and mistake 〈…〉〈…〉 in our Terms. We take Force 〈…〉〈…〉 and that which we call Power, ought to be called 〈…〉〈…〉 and a Weaknesse with a great Train. 〈…〉〈…〉 was to be truly powerful, to take Towns, and overcome 〈…〉〈…〉 Canons and other Arm••, but with broken Po•••• and 〈…〉〈…〉 This were to be extraordinarily strong▪ not to throw 〈…〉〈…〉 with many Engine, but to break in 〈…〉〈…〉 with blowing on the ••ace of it; to ••leave a Mount••••n with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Snow. And the Art as well as the Courage of 〈…〉〈…〉 might be called Divine, who in the sight of a Storm should 〈…〉〈…〉 with ••ails of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Paper.

It ••utes very neer with the manner of Gods acting, when in the Tu∣mult of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and amidst the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of falling States, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Arms of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the Heads of Polititians, and makes choice of weak Women and tender Maids to subdue the victorious, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up the vanquiried, to support Ruines, and repair Shipwrack.

Secondly, he thereby 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his little of the God of Host▪ and a powerful Lord in War. He shews that Victory 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Subject that it follows 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Orders, and ob••••ves his Providence▪ And that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Com∣mon and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ma••••, and this blinde and gidd•• Fortune, of which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much reckoning to made, are but ••antom•••• of men. Invention. Thirdly he thereby reacheth Humility to the proud ones of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He reacheth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Conquerours and Haughty spirits, and makes them. 〈…〉〈…〉 that Crowns depend on his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and not on the strength of the•••• own Hand. That he takes them off at his pleasure from proud Heads to place them upon the Humble, That he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Crowns for Women as well as men, for Shepherds as well as Prin••••s and that upon what Head soever he placeth them, he still 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of them.

In the fourth place, these wonders wrought from time to time by the hands of Women are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Acts, and illustrious instructions for the whole 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Thereby 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tongue are refuted and Ca∣lum••e 〈…〉〈…〉 second work of God 〈…〉〈…〉. Thereby Women 〈…〉〈…〉 have Heart of the ••ame matter▪ and as well denied 〈…〉〈…〉 not corrupt them▪ ••f they be not overcome by 〈◊〉〈◊〉. They learn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by that 〈…〉〈…〉 tender, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to wool and silk, 〈…〉〈…〉 Actions, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a long 〈…〉〈…〉 doth not 〈…〉〈…〉 Vertue, 〈…〉〈…〉 That to pre∣pare 〈…〉〈…〉 Courage and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 adventures. They 〈…〉〈…〉 themselves, to overcome, and to begin the•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 and upon themselves. Jud••th was not victorious 〈…〉〈…〉, and without 〈…〉〈…〉 prepared her 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••or it by 〈…〉〈…〉 and Domestick Combats, and this was not till she had over∣come pleasure, till she had chased away Pa••lion, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from her Heart, till ••he had 〈…〉〈…〉, driven away the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from before 〈…〉〈…〉.

Morecover, this is not the sole example of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kind: there are more even in 〈…〉〈…〉 and Nation, a long time before Judeth, Debora, and Ja••el 〈…〉〈…〉 people from the Tyranny of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Some years after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 preserved them from the Hands of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the general 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which was prepared for them thor••owout all Per••••••. Under the Reign of David▪ the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being besieged b•• Joab, and threatned with the 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ity, were delivered 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the Pillage and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Providence of a wise Woman, who perswaded them to clear the•• hands of a Rebel, who they had harboured, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Head over the Walls. This Head being thrown over effected

more then twenty thousand Arms and Engines could have done: Peace remained to the Abelites, and Joab without taking the Citie re∣treated with Victory.

EXAMPLE.

Marulla of Stilimena.

THE Maid of Orleans may well be added to these Gallant Jewish Women, though far distant from their time and Countrey. France in her had a protectress and a Warrier, a Debora and a Judeth, and what she did to deliver that Kingdom from Invaders, who had already put the voke over its Head, is a famous proof of a miracu∣lous gi••t divinely con••erred on some Woman for the preservation of oppressed States, and Cities reduced to extremity. But all the whol∣some and warlike Vertues of this Sex are not of so great Antiquity: th••se latter Ages have had them as well as the former; and there are some of them as it were born in the sight of our Fathers.

In the time of Mahome•• the Second, the Turks conducted by Bas•••• a So∣lo••••••, ma••ched down into 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and set upon Coce••, which is the chief City of the Island: divers assaults couragiously given in several places, and repulsed with like Courage; at last either by fraud or force they gain'd a gate, where the sight was a long time sti••••lly maintained; so far that the Governour of the place, who was a man of Counsel and Valor lost his life. He had a daughter called Marull••, who was then upon the Wall with other Women, prepared to give a handsome reception to the enemy, and to act for their Honour and Religion much more then their Sex required. This couragious Maid had her Eyes and Heart in the Combat, and accompanied it with her Gestures and motions; Though wounded with the Blow which had killed her Father, yet the was not overcome with him, not lost her Spirit and Courage by his Wound. She descended from the Wall to the Gate; she runs through 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Sword to the Body of her Father; she takes up his Sword and Buckler, and as if with his Buckler and Sword she had taken the bold∣ness of his Heart, and the strength of his Arms, she presents her self to those Enemies, which appeared the most pressing, and were the most advanced. Some the repels, and knocks down others: She fights with so much Courage, and her Courage assisted from above, and supported by the rall••••d inhabitants proves so happy, as she puts to flight what Turks soever she found in her way, and leads her Companions fighting even to their Galleys. The very same day they returned to sea, and le••t the Victory intire to Marulla, and Liberty to Stilime••••.

The next day the General of the Venetian Fleet, thinking to be at the Fight, came to the Feast of it. The People being richly cloathed,

and the Magistrates in their ceremonial garments went out to meet him, and brought to him their Deliveress in Triumph. He caused her to come before the Armie raing'd in order upon the shoar. And there after the having Crowned her with an Elogie, which was of more value then the Laurel, or the Oak of the Ancients; He ordained that every Souldier should make her a present, and offered her for a Husband what Captain soever she would please to chuse, with promise, that he would prevaile so with the Senate, as he should be adopted of the Sig∣nory, and her Marriage Portion given her out of the publick Trea∣sury. Marulla, who was truly bold and couragious, yet more advised and discreet, rendred Thanks to the General for his Presents and offers; and made him this answer,

That the difference was great between the Vertues of the Field and those of a Family; that an excellent Ca∣ptain might make a bad Master of a Family, and that Marriage being no Warfare, the Hazard would be too great, and the Election too rash, to chuse a Husband in Arms, and to take him in a Field of Battel.

This Answer set a second Value upon the Act of Marulla: and made appear, that there was a great deal of light in her Fire; and that her valour was both spritely and Juditious: and from that time, they looked upon her, not only as an Amazon, equal to those represented in Fables, but esteemed her also as a learned Person amongst the Muses.

[illustration]

SALOMONE 〈…〉〈…〉

Salomona.

THE Combat you behold, though it be bloody on the one side, and cruel on the other, yet it is none of those where Valour should be brutish, and commit murders. She is very resolute and cou∣ragious; but she is disarmed and suffer∣ing. In like occasions the weak become strong, the dying victorious; and they that strike and kill, were the vanquished. The Combat is for the God of Abraham and Moses, for the Law of the Patri∣archs and Prophets. On the other side this cause is defended by abandoned and naked Faith, and on the other, assaulted by Infidelity, armed with Engins and punishments. The match seems to you to be unequal: And you will hardly believe, that Infirmity and Tendernesse, can be of more Force then Iron and Fire; that a Mother weak both in Sex and Age, and Chil∣dren both abandoned and unarmed, should vanquish a furious and armed Tyrant, and overcome all the Executioners of his Train. Nevertheless they subdued them all, and there are al∣readie on their side as many Victories as Deaths.

Salomona was present at all these particular Combats: All en∣tire that you see her, she hath already delivered up six parts of her heart; And I believe that she is now come to her last Childe, and to her seventh Crown. Her face bears as many Victories, as Years. There is something I know not what, of venerable and August in her wrinkles: and you would say

that even the Law it self is come out of the Propitiatory in humane shape, to infuse Zeal into her Followers, and to teach them Fidelity and Constancy.

Certainly Beauty, whatsoever is said of it, belongs not only to Youth. Vertue is graceful in every Age, Her flowers are of the latter season as well as her fruits: And whether by na∣tural right, or by an Immemorial Priviledge, she hath ever preserved the advantage of being at once, both Beautiful and Ancient, and of having charms under gray Hairs and wrinkles. You will profess at least, that she hath commanding Attractives in this half dried up skin, and upon these withered ••heeks: And you will be as much inamored of these venerable Ruines, and this Heroick and generous Caducity, as of adorned Youth, and a scandalous Vivacity.

Besides, do not believe that her Constancie is blinde and obstinate; it is fortified with Sence and Reason, and its solidity is resplendent, and penetrated with light, as well as that of the Diamond As if she were not furnished enough with that which is intrinsical and diffused from her own Spirit; A light more vigorous and pure, descends to her from Heaven, which infires her Heart; and her heart being inflamed with this fire, seems ready to issue forth of her Eyes to receive it, even in its source By the Charity of this Divine Light she came to know the short and ruinous Carreir of time, and the Immense and sollid Extent of Eternity: She hath seen the Waste and Defects of Fortune through the Paints and Disguises wherewith she varnishes her self: And one Single Ray mira∣culously extinguished in her apprehension all those Piles of Wood which are set on fire for her self and Children, and made her discern afar off, in the hands of Abraham and Jacob, the Crowns prepared for them.

Illuminated by these Lights, and fortified by this Object, she hath already overcome even six Deaths: and behold her wrastling with the seventh, which assaults her by the youngest and last of her Children. There is tendernesse indeed on that side, but nothing of weaknesse; and this last part of her Heart in being the most innocent and lesse fortified by time shall not

be the less invincible. The Tyrant thinks to gain upon her by that way, but he was not well acquainted with her: He per∣swades himself, that at least with this single drop of blood which was left her, she would preserve the hope and restauration of her Posterity. But the blood of the Macchabees would not endure the least stain for its Conservation: and so holy and glori∣ous a Race could not end more honourably, then by seven Martyrs.

She was far from contributing her voice and Carresses to ini∣quity, and from becoming the Temptress of her Son, she for∣tified his Minde, and strengthened his Courage: she discover∣ed to him her Bosom and Breasts, which are reasons so much the more powerful, as having the more tendernesse: she shews him the Heavens open, and the God of Abraham a Spectator of his Conflict, with the Patriarchs and Prophets. I think also that the spake to him of his Ancestors the Macchabees; and made him understand, that this great Light, is that, of their Conquering Souls, which are descended to assist his Victory, and to finish by his Constancie the Glory and Coronation of their Name, the Triumph and Sanctity of their Race.

The Couragious Youth heareth her with a manly Con∣stancie: his Resolution is visible already in his Eyes, and gives a Color to his Face: His Constancie in Punishments will quickly shew, that he is twice born of this Heroick Mother; that he is no less the fruit of her Heart, then of her Womb; and that he hath sucked with his Milk the Spirit and Quintessence of her Vertue, and the very blood and Marrow of her Soul. Be∣ing now assaulted by large Promises and magnificent VVords, he only opposeth his silence to this vain Battery: and one mo∣tion of his Head, accompanied with a Gesture of Scorn, over turns all those Mountains of Gold which are offered him. The Tyrant being irritated thereby bites his very Lips; wrath pre∣pares new Fires in his Heart, both for the Mother and the Son: Some sparkles of them are seen already to issue from his Eyes, and smoak out of his Mouth: and two great stacks of wood will suddenly be here enkindled with his Breath, and the Fire of his VVrath.

Mean while Salomona rejoyceth at the Courage of her Son, she animates him afresh to the Combat; and proposeth to him the Example of his Brothers. She shews him their souls already crowned, who remain at the Gate of Heaven, staying only for his, to begin their Triumph. Those are their Bodies which you see amidst the Executioners and Tortures. Of six, two of them have been delivered up to the Furnace incompassed with Fire; and the four other have been divided between two great Caldrons. They live no longer, and yet still resist; They seem to contest with Insensibility, which is to them, as it were a second Constancy, and a natural Force, which their souls have left them at their Departure. You would say, that they had a mind to make shew of a distinct Virtue from that of their mindes, and to possess their labours and merits apart in this common cause: You would say, that every member hath a Heart peculiar to its self, and a particular life to expose. Their blood, though shed, retains still its vigour; There issueth thence a smoak which proceeds from the fire of their Zeal; nay, even their flead skins, and their lopped off Feet and Hands retain still something of the Spirit of the Macchabees, and seem to seek a second Victory.

There remain none about them but these two Executioners. All the rest are out of the Combat and have lost their Resolu∣tion with their Forces. The Fires which have been kindled to consume these Holy Victimes, are overcome by the Divine Fire, which hath left them nothing but the exteriour to burn: Neither do I know whether they respect not the very marks which appear upon these bloody and torn reliques: Surely they owe this and more to that Fire, superiour to all others; And the impression of Charitie ought to be at least in like reverence, and no less sacred then the impression of Lightning. Hereto∣fore the Flames of the Babylonian Furnace had this discretion, either Natural or Divinely inspired. They respected the three Jews, whom Faith and Charity had consecrated; And by a violent breaking out, like that of a Lion, who should leave his prey and fall upon his Keeper, they devoured those Mini∣sters of Impiery who kindled them.

But nothing but Miracles of Courage and Patience will be wrought here. God will permit the Consummation of the Sacrifice, and receive all the Smoak of it. Salomona her self who hath hitherto fought but in heart, and been only tryed against Compassion, shall be suddenly tryed against Grief. By the same Force wherewith she restrained all her Tears she will pour out all her Blood. She will overcome Cruelty, as she hath vanquished Nature: And after seven Deaths suffered in Minde and by Piece-meal she will endure the last, which shall be the Recompence and Coronation of all the rest.

SONNET.

IN Natures sight in sight of Heav'n above, Brave Salamona combats Grief and Love: Which, through her seven Sons Breasts with deadly Smart Have made a Rent in her undaunted Heart.

Nor Blood nor Tears do trickle from her wound; All that's in her is with true Valour Crown'd: Her Faith d••••ends that Breach, ••midst horrid pains Her Soul much more believes, then it sustains.

What cannot Love improve its force unto? What hath not Faith abundant pow'r to do? The Love of seven brave Sons, dear as her Eyes, Makes her endure seven Deaths before she dies.

Yet Faith does more, and by a rare ••ffort (Which Love should emulate in its transport) Makes her seven times a Martyr, ere pa••e Death Constrains her to forsake her vital Breath.

ELOGIE OF SALOMONA.

THe Mother of the Macchabees was peradventure the first Gallant Woman who sought without Arms and overcame by death. She was the Daughter of holy Conquerers, and the Mother of Mar∣tyrs, and gave to Jud•••• a Christian Heroess before Christianity. In the common ruine of her Countrey, and general Martyrdom of her Nati∣on, all sorts of Engin•• were applyed to withdraw her Children from the Religion of their Parents. They were put to defend themselves against objects both of delight and terrour, and to overcome a Tyrant armed with favours and punishments.

The Couragious Mother assisted at all their Combats, and contri∣buted her voice, her ••eal, and spirit to their Victory: so far was she from concealing them from Torments and Death, that she produced them one after another, armed with her Vertue, and fortified with her Admonitions: she animated them with her faith, and warmed them with her tears▪ she gathered together their ••lead skins, and their mu∣t••lated members, as the matter both of their Crowns and of her own; and as many deaths as she numbred, so many accomplished Victories she counted in her Thoughts.

Not that she was lesse a Mother then the tender and weeping ones 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Her soul endured Iron and Fire in the bodies of her Children, she ••ell in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with their Members, and her Heart melted away through the•••• Wounds. But she knew the order and quality of her obligation: It was her belief that she owed more to God, then to her own blood, and more to Religion, then to her Race: And knowing that a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Death is more happy then a sinner who lives and reigns, she chose rather to make a Family of Saints then of Apostates; and to be rather a Mother in Heaven, then upon Earth.

MORAL REFLECTION.

LEt our Ladies learn of this Jew to be Mothers and Christians: Let them learn by her Example that Children given to God are not lost. That it would be much better to have them innocent in a Grave, then vitious on a Throne, That a good Death is the best Fortune they can attain to. And that it is for the glory of the Macchabees, and the good of Children to be saved even before their time, even with many pains▪ even by their own blood, and through all the Engines of Death▪ and not to be damned after their old Age, loaden with sorrows and sins. It is a glory to the Earth, that Marble stones which come out of its Bosom, should become excellent Figures under the Hammer. And

it is better that a Shute should be cut off when it is yet tender, and that it be grafted in the Garden of a Prince, then to have it wither upon the Stem, and serve only for matter of Fuell.

MORAL QUESTION.

Whether Religion be the Principal Vertue of a Gallant Women?

THere are some Vertues indeed of greater noise, and carrying a sa••er Glose then Religion, but none of greater use, not more necessary for a Gallant Woman. All the rest, what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soever they make, and what colour soever they have, are without her, but Stage-Vertues. They resemble those superficial bodies, made only for shew, which are all Mask and Garment, they have neither life nor spirit, they are without form and consistence: And though they seem to be active, and full of motion, yet they act to no purpose, nor move, but by Artificial wheels. Even Force and Valour which are not sup∣ported by Religion, are feeble and impotent: At the most they have but a Flash of Choller and a precipitous Brutallity. Prudence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blinde without her ••••ght: And the Graces cannot please, if Religion hath not adorned and instructed them.

There is then no solid and perfect Vertue without Religion, and by this common reason: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all the rest should 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Religion ought to be the principal Form, and the predominant Quality, of a Gallant and sollidly Vertuous Woman. But that is effected by a more 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and which reflects particularly upon the Courage which 〈…〉〈…〉 this place: there are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 functions of courage, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 general duties which supportall particular ones, and give a solid state and con∣sistence to the whole life. By the first it makes us act equally and with a constant and regulated ••••ennesse; by the second it fortifies the Mind against either Fortune, and keeps it up what winde soever bloweth be∣tween the elevation and the fall. By the third it arms the Heart against the corruptions of flesh and blood, and preserves it from maternal Passi∣ons. By the last it secures it against the apprehensions of Death 〈…〉〈…〉 it victorious over this dreadful thing, which is the common 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bear of mankinde, and the terrour of Nature.

These duties are noble and sublime: But force should impertimently strive to use extraordinary violences, it could never acquit it self with the aid of Morality alone, it hath need of a more powerful assistance to support it, of a supernatural and Divine Coad••••••esse to labour joyntly with it; And this Coadju••••ess can be no other then Religion, whose part it is to loosen the soul from abject things, and elevate it to God. This elevation also being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 well undertaken, and made with∣out deviation is able alone, to strengthen the minde, and sufficeth with∣out other Philosophie for all the duties of courage.

First, all the Actions of life being subjected thereby to the eternal Law, and applyed to soveraign Justice, and to the essential and primi∣tive Rule, receive from thence an equal and constant evennesse, and a ••ectitude incapable of deviation or infringement. Secondly, the soul approaching to God by this elevation, and consequently illuminated by his ••••ght, and instructed in the orders established in the World by that Providence which governs it, doth not repiningly, and with fro∣wardnesse receive that part of events which is assigned her; she acco∣modates herself by degrees to the rules of this vast Family into which she is entred: she performs her part of the consort, and contributes at least her resignation to the designe of the great Workman, and to the general harmonie of his Work. Concerning Hazard and Fortune, knowing very well, that they are but Figures which Errour hath painted and set up; and that none but Children and Ideots regard them, she equally de••ides their favours and their threats: And what∣soever happens to her of good or ill, she receiveth it with the same sa∣tisfaction of Mind, and acknowledgeth therein the care and goodness of the Father who sends it her.

Thirdly, the soul is purified by this elevation, and disburdens herself of matter: And the neerer this elevation approaches her to God, the stronger and more vigorous she is, the purity also which she re∣ceives thereby is more exact, and her disingagement more perfect; she is thereby lesse capable of material passions, and can raise her self to such a degree, and unite herself so close and straightly to the first spirit, that being made one spirit with him, she forgets the allyance and in∣terest of her body, and assists indifferently and as a stranger to its sor∣rows and joyes.

In fine the Soul brought back by this elevation to the spring of life, and led into the entrance of Eternity, which is promised her, learns to contemn these little Moments which roll within the Circle of time, and mark out to every one the space and length of his life: And so far is she from apprehending Death, or being affrighted at the sight of its terrible Arms, that she looks upon it as her Deliverer, as that which was to break her Chain••, and loosen her from the wheel of revolutions and human vi••issitudes The Synagogue in its declining Age had in Salomona an Example of this Religious Fortitude. The Church in her beginning had the like in S. Felicitas, who was a Roman Salomona, and who of seven Sons which God had given her, and by her restored to him, made seven Christian Maccabees. In these last Ages, in which Schismatical Tyrants have succeeded Idolatrous ones, and unbridled and furious Heresie hath fought against the Church and Faith: There hath been plenty of Heroick Women, who have given examples of the•••• Fortitude and Religion. Behold here one of Note, and chosen amongst our Neighbours, where we shall see a Woman an Exhortresse, not of her Children, but of her Father, a Martyr: A Woman above interest and Nature and equally victorious over Fortune and Death.

EXAMPLE.

Margaret Moor, the Daughter of Sir Thomas Moor, Lord Chancellor of England.

THere is no Person who hath not heard some Discourse of the Birth of the Schism in England, and who knows not the Cruelties which followed that Incestuous and Tragical Love, and that fatal Ma∣lice, which of a Prostitute made a Queen; and of an excommunicated Lay-man, of a rotten and mutilated Member, made a Soveraign Pre∣late, without Unction and Order, a Schismatical and Monstrous Head. The Lord Chancellour Moor was one of the first and most noble Victims Immolated to A••••e of Bullen, and to the Schism which was born of this unfortunate Marriage. King Henry omitted no kinde of Tempta∣tion to gain this learned and wise old man, who was grown white in the Service of the State, and had spent fourty Years to the Honour of his Countrey and Time. But all his temptations proved weak, and his Offers as well as his Threats returned back to him without effect. The Chancellor was stronger then all the Engins which were prepared a∣gainst him: the Prayers and Tears of his afflicted and mourning Kin∣dred were not able to move him. The Engins and Rage of an inflamed and furious Tyranny could not alter his resolution.

He had a Daughter called Margaret, who was no lesse the Daughter of his Spirit, then of his Body; He had formed her with his Tongue, and polished her with his Pen: He had imprinted in her by degrees and in divers Figures, the Flower of his Learning, and the Spiritual part of his Soul: And he that shall represent to his imagination an exact Graver, and jealous of the perfection of his Work; who should spend Dayes and Nights about some rare piece of Marble, which he designes for one of the Muses or Graces, will have a right imagination of the Cares and Assiduity which this good Father had shewn in the instructi∣on of this excellent Daughter. His Cares also proved successeful, and his Assiduity was very fortunate: And if it be a common saying, that Books are the Children of their Authors, one may well say that this Daughter was the most learned and polished Book which issued from the Minde of Sir Thomas Moor. His Vtopia and other Works, which still live, are but in one Language and of one matter, That other Piece was both Greek and Latine, Prose and Verse, full of Philosophie and Historie.

Of all the Family of Sir Thomas Moor there was scarce any but this Woman learned and couragious, who went not along with the Time, not was pliable to Interest. She was singularly beloved of her Father; and a few Words of her Mouth, accompanied with as many Tears would have battered him more dangerously then all the suborned Mi∣nisters

of Henry: and all the Engins of Schism. Neverthelesse these so powerful words, and these forcible Tears which might have shaken him, were all imployed to confirm him: Friendship and Tenderness fortified his ••aith, and gave Courage to his Constancie: And the Piety of the Daughter added to the Zeal of the Father, and finished his Martyr∣dom. Sir Thomas Moor being Prisoner in the Tower of London, where he was visited by God alone, and had commerce with none but the Muses which suffered with him; his Couragious Margaret caused a for∣ged Letter to be spread abroad, in which she feignedly seemed willing to gain him to the Kings Will, and procured leave by this innocent and charitable deceit both to see and serve him. Being received into the Tower she left at the gate, with the person she had taken upon her, the resentments of Nature, and the weaknesse of her Sex, and entred with the pure Spirit of Christianity, and with a couragious Faith prepared for the Combat.

So far was this Daughter from tempting and assaulting him with the Ruines of his tottering House, that she represented to him the impor∣tance of his suffering for that Cause; that Men and Angels were Specta∣tours of his Victory, that he had the Applause and Congratulation of the Church, and that the Glory of his Family was raised to the Alli∣ance of Martyrs. She spake nothing to him which he knew not before; but she said nothing which did not confirm him. Old reasons received a new light from her Tears, and issued with more vigour out of her Mouth. And whether God placed in her Voice and upon her Lips some tincture of Divine Spirit, whether pleasing persons have a natu∣ral Charm, and an Eloquence without Art; or that their sole presence is perswasive. It seemed as if an Angel appearing to this Moor, had in∣flamed him with more Zeal, or infused into him more Light. In fine having received the Sentence of Death after Fourteen Moneths of im∣prisonment, and an illustrious and solemn Confession of his Faith, made in the presence of all the Ministers of the Schism, his good Daughter was willing to be a spectat••ess of his Combat; and to fortifie her self by the Evidence of his Faith, and with the last Act of his Con∣stancie, she expected him in his passage, and went to imbrace him in the midst of the people, who gave back out of respect, and with their Admiration and Tears honoured so resolute and so examplar a Piety. At these last imbraces the fervour of friendship mixed with that of Zeal, ascending from her Heart to her Head, caused some Tears to di∣still from her eyes. But these were couragious Tears, and such as here∣tofore the first Heroes of Christianity shed upon the wounds and Crowns either of their Fathers or Children still warme with Mar∣tyrdom.

After the execution of the impious sentence, which had submitted this High Judge of Equity to the sword of a Hangman: Margaret prepared her self to tender her last duties to the Bodie of her Father. Concerning whose Head after it had served a whole Moneth for a spectacle of ter∣rour

upon London Bridge, she bought it of the Executioner, and caused it to be inchased in Silver; to the end it might remain with his Wri∣tings, the Relique of his Family, and of her Domestick Devotion. Notwithstanding, this Devotion wanted not Accusers, and was pursued by Justice. It was made a crime of State, that they might have a pre∣tence to persecute Sir Thomas Moor even after his Death, and cause that part of his Heart and Spirit which he had left to his Daughter to suffer a second Martyrdom. She was made a Prisoner, and examined before the Schismatical Tribunal: But she shewed so much Constancie in prison: she answered so prudently, and with so great courage: she made so reso∣lute and a noble confession of her Faith, that the Commissioners them∣selves being become her Admirers, conceived it much fitter to send her back, then to give a second Victory to her Father, and multiply Martyrs and Crowns in his Family.

[illustration]

[illustration]

MARIAMNE 〈…〉〈…〉

Mariamne.

THIS Terrace incompassed with ••alli∣sters of Jasper belongs to the Palace of Herod: And it can be no other then Mariamne, who comes out of it with so much splendour, and so sumptuously apparelled. There needed no Diadem and Sceptre to make her known; Her Dignitie is neither Artificial nor bor∣rowed: It is from her Person, and not from her Fortune. And her Heroick Stature, her Majestical Countenance, and so∣veraign Beauty came from the Maccabees, as well as her Blood and Courage. Can you believe, seeing her so Beautiful and Resolute, that she is going to Execution? She goes thither most fair and undaunted as you see her; And all the Graces and Vertues accompany her to that place. Bloody and murtherous Judges, suborned by her Husband, Mother, and Sister in Law, come to give the Sentence of death against her. She ap∣peared before this Tribunal of Tyranny and Injustice, with a Countenance of Authority, and a Soveraignty of Heart equal to that of her Face. You would have said, that the Cri∣minal was to pronounce the Decree; and that the Lives of the Judges were in her Mouth. But as good Intervals stay not with sweetned Tyrants, nor with charmed Vipers; so malice and poison quickly return to the Judges of Iniquity. Their fury which Innocence and Beauty, equally Imperious, had chained up with respect, is loosned and confirmed; And they at last pronounced her Sentence, but still with Fear and Trembling.

As if their Faces had accused their Consciences and given the Lye to their Tongues; As if their very Tongues had re∣tracted what was done; their Palenesse and stammering made a Declaration contradictory to their Decree, and justified condemned Innocence. In what manner do you think she re∣ceived this unjust Sentence, and procured by her own Hus∣band? With more Equality of Spirit, with more Indifferency then she could have received his Carresses. And had it been but a feigned Death they pronounced against her, she could not have appeared lesse moved. She is come hither with all the Calmnesse of her Heart: the Reproaches and Injuries of her wicked Step Mother, who combined with her Enemies did not provoke her. And had she gone to a publick Sacrifice or to some solemn Feast, She could not have carried thither a better composed Modesty. Since it is decreed that she must die, she resolves to die resolutely, and like a Macchabee. And there will not only appear a Constancy in her Suffering, but even a Dignity and Grace. Pitty it is nevertheless, that so perfect a Light should be extinguished at its high Noon, and in the midst of its Carreer: And the Mists must needs be very thick and malignant which could not be dissipated by it.

But we amuse our selves in bewailing her, we lose her last splendour, and the last examples of her Vertue. She is already arrived at the Place of Execution: And the envious Saloma hath so violently pressed the Execution, that at the very in∣stant I speak, there is an end of poor Mariamne. Herod him∣self is come too late to save her: His Retraction was fruitlesse: They left him not so much leasure as to suspend the wicked Sentence, or to keep back even for one moment the Arm of the Executioner And repentant Love which brought him thither, found nothing but sorrows to vent, and unprofitable tears to shed. Affrightment, Horror and Despair entred into his Soul, at the sight of Mariamne dead Spite, Anger, and Jelousie, at the same time issued from thence: And the marks of these Passions mix'd at their encounter, caused this distemper in his Eyes, and the Confusion you behold on his Face. His Bodie half reversed, and his arms extended follow the posture

of his Soul, which remains as it were in suspence between astonishment and aversion, between the respect and horrour of these deplorable Reliques. He was willing at once both to remove his sight from thence, and to sacrifice himself upon them for the expiation of just blood, by blood that was guilty: And to Immolate the jealous Penitent to executed Innocence. He wished that he were able at least to tear out his Heart, and to rid himself with it of his Crime and Punishment. His Eyes besieged by a Death as yet warm and bloody, and by two Spe∣cters equally frightful, finde every where Torment and Re∣proaches.

Me thinks this Fury strikes Fear into you. Surely she is fright∣full; And the most Resolute and Heroick Souls, even those which deride Death with all its disguises, cannot behold her without Trembling, if she appears to them. Of these Serpents which you see upon her Head, some raise sinister Reports, and bad Rumors; others infuse suspitions and di∣strusts: There are some which steal in by the Eyes of Hus∣bands: others which enter by the Ears of VVives. The fairest Flowers wither as soon as they are touched by them. The best united Hearts are severed, if never so little bitten by them; and from their mouth doth fall, as well the Gall which imbitters the sweetest Humours, as the Venom which cor∣rupts the fairest Flowers of Marriage. The Torch which she holds in her Hand is no less pernitious, then the serpents about her Head. All the bad Colours wherewith the most innocent Actions become darkned, are compounded of this Coal. Her Smoak obscureth the purest and clearest Lights, and draws Tears from the fairest Eyes; she robs the fairest Faces of their Lustre and Attraction; Her Fire seizeth on both Souls and Bodies, she causeth Frenzies and Calentures, and even in this Life she makes Devils and damned Souls. All this teacheth you, that this Furie is Jealousie, and Enemie of the Graces, and the Corruptresse of Love. She is come as you see, to act her second part, and begins to revenge that Murder, to which she her self did instigate. All the Serpents which are wanting on her Head, are about Herods Heart, and even tears his Con∣science.

The Bloody sword which she shews him is a dreadfull Looking-glass to his Imagination. He beholds there, the horror of his Crime, he sees there, the wounds of his Heart and the stains of his Soul.

This Apparition indeed is frightful: but the incensed Ghost which ariseth from this beautiful Bodie is much more: And Herod suffers an other fire, and other stings then from the Torch and Snakes of the Furie: His wandring and troubled Eyes change their station at every moment: They are obsest with these two Spectres, which haunt them every where: And thinking to repose them upon this dying Beauty, wherein heretofore consisted his chief Happinesse, he findes there a Tribunal and Scaffold; his condemnation and punishment. His Yesterdayes Idoll is to day his judge and Executioner. This just Blood which still reaks is, a devouring fire which fills his distemper'd Imagination, and there comes out of it Impreca∣tions and Complaints, Outcries of Reproach and Vengeance. These cold and tyed up Hands tear his Heart in pieces: and this Beautifull Head which caused all his joyes and happy dayes, is now the Principal part of his Torment. Mean while she hath only changed place: the blow which cast her down, hath not shaken off her flower: her Grace and Beauty are thereby a little faded, but not defaced: And her open and still ••••rene eyes seem to expect another Death, as if there needed more then one to extinguish them. Thus the eclipsed Moon is still fair, and the Sun sets daily without losing one single Ray, or changing Countenance. The mischief is, that where∣as the Moon recovers her defections, and is cured of her Eclip∣ses; and the Sun riseth again the next day after his setting; there is no renovation of Light or a new day to be expected for Mariamne: And this Beautiful Head is fallen in her own Blood never to rise again.

SONNET.

MAriamne's dead, her Corps is now the seat Of Whiteness only, by her Souls Retreat; The Royal Blood that tinctur'd it with Red, In Crimson streams flowes from her sever'd Head.

Megaera holds before the Tyrants Eyes The murd'ring Sword: He in that Glass espyes The stains wherewith his Heart is cover'd ore, And sees his Image purpled with her gore.

The Vigorous impressions of this sad And ••atal Object render Herod mad: Two vindicating Ghosts his Eyes invade With flaming Torch, and with a glittring Blade.

But now his Fury dreads nor Flames, nor Swords, Her Blood that's boyling still, such Fumes affords As make him feel all Hells tormenting Evils, Without the Scorch of Fire, or Scourge of Devils.

ELOGIE OF MARIAMNE.

MARIAMNE hath appeared too often upon the Thea∣ter not to be known in this Picture. All things were great in her, Birth, Beauty, Vertue, Courage, nay bad Fortune. She was the Grand-Childe of Patriarchs, Prophets, Kings, and High Priests. Her Countenance captivated Herod, and inchain••d him for a time, and her Picture stood in Competition with Cleopatra in the Heart of Anthonie. Her Vertue neverthelesse did not consent to this concurrence; and being far from thinking on forbidden Acquisitions, she never dained to put any constraint upon her self, for the preservation of that which she lawfully possessed. Her Chastity was so severe, and so little in∣dulgent outwardly, that there remained within something I know not what of stately and piccant, which exasperated Herod, and made him return to his own Nature. But she was the same to the bitings of

this in••aged Beast, as she had been to his Indeerments. She retained her confidence, and preserved all her Majesty amidst suborned Accu∣sers, confederate and corrupted Judges. The Face of the Executioner did not alter at all the ser••••ity of her Countenance, and her Head was struck off without paling her Brow, or displacing her Heart. Her Constancie did not begin by her punishment, it began by that which is termed her good Fortune. Having espoused a jealous Tyrant, it was requisite for her to be as couragious in the Palace, as in the Prison; and Resolution was as needful for her under the Diadem, as under the Sword. The Blow which struck off her Head was less her Death then the End of her punishment: for one Crown it cut off, it brake a dozen chains, and it was a Redeemer and not an Executioner which delivered her from Herod.

MORAL REFLECTION.

HEROD glorious and tormented, and Mariamne crowned and unhappy teach us, that the greatest Tranquillity is not found in the Highest Regions of the World. There are no priviledged Territories, nor exempt from Malediction: Many sufferers are seen in Prisons and upon Scaffolds; but the worst treated Persons remain in Pallaces and upon Thrones. These nevertheless cause more Envie then Pitty. The People admire what they ought to lament; and when there is occasion of drawing the Picture of Happiness, they represent her up∣on a Throne, and place a Scepter in her Hand, and a Crown upon her Head.

But the People are ignorant Judges, and very unskilful Painters: Every day they judge at Random, and without knowing the Cause; Every day they vent Chimaera's and Caprichio's for well regulated Fi∣gures. They sufficiently understand of what matter Crowns are made; and discern well enough how they glitter: but they know not their weight and asperity, nor see from whence they wound. They assist in∣deed at the Sacrifices which are offered to crowned Fortunes: They keep an account of all the grains of Incense which are burned to them: but they assist not at their perturbation and torments. They see not the Wheels, nor the Nails wherewith they are pricked; and lesse also do they discern the fire which is put into their wounds. They have a dim sight, and an Imagination filled with a Stage Felicitie, which hath only a fair Ma••k and a purple Garment made meerly for shew: but they see not all the tears which trickle down under this specious disguise; not do they see the Wounds which bleed under this Purple.

Let us learn then, not easily to subject our Opinions to our Senses, never to esteem things by the Exteriour, to make more account of a sweet and peaceable Mediocrity, of an obscure and silent repose, then

of a bitter and turmoiled Greatness, then of a punishment magnificently attended and exposed to the view of the people. And let us under∣stand that this so common saying delivered by a gallant Person con∣cerning the Fortune of Labourers may be spoken generally of all com∣petent Fortunes: They would be happy if the advantages of Medio∣critie were known unto them.

As concerning the Death of Mariamne which was the Crime and Punishment of her Tyrant, it teacheth us that Jealousie is a dangerous Beast; that it makes no distinction of Persons; nay, spares not him that foments it: That it is that ungrateful and cruel Serpent which leaves nothing intire in the House of its Host. And that if the fire be not ex∣tinguished with Sulphur, if Wounds be not Healed by Lancing them, it is a very dangerous Experiment, to think to extinguish Spight with Choler, and to cure the bitings of Jealousie with the Teeth and Nails of Crueltie: There is another Reflection to be made upon this Picture; but it will serve as matter for the ensuing Question.

MORAL QUESTION.

Why the most Perfect Women be commonly the least Fortunate?

I Speak not of interiour satisfaction, and of that solitary and re∣tired Felicity which appears not in publick, which in wholly consum∣mated in the Heart, which proceeds from the quiet of Conscience, and from the ••alm of an equal Spirit, and disposed to finde every where a setled and commodious abode. I speak of that superficial and specious Felicity, which is all composed of exteriour and hazardous pieces, and which the Vulgar attribute to Fortune. I say that this Felicity was never the Companion of Victory, nor the Domestick of the Graces, and that to take things in the common Track, Persons of greatest me••••t, have ever been the least Happy, and the most Crossed. Mariamne is not the first upon whom this observation hath been Made: History entertains us only with sad adventures of unfortunate Beauties. There have been heretofore no Tragical Accidents nor violent Deaths, but on their Account: Now adayes there are none but these who la∣ment, and are lamented upon Theaters.

To the end we fasten not upon Apparitions, nor accuse either the Hardnesse of Destiny, nor the Jealousie which Fortune hath of Vertue, God hath ordained even in Nature it self which is governed by so just and regular Intelligences, that the most excellent and rare things should retain some Image of unhappinesse, and something I know not what resembling the Adversities of those Persons of whom I speak. None but the great Planets have their Blemishes and suffer Defections and Eclipses The Rose which is the Virgin-flower, nay the Soveraign of

Flowers, and clothed in Scarlet (as a certain Person hath said) is the most beset with Thorns, and the most subject to be blasted. Diamonds and Rubies grow in Precipices and upon Rocks, and Pearls are in the Element of Tempests and Bitternesse. It is no small Comfort then to th••se Excellent Persons, that they are in the like degree, and in the same condition with the prime Pieces of the World, and the most pre∣tious portions of Nature. And if they be not extremely tender, they will finde (I assure my self) that their Bitterness and I horn••, their Eclipses and Blastings retain something more of Honour, then a ••ain•• and corrupt Mildnes•• then an Essem••••acle of ill Odour, then an obscure Securitie and a regardlesse Health, wherein Vulgar things do languish.

But besides Honour and Dignity, the Benefit thereof in other Re∣spects is great: And it is principally in Regard of those Excellent Persons that this old Proverb is verified, which saith, that Adversity is Instructive, and that Afflictions are better then Doctrines. First they are preserved thereby in Christian Humility, and are cured of a certain interiour and secret Pride, which is the ordinary Disease of Beautifull Women. They learn at least, that the Divinity wherewith Men treat them is but a Poetical and Stage-Divinity; That the Reverence which is rendred them is but a Mask or Play: And their understanding for∣tified by Adversities is not easily corrupted by the Smoak of the Incense, which their Adorers offer to them.

Moreover they are advertised thereby that God hath not made them for the Earth: and that Heaven is their proper Region, as it is the Region of Spirits and Light: And surely if that Prince would not be accounted wise, who should cause his Statue to be made of Gold, and placed in a back Court or Stable; can these so perfect reatures, which are the Fairest, and most pretious Images of God, believe with∣out Blasphemie, that they have been finished with so much Care to adorn only the low Storie of the World, to Beautifie the Region of Disorder and Misery, the Element of Thorns and Tears? God hath made them then for his Palace, nay even for the Highest and most Lu∣minous part thereof. And because he will have them there most pure and spotlesse, he puts them in the fire of Afflictions which purifieth them from the ••ust and stains they contract upon the Earth, and pre∣pares them to receive more purely, and to reflect with greater Force the radiant light of his Face, and the effusions of his Grace.

This is Gods Designe in the Adversities which he sends to perfect Men: These Adversities are Remedies against Pride, and Preservatives against Corruption, they are seeds of Salvation and materials for Crown•• But these Remedies and Preservatives must be taken with Courage. These seeds remain fruitless if they be not well Husbanded; and th••se Materials never become Crowns if Patience doth not form them. The most unfortunate Women will have for their Consolation and Instruction a Model of this Patience in the Following History.

EXAMPLE.

Blanch of Bourbon, Queen of Castile.

WHoever shall read the History of Blanch of Bourbo••, Queen of Castile, will no longer believe that Vertue is a Charm against Disasters, nor that the Graces are able to inchant Fortune. This Princesse who had Whitenesse and Beauty even in her Name, was of those Li••••cs, which the Holy Scripture represents unto us besieged with Thorns. She was of those Pearls which were drowned in Bitter∣nesse, and abandoned to Tempests. All her dayes were serene, and all hours sweet and quiet under the Climate of France: and by a Destiny contrary to that of Roses, which have prickles onely upon their stalks, and must be first gathered to be Honoured; she was Happy and Ho∣noured whilst she was a Maid, and lived in the House of John Duke of Bourbon her Father. The Tempest, Bitterness, and Tragical Revolu∣tion of her Life, began from the very Moment of her Marriage with Peter the Cruel, King of Castile. Certainly also the Allyance was too un∣equal, and the union too ill made between Innocency and Cruelty, be∣tween a most pure Grace and a Devil composed of Blood and Durt.

Before Blanch went into Spain, the Prince had no longer any Heart to give her; Mary of Padilla was become Mistresse of it: and whether it were by Conquest or Usurpation, she reigned there so absolutely, and with so great a Command, as all the Authority of the Queen her Mo∣ther, and all the Favour of Albuquerque her principal Counseller, were needful to dispose him to the Consummation of the Marriage. The Wedding was not celebrated; it was tumultuary precipitated, and done in silence without the least Shew or Pomp. It was rather a mourn∣ful Act then a Feast of Joy; and if this forced Prince brought to it no∣thing but discontent and aversion; the unfortunate Princesse assisted there with the Spirit of a Mourner, and the Countenance of a Victime designed to Death. They had not been two dayes together, but Peter resolved to leave her. He could not live content far off from his Heart, and his Heart was in the Hands of his Mistresse, who laid a charge against him for marrying Blanch, and threatned him as a Rebel Subject and a fugitive Slave.

The Queen his Mother, and his Aunt Elenor being advertised of his Designe, replaced before his Eyes the wrath of an offended God, the ill opinion of his scandalized People, and the incensed Arms of France. He loosneth himself from all these Chains, he overcomes all these Obstacles, and rides post where his Love or his wicked Devil called him. After some Moneths dedicated to them both, he returns to his Wife, drawn by the earnest Intreaties of his Mother, by the good Offi∣ces of Albuquerque, by the Counsels and Sollicitations of his Grande••••. But he returned to forsake her two dayes after, and to give her by a se∣cond Divorce, a second Wound more injurious and sensible then the

former. The noise of it was great, and the History also saith, that this so violent aversion was wrought on him by a Charm; and that a Jewish Magitian corrupted by Mary of Padilla's Brothers, fastned this Charm to a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 beset with rich Stones, which Blanch had presented to the King. But 〈◊〉〈◊〉, if a certain Person said, that Love was a Sophister, and a Mountebank, I may well say, that it was a powerful Sorcerer, and a great Incaanter: It knew how to pervert and corrupt ••ounder Heads, and better tempered Hearts then that of this Prince, without either Spels or Characters: And whatever Men say of the power of Magick, It knows no Hearbs more Efficacious, nor can compound any D••••nk more to be feared, then the depraved Habits of a Soul aban∣doned by God, and delivered up to a reprobate Sense.

Whatever it be, this Cruel King not only left his Wife a second time never to see her more: but even Banished her to a little Place, where he converted her Chamber into a Prison, and assigned her as many Goa∣lets and Spi••s as Guards. And his Cruelty passed so far, as he was deli∣berating whether he should appoint Commissio••ers, to cause her to be put to Death Juridically, and according to the forms of Law.

This barbarous and unjust Treatment of the Fairest and most Vertu∣ous Princess of her Age, was a Scandal to all Europe. The Pope sent a Legat armed with Excommunications and Anathema's, to set at Liberty oppressed Innocence, and to punish the Incorrigible and Scandalous King. The Princes of Castile and Aragon made a League with the Inha∣bitants of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Cordona, and other principal Cities, and joyned in com∣mon their Offices and Arms. France offended with the Calamity of a Princesse of the Blood, hastned to side with them. Heaven it self took in hand this Cause: And the King being a hunting, a Spirit appeared to him in the shape of a hideous and frightful Shepherd which threat∣ned him with Divine Vengeance, if he recalled not his Wife. All this did not mollifie the obdurate heart of this Prince: On the contrary being perswaded that the Life of Blanch was the Fatal Fire-brand which nourished all these Fires, and that they would be all extinguished with her. He caused her to be impoisoned at Medina in Andalo••za: where by a Couragious and Magnanimous Piety, she knew so well how to joyn Devotion to Patience and Incense to Mirrhe, as she sanctified her Prison, and made it a House of Sacrifice and Prayer.

I know not whether any Princess was more perfect then this: but in all appearance, there was never any one lesse happy; she was Espoused in Mourning, she was a Widow during Marriage: and the Wedding day, which is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for all others, and makes Flowers to grow even up∣on the Chains of Slaves, darkned her Diadem, obscured her Purple, and ••ielded her nothing but Smoak and ••horns. But God would have her accomplished and pure, and it was his good pleasure, that Adversity and Constancy should give her the last Hand, and that Princesses should learn by this Example, that Martyrs may be made as well between Balli∣sters, and under a Cloth of State, as upon Scaffolds and Amphitheaters.