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.

The French Iudith.

HEre we must beware of a bad Calculation by our Fancy, and of a mistake in our sight; if we believe them in this point, we are in the Age of Nabuchodonosor, and in Judea: And the Tra∣gick▪ Action we behold, is the death of Holy∣fernes, and the victory of Judith. Nevertheless we are far re∣mote from that time, and see indeed another Countrey, and other things. It is not credible that Holyfernes is returned so many years after his Death. It is also less credible that Judea hath removed from Asia into Europe. If whole Races, and even the Ages themselves do not revive; if Cities change not Regions, and cross the Seas, assure your self there is no∣thing in this of the Adventure of Bethulia.

Know then, that you are in France, and upon the Terri∣tories of Gontran King of Burgundy: and that this Maid which you see with a naked and bloody sword in her hand, is a Native of Champaigne. Do not ask me concerning her Birth: This well beseeming Anger, and this modest and composed Fierceness will confirm you better then my self,

that she must be of a good Family: And though her Phisi∣ognomy may not induce us to believe it, her blood must needs be as noble as her countenance.

As for this man who looseth his blood through two great wounds, which will be perchance more beneficiall then they are honourable to him; his Domestiques, who hasten to his ••yde, ca••l him Duke Amolon. I dare not tell you that he is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a French man: there is too much of savageness in his manners and saith. And it would be too great a shame for France, which is so noble a Mother, so Generous, so Civi∣lized, and to Christian, to bring forth Scythians and Tartars; and that under so temperate a Climate, and so benign Pla∣nets, there should be found souls of the same temper with those which are born under the Pole. But let him be a French man by birth, and a Tartar or Scythian by nature, it doth not hunder Vertue, which playes the principall part in this Action, from being French. And this second Judith will one day more honour her Country, then this second Holy∣fernes could disgrace it.

You see the boldness of her Countenance, and the Vertue of her Face. There is much of Judith in both. But there is more then the Look and Face; more then the boldness and Vertue of Judith: It is no common chaste woman you see: It is a Virgin, nay a victorious Virgin which newly fought, even to the effusion of her blood. And by these two fea∣tures wherein she transcends Judith, the French Copy ex∣ceeds the Originall lew, and the Modern obscures the An∣cient Judith.

After a long and obstinate battle fought against this Ty∣rant, she was carryed away by his people, and laid with vio∣lence upon his Bed: but this was no longer his Bed, but a Sca••••old made of Silk and Feathers: it was the place ordain∣ed for the end of his Tyrannie, and for the punishment of his Crimes. VVine and Sleep had already closed up his eyes, and tyed his hands, and there wanted but a Sword and an Executioner to make a great and celebrious example of him. His Arms being near at hand, the chaste French woman,

inspired by the same Angel who inspired the chaste Iew, took advantage of the Sleep and Sword of her enemy, and made of Amolon an Holyfernes.

The two great wounds which you see in his head, were given by that fair and chaste Hand. Pain awakened his bound up, and benummed Reason: and the first drops of his blood extinguished the dishonest fire which the Tears and Prayers of this innocent Maid had enkindled. He is no longer the same brutish and furious person as before. The wanten flames of his heart, and the impure imaginations of his head are all fallyed forth at his wounds: Iudgement and Respect are entred in their Room: you would say that he awakes with new eyes. Those at least retained no longer any thing of that sulphure which was enkindled by the smallest Rayes of Beauty, and which was set on fire by every lovely glance which issued from it.

He seems to endure with torment the sight of his chaste and couragious Enemy: He suffers it nevertheless, and his confusion mixed with astonishment, his shame accompanied with reverence, make a silent Declaration upon his face, by which he justifies the attempt, and acknowledges it for a law∣full Victory: He doth consider that the same person is in his power who had newly plunged him in blood, and who had heretofore inflamed him; who had pierced his heart, and newly wounded his head: He no longer remembers his Love, he resents not his injury. His eyes and mind are too much dazled by something, I know not what, of Lummous, which di••••uleth it self from the countenance of this beautifull Maid.

I cannot inform you whether it be an Impression of the Angel who stands by her, whether it be a Diadem 〈…〉〈…〉 left to her, by the ardour of her Prayer, whether 〈…〉〈…〉 and spirituall flame which her soul did 〈…〉〈…〉 lence of her last Attempt. But whatsoever 〈…〉〈…〉 upon it with a kind of worship and relig•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 doubt not, but being dazled by this armed 〈…〉〈…〉 Beauty, he takes it either for an exterminat 〈…〉〈…〉

by God, or for divine Iustice it self, which his Crimes had drawn upon him, and which is descended from Hea∣ven in person with a revenging Sword, to make him an Ex∣ample.

However I much fear that this Imagination of Amolon may not be powerfull enough to protect our Judith, if we do not defend her against those furious Attendants, whom their Ma∣sters blood hath irritated. I see her in eminent danger, if she be only guarded by her Graces, and the light which environs her. These people do not acknowledge the Graces: and the fire of anger which they have in their eyes, diverts their sight from his light. They stretch out their arms against this innocent VVoman, and before they touch her, they tear her in pieces afar off with frightful cryes and gestures, por∣••ending Cruelty. You would say, that their looks would be first with the prey; And that they had a minde to tast it with their teeth and nails.

This precipitated and barbarous fury, doth astonish you. It would amaze bolder men then you are: But this confi∣dence of minde, and this Heroick Constancy in a Maid, is to me a far greater astonishment, and Posterity which shall read her History will be no less amazed. The former Com∣placencies and Offers begot much more fear in her, then the present Cryes and Threats. And because her Honour is now in safety, and that her life is onely assaulted, she con∣ceives the danger wholly past, and that all this tumult threa∣tens some other Person. Having heard of the victorious Virgins and Martyrs of Chastity, she regards not the mis∣chief these furious People intend against her. Her thoughts are only fixed on the good she may receive from their fury; and looks upon them as People, who will bestow upon her a second Crown.

Zeal, Boldness, and Modesty, are, I know not how, either associated, or confounded upon her Brow and Cheeks. It is indeed rather a confusion then a superficial Alliance. But it is a pleasing and luminous confusion; and a fire reflects from thence, like that which streams from the

richest Scarlet. VVill you not believe that it is from this fire the Chamber is enlightned, and that the splendor of those branched Lights, pendant from the seeling, is over∣come thereby? It seems also that some Rayes are fallen from thence, which give a new lustre to this Sword, and which are as it were a recompence for the service it hath ren∣dred in this danger to forsaken and unarmed Vertue.

The astonishment and respect of Amolon increased, and being more confirmed then before in his first idle fancies, he gives a sign to his people to convert their anger into Religi∣on, and to adore her, whom they desire to tear in pieces. But it is to require too much of furious men: Let them with∣draw their hands and fury: Let them offer no violence to Innocence, and we will discharge them of their Religion and VVorship.

SONNET.

ORonta weeps, her bleeding mouth appears To mingle Corall with her Christal Tears; Her sad Heart powers it self into those streams, Lest Amolon should scorch it with his flames.

On this rich Bed now snores the Tyrant, blind with her bright Rayes, and to her Griefs of mind: Here Wine and Sleep into a Stock have turn'd That sparkling Brand whom lust full ardors burn'd.

Oronta hear Instructions of concern; Thy Angel tels thee this proud Holyfern Must have a Iudith; that the case requires To arm thy self with Steel against his fires.

The Virgin B••e can sling, and valour show; If then thou causest not the blood to flow From this Inglorious Head, no other Art Can quench the Coal of his Ignoble Heart.

Elogy of the French Judith.

THis Picture is of a Iudith, but of a Virgin Iudith, and born in France. History which hath conserved so many scandalous names, and made so many Portraictures of ill Example, might at least leave us the name of this Heroesse, which France may oppose to all the valiant Women of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Italy. All the certainty we know of her, is, that she lived under the R••••gn of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which was a Raign alike famous for great Vertues and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: That Nobility, Beauty, and Vertue had an equall share in her; and that she was born in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which hath shewn by the Birth of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the Maid of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that this Province was reckoned amongst the number of the Heroick Mothers: And that it had a more generous 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••ndity, then the Territory of the ancient Amazons.

This Virgin innocently, and against her will inkindled love in Duke Amolon, and the Duke received it greedily, and to his ruin. He pursued her by all manner of ways, and by what way soever he followed her, he found himself still the further off. He sent her magnificent Presents, accompa∣nied with far more magnificent Offers. And his Presents were turn'd back with his Offers. Irritated to see his Services rejected, and his Magnificence despised, he had recourse to open Violence, and resolved to force that Vertue which he could not corrupt▪ But he assaults a place which was not to be taken by Force no more then by Composition: And his threats had as little Success as his Courtships.

Despair and Rage succeeding his Love, he let loose his People upon her: And the outrages which were done her by his Servants, found her as immovable as did the Presents which had been offered her by the Master. Her heart is not softned at all, nor doth it wast away with her blood; her minde doth not so much as suffer by the wounds of her body: Her very sighs, as if they feared to be suspected of weakness, remain within her mouth. These barbarous Villains wea••••ed with her Constancy, cast her all bloody and half dead upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bed, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Tyrant was no longer in a condition to do her harm: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sleep had boun•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fast enough: And to make an end of this second 〈◊〉〈◊〉, there wants nothing but the arm of our second Iudith▪

Inspired from God, she lifts up her eyes to Heaven, and 〈…〉〈…〉 sword hanging neer his bed;

Thou insensible Instrument, saith she) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up in blood and Murthers, to day at least thou shalt perform an act of Justice and Piety. Thou shalt free me from thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and pre¦serve 〈…〉〈…〉 either by his death, or by my own.

〈…〉〈…〉 a sho•••• and 〈…〉〈…〉 to her words: and drawing 〈…〉〈…〉 which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 followed her generous hand, and received as 〈…〉〈…〉 from the fire of 〈…〉〈…〉 and Courage; she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with all her 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon the head of 〈…〉〈…〉 The blow which was both Mortal and beneficial, awa∣•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 to his sen••es before it took away his life. He ac∣knowledged

his fault, commended the vertue of his Murtheress, and com∣manded her to be set at Liberty. She went to cast her self at the feet of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who was ravished with so extraordinary a Vertue, and treated her more like a Conque••ess then a Criminal. He honoured her with Prai∣•••• and Presents, and in lieu of the Pardon she required, caus'd an 〈…〉〈…〉 composed of her, which was of greater value then a Crown.

MORAL REFLECTION.

THose understand not Chastity who give it a place amongst the vertues of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 No vertue is more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no•• ought to be more War∣like. There is not any to 〈…〉〈…〉 and Courage are more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And to my 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the 〈…〉〈…〉 armed and full of prickles, is a more true and natural Symbole of 〈…〉〈…〉 which hath only a whitness without weapons 〈…〉〈…〉 we must keep to Cu∣stom, and leave the 〈…〉〈…〉 have one, since Custom will have it so But let it be 〈…〉〈…〉 mentioned in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 let it be a ••••lly 〈…〉〈…〉 signifying that Chastity will be always armed.

Our French 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was one of these 〈…〉〈…〉 as well as the He∣brew 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And all chaste Women who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 willing to imitate them, have need of a Warlike Spirit, and of a resolute Soul disposed for War, even for an obstinate War, without 〈◊〉〈◊〉, saith St 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for a War where Neutra∣lity hath no place, and where one must necessarily either overcome, or be vanquished▪ The War which Tyrants, and Executioners have made against ••aith, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on with more State and Pomp: It was done with more noise and preparations of Engines and Punishments: Nevertheless it was not so dangerous, and though Tertullian said, that a head accustomed to precious stones and pearls, hardly exposeth it self to the sword: Yet some have been seen, who have fought less happily for their Chastity then for their Faith; And having been overcome by an Enemy who only assaulted them with flowers, God hath shewed them the favour to rise again, and overcome Tyrannie and Cruelty, armed with all their Engines.

There must be nothing saint or weak in a chaste Soul; there must be no∣thing of Languishment or ••ffeminacy: But there must not be the least 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•• ostentation, there must be nothing lo••ty or savage Her cou∣rage ought to be modest without oftentation; her resolution tempered with sweetness and Civilitie: And in a word to draw her Picture, she must resemble a Rose which is bashful and armed, which defends it self with blushes, and p••••cks only those that rudely touch it.

MORAL QVESTION.

VVhether more Resolution and Courage be required to make a Man Valiant, then to make a VVoman Chaste.

WHo will believe that Chastity is more vigorous then Valour, and that to make a chaste Woman, more Courage 〈◊〉〈◊〉 needful, then to make a valiant Man▪ The Valiant will believe it, they perswade themselves that there is no true Courage but then own, and that Resolu∣tion cannot act but by their hands, nor have any right imployment but in War. Then perswasion nevertheless 〈…〉〈…〉 from Truth, and were it not so dangerous to meddle with 〈…〉〈…〉 I might say to them, that they are deceived. One might well agree with them, that courage is a Ver∣tue fit for the ••••eld, and that it is by the assistance thereof, Towns are taken, Battel•• fought, Crowns gain••d, and inlarg'd▪ But they ought to confess also▪ that this courage doth not always act amids Fire and Sword; that all the occasions thereof are not bloody, though they be all laborious: and that there are Domestick Combats, in which the Victory is more diffi∣cult, & requires more labour then in the Field. The conflicts of Chastity are of that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 though they be not perform'd like those of Valour with a shew of terro••••••, and preparations formidable to the eye, yet are they not less to be feared, not less dangerous; And if we set aside the address and to••ls of the body, and this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appearance which makes a noise and astonish∣eth. ••here remains nothing which hinders us from concluding, that to ••ender a Man valiant, less resolution and courage is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, then to ••en∣der a Woman chaste.

There are many solid and weighty Reasons, which should perswade it▪ And to begin with the Enemies against whom Chastity and Valour are to fight, it is certain that those of Chastity are stronger, and more nume∣rous, then those of Valour. It seems to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Chastity is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quiet vertue, because ordinarily it hath only to do with passions which seem sweet and pleasing▪ But these sweet and pleasing passions are harder to overcome, then the ••ough and formidable: Whether by reason we less distrust them, and that the senses and Nature hold Intelligence with them▪ Whether because then ••a••ed sweetness and Artifice 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their entry into the heart▪ Whether in respect that no passion being established to re¦sist them, Reason is left single to contest against them▪ And Reason which is not upheld by passions, fights faintly, and without vigour▪ It is not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with these troublesom passions, which are enemies to Valour. They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 finde Nature upon her guard: The Senses cannot grow familiar with them, nor fashion themselves to their rudeness. They would not know how to enter into the heart, but openly, and with violence▪ And the pro∣per

Function of anger, which is a Warlike passion, being to serve Rea∣son against them, War with them cannot be neer so painful as with 〈◊〉〈◊〉, not the Victory so difficult and doubtful.

We see also, that the number is far greater of brave Spirits, who have overcome Fear, then of valiant chaste Women who have vanquished Love. And amongst so many Heroes whom Poesie hath made, and History ••ound out: We can hardly name three or four who have not been Ma∣stred by it: Some one will say, that this comes home to the Fable of the ••••on, who was vanquished by a Wasp: but whether Love be a Wasp or 〈…〉〈…〉 leave that Dispute to others. It sufficeth me, that those People who were subduers of Monsters, have been vanquished by Love. And I cannot 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more ancient Authors to give Credit to the power of pleasing pas••ions, and to conclude in sequel, that Chastity, whose part it is to overcome them, ought to be more Resolute and Couragious then Valous.

More••••er the strength of Passions, of what Order soever they be, pro∣ceeds from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of those Objects which irritate them. Now the goods which provoke Love and Desire, and fight Externally against Cha∣stity, are more hard to overcome then ••••vils which beget fear and dispair, and are opposite to Valour. This at first sight appears incredible: And the Ignorant will suspect it for a Paradox and an Hyperbole. It i•• true neverthe∣less, and the proof will be easie to those who know the different Impres∣sions of Good and Bad, and the several instincts of the Will. The first Action of Good is like that of the Loadstone; it attracts the Will, and forcibly fastens it self to it: It doth yet more; it Dilates the Will which it hath fastened to its self; and penetrates it with a pleasing and violent sweet∣ness, which hath wherewith to gain and overcome it. Nevertheless, it hath no need of violence against the Will: She renders her self up freely to what is Good, and expects not to be forced from it. She embraceth all that resembleth it: She ever gapes after the Odour and Shadow thereof. And her happiness consisting in being united to it, she cannot repel it with∣out suppressing or suspending her instinct, without acting against her self, and offering violence to Nature. Her instinct and disposition in respect of Evil, are far different from the other. As it is an Object of Terror, which woundeth by 〈…〉〈…〉 presence, the Will also cannot endure the Reproa∣ches of it▪ She flies eagerly, even from the appearances and presages there∣of▪ and for this she needs neither new vigour nor force but her own in∣stinct contrariwise she would have need of a second vigour more power∣full then the first; and it would be necessary that she should offer violence to her instinct: If she were, I do not say, to follow Evil, but even to ex∣pect it quietly, and to suspend the hatred she bears it. It is then more easie to fight against Evil. and to overcome it by a propense and natural resist∣ance, then to repell Good, and obtain such a forced victory over it, as is of∣fensive to Nature, and constrains her Inclinations. And this truth being sup∣posed, I leave unto others to judge, whether the Combats of Valour be more hazardous and painfull, then those of Chastity: And whether to

support Nature, and to repulse with her by joynt Forces a danger which affrights and threatens her, it be necessary to imploy more Vigour and Con∣stancy, and act more couragiously, and with more resolution, then to force her Inclinations to suppress her instinct and desires; to snatch from her a Good which is Interiour, and Adherent to her; a pressing and obstinate Good; a Good, which is supported by many other Goods, which are her Solicitors and Agents, which render it valuable and sustains it.

This is a third Reason, which much increaseth the dangers of Chastity▪ and the need she hath to be wel armed with courage & warlike Discipline. She is not only to defend her self from voluptuousness, which is an obsti∣nate and pressing Enemy: And which can hardly be vanquished, either by open force, diversion, or stratagem. But she is likewise to overcome Avarice, Vanity, and Ambition: She is to resist Engines of Gold and Sil∣ver, Batteries of Diamonds and Pearls, and generally all the Assaults which a potent Love, assisted by Fortune is able to give. Some Men go about to Debauch even Reputation and Honour from the service of Chastity, and to imploy them some times against her with better Success then Pleasure and Riches; nay, then death it self and punishments, as it hapned in the fall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Now it is certain that Gold and Silver are the Engines which overcome all things; with them Towns are taken which have held out against Canons and Mines: By them Armies have been defeated, which had resisted Fire and Sword, the injuries of Weather, and the fury of the Elements: And a Woman hath need of far greater force then that of the Heroes, to maintain a Battery, which hath broken whole Legions, and overthrown C••tadels. There are also but too many of them who surrender to it. And in these sorts of Combats, Victories are daily gain'd with Gold and Pearl. Nevertheless that which is remarkable, even Riches, Honors, Presents and Hopes, which have so much power to wea∣ken Chastity, are helps which incourage valour, and Fortifie it: And the valiant raise themselves great and resplendent Fortunes, out of the same things, which turne chaste Women.

There is much more then this; And as if Chastity had not enemie•• enough of her own, she is to contest with those of Valour and Constan∣cy. She is not onely assaulted by voluptuousness, and battered with pieces of Gold, and Silver, with Presents and Offers, with Weapons which wound the soul by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the senses, and vanquish the heart by delight∣ing the Body But she is also assaulted by Tyrants and Executioners with a preparation of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Engines of Punishments: And the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which they propose to her is not a resplendent and specious death, and Ho∣norable and Glorious death, like that of valiant Men, but a hideous and Tragick Death▪ a Death accompanied with Torments, and like those which are bewailed upon Theaters. The chief thing is, that she is not to contend with this death, and these Torments by resistance, and by repel∣ling them with the Sword, as in War: This Combat would be easie, and Nature would both side with her, and support her. But she must over∣come by Patience, and in suffering all that an Irritated passion and become

furious, can make one suffer. And Nature, to which sufferance is averse, not assisting her in this kinde of fight: She must have a strong resolution, and a very Heroick Courage to resist all alone Fire and Sword, and hold out against the Rack and Tortures.

Those are truly to be esteemed, who expose themselves freely to so ma∣ny Deaths as there be Grains of Lead, and Pikes of Iron in the Army of an Enemy; who remain firm before artificial Thunders which strike at a greater distance, and cause more Murthers then those of Nature. But the end of those Persons, how resolute soever they be, is not to put back the Goods which are offered them, and less also to abandon themselves to the Evils which appear and threaten them: She is to acquire all that they see of Riches and Crowns in the hands of Victory: She is to retort death up∣on their Enemies, and with Death, all the evils which accompany it, as well as those that follow it. Chastity hath Objects and Pretensions quite opposite to these: And it is her duty to vanquish equally things delight∣ful and formidable: The delightful, by a generous refusal; the formida∣ble, by an immoveable Patience, and both by an Heroick Magnanimi∣••••.

The couragious Susanna was to fight and overcome all these sorts of E∣nemies, drawn together against her in one single Occasion. She vanquish∣ed Pleasure, which hath put so many Heroesses under the yoke, and so ma∣ny Conquerers in chains. She overcame Infamy, which is the great Bug-Bear of her Sex: She overcame Death, even the Death due to Sacriledges; And that which exceeds all Expression: She chose rather to undergo in∣nocently the shame and punishment of Adulterers, then to preserve her Life and Honour by a Stain easie to be washed out, and far easier to be concealed. Certainly the Victories of Sampson, though Heroick and Mi∣raculous, if compared with these, will pass but for May-Games, and Fi∣ctions: And whatsover is said of it, he shewed less strength in tearing up Pillars, and bearing the fall of a Ruined House, then Susanna did in of∣fering her self to the snares which were prepared for her. Let us add now Example to Discourse; and to Inculcate also to the Understanding the ad∣vantage which the courage of Chaste Women hath above that of Valiant Men, let us present here to publick view the Picture of a Warlike and vertuous Chastity.

EXAMPLE.

Blanche of Rossy.

THat Mezentius whose Memory even at this day is exemplarily puni∣shed, was peradventure but a Fiction of Virgil, made to chastise (in Effigie at least) both Tyrannie and Cruelty; and to read a Lesson of Justice and Clemency to Princes. Nevertheless this Fiction so noto∣riously punished, and cryed down for so many Ages, hath not wanted bad Imitators, who have drawn Copies of it so much the more deformed as they more resembled the Original. And not to produce others here, which belong to other Subjects: Accidin was in flesh and bone, in minde and action, what Mezentius was but in Paper and Figure. This Exterminator who was sent about the end of the twelfth Age, to chastise insolent and debauch••d Italy, renewed all the ancient Cruelties, and abolish••d Punish∣ments; And verified all that was strange in Fables, all that was seen Tra∣gical, and surprising upon Theaters. His Cruelty extended so far, that to lengthen the punishment and impatience of those wretched men whom he tormented, he caused them to be laid upon half putrified bodies, to the end the dead might by little and little stifle the living, that they might be eaten up by their Worms, and become corrupted by their Pu∣trifaction.

This Cruelty of Accidin was accompanied with a barbarous and bru∣tish Incontinency. And albeit tenderness and sweetness be a Natural In∣gredient to Voluptuousness; His nevertheless was ordinarily Savage, stain'd with Blood, and like a Fury. It appeared such during the whole course of his life, and particularly in the Sacking of Boss••••••, which he took by Storm. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Baptista of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who was either the Governour or Lord of the Place, having been slain upon the Wall, Blanche of Rossy his Wife, who fought compleatly armed by his side, after a long resistance, and Heroick Endeavors, was taken and led in Triumph before the Tyrant, as the most rare and precious piece of his Conquest.

Certainly also she had in her self alone wherewith to merit the enter∣prise and labours of three just Conquerors. And the famous Grecian who was so often stoln away, and for whom so many Battels had been fought, was but a third part of this Italian Lady. Her Beauty was no solitary Beauty, and ill attended like the others. It was accompanied with all the Vertues which make the Honour of her Sex; and even those which Honour ours, were not wanting in her. She was very Beautiful, but far more Chaste, and little less Valiant. She had Charms and accomplished Graces: but those Charms were Innocent, and without Affectation: those Graces were Continent and Military: And generally in all her Attractives, there appeared a tincture of Modesty, and Spirits mix'd with bashfulness and courage.

As soon as Acc••din had viewed her thus gracefully set forth in Armour, covered over with a certain dust steeped in sweat, which appeared like a Military painting, and such as they give to Victory: A black and violent flame suddenly seized on his heart: And the smoke thereof ascending to his head, extinguished all that was found there of light. It was neither Af∣fection nor ••steem; it was neither Inclination nor true Love. Flames of this Nature do not fasten on all sorts of matter: And although the Sun doth illuminate Comets as well as the Planets; yet it is not from the fire of Planets that he illuminates the Comets.

The relation which was made him of the Valour and Chastity of Blanche, added new fire to his brutish Concupiscence; he was likewise by Nature one of these lustful Devils, who are less lascivious by an appetite they cannot have, then by the inclination they have to defile and corrupt. Rapes and all debauchery, injurious to Vertue, were most pleasing to him; And he took a particular delight in spoiling those Flowers which were Consecrated to her. At first he constrain'd his Humour, and took upon him a flattering and complacent Countenance; but this look was a very improper Mask: And his rude and forc'd complacences were far from softning the Vertue of Blanche. She knew very well that Tygers never grow familiar in good earnest with their Prey, and that though they hide their teeth and clawes, yet they seldom make much of them, without scratching or biting them.

Afterwards he discovers himself, and declares to her his passion with arrogant intreaties, and in a stile of Command. His intreaties, though violent, finding not themselves powerful enough, he came to armed threats, full of death and tortures: And his threats, with all their weapons, proved as weak as his Intreaties. There nothing remain'd to try but force: And as he prepared himself for it, the Chaste and Couragious Blanche slipt out of his hands; got into the window, and transported by her Ver∣tues and Courage, and perchance also by her good Angel, she precipitated her self from thence. This boldness astonish'd all that were present: And even Accidin acknowledg'd himself overcome by the fall of his Captive: They that were sent to help her, believed her dead: She was only in a swound, and had one shoulder out of joynt, and an arm broken. She being come to her self, there was neither care not remedies spar'd for her Cure: But as she apprehended more her Cure then death, the same Re∣medies which asswaged the pain of her body, augmented the grief of her minde▪ and every moment she prayed against the Vertue of Remedies, and bewailed the ease which she received by them. The Remedies had notwithstanding more Vertue then either her Prayers or Tears: They re∣stored her health, and the restauration thereof proved the Crysis of her misfortune.

Accidin no sooner saw her recovered, but he presently renewed his pre∣tensions and pursuits. He assaulted her Soul in every part, where it might be assaulted. Having in vain contested against hope, he contested against fear; And caused far greater Threats to succed larger Offers. But this se∣cond

Assault found not a more prosperous Success then the former. His great Menaces and Offers were tendred without effect; and there was sound nothing base or weak in this great Soul. Perswasion not prevailing with her, he used a Tyrannical and Barbarous Violence; and not being able to gain upon the Spirit of Blanche, he caused her body to be fastened upon a Table, which was more detestable to her then a Torturing Wheel.

This action only sullied the Tyrant who did it; The Vertue of the Pa∣tient, who endured it with so much regret, was not defaced by it: Her very Name received not any stain thereby: Nevertheless being transported with pain, and become odious, and almost unknown to her self; she withdrew to the place in which her Husband Interr'd: Where having discovered what remained of his body: where having made a short and interrupted, yet Couragious and Manly Complaint to his Ghost; and where having besought him to come and deliver her soul out of a Prison stain'd by Accidin; she cast her self upon these dear and pittiful Reliques: And in this state, able to beget Emulation in all the Vertuous Women of Antiquity, she rendred up her Soul, not upon the Body of her Husband, (who was no more) but upon his Shadow and Memory.