History surveyed in a brief epitomy, or, A nursery for gentry comprised in an intermixt discourse upon historicall and poeticall relations : wherein is much variety of discourse and modest delight / by Richard Braithwaite.

ALL Relations feigned are not to be exclu∣ded: for many Poëticall Narrations there be which comprehend in them a wonderfull sharp∣nesse of judgement, pregnancy of Invention, and a great measure of Discretion; of which sort, none more excellent then the Workes of Homer, weaving many pretty conceites in the web of his History, to make the Subject it selfe more plea∣sant. The more I commend him to the reading of the iudiciously Generous, because I could ne∣ver find in his Works any scurrulous Affectation, but prosecuting his Discourse with a modest gra∣vity, as if Nature, that had deprived him of his corporall sight, had done it, to make the eie of his understanding more piercing. For who so reads the Majesty of his Stile, the wel-coucht Fables immixt in his War betwixt the Greeks & Trojans, may as in a Store-house, imagine the Treasures of all Wits to be locked up in him. Many excellent Histories have beene derived from him, as well in Prose as contracted Measures; for his pleasing variety relisheth more then others, because through all his Workes, hee useth lesse digression

then others: and pitty it is, that every impolish'd hand should have to doe with the Transcription of his Labours: grieving the poore Blind-man with their blindnesse: For who so blind as Bajard? And if Stesycorus was worthily strucke blind for Commenting on Venus beauty, and discommen∣ding Hellens forme: Much more deserve they an exacter punishment, that dare with an unprepa∣red sleightnesse, Comment on his eterniz'd La∣bours, who detected Venus lust, and portraied Hellens Inconstancy.

To prescribe in what Tongue Histories are to be read, I know their owne garment is most na∣tive. But such have bin the disparraging Labours of our English Translators, that Romes Tongue, and Greeces Characters, grow as vulgar and com∣mon with us, as the Italian Garbe: so as wee seeme beholding to others, both for Speech and Raiment. I doe know some Workes are neces∣sary to be Translated, being such as expresse the politicke states of Realmes; which imparted to the illiterate, oftentimes conferre no little bene∣fit to our Countrey. But other Works there be, which Modesty would have concealed, being Re∣cords of the Vitiousnesse of former times; as the Obscene and sensuall convents, or prostitutions rather, of those mirrors of Impiety, the Roman Emperours; the Relation whereof acquaints the depraved too well with such Impudence.

To admit of such Workes, or to give Patro∣nage to such, not only fruitlesse but dishonest La∣bours, hath beene in all times a great occasion of

corrupting youth, nourishing Vice, and intro∣ducing a sensuall liberty amongst such, who in regard of their eminence of place, should have bin Patrons and patternes of piety. For if anci∣ently all occasions of loosenesse were so much prevented, as even outward Habits or other ex∣ternall gestures made them censured: How much more should Authors, whose oyle should be so imployed, as a benefit to some, a prejudice to none ought to be occasioned; labour to compose such Works, or faithfully Translate such La∣bours, as may conferre a succeeding profit to the State, to which they stand more particu∣larly interessed. Lascivious lines produce vici∣ous lives: seeing men for most part, are more A∣pishly addicted to the imitation of any vice, then seriously affected to the attention of Vertue. Scandall is a dangerous shelfe: neyther is there any Tetter more noxiously spreading o're the face; then foments and occasionall motives of inordinate lightnesse is to our life.

Lacides, that Argive King, was accounted lascivious only for his sleek lookes, and mincing gate. So Pompey, a profest Champion of valour and honour, because he used to scratch his head with one finger; albeit very continent and mo∣dest. So Crassus, onely because hee would have bought a Farme of a Vestall Virgin, for which in∣tent only, he used to converse with her, was sus∣pected to have abused her. Posthumia, because out of a naturall inclination, given to laughter, and something forward to talke with men, was sus∣pected

of her honesty; whereof being openly ac∣cused, she was acquitted by Spurius Minutius with this Caveat, to use words suteable to her life.

Now, if Habit, Gesture, or Discourse begot such a suspition amongst Pagans; what should publicke Workes, whereto Authority gives im∣provement, do amongst Christians? In our rea∣dings, as wee should be Bees and no Spiders: brouzing and sucking the fragrant'st and whole∣som'st hearbs, and no lesse seasonably converting them to the best substance: So should those, who intend to publish ought; no lesse sincerely then seriously ponder thus with themselves, before they impart themselves to the World:

whereto tends this passage? will not the ambiguity of it probably beget a mis-construction, and con∣sequently some occasion of corruption? Have our lines their full weight? do they beare that proportion, which may sort with the quality of that Subject wherof they treate? do they neither fall short of the Time, by contracting or inju∣riously concealing, what should be discovered: Or above the time, by dilating too amply, and annexing a Comment, where the Text it selfe would have served? Is there nought that may offend a modest care, or deprave an unsetled thought? May the State receive it, and be not prejudic'd by it: Or the most censorious Cri∣ticke peruse it, and without just ground dis∣rellish it?

Princely Augustus, who ever retayned in him a Morall piety, aswell as an Imperiall Majesty;

for lesser had the latter beseem'd him, had not the former accompanied him; would not permit his Livia to read light works: no question, light labours make many of our Livia's light. For as the Lover is ever blinded with affection towards his beloved: so it fareth with these, who affected to light passages, in the end so fixe their deluded conceites upon them, as they admire nothing with more constancy, then such Subjects as wrought those love-sicke passions on their besot∣ted fancy.

But to recede to our Discourse of Histories of this nature; I find many unprofitable passages in the Translation of our Histories; which the dis∣cretion of a temperate and well-composed Inter∣preter might have well omitted: neither should he in this have prejudic'd his Author, but ac∣quir'd more honour to himselfe by his Labour. I could instance many passages in sundry Roman Hi∣storians, which might discreetly have beene omit∣ted without any defect or maime at all to their History: and by omitting those lighter digressi∣ons, ministred lesse offence to a modest Reader.

Truth is, we are apt enough to become de∣prav'd by our owne illimited affections; and little need to have a plat-forme drawne to us, to be∣get in us a new brood of vicious inventions. Ma∣ny particulars, no doubt, might suit well the Hi∣story in his Originall, in respect of the time, place, and persons, wherein and to whom it was ad∣dressed: which, attired in another Dialect, and published in these our latter times, would not

relish so well to a cleare Judgement.

That conspicuous Light of the Easterne Church, whose Devotion and Learning have contracted themselves in so unanimous a man∣ner, as no succeeding Age but shall reape benefit by the perusall of his holy Labours, saith, that anciently the Romans worshiped Vertue and Ho∣nour for Gods. Whence it was, that they built two Temples, which were so seated, as none could enter the Temple of HONOVR, unlesse he first passed through the Temple of VERTVE: to signifie, that none was to be honoured, unlesse by some Vertue he had first deserved it. The Mo∣rall admits no other ingenuous Exposition, than its owne genuine expression: For Honour, none should be so daring-bold, or presumptuously confident upon a credulous conceit of their owne worth, as to wooe her, much lesse to winne her, till by passing through Vertues Temple, he get free admittance unto her.

Now tell me, what Honour shall accrue to those goodly Labours, beautified with glorious Fron∣tispieces, garnished with all the Ornaments and Embellishments of Art, countenanc'd by a po∣werfull Patron, and accommodated with all those Helps which the extensive Labours of an Author can require: when it shall appeare to the World, that those Lines of his never recei∣ved approvement from the Temple of Vertue? Oh, how many sickly Judgments have I knowne of this sort, who by neglecting their choice of Arguments tending to the advancement of

goodnesse, and bestowing their Oyle on such as least deserved their imployment, have perished in the esteeme of honest Wits, and disparraged themselves most, where they expected to have beene honour'd most! But as this may be pro∣perly construed an errour of life; where the affe∣ction of an Author, either in respect of the ge∣nerall inordinacy of the Time, chuseth rather to sit his Pen to the corruption of the Age, by de∣livering to her what she most affects: or out of a weaknesse and deficiency of Judgment, preferres a light or lascivious Subject, solely apt to de∣prave many, improve none; before such as are serious, and might tend to the benefit of the Publique, being methodically disposed, and faithfully rendred, as Transcripts of that nature, are to be published. So there is another errour commonly arising from ignorance of the Lan∣guage, wherein such a Subiect was writ. As the Greeke, so is the Latine copious and fluent: in both which it is very easie to offend, either by too childish rendring, or erroneous mistaking of the Originall expression.

But the Latine Tongue being of most use, be∣cause of generall'st Notion through the World; as also for that most of the Greeke Histories were rendred by faithfull Interpretors in that Tongue, received most acceptance: and that not onely in the Latian confines, but in more remote places where other Tongues were in request.

We read in Dion Cassius, of a principall man in Greece, that by Claudius was put from the

order of Judges, for being ignorant of the Latin Tongue.

That in all the regions of Pannonia it was known: Velleius will afford you sufficient authority.

Secondly, that it was spoken in a free and na∣tive Idiome, in France and Spaine.

Thirdly, in Affricke.

And (to reflect upon more Divine authorities) it seemeth that the Sermons of Cyprian and Au∣gustine yet extant (of Augustine it is manifest) that they preached to the people in Latin. But in the East parts of the Empire, as in Greece and Asia, and so likewise in Affricke, from the grea∣ter Syrtis East-ward, it appeares not in our rea∣ding nor collection from others, that the Roman Tongue ever grew into any common use. And the reason of it seemes to be, for that in those parts of the Empire it became most frequent, where the most and greatest Colonies were planted.

Now, what absurdities are and have bin usual∣ly committed upon ignorance of the Tongue, which they laboured to Translate, I leave to the judicious censures of such, who are frequently vers'd in such Subjects: where they shall finde whole pages mis-construed, whole periods omit∣ted, whereby the Author becomes miserably mangled.

Now, to returne a true levell unto both; as the Originall exprest acts done in that time vnto life; and, perchance, glanced at some egregious abuses of that Time, or rather displayed them in

their deepest colours: So is his Translator in an apt and proper phrase to render him: and if any impertinent, or (which is worse) vicious passages occurre, with a modest silence to passe over them'; rather then by an unnecessary inserting of them, informe the present age in knowledge of them.

In observing this, their Labours shal deserve to be inchained in our eminent'st Libraries, and re∣taine in them a confirmed fame; while lighter sub∣iects, which receive their beauty from the com∣plies of Time, or adorne themselves with the quicke-vading flourishes of vanity, shall incline to the period of an easie Fate.

But because I have entred into a Catalogue of Poëticall Histories, I will proceed further into the memorable, and no lesse ingenious Works of Hesiod: Much I cannot Write of Hystoricall matter in Hesiod; yet what he writ of that Sub∣ject, comprehended in it more height and true proportion, then any Poët that ever writ. With what hazarding danger doth hee there delineate the rare Combat between Ceix and Cycnus? Now equally poizing their valours (as if nature had made them of that equall power) to the end to leave the conflict uncertaine. Presently (upon oc∣casioned advantage) hee shewes a better and a worse: yet so, as without the least imputa∣tion, or disparrage to either of their spi∣rits (making them as imparalell as equall) but applies the event to some auspitious Genius, or Divine Power, favouring one more then another. Straight, with a new passage,

he proceeds to the resolved exploits of Hercules; and with an admirable facility describes his La∣bours. Hee it was, that by the assisting hand of Iupiter, of whom he descended, flew the Cleo∣nian Lyon, the Erimanthian Boare, the Bull of Marathon, the Lernaean Hydra, and the winged Hart: Hee who purchased no lesse memorable Trophies in Hell, than on Earth; haling the three-necked Cerberus, and rescuing Proserpina (if the Supreme Powers had not inhibited) from the tyrannick hands of infernall Pluto: Discomfiting the Centaures, vanquishing Achelous (being his corrivall in the love of faire Deianira) the Stymphalides, the Cremona Gyants, the tray∣terous Nessus, Antaeus, Augeas Stables, Apples of Hesperides, Cacus, Busyris, hurling Diomedes to his Horses (to quit his owne tyranny) free∣ing Hesyone from the Whale, sacking Troy in re∣venge of the perfidious Laomedon, subduing those invincible Giants, Dericlus and Albion, re∣deeming Orcalia, and Betricia from the captivity of Gerion: and wearing the Amazon Baldrick, to intimate his victories in those warlicke Provin∣ces.

These, and the like, doth Hesiod set downe with that probable coherence, that if the matter it selfe did not imply an impossibility, one would be certainly induced to beleeve so concordant an History. Presently he descends to the Generati∣on of the Gods, making up a Genealogy in that distinct order, as the Pagan Gods (for so one hath observed) were much indebted to him for

so well deserving their pedigree, which with∣out his invention (perhaps) had laine obscure.

Now, howsoever these Inventions may seeme improper for the state or structure of an History; because it behoves an Historian to relate with probability whatsoever hath hapned either in his owne Time or any former Age: Yet are these, im∣bellishments to History; being writ rather to beautifie than confirme; and to cheere the con∣ceit, than to enforce it to an improbable beliefe. No doubt, but many of those Eminent Heroës, whom Time either flattered, or Oracles delu∣ded, or some other selfe-opinionate Conceit transported, were incouraged to designes of in∣finite difficulty, to prove themselves descended from a Deity. Besides this, they imagined, be∣ing so descended, they were invulnerate. This it was, which put them on Actions above con∣ceit, to disperse their Fame, and preserve that Opinion which the Age reteined of their descent. Howsoever, excellent Emblemes were shrouded under those Poëticall Fictions. Hirsutae nuces op∣times praebent nucleos. The shell may seeme meane, but the kernell sweete.

When Achylles, that glory of the Grecians, had expos'd himselfe to all dangers, that Hostility or the force and fury of an Enemy could presse upon him; in the end, hee was wounded in the heele; for there onely, as the Poëts feigne, he was mor∣tall, and consequently vulnerable. This in∣cludes a darke but dainty Morall. Many, how∣soever they come on bravely, and can endure

not onely the first brunt, but expresse a wondrous height of resolution, during all or most part of the heate of the day, yet in the heele are they wounded. They crowne not the Day of their Actions with a glorious Evening, but faile most when the Merit of their Actions should be most shining. For in this should every Heroëck Spi∣rit imitate the Sunne; whose property it is to shew most beauty in the Setting: so they, more in their Close than their Beginning.

Yet, were these Historicall Inventions of the Poëts, touching the Generation of the Gods; in many respects defective, and in some absurd. E∣specially, in portraying of them aged, or ad∣dicted to some vicious quality or other: wherein they seemed to confound Mortality with Im∣mortality: a pure integrious estate with impiety.

For the first, it was an excellent Saying of The∣ocritus, who observing that popular stupidity of such as reposed their sole confidence in Idols, with the vanity of them: seeing, how even those Gods, whose Modells they reteined, and to whose memories they were erected, were tran∣slated or removed none knew whither; incoura∣ged those who suffered for their Contempt to∣wards those Pagan Deities in this manner:

aBe of good courage, when Gods dye before Men.

A∣gaine, speaking of a Mute Deity:

bWherein can that Goddesse availe him that worships her, who cannot speake to him that worships her?

So as Tullus Hostilius puttingc FEARE and PALENESSE in the number of his Gods: It is

pitty (saith Lactantius) that ever his Gods should goe from him.

Notwithstanding all this, in the relation of their actions and such intervening Occurrents as hapned in their Oppositions, they deserve ap∣plause, though no credible approvement. And the more to be admired were their descriptions, in regard they fixed on no other Story either Transcribed, or any other way delivered, then what invention had first moulded and recom∣mended to posterity. Yet observe what congrui∣ty these held, both in describing them what they were, from whence they came, what exploits they did, with the severall Offices to which they were designed, or rather Originally interessed: and those distinct passages of their lifes, with the concurrency of opinions touching their birth, continuance and increase, cannot chuse but beget wonder.

You shall not find in any one of these, peculiar Offices confounded: Liber must not intermeddle with the care of the Vines; nor Neptune play the Mercurist. Distinct Offices were recommended to severall supposed Deities: and this the anti∣ent Ethnicks held with such ceremonious reve∣rence, as nothing could be with more solemnity observed.

For the latter, absurdity; wherein the Pagans made their Gods addicted to all vice and impiety: This might have declined them from such ado∣ration; when those Persons whom they so highly honoured, deserved in their actions so little imi∣tation.

But to take Survey of those contests or civill Warres amongst themselves, either arising from precedency; or grounded upon jealousy, or some other occasionall distaste, would be••et a deserving admiration in any judicious Reader: observing, what Historicall Art derived her light from invention; and in what excellent order dis∣posed, though restrained by rules of dimension.

Lucian deserves his place, whose otherwise ill-deserving parts, being a profest see to all di∣vine adoration, purchased him an end as mise∣rable as his prophanations merited; being de∣voured by Dogges: yet in this regard wee have propounded our Opinion about Historicall ficti∣ons, I will give him his due place: one of an ex∣cellent Wit, ripe Understanding, and labori∣ous withall, to find out the ancient Manuscripts, and records of authorized Histories: yet, foras∣much as his writings are interlarded now and then with invective speeches against the Coelesti∣all Powers, arguing too much of Natures power, too little of the Soveraigne of Nature: I would have the Generous Reader to prepare himselfe in the perusall of such Discourses, as Calipso instru∣cted Vlysses against the Sirens Inchantments, thus inviting him:

Huc ades ô ingens Graecorum gloria Vlysses, Siste Ratem, &c.— Thus Englished.

Come hither Noble Ithacus, of valiant Greekes the choice, Take harbour here, incline thine eare unto the Sirens voice:

For there nere was any did passe, since we arrived here, This liquid way, but wisht to stay, our warbling notes to heare. Hence pregnant wits, and ripe conceits much knowledge have conceiv'd: As for the acts you did at Troy, we newes long since receiv'd. And how the Gods pursu'd the Greekes, the Trojans Greekes pursue, The Grecians hate in sacking Troy, Heavens hate in wracking you.

Of these Inchantments did Calypso fore-warn Vlisses with this preparation, that hee should command his Associates in his ship, to bind him, when hee approached neere those fatall Harmo∣nists, and to stop their eares, least they should be made a prey to their cruelty. So must every one prepare himselfe in such Siren-discourses. The liberty of these times, perswades some too easily to Lucians arguments: and those which (in feare of divine power) dare not deny the Omnipoten∣cy of the Immortall power in word, yet their prophane conversation implies an absolute Apo∣stacy in them in their workes. I wish these di∣gressions were not needfull: for then I might more directly proceed in my discourse, which the depravednesse of times will in no case suffer.

But in these feigned Histories I wholly exclude all ribaldry; times themselves have instruction sufficient for obscene subjects, without any fur∣ther

excitements: nor can I admit, that those un∣profitable Stories of Primalion, Palmerin de Oli∣va, The Knight of the Sunne, Gerilion, with many other fictive Discourses, should be entertained by Youth. Many of these Relations have strangely transported divers well-promising Wits into strange amazements; especially such as conceive more delight in them, than more serious stu∣dies. Some wee have heard, that in reading the strange adventures of Orlando Furioso, and conveying the very impression of his amorous passion to themselves, would presently imitate his distraction, run starke naked, make Love-songs incommendation of their Angelica, put themselves to intollerable torments to gaine the affection of their supposed Mistresses. Others, in imitation of some valiant Knights, have frequen∣ted Desarts, and uninhabited Provinces, ecchoing in every place their owne vanities, endorsing their Names in barkes of Trees, wholly turned savage and untractable, to personate that Knight more lively.

Such Histories I onely allow of (whether in Prose, or Verse, for Epicks may be writ in ei∣ther) as yeeld profit with delight; not subjecting their discourse to observe some indiscreet Hu∣mour of the Time, for application, but preventi∣on. Many read, and (in the loosnesse of their owne lives) make application of the worst unto themselves; hoping with Herostratus, to be me∣morable for villany: These are like Spiders, that turne the sweetest and most wholesome

flowers to ranke poyson; the discredit of an Hi∣story, and a great strengthener of vice.

And here might I take occasion, to fall upon a just reproofe of uselesse Readers of Histories; with such, as cull onely grounds for themselves, to comply with their owne desires: As the Am∣bitious; who reflects onely upon high aëry Spi∣rits: but never makes any use of their fall. An aspiring Philotas is the Object hee eyes, and his designes, the Coppy after which he moulds his Actions. Oh, how highly is hee transported, when he sees Ambition mounted: looking ever after Hamons Honour, but seldome or never on his Ladder? Indirectest paths are the wayes hee most affects: and like a youthfull Ascanius, scorns to walke in common tracks, or to converse with ought lesse than Empires. Hee holds Opi∣nion with that Universall Monarch, that

King∣domes got by descent, derive to their possessors no personall merit.

He had rather win than inhe∣rit; atchieve by the Sword, than enjoy by succes∣sion. Such as these say with Tiridates in Tacitus; To reteine their owne, is in the power of every private State; but to ayme at that which is anothers, is a Princely praise. This it was (as I have elsewhere observed) that caused Themistocles to walke in the Night-time in the open streete, because hee could not sleepe; the Reason whereof when some men enquired, who were to him more in∣timately endeered, he answered, that the Tri∣umph of Miltiades would not suffer him to take his rest. So impatient of rest is Ambition, as it

cannot endure either Competitor or Equall; but a reflexe had to them infinitely distracts him: so as, he cannot possibly enjoy himselfe, because he envies their greatnesse, whom generall Opi∣nion holds either equall or transcendent to him∣selfe.

It is no lesse to be wondred at, with what seri∣ous attention these ambitious Fire flies, who e∣ver singe their wings in the flames of their owne aspiring, read, and discusse every circumstance tending this way; with a personall application to themselves; as if they were the men which the History aym'd at: and whose Actions, they hope, e're long, will beget an Iliad to succeeding times, to admire their valour; and to erect surviving Trophies to their surviving honour. Thus doe they catch at shadows, leaving the substance to such judicious and competible Readers; who make use of those ancient Records to their be∣nefit: in collecting what is most usefull, and with a discreet aversion sleighting whatsoever might be occasionally hurtfull.

Nor be these High-flyers, who seldome goe gray-headed to their Graves, onely reproveable in the abuse of their Readings; but the voluptu∣ous too: who, when they fall upon any passage that complies with the lightnesse of their fancy, so highly affect it, as nothing more delights them, than to discourse of such ayry pleasures, as present themselves in a cursorie manner to their deluded conceits. These are altogether for Sto∣ries of Love; where every Line workes such

moving impressions in their unsteady fancies: as they reduce every period of Loves discourse, to a Sceane of Action; wherein they wish themselves Prime-actors, to close in a personall re-greet, with so light and sensuall a Relation.

Ganimedes Rape; Laïs loose Love; white teeth, rolling Eyes, displayed Breasts; a winning Looke, a Cerusse Cheeke; a beautifull com∣plexion (an exteriour good, and if corrupted, an interiour evill) being that which Euryala so much praised, when she washed the feet of Vlysses, namely, Gentle speech and tender flesh: these are proper Subjects for these light-fancied Amorists.

I must confesse, that no History can be so seri∣ous, but it must upon occasion relate some ligh∣ter passages, which equally poised according to the time, should not breed these effects; but ra∣ther beget in a Continent and well-composed Reader, a detestation of whatsoever he shall finde vicious: and an ardent desire after that which shall appeare truely generous and vertuous.

Alcaeus, a man of good reputation, and gene∣rall observance in the Common-wealth, what toies wrot he of the love of yong-men; immixing sometimes those lighter fancies in his seriousest Subjects? All the Writings of Anacreon (as if those Discourses had got highest place in his In∣vention) were onely of love. But most of all o∣thers, Rheginus even burned with Love, as ap∣peareth by his Writings; being continued passa∣ges of winning delight: and intrancing the un∣wary peruser of his amorous Conceits, with de∣ceiving

shaddowes. Yea, even Philosophers, (and that by the Councell and Authority of Plato, whom therefore Dicearchus did worthi∣ly reprehend) became the Commenders and Honourers of Love. For Dicearchus, a Sili∣cian Philosopher, and Aristotles Scholler, Writing a Booke of the SPARTAN Com∣mon-wealth, distasted highly the opinion of such, who bearing the style of grave and reve∣rend Men, gave way in their Workes, that any liberty should be introduced into a civill state: or authorized any Labours, were they Historical, Poëticall or Mixt, to have freedome in corrup∣ting youth, or depraving the prime seedes of easie and pliable dispositions. These, who stand thus affected, and whose Readings are soly fixt upon sensuall delights; it were fitting for them to weane their affections, at least, to divert their eyes from those sensible Objects, which ingage reason to the servile Obedience of appetite; and to re-collect their Diviner parts, to patternes of continence: such as may informe them what to do; how to remove occasions: and consequent∣ly, free their inward Mansions or Receptacles from these corruptions. An excellent Patterne or incomparable Mirror in the command or So∣veraignty of his affections, did that yong man Spurina in Valerius Maximus, shew himselfe; whose beauty did so infinitely become him, as it occasioned many Women to lust after him: which this noble youth no sooner perceived (note this admirable act in a Pagan) then hee wounded

his face, that by the skar he sustained, his beauty might become more blemished, and consequent∣ly, all occasion of lusting after it, clearely remo∣ved. Diverse instances, though not altogether so impressive, might be here inserted, tending to like use; but brevity, as it is the helpe of Memo∣ry, so my desire is to accommodate the Reader with instances usefull and commodious, rather then unnecessarily numerous.

Nor be the Covetous, (if their desire of gathe∣ring may admit so much time as to peruse an Hi∣story in a whole age) lesse reprooveable in this kinde. For these, if they finde one Worldly wise; no matter though he not onely grounded but improved his estate by Extortion, and raised his posterity to an unknowne Title of Gentry by deceit and collusion: yet must his life and acti∣ons be the line of their directions.

They looke not on Midas fate, but his golden state. Tagus they desire, nor care they much (so they may purchase it) to be drowned in it. These hold no substance to be purely good, unlesse it be guilded with gold. These never remember the saying of that wise Simonides; who being asked once, whether Vertue or Riches were of more re∣putation; made answere, That the vertuous did more frequent the doores of the Rich, then the Rich of the vertuous. Implying, that piety was for the most part attended on by pouerty; but seldome was vertue accompanied by prosperity.

Now to apply an antidote to this infection, and cure in them this distemper'd affection; as

the Vnicornes Horne is of such soveraigne vertue, as being dipt in water, it cleares and purifies it: so must their earthy depressed mindes be purified by some powerfull infusion, or they will never endure to alter their disposition. To remove then those scales which darken their intellectuall part; their only safe course is to withdraw them∣selves a little from talking with Earth: and to fix the eye of their Contemplation on a diviner Ob∣ject, the Store-house of Heaven. The vanity, frailty and mutability of the one, will inhance the quality and dignity of the other. The meere mentall observance of these, without any further experience, (wherein Historicall examples will affoord no small light) cannot chuse but qualifie their Temper, and enforce them to crye out with that Divine father: O how miserable is the World, and how miserable they who follow the World! see∣ing, that men of this World have alwayes excluded their workes from partaking of life in the World to come.

Thus have we traced over the various paths of three vicious Readers; all others may be in these included, who make not that benefit of History, to which it was primarily addressed; but by fruit∣lesse & unnecessary observations, dispa••rage their owne judgments, in preferring those before pas∣sages of more high and usefull consequence. So as, I may properly resemble them to Vselesse Tra∣vailers, who take notice of such things as are most frivolous, or what is worse, vicious.

Others there be, that transported onely with

the delight and present variety of the History, make History onely (as our Gallants do their To∣bacco) a spender of Time: They apply not the fruit or use of Histories, but as in some pleasant or delightfull dreame, satisfied for the present time; but past, quite razed out of Memory. In stories of this nature, (such I meane as be feigned) I approve of those best that resemble Truth the neerest, according to Flaccus opinion:

Ficta voluptatis causâ sint proxima veris.

For the impossibility of the Relation oftentimes maketh the Subject more ridiculous: whereas the concordancy, or apt connexion of the History (though the maine plot be false) enforceth more attention.

And thus much of Poëticall Histories: I will come to the second Branch of my Division of Histories (to wit) Morall.

Notes

• Feigned Rela∣tions or Poë∣ticall Histo∣ries.
• Homer an Ex∣cellent & He∣roicke Port; shadow'd one∣ly at, because my Iudicious Friend Master Tho. Heywood, hath taken in hand (by his great industry) to make a Ge∣nerall (though Summary) de∣scription o•• all the Poets lives; and with farre more felicity, I hope, than his mysterious ••iscourse of Angels.
• Labours dis∣parraged by Translators.
• Many illiterat of the exactest Iudgment.
• The free pas∣sage of wanton workes, the maine source of corrupting Youth.
• Vnlesse occa∣sions be pre∣vented, the most integri∣ous may be impeached.
• Plato.
• A just reproofe of indiscreet Translations.
• Aug.
• ••uijs miserè ••esecerunt, de quibus maxi∣mè praesumpse∣runt, Vid. Ca∣••al. Hist.
• Vellei. lib. c. Strabo. lib. 3. & 4. Apulcius in Floridis.
• Hercules La∣bours.
• ☞
• How Inventi∣on may stand with the con∣texture of an History.
• Excellent Em∣blemes sha∣dowed under Poëticall ficti∣ons.
• a

  Bono estote a∣nimo, quando Dij moriuntur ante homines. Theocritus in Cle. Alex. Protrep.
• b

  Quid praesta∣re colenti po∣test, quae loqui non potest? Lactant. de falsa Relig. lib. 1. Cap. Dea Mutae,
• c

  Pavorem Palloremquè.
• Homerin Iliad, Lib. 2.
• Feigned Hi∣stories appro∣ved, tending to instruction.
• Such Histories onely merit that name, which yeeld profit with delight.
• ☞ He falleth up∣on a just re∣proofe of use∣lesse Readers of Histories: with such as cull onely grounds for themselves, to comply with their owne de∣sires. The Ambiti∣ous mans Ob∣ject in his Read ng.
• Sua retin••re privatae domus, d•• alienis cer∣ta••e ••egia laus est. Tacit.
• ☞
• Tus••. lib. 4.
• The Voluptu∣ous mans Ob∣ject in his Rea∣ding.
• Val. Max. lib. 4 cap. 5.
• The Cove∣tous mans Object in his Reading.
• ☜
• O quám mi∣se••rimus est mundus, & mi∣s••ri qui cum se∣quantur! Sem per enim homi∣nes Mundi ope∣ra excluse••unt á vitâ. Chrys. sup. Mat.
• He resembl••s fruitlesse Rea∣ders to use∣lesse Travel∣lers, who ••ake notice of such things as are most fr••••o∣lou••▪ or which i•• wo••se, vici∣ous.