The holy court in five tomes, the first treating of motives which should excite men of qualitie to Christian perfection, the second of the prelate, souldier, states-man, and ladie, the third of maxims of Christianitie against prophanesse ..., the fourth containing the command of reason over the passions, the fifth now first published in English and much augemented according to the last edition of the authour containing the lives of the most famous and illustrious courtiers taken out of the Old and New Testament and other modern authours / written in French by Nicholas Caussin ; translated into English by Sr. T.H. and others.

BOUCICAUT. BAYARD.

[illustration]

[illustration] portrait of Jean Le Maingre

BOVCICAVD

[illustration] portrait of Bayard

BAYARD

WE need not search the Catalogue of Saints and Martyrs for a Souldier Furnished before God and men with great and Divine virtues. Behold one a∣mong a thousand, I mean the brave Marshal Boucicaut, who flourished in France under Charles the Sixth. Those petty Rodomonts, who boast of their Duels, but indeed meer cowardise varnished with a glossy colour of va∣lour, durst not behold this most excellent Cavalier, with∣out doing that which was antiently done to the Statues of the Sunne, that is, to put finger on the mouth, and admire. For, not to mention his other acts of prowesse, it is he who was present at that daring Battell which the Turkish Emperour Bajazet waged against the King of Hungary; the Duke of Burgundy, then cal∣led the Count of Nevers, with many other of the French Gentry, being there in person.

The History relateth, that the Turkish Emperour coming to fight with dreadfull forces, began so furi∣ous a charge, the air being darkned with a black cloud of Arrows, that the Hungarians, who were alwayes re∣puted good Souldiers, being much amazed with this fierce assault, fled away. The French, who in all Bat∣tels had ever learned to conquer or dye, not willing to hear so much as the least speech of the name of flight, pierced into the Turkish army, notwithstanding a field of Pikes and stakes fastned in the earth did hinder their approch, and attended by some other Troops, brake the Vangard of the Turks, by the counsell and exam∣ple of this brave Marshall; whereat Bajazet much amazed, was about to retire, but that at the same time it was told him, that it was but a very little hand∣full of Frenchmen that made the greatest resistance, and that it was best for him to assault them. The Turk, who kept his Battalions very fresh, returneth, and fell like lightning upon these poor Souldiers now extreamly wearied. Never did an angry Lyon exercise more vio∣lent force against the Hunters Javelins, then this gene∣rous Cavalier shewed prowesse which shined in the midst of the adventurous Pagans. For, seeing himself at last negligently betraied, he having no other purpose but to sell his own life and those of his companions at as dear a rate as he could, he with the French Cavalry, and some other people that stuck to him, did such feats of Arms, that it was thought twenty thousand Turks were slain in the place. At last this prodigious multi∣tude, able to tire out the most hardy, although it had been but to cut them in pieces, did so nearly encompasse our French, that the Count of Nevers, with Marshall Boucicaut and other the most worthy Personages, were taken Prisoners.

The next day after this dismall Battell, the proud Bajazet sitting under a Pavillion spread for him in the field, caused the prisoners to be brought before him, to drench himself in blood and revenge, which he alwayes most passionately loved.

Never was seen a spectacle more worthy of Com∣passion; The poor Lords who had wrought wonders in Arms, able to move Tygers, were led to the slaugh∣ter, half naked, straight bound with cords and fetters, no regard being had either to their bloud, which was noble, or youth which was pitifull, or their behaviour which was most ravishing; These Saracens ugly and horrible as Devils, set them before the face of the Ty∣rant, who in the twinkling of an eye caused their throats to be cut at his feet, as if he meant to carouse their bloud.

The Count of Nevers, with the Count of Ewe and the Count of Marche had now their heads under the Symiter, and their lives hung as it were by a thread, when Bajazet, who had heard by his interpreters that they were near Kinsmen to the King of France, caused them to be reserved, commanding them to sit at his feet on the ground, where they were enforced to behold the lamentable butchery of their Nobility.

The valiant Boucicaut, covered with a little linnen cloth▪ in his turn was brought forth to be massacred o∣ver the bodies of so many valiant men. He, being wise, and in this extremity particularly inspired by God,

made a sign with his fingers before Bajazet, because he understood not his Language, as if he would declare himself the Kinsman of the Count of Nevers, who beheld him with so pitifull an eye, that it was able to have rent the most rocky-heart. Bajazet being perswa∣ded by this sign that he was of the Bloud Royall cau∣sed him to be let a part among the prisoners; where af∣terwards by his great wisdome he endeavoured the li∣berty of those noble Gentlemen, and his own. I can∣not think that the puny Novices of war of our time, will compare themselves to the valour of this Heroick man, accomplished with such gallant prowesse.

Let us come, if you please, and look into his de∣portment and conversation, and consider whether he were of the number of those who professe themselves wicked that they may seem valiant. Our Boucicaut was a man who whilest in time of peace he governed the City of Genoa, heard daily two Masses, with so ex∣emplar devotion, that he never suffered any man to speak to him in the Church; where he said the office with singular attention, for which he so accommoda∣ted his company, that you should never see the least action of uncomlinesse in Divine Service, which he did not severely punish. And the Historian addeth, that he who had beheld his people at Divine Service, would rather think he saw Religious men then Soul∣diers. Noblemen have power to draw their families to what posture they please, were it not through pusilla∣nimity of spirit they many times give way to the tor∣rent of nurture: and contenting themselves to be good, make all the rest naught by the easinesse of their Na∣tures. I mention not here a Canonized Saint, an Her∣mit, a Religious man, or a Priest; I speak of a Mar∣shall of France, of a most ardent Warriour and Va∣liant Souldier.

Behold, I pray, whether Piety be imcompatible with Arms. This Brave Captain happily made his Will, disposing of all his devotions, his affairs and Charge: each day he executed some part hereof, doing all the good he could whiles he lived, not expecting the casuall portions of others piety, as those who cause Torches to be carried behind to light them when they have lost their eyes, and, indeed, never do well but when they are in a condition to be able to do no more. This charitable Lord particularly informed himself of the ne∣cessities of the bashfull poore, and as the rarest pieces of his Cabinet, set their names down in his Register: He appointed on every side his Alms to the poor Reli∣gious, to Widows, to Orphans, to needy Souldiers, namely to those who through disability of old age and sicknesse could labour no more. He visited Hospitals, giving according to his means round summes of money to furnish and accommodate them; if he walked in the streets he ever had charity in his hands, that himself might give all he could, for he took therein a singular contentment, and never was he seen to be so merry, as when he had distributed good store of money; This was to him as his hunting, his game, his delight.

He bare a singular devotion, in memory of the pas∣sion of our Saviour, towards the fryday; and whilest he was able, did eat nothing on that day but fruits and Puls, absteining from all which participated of the life of Beasts, and clothed himself likewise in a most sim∣ple habit, desirous to shew outwardly some taste of the Reverence we owe to the bloud of the sonne of God. Besides abstinencies commanded, he fasted ordinarily on the Saturday, which is dedicated to the memory of the Blessed Virgin. He never fed at his repast but on one dish, and though he had great quantity of silver Vessels, he caused himself to be served in Peuter and Earth, being glorious in publick, but in his particular an enemy to worldly pomps and vanities.

I leave you to contemplate, how far this kind of life is alienated from the curious Nobility of our dayes, to whom so many Dispensations and Priviledges must daily be given, that it seems, it is needfull for their sakes onely to create another Christendome, besides that which hath been established by the Sonne of God. A man would say, to see how they pamper their bo∣dies, they were descended from heaven, and that thi∣ther they would return, without passing through the Grave, they Deifie themselves, and to fatten and guild a stinking Dunghill covered over with snow; they sport with the bloud and sweat of men.

Superfluity of taste being so well qualified, all went in true measure in the house of this good Mar∣shall: his retinue was well enterteined according to his quality, and he had a very solemn custome by him religiously observed, which was speedily to pay his debts, and as much as he might possible to be ingaged to none. It is no small virtue, nor of mean importance to be out of ingagements of this kind; if we consider the Nobility at this time, so easily plunged in great labyrinths of Debts, which daily increase like huge Snow-balls that fall from the mountains, and require Ages and golden Mines to discharge them.

Is it not a most inexcusable cruelty before God and man, to see a busie Merchant, a needy Artificer, eve∣ry day to multiply his journeyes and steps before the gate of a Lord or a Lady, who bear his sweat and bloud in the pleits of their garments? And in stead of giving some satisfaction upon his most just demands, it is told him he is an importunate fellow, and many times is menaced with bastinadoes, if he desist not to demand his own. Is not this to live like a Tartarian? Is not this to degrade ones self from Nobility, Chri∣stianity and Reason? Is not this to ruine, and as it were to cut the Throats of whole Houses and Families? Alledge not to me, that it is impossible for you to pay what is demanded at present: foreseeing your weak∣nesse of estate, why have you heaped so many debts which cannot be discharged!

Why do you not rather lessen your port, and live more frugally? Why do you not cast off many su∣perfluous things that might be spared? Are not of∣fences odious enough before God, but you must in∣crease them with the marrow of the poor? From hence cometh the contempt of your Persons, the hatred of your Name, the breaches and ruine of your Houses.

This man by paying his debts well, was honoured and respected of his Officers like a Demy-god: there was no need of making any question or doubt, nor to make a false step into his house. He would never suffer a Vice, or bad servant, were it to gain an Em∣pire. Blasphemies, Oaths, Lyes, Slanders, pastimes, Quarrels and such like disorders were banished from his Palace as monsters: and if he once found any of his family in fault he put them away least they should infect the other: yet he would not scandalize them, nor divulge their offences. At the Table he spake lit∣tle, and did voluntarily entertein himself with the ex∣ample of virtues which he observed in the lives of the Nobility: never discoursing of his own atchievements but with singular sobriety.

In his marriage he demeaned himself most chastely, and had such an hatred against impurity, that he would not so much as keep a servant that had a lustfull eye. Behold; how passing one day on horse-back through the streets of the City of Genoa, as a Lady presented her self at a window to comb her hair, and a Gentle∣man of the Marshalls train seeing her tresses very bright and beautifull cryed out, Oh what a goodly head of hair! standing still to behold her. This Lord looking

back on him with a severe eye, said, It is not well done, it is not fit that a wanton eye should be seen to glance from the house of a Governour.

In this kind and all others which concerned the com∣merce and peace of the Citizens, he rendred so ready and exact justice, that it was a Proverb amongst the Genoes when any one was offended, to say to him who had done him wrong: If you will not right me, my Lord Marshall will. The other understanding it, oft∣times rather chose to submit to the right, then expect a condemnation, which was inevitable. By this means he so gained the good opinion of the people, that the inhabitants of the City sent to the King, beseeching him, that he might continue the Government to the end of his dayes, which having obtained, it seemed to them, that they had procured an Angel from Heaven to be set at the Stern of their Common-wealth.

At that time when the Emperour of Constantinople, then dispossessed of one part of his Empire by the great Turk, came into France to desire succour, and had ob∣tained of the King twelve hundred men defrayed for a year, many widdow Ladies were seen at the Court, who complained of injustice and oppressions which were of∣ferred them after the death of their husbands; whereby this good Marshall was so moved with compassion, that with much freedome he instituted an Order of Knights for the defence of afflicted Ladies, which he sirnamed The Order of the White Ladie, because they who made profession of it bare a Scutcheon of gold en∣amelled with green, and thereon the figure of a Lady in a white Vestment: thus sought he by all occasions to do good, and shewed himself a great enemy of idle∣nesse, as being the very moath of great Spirits.

He ordinarily rose early in the morning, and spent about three hours in Prayer and divine Service: after that duty was performed he went to Councel, which lasted till Dinner-time. After his repast he gave audi∣ence to all those who would speak with him upon their affairs, never failing to behold his Hall daily full of people, whom he speedily dispatched, contenting eve∣ry one with sweet and reasonable answers: from thence he retired to write Letters, and to give such order to his Officers which his pleasure was should be observed in all his affairs: and if he had no other employment he went to Vespers. At his return he took some pains or recreation, then finishing the rest of his Office, he ended the day. On Sundayes and Holy-Dayes he either went on foot in some Pilgrimage of Devotion, or caused the Life of Saints or other Histories to be read, daily more and more to dispose his Life and Conversation unto Virtue. When he Marched into the field, he used most admirable discretion, never oppressing any of his company, nor would he permit even in the enemies Countrey, that the least disturbance should be done to Churchmen.

Behold you not here a Life worthy of a French Cavalier? Oh Nobility! This man was not a Pet∣ty Roister, that makes boast to fight in a green mea∣dow; But a Souldier, who during the Warres with the English kept the Field of Battell three times thir∣ty dayes together, against those brave Souldiers who did oppose him; from whence he went out all spark∣ling with glory and wonder.

I would here willingly adde a Bertrand of Gues∣clin Count of Longuevil, and Constable of France, whose Life Mounsier Menard hath given us writ∣ten by a Pen of that antient Age, in as antient Lan∣guage. You should see a man, who after he had de∣dicated his Soul, Body, and Arms in the Offertory of a Masse at the Altar, fought six or seven times hand to hand in the Field, exercised strange Feats of Battell and Arms; stood in the midst of Combats unmoved, and confident as in his Chamber, being otherwise fu∣rious, strong and stout in the presse. You should see a man sage in Counsels, prompt in Execution, whom an Enemy found near at hand when he thought him thirty miles off. A man in all things else free from Fraud or Dissimulation, Chearfull, Courteous, ob∣liging and liberall of his own, employing his Movables and his Wives Jewels for the relief of poor Souldiers.

Then you may judge, whether by being Valiant you may live in the Court of a Christian Prince like a little Turk. Where is your Judgement? and where is your Reason?

BAYARD.

BEhold a man whose life not long since hath been published to serve as a modell for the Nobility: we yet touch him as it were with our finger, for he dyed under the reign of Fran∣cis the First, having served three Kings in their Armies, the space of two and thirty years. It is the valiant Terrail, otherwise called Cava∣lier Bayard born in Daulphine. I willingly make use of his Example, both because one of our most warlike Kings, the sonne of Francis the First would needs be knighted by his hands, to witnesse the honour he bare to his valour, as also for that I see therein many noble passages which taste of the virtue of a true French soul∣dier. He was a courageous Captain, of excellent dire∣ction, valiant and magnanimous, of whom it was said, that he had the assault of the wilde Bull, the de∣fence of the Bore, and flight of the wolf. I set aside his warlike deeds, I take some of his virtues which here I will make use of. This royall courage had no other aim in arms, but the glory of God, the service of his Prince, and the honour of his profession, whereof we have an ample testimony in a short Elogy, which his se∣cretary made upon him, saying. That after these two and thirty years service, he dyed almost as poor as he was born. Much is spoken in these few words, and I think Bayard more glorious under this title, then if he had born the Dutchy of Milan on his back. He had the true piety of a good Souldier: for every mor∣ning he prayed to God most devoutly, and would not permit any man to enter into his chamber during his de∣votions: He was so obedient to those who comman∣ced in the Army, that he never refused any commissi∣on imposed upon him. Yea, well foreseeing that the last charge enjoyned him by the Marshall Bonivet was most dangerous, and as it were impossible, yet he went thither, sacrificing his life to the command∣ments of the Lieutenant of his Prince, that he might not digresse from his ordinary custome. There was he slain by the most generous manner of death that could happen to any Captain of his quality. He was a Lyon in Arms, who with a choice company of men selected by him and trained to his profession, wrought such admirable effects, that there was not any bat∣tel wonne, of which he was not ever the principall cause. Never was any man more terrible to an enemy in the conflict, but out of it, it was said he was one of the most affable and courteous men of the earth: he was so ill a flatterer of great men, that to gain a King∣dome he would not be drawn to speak anything but reason. His practise was to honour the virtuous, speak little of the vicious, lesse of his own atchieve∣ments, never to swear; to do favours to all that requi∣red them as willingly as if himself were to receive the benefit, to give secret alms according to his ability, in such manner, that it is written, that besides his other acts of piety, he married at the least an hundred poor young maids. Behold of what elements his soul was inwardly composed. As for the manner of his carriage in the warre, he as little cared for money as the dust of the earth, and desired not to have any but to give; witnesse an act of great liberality, which is related of him. He took fairly by law of Arms a Spanish Trea∣surer, who had about him fifteen thousand Ducats: one of his Captains named Tardieu, enraged with choller, swore that he would have part of the booty, because he was in the Expedition. This good Captain smiling said unto him, It is true, you were of the en∣terprise, but are not to share in the Booty; and if it were so, you are under my charge, I therefore will give you what I think good. This man entred into more vi∣olent fury, and went to complain to the Generall, who having well considered the businesse, adjudged it wholly to Bayard. He caused his Ducats to be carried to a place of safety, and commanded them to be spread on a Ta∣ble, in presence of all his people, saying to them, Com∣panions, what think yee? Do yee not here behold fine junkets? Poor Tardieu, who had been put by his pre∣tensions by expresse sentence of his Captains, looked on this money with a jealous eye, and said, If he had the half of it, he would all his life be an honest man. Doth that depend on this? (saith this brave Spirit) Hold then, I willingly give you that which you by force could never obtein. And so caused he at the same instant seven thousand five hundred Ducats to be told out to him. The other, (who in the beginning thought it was but a meer mockery, when he saw it to be in good earnest, and himself in possession of that he de∣sired) cast himself on both his knees at the feet of Bayard, having abundant tears of joy in his eyes, and cryed out, Alas my Master, my Friend, you have sur∣passed the liberality of Alexander: How shall I be ever able to acknowledge the benefit, which I at this time do receive at your hands? Hold your peace, (said this incomparable man) If I had power, I would do much more. And thereupon causing all the souldiers of the Garrison to be called, he distributed the rest of the Ducats; not keeping one sole denier for his own use.

I ask of you, whether this were not a heart of true pearl, wherein there could not one least blemish of A∣varice be found? Yea, also when he passed through the Countrey, even in a land of Conquest, he paied his ex∣pence. And one saying to him, Sir, this money is lost: for, at your departure from hence, they will set this place on fire. He answered, Sirs, I do what I ought, God hath not put me into the world to live by Rapine.

Moreover, the excellency of this man appeared well in an affair, wherein the life of the most eminent man of the world was interessed. For, heat that time being in Italy, was sent by the King to assist the Duke of Fer∣rara against the Army of Pope Julius then much op∣posit to France, although so many other worthy Popes heartily loved our Nation. When one Monsieur Augu∣stine Gerlo, a Gentleman of Milan, but yet a traitor and factious, went to the said Duke to perswade him to forsake the French Engagement, with intention to de∣stroy them, and promised him that in recompence he would give him his Neece in marriage, and make him Captain Generall of the Church. This Prince would not seem in any wise to understand him; but he handled the matter so by his policy and advantageous promises, that he gained this Augustine who gave him his hand that he in few dayes would destroy the Pope by a mis∣chievous Morsell which he could easily give him. The Duke of Ferrara having thus dived into his plots and intentions, went immediately to find out this our noble Bayard in his lodgings, and made a long discourse to him of the evil disposition of Pope Julius, and the en∣terprises he had both on his life and on the Frenchmen, of purpose to enkindle him for Revenge. Then he al∣so pursued his opportunity, and made discovery to him of the treason of this wicked Gerlo. Bayard look∣ing amazedly at him, said, How, Sir! I could never have imagined that a Prince so generous as you would

consent to such a wickednesse: and had you done it, I swear by my soul, before night I would have given the Pope notice of it. How! answered the Duke, he would have done as much either to you or me. It is no matter (replyeth Bayard) this treachery displeaseth me. Whereat, the Duke shrugging up his shoulders, and spitting on the ground, saith, Monsieur Bayard, I would I had killed all mine enemies in this sort: but, since you dislike it, the matter shall rest, and you and I both may have cause to repent it. We shall not, if it please God, replyeth the good souldier: but, I pray you, put this gallant into my hands that would do this goodly piece of service; and if I do not cause him to be hanged in an hour, let me supply his place. The Duke finding in him this courage and fidelity, did all he could to wave and excuse the plot, saying he had given him assurance of his person.

But, behold you not here a brave spirit in Bayard? See you not a man of a Royall conscience, and of an honesty in all things like to it self? Away then with those petty and base spirits of the abysse more black then spectres and infernall furies, who have neither loyalty for their Prince nor Common-wealth, but as it may concern their own interests; who swallow trea∣sons as big as camels to gain a fly. Such would make truth it self to lie, were not heavens Providence awake to make their events as tragicall, as are their de∣terminations abominable and hideous.

All the bravest Chieftains have ever held it to be highest of their glorious victories, to be crowned with Chastity. It was the Trophey of Cyrus, to whom, for this cause God gave all the treasures of Asia: It was the Triumph of Alexander, who, in recompence thereof, had the conquest of the Persians: And, the Emperour Julian, who made profession herein to imi∣tate him, although he had apostatized and renounced all other sacred tyes, would never forsake Chastity, but wittily said, This Virtue made beautifull lives, as Painters fair faces. But, not to search so farre into the dust and rubbish of Antiquity; I will draw one line more upon our Bayard in this Point, whereon his History dignifies him with a passage admirable and unparallel'd.

Some there were had advised to convey into his chamber a maid which was one of the fairest creatures in the world, and indeed she was endowed with an angelically gracefull aspect, save that at that instant her eyes were swoln (above their ordinary orbs) with an extremity of tears: and that too bespake rather the com∣mendable virtue of her modesty, then the blemish of her beauty: Whom when the Captain had well sur∣veyed; How now fair maid! saith he unto her; What sayest thou? Why comest thou hither? The amazed damosel falling on her knees, with that utterance her sighings would afford her, she thus answers him: Ah! Sir, My mother hath commanded me I should do what you would have me; yet (Sir) I am a Virgin, and never (truly) had I any disposition to do ill, how∣ever a necessity enforced me hither; for, my mother and my self are so poor, that we are nigh perishing through hunger: but, I wish to God I might see death, thereby to be dissolved from the number of unhappy maidens, rather then to fully my soul with the least un∣worthy and ignoble act. Which words of hers pier∣ced so this generous Lords soul to the quick, that they caused tears in his eyes, associated with this reply; Verily, pretty soul, I will not be so wicked as to take that from thee which thou so charily hast kept for the society of purest Angels. Thereupon he caused her to be veiled lest she should be taken notice of; and that she might not be exposed unto the rigid dealings of a rude hand; (not transferring the charge of her person to anothers care) he, with a lighted torch in his own hand, conducts her to her safe repose in the house of a virtuous kinswoman of his, where he for that night leaves her. The day following he sent for her mother, and said unto her, Are not you a wicked woman to be∣tray the honour of your daughter, which ought to be more dear unto you then your life? Certainly for thus doing, you deserve a punishment so much the more rigorous, as that I understand you are a Lady: and by a course so sinister you wrong Nobility. The Lady hereat wholly confounded, knew not what else to answer, but that they were as poor as might be. Is there yet (saith he) no man that for her birth, beauty, and virtues sake who requireth her in holy Marriage? Yes, truly (saith she) an honest man, a neighbour of mine; had she (as he with her demands) six hundred florens, which I am in no capacity to raise or to procure.

Then the brave Bayard drew out his purse, and said, Here are two hundred crowns (which are of more va∣lue then six hundred florens of this countrey) to marry your daughter withall: which my will is you dispatch within three dayes: and farther, to enable you the bet∣ter thereto; I also adde one hundred crowns more to adorn her with decent change of apparel, and I give your self an hundred Crowns, which well housewived, may serve to stave you off from future unbecoming shifts and poverty. All which was done accordingly, to the unspeakable joy both of the mother, and of the daughter, who thenceforth lived in an honourable and comfortable condition.

O Nobility! I present not here an Hermit, but a Captain (who was a French Souldier) who was moul∣ded of no other flesh, bloud, nor bones, then are ye your selves: yet he performeth an act of a Religious man the most mortified: he exerciseth the liberality of a King; he equalleth therein, yea surmounted the he∣roicall deeds of the greatest Saints. True it is, Saint Nicholas saved the honour of Virgins, contributing thereto his gold and silver: as true it is that in so do∣ing he generously triumphed over the covetousnesse of temporall goods; yet, he served not in this action as a Triumph to himself, which is verily the choicest piece of eminent virtues. But, behold a Cavalier who van∣quisheth both Avarice and Lust, (the two most dan∣gerous rocks of the world.) Bayard commandeth his purse in a fortune not the best accommodated; and that meriteth no small applause: But Bayard, in the high flourish of his age, of a body vigorous, commands the passions of his soul and conquers them, even at the temptations of an object so amiable (as hath been represented here unto you) I beseech you therefore, let it be no longer said that Chastity is onely to be found amongst the truly most mortified retirers into Cloisters; for, it is every where, where the fear of the omnipresent God, and where generosity or reall virtue is. What then can so many wretches answer to this, who fill the world with sins, the Nobility with dis∣graces, their bodies with diseases, their name with in∣famy, and load so many poor abused creatures with miseries and despair? What can our spruce gallants devise for passable excuse, who brave it through the streets in their ridiculous ostents of borrowed feathers and in habits; remaining indebted to the mercer for the stuffe, and to the poor taylour for the fashion; paying yet neither the one or other? True jack-daws of Aesop, who deserve that all other birds should assemble to pull their plumes off which they have (thus no better then) stoln to catch and to be caught with vanity. What will here so many gluttons and gamesters say, who rent up and eat the entrails of men by their blou∣dy riots?

You see 'twas possible that this gallant souldier, by unravenous hands had four hundred crowns, (a sum in those dayes held a huge one) yet all this he gives in one onely alms; but, those (whom I thus have taken to task) who in a bravery talk of nothing lesse then pistolets, not mind any thing else but their sordid vo∣luptuousnesse, have not a denier to throw to a poor body.

Pursuing this course, He did an act (at the taking of Bressia a city in Italy) indeed for ever memorable, which was thus; That being set in the front of the Perdues, he first entred and passed the Rampart, whence he received a hurt in the top of his thigh, so dangerous that the top of a pike wherewith he was thrust stuck in the wound: he, nothing terrified hereat, said to one Captain Molard, I am slain; but it is no matter, let your men march on confidently, the town's our own. Then, two of his souldiers bare him out of the throng, who seeing his wound streamed forth much bloud, they pulled off their shirts and rent them, bind∣ing up his thigh therewith; and, in the next house they hit upon, they took a little door off the hinges where∣on they laid their tenderly beloved Captain, to bear him the more easily. From thence they went directly to a great house which they supposed (in all likelihood) to be a very convenient repose, and for his accommo∣dation (and so indeed it proved:) For, it belonged to an honest Gentleman who thence retired into a Mona∣stery to avoid the fury which is ordinarily found from conquering souldiers: for, the saccage of this City was so dreadfull, that there were reckoned as well of Ve∣netians who defended it, as Burgesses, to the number of twenty thousand slain: yet, his wife (the Lady of this house) with her two daughters, fortunately had ventured to abide at home, who yet through fear had hid themselves together under hay in a barn, from whence the noble Matron made first her appearance to the two souldiers knocking at the gate, which (arming her self with resolution) she opened to them, when espying a Captain all bloudy, for whom they demand∣ed a room in her house to retire in; she conducts them with their carriage on that homely bier (as is before related) into the fairest and best furnisht chamber, where she cast her self at his feet, saying, Sir, I freely make a tender of this house unto you with all the fur∣niture thereof, which you may call yours even by the law of Arms: However, this favour I onely beg of you, you will be pleased to protect me and save mine honour inviolated, as also of my daughters (two poor maids) grown up to marriage estate, whom I and my dear husband value as the pledges of our conjugall affection. The Captain answered, Madam, fear not, We souldiers that must stand the shock of warre oft∣times do meet with such like casualties as hath now betided me, which was the cause (not any design to wrong your persons or diminish your possessions) that drave me hither: and whether I shall escape this wound be a contigency remote as yet from my assu∣rance; yet, this I faithfully promise you, that, whilst I live, there shall not be done the least injury to you nor your daughters, no more then I would have befall to mine own person. Onely keep them in your lodg∣ing, and let them not be seen: send for your husband home again, whom you may assure and your self too ye have a ghest who will do you all courtesie possible. The Lady comfortably acquiescing in the belief of his noblenesse uttered by his word, she goes about the or∣derly contrivance of her houswife-affairs accordingly, and having employed all her prudentiallest care to give him good entertainment, she soon perceived she had lodged an honest man, (amongst other his own perso∣nall civill manifestations) by the harmlesse and just deportment of the Duke of Nemours the brave Gene∣rall of the Army (Gaston de Foix) who came daily (with his choicest Chevaliers) to visit him; yet he, and all they (although it was then in a city of their con∣quest) made offer of paying for what ever provisions they demanded for their repasts. The good hostesse therefore took her self so much the more concerned to wait on her noble inmate (as indeed she did) as on an Angel sent her from heaven: so much divine ho∣nour and virtue saw she resplendent in him. When he was well cured of his hurt, and spake of dislodging thence to be present at the battle of Ravenna, where that his Generall passionately desired him no lesse for his society then his service; the Lady (who accounted her self as his prisoner, with her husband and their two daughters, considering that if their ghest would rigorously use them he might (according to the use and liberty of a souldier) draw ten or twelve thousand crowns from her,) resolved to give him a present: and therefore went into his chamber with one of her do∣mestick attendants who carried a little steel cabinet, and presently she threw her self at his feet, but he quickly raised her up again, not suffering she should speak a word till she was seated by him, at which time she made this speech well observed by the Secretary of Bayard.

Sir, sith it seemed good to the high Providence that this city should be destined to a captivity by your valour; the favour which God hath afforded me by sending you into this house which is wholly at your service, I thankfully contemplate as one which hath been no lesse then the preservation of the life of my husband, mine own, and that of my two daughters, with their unattempted chastity which they dearlier estimate then their precious life. Besides, your people have demeaned themselves (to your own rare example, as well as to your lawfull commands, I attribute it) here in my house, that I have cause for ever to com∣mend their sober carriage and modesty, and not deser∣ving the least blame or complaint for any kind of inju∣ry committed by them. And, yet Sir, I am not so igno∣rant of the condition whereunto the misery of warre hath reduced us, as not very well to apprehend that my husband, my self, and our children are your pri∣soners, and that all the goods in this house are in your power to be disposed of at your liking and dis∣cretion: But withall, knowing the noblenesse of your heart which is incomparable; I am come most humbly to beseech you to take pity on us your poor captives, and to deal with us according to your manifested good∣nesse and clemency, whereto we render as a thankfull sacrifice this poor present earnestly desiring it may be acceptable. Having thus spoken, she took the cabinet out of her servants hands, and opened it before the good Captain, who saw it to be full of ducats, whereat he smiled, saying, Madam, how many ducats have you there? The poor woman, dismayed because she thought his smiling had proceeded from conceived dis∣content, answered, Here are but two thousand five hundred ducats; but if you be not satisfied here∣with, we will procure you more. Nay, Madam (re∣plyed the Captain) I do well assure you, that should you give me an hundred thousand crowns, you could not (for all that) do me so much good as you have be∣nefitted me already by your courteous entertainment and virtuous offices of recovering me. In what place therefore soever I shall remain, while God prolongs my life, you shall find you have thereby engaged a Gentleman ready to embrace occasions of serving your commands. And now, as for your ducats, I will take none of them, but give you thanks, and so I pray you put them up again. For my part, I have ever esteemed

people of honour more then crowns; and think not, Madam, but I go away as well contented from you as if this city were at your disposition, and you had made me a present thereof.

She again humbly prostrating her self on her knees, and the Captain lifting her up, she answered, No Sir? I should think my self, for ever the most unhappy wo∣man of the world, if you accept not of this present, which is nothing in comparison of the infinite obliga∣tions I owe to your worth. Well (saith he) sith you give it with so good a will, I accept it for your sake: but, cause your daughters to come hither that I may bid them farewell. These virtuous souls following their mothers presidency, had also with her charitably assisted him during the time of his infirmities cure, ma∣ny times touching their Lute whereon they played very sweetly, for his minds recreation. Upon this summon of his into his presence; they fell at his feet, the elder of the daughters (in the name of both) made a short speech unto him in her mother language, im∣porting a thankfull form unto him for his just perform∣ed preservation of their honour. The Captain heard it, yet not without a weeping-joy and admiration at the sweetnesse and humility he therein observed, and then said: Ladies, ye do that which I ought to do; which is, to give you thanks for the many good helps ye have afforded me, for which I find my self infinitely obliged unto you. Ye know, men of my profession are not readily furnished with handsome tokens to present fair maidens withall. But behold! your good Lady-mother hath given me two thousand five hundred ducats: take each of you a thousand of them as my gift, for so I am resolved it shall be. Then turning to his Hostesse, Madam (saith he) I will take the five hundred to my self to distribute them among poor Religious women who have not had like happi∣nesse with you to be preserved from the souldiers plun∣dering pillage: And as you better then any other may judge of the necessities which each one may by such accidents have befaln them: so I am confident I can depute none a more faithfull steward for the disposing thereof then is your wise, ingenious, and charitable self, unto whose sole disposall I freely recommend it. The Lady touched to the quick with so rare and pious a disposition, spake these words unto him; O flower of Chevalry to whom none other can be compared! Our blessed Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, who for us sinners suffered death and passion, both here in this world, and in the other, reward you. The Gentleman of the house, who at that time heard the courtesie of his ghest, came to thank him with a bended knee, making him (withall) a surrender of his person, and a sequestration of his whole estate; but he most nobly left him master of himself and of his estate. The young gentlewomen who (amongst other their many accomplishing endowments) were skilfull at the needle, made him a present of a crimson-sattin purse very rich∣ly wrought, and of two bracelets woven with thread of gold and silver. He very graciously receiving them; Behold (saith he) I esteem these more then ten thou∣sand crowns: and instantly he put the bracelets on his wrists, and the purse into his pocket; assuring them that while these their respective remembrances would last, he would wear them for their sakes. Which civil ceremonies ended he mounted on his horse, accompani∣ed thence with his true friend the Lord D'Aubigny, and with about two or three thousand other gentlemen and souldiers; the Lady of the house, the daughters, and the whole family as passionately lamenting his depar∣ture, as if they should have been put to the sword, al∣though they had assurance from him by his undeniable Protection under which he left them and their possessi∣ons to be unmolested after his departure.

If the starres were to descend from heaven, I would demand now whether they might find more love and respect then this heaven-born piece of generosity did both receive and return. But, be ye your own judges if your observations tell you not, it farre otherwise be∣falls those silly fencers who in like times of advantages rush themselves into such well feathered nests no other∣wise then as fatall Comets portending fire and the de∣stroying sword, who make the props of buildings trem∣ble with their loud blasphemies, who load whole fa∣milies with injuries, without the least regard of age, sex, or honour, but make a sport at the bloud and wounds over whom they tyrannize, pillaging them like ravenous harpies fatted with humane ruines. How∣ever, should they do nothing else all their life time but heap up mountains of gold and silver; they could not arrive to the least part of the contentment which this good Captain enjoyed, who sought no other recom∣pence from his fair way'd actions, but the satisfaction of his serene conscience, and the glory to have done so well. And thus it is (O ye who would your selves to be indeed enobled) that hearts are gained: thus ye oblige (if I may so say) both earth and heaven to become due tributaries to your virtues, with blessings round about you here, and with a crown of immortality hereafter.

Notes

• A sad spe∣ctacle.
• Martiall virtues of a brave French Souldier.